One of the most meaningful books I think I've picked ...
344902
One of the most meaningful books I think I've picked up in a very long time! It's a must read!
1512694
Wow, what can I say?

I don't know who suggested for me to read this. Thank you, whoever you are. Obviously, it was very important to me to read it as I did the full search on the library-site and then, when I didn't find the library's audio version, I downloaded the audible to listen while reading.

When I first began reading I was a little put off and confused by the use of "you" as if the character was talking to him or herself. I don't know if that was a tool the author employed or if it resulted from translation, or a combination of the two. Once I got used to the tactic I fell into the thoughts of each of the characters readily.

I think this is an important book for all people to read. It reminds us to think of the "back-story" of the people around you, that you love and possibly take for granted. As an author, I think of the birth and childhood and daily thoughts of my own characters to breathe life into them. But I think I should pursue the real people in my world. Even if we are in the same situation we see each other and the situation through our own filters. What don't we know of others that we never seem to find the time to find out?

This is a sacred book. I will have to buy it and read it again.
2313540
I'd recommend this book to anyone age 10 and up who loves characters who feel like they could be your neighbors, values kindness, and appreciates the soaring heights that everyday people can be reach.

I wish I could more eloquently articulate what a meaningful, moving story I found this book to be, but since I'm having trouble choosing the right words, I'll just say: Read it,and you'll see the wonder for yourself.
945482
This book touched me deeply on so many levels. Meg Flather's writing style is just lovely and so down to earth.  It feels straight from the heart.  It feels real.  It feels authentic. Her stories are so complex; funny, sweet, sad, adventurous, gritty, inspiring, uplifting, and wise; always positive and never preachy. Ms. Flather's poetry/lyrics are profound and also beautifully moving. Her life stories resonate on a very universal level.  Even if events are different, I related to so very much in this beautiful book.  After I finished reading, I lent the book to my sister.  Though we grew up in the same home, as with most siblings, our life paths have been wildly different, yet my sister also found the book totally relatable and inspiring.  Now that I have "Home Shopping Diva" back I want to re-read it and highlight many parts.  I don't want to loan it out again and I do want a number of people in my circle to read it, so I just bought two copies, along with one of Ms. Flather's CDs, Passages.  It will be a treat to gift forward HSDiva.
2030636
This book is one of the things that stays on my bedside table, travels along with me everywhere I go and has been, since I first opened it, a consistent go-to when I need reminding.  The basic premise IS the title, which of course drew me in.  From as far back as i can remember, I've wanted to change the world.  And to be able to be Me, and that does it?  Holy - sign me up.

And then I started reading it.

On every other page, in every other sentence, I saw myself.  Where I'd made myself wrong and then where I was actually right - brilliant - amazing.  And then I was given a tool to use in my every day life that would start changing things for me even more.

I've never read a more inspirational, practical book on how to be more me - and how THAT, changes everything.

Thank you so much Dain for being you - and for putting out there tools that actually work.
4422136
One of the most potentially life changing books I've ever read, this is a book that I am bound to read cover to cover repeatedly.
4225534
I'm halfway through this book and it has literally become one of my favorite books. Oddly enough, just picking up the book helps me feel grounded. Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo explains concepts really simply and practically. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to find more peace in his of her life.
4505804
The following section contains one of the most beautiful concepts I've read in a Christian novel.

It seemed like a strange thing to say, but with every repetition she drove a tiny seed of hope further into my heart. I almost didn't want it there--hope is not a promise, merely a wish, a yearning for something that may never materialize--but it sank down deep where I could not extract it and began, even in that moment, to put down fragile roots.

It was the hope that scared me most of all, and only when I had felt it tremble inside me did I begin to cry.

My review:

That section from the story (above) spoke most deeply to my heart. It's what we all need when the world seems to be caving in on us. We need hope. We need someone to gift us with it so we will see things from a different perspective. We don't need judgment or condemnation. This fallen world dishes out plenty of that, and what the world doesn't dump on us we heap on ourselves. After the Leaves Fall is about hope.

There were so many beautiful and profound discoveries that Julia made about herself in the story, which is more like a coming-of-age journey, that I don't know where to begin. I don't want to spoil any of the precious treasures the reader will discover along with Julia. My heart broke for her and yet it also understood her. There is a little piece of Julia in all of us. Children need affirmation from a mother, and without it they spend their lives second-guessing themselves. This came out in so many of her internal thoughts and her impulsive decisions. Often as she contemplated her life I found myself doing the same.

After the Leaves Fall is so impressively introspective with it's gorgeous prose that words are inadequate to describe it. And on some deep level, every wounded child wants to do what their parent did, but do it right this time. No one wants to duplicate mistakes, but the deep need to be loved often drives our behavior. It's truly amazing how that works, but it's how God created us...to need love. Anyway, this is one of the most emotional and wonderful books I've ever read and it has impacted my heart deeply. I can't recommend it highly enough. If all authors were as gifted as this debut author, I would never get anything done.
1404523
Stunning, really. It's reminding me why I MUST read to remain a human being.
1091159
This book is a gift and I got it again because it has deep meaning for me and worth giving it to someone I love.
4215884
There is a lot that personally resonated with me in this book. The stories jumped out at me as extremely relevant and touched my heart.

