In each chapter of ARTIST (Awakening the Spirit Within), the memoir by actress and teacher Jocelyn Jones’, the author delves into specific anecdotes from her life that relate to the theme of that section, some aptly, some loosely. Jones uses the story of her rebellious youth, for instance, getting kicked out of school at thirteen for consorting with a twenty-year-old man with a motorcycle, to teach readers that people can grow and change by overcoming their fear of confronting their past traumas. It took repeating her mistake a few years later and realizing she didn’t want to be the sort of person whose insecurities drove her actions before she decided to work through her issues and move forward. While a few anecdotes are disconnected from lessons Jones aims to impart and result in a somewhat disjointed combination of memoir and self-help book, they are still  fascinating.

The stories that are connected to lessons draw forward the emotions of Jones’s experiences, from shame and embarrassment to joy and wonder, to offer practical advice for actors and other creative-minded individuals seeking methods of improving their self-confidence, mindfulness, and empathy. Suggestions for meditation mantras and journaling prompts dominate the advice, with thought-provoking questions for self-reflection on emotion-driven meditation sessions. Not all of the exercises are specifically targeted to actors, which widens the potential audience beyond artists to anyone hoping to gain a more grateful and peaceful worldview. Instructions and examples directed at actors can be easily generalized for others to follow.

Both the anecdotes and the instructive exercises incorporate vibrant, imagery-driven language that elicits empathy and other powerful emotions. Five-year-old Jones’s fear at jumping off a diving board is as tangible as her serenity at deeply breathing in fresh forest air to center herself. Her precise word choice and charming voice invite readers to walk alongside a river with her, and the authoritative, logical flow of the suggested exercises compels and sparks intrigue. Anecdotes of all sorts, whether related to the book’s purpose or not, are absorbing and immersive.

Jocelyn Jones’ inspiring memoir, ARTIST (Awakening the Spirit Within) merges beautiful language and appealing visual design with practical advice in a book that’s sure to inspire.

~Aimee Jodoin for IndieReader