It's That Simple: A User's Manual for Human Beings

by Mavis Karn, Celia Bohle (Illustrator), Michael Neill (Foreword)

"One of the wisest people I know..."
-Richard Carlson, #1 NYT Bestselling Author of the Don't Sweat the Small Stuff series

WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU FELT THE WAY YOU WISH YOU COULD FEEL ALL THE TIME?

In this wonderfully simple yet profound book, professional counselor and teacher Mavis Karn, author of the letter to kids (and former kids) known around the world as "The Secret", shares lessons learned from over 45 years of working with individuals, families, schools, businesses, hospitals, prisons, professional athletes, and teams.

If you've ever wondered why you can be on top of the world one minute and ready to give up the next, how it is that some of your best ideas come when you least expect them, or how to find true peace of mind in the midst of a chaotic world, this "user's manual for human beings" will leave you saying "it can't be that simple!"

But what if it could?

Mavis Karn is a counselor/educator/consultant in private practice in St Paul, Minnesota. She is also a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Learn more
maviskarn.net

Genres: Nonfiction

95 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2023

Reviews

[Isabel Fontes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought It's That Simple after a friend sent me the letter that opens the book in a message. I was having one of those days when your mind won't stop — when thoughts are racing so fast you can hardly breathe.

I read the text right there on my phone. I sat down, and I breathed.

I didn't know who Mavis Karn was. I'd never heard of her or the letter she wrote "to kids (and former kids)". But something in those words — so simple, so human — touched something profound in me. It felt like someone was finally saying what I most needed to hear, without judging me, without trying to fix me.

After a phone call that, honestly, pulled me out of a very dark place that day.
Afterwards, I looked up who Mavis was. I found It's That Simple and bought it immediately. I didn't think twice.

It's hard to explain what this book does without sounding dramatic. But it's as if each sentence gently reminds you of something you already know, deep down — but had forgotten.
As if someone is quietly saying: "You're okay. Even when you think you're not."

I read it almost all in one go, but I know it won't be the last time.
It now sits at the top of my bedside table, among the few books I keep as if they were little maps of myself. The ones you go back to when the noise is too much, when everything feels a bit too tangled.

WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU FELT THE WAY YOU WISH YOU COULD FEEL ALL THE TIME?

This book doesn't promise miracles. But it points you in the right direction.
Maybe it really is… that simple.

[Darragh C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've given the gift of this book to lots of friends and clients. Mavis has a wonderful depth of understanding, an appreciation of humanity. Each letter here is a reminder to us all of how well made we are. Simple and deep. Give yourself the gift of a reminder that being well made includes you.

[Michael Eisbrener · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for every kid on the first day of class in every class. Afterward, once a day or as needed. There is nothing wrong with you. Read this book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gave concise advice that most people (kids to adults) need to hear. It feels like notes from a loving mother to another person.

[Timothy Styx · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s quick and easy to read. Has a “savior” vibe to me that I didn’t like.