Cry Hope is a book of positive affirmations to read daily for the whole year. I thought the book had many good positive affirmations, but often felt that it didn't personally resonate with me.

From this Day Forward: Journal Affirmati... I was lucky enough to get this for free today due to a special offer on Amazon from the author. As a book of poetry, it was somewhat beautiful. The text is well written and uplifting, offering good thoughts to the reader. Being that I'm not a bride, it isn't fully relevant to my life, I admit. Though, the poetry isn't just about getting married. It's also about treasuring your partner and thinking the best of your situation.

I imagine that this would be a beautiful hard copy to give a bride on their wedding day which she might treasure forever. There is plenty of space within it for notes which the bride might write her feelings on and maybe have others give their well wishes. I think it would be a truly lovely gift to give or receive on a wedding day. I know that I, personally, would be truly honoured for that.

Survival Lessons was written after Hoffman was diagnosed with cancer and she longed for a guidebook to help her through her trauma. It is filled with affirmations, none of which are too mawkish and maudlin to connect with the reader. Hoffman is direct, citing personal examples, and is also encouraging in her message of hope. 

 

This book is about choices, giving empowerment to the reader. This piece of advice really connected with me, as I'm still reeling from a family incident that left most of us in tatters:

 

"Only answer the phone when you want to, and then, give yourself permission to say you can't talk, especially if it's a relative. Make up an excuse. There's someone at my door, a bear is in the living room, there's a meteor shower spilling over my front lawn. Or just tell the truth. I'm tired. I'm sick. I'm at a loss. I'm not ready to talk. Call me later, tomorrow, next month. Better still, let me call you back."

 

This next piece floored me. I don't want to get too personal, but let's just say that I was told for a long time - most of my life, really - that my instincts were wrong. I have no desire to have children, I never wanted to get married (although I'm glad I did, only because I adore my husband), but I always dreamt of having a great career. Hoffman describes how this yearning is nothing to be ashamed of:

 

"People say no man on his deathbed ever said he wished he spent more time at the office. I disagree. I assume Pablo Picasso would have said exactly that. Jane Austen would have agreed. When your work brings you joy, you cannot get enough of it. People who turn to work during times of trauma aren't necessarily workaholics; they're in love with what they do."

 

Ultimately, what Hoffman is telling her readers is to let go of things that are holding them back. Be honest and strive for joy. Seek out pleasure. Live a little:

 

"Go get a tattoo if you've always wanted one...Stay in your pajamas for days...Buy a pair of kick-ass boots...Volunteer at the museum and be alone with the Egyptian artifacts early in the morning before anyone else has arrived."

 

Live your life. Love your life. Choose your life.

 

 

Sherri Winston, The Kayla Chronicles

I found this book to be simple and yet with great depth behind its words. The cards are large, laminated, and the prints crisp and clear. This deck will undoubtedly last many of time's tests. The images themselves evoke emotions and the details within make the artist I am take a deep look both at the image and its deeper meaning. I am very glad that I received this book and tarot cards through he Goodreads First Reads.