This book will change your life is a phrase to make the eyes roll, especially if you’re a book publisher. It is conceivable that a book’s wisdom and insight might make you fitter or smarter, a better lover, cook or parent. It might make you more empathetic and spiritual, calmer and neater to boot. It might transform your social interactions as your friends start twitching as you drone on about a book’s revelations. Residents of the Land of Literature will argue that the pleasure of serious reading—a noble end in itself—is life-changing enough.

I am an optimist and a booster for my profession, permanently on call to spruik book publishing, particularly of the non­fiction variety. But in not-breaking news, the vast majority of books will not change your life. Those least likely to do so are probably the ones with a tagline on the front cover, or a blurb on the back, promising transformation. While I can’t yet speak of the impact of publication itself, to my surprise and joy I have discovered truth in the proposition that writing this book will change your life. I would even go so far as to add the phrase, for the better.