Heather F. (AZmom875) - , reviewed 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life on + 624 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I read the 2 reviews here on PBS before pulling this book off my TBR shelf. I found both book reviews to be helpful and accurate. This book is about a Woman with MS who was wallowing in pain and self pity. Her friend and spiritual guide suggested she do 29 days of giving. This is the Authors experience, written about how her life changed when she started consciously giving. She does wallow at times, it is about her, I think it was supposed to be about her and her experience. It is NOT a list of 29 things that you can also do, but the 29 things she did. You can do the same journey but you will need to discover your own path. I do have to agree that this book is full of WOO woo. Cami Walker is very spiritual, in that she embraces it all from all religions. Sometimes that turned me off that she got so weird. She has alters in her house to her ancestors, she gets a massage with quail eggs, she has divination session involving rocks, shells and quills. In the end, I applauded her determination and her transparency. Did it inspire me to do a 29 gift giving? No. It did inspire me to make a few changes, in my life and reach some goals.
This book is a very fast read. I read it in two hours.
This book is a very fast read. I read it in two hours.
Helpful Score: 3
I just reread this book for the second time. This book falls under the category of self help books. The 29 gifts is a challenge to give 29 gifts in 29 consecutive days - very purposefully. It's origins in Cami Walker's story are in African traditions.
Most of us in our lives give to ourselves and to others on a continual basis. This book focuses on doing so mindfully with the attitude of giving rather than of obligation. I also like the fact that the book talks about balance - not giving so much that you yourself are depleted. This shift in attitude is where the "self improvement" comes in.
This same message can be heard through numerous other traditions, faiths, and teaching. This was an enjoyable way of being reminded.
Most of us in our lives give to ourselves and to others on a continual basis. This book focuses on doing so mindfully with the attitude of giving rather than of obligation. I also like the fact that the book talks about balance - not giving so much that you yourself are depleted. This shift in attitude is where the "self improvement" comes in.
This same message can be heard through numerous other traditions, faiths, and teaching. This was an enjoyable way of being reminded.
Helpful Score: 2
Of the 29 gifts, at least 20 were "pay and walk away" kinds of gifts. If you really want to change a life: share yourself, share your time, share your experiences. The author was so wrapped up in her own poor-pitiful-me brokenness that, even on the 29th day, it still seemed to be all about her. Also, wayyyyyyy too much woo-woo in the book for my sensibilities. If you buy/read the book, skip her 29 gifts and go to the end of the book or go to the blog where others shared their experiences.
Bottom line: good idea, bad book.
Bottom line: good idea, bad book.