06/12/2023
Debut author Sapora, who describes herself as a “self-love mentor,” encourages readers to work toward “the most authentic and empowered version” of themselves in this rousing ode to personal growth. Laying out her “soul archaeology” program, through which readers can “excavate” their inner depths, Sapora claims that “instead of old bones or relics, will uncover valuable pieces of yourself.” First, one must sift through the “dirt” of unexamined feelings, thoughts, memories, and entrenched behaviors, investigating how one’s sense of self has been formed. (Among other questions, readers might ask themselves: “Who do I think I have to be to be loved by others?”) Later in the process, seekers can draw up a “Self-Love To-Do List,” a road map of concrete daily strategies that “work the muscle of our self-love” by chipping away at barriers to “the way you want to feel” (one task might be to “speak up with my opinions in conversations with other people”). The goal, according to Sapora, isn’t perfection, as ”the real magic comes from the adjusting, negotiating, and listening to yourself that come naturally when you are doing something different.” That inspiring work-in-progress ethos animates the whole book, whether the author is discussing her evolving relationship with body image or reassuring readers that their authentic self is “not actually perfect, but messy and beautiful at the same time.” Sapora’s soul-searching tips and relentless cheerleading make for a winning take on self-compassion. (Aug.)
