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My Name Is Thank-You
This powerful first novel is heart wrenching, poetically unsettling, and has the potential to brighten our entire outlook on the life we live. My Name Is Thank-You meticulously weaves together the lives of two very different thirteen-year-old girls. We follow them into a world of chaos, contrasting continuously from light to dark. To Thank-You, the world is full of promise. Despite being raised an orphan, she carries within her the ability to find the beauty in any situation. To Josephine, the world is a sad and lonely place. Although born into wealth, she is plagued by a life wrought with abuse. We follow their journeys into self-discovery, forgiveness, and ultimately redemption, finding bits and pieces of ourselves along the way and getting a first-hand look at what freedom truly looks like. Their stories are our stories; their voices are our voices, teaching us that no matter the circumstances we may be facing, perspective is everything. This is the kind of story that will have you smiling through your tears and asking yourself, "How can I become a light?" *B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree*
200 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2014
61 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Kaizen Elizabeth Love
1 book17 followersKaizen Elizabeth Love is an up and coming writer, spinning words into a beautiful web that should enrich the lives of all who read them. She has a positive and fresh take on life, and has mastered the art of storytelling. She has spent her time quietly listening to the world around her, waiting on the moment to share her inspirational message with the world. That moment has arrived with the upcoming release of her debut novel "My Name Is Thank-You", which has sparked much early interest. She grew up reading books by authors from every style, race, nationality, culture, and religious perspective; drawing inspiration from each one. Her greatest mission is to share love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 22, 2017
I liked the book but i was distracted by the talk and behaviour of the children in the book who seemed way too immature in language and understanding of the world. Innocence is what i think the author was going for but for me the characters seemed 6 or 7 instead of preteen and teen.
There was also the matter of the extreme repetition of certain words and phrases. To me the repetition screamed: I am being authentic when in fact it seemed was inauthentic.
Otherwise the theme of forgiveness was good though i felt the end was a bit abrupt since other parts of the story dragged on a bit.
There was also the matter of the extreme repetition of certain words and phrases. To me the repetition screamed: I am being authentic when in fact it seemed was inauthentic.
Otherwise the theme of forgiveness was good though i felt the end was a bit abrupt since other parts of the story dragged on a bit.
August 7, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I thank Kaizen for encouraging me to move it up on my to read list. I finished it yesterday. The story went from telling a chapter in the life of Thank-you to a chapter in the life of Josephine. They live in the same town in the south. Thank-you is an orphan who has been shuttled from one foster family to another for quite some time. She has such a positive attitude, always smiling and grateful for what little she has. The two girls are the same age and I sure thought they would meet up and become friends. The book has a twist that I did not expect. Good book Kaizen!
October 21, 2014
It’s a lovely and ultimately uplifting story about how important it is to maintain a positive attitude despite all life’s adversities. The book shows that in life, attitude is everything.
February 26, 2019
Read this story.
Thank You and Josephine will break your heart and make you smile at the same time. Through their eyes you see the worst and best of the human heart. Loved it.
Thank You and Josephine will break your heart and make you smile at the same time. Through their eyes you see the worst and best of the human heart. Loved it.
August 10, 2014
Powerfully raw and genuinely uplifting, My Name is Thank-You is a timeless story of love and pain, a precious treasure for readers of all shapes and sizes. You'll find yourself at a loss for words when you finish this book, and its thoughtful wisdom will remain with you long after you're done.
I feel like reviewing this book will be a very big challenge for me. To tell the truth, in trying to sort through my own feelings on what I just read, I secretly want to make the review as much a piece of art as the novel is. Of course, I'm aware that I shouldn't try; I want to get this review out while this story is still fresh in my mind.
However, the notion of wanting to write a review that I could personally be proud of did give me a clue as to why the book itself is so incredible: My Name is Thank-You isn't afraid to get personal. Thank-You and Josephine are nothing if not honest narrators, laying their innermost thoughts bare for the audience in every one of their respective chapters. Of course, that's not the only reason the book is good, but I would go as far as to call it the main reason. Kaizen Love is so skilled at going full-force with powerful emotions that I find it stunning that this is her debut novel. Needless to say, this book will have you smiling through your tears.
