Customer Reviews

The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're checking out this review, you're interested in becoming a better person, or as Kelly says, a better version of yourself. Kudos. This book will help you do it. It has brought a certain clarity to my inner monologue that I have never before felt.

And just so you know, I've read so many self-help books and books on seeking happiness I can't begin to list them here. (Relatively) Recently written books like "The 7 habits" and Dale Carnegie's "How to", all the way to Existentialist writers like Camus and enlightened thinkers such as Thoreau and ancient philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato. Whether or not you have, this book will put all the others into perspective. It will show you how those books, and this one, will help you on your journey of becoming the best version of yourself, and the byproduct (happiness) which comes from embracing this journey.

One last note...I subscribe to no particular faith, and I have avoided reading Kelly despite some of my friends recommendations because his books are always in the Christian section of the book store. I guarantee you that whether you are a born again Christian or an agnostic, this book can help you.

I don't know how else to put it: I give this book my strongest recommendation. You will do well to read it.

I had spent so long looking on the outside for happiness, discovering of course that happiness is an inside job, but I was never sure how to find true happiness. In reading this book I realized there is a voice within me that is helping me become "the-best-version-of-myself", I had to rediscover that voice and listen to it. Reading this book helped me to do that. Everything is written so straightforward, and so sincere.
I have started to read other motivational books, but they lost my interest after awhile. "The Rhythm of Life" I read once all the way through and right now I spend a few minutes each day reading a chapter and than I take some quiet time to think about what I have read and how I am applying the simple suggestions to my life.
Matthew Kelly has an astonishing way of writing and story telling that has kept my attention. I had the pleasure of seeing Matthew Kelly speak a few months ago and I was really looking forward to this book. I can honestly say that I was not at all disappointed. It truly has given me a new outlook on life!

I have had the fortune of hearing Matthew Kelly speak on two occation and his message is just inspiring not only in his talks but also in this book. What he is saying is definitely not "rocket science" and as you read it you will constantly get a sense of "of course that is true, why have I forgotten that?".

I know I have fallen into a "life of quiet desperation" on many occations and it is not until I am out of these times does it pain me to realize that I really put myself there. Matthew is simply trying to put up some road signs to our journey reminding us to lookout for any pitfalls ahead but to enjoy the ride as much as the destination.

I definitely recommend this book as a simple reminder that every life is pretty darn incredible and that we should always try and be "the best possible versions of ourselves".

Disclaimer for the objective reader: I'm not a Matthew Kelly obsessor, I've read Plato, Nietzche, Hume, and the like. I try my best to have an objective view and steer away from becoming overly enthusiastic about one man's view on life. So, take this review with a grain of salt, but also with the knowledge that I am coming from a less biased stand point than one who might have taken himself to a level of cultish obsession of Mr. Kelly.(Not to the fault of Matthew Kelly either, his message is not meant to create a cult following... people have a tendency to need a single leader though, and I say better Matthew Kelly than President Bush.)
eh hem... So, on to my review... If you are searching for self and struggling to become the best person you can be- spiritually, physically, emotionally-- this book is one that will cover all the bases for you. Matthew Kelly taps into the human psyche and acts as your own personal self-help coach. The Rhythm of Life is broad enough in terms that anyone can read it- no matter what your spiritual affiliation is (if you have one at all), and in the end, if you disagree with a point he makes- the author gives you room to do so without passing judgement. His approach is gentle and respectful and it has a powerful undertone of truth and honesty. He's a great story teller also, something he's known for, and he's got a good grasp on past philosophers and leaders whom he adamantly quotes and praises as great examples of people who found the rhythm of life.
This book has changed my life, not just because of what it says, but because the timing was right and I was open to his message. I was in sincere search for self and guidance when I read it and Matthew Kelly is really the only person whose words I found and felt comfortable enough with to truly start me on the way to living my life to its fullest and greatest potential. It will give you the boost you've been looking for.

Kelly encourages to be the "best versions" of ourselves, to take control of our lives. He employs a wide variety of techniques to show us how--parables, philosophical reflections, personal confession, appeals to common sense, examples of great famous lives, and "how-to" tips for prayer, meditation, and developing good habits. While I'm not sure he's breaking a lot of new ground, he's easy to understand, intelligent, challenging and persuasive. His values and his suggestions make enormous sense, especially when he advises us to spend less time on doing and more time on being. If you feel like you're drifting through life, this book could be great medicine!

Over the years I've read quite a few self help books to try and get life back on track. Many times there is something that rings false in them, not however in this book. This book changed my life. I actually took the time to reexamine my life, my desire, my needs, and my talents. For the first time I could see a thread of continuity through out them. I think I will never be without this book nearby. If you are truly searching for sense of self and a way to make sanity of your years here, this is the book for you! I've even asked my partner to read it and that is going out on a limb! I'd just say Thank you Matthew, you were able to put clearly what I knew on some level, but couldn't bring it to light. Thank you.

The Catholic answer to "Purpose Driven Life" This is a great book, well written and an easy read.

I was skeptical when a friend recommended this author, but a few pages into the book, I knew I had found a life altering read. Matthew Kelly shares pieces of himself and his journey in a way that makes you feel like you can have everything you have ever wanted out of life. It puts the power back in your hands and is a wake-up call to anyone who feels that life is just not 'all that'. I have referred to this book so many times since reading it and will continue to pass along the message to anyone who seems lost and unsure of the path to finding the best version of themselves.

This book gives extreme insight and motivation to increase a person's well-being and striving toward self-confidence. An awesome combination of drive, passion and reality. Very Clever!

This is a good book with a lot of encouraging stories. One story stirred my imagination, but then I found it wasn't true and easily verifiably incorrect, and I was let down by the research done in the book. Which of the other stories are just wrong?

On pages 235 - 237 the author tells a story about Da Vinci choosing the models to use for the different people in his painting of the Last Supper. Supposedly, as the story goes, he chose a model to sit for Jesus, but couldn't find one to sit for Judas. Finally after 11 years Da Vinci went to a local prison and found a guy who seemed troubled. As Da Vinci painted him, the man seemed terribly distressed and Da Vinci asked, "what is wrong?"
"Don't you recognize me, master," the man asked. "I sat for you 11 years ago, but then it was as a model for Jesus."
I read the story and was absolutely amazed.

Then, I simply googled the story and found multiple entries (wikipedia and snopes.com) that prove the story is only a myth or urban legend. It only took Da Vinci 3 years to paint The Last Supper. Also, there is little known information about the original models. Bad research like that just kind of ruins it for me.