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Mystic and the Secret of Happiness
Once read its messages are indelible...
Have you ever felt buried beneath the weight of negativity, unable to experience joy?
Do you wonder how some people are able to maintain their sense of happiness no matter what?
You're not alone.
At one time or another, we've all been in a pit of despair where it feels like happiness is an impossibility.
It is here Mystic the cat begins his journey toward a place of pure joy and harmony—a place we all can reach.
Don't wait anymore!
A journey of hope...
Mystic the cat loses everything he thought was the cause of his joy and
reason for existence when his best friend, an elephant named Bumpa
goes missing.
Heartbroken, Mystic decides to search for his lost friend, and regain his
happiness. But on his journey, he meets a strange, beautiful black cat
named Freedom who insists he doesn't need Bumpa to be happy,
and a terrifying red cat named Trembly who tries to convince him that
happiness is an illusion.
Mystic's hope shatters and his worst fears threaten to push him into a
bottomless abyss of pain.
Will Mystic have the strength to face his fears?
Will he figure out who is trying to help him, and
who his true enemies are?
Will he ever see Bumpa, or be truly happy ever again?
Follow Mystic on a journey of discovery and healing, and with him, learn the secret to true happiness...
Have you ever felt buried beneath the weight of negativity, unable to experience joy?
Do you wonder how some people are able to maintain their sense of happiness no matter what?
You're not alone.
At one time or another, we've all been in a pit of despair where it feels like happiness is an impossibility.
It is here Mystic the cat begins his journey toward a place of pure joy and harmony—a place we all can reach.
Don't wait anymore!
A journey of hope...
Mystic the cat loses everything he thought was the cause of his joy and
reason for existence when his best friend, an elephant named Bumpa
goes missing.
Heartbroken, Mystic decides to search for his lost friend, and regain his
happiness. But on his journey, he meets a strange, beautiful black cat
named Freedom who insists he doesn't need Bumpa to be happy,
and a terrifying red cat named Trembly who tries to convince him that
happiness is an illusion.
Mystic's hope shatters and his worst fears threaten to push him into a
bottomless abyss of pain.
Will Mystic have the strength to face his fears?
Will he figure out who is trying to help him, and
who his true enemies are?
Will he ever see Bumpa, or be truly happy ever again?
Follow Mystic on a journey of discovery and healing, and with him, learn the secret to true happiness...
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2019
156 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Anne-Claire Szubaniska
4 books7 followersBullied by my fears, my journey to happiness.
When I was ten years old, I once told my mother I would write about my painful childhood. But life had a better idea than a book about my negative past.
As a young adult, I struggled with my fears and got hit by anorexia, depression, and a deep lack of love for life... Until I came upon my first self-help book which gave me hope that the happiness I had once lived with my grand-parents when I was very young could be reached again.
The journey was chaotic and full of ups and downs as my negativity continued to try to force its way back in, but I never gave up and finally got a sense of what inner joy was and how I could mute my fears to get to it.
That's when an intense desire to write about my life arose within me again, but this time, the subject was much happier than the dark story of my childhood.
I felt inspired to write a story under the form of an allegory to illustrate my journey to happiness using the eyes of a cat.
Mystic and the Secret of happiness was born.
When I was ten years old, I once told my mother I would write about my painful childhood. But life had a better idea than a book about my negative past.
As a young adult, I struggled with my fears and got hit by anorexia, depression, and a deep lack of love for life... Until I came upon my first self-help book which gave me hope that the happiness I had once lived with my grand-parents when I was very young could be reached again.
The journey was chaotic and full of ups and downs as my negativity continued to try to force its way back in, but I never gave up and finally got a sense of what inner joy was and how I could mute my fears to get to it.
That's when an intense desire to write about my life arose within me again, but this time, the subject was much happier than the dark story of my childhood.
I felt inspired to write a story under the form of an allegory to illustrate my journey to happiness using the eyes of a cat.
