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A Touch of Wonder
This is a book about looking and seeing. The underlying theme is that there's a lot more to commonplace happenings than meets the eye, and that most people would find a lot more in them if they would just take the time to truly see.
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 10, 2025
Teach me to touch the unseen, lonely heart
With laughter, or the quick release of tears.
Let me portray the courage that ensues
Defiant in the face of pain or death;
The kindness and the gentleness of those
Who fight against the anger of the world;
The beauty hidden in the smallest things;
The mystery, the wonder of it all...
A Touch of Wonder.
(To be displayed proudly on all book reviewer's desks!)
There. Arthur Gordon's done it again. Eighteen years since I first bought this e-book, having got tired of passing it by in used book stores since the 1970's.
Did those lines touch you to the heart? Gordon, seasoned war veteran that he was, and adroit journalist of most of the great magazines in the late past millenium, knew well he did that to folks with his homespun tales, memories and loose ends gathered herein.
And he touched my own heart to its very quick in 2005, dissolving its humid mists of workplace burnout in the first months of my retirement, and sowing seeds of new hope in their place.
In the first place, in 2005 the Western World was still reeling from 9/11. We were experiencing the first millennial seismic shake up (the first of many!).
But I, free of the workplace for the first time in my life, just wanted to READ. So I fled my armchair sciatic strictures at the first breath of spring to spend my severance cheque on books.
At that moment in April I felt wonderful. Pain or no pain.
No more orders. No more "yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir.'
Free.
With two satchels crammed full of books (along with this one), I marched home, Light of Foot! Those were the days.
Other friends had already retired, and this book played vade mecum for us then, tagging along, for example, on day trips to such exotic Canadian venues as Montebello, Quebec - with our friends down the street, strolling through 18th century museums and laughing so heartily at nothing in particular other than that we felt so freely unfettered!
Ah, those were indeed the days, before the Nor-Easterly of the viral twenties started to chill our bones and hearts...
And our sagging spirits!
***
Last night a good friend sent me a ground-breaking article out of Scientific American called Moral Injury - A New Epidemic. That's what we have all suffered. We are starting to live in a moral void.
Arthur Gordon would just smile and say that that's OK - For we have only missed the point!
The little things that have always cheered us are STILL THERE.
But we have buried them with our endless worrying.
***
All that we must do, Gordon might say now, is to drop our obsession with the power of technology. Go back to simple things. Breathing. Smiling. Having the odd good cry.
You know, there was a great deal of wisdom in the Hippie Years - from Arthur Gordon - and from this little poem that graced kids' bedrooms then:
DESIDERATA
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there might be in silence...
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant: they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons: they are vexatious to the spirit.
Beyond wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars: you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
***
Thank you, Mr. Gordon. FIVE STARS.
With laughter, or the quick release of tears.
Let me portray the courage that ensues
Defiant in the face of pain or death;
The kindness and the gentleness of those
Who fight against the anger of the world;
The beauty hidden in the smallest things;
The mystery, the wonder of it all...
A Touch of Wonder.
(To be displayed proudly on all book reviewer's desks!)
There. Arthur Gordon's done it again. Eighteen years since I first bought this e-book, having got tired of passing it by in used book stores since the 1970's.
Did those lines touch you to the heart? Gordon, seasoned war veteran that he was, and adroit journalist of most of the great magazines in the late past millenium, knew well he did that to folks with his homespun tales, memories and loose ends gathered herein.
And he touched my own heart to its very quick in 2005, dissolving its humid mists of workplace burnout in the first months of my retirement, and sowing seeds of new hope in their place.
In the first place, in 2005 the Western World was still reeling from 9/11. We were experiencing the first millennial seismic shake up (the first of many!).
But I, free of the workplace for the first time in my life, just wanted to READ. So I fled my armchair sciatic strictures at the first breath of spring to spend my severance cheque on books.
At that moment in April I felt wonderful. Pain or no pain.
No more orders. No more "yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir.'
Free.
With two satchels crammed full of books (along with this one), I marched home, Light of Foot! Those were the days.
Other friends had already retired, and this book played vade mecum for us then, tagging along, for example, on day trips to such exotic Canadian venues as Montebello, Quebec - with our friends down the street, strolling through 18th century museums and laughing so heartily at nothing in particular other than that we felt so freely unfettered!
