Member Reviews

I don’t really know what to say about this book, to be honest, because I don’t understand its purpose. The book is a list of organized quotes and poems from topics ranging from love, nature, faith, happiness, and the like. From what I understand from the title, the reader should use the quotes to meditate(?) somehow. So I need a “how to use this book” type intro here.

Understand that the version of this book which I read, doesn’t have an introduction... or what I could consider an introduction. There were a number of quotes which I very much enjoyed. If I can figure out how to connect my Kindle and Goodreads apps to notes, I’d ver much like to share them. I pulled a total of 15 quotes with some annotations. My favorite of which comes from a section titled “Everyday Love” from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (you know him c/o The Little Prince): “Life has taught me that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.”

I think this text may serve a better use as daily calendar. Each quote/poem requires time for reflection, and a daily reminder may be the best way to deliver that.

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC. I receive an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Perhaps it’s the layout in e-book format but this book feels jumbled and messy. I feel like the idea is great but the execution is lacking. Would be better if the quotes had a better flow of themes instead of being all over the place.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review. #365WaysToFindPeace #NetGalley

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It,s a cute little book that has many quotes that you may find peaceful, but I feel there are better books out there that give more meaningful quotes and observations. The format on the kindle was a little off as well, making the experience not that enjoyable. I appreciate the author’s attempt at harmonizing the “peace” end of it all, but I just couldn’t get over how bland it all felt.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

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Simpel und schön. Zum Nachdenken, Meditieren und Verschenken.
Sehr gelungene Zusammenstellung von Zitaten rund um die Welt.

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Really what is not to love about this book. Just a very simple book but provides so many thoughtful meditations. This would make a very lovely gift.

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A cute book if you want to read a line a day for a whole year.

I didn't find it particularly appealing because most of the quotes used didn't resonate with me, but I understand that in 365 quotes, this is bound to happen. However, this was one of the reasons why I didn't even try to finish the book.

I found the edition particularly uncomfortable: in my Kindle, the font appeared in a really light gray which made it nearly impossible to read, and in my computer the pages appeared too wide. This made me drop the book completely.

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I love little books like this! They are easy to read and can serve as references when things get rough. What I enjoyed about this book was that it is divided up into three large sections, The Center of Being which deals with personal attributes, The Inner Circle of Love which is more about relationships, and The Outer Circle of Spirit which deals more with the outside world and the things that we would encounter every day. The tripartite division is easy to follow and makes sense in the context of this book. It provides an interesting way of seeing the world and yourself, and how to find or create peace in each area. You could easily read this in on sitting, but I feel like a book like this should be something that is used as a prompt for critical thinking and reflection. It would be easy to focus on one specific thing each day and really try to internalize what each passage says. I loved this book and it would be a beneficial book to keep beside the bed for morning or nighttime reflection.

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One of those books that you should dogear, return to, bookmark and use to improve your life. I certainly will be revisiting it when I need reminders of how to reduce stress, meditate and generally make life more manageable. Well written and one that I would appreciate on my bookshelf in paperback when it's published in April. I'm grateful to Netgalley and Watkins Publishing for the opportunity to review in exchange for an honest review.

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I love inspirational quotes so this kind of book is always welcome in my shelf. it is good to read it, and bookmark your favourite ones, those that make you think and remember something important to confront your daily responsibilities. I would have appreciated more meaning to this book, more background. It is too obvious that this book is a collection of quotes put together, without too much in the middle. I would not buy it but I am glad I came to read it

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Absolutely gorgeous collection for those moments when life is just too noisy. Really enjoyed picking this one up, I’d definitely recommend.

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365 Ways to Find Peace by Marcus Braybooke is a self-help book.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Watkins Publishing, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My Synopsis:
This is a compilation of inspirational quotes, poetry and sayings grouped together by theme. They are from authors of different eras, different religions, and different countries. Authors include Ralph Waldo Emerson and Jack Kerouac, Mahatma Ghandi and Mother Teresa, The Bible and The Koran. The list goes on. All sayings are aimed to bring the reader a sense of calmness and peace. One for every day of the year.

My Opinions:
Unfortunately, this was not what I was looking for. The quotes were quite good, but lacked any discussion around them, and therefore I found myself just reading and quickly going on to the next, without giving them any serious thought. It may work for some, but did nothing for me.

I was looking for a daily inspirational reading/meditation, but this came up short.

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While I liked this less than I liked 365 Ways to Beat Stress, it was still a thoroughly enjoying and calming read. This is the kind of book that doesn’t necessarily offer any specific advice, but is the kind of the thing that you would leave on your coffee table to pick up whenever you need a moment of quiet calmness. After reading it, I just feel calmer and more at peace with myself. Again, there were any particular things in here that I would want to reference in the future, but I know that just reading it will help set me at ease.

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I expected more meditations than a series of quotes. I love a good quote and enjoyed the ones used in here, but you really have to use your creativity to consider them meditations. Inspirations, yes...meditations...not so much. Still, I did enjoy reading the quotes. It would be good to use as a daily journal lead in or a daily quote to take into your day.

