Matt McAvoy Book Review

If I’m being honest, I found the title to this book of short affirmations – each just a page or two – slightly misleading.  I couldn’t really see why it is intended to be aimed exclusively at retirees – or, for that matter, just to women.  I didn’t see any reason why the book can’t be of tremendous emotional and spiritual support to everyone, of all ages, male or female.  Recommended particularly as a bedside reference, it contains 52 uplifting, spiritually fulfilling sermons of a sort, rather akin to pep talks – one for each week – designed to guide and support the reader through her journey.  Many areas of life are addressed, though the commonality between them is always positivity, love and gratitude.  Each is only a five-minute read and ends with a related prayer, so perhaps best read immediately before or after sleep, for a brief and effective injection of spiritual guidance.  The format is consistent throughout each of the 52 chapters, and a handy table of contents enables the reader to quickly dip in whenever they need support, each of the 52 representing a different theme or life-subject.

I am not myself a religious person, but I don’t think you need to be – although this is clearly the target audience – to see the warm-hearted intentions of Christian publishers Steward Press.  The sermons are delivered with optimism, hope and positivity, with faith at their foundation.  I would go further, however, and suggest that the book may also be of some benefit to those who find spirituality in other ways, such as mantra meditation or mindfulness.  I say again, then, don’t feel that this book isn’t for you simply because you don’t fall into the target demographic, if even an atheist like myself can see its benefits.

I did feel that perhaps it is a tried and tested formula, and that its chosen reader may already have many books like it on their bookshelf, so perhaps would have liked to see it push a few more boundaries or share a more unique message – but then, most will likely want exactly what it delivers: affirmation, which is, of course, by its nature, the repetition of a positive message.  One area I do feel qualified to comment on is the presentation.  The book is beautifully delivered, flawless in its layout and editing; clearly a high-quality publication by a decent, professional imprint.  The author him/herself is left ambiguous (unless Steward Press is actually a person’s name, in which case I apologize profusely!); it is rather simply more like Steward Press are sharing their knowledge, both of humanity and of publishing, and this book should be considered a quality example of the guide it is.