Gratitude the Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Title: Gratitude: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Author: Maddy Jones    

Publisher: Self Published

Genre: Poetry

My Review:

Gratitude: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle is written by Maddy Jones. Maddy spent years as a Reiki healer and teacher before venturing into the world of writing. Gratitude: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle is her first novel. Maddy is passionate about animal welfare and is the founder of the charity West Mercia Animal Refuge.

The author begins with a definition of what gratitude is, followed by what gratitude leads to. For example, gratitude can lead to wisdom, acceptance, and kindness (among other things). The author also takes the time to explain how gratitude leads to these particular things. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “Therefore, from a perspective of mental health, gratitude plays a huge part in how we cater to our positivity and, therefore, our happiness.”

The author included a section in the book on how to practice gratitude. She had quite a few ideas, several that people would have already thought of, like keeping a gratitude journal (which I do and agree is a good idea). But she also included ideas that I had never heard of or thought of before. The favorite that I had not thought of was keeping a gratitude vision board (which sent my brain right to Pinterest).

The book Gratitude is like poetry in motion. Written in a series of letters to various people and animals, this book is unlike any other book that I have ever read. It is unique and a quick read.  The letters offer glimpses into the author’s life. After each letter, the author states ways she is thankful. She has also included inspiring quotes throughout the book.

While this is a book on gratitude Maddy dealt with quite a few hardships in her life. That caused the book not to be the light reading you would expect from the title of the book. I was also expecting this to be more a religious book and it is not. I am between 2.5 and 3 stars. I think many people would find this an enjoyable read, but it wasn't quite for me.

I would recommend this book to those who want to learn more about gratitude and ideas on how to practice gratitude. Especially those who are not particularly religious. 

This review first appeared on Reedsy Discovery here.  

★★★/5

Synopsis (from the author):

This book came into being out of the amazing ripple created from one letter of gratitude sent by Maddy, the author, to her son’s step-mum, Clare, who was at the end of her life through cancer. The profound effect this letter had on so many people in the family, at such a tough time, inspired her to share stories about events and people that unveil the invisible steppingstones taken to her dream career and partner. Some are funny and some sad but they all show how we can gain wisdom, healing and hope through the power of gratitude.

What is gratitude and how can we incorporate it into our life? How can we be grateful for the challenging events that will always be a part of life? How can we show gratitude towards those who have hurt us? Everything that has happened until now has helped define who you are. What you do next will define who you become.

This book will inspire you to write your own gratitude letters by looking deeply into your heart, who knows the effect they might have on your life and those around you who are fortunate to receive this gift you can offer.