The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters Emily Esfahani Smith

The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters

Emily Esfahani Smith

Crown

2017

The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters

Smith has put together an interesting array of material to point her reader toward a life that matters, borrowing from her title. Through her research work she finds several common factors that in the end become necessary to living a life that a person can claim as important in some way whether its feeding giraffes, turning a well-honed illicit drug business into a legitimate business venture, or surviving a concentration camp. Yes, she covers that much ground in this short book. And it is all to illustrate how meaning and a satisfying life emerge.

The worth of this book isn’t necessarily that Smith has found some new silver bullet approach, but it’s readability. The ease with which she leads a person through the various discussions helps the reader relax and absorb what she says. Change doesn’t come easy for any of us so a soft, gentle approach cushions the ride. I’d say anyone that is even remotely questioning meaning, purpose, or how to make their life matter this would be a good first read. And re-read. There’s plenty of wisdom built into this book.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Comments

Review: The Little French Bistro by Nina George

Review: The Little French Bistro Nina George Crown 2017 I have to admit that I'm not a fan of romance novels, but I think this one goes beyond the boy meets girl idea. By a bunch. If adults had coming of age stories this one would fit there. Marianne travels a road many people I know would love to, but fear taking the steps needed. And that is the basis of this book. Taking the steps. Joy, sorrow, whatever comes and keep on taking the steps. I agree with many of the comments already made about George's ability to build wonderful characters, paint scenes that vibrate with energy, and tell a story too. Her writing touches the heart and not in some sappy, maudlin way. A place of real emotions and desire. Speaking of desire---her intimate scenes are just that, intimate. In body and mind. And not for just spicing things up a bit. She captures the true nature of intimacy...

Review: Anatomy of the Soul

Anatomy of the Soul Curt Thompson. M.D. Salt River, an imprint of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2010 This is the most helpful,insightful book I’ve read in a long time. There’s advice, guidance, explanations and examples to illustrate discussion offered by the author. Best of all, for me anyway, it explains some of what I had suspected about how things work all along. Dr. Thompson links human anatomy and physiology to the spiritual part of our being throughout the text. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. And God uses His creation of the physical body in amazing ways. The author does a great job showing God’s wisdom found in research and the discoveries that science has made recently in neuroscience. Whether science wants to or not, it is describing the wonders of creation. Read this book. The text will require thought, evaluation, and time to go through. The author’s writing style is quite readable and he covers the material well. While this isn’t a how to or self help boo...

Review: When God’s Ways Make No Sense by Dr. Larry Crabb

Review: When God’s Ways Make No Sense Dr. Larry Crabb Baker Books 2018 I chose this book because the title intrigued me. When God’s Ways Make No Sense. There have been plenty of times when that seemed truer than I’d like to admit. Are we even allowed to say something like that? Even if we think it. So, an author willing to take on that topic had my attention. And mostly because I wanted his take on what to do about it? As it turns out Crabb pretty much gave away his case very early on in his book with a single scripture quote. The basic idea is God is GOD and we are not. His motives and actions are incomprehensible to mankind and He owes no explanation for them either. Crabb admits near the end of his book that he is not a theologian which I knew going into this book, but his arguments are theology. Or at least I think so. I found his repeated circling the topic a bit frustrating. ...

The Return

Search This Blog