In yesterday’s post, I mentioned being asked why I wrote The Net Present Value of Life.
However, the question I hear more regularly is, “What’s the book about?”
A simple enough question, of course. But one that I, somehow, find curious—and troubling.
Maybe it’s because I’m not a pro at these types of things, but I often find myself stumbling and balking, and having difficulty in providing a succinct, to-the-point response—what the experts call my elevator speech.
And it’s doubly difficult if my intention is to be, not only, succinct but interesting too.
But the question always comes up, “What’s the book about?”
A simple question, yes. But I over-think it, and end up wondering…
Should I be literal and tell the story about a frustrated, disillusioned 40 year-old businessman and the much older, not to mention infinitely wiser, Englishwoman who befriends him?
Should I be editorial and provide a verbal synopsis, complete with plot, characterization, conflict and resolution?
Or should I be philosophical and talk about the book’s attempt to reframe society’s perception of success, purpose, happiness—not to mention the book’s views on business, money and retirement?
I mean, what does it mean when someone asks, “So, what’s the book about?”
And how do I answer that in less than 30 seconds, without boring the questioner to tears?
Acchh, this writing gig is not as easy as it looks…
I need practice. Lots of it, probably.
And so, if you don’t mind, allow me a few passes at the question…
Q: “What’s the book about?”
A: The book describes a frustrated man, forty-two, who’s fed up with his job, regrets his career choice, and wants to find his true calling. He; however, doesn’t really know what his true calling is and, even if he knew that, he‘d still have no clue where to begin. One day he meets a woman who gives him the answers he needs. The only thing is he doesn’t like her answers (they conflict with his hard-coded business-biased principles and beliefs). And, to make it worse, he soon discovers that this enigmatic Englishwoman has an even more mysterious past. Who the hell is she anyway?
How’s that sound? Great? A little compelling? Total yawn?
Let me try again.
Q: “What’s the book about?”
A: The book is an entertaining allegory about careers, business and life in the 21st century. It describes a host of off-beat characters, including a a mysterious Englishwoman, a frustrated businessman, a brown-nosing coworker and a greedy, corrupt corporate wheeler-dealer. On one level, then, the book makes for an absorbing—even funny—read. On another level though, it calls into question—and subjects to scrutiny—all those premises that we in western society accept as true. Beliefs about careers, purpose, money, retirement and, of course, the key to a happy life.
How about that? Does that draw you in?
Alright then, one more time…
Q: “What’s the book about?”
A: Oh man, it’s great. You’ll love it, especially if you have to work for a living. You should buy it. It’s great!
Well, that last one, at least, was succinct…