However, for all of its beauty and truth, I still have to say that My Name is Thank-You is not perfect. When it comes to problems with the novel, I noticed several punctuation errors that made it past however much editing this book went through, a flaw that I often see with self-published novels (which tend to be self-edited by authors). However, this is my only real issue with the book. I'll comment that after a while I started to feel that Josephine's hateful parents were just a tiny bit overdone – as heartwrenching as it is to see them neglect their daughter, they (especially her mother) tended to toe the line between just mean enough and cartoonish levels of mean. Of course, this is a very minor complaint on my part, as their personalities and the situation they create for Josephine will eventually amplify the emotional impact of later events in the story.
Needless to say, these flaws by no means hinder the flow of the story in any way. My Name is Thank-You is still a very well-written and well-paced novel. I've seen other reviewers say that this book ought to be taught in schools, and I agree wholeheartedly. My Name is Thank-You is timeless in all ways and a perfect candidate for teaching about strong writing in an academic setting. If you love reading, this book will make you glad that you do. If you are trying to get into reading, this book will grant you a literary journey that will have you starving for more stories as wonderful as this one. I encourage anyone who is or wants to be a fan of books to give Kaizen Love's love story the chance it deserves. Its story and message will reach readers of all ages and all backgrounds, and it will make a very special addition to anyone's reading library.
I look forward to revisiting My Name is Thank-You in the future, and I am eager for more inspirational writing from the very skilled Kaizen Love.
I feel like reviewing this book will be a very big challenge for me. To tell the truth, in trying to sort through my own feelings on what I just read, I secretly want to make the review as much a piece of art as the novel is. Of course, I'm aware that I shouldn't try; I want to get this review out while this story is still fresh in my mind.
However, the notion of wanting to write a review that I could personally be proud of did give me a clue as to why the book itself is so incredible: My Name is Thank-You isn't afraid to get personal. Thank-You and Josephine are nothing if not honest narrators, laying their innermost thoughts bare for the audience in every one of their respective chapters. Of course, that's not the only reason the book is good, but I would go as far as to call it the main reason. Kaizen Love is so skilled at going full-force with powerful emotions that I find it stunning that this is her debut novel. Needless to say, this book will have you smiling through your tears.
However, for all of its beauty and truth, I still have to say that My Name is Thank-You is not perfect. When it comes to problems with the novel, I noticed several punctuation errors that made it past however much editing this book went through, a flaw that I often see with self-published novels (which tend to be self-edited by authors). However, this is my only real issue with the book. I'll comment that after a while I started to feel that Josephine's hateful parents were just a tiny bit overdone – as heartwrenching as it is to see them neglect their daughter, they (especially her mother) tended to toe the line between just mean enough and cartoonish levels of mean. Of course, this is a very minor complaint on my part, as their personalities and the situation they create for Josephine will eventually amplify the emotional impact of later events in the story.
Needless to say, these flaws by no means hinder the flow of the story in any way. My Name is Thank-You is still a very well-written and well-paced novel. I've seen other reviewers say that this book ought to be taught in schools, and I agree wholeheartedly. My Name is Thank-You is timeless in all ways and a perfect candidate for teaching about strong writing in an academic setting. If you love reading, this book will make you glad that you do. If you are trying to get into reading, this book will grant you a literary journey that will have you starving for more stories as wonderful as this one. I encourage anyone who is or wants to be a fan of books to give Kaizen Love's love story the chance it deserves. Its story and message will reach readers of all ages and all backgrounds, and it will make a very special addition to anyone's reading library.
I look forward to revisiting My Name is Thank-You in the future, and I am eager for more inspirational writing from the very skilled Kaizen Love.
October 5, 2014
My Name is Thank-You was such a unique, heart-warming story. I can honestly say that this book was life-changing in its message, delivery, and impact.
The story follows two 13-year old girls: Josephine, a wealthy child who doesn't have the love of her parents, and Thank-You, an orphan who is happy despite her circumstances. Thank-You looks for the good in everything and everyone. She is eternally grateful and cheerful. She was truly an inspiration to me! Josephine has never felt loved or wanted. Her parents wanted a boy, not a girl, and her mother was never able to have another baby. So, for her whole life she's felt unwanted and unloved, and is mostly ignored by her parents.
Each chapter alternates between Josephine and Thank-You, with each girl narrating their own stories. The entire book, I thought that the two girls' stories were happening simultaneously. The ending proved me slightly wrong, and I applaud Kaizen Love for ending the novel the way she did. I was left thinking about the two girls for weeks after I finished My Name is Thank-You. I couldn't decide exactly how to describe the ending, torn between magical realism and a faith-based spiritual event. I still haven't been able to decide what to call the heart-warming ending, except that it was moving and unforgettable.
