The Gifted Storyteller: The Power is in the Story You Tell by Gregg Korrol is a quick read that will leave you pondering on your life with fresh insight and appreciation. Gregg Korrol introduces his main character, Michael, to a woman who becomes his wise, magical/mystical mentor, Jeannie. Jeannie instructs him, comforts him, and strengthens him. She supports him while at the same time she challenges him. Michael learns that he has a habit of telling stories in his head, which turn out not to be true, a waste of time, and get in his way of living in the present. When his father dies, Jeannie teaches Michael how to cope with the loss in a way that is both comforting and enlightening. And, with the help of Jeannie, when Michael returns to the job he once found dull and meaningless, he perceives it with renewed interest and enthusiasm.

Through the lessons Michael learns in The Gifted Storyteller, we learn how to turn off the incessant babble in our heads, how to let go of negative thoughts and emotions, and to see things from a positive point of view; how to replace depression with satisfaction and contentment, and how to embrace our lives with awe, enthusiasm, and love. In short, we learn to let go of what gets in our way while we experience the joy of living. I found The Gifted Storyteller by Gregg Korrol to be inspirational, motivational, fast paced, thought provoking, and a delight to read and contemplate.

The Gifted Storyteller: The Power is in the Story You Tell by Gregg Korrol is a different take on a self-help book: it turns information into a story with characters, wants, needs, focus and direction. Our hero, Michael, a young man, is in a rut. Days come and go, with no positive end in sight, and life becomes an existence of meaningless repetition. A mysterious character pops into his world and wastes no time in challenging him to change his ways and think differently about life. He starts accepting this guidance and begins the journey of renewing his life.

I appreciated the way the story is handled. Instead of The Gifted Storyteller being a "Seven Habits" type of book where you are simply reading what someone tells you to do, and then trying to include it in daily living, this book shows you by bringing characters to life. It’s written in first person so you get inside Michael’s head, allowing you to share his feelings and thought processes. Gregg Korrol’s book is more the cerebral type, I would say, and that’s where I did run into some problems. Who could remember everything that was said? I know I wouldn’t be able to. So perhaps more character adventures would have helped the reader to absorb more of the material over a longer span of time, instead of it raining down all at once. Still, a recommended read for those looking for a renewed purpose in life.