With Gratitude

Cute short little poetry book. The poems were clear, concise and to the point. No interpretation needed. It lacked a little depth.

There is so much to appreciate in this small, but lovely book. From its beautiful cover to the stirring words within its pages, I knew right away that I was holding something special in my hands!

Ms. Scott wants our journey through life, the good times, the hard and challenging times, to be all put into the framework of being grateful for the multitude of things we have been given, and continue to receive and have available to us each day if we but notice them. Of course, this isn't a new idea, and yes, many others have told us the same thing. But this author backs up her opinion by sharing beautiful, personal poetry with us.

There are so many poems that touched me within this book; among them A Painter's Canvas, Those Little Gifts, Inside the Storm, The Reward, Reframe the Picture, Conquered, Loving the Journey, Lifelong Teacher, Implementing Change, The Unseen, Letting Go and Direct Connection. I especially liked that the title of the poem was not given until the end so that the work could not be prejudged by it.

Marala Scott has a way with words, and she shows her skills here. I am indeed grateful that NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing let me read an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions here are my own. The book will be available to the public on 4/2/19.

With Gratitide is an amazing poetry collection that pulls your heart strings with relatable topics. I highly recommend reading it.

The poems and snippets of beautiful thoughts in this book seem so simple. In a way they are, and that is what makes them so great. I noticed that often they really touched my emotions. Some instances I was moved to tears, because there on the pages was exactly how I felt, or had felt at a certain difficult moment in my life - while still pointing at the good things.

I felt very moved by many of the poems in this collection. I can be a very negative person and cling to difficult and negative experiences for years. I still have issues with being bullied when I was a kid. I still write poems about someone I broke up with15 years ago. The poems in this collection focus on turning negatives into positives. Something I’m sure many people could do more of. The situations explored are universal. The poems are very free and easy to read. I felt they lacked real depth but were nevertheless enjoyable, perhaps because of their simplicity.

It is wonderful to share ideas and attitudes that have transformed your life of inspire you to be better.
Poetry and emotive prose can capture in short bursts feelings, concepts and life-affirming values other writing reflects but ends up overwhelming and burying.
With Gratitude, seeks to share ideas that we seldom notice or acknowledge, provides positive outlooks when we see problems, pain and poverty of spirit and love.
A collection to raise appreciation and open the reader's eyes to what they have and have let slip through their hands. Not to gauge it as half full but not yet empty and live for the moment. See the now, dismiss the past and embrace the future.
Strong words and a positive surge of energy in the reading of this collection.
Some my cringe at the simplicity and point out life's open sores and unhealed wounds. Some may bounce along and take it all on board in a sense of thankfullness euphoria.
For me it isn't a question of challenging the twee, or saying my burdens are greater. This is a rich source of reflection on seeking a more positice outlook and grasping life's essence.
Even if the words make you take issue at least you are now thinking in a new way; scared? One day you may turn the page and that poem resonates and brings a new contentment.

With Gratitude by Marala Scott is a beautiful collection of poetry to cultivate gratitude, generosity, and lovingkindness. So many of these poems resonated with me, prompting me to pause and fully contemplate them. Many illustrated in of my most favourite quotes-

'Auguries of destruction be a lullaby for rebirth.'
~Key to Twilight

Be grateful for all experiences in your life. Destruction invariably leads to new growth. Take time to appreciate the little things in life. These are the things that truly have no price. Hummingbirds on flowers, a painted sunset, a thunderstorm lightshow. The stray kindness of a stranger, and the small kindnesses you can pay forward to others.

The poems were short free-verse. I loved that it was the last line, italicised, that formed the title of the poem. It was a lovely structure, one I don't recall seeing before and I adored it. Highly recommended!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Some of the poems really resonated with me, others not so much. They are quite short, so this book is perfect for when you need a short and light read that nevertheless will make you think deeply.