Mystic and the Secret of happiness was born.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 2, 2023
Anne-Claire Szubaniska struggled with depression, anxiety and anorexia when she was young.
At some point she realized that she could be happy and found that happiness was already inside of her.
Her desire to help others prompted her to write this sweet book about Mystic the cat. The story will tell of his experiences with love and loss, fear and strength, depression and happiness.
I chose to read this story slowly in small chunks at a time to help me retain the little lessons embedded into it.
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in doom scrolling, negativity and looking at things with less than a positive perspective. Reading this one helped remind me of the power I have inside myself to look at my experiences and choices with a positive mindset.
This book would also be appropriate for middle grade and young adult.
At some point she realized that she could be happy and found that happiness was already inside of her.
Her desire to help others prompted her to write this sweet book about Mystic the cat. The story will tell of his experiences with love and loss, fear and strength, depression and happiness.
I chose to read this story slowly in small chunks at a time to help me retain the little lessons embedded into it.
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in doom scrolling, negativity and looking at things with less than a positive perspective. Reading this one helped remind me of the power I have inside myself to look at my experiences and choices with a positive mindset.
This book would also be appropriate for middle grade and young adult.
October 29, 2024
I’m on chapter 2 and I’m calling it now- this is going to be a “cure your own mental illness by just not being sad!” book and I am NOT going to stand for it. That being said- I finish every book and I’m going to finish this one in the hopes that I am very wrong. End of book- I wasn’t wrong.
The whole book is terrible. Instead of reading this, go to therapy, drink some water, and take your meds. Don’t waste your time.
The whole book is terrible. Instead of reading this, go to therapy, drink some water, and take your meds. Don’t waste your time.
November 25, 2021
Highly recommended
Surprising and utterly charming - an inspired lesson in how to live. Sometimes a simple story explains best how things really are.
Who would imagine that a story about some cats (and monkeys and an elephant) could be so illuminating? The truth will set you free.
Surprising and utterly charming - an inspired lesson in how to live. Sometimes a simple story explains best how things really are.
Who would imagine that a story about some cats (and monkeys and an elephant) could be so illuminating? The truth will set you free.
December 6, 2018
‘Mystic admired Bumpa so much for his free spirit.’
New York author Anne-Claire Szubaniska was originally from France but moved to Canada and then the United States. She experienced a painful childhood but the nurturing from her mother’s parents showed her me the way to happiness. During her teen years she suffered depression and then discovered self-help books that aided her journey toward happiness through meditation – rediscovering the emotion of joy she had experienced with her grandparents....
The joy of Anne-Claire’s story jumps off the first page and continues to the last page – ‘The night was dark and cool, and everybody was sound asleep. Well, almost everybody. Cats who were lucky enough to be allowed outside at night were roaming around, looking for little rodents to chase or garbage to explore— cats like Mystic, a well-groomed, gray tabby with white and black stripes and piercing blue eyes. But unlike the other cats, Mystic wasn’t looking to chase anyone or spill garbage all over the place. He was sitting and looking up at the stars with his friend, an elephant named Bumpa. Nights like tonight were their favorite. It was August, and the new moon made the sky as clear as crystal. It seemed millions of stars covered the world like a blanket. A shooting star flickered across the sky. “Wow!” Bumpa said, bouncing heavily on the wooden platform he loved to sit on with Mystic beside him. “Did you see that? How long the tail was?” “Yes, yes, yes, I saw it,” said Mystic. “But stop jumping like that. You’re going to break your board again, and your caretaker might not repair it this time. Then we’ll have nothing to relax on.” “I know, but