A Little Book of Thank Yous by Addie Johnson

Last month, I reviewed Addie Johnson's Lemons to Lemonade, a book I criticized because of errors in the final copy.  It also seemed a little dull, lacking in the inspiration I was hoping it had.  So, I picked up her book, A Little Book of Thank Yous: Letters, Notes & Quotes, with some trepidation.  I didn't need to worry.  First, if there were errors in the copy, I missed them.  But, the book also offered some humor, along with some suggestions as to ways to express gratitude, and, even ways to feel grateful.  The book is a gentle reminder.

Johnson reminds us that gratitude should be joyful.  If it became rote when you were young, you might not say please and thank you anymore with warmth and meaning.  But, a simple thank you means so much to people.  There are interesting anecdotes and quotes to inspire and encourage the reader.  But, as I said, there's humor as well.  There are two pages about "The currency of gratitude," broken down into Pennies, Nickels and Silver dollars.  So, what were the pennies?  "Flowers picked from your garden; a sticky note on the fridge; chocolate, chocolate, chocolate."    Johnson's book indicates that expressions of gratitude do not need to be flowery or grandiose.  It's the small gestures that come from the heart that are important.

There isn't anything that makes the reader think, "What an original idea."  However, there are quotes from authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and that all-time favorite, Anonymous.   Because the book made me think of Jim, my favorite quote was from author Rita Mae Brown.  It said, "I still miss those I loved who are no longer with me but I find I am grateful for having loved them.  The gratitude has finally conquered the loss."

 Addie Johnson's A Little Book of Thank Yous can be considered a nudge, a little note of inspiration to say those two important words, thank you.  So, my note of gratitude for today is to all of you who stop by to read my blog.  Sometimes you might leave a comment.  Sometimes you just leave a sign you were here, a footprint in a statistic.  Some of you may never write a word here, but you return faithfully, checking to see what book I've reviewed or what author is posting a guest blog.  What author was I lucky enough to get to see this week?  Thank you for dropping by and allowing me to share a little of my book life with you. 

Thank you.

A Little Book of Thank Yous:  Letters, Notes & Quotes by Addie Johnson. Conari Press, ©2010. ISBN
9781573243742 (hardcover), 128p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent my copy of the book, in hopes I would review it.