Kaizen Love's story has stayed with me, imparting upon me the importance of gratitude, peace and acceptance of your circumstances, no matter what they may be. I think that My Name is Thank-You is a wonderful book, especially for mothers. As a mother, I was particularly affected by the relationships and love in Josephine and Thank-You's lives. I loved My Name is Thank-You and highly recommend this inspirational, moving story!
The story follows two 13-year old girls: Josephine, a wealthy child who doesn't have the love of her parents, and Thank-You, an orphan who is happy despite her circumstances. Thank-You looks for the good in everything and everyone. She is eternally grateful and cheerful. She was truly an inspiration to me! Josephine has never felt loved or wanted. Her parents wanted a boy, not a girl, and her mother was never able to have another baby. So, for her whole life she's felt unwanted and unloved, and is mostly ignored by her parents.
Each chapter alternates between Josephine and Thank-You, with each girl narrating their own stories. The entire book, I thought that the two girls' stories were happening simultaneously. The ending proved me slightly wrong, and I applaud Kaizen Love for ending the novel the way she did. I was left thinking about the two girls for weeks after I finished My Name is Thank-You. I couldn't decide exactly how to describe the ending, torn between magical realism and a faith-based spiritual event. I still haven't been able to decide what to call the heart-warming ending, except that it was moving and unforgettable.
Kaizen Love's story has stayed with me, imparting upon me the importance of gratitude, peace and acceptance of your circumstances, no matter what they may be. I think that My Name is Thank-You is a wonderful book, especially for mothers. As a mother, I was particularly affected by the relationships and love in Josephine and Thank-You's lives. I loved My Name is Thank-You and highly recommend this inspirational, moving story!
October 10, 2014
"Everybody got a story. It don't matter who you is or where you come from, as long as you got breath in yo body you got a story to tell. The more people start sharing they stories the faster we gonna learn to appreciate each other, and recognize how similar we all is." quote from My Name is Thank-You
My Name is Thank-You is a lovely, soul-touching story. There is writing in this novella that is as beautiful as almost anything I've read before. Ms. Love certainly has a gift of putting words together in just the right way. I found numerous highlight-worthy passages in this book. So many, I feel like I should have just as well lit up the entire thing! I don't like writing 'too-wordy', but this is perfect - everything described so flawlessly I could see it and feel it for myself. From eating food to grass on the ground to hearing a baby's first cries, Ms Love nails it all.
Thank-You is an inspiration and though there are parts of the book that will make you sad, in the end you feel higher than the sky. I don't want to say much about the story itself because I think the best way to read this is by going into it with nothing - allowing it to unfold in your mind with no prior expectations.
I have to give this a full 5 shining stars! I would proudly recommend this book to everyone...knowing I'm sharing something that will uplift and make the day better for whomever touches it. I hope Ms Kaizen Love has more stories to tell as I certainly look forward to reading more of her writing.
My Name is Thank-You is a lovely, soul-touching story. There is writing in this novella that is as beautiful as almost anything I've read before. Ms. Love certainly has a gift of putting words together in just the right way. I found numerous highlight-worthy passages in this book. So many, I feel like I should have just as well lit up the entire thing! I don't like writing 'too-wordy', but this is perfect - everything described so flawlessly I could see it and feel it for myself. From eating food to grass on the ground to hearing a baby's first cries, Ms Love nails it all.
Thank-You is an inspiration and though there are parts of the book that will make you sad, in the end you feel higher than the sky. I don't want to say much about the story itself because I think the best way to read this is by going into it with nothing - allowing it to unfold in your mind with no prior expectations.
I have to give this a full 5 shining stars! I would proudly recommend this book to everyone...knowing I'm sharing something that will uplift and make the day better for whomever touches it. I hope Ms Kaizen Love has more stories to tell as I certainly look forward to reading more of her writing.
July 31, 2014
Inspiring novel which still has my HEART SMILING !!!
"My Name Is Thank You" is truly one of those books which extends itself to a special place in your heart.
Similar to Paulo Coehlo's books and the "Little Prince" by: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, this inspiring novel will bring a smile to your face,
and tears streaming down your cheeks.
It's a book for both women and men, teenage boys and girls.
The author takes us on a beautiful journey down the very different paths of 2 little girls.
Although you may not have experienced exactly what these girls are faced with, their stories are our stories...
We each know people who have been down those paths....
and as we hear of others life experiences, they become our own...