did you see the size of its tail?” said Bumpa happily, completely undeterred by Mystic’s irritation. “Yes,” Mystic replied, “It was impressive. Did you make a wish?” “You bet I did!” Bumpa swished his tail from side to side. “I was saving my best wish for this one, and I made it!” He bounced on the platform again, and Mystic looked at him disapprovingly. “Oops, sorry,” laughed Bumpa, sitting still. Mystic smiled. Bumpa wasn’t trying to annoy him on purpose; he was just full of joyful energy and needed to express it, like a child at Christmas. It was actually what he loved most about Bumpa. His personality was contagious. But even still, from time to time, Bumpa said something that annoyed Mystic. Right now, he was fixated on what Bumpa had said about his wish. “Why haven’t you ever told me about your special wish?” Mystic asked. “It feels strange that you didn’t share it with me. You know everything about me, and I thought I knew everything about you, too. Apparently I’m—” But he didn’t get a chance to finish. Bumpa burst out laughing again. “This is so typical of you,” Bumpa said. “You take everything so personally, as if I like you less because I didn’t tell you about one of my many wishes.” Even though it was the truth, Mystic was still upset by Bumpa’s remark. But it wasn’t just the remark. It was that Mystic knew he was too thin-skinned but didn’t know how to be anything else, and that hurt. Then his hurt turned into anger. “Why are you hurting my feelings?” he said with frustration. “You know it stings me when you say things like that.” “Mystic, please,” said Bumpa with a kind smile. “You know I would never do anything to hurt you. Never. You get hurt, that’s all.” Mystic pouted. He had hoped Bumpa would at least admit what he had done, but instead he kept going. “It’s the way you interpret things that causes you pain,” Bumpa said, “not what I did or said.” “So why didn’t you tell me about this dream of yours then?” whined
Mystic. “Am I not special enough for you to share it with?” “It has nothing to do with your worthiness, Mystic,” Bumpa said tenderly. “I didn’t tell you, because for a wish to come true it needs to stay in your head. It’s a secret thing. I promise, though, when it comes true, I’ll tell you all about it. Which I cannot wait to do!” He became animated again, dancing around on the bench. “Do you promise that I’ll be the first one you tell?” Mystic asked. “I promise,” Bumpa said and held out his foot for a high-five.’
Equally joyous for both children and adults this is a little volume of the power of positivity. Beautifully written and once read its messages are indelible! Highly recommended.
New York author Anne-Claire Szubaniska was originally from France but moved to Canada and then the United States. She experienced a painful childhood but the nurturing from her mother’s parents showed her me the way to happiness. During her teen years she suffered depression and then discovered self-help books that aided her journey toward happiness through meditation – rediscovering the emotion of joy she had experienced with her grandparents....
The joy of Anne-Claire’s story jumps off the first page and continues to the last page – ‘The night was dark and cool, and everybody was sound asleep. Well, almost everybody. Cats who were lucky enough to be allowed outside at night were roaming around, looking for little rodents to chase or garbage to explore— cats like Mystic, a well-groomed, gray tabby with white and black stripes and piercing blue eyes. But unlike the other cats, Mystic wasn’t looking to chase anyone or spill garbage all over the place. He was sitting and looking up at the stars with his friend, an elephant named Bumpa. Nights like tonight were their favorite. It was August, and the new moon made the sky as clear as crystal. It seemed millions of stars covered the world like a blanket. A shooting star flickered across the sky. “Wow!” Bumpa said, bouncing heavily on the wooden platform he loved to sit on with Mystic beside him. “Did you see that? How long the tail was?” “Yes, yes, yes, I saw it,” said Mystic. “But stop jumping like that. You’re going to break your board again, and your caretaker might not repair it this time. Then we’ll have nothing to relax on.” “I know, but did you see the size of its tail?” said Bumpa happily, completely undeterred by Mystic’s irritation. “Yes,” Mystic replied, “It was impressive. Did you make a wish?” “You bet I did!” Bumpa swished his tail from side to side. “I was saving