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The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion Hardcover – Illustrated, April 7, 2015
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We arrive at this crossroads over and over again, and every day. And we get to choose.
Starting out or starting over, making a career change or making a life change, the most life-affirming thing you can do is to honor the voice inside that says your have something special to give, and then heed the call and act. Many have traveled this road before. Here’s how you can, too. #choosemust
An inspirational gift book for every recent graduate, every artist, every seeker, and every career change.
- Print length176 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherWorkman Publishing Company
- Publication dateApril 7, 2015
- Dimensions6 x 0.75 x 9.13 inches
- ISBN-100761184880
- ISBN-13978-0761184881
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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4.6 out of 5 stars 21,774
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As seen on the new NETFLIX series! The groundbreaking NEW YORK TIMES and WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER that taught a generation how to earn more, save more, and live a rich life—now in a revised 2nd edition. | Brevity is confidence. Length is fear. This is the guiding principle of Smart Brevity, a communication formula built by Axios journalists to prioritize essential news and information, explain its impact and deliver it in a concise and visual format. | As seen on the new NETFLIX series! What’s Your Rich Life? An interactive journal from the bestselling author of I Will Teach You to Be Rich | Strengthen and deepen your love with a fun, ingenious program of eight life-changing conversations—on essential topics such as money, sex, and trust—from two of the world’s leading marriage researchers and clinicians. | Overwhelmed by racial injustice? Outraged by the news? Find yourself asking, “What can I doooooo?” DO THE WORK! | A step-by-step program for getting your life in order, so you’re prepared for the unexpected. |
Editorial Reviews
Review
Elizabeth Gilbert, author Eat, Pray, Love and The Signature of All Things
"Elle's infectious enthusiasm will inspire you to do the boldest thing you can in life: be your true self."
Evan Williams, co-founder Twitter; founder Medium
"How to turn that invisible inner fire into fuel for soul-warming bliss is what artist and designer Elle Luna explores in her essay-turned-book The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion — an intelligent and rousing illustrated manifesto that picks up where Campbell left off, in the spirit of Parker Palmer’s emboldening guide to letting your life speakand Debbie Millman’s visual-essay-turned-commencement-address on courage and the creative life"
Maria Popova, Brain Pickings
"Inspiring."
The Miami Herald
"This artist and author's inspiring advice might just persuade you to leave your day job."
Shape Magazine
“This was the most inspiring book I read in 2015. It's an illustrated, easy read based on a blog post that went viral, but the inspirational message it contains is very powerful. It's a must-read for anyone considering shaking up the status quo or following a dream and how to deal with the real-life consequences that follow."
The Huffington Post
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
It was a Tuesday around 7A.M. when I clicked “Publish” on an essay on Medium.com titled “The Crossroads of Should & Must.”
We share things online. Every day. All the time. But something about this thing was different. So different, that in a few short weeks, it was tweeted to over five million people and read by over a quarter million readers.
“Drop everything you’re doing and read this right now,” one woman posted. “This article changed my life,” wrote another. “I was about to send it to all of my employees,” wrote one CEO, “but I assumed that a third of them would quit if they read it. But you know what? If they don’t want to be here, I want them to quit—so I sent it.”
The emails poured in. The tweets lit up my phone. The article spread through the Web in a flash, and then flashed some more. It continued to shine and grow and, well, here we are. I decided to write this book because of the people who shared their stories with me and the pain and courage I felt in their struggle. Women in their thirties. Men in their twenties. A high school senior. Fathers. A widow. Single moms. Millionaires who were poor. Poor people who were millionaires. Teachers. Lawyers. A musician disguised as a lawyer. A poet who loved to drive a city bus. Women who didn’t want kids. Fathers who wanted to raise kids. People who felt stuck in their jobs and people who were so desperately grateful to have a job at all.
The pain cut across gender, location, and age. And at its essence, the pain was this—
All too often, we feel that we are not living the fullness of our lives because we are not expressing the fullness of our gifts.
I heard from people who seemed willing to do anything to make their dissatisfaction go away, but they didn’t know what to do. I wrote this book to share what I have found most helpful in navigating my own journey, as well as what has been most helpful for the people I met. However, you’re not holding a book of answers, because only you know those; you’re holding a collection of the most effective questions I encountered along the way. Think of these pages as a series of doorways designed so that you can choose which way your journey will go.
These pages are a pep talk to honor that voice inside of you that says you have something special to give. It’s a reminder that while there is no map for where you’re going, many have traveled this road before. It’s permission to unlearn everything you’ve ever been told you should do in order to learn what you must.
