Kirkus Review Praises Root-to-Rise as “Inspiring Guidance for Personal Transformation”

A plant is only as healthy as its roots—and this idea forms the central metaphor of Root-to-Rise: How to Love Life, a personal-growth guide by transformation coach Chandra Lynn. In a recent Kirkus Review, the book was praised as “inspiring guidance for personal transformation, based on real-life work.”

In its review, Kirkus Reviews highlights how Root-to-Rise blends clear structure, visual tools, and real client case studies to help readers move out of survival mode and into empowerment.

A Clear Framework for Personal Transformation

According to the Kirkus Review, Lynn’s method centers on aligning five life roots—Health, Family, Relationships, Career, and Friends—with six core human needs: Security, Variety, Self, Intimacy, Growth, and Transcendence. When these elements are misaligned, people often feel stuck or depleted. When they are brought into balance, personal growth becomes sustainable.

Each chapter follows a consistent, easy-to-follow structure that moves from theory into practical application. The review notes that this pattern makes complex emotional concepts accessible and actionable, helping readers understand why their roots and needs matter in everyday life.

Practical Tools Highlighted in the Kirkus Review

The Kirkus Review specifically calls out the practical tools woven throughout Root-to-Rise, including guiding questions, a Needs Evaluation, and the Root-to-Rise Map. These tools encourage reflection and help readers identify patterns influencing their choices, relationships, and sense of self.

Visual elements also play a key role. The Root-to-Rise Infographic—featured at the end of every major section—depicts a woman in tree pose with strong roots and heart-shaped fruit. As the book progresses, this image evolves, reinforcing key lessons and serving as a visual recap of what readers have already learned.

Real-Life Coaching Stories Bring the Work to Life

Kirkus also highlights the inclusion of real client case studies drawn from Lynn’s coaching practice. Stories such as The Cost of Avoiding the Truth and The Journey to Self-Worth demonstrate how mapping emotions and meeting internal needs can lead to clarity, confidence, and lasting change.

These examples ground the Root-to-Rise Framework in lived experience, showing readers how personal transformation unfolds in real life—not just in theory.

Kirkus Reviews Calls Root-to-Rise “Inspiring Guidance”

The Kirkus Review concludes by describing Root-to-Rise as “inspiring guidance for personal transformation, based on real-life work.” For readers who feel unfulfilled despite outward success, the book offers a grounded path toward balance, self-trust, and meaningful growth.

Read the full Kirkus Review

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