Best audio book I've listened to all year

Although Evy recalls in one chapter, that her voice was not up to scratch for a job at Fox News, her voice was perfect for a book that is about helping people, educating people and explaining empathy. I enjoyed the varied tones she had, throughout the book, but her calm, informative way of speaking that makes this book particularly in audio form - so wonderful to listen to. It is clears throughout the book, she has a vast amount of knowledge, and I particularly enjoyed HOW she chose to convey it; everything from the way the chapters were structured, to the examples she chose to use, seemed carefully thought out and considered. The way the book had been read, structured and formed made listening extremely enjoyable and easier to digest despite the wealth of information and learning. I particularly like the chapter 3 and or 4 discussing "mental armour", and "the long game".

The book starts, with an extremely detailed, epic account of her experience living through 9/11. In the years that followed 9/11, I must have watched 100 documentaries and listened to many accounts from first responders. It had been a while, book was relatable, despite the fact that being a secret service agent, guarding the president, etc. was not something I expected to be able to relate to. I wanted to know more about it though, as I often had considered joining the army, or SAS, which as a woman was.. unusual. I had read a book by someone who had gone into an even more specialised and unexpected profession for a woman. The army appealed to me because it would teach survival and general life skills which would be useful in a variety of scenarios for which one never would like to be caught off-guard, and force me to be physically fit in a way such that I could physically cope with the most extreme scenarios. The world, can be, a fearful place sometimes under threat and we are reminded of this, people in these sorts of roles are the people that learn those skills, but to want to transfer them to civilians so they can learn to "be their own hero" is something practical for me, something I wanted to take the opportunity to do. It is clear during the book, despite being a secret service agent with an incredible ability to keep mind to task, she is empathetic in a way that is possibly beyond, the capacity of most people and to me, appears to be in addition to acquiring specific skills, also has made her incredibly successful and the, tricks and knowledge she attempts to impart on the reader are invaluable if they can be truly understood and applied.

Evy ties in experiences not only from her role in the secret service, but also personal experiences to explore how the intense, specific training she learned can be applied to those scenarios. I found myself laughing out loud, for example her reaction to her discovering what the word "demure" meant for example after someone described her this way once. For me, I really want to learn, how to be more aware of the way that I come across, because I have a lot of goals, and I recognise that people and successful and considered interactions with them, are essential in me achieving those goals. Evy's laser focus, on her "goal" when interacting with people, which she mostly describes as "the long game" is a phrase I can easily keep in mind. 

I found myself feeling a bit annoyed to hear that, I should dress the way I want to be perceived. it is annoying, and it would be nice if you could magically make people perceive you the way you want to be rather than WHAT THEY SEE. The truth is, though, I have found there to be truth in this statement again and again. First impressions, and the way people see you when they meet you everything about yourself the way you move, the expressions on your face - 60% (?) non-verbal communication.. you can give everything about yourself away, even if you do not want to. The consequences of this, are explained very well throughout the book, and this propels the reader to: listen, and be self aware. Evy has clearly been listening, to her colleagues, and supervisors over her entire career and learning to apply their strengths and knowledge to her own growth, and in doing so now can pass on the same to the reader, through key concepts to recognise what should be taken in and what should be taken out.

Listening to the book is also a bit academic, it is littered with psychological studies.. which I absolutely adore and helps bring home the point being made. And, it made a lot of sense, to me, that Evy took on acting and saw it as a great TOOL in her.. frankly absolutely decked out toolbox or armour chest of protection against physical and psychological threats. I don't think any stone is left unturned in this book... language, voice, tone.. Every single minute detail... is probably as well thought out as the protection plans for the POTUS had to be. It was eye opening. The advice for speech, and what to do to adjust this... Well, clearly she has been educated on this as well, and I'm so pleased she has imparted what she has learnt on the reader again in this regard. I'm very excited to try some of these things, its definitely going to push me out of my comfort zone, but, that's something personally that I take great pleasure in doing.

I will try anything once.. listen to it again, and I never tend to watch movies more than once, or do anything more than once unless I really truly enjoy it, I think I will listen to this book again and again, slowly building an action plan to find my own way to become bulletproof. 

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71 people found this helpful

AMAZING!!!

I have read plenty of books like this and this is the best by far!!

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13 people found this helpful

Loved it!

Really insightful. Inspiring woman and loved the chats with her husband as well. Everyone will find something to take away from this. Highly recommend and will be sharing with friends and family 😃

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2 people found this helpful

Raw, real and human!

I'm fascinated by Evys honesty about having fears and facing them with fulness of ourselves; that no matter how something is hard, our wilingness to be strong in order to become better human beings and to help other people is what truly matters. Incredible book, with raw and truthful insights! Warmest recommendations!

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one of the best book I've listened on Audible

Highly recommended. Couldn't stop listening. Very inspirational lady. Great book and great narration. . .

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Not A Typical Self Help Book - Simply Real & Honest

Evy Poumpouras way of writing and narrating is not only heartfelt but unapologetically honest, and for this I have enjoyed her book immensely!

I can safely say that this book will not be archived and left dusty on the shelf but will become a mentor and reference point for me going forward as I continue to evolve, adapt and pivot in my journey of becoming the best version of me.

Life is not easy but as Evy said recognising your fears and finding ways to manage them, building up layers of resistance is the best way forward.

Thank you Evy for sharing your experiences and using your knowledge to help others - knowledge is power and I will certainly recommend this book to everyone!

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A true gem, one of the best books ever - should be taught in school

One of the best books I have ever read - Evy is an inspirational woman, someone we can all learn from. The lessons she teaches are truly valuable. A must read

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Great easy listen

first book I've listened to which was edited to have a nice set up for an audio book with the author just speaking like a podcast in some short sections after some chapters.

coherent and easy to follow. although we can't exactly relate to a secret agent, she made the best effort in making her experiences relatable. overall, some sound advice and insights into self development.

Ive also been mugged in broad daylight and my home was burgled many years ago but i found the chapter about making your home super secure, was overkill and I just couldn't relate to it, but other than that, Nice autobiography of one hell of a person having to overcome and thrive in the adversities life threw at her.

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Direct and honest.

An insightful book from a highly experienced and intelligent professional. Solid advice for anyone wanting to become stronger.

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Excellent

Wow what a great (audio)book. This is one that I will have to listen again to take in all the points. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting the audiobook as Evy herself is the narrator and she delivers her book with wit and realism. Last few chapters were poignant and also I hadn't realized that Evy was at the WTC in NY!

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