Design Your Self: Rethinking the Way You Live, Love, Work, and Play

Designer and writer Rashid (I Want to Change the World; Evolution) weighs in on everything from redecorating and socializing to fitness, work and sex, all of which, he says, should be performed with flair and passion. Two themes dominate his philosophy on living: ""less is more"" and ""do it with color."" In decorating an apartment, then, Karim urges readers to use bright colors to ""imbue the space with a plethora of positive energy,"" ""put all your chargers in one place-with one surge protector"" and follow his ""no bookshelves"" rule. His rules for work are similar-ditch the business card and ""just tell people your email address."" Women are encouraged to ""wear white all year long,"" while short men should ""wear flat-front pants, with a slight flare."" When it comes to the bedroom, Rashid encourages readers to do it anywhere and everywhere else, and, by all means, use toys. (Conveniently, Rashid designs a line of upmarket erotic appliances.) The book's design is bright and brisk, making for an exciting read, though the range of subjects he addresses can make the book feel too scattered; the seven pages Rashid dedicates to death, though conveniently placed before his chapter on work, are superfluous. (""Why can't someone order a casket from Gucci or Prada?"") Readers who are ready for the next generation of self help books will enjoy this volume.