Customer Reviews

One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(3)
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"One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity" by Debbie Macomber is a completely wonderful book that uses scripture and stories to show the reader that a life of generosity is not only possible, but very powerful. I was touched more than once by the personal anecdotes shared by the author, examples of how to live in a generous way and value other human beings.

This book taught me that the little things really do matter. It gave me ideas of things to do to show others that they matter, as well. This book should be a must read for every person on the planet. If everyone read it and adopted even a small bit of what is written between these covers, the world would be a much better place.

Debbie MaComber, best known for her fictional books, has written a wonderful non-fictional book about discovering the power of generosity. Using her gift as a story teller, Debbie weaves little stories throughout this book. Debbie talks about being generous in the acts of gratitude, sharing, encouragement, good deeds, forgiveness, seeing others through God's eyes, giving, listening, hospitality, hope, celebrating, caring for others, taking time for eternal things, prayer, sharing our faith stories, and serving.

Debbie describes how she has applied these different acts of generosity in her life, and how it has blessed her and those around her. She gives practical advice on how we can learn to be more generous in our lives. The gift of giving isn't just about monetary giving. I know that I walked away with more ideas on how our family can be more generous to others. Debbie concludes the book with study questions for each chapter and a list of her favorite charities.

This was my first Debbie Macomber book, though my wife is a huge fan.

"One Simple Act" is a non-fiction book about why being generous is good for givers, with lots of practical tips. Better, it is not just another ode to guilt. Rather, it gets into the science of why generosity is also good for givers, along with numerous stories of actual instances of generosity, with plentiful tips for those interested in becoming more generous.

Many of the included stories were already known to me, such as the opening one of Corrie Ten Boom and the fleas. Others were new. I was happy to read (re-read) them all, and glad to have them all together for future reference.

The book includes useful chapters on gratitude, forgiveness, listening, hospitality, correspondence, care-giving, and prayer. Notably, many of those require little or no money, just time and attention.

This book could be read as a daily devotional, perhaps a chapter a day. I recommend that approach, as some ideas soaked in better in small doses.

Some ideas I particularly liked:
Science documenting benefits of gratitude, forgiveness and prayer
The difference between praise and encouragement
Keeping good deeds simple and meaningful
The idea that heroes are more likely to be empathic than courageous
Fred Roger's idea for explaining 9-11 to children: "Tell them to watch the helpers."

My favorite line from the book is this: "very often the ones asking loudest are not the ones the Lord would have us support." Amen, sister! Contributing to some causes only accomplishes being asked to give more.

Overall, a worthy read.

Probably because I like Debbie Macomber's work, I thought this book was OK. Normally I would have been cynical about it. But it is really about making the world a better place by acts of kindness. She gives examples of true stories and things based on true stories that tell how being kind and doing for others can make things better for many. With her motivating messages you find out how by just being generous and giving time, encouragement and even forgiveness can help change someone's life, including your own. These aren't things that we don't know but the examples she gives do somewhat motivate you, especially at this holiday time of the year. The fact that she invites the reader to do this and offer it up to God may be a little too much for people who aren't into religion but I didn't feel like it was being pushed at you. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised I liked it as much as I did and came away feeling a little better about my neighbors and the world.

What a great book and an easy read! I have read and reread this book on a daily basis. It is the kind of book that you can pick out one of the stories and read it as a way to begin your day with inspiration, or as a nighttime read that will end your day with positive thoughts. One of the stories ( you will know which one if you buy this book ), sends chills through me every time I read it, and I have reread it several times for this reason, and it still fills me with awe. How blessed we are to have these stories, truly a must read book. If you are struggling to forgive, been hurt by someone you feel does not deserve your forgiveness, this book could be life changing.

Debbie has truely done a masterful job of teaching Christians to be like Christ taught us through the scriptures. My church is using this book to begin a book study. My prayer is that God will use this book to help our church become more of a blessing to our community.

Debbie Macomber usually writes gentle, uplifting fiction. While classified as a romance writer, she definitely doesn't write in the bodice-ripper style rather she writes in the slice-of-life style with romantic undertones. I typically enjoy reading her and always pick up the next Cedar Cove or Blossom Street book whenever it is published.

This is a totally different type of book, first of all because it is non-fiction. A relatively slim book (207 pages) is actually very content-rich. There are seventeen chapters starting out with "One: Fleas, Footsteps, and Checkout Lanes: The Springboard of Gratitude" and ending with "Seventeen: Giving God the Last Word". When I ordered the book I thought it would be something I would read straight through but found myself keeping it by my bedside and only reading a chapter or two each night before sleep - more of a daily devotional style of reading. The beginning of the book is jam packed with stories and sharings from people who display generosity on a regular basis and how it enriches their own lives as well as the people they reach out to. Most people think of the giving of money when they hear the word generosity but much of the book dedicates itself to small acts of kindness that cost little or nothing. A kind word or thoughtful gesture can go a long way toward making the world better for the giver and the receiver.

One note I would like to share: Each chapter opens with a biblical quote. The first thirteen or so chapters (while having a Christian focus) are more spiritual rather than Christian and could easily cross religious traditions. By Chapter 14, the book really takes a turn and becomes exclusively Christian with the final chapter being devoted to the role of Jesus and his role as savior. Initially, I thought that I would be able to recommend this book to my Jewish and Hindu friends, but by the time I finished I decided that would not be a good idea. Please be aware that I am not complaining, but merely sharing to the purchaser doesn't feel snookered. A very, very strong Christian focus by the end of the book that some readers would probably not like if their own religious beliefs don't involve Jesus.

Overall, a very thought provoking book that many would enjoy reading !

Debbie reminds us that one act of generosity has an incredible ripple affect on people. She incorporates biblical passages about generosity and how that might be seen in everyday life by providing the reader with approximately 3 short essays per chapter that illustrates her point. Debbie provided various ways generosity could be demonstrated outside of the monetary means in which we feel it is mostly attached to. Each vignette gives me inspiration to try harder at being generous...what a great way to start the New Year!

Debbie's easy writing style, good humor, and uplifting content makes this book appropriate for all readers. I would give this book a 2 thumbs up!

One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity might be considered the gift that keeps on giving! Reading Debbie Macomber's work is always a delight, but this particular book is one destined to become a classic. Read it once, and it will touch your own life forever, bringing joy to the lives of others you know!

It's a great book for Christmas, but it will give you a sense of renewal and hope any time of year.

Do not miss this book!

Debbie Macomber is ABSOLUTELY the BEST!

I was not familiar with Debbie Macomber (and since she is apparently best know as one of "today's leading voices in women's fiction" I think I am okay with that!) until reading "One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity." I chose to read the book primarily because of the sub-title. I believe those of us who recognize how blessed we are should be quick to be a blessing to others. I discovered Macomber believes so too. In "One Simple Act" she shares through numerous stories how powerful a simple act of generosity can be in the life of another. The stories are not only treats to read, but they give very practical examples of just how easy it is for us to become a person of extravagant generosity. She helps us to understand how giving the gifts of prayer, hospitality, service, time and encouragement can have a lasting impact on both the one who receives as well as the one who gives.