my best wish for this one, and I made it!” He bounced on the platform again, and Mystic looked at him disapprovingly. “Oops, sorry,” laughed Bumpa, sitting still. Mystic smiled. Bumpa wasn’t trying to annoy him on purpose; he was just full of joyful energy and needed to express it, like a child at Christmas. It was actually what he loved most about Bumpa. His personality was contagious. But even still, from time to time, Bumpa said something that annoyed Mystic. Right now, he was fixated on what Bumpa had said about his wish. “Why haven’t you ever told me about your special wish?” Mystic asked. “It feels strange that you didn’t share it with me. You know everything about me, and I thought I knew everything about you, too. Apparently I’m—” But he didn’t get a chance to finish. Bumpa burst out laughing again. “This is so typical of you,” Bumpa said. “You take everything so personally, as if I like you less because I didn’t tell you about one of my many wishes.” Even though it was the truth, Mystic was still upset by Bumpa’s remark. But it wasn’t just the remark. It was that Mystic knew he was too thin-skinned but didn’t know how to be anything else, and that hurt. Then his hurt turned into anger. “Why are you hurting my feelings?” he said with frustration. “You know it stings me when you say things like that.” “Mystic, please,” said Bumpa with a kind smile. “You know I would never do anything to hurt you. Never. You get hurt, that’s all.” Mystic pouted. He had hoped Bumpa would at least admit what he had done, but instead he kept going. “It’s the way you interpret things that causes you pain,” Bumpa said, “not what I did or said.” “So why didn’t you tell me about this dream of yours then?” whined
Mystic. “Am I not special enough for you to share it with?” “It has nothing to do with your worthiness, Mystic,” Bumpa said tenderly. “I didn’t tell you, because for a wish to come true it needs to stay in your head. It’s a secret thing. I promise, though, when it comes true, I’ll tell you all about it. Which I cannot wait to do!” He became animated again, dancing around on the bench. “Do you promise that I’ll be the first one you tell?” Mystic asked. “I promise,” Bumpa said and held out his foot for a high-five.’
Equally joyous for both children and adults this is a little volume of the power of positivity. Beautifully written and once read its messages are indelible! Highly recommended.
December 15, 2018
Mystic’s Journey… is not an either-or thing ---- a review by Bob Magnant
What a gentle voice! Mystic’s? No, Anne-Claire’s! She has created an inspired connection with a 77-year-old this time!
‘Mystic’s…’ journey was my first inspirational novel… and I thoroughly enjoyed it; I couldn’t get to the next page fast enough! I eventually recognized every individual that Mystic encountered on his journey but it did take the first four chapters for me to sort out the collection of characters he found, from Bumpa, Ulysses, Pete, Jean and Sarah to Dusty, Tiny, Xoxo, Lulu and Lili with feelings of Happiness, Faith, Fear, Freedom, Trust and Intuition.
As Mystic explores his world from six inches above the ground, he discovers friendship and loss and learns things about himself and others that he was never aware of or that he had never recognized before. Through shared experiences and practice, Mystic’s biggest lesson was “not to confuse physical and mental freedom” but admittedly that took a while to sink in for all of us. It’s amazing just how clear such events can become when they happen to others and are described by the terms of someone else.
Recognizing that your inner voice, controlling your emotions and what you choose to believe, will be your truth…
‘[B]ecause wellbeing is a part of who you are, and it’s different for everyone… it can’t come from the outside; it has to come from within you. It is your intuition and it’s not always a voice; it’s sometimes a strong urge or idea that you should do something. Sometimes it comes as images and you see yourself doing something that will bring you great joy.’
These are wise words in anyone’s language… Sharing Mystic’s self-discovery and personal growth on this epochal pilgrimage is one that’s not to be missed.
As Mystic noted at the end of his journey, “Freedom made it clear that just because someone says something is true, that doesn’t make it so… There isn’t just one truth, or even many, but as many as there are people and creatures in the world…do you think we also share this connection with humans?”