Although I can't speak to other people's experiences, I'm pretty sure anyone who reads The First Dancer will be fascinated by how it urges you to think outside of the box to create opportunities for success. I really liked the part where it talks about creating a perception of success and attracting opportunities for smaller successes as stepping stones for bigger successes in life.

Practical tips like creating a three-year future resume and breaking it down into practical steps will surely go a long way in helping me increase focus. Chapter on personal branding and the step-by-step guide for creating a sustainable brand is awesome. There are so many things in the book that really got me thinking about so many things we're missing out on everyday and thus neglecting the real potential we all have.

Most fascinating was "MBA's last resignation letter" as it relates to my missed opportunities. I don't want to spoil it for other readers, so I'll keep it at that. To conclude, a must read for anyone looking to achieve real success in life.
701188
This book is honestly one of the most important that I have read. In my own life spirituality has become a journey of confusion, hope, doubt, and faith. I have read many books about spiritual life in order to find meaning and make my journey real and personal. Most books speak of spirituality and seeking in terms that are cold and impersonally religious. The Seeker's Way is a beautiful story that gives me permission to have courage and even pride in my journey. I feel encouraged to embrace these longings, not through systematic formulas, but through a lifestyle that brings hope to my own seeker's way. I would strongly recommend this book to everyone, those whom are currently spiritually seeking and those who don't know they are yet. Peace, jared
152268
This book has made my life so much more meaningful and understandable!! Much love!!
144469
Instead of waiting for the end of your life to appreciate it, take stock now - you are on an epic journey.

My copy is filled with highlights, the sign of a book that I know I'll refer back to. I think the best I can do to help convey the significance of this book is to share some of my favorite highlights. I read it cover to cover in about 2 weeks.

Some notable highlights:

 Our Journey... 

 A story that keeps our interest is one we can't anticipate. The treasure lies in the unknown.
 Life is not designed for ease, it's designed for meaning.
 Understanding our place in the world gets us halfway to making the world a better place.
 It's the result of aiming at something beyond mere adaptation and survival.
 "No vision would be required, no dream would be needed, and no one's soul would be truly tested."
 "If we cannot find joy in the journey, there will be no delight in the destination" ~ Will Craig
 "Life is like arriving late to a movie, having to figure out what is going on without bothering everyone with a lot of questions, and then being unexpectedly called away before you find out how it ends."

 Teaching and Mentors 
 "We teach best what we most need to learn." ~ Richard Bach
 It is said that the best teachers are those who have just learned what you need to know.
 Become the apprentice of your best life.
 "When the hero is ready, the mentor appears."
 There's a difference between knowing the path and walking it.
 A willingness to trade immediate gratification for lasting courage and heroism.
 Getting knocked down reveals you're human, getting back up reveals your character.

 Ambition, change, and entitlement 
 We have the opportunity to improve our lives incrementally one day at a time.
 Our unwillingness to change (or accommodate change), keeps us stuck, and we repeat the lesson. We have to renew or redo.
 Reflection allows us to see the significance of the lessons learned.

 Decisions, Fate, and Reflection 
 What you say to yourself really does matter (it's our internal programming).
 Our lives are the culmination of every thought we've had.
 Our values, principles and boundaries will be forever getting tested.
 Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom (Aristotle).

I'm sure you'll find more gold as well!
2720325
I count this among my most cherished books. I've read it three times, and each time I do so, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose to chase my most "unrealistic" goals, cast aside my worries, and embrace a simpler existence overall. Quite simply, this is a piece of mandatory reading if you're a human being.
4032224
My memories of Toby Tyler had to do with the Disney film. The film has not much in common with the book. I have read reviews of this book from other readers who have dismissed it as old fashioned. I read quite extensively on a very wide range of subjects. I like to think I have a feel for what is irrelevant. This book is very relevant. The messages of the story are very sound ones. It speaks about honoring your elders, being true to yourself and understanding that real life is not always what we want it to be. It's about friendship, sacrifice and love. I found this book to be so filled with warmth and compassion and forgiveness. Now, if that's irrelevant in today's world, we are doomed. This is one of the best books I've ever read. It made me happy. That is a mighty important thing for a book to accomplish. Very highly recommended.
4643768
If you are looking to have a fulfilling and meaningful life, you must read this book.
I heard David Zappasodi on Wellness Force Radio (an awesome podcast!) and I was absolutely mesmerized by his words so I bought the book. I reference it all the time, probably to the annoyance of many people at this point. But it's only because it has made such a positive impact on my life in so many ways. The way he spells out the 6 essential practices makes everything so clear.
Luckily I am currently dating someone who has a degree in psychology and already has an understanding of these topics and can have an intelligent conversation with me about it. We briefly broke up, which was very upsetting. However I give all of the credit to Dave for me not falling apart during that time. OK I get a little credit myself too but having read the book. I was really able to keep it together and keep from falling into the same self-disparaging trap I have so many times before. Instead I remembered the practice of patience and balancing thought and feeling and most importantly that you can't change how other people feel or control how other people feel. In addition you create your own suffering and if I made myself miserable over what had happened and that would be a choice that I would be doing to myself and not something that he was doing to me.
I also recently got divorced. It was the best thing I could have done for myself. I don't think I realized until recently how traumatic my marriage was and how completely checked out emotionally from everything I have been for the last 3 to 4 years. That was a few years of thought without feeling.... It's nice to finally be alive again and to figure out who I am.
I marked up the whole book and I will definitely read it over and over.