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The Promise of Hope: How True Stories of Hope and Inspiration Saved My Life and How They Can Transform Yours
MP3 CD Format The editor-in-chief of Guideposts magazine presents life-changing stories -- including his own recovery from addiction and depression -- that demonstrate the simple keys to personal change and fulfillment. Years of listening to other people's stories of going through tough times, hoping to overcome difficult odds, or trying to find a way to make a difference in the world brought Edward Grinnan to the understanding that personal change is vital to achieving success. In each chapter of The Promise of Hope, Grinnan weaves the tales of other people with his own story to reveal how each of us can learn about the keys to powerful personal honesty, willingness, imagination, commitment, faith, forgiveness, acceptance, resilience, and love. He shows these principles at work in his own never-before told personal struggle with alcoholism, and how he has learned through his own missteps to accept change and become the person he was meant to be. Through the telling of these stories, each of us can find inspiration and a positive approach to daily living. By listening to the real-life experiences of Edward Grinnan and others, each of us can find a way to change and grow. As we share Grinnan's struggles and eventual triumphs, each of us will be invited to share our own stories and consider how the nine keys can make a true difference.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2011
5 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 29, 2012
So far I am not liking this book too much. Edward Grinnan, the editor of Guideposts Magazine, seems to have trouble figuring out what he wants this book to be- an autobiography, a rehashing of Guideposts stories, or a self help book that moralizes at the reader. If he stuck w/just an autobiography, it might be better. But as another reviewer posted, I too find it disappointing as a revelation of the spiritual life of the editor. This book seems to be a mishmash of pop psychology, intertwined w/his addiction story and snippets of Guideposts stories.
UPDATE: Finally finished this book. My impression hasn't changed. Rambling, long winded and hard to follow. I can't believe Grinnan went to Yale and got a degree in play writing. He has a hard time staying focused on one topic, going off on too many tangents. And he uses too many annoying AA cliches. It's as though no one edited his writing.(How ironic is that- Grinnan is himself an editor) As I noted earlier, it would have been a much better book if he'd stuck w/an autobiography. And if he got himself a ruthless editor instead of those yes men he thanks in the acknowledgements.
UPDATE: Finally finished this book. My impression hasn't changed. Rambling, long winded and hard to follow. I can't believe Grinnan went to Yale and got a degree in play writing. He has a hard time staying focused on one topic, going off on too many tangents. And he uses too many annoying AA cliches. It's as though no one edited his writing.(How ironic is that- Grinnan is himself an editor) As I noted earlier, it would have been a much better book if he'd stuck w/an autobiography. And if he got himself a ruthless editor instead of those yes men he thanks in the acknowledgements.
July 8, 2017
I was amazed @ how blatantly honest Edward was about his past before Guidepost years ... I think this struck me the most ... Yes there were other stories of folks who moved past 'hard' times ... However ever chapter you learned a wee bit more about the author that kept me reading ... Millie is a lucky girl to have such a devoted 'Daddy' ... Julee & Edward are blessed to have each other ... I am so glad Julee told him to be honest about himself & he did so far as I can tell (since I do not know him in person) ... This book takes you on a trip of learning ... & even if you don't have his situation (trying to mark me words so as not to spoil) ... You learn from it ... A couple of spots jumped off the page & smacked me in the face so to speak ... I have them highlighted in me reader so as I can go back & find them @ moments when I need them ... (I read this book to begin with because I read Guideposts monthly ... So I knew the authors when I saw it as a suggested read on Amazon when looking fer another book) ... I highly recommend it!
March 13, 2013
Brutally honest but ultimately disappointing. The book reads mostly as a memoir of a life of addiction peppered with stories from the Guideposts Magazine. A raw, brutal account of struggle, the story doesn't really have a resolution, and although the title alludes to hope, I was left hanging in the end.
October 23, 2011
This was interesting as an insight into the alarming life of an addict and extreme alcoholic. Rather disappointing as a revelation of the spiritual life of the editor of a magazine i have always admired.
