Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

If you have a sense of wanting more from life, The Power of Authenticity by Michelle Chappel will open new doors of awakening. For readers trapped in a groove, this book will come as a breath of fresh air. It provides guidelines on finding your soul’s purpose and unlocking your unique set of gifts. This can be daunting and confusing, as we are influenced by our parents, teachers, and peers. We tend to conform rather than resist. The author reflects that life should not be about pleasing others. The breakthrough begins with the feeling that we do not belong. Disruptions and adversity often provide the catalyst for change and personal growth. It is time for readers to empower themselves by claiming back their authenticity. They should also avoid the comparison trap, as we are all different. It is best to focus on life beyond the office to find our path. Jobs, careers, and callings are not the same, but it may not be necessary to quit your day job. Alternative outlets can either be found in hobbies or in creative activities such as music or writing. A key theme is to integrate creativity, personal growth, and professional development. Readers can also draw inspiration from popular culture, role models, and superheroes.

Michelle Chappel has a doctorate in cognitive psychology and went from being a university professor to becoming a rock star and then a transformative career coach. Her journey was not easy, as along the way she navigated an awkward childhood and survived an incurable illness. She stresses the power of choice, encouraging readers to follow their hearts. The book is filled with autobiographical details, and the success stories of her clients and students are also shared. Tools and strategies for personal growth abound, along with tips on psychology and the way we are influenced. The author’s personality shines through her writing, which is conversational and easy to read. Each chapter is a lesson in itself, and I found taming the inner critic to be particularly useful. Her story will motivate others to discover their true purpose, blossom, and prosper. She shares her music lyrics with readers, as well as photographs that illustrate her journey. This book steers away from the conventional goal-setting approach and invites readers to look within. The Power of Authenticity is a call to make a commitment to self-discovery and reinvention that is highly inspirational.