A Unicorn in a World of Donkeys: A Guide to Life for All the Exceptional, Excellent Misfits Out There

by Mia Michaels

Overview

An empowerment manifesto for creatives, misfits, innovators, and disruptors from the star of So You Think You Can Dance and creator of Broadway's Finding Neverland

A Unicorn in a World of Donkeys offers a playbook for living a creative and authentic life. Using her own story as a launching spot, and creative quizzes, charts, and lists to engage the reader in an interactive journey, Mia Michaels explores the experience of the unicorn in a world of donkeys, a world where fitting in, pleasing others, following rules, and maintaining norms-no matter how messed up those norms are-is the only acceptable path. She acknowledges the struggles of the unicorn life-loneliness, ridicule, being misunderstood and undervalued-and goes on encourage readers to reframe the unicorn life the way she has, as essential to a life of brilliance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781580057752
Publisher:	Basic Books
Publication date:	05/01/2018
Sold by:	Hachette Digital, Inc.
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Mia Michaels was an Emmy Award-winning judge and choreographer for the hit TV show So You Think You Can Dance. She is the creator of Broadway's hit musical Finding Neverland, and she recently reinvented a New York institution, the Rockettes of Radio City Music Hall. Mia has choreographed national performances for Celine Dion, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, Prince, and more.

Editorial Reviews

03/12/2018
Michaels, a choreographer, offers an uplifting take on being different. She celebrates being a “unicorn,” her term for people who revel in individuality, rather than a “donkey,” who conforms to the crowd. The unicorn mind-set has not only brought her much personal and professional success, she writes, but has allowed her to unapologetically embrace her authentic self. She shows the dilemma unicorns face of whether to bask in their difference or succumb to feelings of isolation and negativity, explaining that her father and mother, respectively, followed the former and latter paths. With the goal of helping readers discover and embrace their own inner unicorns, Michaels offers a series of strategies, such as listening to your gut, shutting down bullies, and developing a “hide of steel.” Throughout, she offers short quizzes to help readers assess their current unicorn- or donkey-ness and touches on problems like overcoming fear and finding other unicorns. Entertaining and spirited, this no-nonsense guide will speak to those seeking to discover their true capabilities. Agents: Steve Troha and Frank Weimann, Folio Literary. (May)

Publishers Weekly

"One word describes Mia Michaels . . . FEARLESS! Everything she touches goes beyond expectations. Which says a lot because the expectations on her are always high. Working with her was such a highlight of my career because I've always been such a fan. That fearlessness is perfectly translated into this book. C'mon, it's Mia, you already know that this book is going to be incredible before you even open the cover!"
—Matthew Morrison, TV star of Glee, actor, dancer, and singer-songwriter


"Mia embodies magic in her dance. It's no wonder she now runs with unicorns. Young artists, buy this book!"
—Kristin Chenoweth, Tony-winning actress and singer


"Mia is a force of nature! She has an infectious energy that inspires you to want to create with her."
—Heidi Klum, model, TV host, producer, fashion designer


"Mia Michaels's unique style, storytelling ability, and demand of excellence from her dancers makes her a standout in the field of choreography. She is a true, magical unicorn in a world of donkeys."
—Nigel Lythgoe, producer of American Idol and creator, executive producer, and judge on So You Think You Can Dance





"Entertaining and spirited, this no-nonsense guide will speak to those seeking to discover their true capabilities."—Publishers Weekly

"Mamma Mia! We've missed having Mia's choreography on the 'SYT' stage every week. But this lovely opening routine was worth the wait. . . . Mia, you're a legend."


—Dance Spirit magazine

From the Publisher