December 12, 2018
There are many wonderful stories in this book, describing how various people have overcome significant challenges. These stories emphasize 9 keys to personal change. These are: 1) Honesty 2) Willingness 3) Willingness 4) Commitment 5) Faith 6) Forgiveness 7) Acceptance 8) Resilience 9) Love. I highly recommend this book to all who are looking for an enlightening read, and insight into the process of change.
April 28, 2021
One of my favorite books. I've always admired Edward Grinnan and am a longtime reader of Guideposts. He overcame a lot in his life and it reminds me not to take myself so seriously, to allow myself to heal over things that trouble me and also to overcome obstacles. This book will be a part of my permanent collection.
June 27, 2017
This is a remarkably well-balanced account of Grinnan's personal battle with alcoholism interspliced with the true accounts of others. He spells out very clearly what we need to do to create change in our lives, and his story is proof that it can work.
July 30, 2017
Intriguing read, was somewhat disappointed initially by the emphasis on faith but got over it once i realized i should be reading in more of an anthropologic fashion.
August 4, 2017
I found it to be very interesting with his autobiography mixed in with some anecdotes of stories other people told him. We all deal with hurts hang ups and habits. It is the shared human condition.
December 14, 2017
This is not a book for everyone.....but it resonated with me.
October 6, 2020
So good! Loved the autobiographical thread. Write more!
January 14, 2015
I have been a longtime reader of Guideposts magazine and on occasion the Daily Guideposts. Edward Grinnan, the editor, was just a name in the magazine. He does introduce each issue with a brief "blurb" about what is in the latest issue and some random thoughts. Like all authors, you generally get to know the person from his work and such was the case for my "relationship" with Mr. Grinnan. Things changed after reading this book. His story is compelling and at time heart wrenching. The struggles he went through with alcoholism were tragic, frustrating for me, and finally inspirational. He identifies nine dynamic aspects of personal change and creates a chapter around each one. He discusses how they contributed to his eventual sobriety, but he also brings in stories of other people who also benefited or demonstrated these aspects. Something Guideposts always does...tell people's stories. I would recommend this book for anyone, but especially to those who might be going through some personal struggles.It's a good read.
May 10, 2012
Not sure it's a 4-star, but higher than a 3...Fascinating insight into the life of an addict, as another reviewer stated. Thankfully, many of us don't know those details. However, I was not disappointed in Edward Grinnan's honesty, given his position as editor of Guideposts...I was humbled. ALL of us have our flaws and stumbles. If I held a job such as his, I'm not sure I would have the courage to describe my dark side so fully. Grinnan deserves to be admired and respected for the effort he has made on life's journey, and I hope his story helps someone else. Beyond his personal saga, the nine qualities he outlines that are necessary for personal change are valid points and worth considering for how they apply to life.
May 23, 2012
I was slightly disappointed in this book. I am a great fan of Guideposts Magazine and Daily Guideposts, so I was expecting the book to be more instructive and less autobiographical.
Having said that, I should also say that as a 32 year member of Al-Anon and someone who has loved many alcoholics both sober and not, nothing that Mr. Grinnan went through was a surprise. I have heard many stories of miraculous sobriety at meetings and conferences. But Edward Grinnan's story was a brave and true to life detailed story of the struggle towards sobriety of one man. He is his own miracle and that cannot be taken away from him.
All in all, the interweaving of others' struggles as well as Grinnan's own makes this a worthwhile read.
Having said that, I should also say that as a 32 year member of Al-Anon and someone who has loved many alcoholics both sober and not, nothing that Mr. Grinnan went through was a surprise. I have heard many stories of miraculous sobriety at meetings and conferences. But Edward Grinnan's story was a brave and true to life detailed story of the struggle towards sobriety of one man. He is his own miracle and that cannot be taken away from him.
All in all, the interweaving of others' struggles as well as Grinnan's own makes this a worthwhile read.
