The Yellow World: If You Believe in Dreams, They Will Come True
In The Yellow World, Albert Espinosa shares the lessons he learned from his experience with cancer: a different way of looking at loss, friendship, and the way we choose to live.
I stumbled upon this book by chance. It’s one of those rare reads that finds its way into your hands just when you need it the most. Interestingly, this book was a bestseller when it was first published, but I only discovered it recently. I first heard about it during a talk by Albert Espinosa titled ‘You Have to Be Brave in Life and in Love,’ part of BBVA’s Learning Together series.
He shared something that profoundly moved me. Albert Espinosa, who has lived his life with one leg, one lung, and part of his liver after battling cancer for ten years—from the age of 14 to 24—was giving a talk about courage and happiness. He was undoubtedly someone who spoke from experience.
It’s a short book, written by an engineer in a conversational tone, as if you were speaking directly with him. That’s exactly what makes it so effective. In it, Espinosa shares what inspired him to write the book, the reasons behind it, and what he calls the “Yellow World.” He goes on to present a list of insights for transforming your life into a yellow world and guides you on how to identify the “yellows” in your life—those unique individuals who hold a special place. According to him, yellows fall somewhere between friends and lovers. You don’t need to see them often or keep regular contact for them to remain significant. Finally, he reflects on the “Yellow End,” offering his perspective on letting go of the fear of death.
Who is this book for?
This book is essentially a heartfelt conversation with someone who shares the lessons and perspectives he’s gained from his own life experiences. Like any good conversation, you decide what resonates with you and what feels right for you.
I highly recommend this book, especially to those navigating through grief or loss. It offers a thoughtful journey, always framed with a positive tone and moments of humor, making it both light and profound—perfect for times like these. You might even discover your own Yellow World, and, more importantly, the yellows—those special people who give you the strength to keep going.
Book Details
- Title: The Yellow World
- Original Title: El mundo amarillo
- Author: Albert Espinosa
- Country: Spain
- Language: Spanish (original)
- First Published: 2008
- Genre: Memoir / Inspirational Nonfiction
- English Translation Title: The Yellow World: If You Believe in Dreams, They Will Come True
About the Author Albert Espinosa
Albert Espinosa was born in 1973 in Barcelona, Spain. He is an industrial engineer, actor, writer, and film director. He battled osteosarcoma for 10 years, from the age of 14 to 24. Along the way, he lost one leg, one lung, and part of his liver. It was a period of discoveries that helped him simplify his life and become happier. “When you think you know all the answers, the universe comes and changes everything.” You can learn more about the author on his website https://www.albertespinosa.com/.
If you enjoy reflective books like The Yellow World, you can explore more reviews in the Books section of the blog or return to the homepage of My Journey into Reading to discover new literary journeys.
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