Product Description

This book features 366 essays penned from a woman's perspective. Sample topics include gratitude, harmony, self-nurturing, positive body image, the importance of scented linen closets, and many others. Each essay sports a pithy quote from (surprise!) the likes of Kahlil Gibran. Viewed uncritically, it's hard to argue with Simple Abundance's earnest admonitions to appreciate life, in all its messy imperfect excellence. And the fact that serenity and happiness are each in dreadfully short supply can excuse some of the treacly writing. But Breathnach sometimes lapses into what can only be described as her "Martha Stewart on Prozac" voice, and the results are aggravating to the extreme: "If you've been hesitant to strike up a reciprocal relationship with your guardian angel, don't be." Fans of guardian angels will greet these feel-good essays every morning with the rising sun, a cup of mint tea, and a bluebird chirping on the windowsill, and be happy. Skeptics will prefer their coffee very black.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2182 in Books
• Published on: 1995-11-15
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 528 pages

Amazon.com
This book features 366 essays penned from a woman's perspective. Sample topics include gratitude, harmony, self-nurturing, positive body image, the importance of scented linen closets, and many others. Each essay sports a pithy quote from (surprise!) the likes of Kahlil Gibran. Viewed uncritically, it's hard to argue with Simple Abundance's earnest admonitions to appreciate life, in all its messy imperfect excellence. And the fact that serenity and happiness are each in dreadfully short supply can excuse some of the treacly writing. But Breathnach sometimes lapses into what can only be described as her "Martha Stewart on Prozac" voice, and the results are aggravating to the extreme: "If you've been hesitant to strike up a reciprocal relationship with your guardian angel, don't be." Fans of guardian angels will greet these feel-good essays every morning with the rising sun, a cup of mint tea, and a bluebird chirping on the windowsill, and be happy. Skeptics will prefer their coffee very black.

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Customer Reviews

Comfort and Joy
I've read and reread this book so many times that I now know exactly where to look for passages about joy, self-acceptance, "homecaring," gratitude, simplicity, and so forth. The author has certainly done her homework in that the book is filled with pithy quotes, interesting information on a variety of topics, and biographical data on some famous and not-so-famous folks. Each day of the year, Sarah Ban Breathnach weaves this information in with her own words of insight and wisdom to create a delightfully uplifting book of inspiration and advice.

A Life-Changing Experience
I bought this book several years ago and never managed to keep up for more than a few days. This year I found out why. When trying to establish evening rituals to help with sleep, I began this book again. YOU MUST START AT THE BEGINNING. That's where I went wrong before. You can't just jump in on the day you happen to receive it. That said, you can start on Jan 1 any time you want. I did that in late Feb, and I've been "doing" two pages a day to catch up. I've followed the instructions and started a gratitude journal, and I've already seen small changes in myself and my attitudes. I'm more mindful of my words and actions, and I'm more conscious of the things I have to be thankful for. I'm looking forward to more changes and a richer life experience as I continue my journey through this book. It may not be for everyone, but if you're looking to live a more conscious, mindful life, this collection of essays and observations could just be the spark of change you're looking for.

Simple Abundance
I was given this book while I was recovering from surgery and found it so comforting and inspiring that I have since purchased it for two friends who are also undergoing hard times with their health or families. It has helped us all to have a more positive outlook. This book has no beginning, and no end. You can read it starting anywhere, and you can read it forever!