Customer Reviews

Small Pleasures: Finding Grace in a Chaotic World

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I am familiar with the voice of Justine Toms as the sensitive, insightful, intelligent interviewer on New Dimensions Radio. Getting to read her words at a very sweet slow pace, just as I need to hear them or before I go to sleep at night, is such a treat. It is a HUGE pleasure to read Justine's varied reflections of a life well lived on a spiritual path.

Linda Merryman

This is an extraordinary collection of essays,which will enhance and enlighten your daily life.Justine Toms draws upon a rich treasure trove of life experience that includes spending time with literally hundreds of the world's leading social architects,creative artists, scientists and spiritual teachers.
M.A.

This little book of wisdom gave me great gifts of inspiration and encouragement. At a time when many of us struggle to turn our attention from the private pursuit of awakening to the overwhelming task of alleviating suffering in this world, Justine offers intelligence, humor, and practical suggestions for being of service while celebrating the priceless gift of "this precious birth." Reading this book gave me the deep breath I needed to go forth and see how I might be of use.

Knowing Justine Toms for over 20 years I've always been struck by her ability to create snapshots from my own memories as she relates a new learning she has experienced. To have her now doing the same "in print" is a blessing I am now able to easily share with others; I have at least a dozen friends who will love Small Pleasures as much as I do. I'm getting out my Christmas gift list right away and will let Amazon.com handle the shipping.

I found Small Pleasures to be a very enjoyable book, filled with valuable insights about relationships, the spiritual path, and life itself. The author's work comes across in a very sincere and genuine manner, and it's obvious from the tone of the writing that she's a very approachable and down-to-earth person. She's also not afraid to be totally honest about her own foibles, which is refreshing given the multitude of books out there in which authors portray themselves as more highly evolved "mentors" sharing information with "students." She shares from the heart, and it's clear from the stories told that she considers herself no higher or lower than anyone else on the path of self-discovery. This is one of my favorite excerpts in the book:

"When you find yourself feeling doubts about your ability to attain your goal, take a moment to remember a time when you have enjoyed a great accomplishment. It is more effective if it is something that you accomplished not only mentally, but physically as well. The body has a phenomenal memory. In fact, some say it has a great memory than the mind. When you're uncertain, let your mind take you back to your triumphant moment again, and feel it in your body with as much detail as you can. Recall the smells, colors, sounds, feelings, and surroundings. As you sink into this most pleasant memory, allow it to resonate in you once more as if it were happening for you in the present moment. Let the exhilaration of your success stay with you as you turn yet again to the task at hand. This meditation will be of enormous support for you in actualizing your goal."

In prepping for an upcoming radio interview with Justine about Small Pleasures, I started thumbing through this small gift of a book and found myself hooked immediately. As part of my morning reading, I read a chapter or two, and, of course, there was always the perfect message that I needed.

I feel grounded reading this book. I feel as if there is another woman who experiences some of the very same things I do. I love the fact that she values community and has been involved in so many different Circles for many years...giving and receiving from them all. I love the fact that she loves horses and animals and whales calving off of Baja. I love the fact that she loves and celebrates life.

This book will be one of my favorite "gift" books going forward. I've already shared it with quite a few people, and they always come back telling me how much they love it.

Thank you, Justine, for reminding me what's important.

Ann - WomanTalk Live Radio in Baltimore www.WomanTalkLive.com

This book is a delight to read and stands as a collection of life's moments and insights. What I love about this book is there is no pretense, the book just mirrors the title. At the end of some chapters, Justine poses a question/questions for us to consider about our own journey. Rich in experience, this is excellent bedside reading.

I had the pleasure of meeting Justine Tom's in CA at a women's conference in November and found her to be open-hearted, full of deep wisdom and joyously childlike. I was delighted to learn of her new book and ordered it as soon as I returned home. Less than a week later, I have completed reading it. Reading some of her essays before retiring was a wonderful way to complete a busy day. Her writings are thought provoking and uplifting. I plan to make this my gift of choice for 2009 knowing that those who read her book will gain new perspectives and will be offered options on how to view and gracefully live this mysterious journey we call life.

What a beautiful book! Enjoy a little bit each day - like a sweet morsel you set aside for a lovely treat.
A gem of a gift for special friends, too!

Justine has a wonderful ability to share her insights of whatever moment she's experiencing with the full expression of a true storyteller. So heartfelt and genuine.

In Small Pleasures, because of Justine's wide ranging experiences on the spiritual quest, we are treated to a satisfying assortment of thoughts on life that has something for everyone. Did I mention that she's an optimist?