The Illustrated Discovery Journal : Creating a Visual Autobiography of Your Authentic Self (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "ONE OF THE TRUTHS I LEARNED ON MY SIMPLE Abundance journey is that you cannot begin the search for authenticity, you cannot embark on a..." (more)
Key Phrases: cliché collage, authentic style, Authentic Self, House of Belonging, Discovery Journal (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This spiral-bound journal, conceived by Sarah Ban Breathnach, is designed to encourage writers to explore their life stories and unleash dormant creativity. Every two-page spread is exquisitely bordered by a wood print leaf pattern and includes a sage little quote to set the mood or beckon the muse (such as "People who keep journals have life twice." --Jessamyn West). The large format (11.25 by 9.75 inches) gives writers plenty of room to scrawl down their thoughts and even offers ample space for adding personal artwork or gluing in cut-out images. Several pocket folders are bound into the back for carrying clippings, postcards, or dry leaves--whatever whimsy dictates. Because it is spiral bound (with a sturdy wrap-around cover), writers can lay the book flat while at work--a major convenience.

Interspersed throughout the journal, Ban Breathnach has added suggestions for writing exercises and collages, plus discussions of themes such as "Success," "Mystery," or "Return to Self." In one spread, Natalie Goldberg is quoted as saying, "Your first job is to get your own story straight." There's no doubt that writers can do just that with this literary example of functional art. --Gail Hudson

Product Description

Now, the four million-plus readers of the phenomenal bestsellers Simple Abundance and Something More can create their own visual autobiography of their authentic selves. Millions of women have changed their lives by following the guidelines in Simple Abundance and Something More. Now this inspirational and completely interactive book provides readers with a meditative insight tool for discovering their own true aesthetic, emotional, and intellectual preferences. The book is oversized to allow plenty of space for collages, drawings, and other outlets for readers creativity. Ban Breathnachs fans will collect drawings, photos, lists, and anything that catches their eye and sort these materials into one of nine sections: Authentic Success, Authentic Style, Return to Self, Relationships, Spiritual Journey, Someday, The House of Belonging, Entertainment, and Mystery. Then, guided by essays written by the author, readers assemble collages and use these highly individual and intensely personal creations to discern their authentic preferences, and use this knowledge to lead more fulfilling and powerful lives. Something More (Warner, 10/98) debuted at #1 on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list and has already grossed nearly one million copies. Simple Abundance (Warner, 1995) has sold more than three million copies and spent 117 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. It has been a national bestseller, hitting every major list from coast-to-coast and several international lists as well.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446521442
• ISBN-13: 978-0446521444
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #363,789 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Illustrated Discovery Journal, November 29, 1999

By	Paula (California) - See all my reviews

As an Art student, I have discovered the power of creating through collages. It is an easy way for everyone to be artistic regardless of drawing or painting skill. Your creations can speak to you in a very powerful way and give you insight that would not otherwise be so easily accessed. I highly recommend this book for fun and discovery.

139 of 150 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A spellbreaker to lead us to the beauty in the beast., October 10, 1999

By A Customer

At first glance The Illustrated Discovery Journal may appear to be a simple book, and yet it holds a simple truth. We have forgotten as women, how profoundly beautiful we are. As we add the snippets of our lives and dreams to the waiting pages, a fairy tale unfolds before our very eyes. Sarah once again, in her brilliant simplicty is the fairy godmother who breaks the spell. She helps us find our beauty and truth beneath the beast that is reflected by the disappointments of our selves, our loved ones, our weight, our lost loves. We are all a glorious spirit waiting to be brought to life. Thank you Sarah for taking the risks to let us love ourselves for who we are, the glorious children of God.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable, March 8, 2003

By	Elton "Elton" - See all my reviews

There isn't too much writing in this book actually. It revolves mostly around making series of collages from amgazine clippings, etc around different self discovery themes. This is a refreshing change from the usual "Write, write, write!" I found that I felt MORE creative and very relaxed. It's a fun return to the "paste and scissors" free-for-all of your early school days.
The only frustration I experienced was that you have to wait a while to gather up enough pictures in your theme before you can actually start putting a collage together.
The themes include: Authenic Style, Entertainment, Authenic Sucess, The House of Belonging, Return to Self, Mystery, Sacred connections, Spiritual Journey, and Someday.
I was surprised by what pops up out of your subconcious when you look at your pictures as a collection -something that isn't as likely to happen with just writing where you can tend to over-analyze.