A review of 'What Should I Do With My Life?' by Po Bronson

Published in 2002, 'What Should I Do With My Life?' by American author and journalist Po Bronson was on the New York Times bestseller list for 22 weeks. The book is a collection of interviews with over 50 people, who have dared to ask themselves the question and it chronicles their stories as they search for the answer.

Inspirational stories

Faced with changes and challenges in his own career and personal life, author Po Bronson decided to embark on a project asking people around the world, how they were answering the question "What should I do with my life?". In researching the book, he heard hundreds of stories over 50 of which appear in the final publication. The inspirational stories include a woman in public relations, who becomes a landscape gardener, a diplomat who spent six months in hospital and then swapped his high-flying job to become a teacher at an inner city comprehensive school and a New York investment banker who became a catfish farmer. Struggle However, there are also people struggling with their choices. A woman, for example, who swapped her glamorous Hollywood job as production executive, to go to medical school realises that she hates being surrounded by sick people.

Not a typical self-help book

'What Should I Do With My Life?' is not a typical self-help book. There are no easy answers to questions like "what is my passion?" or "what job should I do?". This is more of a social documentary, examining how an eclectic mix of people have attempted to answer the question for themselves. Realism Bronson is a sensitive chronicler, but the stories are told with a straightforward realism that steers clear of any dewy-eyed sentimentalism. Not every story is one of success. However, it is the struggles, the doubts and fears, the commitment, courage, sacrifice and failures that make this both compelling and inspiration. Flaws It is well written and immensely readable, as one would expect from an experienced journalist. However, there are flaws. Bronson steps out of the purely journalistic role of observer. He said: "The word 'interview' doesn’t describe the emotional exchange that usually occurred. None were friends when I started, but most were by the time I was done. I slept on their couches. I became symbolically associated with their turning points." His own experiences He also uses his own experiences of life and career change throughout the book. By removing himself from the role of journalist, it takes away a little of the power of some of the stories. That said, this is still a powerful book that is worthwhile reading for anyone searching for meaning in life.