Simple Things

by Jim Brickman

People today are constantly on the run. Between work and kids and relationships, there’s hardly a moment to breathe. Composer/recording artist Jim Brickman realized that he was leading a life that revolved around cell phones, emails, red-eyes, and answering services. He also knew that it was time to stop, reevaluate, and simplify his life. And so, this book came into being . . . Simple Things is a collection of humorous, poignant essays that will help you get out of the fast lane and savor life’s true pleasures -- from a vacation in your own neighborhood to holding a newborn baby for the first time. In his soothing yet pointed manner, Brickman mulls over how to get back to basics when it comes to life’s big topics -- such as love, health, finances, creativity, travel, children, romance, parenting, and friendships. Simple Things is mostly about opening your eyes. To life. To love. To friendship. And to ordinary miracles that make each day so sweet.

Genres: Nonfiction

195 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Jim Brickman is an American composer and contemporary pianist. Brickman is known for his original solo piano compositions, which are classified as new age music. However, he is as well known for his original love songs and performing them with vocalists such as Martina McBride, Michael W. Smith, Michelle Wright and others.

Reviews

[Book2Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my eye at a thrift shop, and I recognized the name of the author-Jim Brickman-a wonderful pianist whom I have followed for many years and have seen in a Seattle concert. So, though I was not there to buy books, I picked this one up, and am very glad I did.

This is a light-hearted series of essays (I would say devotions, but that might scare you off [not "religion"]. Jim talks about his growing up, people who have influenced him, and How To Break Away From The Rat Race, Technology and Instant Gratification that wears us all down. We scurry around wondering (and wandering) why we are depressed, anxious, and worried all the time.

These are indeed Simple steps to lighten that load and put a smile on our faces again. Read one a day, or binge like I did. Wonderful. Writing assisted by Cindy Pearlman.

Treat yourself.

"So here we go
Let's just dance
Teach my soul
To take this chance."~~Jim Brickman

[Musiquedevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful, funny and insightful read. If you're a fan of Jim Brickman's, you'll love this! Even if you're not, it's a nice read that helps remind you to keep life simple, enjoy it and to put things into perspective.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous thoughts for the day and things to ponder.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

loving it.

What are the important things to you? And are you making time for them?

[Debbie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute.

[Ben · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of "self-help books" -- they often seem trite, telling you things that you already know. This one is a good example of a typical self-help book and the writing is a reminder of just how terrible bad writing can be. The writing is simply atrocious! The messages are good at times (but more so through the quotes Brickman incorporates at the end of each chapter than through his own writing) -- simplify life, essentially -- but one can get the same message from Thoreau with much more insight and depth, and with a much more refined style of writing.

[Samantha Bartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Songbook! I grew up listening to these songs, so I was excited to be able to play them. My favorites are "The Promise," "Catching Twilight," "Another Tuesday Morning," and "Night Rain." I find myself playing through this book several times a week. Some of the songs (like "Waiting for You.") are easier, yet some others, (Like "Devotion") can be quite challenging. But I have had a lot of fun working on each song, and improving it each time I play. Definitely one of my favorites!