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Jon Acuff proves that a career advice book can be funny with "Do Over."

I never thought I would laugh so much while reading a career advice book, but Jon Acuff’s "Do Over" made me a believer in the enjoyable career book. And no, I wasn’t laughing at his ideas or advice. I was laughing at the casually funny and highly understandable way he presented the tools for a successful career “do over.”

You may be thinking, as I did when I first started reading the book, "I’m not even looking for a 'do over.'” Maybe you haven’t had your first real job yet, or you want to stay exactly where you are. Yet, Acuff makes it clear from the get-go that this book is for everyone, regardless of the point you’re at in your career.

A “do over” doesn’t mean quitting your corporate job to fulfill your lifelong dream of becoming a circus performer. A “do over” may just mean taking new opportunities at your current company. It’s about making everyday an opportunity to prepare for your future.

“Whether you’re a thirteen-year-old with a paper route or a forty-three-year-old with a hedge fund we will all deal with the same handful of situations from our illustration.” (p.13)

What illustration is he referring to? He’s talking about the very easy to understand “Do Over Chart." This chart helps you track exactly where you’re at in your career. There are four options for where you are: Career Ceiling (skills investment), Career Jump (character investment), Career Bump (relationship investment), Career Opportunity (hustle investment).

Each of these different positions is accompanied by a part of what Acuff calls the “Career Savings Account.” What you need to save up in your metaphorical accounts are these four things: relationships, skills, character, and hustle. And that’s how the book is organized. Four simple sections dedicated to each part of your Career Savings Account. Though some of these topics may seem daunting, Acuff levels with the reader and offers baby steps to any task that might not be immediately comfortable.

Aside from the book’s basic principles, "Do Over" is filled with personal anecdotes and jokes that actually make learning about careers actually fun. Acuff takes time to talk about how the cheesy goodness that is queso relates to relationships, and he enjoys sneaking in Michael Jordan as a funny reference every now and then — don't worry, he does make sure to apologize to the athlete at one point.

If none of this convinces you, then hopefully this quote from "Do Over" will persuade you:

“If at any point you say, ‘I can’t waste my money buying $5 note cards,’ I will ask if you have a $4 life? You will get mad and someone will probably get throat-chopped in the ensuing melee.” (p.34)

Any career book that is able to reference getting “throat chopped” tactfully is definitely one to check out.

An engaging guide to navigating your career changes, "Do Over" shows how it's never too late to do work you love. Everyone — from new graduates to established business professionals — can benefit from Acuff's humorous and honest advice. Buy this business book in bulk from BookPal as a graduation gift or employee gift today!

This post was written by Sydney Moorhead, a customer service associate at BookPal. She is currently reading Work Rules by Laszlo Bock, Eat Move Sleep by Tom Rath and Stir by Jessica Fechtor.