I can’t help but to compare Mystic’s thoughts with those of Yuval Noah Harari in the Introduction of his ‘21 Lessons for the 21st Century’. ‘seven billion people have seven billion agendas’… ‘thinking about the big picture is a relatively rare luxury’!
Bob Magnant is the author of 'The Future Is At Your Fingertips' on iTunes, 'Domestic Satellite: An FCC Giant Step' and 'The Last Transition...', a fact-based novel about Iran. He writes about politics, globalization, the Internet and US policy; he lives in Jupiter, FL near the Loxahatchee River and the beaches at Hobe Sound.
What a gentle voice! Mystic’s? No, Anne-Claire’s! She has created an inspired connection with a 77-year-old this time!
‘Mystic’s…’ journey was my first inspirational novel… and I thoroughly enjoyed it; I couldn’t get to the next page fast enough! I eventually recognized every individual that Mystic encountered on his journey but it did take the first four chapters for me to sort out the collection of characters he found, from Bumpa, Ulysses, Pete, Jean and Sarah to Dusty, Tiny, Xoxo, Lulu and Lili with feelings of Happiness, Faith, Fear, Freedom, Trust and Intuition.
As Mystic explores his world from six inches above the ground, he discovers friendship and loss and learns things about himself and others that he was never aware of or that he had never recognized before. Through shared experiences and practice, Mystic’s biggest lesson was “not to confuse physical and mental freedom” but admittedly that took a while to sink in for all of us. It’s amazing just how clear such events can become when they happen to others and are described by the terms of someone else.
Recognizing that your inner voice, controlling your emotions and what you choose to believe, will be your truth…
‘[B]ecause wellbeing is a part of who you are, and it’s different for everyone… it can’t come from the outside; it has to come from within you. It is your intuition and it’s not always a voice; it’s sometimes a strong urge or idea that you should do something. Sometimes it comes as images and you see yourself doing something that will bring you great joy.’
These are wise words in anyone’s language… Sharing Mystic’s self-discovery and personal growth on this epochal pilgrimage is one that’s not to be missed.
As Mystic noted at the end of his journey, “Freedom made it clear that just because someone says something is true, that doesn’t make it so… There isn’t just one truth, or even many, but as many as there are people and creatures in the world…do you think we also share this connection with humans?”
I can’t help but to compare Mystic’s thoughts with those of Yuval Noah Harari in the Introduction of his ‘21 Lessons for the 21st Century’. ‘seven billion people have seven billion agendas’… ‘thinking about the big picture is a relatively rare luxury’!
Bob Magnant is the author of 'The Future Is At Your Fingertips' on iTunes, 'Domestic Satellite: An FCC Giant Step' and 'The Last Transition...', a fact-based novel about Iran. He writes about politics, globalization, the Internet and US policy; he lives in Jupiter, FL near the Loxahatchee River and the beaches at Hobe Sound.
January 19, 2023
“Mystic and the Secret of Happiness” by Anne-Claire Szubaniska is the heartwarming tale of a cat that embarks on a journey of self-discovery in search of a lost friend and finds true happiness. Mystic, an ordinary house cat, befriends an elephant named Bumpa at the local zoo. Spending most nights talking as they star gaze. Mystic, and Bumpa become inseparable until one-day Bumpa is missing. Severely depressed and stricken with grief, Mystic makes it his sole purpose to discover what happened to his friend. With the help of Freedom, an enlightened wild cat, he learns to change his thoughts and find peace within himself.
“Mystic and the Secret of Happiness” is much more than a story about a cat looking for a lost friend. It is an enlightening look into how our minds work and how fear and doubt control progress. Anne-Claire Szubaniska masterfully disguises a self-help book as a tale about animal behavior. The adventures become life lessons on how thoughts can become self-sabotaging, and there is always a silver lining to every situation. During Mystic’s experience, he learns to trust his intuition, face his fears, and silence thoughts of doubt.
