The Way of Gratitude: Readings for a Joyful Life

by Michael Leach (Editor), James Keane (Editor), Doris Goodnough (Editor)

A hundred famous writers share their experiences, essays, fiction, poems, meditations, and inspired ideas on the joy of being thankful. These honest and heartfelt writings will add gladness to your days. Contributors include Wendell Berry, David Brooks, Joan Chittister, James Martin, Thich Nhat Hanh, Henri Nouwen, Mary Oliver, Richard Rohr, Joyce Rupp, David Steindl-Rast, Rowan Williams, and many others whose spiritual perceptions already bring joy and faith to millions.

240 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Keira Konson · Rating 5 out of 5]

dublin thrift bookstores for the win. this was a lovely little travel companion of poetry and beauty.

[Rosemarie Bingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a compilation of short stories, poems, and quotes that are sure to brighten your mood or enlighten your perception of people and things around you. I often sent passages or quotes to groups of people or friends whom I thought would particularly enjoy them or could use them throughout a difficult time. I found some of the stories inspirational and thoughtful, and it encouraged me to look at my life in a more appreciative, grateful way.

[Aggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book to read when you are struggling to maintain a positive attitude, or are looking for peace and hope and gratitude every day. It is filled with lots of little stories or poems to make you think
I loved it

[Pat Wahler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet little collection that contained the work of some of my favorite writers on the topic of gratitude. I enjoyed it!

[Martha Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book a few years ago and set it aside. . But this year I was searching for daily readings for lent, that were not as aggressively chastising as the usual offerings. Perhaps I still need those…but be that as it may, I was happy to find this little gem in my collection, and finally and to use it for daily reading during lent.

As it turned out, it was a perfect book for that. It’s hard to read these thoughtful reminders to be grateful, without serious reflection on where improvements are needed. So, I’d recommend it for any time of year, but seriously consider reading it through lent.

Each entry is written by a different author, many of them well known. They include among others, poets, essayist, and clergy from various denominations.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains some 46 short chapters written by an eclectic mix of people from e.e.cummings to Jesuit James Martin to Thich Nhat Hanh to J.K. Rowling — all on the theme of gratitude. I underlined plenty of passages in this volume, filled with such wisdom. I read one chapter a day so that I could savor what was being communicated. It was perfect reading in this time of pandemic, helping me to focus on the good that is there, rather than the all of the stuff that's been "missing" in these days.

[Pam Cipkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of vignettes, prayers, and reflections on the idea of gratitude. Some heavy hitters here: Mary Oliver, Joan Chittister, Fr. Jim Martin, Thich Nhat Hanh, David Brooks, Oliver Sacks, Thomas Merton. Aside from a half-dozen or so passages, though, this one fell a little flat for me, with the rhythm of a Sunday sermon to sit and endure. Nevertheless, I still liked it. Orbis Books has a similar volume, The Way of Kindness, which I may pick up as well.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection of short essays on the subject of gratitude. Spiritually inspiring; not limited to a specific religion. The essays are written by the famous and the not-so-famous, provide plenty of thought-provoking ideas and ways to bring more gratitude, and as a result more joy, into your daily life.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I certainly appreciated the timing of this book as a devotional during the beginning months of 2020. However, the authors seem to believe that all spiritual experiences are going to be considered equally valid no matter what faith you are. I prefer to stick to thinkers and writers whose beliefs align with traditional Christianity when pursuing my spiritual devotions.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reminders.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book is full of insightful poems, essays, reflections on gratitude. I just loved it. But, then again, I really enjoy all of Michael Leach's books.

Highly recommended.