reviews
Sep 28, 2007
Jenava
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I liked this book because, even though she is devout LDS, she doesn't focus on being a good Mormon at all. It is ALL about being a good christian and a good human being. I found this a breath of fresh air after so many nauseating church books:)!!!!!!
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Sep 24, 2008
Carol
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Sister Okazaki was my 1st grade teacher and a good friend of my parents. But I didn't appreciate her then as much as I do now. I love her straight-forward approach to life. All of her advise makes very good sense to me.
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Aug 23, 2011
Ellen
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I love the insights that Sister Okazaki shares in this book. For example, the title Lighten Up can mean to not be so hard on yourself, or it can mean to let go of your heavy burden, or it can mean to look to the light of the Savior. When you look at Matthew 28:30, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light," I've always thought of a load that is not heavy. Sister Okazaki, however, helped me think of a load that is made up of light instead of darkness. Hmm. The Savior's burden is ligh
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Jun 23, 2009
Eve
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I like her upbeat and decisive attitude--she had some great ideas on decision making and priorities, but her outlook on raising children and her family dynamic with her husband, while valid, was somewhat different than my situation, hence not helpful: she raised two boys while working full-time as a teacher/in the education field and her husband shared responsibilities at home equally. Ha! Not my experience!
I did like her perspective coming from non-LDS families and balancing stayin More...
I did like her perspective coming from non-LDS families and balancing stayin More...
Jan 21, 2009
Sheri
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What a wonderful book! Normally, I'm not a big reader of spiritual or self-help books. I shamefully tend to lean toward the shallow, easy to understand fiction. I've been trying hard to change this. So when a friend of mine suggested this book after I was berating myself for being a bad mom, I decided to throw caution to the wind and give it shot. While I will admit that it didn't exactly keep me captivated the whole time (which should be obvious since I've been reading this book for months
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Nov 02, 2010
Heidi
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If you are wanting to read a good stress reliever, this is the book for you. Chieko Okazaki really encourages us to remember that we are all different and that if we are doing our best, that is all we can do, and that with the Savior, it is enough! Just what I needed. Some of my favorite parts of the book talked about how our differences bring strength to our relationships and the world and how we can and should use them for good and not judge others for being different and "relishing"
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Dec 06, 2009
Dannis
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This was the most amazing book to help me feel free of the Christian guilt we sisters often burden ourselves with: unnecessarily. Heavenly Father loves us, and He knows we are trying hard to be and do everything. Chieko Okazaki uses examples to help show how to let go of the things that don't mean much to the big picture of life and eternity. I love the way she writes, and how she expresses love for all of us sisters, wherever we are.
Apr 05, 2010
Melanie
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I read this book years ago when it was first published. I loved it then, but I think I appreciate it even more now. Sister Okazaki's writing encourages and uplifts LDS women. She reminds us to celebrate our differences and not try to squeeze ourselves into the stereotype of the perfect Mormon woman. I am grateful to my dear friend who recently gave me this "old favorite" as a gift!
Dec 05, 2010
Caroljohnson2
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I actually give this book 4.5 Stars. I really liked this book. Chieko Okazaki's philosophy is basically that we all have challenges, we all have busy lives, and as long as we keep trying and doing our best, things will work out. Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to be happy and succeed. Lighten Up as a title refers to the fact that we need to not get so bogged down with the things we are not doing or feel we need to do...we just need to pray, follow the commandments, and do our best. I
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Jun 29, 2010
Jennifer
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I really found this to be a very inspirational book during a hard time. She has had such a hard life and if she can find so much strength and peace in her life, then so can I. I did start to fizzle out at the end and personally found the beginning more quotable and inspirational for me personally.
Jun 26, 2009
Dorothea
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I've loved this book every time I pick it up, even if I only read a few paragraphs. Chieko Okazaki has been through her share of trials but she has the ability to make the best of every situation and learn from life's experiences. She is positive and uplifting and helps you lighten up.
Feb 27, 2010
Kelli
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I actually listened to this one on tape. I need someone to remind me to lighten up from time to time! I struggle with guilt and comparing myself to others and Sister Okazaki has a way of putting things into perspective to help let go of those kinds of burdens. Very uplifting.
Feb 05, 2010
Izzy
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This book was so wonderful for me. It really helped me to change the way I look at my accomplishments. With a brighter outlook about who I am and what I expect of myself, I have more confidence and faith, which gives me more peace.
I cannot gush enough about this book. :)
I cannot gush enough about this book. :)
Sep 12, 2011
Shauna
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I read this years ago, but was reminded of it tonight by friend's post. What an amazing woman and wonderful book. It may just change the way you think about the Atonement. If you haven't read it before, put it on your list.
Jan 29, 2010
Taralee
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I LOVE THIS BOOK. I love that it teaches us that we are all more alike as women than we think. All of our stories have parallels and we should celebrate our differences as well. I love the music analogy she uses....
Jun 17, 2010
Susan
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I have read this book several times and love it! I love anything from this author! She also reminds me that we so often place importance on that which isn't really all that important.
Jan 14, 2012
Brennan
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I don't read a lot of LDS authors, but this is by far the best LDS book I have ever read. Insightful, honest, and inspired. Every LDS member should read this book.
Nov 20, 2011
Sara
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It's a collection of talks she's given. I like her - not a very doctrinally deep book, but something that most Mormon women need to do - LIGHTEN UP!!!!
Aug 08, 2009
Machelle
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This book was a needed read! I had a hard time getting through some chapters but over all it was a very good book! And the author amazes me!
May 18, 2009
Melissa
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This book is truly an uplifting book about doing our very best in life, yet not taking it too seriously. I had many "aha!" moments. It was as great read for me in this season of my life!
May 25, 2011
Dbshell
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Loved it...and wish I still had it..
When we moved one of the many times...I got rid of it..
But it is a great book..And I miss it!!
When we moved one of the many times...I got rid of it..
But it is a great book..And I miss it!!
May 15, 2009
Andrea
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I love Sister Okazaki's stories. They make me feel good about where I am now and inspire me to do better without the guilt.
Jan 19, 2010
Dolly
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Loads of insight from an atypical mormon woman and leader. A truly inspiring collection of memoirs.
Feb 03, 2009
Laura
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I really enjoy Sister Okazaki's books. This was the first one I read - years ago :-)
Aug 11, 2010
Cathi
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I love Sister Okazaki and always appreciate her optimism. It's often just what I need.
