Julia Shpak describes her book, Power of Plentiful Wisdom [AuthorHouse, $12.95, 108 pages, ISBN 9781452064741] as an inspirational work. Even the cover of the book, with its monochromatic picture of a fully blossomed tree with many roots — inspires. And just like those roots, Shpak believes that the meanings of all things, even of simple things, run deep.
Using short and easy to understand allegories and nature-related metaphors, accompanied by black and white photographs, Shpak takes the reader on a self-reflective journey to find wisdom and deeper meaning in common things.
Much like David Baird’s Thousand Paths book series and The Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Power of Plentiful Wisdom provides the reader with a simple collection of tranquil thoughts and mantras. One of my favorites is the chapter on Pearls. The author opens the chapter with a quote from the late American news anchor David Brinkley: “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”
The allegory that follows this quote goes on to read: “Oysters form high quality pearls as a natural defense against irritants like parasites and sand. Oysters seem to follow this golden rule: If you can’t remove it, then try to improve it. Hidden within this shell a pearl is created. It’s amazing how something so initially inconvenient can become so beautiful.
Some might categorize this work as a coffee-table book. However, I think that it may be better suited for a quick read on the go, or for a home or work office. The quotes, stories, and images are all meant to de-stress; it’s perfect for those times when you feel the need to drop out of the rat race and be still for a little while. I highly recommend the book for all readers.
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