Ms. Szubaniska’s writing style is warm and inviting. The use of animals as mentors is brilliant. The lessons taught through the animal banters are genius. Freedom’s wisdom is full of kindness in a take-it-or-leave-it manner. The characters are each distinctive, possessing lessons to learn and teach. The scene settings build suspense making “Mystic and the Secret of Happiness” a page-turner. My favorite scene is when Freedom faces off with Trembly the hate-filled fear monger.
“Mystic and the Secret of Happiness” is exquisite, beautiful, emotional, thought-provoking, and perfect. A broad spectrum of readers would celebrate Mystic as he discovers the meaning of happiness. I believe it would do well with animal lovers, as a motivational self-help, or just a story with a happy ending. There were so many times I felt like cheering I lost count. The ending, all I can say is, grab some tissues. Not once, but two times I cried as I held this book close to my heart.
“Mystic and the Secret of Happiness” is a story I will cherish and recommend to everyone I know.
“Mystic and the Secret of Happiness” is much more than a story about a cat looking for a lost friend. It is an enlightening look into how our minds work and how fear and doubt control progress. Anne-Claire Szubaniska masterfully disguises a self-help book as a tale about animal behavior. The adventures become life lessons on how thoughts can become self-sabotaging, and there is always a silver lining to every situation. During Mystic’s experience, he learns to trust his intuition, face his fears, and silence thoughts of doubt.
Ms. Szubaniska’s writing style is warm and inviting. The use of animals as mentors is brilliant. The lessons taught through the animal banters are genius. Freedom’s wisdom is full of kindness in a take-it-or-leave-it manner. The characters are each distinctive, possessing lessons to learn and teach. The scene settings build suspense making “Mystic and the Secret of Happiness” a page-turner. My favorite scene is when Freedom faces off with Trembly the hate-filled fear monger.
“Mystic and the Secret of Happiness” is exquisite, beautiful, emotional, thought-provoking, and perfect. A broad spectrum of readers would celebrate Mystic as he discovers the meaning of happiness. I believe it would do well with animal lovers, as a motivational self-help, or just a story with a happy ending. There were so many times I felt like cheering I lost count. The ending, all I can say is, grab some tissues. Not once, but two times I cried as I held this book close to my heart.
“Mystic and the Secret of Happiness” is a story I will cherish and recommend to everyone I know.
January 30, 2023
Anne-Claire Szubaniska’s Mystic and the Secret of Happiness is a very special book written by a very special human being. I was fortunate to meet Ms. Szubaniska at a book event in November 2022. Both Anne-Claire and her husband, Antoine, are gracious, humble, and exceedingly kind people. Those qualities are genuine, and they spill out in this wonderful book. The story is relatively simple. A little cat is upset at the separation of a friend. He faces sadness, anger, fear, and anxiety. Sound familiar? Sure it does. We’ve all been there. Szubaniska doesn’t claim to be a doctor. She’s not holding this book out as a cure-all for serious mental health issues, but for most of us, the lessons learned by Mystic on his journey to defeat fear and find happiness are lessons from which we can all benefit.
This is the kind of book that should be standard issue for every human being on the planet. I realize some of you are rolling your eyes as you read that, but this book is a treasure, a guidebook for navigating life’s pitfalls. Szubaniska’s immense heart and love for her fellow humans shine brightly in this inspirational and heartwarming tale. Get this book now. Read it with a highlighter and a handful of bookmarks handy. Keep it nearby as you navigate your own bouts with sadness, anger, fear, and anxiety. Secrets to dealing with these challenges lie within. There are many go-to concepts in the story that you will find yourself recalling long after you’ve finished reading about Mystic’s journey.
This book had a profound effect on my own mindset. I realize this sounds like hyperbole. I write a lot of book reviews, both casually and professionally, and I never say anything like this, but here goes. I am convinced that choosing to read (and pay attention to) this book will rank among the most important decisions you make during your lifetime. There. I said it. I just went back and re-read it, and I’m sticking by it.
