Treasury of Joy and Inspiration
Our Most Moving Stories Ever
By Editors of Reader's Digest
Published by Reader's Digest
Sold Exclusively at Reader's Digest; Hardcover; $19.99
Our Most Moving Stories Ever
By Editors of Reader's Digest
Published by Reader's Digest
Sold Exclusively at Reader's Digest; Hardcover; $19.99
Description
Get inspired by the most powerful stories we've ever published
"To celebrate 90 years of publishing "reads of lasting interest," Reader's Digest
offers this editors' selection of our best stories since our founding
in 1922. Chock-full of essays and true tales by some of America's most
famous authors and thought leaders, these great reads inspire and
uplift, open the door to new possibilities and connect us emotionally.
In this volume, readers will be inspired by stories like these:
- Find out how a mysterious gift forever changed author James Michener's life in The Christmas Present.
- Experience a truly powerful life-changing moment in Christopher Reeve's Decision.
- Let actor George Burns make you feel like you're dancing on air in Shall We Dance?
- Find encouragement and hope in Dwight Eisenhower's essay: An Open Letter to America's Students.
- Go looking for true peace and happiness as Barbara Walters takes you In Search of Heaven.
- Get ready to see the whole world anew as Helen Keller imagines what it'd be like to only have Three Days to See.
- Marvel at the healing power of laughter in Billy Crystal's amazing true story: My Father and Me.
Organized around timeless American values -- joy, miracles, giving, gratitude, holidays and healing -- readers will laugh, cry, cheer, sigh and renew their faith as they enjoy the powerful impact of a well-told story."
-----
My Thoughts:
I was excited to receive a copy of "Treasury of Joy and Inspiration" as I have grown up with Reader's Digest and love reading the inspiration, true stories that are included in each issue. Even though I have been busy with my holiday gift guide and sharing reviews, I have been sneaking in time each night to read a few chapters. I finally finished tonight, and wanted to share my thoughts on this wonderful new release, in case you were still looking for last minute gift ideas.
You know you are reading a good book when you find yourself laughing and crying in one sitting. This was the case with this new release from Reader's Digest, as I read each moving story. As I finished the last story, I began thinking to myself, how did they (Reader's Digest) pull together such an array of inspiration stories, from their 90 years of publication. Even though I have only been reading them for 30 years, I remembered a few that are included in this book, that moved me and helped me then during some of the rough patches of growing up and being an adult.
A few of my favorites included "The Christmas Present by James A. Michener," which is fitting for this time of year and talks about a young boy receiving a gift that didn't cost anything, except imagination; and, "A Love Like No Other, by Skip Hollandsworth. In this moving story, we are introduced to Kim and David who have CF, and end up marrying. But, a short time after they marry David passes away, and then Kim is admitted to the hospital and is diagnosed with a failing body (due to a broken heart). Moments before she passes away on 9/11, she utters a few unrecognizable words, as if she were talking to David and then dies. They were then buried side by side, and the tombstone read "Together Forever." This story reminded me about making sure those around you know how much they mean to you, especially during the holidays when everyone is together. And, that even if you have a serious medical condition, like CF, doesn't mean you can't experience the joy of love. David and Kim did, and are now together forever.
As you read through these short stories (average of 5-6 pages each), you will find yourself thinking about your own life and be moved to want to achieve more, reach out and contact someone whom you have lost touch with, or merely slow down and enjoy life more. Isn't this what we all need, especially around the holidays? Well, let the folks at Reader's Digest help you unwind and slow down with their new release, "Treasures of Joy and Inspiration." And, why not consider giving a copy of this book to those on your shopping list who love inspirational books or are fan's of Reader's Digest. I can see this being a popular book club reading, and once that can be discussed amongst friends over coffee. And, if you do get a chance to read this book, let me know which stories moved/inspired you.
About the Author
Editors of Reader's Digest
RDA is a global media and direct marketing company that educates, entertains and connects more than 130 million consumers around the world with products and services from trusted brands. With offices in 43 countries, the company reaches customers in 78 countries, publishes 91 magazines, including 50 editions of Reader's Digest, the world's largest-circulation magazine, operates 78 branded websites and sells 40 million books, music and video products across the world each year. Further information about the company can be found at www.rda.com.
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review. The views above are mine and mine alone.
No comments :
Post a Comment