So first, an admission of sorts: I've read a lot of self-help and personal development books. LOADS, in fact. And it's safe to say that not only is Misfit to Maven one of the best that I've ever read, but that the format is a brilliant example of how to do the genre justice.

First of all, you have Ebonie's raw, gritty and intimate story; hers isn't one of 'instant enlightenment' or fortuitous coincidence, it's a journey through disconnection and very real life experiences to a place of acceptance and healing. Ebonie doesn't sugar coat the amount of WORK you need to do to be more at peace with yourself and your choices, and more importantly, she gives you the tools so you can do this work for yourself, gently and deftly guiding you through the kind of self-examination that might be uncomfortable but will ultimately point you in a more fulfilling direction.

Also - and unusually for books in this genre (which might be the clincher for me!) - everything is referenced, so there are no wafty ideas but links to research and other resources that back up what Ebonie's teaching, concepts like Mindfulness are backed up with evidence of neuroplasticity, for instance, showing that these tools can work for absolutely anyone; there's a huge amount of heart and generosity in the way Ebonie shares her life's work and invites the reader to think about positive change. Definitely one to keep and return to, frequently.

Misfit to Maven targets misfit entrepreneurs but Ebonie's straight talking and honest approach will strike a cord with anyone who is interested in personal development and living a fully rounded life with purpose and awareness.

What works particularly well is how Ebonie shares her own experiences and struggles with a refreshing openness that is raw and brutally honest. This rawness makes her incredibly authentic, which is why this book really appeals to me. There is no bulls*** in this book.

The book is in 2 parts, the first part is Ebonie’s own journey which is inspirational in itself. In the 2nd part, the work book, she shows you how you too can live a life that is fully rounded, a life that feels good on the inside and outside! Now, let me tell you this...the workbook part is not easy, she’s asks tough questions, so you have to be willing to open up and be brutally honest, but because Ebonie already has shared her journey, it kind of makes it easier to open up and be brutally honest with yourself, warts and all.

Ebonie’s book hit me hard and when I least expected it. I was hooked from page one and by the time I’d reached page 3 I decided to put my to do list on hold and immersed myself in Ebonie’s book.

I finished it the same day. I.could.not.put.it.down!!