This is the kind of book that should be standard issue for every human being on the planet. I realize some of you are rolling your eyes as you read that, but this book is a treasure, a guidebook for navigating life’s pitfalls. Szubaniska’s immense heart and love for her fellow humans shine brightly in this inspirational and heartwarming tale. Get this book now. Read it with a highlighter and a handful of bookmarks handy. Keep it nearby as you navigate your own bouts with sadness, anger, fear, and anxiety. Secrets to dealing with these challenges lie within. There are many go-to concepts in the story that you will find yourself recalling long after you’ve finished reading about Mystic’s journey.
This book had a profound effect on my own mindset. I realize this sounds like hyperbole. I write a lot of book reviews, both casually and professionally, and I never say anything like this, but here goes. I am convinced that choosing to read (and pay attention to) this book will rank among the most important decisions you make during your lifetime. There. I said it. I just went back and re-read it, and I’m sticking by it.
June 22, 2018
Anne-Claire Szubaniska uses a tabby cat, Mystic, to give the message she personally learned of inner joy across to us. This emotional cat has learned when he expresses sadness and a distressing countenance he would gain sympathy and compassion from others. He loved the attention so much he continues to feed his indignation, expecting others to share his emotional pain. This silly cat symbolizes behaviors people express when they feel they have been wronged and deserve attention for their suffering. They don't realize their behavior drains other people. Mystic and the Secret to Happiness takes Mystic through the one-on-one training he gets from a stray black cat, Freedom, that wishes to help him overcome his victim mentality and achieve true happiness that comes by choice, no matter the circumstances in his life. Anne-Claire then backs up her teachings with people expressing the same unhappiness that Mystic was experiencing and the bitter results that come with this attitude.
I found Mystic and the Secret to Happiness not only entertaining, but very helpful in recognizing when people let their circumstances control their emotions. Anne-Claire Szubaniska shows how inner joy will draw others to you because of your happiness and sense of peace. It appears that Anne-Claire could not have taught these truths without learning them for herself. The words of wisdom that came from the cat Freedom must have been learned firsthand. I did find it quite humorous when Mystic first started experiencing joyful intuition. I felt drawn to the author and her contagious joy that she spread to those around her and consider my life and attitude more enriched because of this book. I felt the main message of this book is by having inner peace and joy allows you a happiness that isn't dependent on anyone person or event.
Written for Readers' Favorites by Peggy Jo Wipf
I found Mystic and the Secret to Happiness not only entertaining, but very helpful in recognizing when people let their circumstances control their emotions. Anne-Claire Szubaniska shows how inner joy will draw others to you because of your happiness and sense of peace. It appears that Anne-Claire could not have taught these truths without learning them for herself. The words of wisdom that came from the cat Freedom must have been learned firsthand. I did find it quite humorous when Mystic first started experiencing joyful intuition. I felt drawn to the author and her contagious joy that she spread to those around her and consider my life and attitude more enriched because of this book. I felt the main message of this book is by having inner peace and joy allows you a happiness that isn't dependent on anyone person or event.
Written for Readers' Favorites by Peggy Jo Wipf
June 22, 2018
Anne-Claire Szubaniska uses a tabby cat, Mystic, to give the message she personally learned of inner joy across to us. This emotional cat has learned when he expresses sadness and a distressing countenance he would gain sympathy and compassion from others. He loved the attention so much he continues to feed his indignation, expecting others to share his emotional pain. This silly cat symbolizes behaviors people express when they feel they have been wronged and deserve attention for their suffering. They don't realize their behavior drains other people. Mystic and the Secret to Happiness takes Mystic through the one-on-one training he gets from a stray black cat, Freedom, that wishes to help him overcome his victim mentality and achieve true happiness that comes by choice, no matter the circumstances in his life. Anne-Claire then backs up her teachings with people expressing the same unhappiness that Mystic was experiencing and the bitter results that come with this attitude.
