Customer Reviews

Four-Word Self-Help: Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

*****

I received my book today and read it tonight, eager to enjoy this latest gem from Patti Digh, author of the wonderful blog 37days.com. It is filled with wise sayings of only four words each, reflecting her attempts to simplify her life, to distill her life to its precious essence. Some of my favorite four-word sayings from the book are: "Create your own tribe", "Let yourself be beloved", "Give up itchy clothes", "Protect each other's dignity", and "Live like you're dying". There are 101 in all.

Decorated with spectacular artwork from readers of the author's blog, this is a beautiful little book to read and treasure or to give to someone to bless their life. It includes inspiration to create your own four-word words of wisdom, too!

That's not all though--the book is interspersed with poignant stories, precious stories elaborating on some of the four-word sayings that highlight central values in a well-lived life.

Although it is a quick read, the message of this book stays with you a long time. It can be (and will be, in my case) read over and over again to bring love and beauty into your life.

Highly recommended.

*****

The book, small and charming and yet whole, is full of mantras and recognitions. It is like a book of little word bonsai trees - elegantly shaped phrases crafted and surrounded by an artful thoughtfulness. A review without mentioning the art would be amiss - the variety and depth of interpretation brought from artists around the world make the book one that should easily grab your attention as a book that makes for a great gift, one that would allow you to wordlessly tell your own four-word phrases: "Because I love you." or "Thanks for being there."

Four-Word Self-Help by Patti Digh is one big hug in one little book. Buy it as a gift to yourself, then go out and buy more copies to give friends and family. Patti once again shares some wonderful insights and advice that not only encourages but also invigorates the soul and the mind. It's not a book you simply read through once, then place on a shelf. It is a book you keep in your purse or bag, your bedside table, on your desk or next to your reading chair because it is a book you will go back to again and again for a dose of wisdom and warmth. Enjoy!

I actually read this book in its entirety in 30 minutes.... Its a small book, which is fine, artwork accompanies each of the sections' take on Four Words.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this book missed the mark for me. It felt a little too simplistic --- which I guess is its purpose.... but: 'drink your coffee black', 'wear only solid clothing', and 'say what you can't'.... well, they didn't resonate.

Having said that, there were elements I DID like... overall I liked the 4 word concept, but what would have made it more meaningful for me would be to dive a little deeper.... for instance, the above mentioned 'way what you can't'... ideas or suggestions for being able to make that happen would be helpful.

I also liked the sectionon generosity.

Overall an interesting concept that could be further developed.

If you disregard the easy-to-carry size, the sturdy package, the beautiful artwork from around the world and just read the four word bits of wisdom and the exposition that divides each of the twelve "hot-button" issues, this book still comes out a winner.

My favorite part of this book is knowing that Patti's words here are authentic and heart-felt. The author of [...] comes to the conversation open to change, open to diverse perspectives and I can feel her presence in each word and page. These four word missives are part of her life and she is sharing these gifts with us and inviting readers to create their own four word stepping stones to simpler lives. It seems to me that we can all use a little simplicity at this point.

I bought this book largely because of the well done graphic design element to the book. Pictures reach our brains in ways that words cannot. Therefore, as a tool to bypass one's brain's incessant need for logic, foundation, and order, this book is an effective tool. It keeps it simple, silly (KISS). It's also a neat gift idea, and frankly I like the concept of boiling down one's personal self-help philosophy to 4 words. It makes it easy to remember. However, if one is searching for something with a little more depth this is not the book for you.

In her own unique and delightful style, Patti Digh has brought another gem into the world. 4 Word Self Help shows each of us how much meaning can be packed into 4 little words - and encourages us to adopt the words and their meanings into our everyday lives. I adore the simplicity of the concept and of its execution - proving once again that the most profound messages are often the simplest ones. This would make the perfect stocking stuffer, teacher's gift, hostess gift or special little unexpected surprise for a friend or loved one.

Patti Digh has taken an interesting idea and turned it into a delightfully rich little book.

The concept: compile self-help directives which are exactly four words long. How much insight can be delivered in so few words? When I first heard about her intention, I tried myself to concoct four-word sentences which carried valuable insights into living a life. It's not easy to do!

She has succeeded in not only delivering great, impactful statements of such brevity, she has also used those statements to invite a deeper level of reflection.

One of Patti's strengths is her ability to offer up new ways of considering our daily lives, to step back and feel the implications of the decisions we make each day and the cumulative effect not only on ourselves, but on those with whom we interact.

Her professional background in diversity training and consulting informs her more-personal work, what began as essays written for her daughters years ago, became a blog, then a book (Life is a Verb), and now is an ongoing and ever-enriching journey which she has offered to open to anyone wishing to walk along.

Four Word Self Help is a little book packed with a great deal of the Digh magic, a wonderful adjunct and a complementary eddy to the main flow which started with Life is a Verb and continues with Creative is a Verb. While it is a delight to read on its own merit, I do heartily recommend reading it as a companion to Patti's other books, as they set a philosophical framework within which this little book carries even more weight.

I gave this as a gift and had to have one myself. It's a fun easy to read table top book that many will enjoy. The art work 2 is great.

A beautiful little book that I was delighted to give away to my friend who loves to keep a visual journal in which she often adds quotes and uses art to communicate the positives in her life.

She loved this gem of a book! The illustrations are beautiful in and of themselves, while the four word self help concept encourages you to create your own four word self help wisdom.

So delightful I intend to buy another copy to keep!