August 16, 2012
This is a remarkably well-balanced account of Grinnan's personal battle with alcoholism interspliced with real life stories about other people who have achieved change in their lives. Some stories are simple and light-hearted (like the tall woman who finally decided she should just get whatever shoes she wanted - heels or not), while others express the depths of humanity (like the man who took back his life by giving away millions of dollars). Using nine key concepts, Grinnan makes a clear case for what we need to do to change our lives - and it doesn't come across as preachy because of how his own life was changed.
January 28, 2016
This was one of the most powerful books I have read in a long time. A brutally honest autobiography of a Yale graduate who became a homeless alcoholic panhandling on the streets of New York, searching for cigarette butts in the gutter and suffering the dts more common in much older alcoholics. The road he took to reach this pit and his inspiring story of a stumbling climb out of it left me speechless. Edward Grinnan in now the editor-in-chief of Guideposts magazine which was started by Norman Vincent Peale. Grinnan leads the reader through the nine keys to powerful personal change: honesty, willingness, imagination, commitment, faith, forgiveness, acceptance, resilience and love.
October 25, 2014
This is a really amazing book. Edward Grinnan is currently editor-in-chief of "Guideposts" magazine. However, at the age of 29 he was a hopeless alcoholic living in a Hoboken flophouse. In this book, for the first time, he tells the story of his transformation. Mixed in with his own story he gives short glimpses of other people's life stories too; it's his own, though, that catches and holds your attention. No matter where you are in your life journey, you will find inspiration in this "do-it-not-by-yourself" book. Highly recommended!
November 16, 2011
This book is an excellent read. Mr. Grinnan weaves his story in with the story of others well. If you're looking to make changes in your life read this book. It will encourage you to keep moving forward. Mr. Grinnan, I have loved what I have known of you for years now. Knowing more about you and your journey makes me love you more. I am even more thankful to day that you are a part of my life through Guideposts, Daily Guideposts and now The Promise of Hope.
February 23, 2013
Edward Grinnan is an excellent writer. Word pictures flow in this story of his own life crises and how his current role has led him to other people and their stories. All these stories focused on nine concepts starting with Honesty and finishing with Love show how he and others have grown through the difficult parts of their lives. It gives us all a structure to look at our own lives and see where we've grown and how we can continue to grow.
January 24, 2014
This book is uplifting, but not in a gallery, everything is "unicorns and glitter" way. Grinnan recounts his struggles with alcoholism, while mixing in the stories of others. He notes 9 keys to personal change. While these are good, it's clear that he found his success through the 12 Steps of AA. It's an excellent way to understand the mind of an alcoholic. Difficult to put it down!
January 1, 2015
I was amazed with the candor with which this editor-in-chief of Guideposts Magazine discussed his struggles with depression and addiction, and his ultimate recovery. It is an inspiring book that can be a companion to anyone struggling with these issues.
June 19, 2016
One of the best books I have ever read! Very inspiring, true stories -- especially the author's story. Perseverance is the key to getting through many situations. You will be very encouraged and uplifted. He is a great writer. A must-read!
January 19, 2014
I so admire Edward Grinnan, and resonate with his writing. He is editor-in-chief of Guideposts magazine, which I've read for many years now.
June 6, 2012
Very inspiring, encouraging, and incredible.
July 28, 2012
I thought this was a very interesting book, part memoir and part summary of some very influential stories the author encountered during his tenure as editor in chief at Guideposts.
September 14, 2012
I found the authors story which is interwoven throughout the book to be remarkable. Some of the others stories (all are true) were good others didn't resonate with me.
December 27, 2012
nice idea, cute stories; not so great writing.
January 25, 2013
Read this in bits as part of my "morning readings." Very inspirational & well written without being "preachy."
April 17, 2014
Uplifting stories, inspiring!
June 24, 2014
If you are a fan of Guideposts magazine, you should read this memoir. It is an amazing testament to resiliency and faith, with guidelines to help through the struggles one may face.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews