"Not much meat"?
/Writing has reminded me to how important it is to always KEEP AN EVEN KEEL!
Whenever you put yourself out there by taking risks and pursuing new endeavours, you open yourself up to encouragement and praise, and to criticism too.
When I saw the book review below, entitled "NOT MUCH MEAT", pop up on the Amazon book page of my travel memoir Uncorked, I have to admit that it hurt to absorb it. Though seeing it sandwiched by so many great reviews from people who find my writing entertaining, inspiring, and touching, quickly shook me out of that funk (2 most recent examples below). And looking at the ugly review from a glass-half-full perspective, I thought to myself "any form of art never appeals to everybody ... 3 out of 5 is still a passing grade... and the same reviewer gave a Bill Bryson book a 2-star rating, so I'll accept the 3-star rating and move on".
No matter what you do in life, never let the flattery bestowed on you get you too high on yourself, nor let the criticism thrown at you get you down!
KEEP AN EVEN KEEL!
Cheers,
Paul.
3 STARS: Not much meat.
Pleasant enough read, interesting history of Petanque, The rest seems a tad sophomoric. Best for Mr. Shore to keep his day job.
Recommend for the delightful story Paul Shore tells which is written well, but additionally for the ways he shares his breakthroughs with the "hard to crack" or "be accepted by" French! Lastly, enough French entwined to enhance language learners, yet not so much for anyone not interested in French language acquisition. Hated to see it end! That says volumes. Viva la France!
5 STARS: A different sort of travel book
Charming, lovingly assembled, and endearing at every turn. Paul Shore lands “plop” in the center of small-town French culture and manages the seemingly impossible feat of integrating his new world energy with the old-world stodginess he dearly loves and deeply respects. Don’t expect a tour book, but DO expect a peek at the depth and intricacy of French culture. Splendid!
