5++ stars for The Reluctant Ninja by @CherylIlov #memoir #personaltransformation #bookreview
top of page
  • N. N. Light
    • Jun 9, 2022
    • 3 min read

5++ stars for The Reluctant Ninja by @CherylIlov #memoir #personaltransformation #bookreview



Title: The Reluctant Ninja: How A Middle-Aged Princess Became A Warrior Queen

Author: Cheryl Ilov

Genre: Memoir, Personal Transformation, Personal Growth


Book Blurb:


Cheryl Ilov surprised everyone, including herself, when she began training in an ancient Japanese martial art at the tender young age of 47. As a self-proclaimed middle-aged princess, she was the last person anyone would expect to study martial arts.


Cheryl had been living a charmed life until it all came crashing down after a traumatic experience thrust her into the vortex of hell known as PTSD. As she tried to deal with the devastating effects of the trauma, she slipped deeper and deeper into the dark pit of despair.


Her salvation came when her acupuncturist finally convinced her that taking some martial arts classes would help her heal from the trauma. Little did she know that decision would take her on a journey which would change her life forever.


Cheryl takes her readers on a roller coaster ride as she skillfully weaves her remarkable story of personal transformation and triumph as she overcame her fears, discovered her inner strength, and unleashed her warrior spirit.


My Review:


Staring fear and PTSD in the face, Cheryl chose to take back her power and become a ninja. The last thing you’d expect someone who’s middle-aged to do is take up an ancient Japanese martial arts regimen. Then again, you’ve never met Cheryl and never went through the intense trauma she did. Or maybe you have and you’re drowning in fear and hopelessness. Cheryl was living a happy life until it all came crashing down. With nowhere to go or no way to confront her fears, Cheryl withdrew from life, sinking further into despondency. A friend gave her a lifeline and she took it. She began taking and studying martial arts. Her journey is unforgettable as is her transformation from cowering infant to a strong warrior woman. Are you ready to embrace the warrior within?


The Reluctant Ninja is an empowering memoir every person needs to read. We’ve all gone through our own private wars and have the scars to prove it. How we choose to face our fears and conquer them is the difference between warriors and shadows. As I read through The Reluctant Ninja, I found myself and my experiences between the pages. Cheryl’s writing connected me to her on many levels. I found motivation to take on the next challenge and a comforting virtual hug when I remembered my own failures. Each chapter exposes another step in Cheryl’s journey while also laying out the difficulties she went through. I reunited with my own inner strength and found new motivations. You’ll be swept away as you read, gaining insight you never knew you had. You’ll connect with Cheryl as I did, person to person, soul to soul. If you’re in need of guidance, pick up The Reluctant Ninja. If you’re a memoir reader, you’ll truly relish The Reluctant Ninja. If you’re facing trauma and in need of a different approach, pick up The Reluctant Ninja. Brilliant from start to finish, The Reluctant Ninja will transform your life. Highly recommend!


My Rating: 5++ stars


Buy it Now:

Read for free on Kindle Unlimited!









Author Biography:


Cheryl Ilov has always had a passion for storytelling. Her writing career began by chronicling medical documents and progress reports for thousands of patients as a medical professional in both respiratory as well as physical therapy. Along the way, she discovered that weaving stories along with treatment modalities helped educate her patients and was a powerful tool in their recovery and ongoing progress.


She started a blog in 2011, writing about health, fitness, and life in general. Her elegant, friendly, and sometimes whimsical writing style captivated her followers, and several of her short stories have been published in The Pueblo Chieftain as well as FINALLY! Magazine, an international online publication for the over fifty population.


“The Reluctant Ninja” is Cheryl’s second book. Her first book, “Forever Fit and Flexible: Feeling Fabulous at Fifty and Beyond,” made Cheryl an award-winning author and was a #1 Best Seller on Amazon. She is currently working on her third book, which shares secrets of the ninja and life lessons she learned through her training that readers can apply to every aspect of their lives, without spending eighteen years training in a smelly dojo like she did.


Cheryl lives in Denver, Colorado. When she isn’t writing, dancing, hiking, or beating up bad guys, she loves nothing more than relaxing at home with her handsome husband and three Italian Greyhounds.


Social Media Links:



Reviewed by: Mrs. N

Tags:

bottom of page