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About Book
Review by Frankie Thomspon
Review by Nikki Rosen
Review by Laura Davis
Review by Joan Cyrenne
Endorsements
"You dont write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say."
F. Scott Fitzgerald
ABOUT BOOK
"I never truly knew the meaning of faith until I was so filled with fear. It was then that God reached out His hand and saved me from the depths of confusion and despair. This powerful experience is one that I will never forget...."
In her second book, author Dolores Ayotte continues to offer practical, down-to-earth, and easy-to-incorporate bits of wisdom into life's daily routine. Once again, Ayotte uses her unique sense of humor, quotes, and anecdotes, as well as her gift for story telling to get across her well-thought out steps to a happier self.
If you are going through a difficult time and are looking for suggestions and inspiration to get back on track, GROWING UP & LIKING IT is the book for you.
At a time when most of our lives are complicated by schedule, commitment, stress and expectation, motivational author Dolores Ayotte greets us with a delightful, easy to read book that suggests an alternative approach to experiencing our lives. A follow on book to I’'m Not Perfect and It’s Okay, Growing Up and Liking It is a compilation of 13 life lessons, born of the wisdom of a life well lived and told through relatable stories, anecdotes, personal experiences and inspirational quotes. In her book, Ms. Ayotte encourages her readers to slow down, to listen, to question and become enthusiastic about the lives they lead.
As a reader, we are given a sneak peak into the Ms. Ayotte’s relationship with her friends, her husband, her children and her grandchildren. Her stories, simply told, convey not just the wisdom of her experiences but the way she reflects on her experiences to better her perspective and enhance her own life. Her stories convey a strong dependence on a faith well-honed, a spiritual soul at the center of her thought and natural teetering between the roles of teacher and student that lends a sense of
humilty in the conveyance of her message.
What I found quite interesting in the read of this book, is the number of inspirational quotes incorporated into the teaching of the 13 steps to a happier self. For me, this is testimony to the breadth of seeking and reflection that has gone into the living the life that inspired these lessons. Inspiration from the likes of Mother Theresa, the Bible and Vince Lombardi are woven into practical pearls of wisdom that are easy to apply to anyone’s life.
The underlying message I found in all thirteen steps, is that in our own lives, we are the ones with the power to change what is not working. The author encourages us to know and address our own needs; physical, emotional and spiritual. She encourages us to choose wisely what we strive to be, and pay dear attention to the journey taken to achieve our goal. She encourages us to finish what start, say what we mean and mean what we say. Though none of this is news to any of us, the reminder to pay attention to these simple things is so welcome in our event driven, constant connect, always on, always available lifestyle that has come to be our way.
In reading this book, I felt like I was talking to an old friend. The language is simple yet poignant, the stories relatable and familiar, the rhythm of the read easy and the message clear and consistent. As I read her stories, I was reminded of similar ones in my own life and my own family making her message all the more accessible and her suggestions all the more applicable.
Each of the thirteen chapters ends with a summary and a reflection. In this, Ms. Ayotte gives the reader practical, doable suggestions to help us begin to examine our own lives and find the places where we can begin to find and welcome our true self.
The book ends with an Epilogue that reveals the delicate and painful experiences that paved the way for these lessons to be compiled. The startling honesty of Ms.
Ayotte’s story inspires all us to question, to know ourselves, to trust ourselves and our instincts and to find and hear our own voice.
I'’m Not Perfect and It’s OK and Growing Up & Liking It are must reads for anyone looking to better their station in life, is seeking to find and define their own life’s legacy or find their way through a personal crisis. The read is simple, the message profound and the author’s story an inspiration to be the best that is within us.
Dolores suffered with depression at one point in her life. Over the years, she learned some tools to help her rise above the darkness. Her book contains some of these life lessons that helped her to empower herself. Lessons she wants to share, to give others hope.
This compact book contains 13 self-help tips. Each chapter is a quick read with nuggets of truth Dolores shares from her life. She uses her interactions with family members; her husband, children and grandchildren to bring home her message of hope and empowerment.
In reading Growing Up and Liking It I felt as if I was sitting with Dolores listening to her share her heart. There is a genuine warmth and intimacy in her writing. This book can be helpful for people who need some “inspiration to get back on track.”
Growing Up and Liking It – 13 Steps to a Happier Self is the perfect sequel to I’m not Perfect and It’s Okay. The Canadian author, Dolores Ayotte, once again gives down-to-earth practical advice that any woman would find valuable. I’m Not Perfect and It’s Okay the author’s previous book, left me with the feeling that I had just sat down with Dolores over a cup of coffee to get some good advice. Growing Up and Liking It, had me feeling much the same way. The advice is still sound and something we can all benefit from and Ayotte in her personable and likeable way, instantly makes the reader feel at home as she doles out her advice with anecdotes and quotes.In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen so many quotes in one book before. If anything, the author’s pen name should be “the quote lady” as I’m certain she has a good one for every occasion! But, as she explains in her book, “Over the last 25 years, I have collected numerous quips, quotes, stories and newspaper articles.” This is something that comes naturally to her and has helped enormously in her writing.
