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Distilled Genius - A Collection of Life-Changing Quotations
Distilled Genius is a collection of life-changing quotations from Susan Branch, New York Times best-selling author. Like all of Susan’s books, Distilled Genius is charmingly handwritten and watercolored in Susan’s inimitable style, and, as with her other books, it tells a story. This is not just any quote book, but a forty-year carefully curated collection of quotes from Susan's lifelong search for deeper meaning, joy, and fulfillment in life ~ and her desire to share ~ from Mark Twain, to the Bhagavad Gita, from Anne Frank, and George Patton, to Marcus Aurelius, and Louisa May Alcott; from Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln, Maya Angelou, the Bible, and beyond. Reading about the struggles of others who, often against all odds, made something of their lives, gives us strength, and encourages us to make our own dreams a reality. Life-affirming, clever, poetic, heroic, hilarious, and human ~ hopeful words of wisdom, distilled into one book of Genius for all time. Distilled Genius is arranged in themes, such as “Secrets of Life,” “Writing and Writers,” “Creativity," and “Finding your Dreams,” to name a few; it's 272 pages of joy, just when we need to be reminded of who we are, where we came from, and what our future can be if we choose it. The power in words is endless, they make you think, and once in a while, they tell you that you were right all along (that’s when you truly understand the Genius part). Everything that’s needed to be said, has been said, by someone whose words carry weight, such as this quote by Joseph “We have not even to risk the adventure alone for all the heroes of all time have gone before us.” Distilled Genius has a sewn-in ribbon bookmark, is proudly printed in the USA, and unlike an e-book, it comes complete with that beautiful new-book smell at no additional charge.💖
272 pages, Hardcover
Published July 12, 2022
22 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Susan Branch
110 books1,120 followersI'm the author of the Heart of the Home series of hand-written and watercolored books, and most recently, a three-part illustrated memoir that begins with The Fairy Tale Girl (as the appetizer), goes to Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams (for main course), and then (for dessert) it's A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English Countryside. (You can take the girl out of the cookbook, but you can never take the cookbook out of the girl.) Hope you love them. I've been waiting a long time to tell this story.
Follow Susan's Blog http://www.susanbranch.com/
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Susan's BOOKTOUR May-July 2016 http://www.susanbranch.com/coming-soo...
Follow Susan's Blog http://www.susanbranch.com/
Follow Susan on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friend...
Follow Susan on Twitter https://twitter.com/dearsusanbranch
Susan's BOOKTOUR May-July 2016 http://www.susanbranch.com/coming-soo...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 12, 2024
Wonderful!!! 10🌟! It came as no surprise that I absolutely loved this gorgeously illustrated book of quotes, but it still boggles my mind how Susan Branch can do so much in one book.
Distilled Genius made me feel uplifted, hopeful, supported, heard and loved. I thought about reading one page per day for the entire year, but (after only one day), I was reading multiple pages a night and it was hard to stop. lol.
I adore the sweet, thoughtful and lovely watercolor illustrations with all my heart. It's a book that would be a fantastic gift to anyone feeling low, lonely or just wanting a little inspiration.
Even though Susan allows one or two decorative empty pages between quote "themes" to write down favorite quotes, I felt reluctant to fill them up (yet). Instead, I used a waterproof black felt tip pen to make tiny hearts next to the quotes I liked the best. I'll be adding those to my commonplace journal as soon as I get a chance.
Reading Susan's collection of quotes brought a ray of sunshine and happiness into my life and I hope with all my heart that she publishes another one soon! Highly, highly recommended!!
Distilled Genius made me feel uplifted, hopeful, supported, heard and loved. I thought about reading one page per day for the entire year, but (after only one day), I was reading multiple pages a night and it was hard to stop. lol.
I adore the sweet, thoughtful and lovely watercolor illustrations with all my heart. It's a book that would be a fantastic gift to anyone feeling low, lonely or just wanting a little inspiration.
Even though Susan allows one or two decorative empty pages between quote "themes" to write down favorite quotes, I felt reluctant to fill them up (yet). Instead, I used a waterproof black felt tip pen to make tiny hearts next to the quotes I liked the best. I'll be adding those to my commonplace journal as soon as I get a chance.
Reading Susan's collection of quotes brought a ray of sunshine and happiness into my life and I hope with all my heart that she publishes another one soon! Highly, highly recommended!!
October 30, 2024
Susan Branch has collected quotations that inspire her for 45 years, and in this book she has organized some of her finds into categories: 'Quiet', 'Happiness', 'Creativity', 'Books, Reading and Libraries', 'Money' and many others. I would say that you should read it in short spurts - it's a dip into it kind of book, rather than a read it from cover to cover book, which might be an overwhelming experience of ideas overload.
Some of the quotations are very well-known and some were new to me. Branch has included some of her own ideas; unfortunately, her self-quotes lacked the pithiness of some of the other better known ideas. It's not that Branch did not have good ideas, but memorable quotations have a kick of humour or surprise or recognition, and are not just a list of thoughts. She also quoted Einstein and Joseph Campbell, and Eleanor Roosevelt, and Dorothy Sayers and Toni Morrison and Churchill and on and on. Overall I found it a good collection; paired with Branch's water colours, it was indeed a pleasant and sometimes funny read. Branch mostly goes for the peaceful and pleasant - not so much the acerbic commentary on life. I leave off with the one quotation that made me cry:
From Anne Frank: 'Think of all the beauty still left around you & be happy.'
Some of the quotations are very well-known and some were new to me. Branch has included some of her own ideas; unfortunately, her self-quotes lacked the pithiness of some of the other better known ideas. It's not that Branch did not have good ideas, but memorable quotations have a kick of humour or surprise or recognition, and are not just a list of thoughts. She also quoted Einstein and Joseph Campbell, and Eleanor Roosevelt, and Dorothy Sayers and Toni Morrison and Churchill and on and on. Overall I found it a good collection; paired with Branch's water colours, it was indeed a pleasant and sometimes funny read. Branch mostly goes for the peaceful and pleasant - not so much the acerbic commentary on life. I leave off with the one quotation that made me cry:
From Anne Frank: 'Think of all the beauty still left around you & be happy.'
August 28, 2024
“It’s impossible,” said pride.
“It’s risky,” said experience.
“It’s pointless,” said reason.
“Let’s do it anyway,” said the heart.”
~ Author Unknown
If you need a quote for any occasion, any mood, look no further. Distilled Genius is another beautiful, handwritten book by the oh-so-lovely Susan Branch. I was lucky enough to meet her on her book signing tour for this book and she is just as wonderful in real life as she is in her books.
I am planning to read through this one again and make a collection of my own favorite quotes. I used to collect quotes as well but have lost many of them and would love to begin the practice again.
A truly lovely book and one I will always treasure.
“It’s risky,” said experience.
“It’s pointless,” said reason.
“Let’s do it anyway,” said the heart.”
~ Author Unknown
If you need a quote for any occasion, any mood, look no further. Distilled Genius is another beautiful, handwritten book by the oh-so-lovely Susan Branch. I was lucky enough to meet her on her book signing tour for this book and she is just as wonderful in real life as she is in her books.
I am planning to read through this one again and make a collection of my own favorite quotes. I used to collect quotes as well but have lost many of them and would love to begin the practice again.
A truly lovely book and one I will always treasure.
July 8, 2023
I love quotes and have started a notebook of them since I was 17, This is the first in a two part book series with quotes compiled by one of my favorite authors and illustrators. Susan Branch has many books, all written and hand illustrated in beautiful watercolor drawings. We went to her book signing last fall for this book and will gladly go to the next one.
August 18, 2022
Susan has perfectly compiled many of her favorite quotations (including some of her own) in this beautifully illustrated book. It’s just a delight to explore. Leaving a few blank pages for personal additions and reflections was a very nice touch. I just love this book.
October 23, 2025
Distilled Genius is the kind of book you reach for when you need a spark of inspiration—a favorite quote, a lovely sketch, or a gentle nudge to pause and appreciate life’s small joys.
October 14, 2022
Anyone who knows me will testify that I give *extremely* few five-star ratings to books I have read. When I read (and save, and cherish) anything by Susan Branch, it is impossible for me to do anything else. For decades I have anxiously awaited anything and everything created by this lovely, gifted woman…seasonal books filled with quotes and recipes, calendars, bookmarks,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2023
I love love love all of Susan's other books and think she's both a fantastic writer and illustrator, but this collection really fell flat for me, unfortunately:(
I didn't expect to see so many quotes recycled from her previous books -- though still lovely, just not fresh (for me, at least because I frequently reread Susan's works, especially her cookbooks).
Additionally, there were several repeat quotes that popped up two or three times throughout the book, which surprised me considering that Susan probably has hundreds and hundreds of quotes to choose from, so you'd think there wouldn't be any need to use repeat quotes within the same book.
And while I initially thought it was cute and cheeky that Susan quoted herself, after a bit I didn't like it as much, especially the pages with multiple SB quotes on them -- it started to seem a little forced.
Finally, there's the politics section of the book towards the end, and I am actually totally fine with Susan getting political and showing us her viewpoints -- my only complaint is that she used a quote from Adolf Hitler ("What luck for rulers that men do not think")...which I think she used ironically?? Like maybe a call to action for us to be more watchful of those we elect to power? But it really jarred me (especially considering all the previous Anne Frank quotes she has in the book) and left a bad taste in my mouth, regardless of whether it was used ironically or not. For next book, leave out any Hitler quotes!!
I didn't expect to see so many quotes recycled from her previous books -- though still lovely, just not fresh (for me, at least because I frequently reread Susan's works, especially her cookbooks).
Additionally, there were several repeat quotes that popped up two or three times throughout the book, which surprised me considering that Susan probably has hundreds and hundreds of quotes to choose from, so you'd think there wouldn't be any need to use repeat quotes within the same book.
And while I initially thought it was cute and cheeky that Susan quoted herself, after a bit I didn't like it as much, especially the pages with multiple SB quotes on them -- it started to seem a little forced.
Finally, there's the politics section of the book towards the end, and I am actually totally fine with Susan getting political and showing us her viewpoints -- my only complaint is that she used a quote from Adolf Hitler ("What luck for rulers that men do not think")...which I think she used ironically?? Like maybe a call to action for us to be more watchful of those we elect to power? But it really jarred me (especially considering all the previous Anne Frank quotes she has in the book) and left a bad taste in my mouth, regardless of whether it was used ironically or not. For next book, leave out any Hitler quotes!!
January 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
I read Distilled Genius cover to cover—every quote, every page—and by the end I felt so inspired I genuinely thought, I might just do something incredible today. lol!
I’ve always loved Susan Branch’s cookbooks—the comfort, the charm, the handwritten notes that feel like a hug. But this? This is next level. Distilled Genius feels like sitting down with a wise, creative friend who has spent a lifetime collecting the very best words and is now offering them to you with generosity and heart.
The quotes are beautifully curated, thoughtfully organized, and paired with Susan’s signature watercolor and handwritten style that makes you want to linger. It’s the kind of book you can open anytime—morning coffee, mid-afternoon slump, or quiet evening—and find instant encouragement, clarity, or joy.
This isn’t just a book you read once. It’s a book you live with. One you keep nearby, return to often, and slowly let seep into your days.
Open it when you need inspiration. Open it when you need courage. Open it when you just want to feel a little more hopeful and grounded.
Highly recommend. 💙✨
I read Distilled Genius cover to cover—every quote, every page—and by the end I felt so inspired I genuinely thought, I might just do something incredible today. lol!
I’ve always loved Susan Branch’s cookbooks—the comfort, the charm, the handwritten notes that feel like a hug. But this? This is next level. Distilled Genius feels like sitting down with a wise, creative friend who has spent a lifetime collecting the very best words and is now offering them to you with generosity and heart.
The quotes are beautifully curated, thoughtfully organized, and paired with Susan’s signature watercolor and handwritten style that makes you want to linger. It’s the kind of book you can open anytime—morning coffee, mid-afternoon slump, or quiet evening—and find instant encouragement, clarity, or joy.
This isn’t just a book you read once. It’s a book you live with. One you keep nearby, return to often, and slowly let seep into your days.
Open it when you need inspiration. Open it when you need courage. Open it when you just want to feel a little more hopeful and grounded.
Highly recommend. 💙✨
August 19, 2022
My only issue with Susan Branch- is that she doesn't release books fast enough. I LOVE Susan Branch's work. Her artwork is whimsical, fun & uplifting. Combined with all these amazing quotes from distinguished & renowned persons, makes this volume a book that will be treasured for years to come.
And remember two very important things from pg 57: "One never quite allows for the moron in our midst." -Agatha Christie ~and~ "When you see persons slip down on the ice, do not laugh at them.... It is more feminine on witnessing such a sight, to utter an involuntary scream." -Eliza Leslie, Miss Leslie's Behavior Book , 1859
And remember two very important things from pg 57: "One never quite allows for the moron in our midst." -Agatha Christie ~and~ "When you see persons slip down on the ice, do not laugh at them.... It is more feminine on witnessing such a sight, to utter an involuntary scream." -Eliza Leslie, Miss Leslie's Behavior Book , 1859
August 21, 2022
I own almost all of Susan's wonderful books because I love her recipes, her personal story, her decorating and traveling ideas, her artwork, and her use of quotations. This collection proves what George R.R. Martin says, "it is one thing to be clever and another to be wise." Susan has gathered together a plethora of wise, inspirational, and humorous words for us to live by and to read at a time when we desperately need some life-affirming wisdom in our troubled world. This would make an excellent gift for numerous occasions or just because. I planned to read this a bit at a time, but I found I couldn't put it down for very long.
November 16, 2022
I'm new to Susan Branch. I tried to read her England book once, but found the hand lettering too tiring to decipher. This is a collection of quotations that she has hand lettered and illustrated. Because there's not a narrative to follow, I could read a little bit at a time. I read it front to back over a couple of months, but it could also be dipped into here and there. It would be a pretty gift for the right person.
The quotations are arranged by topic and are sourced from a wide variety of people--politicians, actors, song writers, philosophers, novelists, etc.
The quotations are arranged by topic and are sourced from a wide variety of people--politicians, actors, song writers, philosophers, novelists, etc.
November 20, 2024
This is a wonderful resource for writers and those who crave daily inspiration. It's a perfect book for the bathroom or den where you could pick it up - open and choose quotes by theme. My favorite themed section was "For writing and writers." The quotes were gathered over Susan Branch's lifetime, and her illustrations and handwritten passages add to the personal and creative nature of this book. 272 pages of positivity.
November 21, 2023
I’ve always enjoyed collecting quotes and usually posted them as reminders.
Quotes often share a wisdom we might otherwise never see and give us a glimpse into the past, to apply to the future.
This book is a perfect bedtime read, relaxing, beautiful, and predominantly positive and inspirational. I’ve already read through it twice! Just to continue the enjoyment.
Quotes often share a wisdom we might otherwise never see and give us a glimpse into the past, to apply to the future.
This book is a perfect bedtime read, relaxing, beautiful, and predominantly positive and inspirational. I’ve already read through it twice! Just to continue the enjoyment.
February 20, 2023
Really enjoyed this book of wisdom from diverse voices on topics such as Courage, Love and Creativity. A fun book to read at the kitchen table when you only have time for a few pages in between bites. Would also make a great coffee table book for guests to enjoy.
April 20, 2023
I love this book! I love Susan Branch and want to be her friend. Her art and the quotes combined are just wonderful, it reminds me very much of a commonplace book. Will forever be in my library and I look forward to the next one!
June 17, 2023
Nice book of quotations. I found some of the artwork difficult to read - it's more of a book where you read a few pages at a time, rather than cover to cover. Some of the quotations are repeated in the book, which I felt was unnecessary.
September 27, 2024
I adore Susan Branch! She has inspired me with all of her books for years. Thank you so much, Susan. If I could afford to purchase your gorgeous home, I would, but thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the inspiration for my own home ♥️🏡.
June 18, 2025
A beautiful collection of the author’s favorite quotations organized by topic. What makes this book special is that the author is an artist and has hand drawn every page of the book, including the cover.
December 30, 2022
Brilliant, fun, and the perfect quote for every mood and/or occasion!
January 6, 2023
Aesthetically BEAUTIFUL! I wish there was a tutorial for her penmanship! Book is broken up into sections for the quotes like “Fairy Tales”. Very cute!
February 12, 2023
Plenty of great quotes, and Susan's beautiful illustrations and illuminated text. Her handmade books truly are remarkable and uplifting.
October 22, 2023
Such a fun read with lots of quotes
December 10, 2023
Don't you just love her illustrations?! This book has some amazing quotations.
February 3, 2024
I love a good quote book. And I love Susan Branch.
February 16, 2023
The title tells it all. Distilled Genius: The Illustrated Secrets of Life - A Collection of Life-Changing Quotations. I love this book for the illustrations, the quotes, the thoughts behind putting this book together. I have been a keeper of quotes for many years, but I have never compiled them all in one place. Here, Susan Branch (Sue, to her true friends and fans) groups quotes by topic including inspiration, friendship, books, writing, love, courage, and faith. Each quote is lovingly drawn and sometimes accompanied by a small illustration of a person or a flower and a heart. Each page has the ability to lift your spirits, just from the sense of fun and whimsy in front of you. Susan (Sue) adds a blank page or two at the end of each section, so that we can add our own quotes, notes, thoughts and drawings.
Sue sprinkles her own thoughts and words of wisdom generously in each section, allowing us to feel as if she is sitting next to us with a cup of tea. A page that I enjoy is labelled "How to be happy." Sue suggests a few activities that can bring you out of a bad mood or help you appreciate the little joys in life - breathe fresh air, read good books, nap with pets. The list is accompanied by a drawing of a dancing Fred Astaire in top hat and tails and a quote from SB - "Feed your life from the well of sweetness."
A few other quotes (a small fraction, really) that I like include:
There are people who take the heart out of you & there are people who put it back in. - Elizabeth David
Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. - Margaret Mead
The purpose of literature is to turn blood into ink. - T. S. Eliot
Activism is my rent for living on the planet. - Alice Walker
There are 30 pages devoted to love, so it might be safe to consider love one of Sue's favorite subjects. But there are so many other snippets of wisdom and hope and motivation, every page is a joy to read and re-read. I plan to keep this book near me so that I turn to it whenever I need a lift. And a second volume is in the works, so there is more to look forward to.
Sue sprinkles her own thoughts and words of wisdom generously in each section, allowing us to feel as if she is sitting next to us with a cup of tea. A page that I enjoy is labelled "How to be happy." Sue suggests a few activities that can bring you out of a bad mood or help you appreciate the little joys in life - breathe fresh air, read good books, nap with pets. The list is accompanied by a drawing of a dancing Fred Astaire in top hat and tails and a quote from SB - "Feed your life from the well of sweetness."
A few other quotes (a small fraction, really) that I like include:
There are people who take the heart out of you & there are people who put it back in. - Elizabeth David
Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. - Margaret Mead
The purpose of literature is to turn blood into ink. - T. S. Eliot
Activism is my rent for living on the planet. - Alice Walker
There are 30 pages devoted to love, so it might be safe to consider love one of Sue's favorite subjects. But there are so many other snippets of wisdom and hope and motivation, every page is a joy to read and re-read. I plan to keep this book near me so that I turn to it whenever I need a lift. And a second volume is in the works, so there is more to look forward to.
August 20, 2023
What can you say. I love Susan's work. I love to look at they way she paints and makes each page because it is amazing. My only complaint (and I hate to use that word) is that a few times quotes were repeated. I could read her books all day.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews