Linda Thompson is an internationally recognized writer, actor, singer, and owner of a world-renowned consulting firm, as well as the author of I Am My Own Dragon and Life As We Know It. Her motivational mythological memoir provokes readers to ask if they are truly living their lives or just going through the motions, doing whatever they perceive is expected of them.

In I Am My Own Dragon, the lead character and many of the supporting characters search to find themselves after a childhood of pretending and conforming in order to keep the peace - or at least keep the illusion that everything is all right at home, or at school. Many survivors of sexual abuse and parental neglect will certainly relate to the various characters and their responses to life’s events, but one does not have to have this history to relate to the author’s tale; most of us go through periods of loss and discovering who we are inside. This life-like view follows the personal journeys these people go through on the road to discovering who they are, their likes and dislikes, until finally the discover that they each have value – a purpose in life. I loved the concept of the power of choice in life.

Be prepared for some sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll scenes, and keep in mind that these characters range in age from teens to 20-somethings. As the lead character matures, she realizes that her numbing behavior has been covering hurts and deep desires that needed to be taken care of. Her courage in looking for help through finding the right therapist may also prompt readers to look for help to deal with their own turmoil.

Don’t let the simple cover design fool you - Linda Thompson’s second self-help book is a unique, intriguing tale that will strike a chord with today’s readers. Sadly, I do have to dock it a half-star due to the lack of environmental publishing options employed in the creation of the book.