Every hero has an origin story, whether it's witnessing a parent's murder (Batman) or leaving the safety of home for love and justice (Wonder Woman). It is survival of that traumatic event that gives superheroes their strength to battle on, and it is a metaphor that former couples' and family therapist, stand-up comic and writer Emily V. Gordon uses to create a "Super You," the best version of self that a person can achieve at any given moment.
Using her experience treating self-esteem issues in adolescents, Gordon distills the myth of the superhero into tools and techniques that the average Joe can apply toward his or her own personal transformation. Rather than abstract goals that get ignored, she advises readers to create narrower "secret missions," baby steps of achievable goals that turn weaknesses into weapons "to fight internal crime, and be on the side of justice and well-being." Once she lays the foundations of personal responsibilities and choices, Gordon provides a "utility belt" of tricks to help readers boost and build positive self-esteem.
Gordon never comes across as too clinical or condescending in her advice; instead, she adopts a humorous, empathetic and sisterly tone in conveying her message, using her own insecurities and neuroses to demonstrate how even less-than-desirable qualities can be harnessed as superpowers.
"Creating a Super You isn't about eradicating all weaknesses," writes Gordon. "Some weaknesses deserve to be cradled and considered part of the charming package that is you, some weaknesses can be improved upon for your overall health, and some weaknesses can be reframed and made more useful to you." --Nancy Powell, freelance writer and technical consultant