Just as Luci Swindoll's mother, when giving instructions to her children, began every request with a verb that required action, so does Luci in her newest book Simple Secrets to a Happy Life. The title of each chapter begins with an action verb. While she doesn't claim to have all the answers regarding how to "live happily ever after", she does claim that there are some secrets she has learned through her life that make living richer and more enjoyable. Each of those fifty secrets require action on our part, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. The book is broken down into five section but Ms. Swindoll begins with the basics such as honoring your Mother and Father, how to treat other people, having a daily devotional, and organization. She then goes on to discuss topics such as focusing on the here and now, integrity, thankfulness, celebrating milestones, and the importance of friends and community. Each chapter contains somewhat of a "memoir" of her life as an illustration.
There are times when all of us need the words Ms. Swindoll has recorded as they do take us "back to the basics" and just some good common sense, moral living. However, don't look to this volume as a perfect fix when your life isn't as you wish it was. Only God can make us truly happy and fill the emptiness in our lives. While the thoughts in this book may make your life and the lives of those who know you a bit more pleasant and joyful (if you act on them), I would be hesitant to say that they will bring you true happiness.
For me, I think this book is a good reminder of habits that I should have in my life and could be a wonderful chapter-a-day book. Each chapter is very short--I don't think any one of them was over 3 pages. So, when I re-read it, I think I will read a chapter, pondering it throughout the day and then determine how I need to act on what I've read to bring joy to my own life as well as joy to those around me.
I did receive this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review and was not obligated in any way to leave a positive review.
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