It’s 11:55 a.m. on a Thursday, and I’m clicking “Save” on this document one final time before it begins its adventure into the world. In my own life, I’ve found that things appear at the ideal time. Not before. And not after. Consider the possibility that this book made its way into your hands because you wanted it to. Because a part of you has seen a crossroads in your life, and you’re ready for the journey ahead. I am humbled and grateful that these words will find their way from me to you, somehow, in some way, at just the right time. Thank you for being a part of this wild and wondrous journey. From one fellow traveler to another—Godspeed.
Elle
October 23, 2014
San Francisco, CA
Product details
- Publisher : Workman Publishing Company
- Publication date : April 7, 2015
- Edition : Illustrated
- Language : English
- Print length : 176 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0761184880
- ISBN-13 : 978-0761184881
- Item Weight : 1.1 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.75 x 9.13 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #80,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,053 in Happiness Self-Help
- #1,414 in Success Self-Help
- #2,047 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Elle Luna is a designer, painter, and writer, and the author of The Crossroads of Should and Must. She facilitates a global art movement, #The100DayProject, and has previously worked as a designer at IDEO and with teams on apps and websites, including Medium, Mailbox, and Uber. Ms. Luna speaks to groups around the world and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and on Instagram at @elleluna.
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be a beautiful, to-the-point read that gives inspiration for life and compels readers to find their purpose. They appreciate its easy-to-understand words, fun writing style, and heartfelt, light-hearted approach. The book receives positive feedback for its color palette and serves as a great gift option. The graphics receive mixed reactions, with several customers noting that they should be dramatically improved.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book to be a beautiful and enjoyable read that is to the point, with one customer noting it is illustrated in an extremely engaging way.
"...So I first downloaded this fantastic book on my Kindle thinking I will read it until the hard copies come in from Amazon in a few days. ...." Read more
"...It is as described. The book itself is a good read. I like the colors and the different fonts in the book that kept me engage." Read more
"I loved reading this book, it’s an invitation to follow our dreams and work hard for finding joy and fulfillment." Read more
"Fantastic book and beautiful language. Great enjoyment in this creation by Elle Luna...." Read more
Customers find the book thought-provoking and inspiring, helping them find their purpose and providing good reminders. One customer describes it as a meditative guide for determining one's creative path.
"...for opening your life in such a helpful manner and motivating us procrastinating type people...." Read more
"...I like the colors and the different fonts in the book that kept me engage." Read more
"I loved reading this book, it’s an invitation to follow our dreams and work hard for finding joy and fulfillment." Read more
"...It’s so good! I love that it has exercises to do and is a lot like therapy for an artist who wants to do more of what they love in life." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read, describing it as a creative and fun read with words that are simple to understand.
"...The book was easy reading and the pictures so simple but appropriate especially for someone like my son that jumps around in a book...." Read more
"Fantastic book and beautiful language. Great enjoyment in this creation by Elle Luna...." Read more
"The good, the bad, and the ugly. The good. If you are looking for a simple, short, uplifting book full of quotes that you have probably heard before..." Read more
"...It's an easy read and great to look at with the artistic fonts...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's color palette.
"...It is as described. The book itself is a good read. I like the colors and the different fonts in the book that kept me engage." Read more
"This book is expressive, colorful and unique. The insights and artful pictures are great vehicles for meditating on your personal creative path...." Read more
"A great fast read. I love all of the colors and the look of the books...." Read more
"...Easy impactful and colorful read. Well done!" Read more
Customers find the book fun, with one describing it as an entertaining book on creativity.
"...Love it so much!! It’s a FUN self-help book, not a sad one like the rest. This is energizing and visually really pretty...." Read more
"...development and this book brings it all together in one easy-to-read, fun, action-packed place." Read more
"Great, impactful and fun. A quick easy read with a powerful message." Read more
"Fun, whimsical book. Lots of illustrations & large lettering, so its a pretty short read." Read more
Customers appreciate the heartfelt message of the book, finding it light-hearted and comforting, with one customer mentioning it brought tears to their eyes.
"...Do his art and music which in itself is comforting and through the grace of God on his way to a more healthy and productive existence...." Read more
"...It's like a warm hug: this book challenges me to think and also reminds me that everything is going to be okay...." Read more
"...their calling, and this book adds some great supplements and expressions to our weekend...." Read more
"...Elle Luna offers a light-hearted, step by step guide to find your footing and stay on your path, one playful step at a time" Read more
Customers find the book makes a great gift.
"...This is great for anyone at a crossroads, for a graduation gift, if you're looking for some inspiration, or just need a good pick-me-up or..." Read more
"...Perfect gift for high school graduates, college students, moms, dad's, even employees. Quick read." Read more
"What a fun read and this is the perfect gift for a graduating high-school person or a college soon-to-graduate person...." Read more
"This book makes a perfect gift for a loved one or for yourself as a meditative guide for determining your creative path...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the graphics in the book, with several noting that they should be dramatically improved.
"...On Kindle it should be an all text version or the graphics should be dramatically improved. Do not buy this on Kindle." Read more
"...beautifully written and beautiful to look at; I love the art and photos inside...." Read more
"Really you need to read and listen to Tony Robbins this book was more pictures and scribble than something I can use as a real resource for..." Read more
"...Less about the words, and more about the images and the energy conveyed. Thank you thank you Ms. Luna!" Read more
Reviews with images

When we choose should, we're choosing to live our life for someone or something other then ourselves
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2015First of all this is the only book, ever, that I have taken the time to write a review on, even being an avid reader. Elle Luna , this came to me at the right time in my life. Excellent and fun reading. Thank you for opening your life in such a helpful manner and motivating us procrastinating type people. Also, as I know so well from my life experiences of 69 years, God lead me to find your great writings, when I am at this crossroad. Originally bought the book for my son, whom we just found out has a brain injury at the age of 48. He has been in numerous auto and motorcycle accidents and failed back surgeries. Also a very creative person in all areas. Art, acting, music, etc. Writing his own music and I believe a genius as a performing musician, whom toured with famous rock bands. However now his life is on hold. Making it hard for him to even be able to work and live on his own. After going in to a new spine specialist, this doctor noticed by my son's eyes and walk, that there is more going on than just a neck injury. Even before a MRI, this bright doctor could tell my son is not only in physical pain. He asked him if he is often misjudged by others, because of confusion with his emotional and sometimes irrational behaviors. Which now we all realize he couldn't help. However he is a gifted musician and even though always had ADD, his focus is getting worse. So I first downloaded this fantastic book on my Kindle thinking I will read it until the hard copies come in from Amazon in a few days. . Well now ordering more. Not only a copy for my son but for family and friends that are searching for their place in life right now. But it hit home for me too. Thinking to myself I need to listen by doing , the exercises because I feel deep down there is a creative energy waiting for me to tap into it. Never taking personal time because I always put others first. However your exercises can be done slowly or at least make you more aware of what catches your eye and holds your interest. The book was easy reading and the pictures so simple but appropriate especially for someone like my son that jumps around in a book. Which you can do on any page and pick up something there or at least interesting enough to make you want go back a few pages to get the full context. My only disappointment was it was over just when I was looking forward to learning more about the author's life and experiences beside exercises to help more. Loved the vignettes of other's lives.. So Elle please keep doing what you are doing with the best of luck and hopefully let your fans hear from you again. Do you have a Facebook page or blog? Actually going to reread your book this week while traveling to Sacramento. Going to meet up with my son and his doctors. We are from the Chicago area. However his 17 old son, that lives out there with his mother and sisters, is actually staying with his father. In a hotel but still traveling to and from school. Our loving grandson stays to watch over, be helpful and supportive to his father. This is while our son is going through treatments at U of C Davis. My goal this week too is to possibly find a big white box like yours that he can live in. Do his art and music which in itself is comforting and through the grace of God on his way to a more healthy and productive existence. At times it gets so frustrating for him even trying to set up appointments. Unfortunately due to helping run a family business here, I cannot stay to help more. However his beautiful ex-wife has been very kind and helpful. Also believe surrounded by his loving children has made him happier even though their father is in pain he tries to keep a happy face for them. Also our son is one of the most caring, sensitive people I know helping others especially family and friends dying of cancer on their death bed. Besides helping their families go through their grief because of his many losses believe is why he is such a great artist. At the time I thought it was so funny when my husband said I should look for a warehouse in Sacramento. Then we can ship out all the creative equipment our son has here. And then I open your book and the first page caught my interest immediately. Wonder if Craig's list, lists "White Boxes for rent or buy." Believe and have faith though, just as I found your book, we will be guided to the right people at the right time and find the right place for him. Anyone reading the above could you please keep our son, James,in your prayers. And even if not religious, could you then please send some positive energy this way? It would be greatly appreciated and helpful. Thank you! Sincerely, Nancy Woolley. Woolleyrec@aol.com. My enduring appreciation and gratitude again to you, Elle Luna. PS Look forward to your future writings and viewing maybe your art work on my most favorite site, Amazon.com.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2025Purchased from a third seller (via Amazon) as a used book. It is as described. The book itself is a good read. I like the colors and the different fonts in the book that kept me engage.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2024I loved reading this book, it’s an invitation to follow our dreams and work hard for finding joy and fulfillment.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024Fantastic book and beautiful language. Great enjoyment in this creation by Elle Luna. She has embodied and modeled that we are one living system and connected. Re-cognize your shoulds and imprint your BEing. Center thyself.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2022I read this book in less than a week and bought it on a whim based on Amazon suggestions and reviews. It’s so good! I love that it has exercises to do and is a lot like therapy for an artist who wants to do more of what they love in life.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2024Motivate yourself with this great quick read!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2018The good, the bad, and the ugly. The good. If you are looking for a simple, short, uplifting book full of quotes that you have probably heard before, but some decent ideas about life and another way to live it that maybe you haven't considered, then this might be a good book for you. I think the average person looking for a quick pick-me-up could get something out of this book. "Quick pick me up" because it's short, and half of it is whole pages of large quotes from other people. So think, cute inspiring coffee table book or lunch break reading.
