About.com Rating



Values and Life Changes

I thought the book was very "real" in the sense that Graham understood how things change and we must change with them. He provides a list of 75 different values and suggests that you look at the people you love and what they value, and then what makes you happy, and in between those things you'll find a common set of values.

Graham also talks about what to do when your life changes, as it surely will.

He says your identity "evolves when what matters to you changes over time and you live with the new values but keep the core existing values."

Friendship and Teamwork

Chapter 8 will be of particular interest to Friendship readers, because it specifically talks about friends and the people you surround yourself with. Graham says that "staying fixed on your own vision or dream and value matters" because "you need people around you to whom those values also matter."

To clarify further, the book lists questions to ask of yourself when trying to determine if someone is a good friend:

• Are they trustworthy? Honest?
• Nonjudgmental?
• Responsible?
• Do you trust them to keep secrets?

Final Assessment of Identity

I thought overall that this was an excellent book for people of all ages, but especially those who are just out of college or younger. However, I found many things inspiring in the book even though I do know my identity, so I think it's a good reminder for those who are further along in figuring out who you are as well.

If I had one criticism, it is that the personal stories included in the book did not reach out to me as much as Graham's own words did. However, I think this is a personal choice and I'm sure others will find the individual stories of interest.

Book Details For Identity: Your Passport to Success by Stedman Graham

• Published by: FT Press (February 27, 2012)
• Available in Kindle and Hardcover, 224 pages
• ISBN-10:0132876590A
• ISBN-13:978-0132876599