annieb123's Review of Move by Move

by Maurice Ashley

A little book of life advice drawing on the timeless wisdom of chess from Maurice Ashley, the first African American Chess Grandmaster.

At age thirty-three, Maurice Ashley became the first African American to attain the rank of International Grand Master of Chess. Since that historic moment, he has brought his love of the game to a wide audience as an educator, innovator, and motivational speaker.

In Move by Move, Ashley guides readers through the essential lessons that chess has taught him about life, using both personal examples from his rise from an immigrant kid playing matches in Brooklyn parks to the most rarified levels of competition, as well as insights and anecdotes from fellow notable chess players. In short chapters with practical takeaways, this book reaches from the fundamental to the counterintuitive on subjects ranging from self-knowledge to strategic thinking to the importance of failure. This little book of wisdom is the perfect gift for graduates, chess enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding how lessons from the most famous and long-lasting game of strategy can help you reach your personal and professional goals.

NOT JUST FOR CHESS PLAYERS: Chess is timeless. This book is perfect for anyone who plays chess, is chess-aspirational, or just has positive associations with the game. For the reader seeking a motivational book with actionable takeaways, Maurice Ashley offers the perfect authoritative yet accessible volume.

AUTHORITATIVE, EXPERT AUTHOR:Maurice Ashley made history as the first African American Grandmaster in the annals of the game and translates his love of chess to others as a three-time national championship coach, ESPN commentator, NBC National Chess Championships commentator , iPhone app designer, puzzle inventor, and motivational speaker.

GIFTABLE PACKAGE: This small, jacketed hardcover is elegant and classic, like the game itself. An outstanding gift book for graduation, Father's Day, birthday, retirement, and more, Move by Move also makes agreat add-on gift to a chess set or a standalone present for beginner chess players and experts alike.

Perfect for:
- Readers of self-help, personal growth, and popular business books - Anyone seeking guidance on applying strategic thinking to their daily lives - Chess players and fans of the game - People who loved The Queen's Gambit and want to learn more about chess - Gift for grads and anyone else who may enjoy or benefit from inspirational books

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Move by Move is an engaging book full of insightful philosophical ruminations on life and chess by Grandmaster Maurice Ashley. Released 2nd April 2024 by Chronicle on their Prism imprint, it's 176 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

The author has decades of experience and engagement at every level of the chess world and the longevity to have acquired a lot of lessons. He has a friendly and down-to-earth style of writing and this small book is full of accessible takeaways about life, learning, the philosophy of art and learning, friendship, and chess' unique ability to bridge differences in culture, class, religion, gender, age, and wealth. Chess is the ultimate equalizer.

The hardcover edition is lovely, with a foil embossed cover and would make a nice gift. It should be noted that this is *not* a how-to guide for chess. There are no puzzles or tutorials included here (he covers a lot of chess theory in his other books and commentary/videos). This is a general book on philosophy and life.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Reading updates

14 August, 2024: Started reading

14 August, 2024: Finished reading

14 August, 2024: Reviewed