cover image Live What You Love: Notes from an Unusual Life

Live What You Love: Notes from an Unusual Life

Melinda Blanchard, Bob Blanchard. Sterling Publishing (NY), $14.95 (199pp) ISBN 978-1-4027-2842-6

Many find inspiration in people who give up the big job, big house and big bucks to follow their hearts' desires, but the Blanchards have not only followed their dreams, they've turned their dream-chasing into a cottage industry. Their first book, A Trip to the Beach, about their experiences moving from Vermont to the Caribbean island of Anguilla and opening a restaurant, inspired a legion of people to also follow their bliss. Other books followed, At Blanchard's Table and Cook What You Love, as have radio interviews and an appearance on the Today show. In the latest installment, they share random experiences that illuminate their philosophy, which can be boiled down to: Only do the things you love. Don't expect any grander insight than that from this little book; it's full of common sense, go-with-your gut wisdom, affirmations, aphorisms and lighter than light humor. ""No experience is required to gain experience."" ""Write the headlines of your favorite life stories so far."" ""Breathe deep. Jump in. Swim, or just float, on the waves of life, of laughter, of love."" Some readers may be put off by the self-congratulatory nature of the book, but the book's arranged so it's easy to flip back and forth and cherry pick the passages of import.