Go Ahead and Like It by Jacqueline Suskin

Posted June 4, 2015 by shooting in Uncategorized / 15 Comments

Go Ahead and Like It by Jacqueline Suskin


Review by Lauren


Source: copy from Blogging For Books; all opinions are my own


Official Summary: This scrapbook-style art book is an invitation to write lists of things
you like: small things that bring delight, intriguing things that
excite, and meaningful things that make every day special. It’s a how-to
guide, writing prompt, model for self-discovery, and beautiful
inspiration for daily gratitude, with poet Jacqueline Suskin’s personal
lists intertwined with photographs, illustrations, and instruction. It’s
a self-help book for people who might not be drawn to standard
self-help, and it’s creative thinking for people who might not identify
themselves as creative thinkers (What does it mean to “like” something
in today’s digital age, anyways?). Above all, it presents a simple,
dependable method to notice the good that’s all around us–even in a
traffic jam or waiting in line–so we can inhabit our world more fully
and smile more in the process.

Review: I’m one of those people that like lists, but I don’t think I’ve ever sat down and made a list of things that I like. Who knows? Maybe I did as a child. I think when you’re younger, it’s easier to pick out the things you like – and often, they are quite simple. I like the idea behind this book. Suskin shares how remembering the things she likes often makes her feel better and more calm, and it’s certainly something to try out when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. After all, with the bad, always comes some good. That’s what I believe at least.

page from the book – do not own image – source

The set up of the book really does look like a scrapbook. The lists are often included over photographs or what looks to be pasted in pieces of paper. The whole book is flat, so don’t go thinking you can touch any of the lists or photos – but all the same, it looks nice.

This is a quick book if you’re just going through and reading. I suppose you have to try some of the advice or make some of your own lists to see how the book really affects you as a reader. As of now, I think it’s a nice idea but it’s not necessarily memorable unless you are going to use it.

To end though–

I Like:

*the smell of books
*old TV shows
*Elvis Presley music
*driving at night, listening to music
*reading in the pool
*funky socks
*shopping for other people

What do you like?

15 responses to “Go Ahead and Like It by Jacqueline Suskin

  1. I love lists too, although I'm more of a completionist so I really just like crossing things off, haha. Fun idea for a book though, I like it! The smell of books is the best, it's one of my favorite things as well.

  2. I think interactive books like this are cool and really make the reader think. I haven't picked up a book like that in a while, though. I've read workbook-type of non-fiction that's similar.

  3. I love anything that can help you get organised, checklists especially. I'm not sure whether this book would be of much help to be honest, but I love books that are interactive and you can get involved in. I think the concept would have been put to better use being a kids book for chores and for their goals. Maybe that one is in the works next. Great review Lauren and thanks for sharing <3

  4. Interesting format, though I'd have to be in the mood for something different otherwise it would annoy me. I've never really sat down and made lists of what I liked or the whole pro's and con's.. I've been doing it with reviews for my own books though. And the smell of books, Elvis, YES.7
    Right now,, I like
    Old British Comedy shows (been watching them constantly).
    Doing book displays on my shelves
    Scouring the internet for new bands
    Puppy cuddles (who doesn't?)

  5. I do like lists but, like you, haven't thought of writing a list of things I like in years.

    Here's mine:
    – oolong tea in the morning
    – swimming when the sky changes colours
    – a story that breathes me into the setting and characters (Lonesome Dove, All the Light We Cannot See …)
    – novels in verse
    – piano pieces
    – spiral-bound notebooks
    – my local library's cafe
    – my grandmothers' smiles

  6. I am obsessed with lists too Lauren, and paper, and journals, and pens ha ha! Go Ahead and Like It sounds rather fascinating; oh and I love old television shows too 🙂

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