Book Perfume

Obsessive reader that I am, I constantly find myself recommending books to people. Once in a while, a book comes along that I not only want to recommend, but that I want to boast about through a megaphone, handing out copies with a simple, “You’re welcome.” I don’t have a megaphone handy—plus that might be a little off-putting—so this blog will have to suffice in telling you that you must do yourself a favor and read Claire Cook’s Never Too Late.

Fans of Claire Cook’s eleven novels will tell you what is just so great about her writing. Her books are funny, smart, sometimes feature a dog, and always make you think. Never Too Late, her first dive into the non-fiction world, is written with the same witty prose, while giving the reader a good, motivational kick in the butt. Subtitled “Your Roadmap to Reinvention (without getting lost along the way),” the book serves as a guide to help readers push themselves into whatever that next stage in life is, providing insight and concrete next steps for getting there. Cook weaves in her own reinvention story—writing her first novel in a minivan at 45, walking the red carpet at 50 for the film premiere of Must Love Dogs—while encouraging readers to go after their own goals. She offers practical, tangible advice on topics like building your platform and making the most of social media, while also speaking to the heart, reminding us that dreams don’t have expiration dates.

What perhaps resonates most of all is that from page one, we feel that we know Claire Cook. She’s a sister, aunt, confidante or friend. She understands the roadblocks that might get in the way of our reinvention journeys—fear of failure, fear of success, not knowing where to begin—and acknowledges that these feelings are normal. Through her own stories and the stories of those she’s met along the way, she reminds us that although these roadblocks may cause slight detours, they shouldn’t stop us from reaching our destinations. Her writing exudes positivity, kindness and encouragement. She leaves us feeling motivated, and not wanting to say goodbye to our coach. (And thanks to Twitter, Facebook and clairecook.com, we don’t have to!)

To fellow writers, I cannot recommend this book highly enough, as the advice will really hit home and be beyond beneficial. To anyone else, it is still an incredibly important read—the pointers and inspiration can be applied to any field, dream, or crossroads in life. It is the kind of book you will return to again and again, and Claire Cook is the kind of writer you will only want more from. If you can honestly say that you’ve never stopped and wondered if you’re doing everything you want with your life, this book might not be for you, because unicorns and figments, as far as I know, can’t read. Everyone else? Go out and enjoy Never Too Late.

:::::Putting down my megaphone::::

You’re welcome.

To learn more about the fabulous Claire Cook and her books, visit clairecook.com. Also, be sure to like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @clairecookwrite. She’s engaging, inspiring, and just plain fun!