I found Mystic and the Secret to Happiness not only entertaining, but very helpful in recognizing when people let their circumstances control their emotions. Anne-Claire Szubaniska shows how inner joy will draw others to you because of your happiness and sense of peace. It appears that Anne-Claire could not have taught these truths without learning them for herself. The words of wisdom that came from the cat Freedom must have been learned firsthand. I did find it quite humorous when Mystic first started experiencing joyful intuition. I felt drawn to the author and her contagious joy that she spread to those around her and consider my life and attitude more enriched because of this book. I felt the main message of this book is by having inner peace and joy allows you a happiness that isn't dependent on anyone person or event.
Written for Readers' Favorite by Peggy Jo Wipf
I found Mystic and the Secret to Happiness not only entertaining, but very helpful in recognizing when people let their circumstances control their emotions. Anne-Claire Szubaniska shows how inner joy will draw others to you because of your happiness and sense of peace. It appears that Anne-Claire could not have taught these truths without learning them for herself. The words of wisdom that came from the cat Freedom must have been learned firsthand. I did find it quite humorous when Mystic first started experiencing joyful intuition. I felt drawn to the author and her contagious joy that she spread to those around her and consider my life and attitude more enriched because of this book. I felt the main message of this book is by having inner peace and joy allows you a happiness that isn't dependent on anyone person or event.
Written for Readers' Favorite by Peggy Jo Wipf
January 6, 2019
Mystically Wonderful
The story is so charming that I was hooked before I recognized I was learning something so
thought provoking! It articulated and summarized ideas which were wandering unorganized in my brain. What an enjoyable discovery!
The story is so charming that I was hooked before I recognized I was learning something so
thought provoking! It articulated and summarized ideas which were wandering unorganized in my brain. What an enjoyable discovery!
July 31, 2023
We are proud to announce that MYSTIC AND THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS by Anne-Claire Szubaniska has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
May 18, 2019
Gotta read this
A teaching book about life and happiness. I really needed this lesson to help me with my life own depression! Merci Beau coup!
A teaching book about life and happiness. I really needed this lesson to help me with my life own depression! Merci Beau coup!
May 20, 2021
Excellence
Inspiration beyond
Parables
Kindness
Love of animals and all sentient beings
Gratitude for all authors both great and small
Thank you.
Inspiration beyond
Parables
Kindness
Love of animals and all sentient beings
Gratitude for all authors both great and small
Thank you.
July 29, 2022
Good light read
Uplifting good advice and easy to put into practice. Nothing really new, but still nice. I enjoyed it. Thank you.
Uplifting good advice and easy to put into practice. Nothing really new, but still nice. I enjoyed it. Thank you.
December 25, 2022
A bit pedantic, especially for a novel, but a useful reminder that a positive mental attitude can change lives.
February 5, 2023
amazing book!
Life’s best lessons, presented in a heartwarming story.
Inspiring, captivating, absolutely marvelous! Read it as a gift to yourself I plan on reading it again.
Life’s best lessons, presented in a heartwarming story.
Inspiring, captivating, absolutely marvelous! Read it as a gift to yourself I plan on reading it again.
June 3, 2023
I love this story. Cute and believable characters with a positive message throughout.
May 15, 2023
Great story of learning who you are and appreciating the things around you. It’s okay to lean on others and stop living on your own island. It also shows it’s very easy to give into your own biases.
It was a predictable read and fun! I bought it because of the story MC being a cat! Didn’t disappoint. But I have to admit I got a little bored part way through.
Sometimes parts felt like it was written like an instruction manual, like it was very handholding. But maybe I’m not the target demographic 🤷♀️
It was a predictable read and fun! I bought it because of the story MC being a cat! Didn’t disappoint. But I have to admit I got a little bored part way through.
Sometimes parts felt like it was written like an instruction manual, like it was very handholding. But maybe I’m not the target demographic 🤷♀️
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