As we read, we connect with these characters and we also connect with other readers,
who seek out mindful living, with a positive perspective in this world.
Thank-You and Josephine impart their wisdom about forgiveness, acceptance and unconditional love, and will forever have a place in my soul...They became my friends, and now that I have finished the book, they are missed.
I sincerely encourage you to venture through the story telling of Kaizen LoVe, and begin to appreciate the wind hitting your teeth as you share your sMiLe.
:::tHaNk yOu:::
"My Name Is Thank You" is truly one of those books which extends itself to a special place in your heart.
Similar to Paulo Coehlo's books and the "Little Prince" by: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, this inspiring novel will bring a smile to your face,
and tears streaming down your cheeks.
It's a book for both women and men, teenage boys and girls.
The author takes us on a beautiful journey down the very different paths of 2 little girls.
Although you may not have experienced exactly what these girls are faced with, their stories are our stories...
We each know people who have been down those paths....
and as we hear of others life experiences, they become our own...
As we read, we connect with these characters and we also connect with other readers,
who seek out mindful living, with a positive perspective in this world.
Thank-You and Josephine impart their wisdom about forgiveness, acceptance and unconditional love, and will forever have a place in my soul...They became my friends, and now that I have finished the book, they are missed.
I sincerely encourage you to venture through the story telling of Kaizen LoVe, and begin to appreciate the wind hitting your teeth as you share your sMiLe.
:::tHaNk yOu:::
August 15, 2014
Ms. Love has a powerful, captivating voice in her writing that hooked me right away. Her keen sense of awareness coupled with her imagination created many thought-provoking, poetic sentences throughout this novel. I would not recommend this book to those who are looking for a plot-driven storyline. However, I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a read that centers on characters. Excellent debut and I hope to see more from this talented author.
January 23, 2015
Aptly Titled
I haven't read a better character development novel in years. Story building upon story, the author builds life like people so skillfully you expect to be able to visit or call them on the phone. The wisdom and maturity of children is enhanced by the tales of adult weaknesses and lack of moral compass. A fabulous read whose truths will stay with you long after you turn the pages.
I haven't read a better character development novel in years. Story building upon story, the author builds life like people so skillfully you expect to be able to visit or call them on the phone. The wisdom and maturity of children is enhanced by the tales of adult weaknesses and lack of moral compass. A fabulous read whose truths will stay with you long after you turn the pages.
December 9, 2015
I just can't help but cry. This book is powerful in so many ways that I find it hard to collect my thoughts to deliver a proper review. I still can't believe that this book came to stop in my life. It feels like a message that I receive from God. It taught me to question everything out of everything and out of me. Thank you, Thank-you for your thankful thank you.
October 14, 2014
This is a phenomenal book- not to be missed!!!!!
I have read a lot of books in my 70 years and this is in the top 5. Please get it and read it and tell all of your friends and acquaintances. You will be giving them the best gift ever!!!
I have read a lot of books in my 70 years and this is in the top 5. Please get it and read it and tell all of your friends and acquaintances. You will be giving them the best gift ever!!!
December 10, 2015
Thank You is simply not enough. Amazing. Thought provoking. Delicious. Nothing else to say about this wonderful read.
Recommended for every woman and some spirit filled men. A book that leaves you thinking about much of life. Amen.
Recommended for every woman and some spirit filled men. A book that leaves you thinking about much of life. Amen.
September 3, 2016
I love this book. It's been a while since I've continued reading a book -non stop- even if my eyes feel tired. At some point I figured how it was going to end but that didn't change how I felt about this story. It was really inspiring and I at some point felt related to the characters.
September 8, 2014
Simply delightful. What an absolutely charming and engaging story. I read it in two sittings only because I had to sleep, otherwise I would have eaten it up in one go.
September 20, 2014
OMG!!!!! Ingenious writing, heartwarming story. Once I started reading I was totally absorbed. My compliments to the author for the merging storylines.
October 14, 2014
Loved the characters.
December 30, 2014
A powerful book, read it all in one sitting, it has been awhile since I've done that. I had to know what happened to the characters. Lots of wisdom and emotion in this story.
May 18, 2015
We are proud to announce that MY NAME IS THANK-YOU by Kaizen Love is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
December 8, 2015
Touching
I will re-read this book over and over again as a reminder of the truths I know but keep forgetting.
I will re-read this book over and over again as a reminder of the truths I know but keep forgetting.
December 14, 2015
Excellent story of love and redemption
I really enjoyed this heartfelt story of a mother's love, overcoming advertising as ity, and a child's joy regardless of the circumstances.
