Customer Reviews

Time Alive: Celebrate Your Life Every Day

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

 

 

I own nearly all of Ms. Stoddard's books and have been reading her reviews for this and other titles she has written. Clearly, it is true that she is consistent with her message, which is repackaged in different ways, with different themes and emphases: time, beauty, home, happiness, love, etc. Yet one does not buy a new Alexandra Stoddard book and expect a new Alexandra -- rather, one expects to resume a conversation with a friend who is known and trusted. Like a good friend, Alexandra repeats her ideas now and again, she shares with us what she considers important, and encourages us to move on in our own lives with grace, positivity, and joy.

I am a professor of American literature and understand that Alexandra includes quotes from great American writers including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Edith Wharton, and Henry David Thoreau. She also includes her favorite messages from world authors, philosophers, historians, politicians, artists, and designers. Indeed, in this sense, Ms. Stoddard does not have a new message: she shares her take on the messages she has gleaned from a lifetime of reading and experience. One could say that it would be best to just read Emerson or Thoreau -- but how many do? Is Ms. Stoddard not a messenger encouraging our own reading of these classics along with her message of how they have been important to her? As a professor of American lit, I am thrilled that someone is quoting Emerson and Thoreau in hopes that Ms. Stoddard will lead her own readers to search out these classic American texts. The 19th century British writer Thomas Carlyle wrote in "Sartor Resartus" that there are no new texts, but rather old ideas tailored in new and different ways. And so it is with Alexandra Stoddard. Before dismissing her, perhaps we might consider the possibility that she brings classic ideas to a broad audience -- that she has re-tailored the ideas of Emerson, Thoreau, and others for our times and for the general population.

I understand and can empathize with those who do not relate with her lifestyle -- indeed, she is blessed with a good life -- one that it appears she has worked for. I am happy for her and ask this: why should an individual's hard work, good fortune, and general abundance indicate that we, as a more general population, cannot relate to her? If she can afford more than we can does that mean her ideas do not apply to us, that she is removed from life as we know it? Oprah Winfrey, for example, is a fabulously wealthy woman -- one of the richest Americans alive -- and no one questions her ability to relate to common people. Granted, she was challenged as a child to overcome a difficult set of life circumstances, yet we do not know what Alexandra has overcome in her life -- can't she also express her ideas about a life well-lived without us judging her ideas in terms of her socioeconomic status? Let's move beyond this to her ideas, I say. Look at what she has to say at its core -- many of these ideas are universal.

I am grateful that Ms. Stoddard keeps writing. I read her as a respite from other reading. I read her as I would read a letter from a friend. I do not judge her as she does not seem to judge others herself. I take her messages at face value and accept her suggestions for living as her own way of spreading a spirit of good faith.

As I mentioned, I teach literature: my classes read works by Kurt Vonnegut, John Updike, Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison, Kate Chopin, Theodore Dreiser, and others. Ms. Stoddard presents a particular slice of life -- it seems as valid as any to me. She does not claim to be the great American author or philosopher, but someone who can encourage us to look at our lives more carefully and help us to live more fully and mindfully. Although I understand the misgivings of some, I am grateful that she has chosen to write. Her work has contributed to my life, and I look forward to her hearing her voice again in her next volume.

As always, Alexandra never fails to inspire me to be more creative, to open my eyes, to live life and enjoy even the smallest things. She does not advocate a lavish lifestyle. On the contrary, her books have more to do with enjoying the little things in life that do not cost much.

I have all her books and this one has new ideas for me to underline, just as her other books are well read and underlined on my shelf. She is one of my favorite authors....

In a collection of essays, Alexandra Stoddard shares her philosophy on living well and living your life one day at a time. I own all of Ms. Stoddard's books - including those that are limited editions and out-of-print. This book is a delight - from the fuschia ink and chapter dividers to the quotes sprinkled thoughout the book!

This charming book is full of inspiring ideas on how to make the most out of life by creating standards and honoring the sacredness of time. As with all of Alexandra Stoddard's books, this is for the optimistic person who delights in the romance and wonder of everyday life.

Knowing and becoming takes time. Alexandra writes in this book, "Patiently continue to grow, trusting your intuition that is your real guiding light. This innner knowing is instinctive. The truth will continuously be revealed to you without reason or outer knowledge. You possess this innate capacity of perception. Let this subtle, spontaneous awareness teach you who you essentially are." What are your priorities and goals? What do you hope to achieve in your life, and what are the things that are blocking you from becoming. I think this book is helpful in beginning that kind of a conversation with yourself.

If you're looking for something new and fresh from Ms. Stoddard, you won't find it in this book. This is plainly a re-hash of several of her previous books. She needs to realize that not everyone can afford to live the lifestyle she is fortunate to live, and there are others of us who could but have chosen not to do so.

The ideas in this book are not attainable by a good segment of people, however, some of the ideas could be applied to the lives of everyone and some could be changed and tweaked to fit the budget of the average middle class person.

Caring for others, taking time for oneself, these are not new ideas. They have been around for at least 2,000 years.

If you like reading Ms. Stoddard's books, then buy this one, but there are other books available, even some of her own, that are better.

Okay, Ms. Stoddard is who she is and probably means well in writing about her idea of living well. I have read her other books, and I think "Living a Beautiful Life" is the best of the lot. I agree with the other reviewers that she seems pretentious, but perhaps she is targeting those who actually have the time and money to follow her suggestions and play in her league. At the same time, so many people are aspirational and want to read about the lifestyle they dream of having--even if odds are that they never will.

I found "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy" by Sara Ban Breathnach more inspiring and realistic. I bought it in 1995 and still have a look at it now and then. So, if you're trying to carve out a little extra grace, pleasure, and serenity for yourself, that's the book I would recommend.

This is my favorite book, if you are a babyboomer it is for you. She has a wonderful way of telling us how to live a normal everyday with joy and enthusiasm.

I have loved some of her other books as well.

I read some of the other reviews: Some of the "Reviewers" come across bitter and jealous of the author's lifestyle! It's called "RESENTMENT" and probably won't make you very happy!Did it occur to you, that by purchasing her book, you are in fact helping PAY for what you dislike so much? Why don't you use the library "Struggling to keep your head above water" and quite complaining? I saw Mrs. Stoddard tonight at a book talk in chicago, and purchased her book. She is eloquent, direct, in touch, and regardless if it's rehashed material, it's worth checking out. some whiners apparently didn't get it the first time, so re-read it!

best of luck!

one happy reader.

I think I own all of Ms. Stoddard's previous books. I have kept, enjoyed and reread most of them. I must say I am disappointed in this effort. If you have never read her books, then by all means buy this one and you will enjoy it. If you have read her priors, there is nothing new here for you. I'm amazed that she can repackage the same messages so many different ways. According to her website, she has two more books in the works. I assume more of the same.

Who would polish their brass on vacation anyway?