My Heart Has Wings: 52 Empowering Reflections on Living, Learning and Loving, by "personal growth expert" Kris King, was published by Bridgeway Books.
Retailing for just $19.
95 (US funds), this 338-page book was printed and bound in Thailand - which means there is a larger carbon footprint associated with this book for North American readers.
Sadly, I did not see any notes by the publisher or the author regarding green publishing initiatives that are now widely available in the industry (ranging from recycled paper and veggie inks, to carbon offsets).
Hardcover, with a protective slip cover - both are embellished with an embossed text and a textural design that is interesting, in fact it had my hubby graphic designer intrigued for a few minutes figuring out how the design might have been created.
After several traumatic life events, Kris attended a series of seminars that sparked her interest in personal growth and dealing with stress and tragedy in a positive way.
This was the moment that her life changed and today she finds herself as the CEO of WINGS Seminars - a company that is repeatedly referred to in the book, so much so that this it left me pondering if part of the reason behind the book was to advertise her services.
I feel this would have been better served with condensed information on a closing page.
Outside of her career, the author is a gardener, wife, mother and photographer.
The back cover states the key message in this book and that is that "the key to becoming a better you is already within you" - a simple sentence that effectively relays the truth in a powerful and positive way.
The book itself seems to be based on her own blog entries and personal journaling, combined with photographs of places and people that resonate with the author.
Kris interlaces all of this with some of her favorite quotes.
To give you some idea as to the powerful nature of this book - I had already cried twice by page 28.
About half way through, I was bored and began skipping some sections.
My favorite sections of the book are the quotes on pages 53, 211, 348 and 329 as well as the intro to chapter 40 on page 254.
Readers will want to take advantage of the questions at the end of each chapter, which will prompt a deep introspection of who we really are beneath all the busy-ness and acquirements in life.
Upon reflecting on this review project and what I took away from it, I realized that it was telling me that feeling like a victim in life distorts our perception of each and every moment, every single day.
The positive reinforcement was gently reminding me to trust in my own ability in creating contentment and security in this life.
ISBN#: 978-1-934454-31-2 (paperback) Rating: 3-out-of-5 stars