Without the quotes, the bookjust would not be the same. I love the author's easy style of communicating with her readers. I can picture her at her desk, as she often stops in her writing to tell us what she is doing, or what her husband is doing while she is writing to us. Truly, she has a unique way of engaging the reader.At the end of each chapter Ayotte has provided questions or suggestions on how to get started on having a happier life. I found that I took a long time reading this book, not because it was a large book, it is only 192 pages, but because I wanted to meditate on her suggestions.
I believe this is a good book for a woman’s study, combined with her first book you would get a good dose of wisdom and timely advice from a woman who loves the Lord and genuinely longs to share what she has learned from following Him.
Growing Up and Liking It – 13 Step to a Happier Self, is one book you will want to add to your shelf!
I just finished reading "Growing Up and Liking It", and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is the second book for author Dolores Ayotte. Both of her books gave me inspiration and food for thought.
Yes, food for thought, because, both of her books are recipe books --- recipes for a happier self. Dolores gives you the ingredients, but, it is up to the reader to decide how much is needed in their own recipe.
I read with relish from page 1. I thought about each of her ingredients ........ (which she notes at the end of the chapter). Actually, I jotted them down --- so I could savour them again later. And savour I did, all of this food for thought, until I finally came up with my own "personal" recipe.
Yes, I would highly recommend this "read" to you ------ it will change your life ---- if you let it.
ENDORSEMENTS
Living happier and more fulfilling lives is ever more daunting in these stressful times when finding a balance between work, home, recreation and relationships often seems out of reach. How refreshing it is then to read Dolores Ayotte’s latest book “Growing Up And Liking It (The Donut Holes)” and to discover simple, effective steps for finding a balanced approach to happier living. This wife, parent, grandmother, gardener, storyteller, teacher and author shares her wonderful philosophy for living a happy, rewarding life using her easy to follow “nuggets” of wisdom. Her unique writing style borrows from the quips and quotations of many of the world’s wise and quotable persons passed down through the ages, which she blends with her own life experiences to guide the reader to better life coping skills. This is a book to be read as one would eat a box of “donut holes” from the local Donut and Coffee Shop, one bite at a time so as to savor the flavor and to digest the lessons taught from your favorite ones.
Gilbert Frontain
Director Human Resources (Retired)
One of my new-found friends is about to release her second book, "Growing Up and Liking It". The cover is adorable, and I can't wait to read this book. I also thoroughly enjoyed reading her first book, "I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay", which explains through love, honesty, and a wonderful sense of humor how to have a fulfilling and happy life. Her writing flows smoothly and engages the reader right away. Her reliance upon and strong faith in God is evident throughout her book.
On her website Dolores writes about being "The Human and Humane Self-Help Author"
"My circle of healing ends here, but in essence, it has created a new beginning, as it is only one link in the gold chain of life. Now that I have found my voice, I want to share it with everyone who will hear/listen to me. I want you to know that you are not alone! Try very hard to embrace this fact, and you will start to heal. Trust me. I know that anything is possible with faith, but it takes time. Be patient and give yourself that time. When you see glimmers of light, you will have new hope, and with new hope, you will find a new and happier life." ~ Dolores Ayotte
Susan Earl author of the novel Moon Dance
Dolores's second book was as much joy to read as her first. It’s full of insight and wisdom. I wrote her when I was done reading her manuscript and told Dolores how hard it was to put down “Growing Up and Liking It” (The Donut Holes) once I started to read it. It's one book that totally had me hooked from start to finish.
Linda Briscoe
“Growing Up and Liking It” (The Donut Holes) is the second in a series of books written by Dolores Ayotte. I truly enjoyed it, much like her first book, “I’m Not Perfect And It’s Okay” because it seemed to fill in the gaps. “Growing Up And Liking It” takes you on an adventure filled with humorous quips and anecdotes about life’s experiences. The simple tips shared by Dolores help the readers to find meaning in their own lives in order to better cope with their own personal challenges. It is once again, a hand’s on recipe. The recommended tips help individuals to be the best they can be no matter the circumstances.
Lorraine Gauthier B.A. (Psychology)
A most inspiring and enjoyable sequel to, "I'm Not Perfect and it's Okay". Once again, the author enlightens the reader with her wisdom and natural ability to express and teach others from her own life experiences. As a result, this book gives you insight on simple life strategies to a happier self. I loved it!
Gloria Korell
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