This small book is a product of author Jackie Goldman’s The Beautiful Minds Project, which seeks to illustrate the ways in which each six New Yorkers work to make the city and the world a better place.
BEAUTIFUL MINDS is composed of short biographies of half a dozen exceptional people who live and work in New York City. Readers are introduced to various artists, entrepreneurs, and volunteers who find happiness in bringing joy to others. Each intriguing bio is filled with engaging stories of how New York became home to each person, personal life trials, philosophies about living life to the fullest, and insights into what makes life successful. Though many of the participants have overcome personal struggles, their stories are upbeat and encouraging. The purpose, as stated by author, is for readers in New York and other cities to begin to look at people on the street differently, “to realize that everyone has a special story to tell; some insight and wisdom to offer.”
The premise behind BEAUTIFUL MINDS is simple: discover talented, interesting people who make a difference. Yet the knowledge and motivation imparted by this group of people is as diverse as they are. Each one endeavors to relate an honest story about personal life, while offering encouragement to whomever may be reading. Stories are filled with happy memories and tragic occurrences, the ups and downs that all face in life, but all have a common theme – perseverance. There is no pretension within the psyche of these select people–just a common goal to accomplish something good in life and a hope to make a difference in the world, whether that world be large or small. And though each story is ghostwritten, the unique personality of each biography reveals a writer’s dedication to capturing the essence of her subject.
Goldman closes by asking readers to contact her with candidates for The Beautiful Minds Project, and one can only hope that this is an endeavor that will continue–connecting neighbor with neighbor–not only in New York, but throughout the world.
Jackie Goldman’s collection of powerful biographies shines a light on six creative New Yorkers who have followed their artistic and altruistic visions to live fulfilling lives and bring joy to others.
~Kat Kennedy for IndieReader