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Book: “365 Ways to Find Peace: Meditations and Inspirations” by Marcus Braybrooke (ed), Watkins Media Ltd., 2019.

Book Review by Mary Mikawoz

Book available April 16, 2019

There are a number of sections to this daily book of 365 ways to find peace through meditation and inspiration. It splits off in a number of sections: The Centre of Being, The Inner Circle of Love, and The Outer Circle of Spirit. There is a quote for each day from the Buddha, to Epictetus to George Washington Carver and George Herbert.

One that I like as an example is in the Svetashvatara Upanishad approximately 600 to 399 BCE in India.

“All is change in the world of the senses, but changeless is the supreme Lord of Love. Meditate on him, be absorbed by him, wake up from this dream of separateness.”

And then there is a more modern one from Max Ehrmann (1872 – 1945) USA

“You are a child of the Universe, no less than the moon and the stars you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the Universe is unfolding as it should.”

It is good as a gift for a friend. It is best read one quote at a time to consider and reflect upon each day.


Tags: peace, meditations, inspirations, spirit, spiritual

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This book has some good and bad suggestions. Some are doable and some are ridiculous. It's not really different from other books with similar ideas. Just a rehashing of the same stuff. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

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As I said before, I'm absolutely not into self help books, I just got this as a recommendation and because I found the other in this series interesting. Many counselors have told me that important to read about the actual tecniques recommendated to find peace, I'll keep reading some other ideas and figuring out what is useful to recommend with others, always triyng to talk truth and go deep with the root causes of their lack of peace. I have not finish it all but have more thank 300 days to do it... I have never read this author before, I'm curious about him.

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365 Ways to Find Peace is not a book on techniques as the book description suggests. It is a book of 365 quotes from people throughout time and the world. Each ‘way’ has the quote, who said the quote, the year of their birth and death, and where they are from.

The quotes are in different sections which include:
The Centre of Being
The Inner Circle of Love
The Outer Circle of Spirit

This book can be read as quickly or slowly as you want. You can read it in the groupings or focus on one quote a day. This one was not really for me as I was expecting a different book- one that give various ways to find inner peace (like 365 Ways to Beat Stress did). I did not want to read a book of quotes. Because of that, this one missed the mark for me.

Special thanks to Watkins Publishing for sending me an arc copy to read and review via NetGalley.

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Beauty contestants spout it. World leaders talk about it. Social activists display placards for it. Writers pen their hopes for it. World peace. This book opens with a promise to help readers find peace or some semblance of peace in this often troubled and tumultuous world. Its basic premise is that we all need reminders that "deep stillness and tranquility" is possible. So the author combs widely for snippets and ways to find such peace. With this search for tranquility the main purpose, editor Marcus Braybrooke draws inspiration from multiple religions, philosophers, sacred books, poems, parables, songs, hymns, selections from cultures that range from East and West. All in all, there are 365 writings. Some are as short as a single line while others are as long as a full page.

The 365 selections are subdivided into three categories:

The Centre of Being;
The Inner Circle of Love;
The Outer Circle of Spirit.


Part One is based on the premise that self-love is a vital foundation for relationships. Admitting that it may seem to be self-centered at first, Braybrooke asserts that it brings about a stability that is needed for the building of love outward. The selections are based on elements of true self; self-esteem; inner strength; stillness; inner wisdom; giving; thankfulness; attentiveness; humility; simplicity; wonder; etc. These are the virtues for cultivating a being that is secure and tranquil. Part Two moves on to the Inner Circle of Love, which covers topics of empathy; selflessness; compassion; friendship; family; etc. There is a bigger element of community and loving others. Part Three is about "Outer Circle of Spirit" which moves beyond the physical realm toward the transcendental.

My Thoughts
For an eclectic collection of works from such a diverse group of people and perspectives, it is hoped that some of these would touch the general reader searching for meaning and peace in their lives. Some readers might try to go through the book thinking that they would find peace. Not all the works could do that. Maybe a few snippets of inspiration might help settle our restless minds. Also, it depends on the readers' personal faith and background. It could be uncomfortable for those who hold a different religious perspective from some of the contributors in this book. For that, I would urge readers not to give up on the book entirely. There are good things to learn from, even though some may not meet our expectations. If something works, then its good. If not, simply move on and not feel too troubled about it.

What is helpful for me is to recognize the diversity of views with regard to the words peace and tranquility. I am aware of the many different definitions of what true peace is. For starters, just see this work as an effort to bridge the gaps between different perspectives, religious thought, and desire for world peace. There is no one size fits all and this book definitely didn't purport to play that role. The hope is that in the reading of these book, if one could find a way toward the peace that one seeks, it would have been a worthy read.

Rating: 3.5 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Watkins Publishing and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

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I did not enjoy this book. It was not what I thought it would be at all. It is literally 365 quotes or poems from all different resources. I envisioned the book being about what the title implies, ways to find peace, but the poems and quotes in the book do nothing of the sort.

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A very practical book, very well organized. I loved the way the author expressed the solutions for each day of the year. Congrats!

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