A Novel Approach to Changing Your Life
Realizing You is an inspiring, emotionally layered novel that blends fiction and personal development in a unique new genre: self-help fiction. At the center of the story is Robby Aihn, a charismatic self-help guru whose bestselling book, Realizing You, has made him an overnight success. But while his five life-changing principles are helping others, Robby is struggling to apply them to his own unraveling life.
In an effort to reconnect with his purpose and prove that his methods still work, Robby hosts an exclusive weekend conference at a luxury hotel in Dallas. There, a group of attendees—each with hidden pain and unresolved questions—begin their own journeys of transformation. Among them are Robby’s estranged wife
and troubled teenage daughter; a driven businessman with a private agenda; a once-great athlete facing the end of his career; and the quiet co-author Robby never publicly acknowledged, now searching for meaning in her own life.
As the weekend unfolds, emotions rise, secrets surface, and unexpected bonds form. What begins as a professional event becomes a deeply personal turning point for everyone involved. Through it all, Realizing You invites readers to reflect on their own lives with powerful lessons woven naturally into the storyline.
If you enjoy character-driven fiction with depth, emotional truth, and a message that lingers long after the final page, this uplifting and thought-provoking novel might be exactly what you’re looking for.
"..Realizing You is like a combination between a novel and a self help book. It's a fun read but each character goes through things and uses lessons that a self help book would probably teach..."
— Billy Green, Amazon Reviewer
"As a working woman in the last third of my life, the authors made me realize that I had very little realization of what I had accomplished thus far. I learned how it is to celebrate yourself...Now I am realizing me."
— Carol Firestone, Amazon Reviewer
"...I loved the originality of the book. The writing style is unique, which I really liked. It is fast paced, the characters are true to life and are dealing with personal problems, even Robby himself. I feel that most people will enjoy this original and fun read; Realizing You..."
— Sheri A. Wilkinson, Amazon Reviewer
"...This marrying of the two ideas of storytelling and self improvement give the reader an opportunity to develop themselves along with the characters giving a sense of camaraderie and support without the fear of judgement..."
— Nancy H., Amazon Reviewer
Liz liked him like this—listening to other people’s problems, thinking about how to help them. This was the Robby whose principles in coaching and teaching had been the basis of his bestselling book. They were solid principles, and he’d taught them for years, and Liz knew herself that they did change people’s lives.
The Robby she had trouble admiring had emerged as the book shot up the bestseller lists. Always neat and well groomed, he’d now become fanatically clothes-conscious. He’d recently begun to order custom-made suits and add monograms to his expensive English shirts. While she decided how many new computers they needed for the office, he flew to New York for fittings with the city’s most exclusive tailor. She hired and trained new staff, and he consulted a professional colorist and lightened his hair.
When Robby solicited her opinion afterward, Liz asked, "What about the people who were fans before, some of our biggest customers? Won't these flashy changes bother them?"
"You're not looking at the big picture," he said patiently. "These people are coming to me for answers. They expect to see someone who has them."
Liz chose her words carefully. "And someone who has the answers is--attractive? Youthful? Had a facelift?"
"Stop it." He glared at her. "The spa people I talked to said weekly facials were a good idea. They said it would make my skin softer and make me seem more approachable."
Liz couldn't think of any polite answer to that.
The current Robby had shown up after Marie moved out. It didn't help that Liz knew why. But what did his wife expect him to do, now that he was finally creating a national impression?
It's difficult seeing him humbled, Liz thought. Robby had worked a long time for success and done whatever was necessary, cheerfully and willingly, to achieve it. Yeah, he'd gone overboard with the glitzy success guy. It was still hard watching him hurt--not because he'd failed, but because he'd succeeded, after years of striving. And seeing him hurt over his family's defection upset Liz. It wasn't right, but there was nothing she could do about it.
Liz thought all these things while she watched Robby stare out the window. Sad that things hadn't been good for him personally since the publication of Realizing You.
Professionally, things were fantastic. The book was a runaway bestseller, the website hits had gone crazy, Robby's online presence had gone viral. One month after the book shot to number one, Liz arranged joint ventures, after five years of trying, with three of the top personal-development people in the country, all of whom eagerly endorsed Robby's work and sought his endorsement as well.
They'd taken a huge step forward. Robby's plan, scrawled on a piece of paper torn from a dime-store notebook, was starting to come true, in a big way. He'd been aiming at this success for a decade, and he'd brought in Liz five years ago to set up the structure and foundation while he set about becoming the persona in whom people could put their faith.
Both of them had succeeded, but now Robby was failing in all the important areas of his life.
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