The Gratitude Jar

Review of The Gratitude Jar

Many books have been written about the power of being grateful. This book by Josie Robinson is a useful addition. It is a confessional book, an honest book and that is its main value. Even if you are not an alcoholic, religious, mother of two in a part time job with an apparently dead-end marriage this book will talk to you. The simple written style with Josie filling a gratitude jar with her young son Lucas draws you in and the changes are well captured. Lucas is grateful for his bed and his floor and the door but Josie is grateful for her health and her family’s health and her friends and over the 30 days recommended she changes. Her friends and her husband – and even strangers – say she is “glowing” and Josie’s life totally changes.

There has been some research done into the “attitude of gratitude” and Oprah Winfrey is an advocate. If you don’t want to use a jar then you can write 5 things you’re grateful for in a journal. The act of thinking about the things and looking out for them during the day can change your perception.

This is a quick read and Josie’s story will touch you even if you don’t share any of her particular issues. Anyone wondering how to start a gratitude habit or how to reconnect to family and their “old” self will enjoy this book.

I was given a free copy by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I loved this book! I opened it up and read from cover to cover in one sitting. It is beautifully and simply written. I felt as if Josie was sat with me at the kitchen table, drinking coffee and telling me her life story. Unlike some "self help" books which are long on words and short on solutions, Josie tells it like it is, you are left knowing exactly what to do, how to do it and what to expect. I will be buying copies to give to friends as presents. Thanks you Josie, you are the first note in my gratitude jar,