Who is it for: Humans.
What makes it special: Love is not enough succeeded by creatively presenting content in a new format, while solving issues that are as old as human interaction. Mark Manson is excellent at distilling the essence of a subject. He is a master curator and able to piece things together to create an entirely different whole.
Note on style and format: This work is not sold in print but only as an audio recording through Audible. Content creation occurs differently now, and this audiobook is an exciting take on that evolution.
Let's make some unnecessary labels: Personal development, relationship advice, psychology, sociology.
Review
Dysfunctional relationships are not the exception but the norm when it comes to romantic tales. The question is, how dysfunctional? There are many levels in which personal experiences color the way someone relates to others. Society at large is troubled, which allows for the progression of thought that those who live in it would be as well. However, this is something no one is willing to accept about themselves or their reality.
Mark Manson selected some very unique yet relatable subjects for his book. Then, he edited them to become archetypes of the question addressed in the story. In general, this could be considered a detriment to the quality of his work. Still, what most don't realize is that by creating exaggerated and colorful versions of others, people can relate to the subject discussed while at the same time detaching from the person exemplifying it.
If anyone has read other works by Manson, they know he is deliberate and incredibly intelligent under the f-bombs and 'regular guy' approach. The work in 'Love is not enough' thus is intentional and designed to be robust and thought-provoking while remaining approachable. Perhaps the biggest strength of the author is that he works from a conceptual basis.
For a book that is not even a book, that is a series of ‘casual’ curated conversations. Readers may find themselves taking notes and underlining major plots as the work is full of powerful statements and witty one-liners. The cut-outs between dialogue, offer the author an opportunity to dissect the subject and address the audience, with whom he discusses his theories as a form of case study.
While remaining focused on each conversation and archetype's conceptual value, he allows enough character development to create emotional connection and root for the person on the other side of the speaker. In this case, the work is very much crafted like a traditional book and follows the same steps to create an appealing and successful story.
If those who listen can develop at least one pattern interruption in their constant 'Deja vu' when it comes to relationships. The audiobook is not only a success, but a valuable addition to anyone's repertoire of resources when navigating the challenging landscape of relationships in the XXI century.
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