Consumer Critique: The Power of ANYone

A Random Book about the Power of ANYone is a book that will open your mind to the possibilities of anyone being able to exert tremendous influence on the world around them. Written by Talia Leyman, a high school student, it encourages readers not to sell themselves short. After all, when she was just ten years old, she managed to spearhead a cause that eventually raised over $10 million for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. After she saw how much success it was, she continued her efforts to change the world by founding RandomKid, a nonprofit that unites kids around the world and gives them the tools to bring about positive change in the world around them.

The book is cute. It's clearly geared for children and young adults, with lots of illustrations and a friendly, casual tone. Although at times I had the feeling that I should have done something better with my life when I was young, the book doesn't come across as condescending or preachy - it comes across as encouraging readers to start where they are now, and work on making a difference.

This book would be great for any kid or young adult who sees tragedy and wants to do something about it. It provides tools and a launching point from which the reader can start to make a plan and affect their community - or the global community at large.

In the book, Talia shares her secrets for being greater than you know how to be, including:

 

- Sideways is a better way to go forward
- If life gives you lemons, lemonade is just one option
- Too many cooks is the right number
- Purpose happens by accident
- Passion beats perfection
- Mission before brand
- Don’t line up Your Ducks
- It's not about thinking outside the box; it's about not having a box at all

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate this review.