Ah, those were indeed the days, before the Nor-Easterly of the viral twenties started to chill our bones and hearts...
And our sagging spirits!
***
Last night a good friend sent me a ground-breaking article out of Scientific American called Moral Injury - A New Epidemic. That's what we have all suffered. We are starting to live in a moral void.
Arthur Gordon would just smile and say that that's OK - For we have only missed the point!
The little things that have always cheered us are STILL THERE.
But we have buried them with our endless worrying.
***
All that we must do, Gordon might say now, is to drop our obsession with the power of technology. Go back to simple things. Breathing. Smiling. Having the odd good cry.
You know, there was a great deal of wisdom in the Hippie Years - from Arthur Gordon - and from this little poem that graced kids' bedrooms then:
DESIDERATA
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there might be in silence...
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant: they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons: they are vexatious to the spirit.
Beyond wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars: you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
***
Thank you, Mr. Gordon. FIVE STARS.
December 20, 2022
Arthur Gordon was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1912, died in 2002, he was eighty-nine years old. He was a prolific writer, married and father of nine children. He was an former editor of Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Guidepost magazines, plus more and author of fourteen books, plus more. "A Touch of Wonder" is his most popular and best known book. He was in the Air Force, stationed in England. "His aunt, Juliette Gordon Low was the founder of Girl Scouts." Mr. Gordon was a Rhodes Scholar.
"This is a book to Help People Stay in Love With Life."
The book is divided into eight parts with different divisions in each part.
The Gift of Giving, The Gift of Shared Wisdom, The Gift of Self Discovery, The Gift of Faith, The Gift of Bright Encounters, The Gift of Awareness, The Gift of Adaptability, The Gift of Life and Beyond.
Mr. Gordon was a church going man, religious and felt that his belief and church had helped him so much. He was a good husband, a good father and comes from good, loving parents. His parents encouraged him in what he lived to do as he encouraged his own children with what they were up against in life. He writes about some of his children in different sections of the book.
He believes that life is a gift, even though we do have problems, things happen, life doesn't always go the way we want. His young brother was killed during World War Two in the Orient.
Mr. Gordon writes about all the gifts we are gifted with through life. There is so much to be thankful for. People need to come out of them selves to feel for and care for others. Not cut down or criticize others, feel superior toward those who have not had the advantage of others. Get to know people around you. They may have problems others are not aware of and get angry with folks.
There is much good in this book, it can be a bit preachy, but good preachy. The book can be reread, also parts of read whenever the reader feels the he or she need some advice on some matters. Feel good about things.
Mr. Gordon feels people should not rush through life, but take time to observe the way children do. Rush, rush, rush, getting nothing from so much rushing. Take a short break in life, ten or fifteen minutes to relax, just be.
There is so much good in this book. Mr. Gordon believes "something does happen after death." The whole world around us is a miracle, as is life. Mr. Gordon has done so much in his life, life happens. His life has not always gone as he expected, but he soldiered on and conquered. There is so much to be said in the book. This review is a small comment on what this book is about.
"This is a book to Help People Stay in Love With Life."
The book is divided into eight parts with different divisions in each part.
The Gift of Giving, The Gift of Shared Wisdom, The Gift of Self Discovery, The Gift of Faith, The Gift of Bright Encounters, The Gift of Awareness, The Gift of Adaptability, The Gift of Life and Beyond.
Mr. Gordon was a church going man, religious and felt that his belief and church had helped him so much. He was a good husband, a good father and comes from good, loving parents. His parents encouraged him in what he lived to do as he encouraged his own children with what they were up against in life. He writes about some of his children in different sections of the book.
He believes that life is a gift, even though we do have problems, things happen, life doesn't always go the way we want. His young brother was killed during World War Two in the Orient.
Mr. Gordon writes about all the gifts we are gifted with through life. There is so much to be thankful for. People need to come out of them selves to feel for and care for others. Not cut down or criticize others, feel superior toward those who have not had the advantage of others. Get to know people around you. They may have problems others are not aware of and get angry with folks.
There is much good in this book, it can be a bit preachy, but good preachy. The book can be reread, also parts of read whenever the reader feels the he or she need some advice on some matters. Feel good about things.