I really enjoyed this heartfelt story of a mother's love, overcoming advertising as ity, and a child's joy regardless of the circumstances.
January 6, 2018
Great read
The title got me interested , wasn't sure if I would enjoy this one had it for a while before I got round to reading it. I'm so glad I did , story of two young girls running parallel to each other . Same age but different up bringing. End was not I was expecting. Young Miss Thank-You looking for a family to call her own. She finds one and then some with the help of her guardian Angel/social worker. Very touching story very well written enjoyed every word. Well done.
The title got me interested , wasn't sure if I would enjoy this one had it for a while before I got round to reading it. I'm so glad I did , story of two young girls running parallel to each other . Same age but different up bringing. End was not I was expecting. Young Miss Thank-You looking for a family to call her own. She finds one and then some with the help of her guardian Angel/social worker. Very touching story very well written enjoyed every word. Well done.
July 16, 2017
My Name is Thank-You
I love this book. I read quite a lot, it takes a lot to impress me. However, this book made a huge impression. It is full of love, pain, and a mix of other emotions. It has a satisfying ending. I am always leary of books (or movies) that are about children being harmed. There is far too much of that in real life. I applaud the authors handling of this topic. I recommend this book to anyone.
I love this book. I read quite a lot, it takes a lot to impress me. However, this book made a huge impression. It is full of love, pain, and a mix of other emotions. It has a satisfying ending. I am always leary of books (or movies) that are about children being harmed. There is far too much of that in real life. I applaud the authors handling of this topic. I recommend this book to anyone.
August 23, 2018
Beautiful story
A very beautifully written story that grabs your heart. I definitely recommend this to everyone it is worth the time . What a great reminder of human strength and faith.
A very beautifully written story that grabs your heart. I definitely recommend this to everyone it is worth the time . What a great reminder of human strength and faith.
April 26, 2019
THE BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ!
This set in an indeterminate time period that seems to be the 1950s.. Parts of it seem to reference a later decade. I'm a voracious reader and this is the BEST NOVEL I'VE EVER!
This set in an indeterminate time period that seems to be the 1950s.. Parts of it seem to reference a later decade. I'm a voracious reader and this is the BEST NOVEL I'VE EVER!
May 12, 2018
Amazingly beautiful
What an incredibly wonderful story! This is, without a doubt, the most heartwarming book I've read in several years! Enjoy!
What an incredibly wonderful story! This is, without a doubt, the most heartwarming book I've read in several years! Enjoy!
December 28, 2018
This book teaches gratitude... I enjoyed reading every bit of it.
May 1, 2019
I read this book at the insistence of my now 15 yr old. She read it around 13 ish. I did really like it. It’s got some magical sorts of harsh reality stuff with twists. Yes it does.
November 20, 2022
This story reminded me so much of my
life. I truly enjoyed reading it.
life. I truly enjoyed reading it.
February 5, 2016
I can't recommend this, enough!
This book has managed to make it to my favourites collection. When I first started this book, I thought I would want to read this to my future children (someday). Then when I got through a bit more, I thought perhaps I'll read it to them when they are older. I do still plan on it, God willing I'll have the opportunity.
This book has such simplistic yet beautiful messages, they were also unpredictable: especially those which came from the child: Thank you. I adored her perspective. As well as, of course,the solemn perspective of Josephine.
Despite the unpredictability, the different elements of the novel interlinked stunningly- at times, hand on heart I called it- I kept having these thoughts that "perhaps they were....yes, definitely...it's likely"
Only those who have read this, will actually understand what I mean.
I want to write far more, but this is one of the books I just don't want to ruin. I'll, however, provide some advice: keep your mind open.
This book has managed to make it to my favourites collection. When I first started this book, I thought I would want to read this to my future children (someday). Then when I got through a bit more, I thought perhaps I'll read it to them when they are older. I do still plan on it, God willing I'll have the opportunity.
This book has such simplistic yet beautiful messages, they were also unpredictable: especially those which came from the child: Thank you. I adored her perspective. As well as, of course,the solemn perspective of Josephine.
Despite the unpredictability, the different elements of the novel interlinked stunningly- at times, hand on heart I called it- I kept having these thoughts that "perhaps they were....yes, definitely...it's likely"
Only those who have read this, will actually understand what I mean.
I want to write far more, but this is one of the books I just don't want to ruin. I'll, however, provide some advice: keep your mind open.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews