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God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours    by Regina Brett Amazon.com order for
God Never Blinks
by Regina Brett
Order:  USA  Can
Grand Central, 2010 (2010)
Hardcover, CD
* * *   Reviewed by Leslie McKee

Regina Brett has based her debut book on her newspaper column, published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. These fifty life lessons, based on universal truths, are designed to inspire and help readers through trying, difficult times. As the title states, fifty life lessons are included ... enough to cover just about any situation you may face in your daily life.

For instance: 'Life isn't fair, but it's still good' (lesson #1), which is a good reminder for those little irritations we experience daily. Some people take themselves way too seriously. Brett encourages readers to stop this practice, as others rarely take us seriously (lesson #4). For those readers who had a difficult childhood and may blame God, Brett reminds us that 'It's ok to get angry with God. He can take it' (lesson #8). Also, that it is important to 'Make peace with your past so it doesn't screw up the present' (lesson #11). Childhood hurts can stay with us and must be dealt with in order to move on with our future. While we encounter difficulties on a regular basis, it is imperative that we keep things in perspective. It is not wise to compare ourselves to others (lesson #13), as God has a different purpose for everyone. No matter the situation, God will help us through it (lesson #17) and to 'Frame every so-called disaster with these 5 words: In 5 years, will this matter?' (lesson #26). Usually, the answer is 'No.'

While these fifty life lessons may not be totally original, they still provide humor, good advice and an instant mood booster. Each chapter is approximately five pages long, making this an appropriate read for just about anyone, regardless of their race, religion or socio-economic status. Brett includes an email address and encourages readers to submit their own life lessons. A portion of the proceeds from the book will go to Gathering Place (which provides a free service for cancer patients). While some of Brett's life lessons may be deemed as feel good nonsense, she makes many valid points and sums up the book nicely: 'Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.' Life may be messy, at times, but it is the only one we will get, so be sure to live it to the fullest.

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