Linda Picone was a journalist for many years who experimented with new forms of writing. She learned to be more creative with the use of quotes and dialogue and to write graceful and persuasive essays. Amazon.com lists 8 books by her. This compact (6"x4"x1") book was a gift.

Her Introduction explains the book: “Collected on these pages are quotations from some of the world’s greatest thinkers on living life well. Some are funny. Some are spiritual. Some are encouraging. Some are provocative.

“And some contradict each other. Have many friends – or only a few. Work with intention towards your goals – or let life take you by surprise. Tread cautiously – or cherish your mistakes. Listen to others – or rely on your own judgment.

“The point of this book is not to give you a fixed itinerary as you make your way on the road of life but rather to offer some bright stars you might use to set your own course.

“Following each quotation is a sentence or two to help you think about the idea expressed in the quotation. This daily reading may include a question for you to answer, a statement for you to accept or reject, or a pledge for you to make.

“Each new day, you are invited to read a quotation and consider the discussion. Do you agree? Disagree? Is this a new idea for you, or does it confirm something you already believe? Is the message a call to action, or an opportunity for contemplation?

“You may have a very different understanding of a particular quotation than what is suggested here. Feel free to let your thoughts take you where they will. In fact, you may find that rereading the quotation at another time, or reading a similar quotation, causes your thoughts to go in yet another direction. For this reason, you may want to read and reread entries regardless of what day it is. (There is no entry for February 29, so at least every four years you will have a good reason to reread a favorite affirmation.)
“However you choose to use this book, the hope is that the wisdom you find here will help you face each new day with greater strength and a more positive outlook.”

Besides the 365 days of words there are 35 pages of full-page (but these pages are small in this pocket-sized book) black-and-white photos without captions that made me speculate on where each photo could have been taken. So about every tenth day you have a photo to ponder as well as words to contemplate. It’s hard to choose an example, but I have with an unusually brief (1/2 page) one:

• (Date and Title) May 8: Simple Delights.
• (Quote and Author) “Teach us delight in simple things” by Rudyard Kipling.
• (Reflection) We don’t need money or fancy toys to have a good time. The world is full of things that can delight us – the sound of a spring robin, the scent of a flower, the smile on a child’s face.
• (Affirmation) I will count the things that delight me today – and I bet I find that most of them are simple things.

I give this book a high recommendation of four stars. Now that I’ve reviewed it, I will keep it where I can read a page every morning, as I have done with other books of daily readings which can be found in the “Essays” category (one of 12 categories) of my book reviews. Three of my favorites are the daily reflections of books 60, 112, and 221.

Today (Sunday, July 25, 2010) I was asked to add today’s page. I agreed, so here it is:

• (Date and Title) July 25: Speaking the Truth.
• (Quote and Author) “Truth is always exciting. Speak it, then; life is dull without it." Pearl S. Buck.
• Reflection: In our attempt to be polite, we may stifle our best, most heartfelt ideas and beliefs. We’re afraid we might hurt someone’s feelings if we spoke truthfully. But it is possible to be honest without being rude or mean. How else do we let others know who we are? How can others let us know who we are? Unless we speak the truth, no bad idea will be challenged and no good idea will be shared.
• Affirmation: Censoring my true thoughts cuts me off from others. I don’t need to stifle my ideas. I can express my true self in ways that are not hurtful.