The bad. The book is really short, has a lot of sort of cheap filler quotations that aren't even that original. So while it can be inspirational, it's not really worth $10 bucks if you are looking for something longer with more depth. In this case, I'd go for Julia Cameron's "The Artist Way." Same ideas, but better writing (beautiful writing) and an entire 12 week program of embracing your Musts, whatever that may mean to you. Seriously, it's a good book, life changing. And I don't think it's much more than this book.
The ugly. The author's premise is that life offers you two choice, Must and Should. Must is what we are inspired to do, it's almost as if the Universe is constantly nudging us toward it. The Should is what we do because others expect it of us or because it makes sense practically. As, I read this book, it really didn't seem likely that writing it was "A Must" for the author. It reads like a practical opportunity to make some extra money from an article she wrote that was perhaps truly inspiring. It doesn't even feel like she put much effort or enthusiasm into it. The original article may have been a "Must," but the book definitely reads like a "Should."
- Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2016Heard about Elle Luna through Chase Jarvis's 30 Days of Genius video series. Her personality was captivating, so I wanted to check out her book.
The book is an art piece. A very useful one at that, as it got me thinking about a lot of things in my life -- from my fantasies to my jobs/careers/callings. I think going through these exercises are so helpful to understanding who you are.
That's one of life's joys, right? Discovering who you are and what you're capable of.
Though I felt it was overly spiritual at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I think this book applies to creatives and pretty much anyone whether you consider yourself an artist or not. Give it a read! Maybe Elle will help you find your Must.
Top reviews from other countries
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crisReviewed in Mexico on May 16, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
Es un libro de autoexploración, análisis de nuestras metas y de pasos a seguir para lograr nuestros sueños. Yo lo leí en 1 día es una lectura sencilla y tiene ejercicios donde tienes que ir analizándo lo que quieres dejar de hacer y hacia donde quieres ir en tu vida y cómo lograrlo. Me encantó!
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Ariel EderReviewed in Spain on January 15, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars ariel
me emcanto! un super libro de inspiracion ayuda a encontrar las pasiones del mundo de cada uno y micho mas
- TaraReviewed in Australia on August 6, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Recommend for 9yo to 109yo...
One of the best, simplistically written books on nurturing your creative genius -which, by the way, we all have! It was such a beautiful read with the words and the art made me want to keep flicking the pages just to see what art surprises came next. This book will be on our bookshelf for many years to come for my daughter, sons, nieces, sisters and friends to read for inspiration to live out their creative genius!
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Laura123Reviewed in Italy on March 3, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Bel libro, ricco di spunti di riflessione
Bel libro, ricco di spunti interessanti, ogni pagina è una "sorpresa".
Molto colorato, con diverse illustrazioni e scritte dipinte che ti restano su Ito in mente.
Bella la copertina, molto rigida, quasi come un diario. È un libro da leggere con calma per riflettere su quanto scritto, si può persino aprire a caso perché ogni pagina è a sé, pur avendo ovviamente nesso con la successiva .
Qui potete trovare una presentazione della stessa autrice sulla nascita del libro. .se avete dubbi, vi conquisterà!
[...]
- Rob BreedsReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 20, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars This book challenged me enough to act
I enjoyed this book end to end. It's the first book I've read properly for about 12 years (because I was sick of reading and focused on doing stuff). It made me stop and think. With each page, I was nodding away and then my sceptical mind was putting up objections, and magically these were exactly the natural reactions described on the next pages, with some easy, practical steps to keep moving.
Yes, it could be interpreted to be a little corny and simplistic. Yes, Elle Luna's life seems to have been one of privilege where she was able to leave a life of relative comfort to pursue her dreams. Put that aside though: it's not about her, it's about how you can ask the same questions about your life and what you want from it.
The book doesn't have all the answers. No book does. It's a plan for how you can reflect on where you are, what you really want to get out of life, and how to take the first steps to get there. But you must take the steps.