Like She Owns the Place: Give Yourself the Gift of Confidence and Ignite Your Inner Magic

Life coach Leyba (Style Your Mind) shares how she overcame personal challenges and dispenses upbeat advice to women who want to do the same in this useful and energetic guide. “Being authentic means doing you, girlfriend,” Leyba begins, then relates how she took the leap to sporting bright pink hair, a move that caused her self-esteem to soar. It’s not always that easy, Leyba cautions; real, sustainable confidence often takes time and patience to achieve. Leyba walks readers through simple exercises, encouraging them to ask themselves what they want but lack the confidence to pursue. She also offers helpful alternative responses when readers realize they’re about to lead with “I’m sorry” or make unhealthy choices. Leyba’s willingness to include intimate stories about struggling for 25 years “to begin to accept and celebrate my body—regardless of my weight” is disarmingly candid and will capture readers’ attention. Each chapter ends with a relevant “power mantra” to incorporate into daily routines. Leyba’s closing reminder, “You have everything you need within you to thrive,” is an important reminder to readers that “if we believe we are successful, we are.” On the strength of Leyba’s spirited self-help book, following this advice has certainly worked for her. (July)