Lessons in Living [Paperback]

Susan L. Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 20, 1998

At long last, here is the paperback edition of beloved columnist and author Susan L. Taylor's bestselling collection of spiritual writings on overcoming the challenges of everyday life.

Revealing the spiritual lessons Susan has learned first-hand from grappling with the challenges and difficulties in her own life, Lessons in Living is a celebration of the journey of life that has already become a classic. Written in the anecdotal style that has made Susan's "In the Spirit" column the most popular feature of Essence magazine, Lessons in Living addresses the themes that have been her unique territory for over a decade: self empowerment, the exploration of love and self-worth, and issues of faith and commitment.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Taylor, editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, in this new collection of inspirational writings, develops themes that marked her earlier book, In the Spirit, a collection of her popular columns. Intermingled with personal details of career, divorce, parenting and remarriage are Taylor's strategies for finding inner peace amid the stress of contemporary living. Borrowing from diverse cultural and religious traditions and emphasizing the necessity of honoring oneself, Taylor espouses a practical spirituality: "Life is our finishing school." When she describes the spiritual armor she dons each day in her busy life, she projects a quiet assurance that has won her a wide audience, particularly in the black community. This affirmative philosophy is attractively packaged with ruled blank pages at the end for readers' personal use. 100,000 first printing; author tour; first serial to Essence; Literary Guild alternate.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Without touting any one religion, Taylor, editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, offers essentially spiritual essays here. These nine pieces speak in a conversational tone, like a trusted friend guiding one through emotionally tough times, leading one to comprehend the truths of life and death. Each essay is encouraging and uplifting but challenging. Taylor doesn't rail against readers for things in their past but encourages all to center themselves on the presence of God in them. One of the suggestions for getting in touch with the guiding inner self and feeling the presence of God is to keep a "life's agenda" notebook and refer to it daily. Taylor does not have an exclusively African American viewpoint, but there are intermittent historical references, and two essays deal with inner cities, crime, and murdered children, problems most often associated with urban black populations. Well recommended for public libraries.?Susan Burdick, Reading, Pa.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Anchor (January 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385483791
• ISBN-13: 978-0385483797
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.5 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #384,522 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GREAT TEXT BOOK, May 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lessons in Living (Paperback)

This book is so uplifting! I bought it a year ago and I highlighted paragraphs throughout the book, so when I need a little inspiration, I just pull out my book and thumb through. I've read this book twice in it's entirety and dozens of times I've read the highlighted parts. I wish Susan would write more.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly uplifting!!!, April 12, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lessons in Living (Paperback)

I've had this book for several months now and remains to be an excellent source to remind me of who I really am. When I am struggling with negative emotions, I turn to this book and reread the essays. It has never failed to make me feel better. By reading this book, it helps me connect to my spirit which in turn uplifts me. Susan Taylor has some wonderful insights and every time I reread any of the essays, I gain something new. I have recommended her books to so many friends and they love her.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LIFE CHANGING, August 7, 2000

By 

M. Baros (Covington, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lessons in Living (Paperback)

This book CHANGED MY LIFE. I came across this book at a very difficult time in my life. There is such compassion in her words, that can only come from one who has been in the "valley". She takes you through a spiritual guide, a reevaluation of life, and help you to truly value the lessons in the adversities that we face in life. This book is POWERFUL AND SPIRITUALLY UPLIFTING. A revelation!