Quite often an author will tell a simple story and attempt to transform its parts into significant life lessons. More often than not, the author’s leap from simplicity is far-reaching and contrived. In rare instances, such as in the short and spirited story Lessons of the Turtle, the transition is a seamless one and results in the creation of a small gem of a book that should not go unnoticed.
The basic premise is a simple one: a turtle finds himself on his back and seeks to return to his upright position. The turtle’s newfound position enables him to see the world from a different point of view, and this new perspective is a starting point for significant self-reflection. Issues arise, for example, such as to what extent, if any, the turtle wants to explore this new perspective and to what extent he plans to incorporate his newfound knowledge into the life he left behind.
Using the turtle as a guide, the story clarifies the choices that need to be made. Once goals are set, author Steve Goodier utilizes his extensive experience in personal growth to provide short, simple directions aimed at enabling the reader to reach those goals. By providing such simplified instructions, it portrays even the most significant goals as within one’s reach. This book is a special treat for anyone who is embarking on a new life chapter -– a graduation, a marriage, a new home -- and even for those who are just looking for some guidance as to how to make significant life changes.