Mr. Gordon feels people should not rush through life, but take time to observe the way children do. Rush, rush, rush, getting nothing from so much rushing. Take a short break in life, ten or fifteen minutes to relax, just be.
There is so much good in this book. Mr. Gordon believes "something does happen after death." The whole world around us is a miracle, as is life. Mr. Gordon has done so much in his life, life happens. His life has not always gone as he expected, but he soldiered on and conquered. There is so much to be said in the book. This review is a small comment on what this book is about.
July 2, 2014
I just pulled this book out again from a shelf where I have my Keepers -- books I know I'll want to read again. It a treasury of wonders reminding you of the beauty and opportunity of every day. I have a friend who is depressed and I'm going to lend it to her. I'm disappointed in myself because then I wondered - what if she doesn't return it to me? But I believe books come to you when you need them. So I'll trust that belief and offer this uplifting book to her hoping that it will help her as much as I think it will. And I recommend it to you, anyone who may read this review, and perhaps needs A Touch of Wonder in your life.
December 29, 2014
I am ashamed to realize that I have never reviewed this book here on Goodreads before now. And after it has saved me so many times in my life. I am grateful that Stephen Palmer mentioned it in a recent blog post so that I was compelled to revisit it and even offer it as a Christmas gift to a number of people that I love. Get your hands on a copy of this book and then just open it to any chapter and read it. It need not be read cover to cover, in fact, that is kinda doing this book a disservice. Just open it and start reading where you land and see if you are not comforted or strengthened. I dare ya.
March 16, 2015
This is one of my most favorite books of ALL TIME. I've read it many times over the years, and it is timeless - - - it always manages to inspire me during every season of my life!
September 5, 2019
Very positive, feel good book.
It reminds us to live in the moment and find joy along the road of life. Life is short, be happy!
It reminds us to live in the moment and find joy along the road of life. Life is short, be happy!
June 26, 2008
I've read this book a hundred times, starting when I was just a kid. We even borrowed liberally from one of the stories for our wedding vows, nearly fifteen years ago. Sweet and simple and soulful and satisfying.
March 13, 2016
5+ stars!!!
This is tied with the Count of Monte Cristo for the best book I've read so far this year. So life-giving!
Its the kind of book you want your children to own and read over and over again - its stuffed with so much wisdom and goodness.
This is tied with the Count of Monte Cristo for the best book I've read so far this year. So life-giving!
Its the kind of book you want your children to own and read over and over again - its stuffed with so much wisdom and goodness.
July 21, 2015
If your life has gotten dull and predictable, this is a great place to find inspiration to liven it up.
March 14, 2021
I savored this book for the simple fact that I knew it would one day end. I will be starting it again soon - most likely continuing it as a Sabbath reading tradition.
The basic premise is that those who appreciate life the most will be given the most to appreciate. Gordon underscores this point with poignant and romantic writing through bite-sized story-telling, making it a very convenient read. I was brought to tears through multiple chapters, and found myself breathing in deep the wonder of this gift of life. I was inspired enough to write a song, some of the lyrics of which I will include here:
Love your life
And you’ll be given more to love
Cos good things come to those who know
They’ve got more than enough
Give your thanks
Then give everything away
Cos if u can lose your life
Than you can finally find your way
Hey hey hey
Here’s a touch of wonder
The sun came up again
It’s nice to know we’re under someone else’s grin
Focus your attention on the endless sky of stars
You’re always smaller than you ever think you are
The basic premise is that those who appreciate life the most will be given the most to appreciate. Gordon underscores this point with poignant and romantic writing through bite-sized story-telling, making it a very convenient read. I was brought to tears through multiple chapters, and found myself breathing in deep the wonder of this gift of life. I was inspired enough to write a song, some of the lyrics of which I will include here:
Love your life
And you’ll be given more to love
Cos good things come to those who know
They’ve got more than enough
Give your thanks
Then give everything away
Cos if u can lose your life
Than you can finally find your way
Hey hey hey
Here’s a touch of wonder
The sun came up again
It’s nice to know we’re under someone else’s grin
Focus your attention on the endless sky of stars
You’re always smaller than you ever think you are
June 14, 2020
One of my fondest childhood memories was visiting my grandparents house where my Grandad had a book shelf FULL of Reader's Digest magazines. I suppose it was because of my limited attention span, but I absolutely loved the short stories and jokes. Arthur Gordon was frequently published in the Digest and this collection of short stories and lessons from his life reminds me so much of those publications I enjoyed so often in the floor of my grandfather's study. This book was given to me by a friend who said it was the 10th copy he had given away and I will, in turn, give this copy to someone else who needs a touch of wonder.
