Somehow I missed the internet phenomenon that other reviewers mentioned. I actually even missed the publication of this book. What I knew of Regina Brett prior to reading this book was that she was a newspaper columnist, cancer survivor, and had started a wig bank at The Gathering Place to provide free wigs to female cancer patients in Northeast Ohio.

Somehow, I ended up with 2 copies of this book. I passed one on to a friend prior to me reading it (I did warn her I hadn't read it yet) and kept the other to read myself. The copy I have I picked up at the YMCA off the book exchange shelf.

I didn't agree with everything the author said in her lessons--but even when I didn't agree, her thoughts would get me thinking about why I disagreed with her take on it--so I guess that is something.

Regina Brett comes from a Catholic background (while I come from a Protestant one). I found it odd that she would (in one of the later lessons) say that medicine should cover Buddhist monks. She was talking about meditating, which is not solely linked to Buddhism, but I guess because she had done a retreat with a Buddhist monk, she felt that was the way to go with her thoughts on meditation.

I gave it 3 stars because I'm not sure I would whole-heartedly recommend everyone read this book. Does it have some good points to make? yes.

Perhaps it is just that we each have our own unique histories and lives. Someone else experiencing the same event that the author did might come away with a different take. ( )

From a writing perspective, I was unimpressed. Tone, syntax, and diction was a bit too simplistic for my tastes. But from a perspective of "holy cow I need to change my life" perspective, this was fabulous. Cried several times, and Brett really has some profound statements that made me evaluate some current difficulties I'm having. Easy read, worth the time. ( )

Although this is her first book, I read her second book, Be The Miracle, first. They are very similar, and her journalistic style of writing makes for easy reading. Drawing lessons from real life stories, she offers hope and inspiration. I enjoyed reading one story each night before I went to sleep, and found them a peaceful way to go to sleep. ( )

It was a pleasant, uplifting book about 50 ideas to deal with life. None of the ideas were new or life changing. And yet it was pleasant, feel-good type of read. I think the best thing is that each section is about 3-4 pages so it is a great book to read when waiting for something because you can easily read a chapter in a minute or two. ( )

I got this book at the library last week. I saw this sitting in the new section, and I feel like the book was calling my name. Yes it was already in my to-read list, but it was sort of in the back of my mind. But once I saw this book knew I had to read it at that moment. I did get a stack of other books as well, and read one before this, but when I did read this, it sucked me in. I didn't expect to finish this in a day, I was expecting two to three at least, but I didn't. I will be reading this again,and actually buy it someday.

I was reading each lesson, and not every one I could think of a way to apply to me at the moment. I finished it right before heading off to bed, so I was able to sleep on it. I woke up and here I am no writing my review. I think now, that even though not all the rules apply to me at the moment, they will someday. Like Lesson 36 "Growing Old Beats the Alternative. Dying Young Looks Good Only in Movies." She gives a list of things to do when you 50 and appreciate the age and have fun and to really live life, appreciate the old life. I am far from 50, but when it comes around I will be ready.

This is a very quick, fun, and inspiring read.This book is a great book, and I think everyone should read it, weather your Christian or not. ( )