johannasbooklist

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3. “Storyworthy” by Matthew Dicks

‘‘Your story must reflect change over time. A story cannot simply be a series of remarkable events. You must start out as one version of yourself and end as something new.” - Matthew Dicks

Book Title: Storyworthy

Author: Matthew Dicks

Genre: Memoir, Storytelling, Self-Help

Publication Year: 2018

Summary:

In 'Storyworthy' by Matthew Dicks, the art of storytelling takes center stage.The following three ideas helped me to tell better stories.

Be the Star: Matthew Dicks reminds us that in storytelling, we are the protagonist of our own tales. Much like the characters in 'Storyworthy,' we can make our stories captivating by sharing personal experiences, no matter how big or small.

Keep It Real: Just like sharing stories with a friend, authenticity is key. Fancy theatrics or dramatic language aren't necessary. The book emphasizes that storytelling should feel natural and genuine, making a real connection with your audience.

5-Second Magic: Throughout the book, we see the power of those five-second moments. In 'Storyworthy,' these moments change lives, just as they do in our own stories. By incorporating these moments into your narratives, you can captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression.

Main Characters:

Matthew Dicks

Reading Time: ~ 5-6 hours

Why I chose it:

I decided to read "Storyworthy" by Matthew Dicks because my father bought it and I read it later as well.

What I Liked:

I loved that the book was very authentic and the author managed to explain his own writing process for his stories very well. Throughout the book, he also told some stories from his life, which made the reading process much more worthwhile and enjoyable for me.

What I Didn't Like:

I didn't find any significant drawbacks in "Storyworthy”, but I would have found it nice, if the author could have included some exercises. He did talk about “Homework for Life”, where you are supposed to write one Storyworthy Moment down every day, but in my opinion, some more specific exercises would have been helpful as well.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall Thoughts:

"Storyworthy" by Matthew Dicks is a gem for anyone interested in storytelling, personal development, or effective communication. It's a book that not only entertains with its compelling narratives but also educates by sharing practical tips and strategies to enhance your own storytelling skills.

Recommendation: 👍👍

Additional Comments:

If you're looking to improve your storytelling skills further, consider attending a live storytelling event or workshop in your area. Sharing your own stories can be a transformative experience, just as it was for the author

[johannasbooklist]

2. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott

"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." - Josephine

[johannasbooklist]

1. “Emma” by Jane Austen

"One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other." - Emma

Book Title: Emma

Author: Jane Austen

Genre: Satire, Comedy, Coming-of-Age, Romance

Publication Year: 23. December 1815

Summary: "Emma" is a novel about a wealthy and confident young woman named Emma Woodhouse, who takes it upon herself to be a matchmaker in her small village of Highbury. She befriends and tries to find suitable husbands for her friends, including her new friend Harriet Smith. However, her matchmaking attempts often lead to misunderstandings and complications. Throughout the story, Emma must confront her own misconceptions and pride, and she eventually realizes that her own true love is her close friend Mr. Knightley. The novel ends with their engagement and the happiness of those around them.

Main Characters:

Emma Woodhouse - The story's heroine, a wealthy young woman who loves playing matchmaker.

Mr. Knightley (George Knightley) - Emma's close friend and voice of reason.

Harriet Smith - Emma's sweet but easily influenced friend.

Mr. Frank Churchill - A charming and mysterious suitor.

Jane Fairfax - A talented and reserved young woman.

Mr. Weston - A friendly family friend.

Reading Time: ~ 6-7 hours

Why I chose it: I'm reading "Emma" by Jane Austen for some great reasons. First, I found it in a local bookstore during my summer vacation in Bulgaria. And second, I've always been curious about Jane Austen's stories because she's a famous author.

What I Liked:

- Love Stories: I love how the book is full of love stories. For example, I enjoy seeing Emma and Mr. Knightley's moments and wondering if they'll end up together.

- Friendships and Drama: It's interesting to see how Emma and her friends get along. Her friendship with Harriet has lots of ups and downs, just like real-life friendships.

- Character Growth: I like how the characters change as the story goes on. Emma starts out trying to matchmake everyone, but she learns important things about herself and how to be a better person. It's like watching someone grow up.

What I Didn't Like: nothing really 💌

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall Thoughts: I found "Emma" by Jane Austen to be a captivating journey into the world of love and friendship. The character of Emma Woodhouse's growth and self-discovery resonated with me, and the book's timeless exploration of human relationships left a lasting impression. Pairing it with Taylor Swift's song 'When Emma Falls in Love' made the experience even more enchanting. I hope otherswill pick up this novel and enjoy it as much as I did.

Recommendation: YES, DEFINITELY

Additional Comments: I think you should read 'Emma' by Jane Austen and listen to Taylor Swift's song 'When Emma Falls in Love' while you're at it. It's a great combo that makes the story even more enjoyable. If you're a Taylor Swift fan like love how the song matches the book.

Spotify Link:

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