June 2, 2023
It is a series of essays that were probably written for other magazines and this book is a compilation of those essays which are assigned in groups. For example the first few subsections are called: The Gift of Caring with seven essays in that group. The second group is called: The Gift of Shared Wisdom with four essays in that group. And so one. The essays are 3 to 5 pages long. I read this book in the 70s and pulled it off my shelf recently and I’ve been reading a few essays before bed or in bed. I have enjoyed rereading this paperback.
June 7, 2021
This was just such a special book! It consists of short essays about Life, written by a Rhodes scholar and former editor of Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan and Guidepost magazines. I have to say that most of them required that I have a tissue nearby. I'll keep this loaded on my Kindle to look back at various essays that really touched me. There is a lot to learn here.
December 14, 2024
Pg. 78 “whenever my work had been going well there had always been something spontaneous, uncontriving, free. Lately it had been calculated, competent, and dead. -why? Because I had been looking past the job itself to the rewards I would hope it to bring.”
Pg.79. An activity I will be doing. Over 6 hrs.
Pg. 80 paragraph 1,2,&3
Pg.79. An activity I will be doing. Over 6 hrs.
Pg. 80 paragraph 1,2,&3
June 15, 2025
I return to this book every couple of years and enjoy it. I bought a hard back edition and a "friends of the library" sale, over 20 years ago. It contains both timeless advice on how best to live life. As well as enchanting short stories of everyday life, and brushes with famous people he encountered in his own life. You will not be disappointed in this classic.
June 24, 2025
This book is beautiful. Gordon’s selected personal experiences offer a valuable reminder to love and appreciate even the smallest detail in what may seem like something mundane at that moment. That’s especially important during a period of lows. I will always return back to this in times of distress.
July 15, 2018
This is an inspirational book that I first read maybe twenty-five years ago. It left a big impression on me then about how important enthusiasm and a sense of wonder are as ingredients for a happy life.
Read
January 3, 2022A Touch of Wonder is one of nicest books I ever read in English. It is so nice that some pages seems to be pure poems in prose. His essays and articles remind me some of Addison & Steele (English writers) essays from The Spectator. Please, try to read this book!
November 16, 2023
“Love life, so that life will love you.” Someone told me to take my time reading this, and I’m glad I did. When I’m older I know that I am going to reread this and find new parts of it that I didn’t realize were important to me at 19 years old, and I will be grateful for it
May 26, 2018
5/5!
Wow, I have never read a book like this. it does left a touch of wonder and I am thankful for rekindling the flame.
Wow, I have never read a book like this. it does left a touch of wonder and I am thankful for rekindling the flame.
March 31, 2019
This book is filled with precious life lessons. Reading Arthur Gordon's words is like having a grandpa tell you wondrous stories, always filled with nuggets of wisdom. I love this book very much.
December 19, 2020
A lovely older book with life-affirming lessons from the author...
May 15, 2022
Graduation gift that I still go to. The stories do fill me with wonder.
July 25, 2022
I’ve read this book a few times in my life. It is one of my favourite books to read before bed. It’s a collection of short stories each one is a delight to read. I highly recommend 5/5
September 28, 2022
Reflections on the simple gifts of life. A tad patriotic for my liking at times. But it brought me much joy!
October 9, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much I read it twice. Although it's a small book, what's inside will have a gigantic effect on your life.
Read
August 3, 2023Well written inspirational stories and essays.
May 14, 2024
I loved the book so much that I checked out from the library that I bought one from Amazon. I can read the short inspiration and uplifting stories. Loving Life!!
August 20, 2025
Dated ofc due to being slightly patriotic, sexist and pretty religious. Didn’t realize that going into it. Resonated with like the last 50ish pages. Pretty good read, first mentions aside.
December 5, 2016
I read this in my late teens or very early 20s. I would likely have given it 5 stars at the time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews