Better Because of You

Ginny Hutchinson and Cathy Haffner
Bending New Corners Press (2010)
ISBN 9780982519103
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (01/10)


In our busyness we want to read things that are short, and to the point; especially when it’s a book of quotations or self-help pointers.  And, this is exactly what Ginny Hutchinson and Cathy Haffner provide in “Better Because of You.”  There are many one-liner quotes from known and famous, as well as from unknown people. Also, there are short pointers and supporting stories.  For example, under the title of “Console Survivors,” the authors say “Rather than ask What Can I do? say Here’s what I will do for you.”  With this quote they explain when a 39-year-old mother died and her husband was in the throws of planning the funeral and visiting with relatives, the “Mommy and Me” group took turns babysitting and the neighborhood worked together and provided meals for several weeks.

This small, purse-sized book is divided into sections and each section has a colored tab making it simple to find the section you feel like referring to at that time.  I can see myself keeping this book in my purse and pulling it out when I need to take a breather during a stressful time or sitting at a traffic light.  The short quotes and time at the light may just be exactly what I need at that moment.  Some of the quotes that resonate with me are:

“Write in your heart that every day is the best day of the year.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
“The road to happiness is always under construction.” - Unknown

“Better Because of You” by Hutchinson and Haffner brilliantly and delightfully offers tools for contemplating our own lives and making our world a better place to live in. The concise, yet powerful, gift from them will make a difference in your personal life which in turn will reflect on to others. 

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