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Spot of Grace: Remarkable Stories of How You DO Make a Difference

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First, I don't know about you - but the skeptical side of my 30-plus years in journalism begins to rise when I pick up a new book and find that the author identifies herself on both the front and back covers as "cocreator of `Random Acts of Kindness'." Now, on one level, Dawna Markova's work as a consultant and as the author of an earlier book called, "Random Acts of Kindness," has promoted this idea in many quarters.

However, the idea itself is timeless spiritual wisdom, especially in Eastern traditions, and was not created by anyone alive today. And, the phrase that crystallized the idea is credited to writer Anne Herbert, who wrote: "Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty." Inside her book, Markova does credit Herbert with the phrase.

But, let's set aside the specific way this book is promoted - because the heart of the book is as beautifully timeless as the idea behind "acts of kindness." This new book is a collection of very short, personal stories from more than 100 people talking about moments of realization, when these men and women glimpsed - sometimes just for a moment - that their lives have real meaning.

What I'm trying to say is this: Whether you've heard of Dawna Markova or not, whether you particularly care about her story (which she shares in the various sections of the book) or not - is really almost irrelevant in this instance. That's because the stars that shine brightly from this book are the 100-plus people who contributed brilliant sparks from their lives.

If you're among the majority of Americans, who tell researchers that you've got a fairly traditional religious affiliation - then, perhaps you already pick up day-by-day devotional literature in your parish or you get it from some other mainline source. For millions of regular devotional readers nationwide, that discipline often involves scripture verses and short meditations on the lessons from scripture.

If that describes your religious experience, then you may want to reach out and try this book for several months. For many Americans, you'll find that this is a nontraditional approach to exploring deep inspiration in your life. There are, indeed, traditionally religious people in this book. But the overall approach is broader than traditional devotional books - and it's refreshing, even liberating, to spend a season of the year exploring timeless truths we can discover in the lives of our neighbors.

This book is designed to fit comfortably in briefcases, purses or backpacks. My copy already has dozens of corners turned down on stories I want to read again. It's a sturdy little book designed for spiritually active people. So, grab a copy - and these folks will travel very well with you.

Spot of Grace is a gift that could be your treasured resource for daily inspiration. In elegant, poetic, yet practical language, Dawna Markova has compiled a collection of encouraging short stories that highlight the moment when people have discovered grace. With a focus on the purpose and passion of the human spirit, rather than our problematic differences, Dawna opens a window, through which we may appreciate the qualities of spirit in one another, while we nurture and sustain humanity.

Katie Davis, Author, "Awake Joy"

I have nearly finished this wonderful book of stories. They are stories written by many people from all over the world. Each one is a tale of how the life of the writer was touched by a spot of grace from another human being or life experience. My favorites so far have been those that remind us how every small act can have a major impact on someone else and therefore ourselves. Small acts like generosity with time and talent that reach across time. Observations of the shared humanity of us all. Signs from animals and nature that show us we are not alone. Reading each story is like a warm meditation on human frailty and courage.

This is probably not your normal review, but my experience with the book.

I was visiting my local bookstore and passed this book on a display table. I stood there and debated whether I should spend the money or not to purchase it. I decided not to and was halfway to the checkout but then something told me to go back and buy it.

That night I started to read it and read it from cover to cover with tears flowing from my eyes. Dawna's stories touched something deep inside that released something that was being buried inside.

My deepest thanks to her and her wonderful book and her insights on her website http://www.dawnamarkova.com/

This is a departure from my usual genre of materials I read, but I'm glad I did read it. Each story as I read it made me smile and reminded me of more and more great moments in my own life. The moments that you've put off in the back of your mind and that make you realize that you've really met some amazing people, had amazing things happen to you - not really grand things, but amazing nevertheless, you just didn't know or realize it when it happened.
What makes this book good is NOT that its got amazing stories of incredible things happening to people, but it recognizes what makes each of us "special" in the everyday-ness of just going about our life, jobs, children, pets, work.

Once again, Dawna Markova has managed to create something both artistic and relevant in these times. Following the pattern of Random Acts of Kindness (a book she helped create containing true stories from real people that became a revolution), she has gathered from her network of friends and colleagues a series of moving tales about normal (but remarkable) people that have touched others' lives, that show how every one of us truly makes a difference in the world. In an era when everything (politics, the environment, the economy) seems like an overwhelming uphill struggle, this book proves that the tiniest gestures and efforts can make the world a better place for us all.