Emma Ussel
"An Interview With Failure" by Sam Yankelevitch is a truly thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the concept of failure. The book takes a unique approach by personifying Failure as a proper noun, allowing it to engage in a dialogue with the interviewer, Robin. This creative approach immediately captures the reader's attention and sets the stage for a captivating journey into understanding and conquering the fear of failure.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the book is its use of the first-person point of view, with Failure responding to Robin's questions with insightful and wise answers. These questions, drawn from real-life experiences and concerns, make the subject matter relatable and provide an engaging way to delve into the topic. I did not expect to read an actual interview with Failure when picking up "An Interview with Failure" as a book, and yet, here we are, and that was an incredible experience. This interview is meant to be a transcription of a spoken conversation, as the two of them address the "listeners" every now and then.
The book not only explores the concept of failure but also delves into its evolution over time. It sheds light on how societal definitions of failure have shifted, particularly in the context of toxic masculinity and unrealistic expectations placed on individuals. By highlighting these shifts, the book encourages readers to reevaluate their own perceptions of failure and success.
A particularly valuable aspect of the book is its emphasis on personal responsibility and taking control of one's life and actions. Failure's message to Robin underscores the importance of turning setbacks into opportunities for growth and improvement.
From a technical standpoint, "An Interview With Failure" is well-edited, with no noticeable grammatical errors or typos. The writing flows smoothly, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the conversation between Failure and Robin. However, the layout and format of the interview could be improved on. The dialogue is clearly marked with a bold font, but it just does not look great on the page, and made the reading experience not as pleasant as it could have been. The chapter distribution was intriguing and fairly well balanced, but they lacked titles.
In conclusion, Sam Yankelevitch's book is a valuable resource for anyone struggling with the fear of failure. It challenges conventional notions of what failure means and offers practical insights into taking charge of one's life. Despite my issues with the layout and font as well as the absence of chapter titles for quick reference, I wholeheartedly rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend it to those living in the shadow of failure and anyone wanting to read a book with a unique approach to the form of actually doing an interview with an anthropomorphized concept.
