Publishers Weekly
09/04/2023
Kanzer (Don’t Just Sit There, Do Nothing) gleans unremarkable lessons from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s response to the ongoing Russian invasion of his country. Kanzer, who grew up in the Soviet Union and had a bit part (“girl in sports club #1”) in a 2009 rom-com in which Zelenskyy starred, captures his unlikely ascent from comedian to actor to politician, and the qualities that make him “a profound philosophical leader of our generation,” including the self-confidence to request support and weapons from other countries without groveling, and a steadfast (albeit nonreligious) faith—in himself, and in the Ukrainian people— he nurtured even in the war’s “darkest days,” which Kanzer contrasts with the “Russian cynicism” that Zelenskyy believes has stymied “any sort of agreement” for peace. Despite some inspiring moments, Kanzer’s insights tend to repeat across chapters, making for a somewhat hazy and circuitous structure—the notion of Zelenskyy as an “ordinary superman” recurs often—and the advice itself can feel hackneyed (“There are no limits when you realize you’re limitless”). It adds up to an earnest yet lackluster portrait of a leader thrust onto the world stage. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
"This book not only illustrates a new leadership benchmark, but buoys every "ordinary person," as President Zelensky calls himself. We see how he leaned into his life and its lessons and how we can as well. Kanzer, herself a Soviet refugee, helps us fully grasp what Zelensky and his people are up against, how those same forces show up in each our lives—and how we can follow Zelensky's example of courage, faith, and perseverance.‘‘ —Jen Pastiloff, author of National Bestseller, On Being Human
"People tend to look at heroes as unreachable beings way beyond them. But in Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky, Kanzer takes us from admiring the Ukrainian president to being inspired by him in our own lives. She skillfully uses Zelensky's words and story to show us that we can each be the hero we've been yearning for...in fact, that's what we're being called to do: to find our Inner Zelensky and run with him!" —Joe De Sena, New York Times bestselling author of Spartan Up!, Spartan Fit!, and The Spartan Way
“Jessie Asya Kanzer beautifully shares Zelenskyy’s message. And her book shows why it’s so valuable, not just for leaders, but for everyday people. The lessons Zelenskyy learned on his life journey are extremely valuable to all of us.” —Serhii Rudenko, Ukrainian journalist, commentator, and author of “Zelensky: A Biography”
