The I-Factor, by Van Moody

The I-Factor, by Van Moody, explains to the reader how learning to have a great relationship with yourself is the key to leading a happy, successful, and fulfilling life.  Using a combination of personal stories, practical advice, and biblical references, Moody outlines the process of finding your identity, embracing your significance, and adjusting your perspective.  The overarching theme of the book is that we are only able to have meaningful relationships with other people and with the world around us if we first learn to love ourselves... essentially, that the key to life itself lies within self-love.

I really wanted to like this book, and I do think that the message is a good and important one.  Unfortunately, the delivery was a little bit lost on me.  There were too many lengthy biblical stories for my personal taste (many of which I eventually just skimmed), and too much emphasis on the belief that if you just love yourself enough, and just think positively enough, that everything will work out in your favor.

One section in particular that did not sit well with me was one in which Moody reiterates that if only one believes in himself and thinks positively that it will be the answer to any problem that may exist... from financial difficulties to relationship issues to depression.   It's a nice and tidy thought, and it is for sure is a factor, but it is not the only factor.  And as someone with depression, I find it insulting - and quite honestly dangerous - to insinuate that if someone would just believe in themselves and in God deeply enough that they would be cured.

There was some good information here, and I did enjoy certain chapters ("It's Time To Peel The Onion" was a favorite), but the book ended up leaving me feeling a little unsettled.  Moody writes well, and his thoughts are well organized.  If you're struggling with self-worth and enjoy his particular angle, this might be exactly the book you need to read.  It just wasn't really the book for me. 


* I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review*