Official Review: Escape the Maze by T. Mertz

[Harty Muli]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Escape the Maze" by T. Mertz.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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A keen interest in my personal growth led me to read T. Mertz’s book, Escape the Maze. I have read other self-improvement books before; however, Mertz’s plan is different because it requires the person pursuing self-growth to avoid toxic relationships and aim at reaching his/her “higher self.” The higher self or true being, on the other hand, is defined as one’s true path in life. Further, while healthy relationships kept one rooted in his/her true path, Mertz asserted that toxic relationships depleted one’s energy reserves, hence, inhibiting personal growth.

On occasion, Mertz spoke of her experience as a mother, a factor that helped define her personal development journey. Once when her two boys were little and a year apart, she felt overwhelmed keeping up with them, in terms of housekeeping and monitoring what they ate. She became depressed and fatigued. In her moment of despair, for the sake of her family, she knew she had to change. Later, once her expectations of her family changed, Mertz started enjoying special moments with her family.

I liked this book mainly because of the discussed concept of how one can grow into attaining his/her higher self. Other than the concept resonating well with my reason for picking up the book, I found the process involved appealing: e.g., initially, the person concerned needs to attain peace with others. Furthermore, Mertz advocated for her reader to upgrade his/her life from the falsehood that was characterized by the ego. As well, through tapping the mind’s energy, she goes on to give practical ways of breaking the bad habits and falsehoods that manifest in our lives.

On the other hand, I didn’t like that she didn’t elaborate on a few terms. In her writing, the “universe” is given personal attributes such that it’s a teacher, a learner, a carer, etc., all at the same time. In the same breath, she seems to suggest the term as a synonym to other words, like “deity,” “Gaia,” “god/goddess,” “divine,” and even “higher self.” Why does she find it necessary to use all these terms interchangeably as if they were homogenous? And why does she ascribe the “universe” personal qualities, while she could have used more well-understood animate labels, like “god/goddess” or “divine?” Additionally, in terms of weakness, I came across eight editing errors in the book.

Lastly, as a result of the aforementioned weaknesses, I rate the book 2 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a personal development plan. Mertz provides practical steps of retraining the mind, including through the adoption of healthy eating habits. At the same time, it may be unsuitable for readers who are not open to change.

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Escape the Maze
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[Raluca_Mihaila]

Avoiding toxic relationships looks like a very good advice. It seems like the book contains useful information. Thank you for your honest review!

[Drianie]

Readers on the path of self-development will find this book insightful. I quite like the title of the book. It's not really the type of content that interests me personally, but I think it will add great value to readers who search for their "higher self." Thanks for the great review.

[GreatReviews]

this book sounds to give the antidot for pschological issues. Thanks for the honest review

[Yvonne Monique]

It's not always easy to avoid toxic relationships. It will be interesting to read how the author suggests we should do that.

[PeterRabitt20]

I like that the author is trying to help others by recounting her own experiences. But, from your review, it looks like the book needs more work. Thanks for your review.

[Ellylion]

Sounds interesting and fresh, but I can understand your concerns about this book. I guess it's a little confusing from the terms point of view. Thank you for this great review!

[smolbird]

I think that self-improvement books can't be a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, so I understand your concerns. Thank you for your honest review.

[Josephe-Anne]

I understand your point about the author's choice of words. People usually ascribe ideas about teaching life lessons to a deity of some sort. Yet, I agree with her belief that dealing toxic relationships is draining and should be avoided as much as possible.

Thank you for your honest review.