Finding My Marbles: A Story You Can Read and Live

by Troy Adams, Clare Sente, Troy Adams, Julie Scandora (Editor)

Finding My Marbles is a book you can read and live. Discover the timeless principles that guide the characters in the book and that will help you in your search for a more fulfilling life! Monica learns the first principle from a 5-year old boy named Conor. Enjoy this sample. Monica was anxious to leave the store, but something about Conor reminded her of happier times... Monica carefully observed Conor... His bright, sky blue eyes were accented by a string of freckles sprinkled from one cheek to the other... His boyish grin was genuine. He looked sublimely happy to be purchasing a small bag of marbles. She noted how he watched the cashier scanning his bag of marbles with breathless anticipation. That will be three dollars and twenty-three cents, said the cashier with a hint of kindness in her eyes. Conor produced a wadded up five-dollar bill from his pocket and gave it toward the cashier without taking his gaze from the bag of marbles... The cashier efficiently made change... He had already opened the bag of marbles and was carefully admiring a green cat eye. His mother nudged him and motioned to the cashier, whispering something in his ear. He carefully placed the marble back in its bag and held out his hand to receive his change. He looked in utter amazement at the money in his hand... He stood glued to the spot, looking back and forth from his marbles to the money. He finally stuffed the money into his pocket and reached for the green cat eye again. Conor s mother nudged him again and prompted, Conor, what do you say? Conor beamed brightly as if he had just remembered a secret. He looked directly at the cashier and said with childish sincerity, Thank for my marbles. The cashier smiled at his joyous display of pure gratitude... Then the magic happened. Conor removed the green cat eye marble and held it up to the light. This is a good one, he said to no one in particular. Then, he resolutely extended the marble to the cashier and said, Here, you can have this one. An awkward silence followed. The cashier looked at Conor then at his mother then back at Conor. Thank you so much, she said, placing her hand over her heart. That is the nicest thing anyone has done for me this whole week. Monica felt a lump rise in her throat, and her eyes began to tear up. She wondered, why did this simple gesture pull on her heart-strings? The answer was suddenly obvious. She had just witnessed a demonstration of genuine gratitude, and it was a beautiful thing. As Conor and his mother left the store, Monica unconsciously stepped forward. The cashier, predictably asked Monica, Did you find everything you need? Without thinking, Monica replied, No, I didn t. Ignoring the cashiers confused expression, Monica asked, Where can I find a bag of marbles?

Genres: Self Help

92 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Teresa Carrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and uplifting. Also extremely short.

[Linda Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by a good friend of mine. I originally received it many years ago. I try to read it every year as I get different things out of it depending on where I am in my own journey. Hopefully, I am growing as a person and that gives me a newer perspective on what I see within the story.

For instance, it has been a few years since I made a vision board. Between this book and another I am reading, it is time to make a new one so that I can manifest my current goals. Some are the same but others have been met or are no longer pertinent.

It had been probably three years since I had last read it. I stayed up late to finish reading it. I love Monica's story. We can all relate to it in so many ways. Practicing daily gratitude is causing much more joy to rise in me as well!

Even though Clare is a friend, this creates no bias as to how much I love this story. I get teary eyed every single time... even though I know how it ends! We should all become teary eyed with joy while we move through our own journeys!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a self-help book written in a novelette format. A very easy, quick read. Practicing the suggested concepts, maybe not so quick, but certainly some great guidance to help a person reach within him or herself to find joy in life. I enjoyed the journey the book takes the reader on and felt like it was certainly a worthwhile book to read.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marbles

Great book. Looking at life through a different perspective. Funny and interesting. Good read to help you think about where you are in life.

[Shae Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great little find!! At book to remind us all that we occasionally lose our marbles. And when we truly find them again.... Well, lets just say I hope you do!

[Karen Mosley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend of mine gave me this book. Her son co-wrote it. It is a depression/discouragement self-help book written in story form. The principles it expounds are basic, but true and time tested. As we work to find joy in our lives, more opportunities for joy will present themselves and aid us in getting out of the "joyless zone". It's short (a day read) and makes you want a cup of hot chocolate when you're finished!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different kind of self-help book. It tells a simple story to explain a process for changing your outlook on life. Many people get stuck in a way of living and thinking that pulls the joy out of everyday life. This book shows a way to get the joy back a little at a time. It's not magic and it's something we can all try.

[Carol Sente · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes short and simple can be so profound. I reread this book during the COVID pandemic because it’s principles are more important now than ever. We forget the steps and get lost in our “joyless zone”. Start with gratitude and move your way through these life altering seven steps. Enjoy the results.

[Tenessa Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, quick read. It was a good little story about how to look at the bright side of things and how you should try to make the most of your lift. A lot of these things I've read before and actually do them-- like the idea of a vision board. Good little read.