A couple of weeks ago, about halfway through a book I had agreed to review and unsure what to say about it, I did a search for other reviews. I was really interested to hear what others said, because the description of the book had appealed to me when I first read it:

“The inspiring journey of how one woman’s journey through poverty and debilitating illness catapulted her to the halls of power as a successful businesswoman… In Something Inside of Me, Chitoka [Webb] shares her poignant, funny, and inspiring life story, from her humble beginnings in the Nashville housing projects to her rise as the CEO of several companies.”

I scrolled through a handful of others’ reviews and every single one was a short summary of the plot – pretty much exactly what’s on the book’s back cover – and a sweeping statement of how inspiring the book is. And I have to be honest: it really made me wonder if those people actually read the book. Or maybe they did read it, didn’t like it, but didn’t want to publish a negative review. This perception certainly didn’t change after I contacted someone on Twitter to ask if she really liked the book. I didn’t get a response.

Part of the reason I asked is that I really wondered if perhaps I was just being too critical. But here’s the truth: I didn’t like the book.

When I see words like “poverty” and “poignant” and “inspiring” I expect to read a fairly dramatic tale. I presume the author has overcome major adversity and will write about what inspired her to push past it.

Chitoka Webb was raised by a single mother in the Nashville housing projects and admittedly didn’t have a privileged childhood. Based on her descriptions, however, I’m not sure “poverty” is an accurate description of her situation.

She did suffer an illness as an adult that caused her to lose her sight, but this side effect was temporary and she did regain it (though I in no way mean to disregard how scary that must have been).

I was hoping the story of a woman slightly younger than I who had become the CEO of several companies would redeem the hyperbole of the book’s beginning. As I kept reading, however, I realized the “companies” were businesses she started herself. The focus of the story is on a barbershop she owned and operated in Nashville.

Though I think describing this book as “inspirational” is a stretch, Webb’s spirit and character do shine through. She clearly believes in herself and has strong values as a business person. I do admire her willingness to make a go of a business she was passionate about and give her credit for focusing on providing better service than her customers could get elsewhere.

Want to read it for yourself? It’s not a long read and I’d really, genuinely be interested in hearing what you think. I was provided with two copies of the book – one to give away and the (gently used) one I read – and I’m going to give away both. You can enter via Rafflecopter below.

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