Book Review: It Takes You by Linda Ikeji

Author: It Takes You

Author: Linda Ikeji

Year of Publication: 2010,

Publisher: JLF Publications, Nigeria.

Reviewer: Ada Amogu

An inspirational book written by a former top- model, fashion and beauty consultant, model agent and manager, Publisher and Editor- in- Chief of FM&B Magazine and also Proprietor of the Nigeria Modeling School, 2010 Future Award Style Entrepreneur of the Year and also known for her notable blog  site.

Linda Ikeji in her first book makes use of her life experiences to tell her story in her thirty chapter book. She describes her sojourn in life as one faced with difficulties that she overcame. In her book, she recounts her experience when publishing her magazine FM&B and how her breakthrough eventually came through prayer. The author recommends four (4) things to being successful in life, which are: Work, Perseverance, Believe and Prayer.

The author inspires the reader through chapters such as You Will When You Believe, The Best You Can Is Good Enough, The Person In The Mirror, We Learn Every Time We Leap, Developing A Thick Skin, Start Small And Grow and Be Strong.

The author says “You can be as great as you want to be. It’s really up to you and YOU ALONE. Just remember, everything is possible…when you BELIEVE!” She gives instances in life when one thinks that the grass is greener on the other person’s side, giving one reason to feel unhappy but the author says “No matter how bad you have it, there’s someone who has it worse than you” and comparison of one’s self to another is tantamount to questioning God, a big WHY??

Linda Ikeji in her book encourages the reader to forget pride, embrace kindness and respect people saying “it takes nothing from you to be nice”. The author examines different facets of life such as business, marriage, sex love, friendship forgiveness and happiness. She also talks about people’s persona such as the pessimists or nay- sayers, haters, judgmental people, fake partners and friends that stick close than a brother.

“It Takes You” inspires one to be the best they can ever be despite their present circumstances.