Thank you....A Simple Act

I am a big believer in Thank Yous and I was obviously drawn to this book, especially with the intention of following the idea of writing a thank you note every day.  The story begins with the author reflecting on how his life is basically at it's worst; he is getting divorced, overweight, struggling to keep his law practice afloat and living in a run down apartment where he finds himself in a constant battle to keep everything that he treasures close to him, mostly his relationship with his young daughter.

His ex-girlfriend sends him a thank you note for a Christmas gift and he reflects on the simple act, and while on a walk realizes he needs to be thankful for what he already has in his life. The commitment if made to write thank you notes everyday for not just material things but the simplest acts of kindness and so begins his journey of gratitude for 365 days.

I found the book interesting and of course there were even times when I got choked up with his stories of his friends - especially his friend who he ran the marathon with.  I loved his list at the end of the book of all the people who came into his life or are in his life, from his paralegal, to his daughter's teacher, to his brother for being a great caretaker, the Starbucks Barista who remembers his name and, my favorite, the lady at the dry cleaner.  I appreciate his awareness and of course since reading the book I have made myself so much more aware and for that I liked it.  I will say, however, at some points the author's self pity feels a little self serving and even pointless to the story and I found it even frustrating, not wanting to partake in the pity party. The good news: the stories of his friends and the responses he received in return outweighed the self pity. Overall, I did like the book and the message.  Thank You!

 Enjoy a novel and Tea!