From the celebrated author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People, a profound and practical book about doing well by doing good.
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reviews
Apr 09, 2009
Walter
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This is an important book - it deals thoughtfully with many aspects of our existence, beginning with helping us to conceptualize our dual needs/goals of success and significance. On the whole, it is written in a straightforward, common sense style, refreshingly free of dogma and cant. As such, then, it delivers piercing insights into our human nature and our (need for/ inclination toward) spirituality that are as convincing as they are clear. After having been disappointed by his earlier, far
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Sep 16, 2010
Lisa
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This is the first Kushner book I have ever read and I must say, I am very impressed with him as an author. This man truly has a gift for writing and the wisdom he shares really transcends any particular religion and speaks to anyone who sincerely searches for meaning in their lives. Don't think you have to be Jewish to appreciate the writings of Rabbi Kushner. However, it will probably disappoint the reader who is looking for a quick fix, how-to type of book, i.e., a mouse's cheese being moved,
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Jun 23, 2010
Jane
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This is the third (I think) of Kushner's books I've read now in the past year. He has a knack for taking literature and Biblical references and applying them to contemporary daily lives in a way that is both thought-provoking and inspiring. I found much of what he wrote to be affirming; it's easy to see why he's been so successful as both a rabbi and a sort of "self-help" author. This particular book helps one understand why knowing oneself is critical to being able to move forward
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Nov 17, 2009
Jacqueline
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I loved this book so much, I bought copies as gifts to share with others. Kushner gathers together material from many great souls and shares their combined wisdom in a lovely narrative interwoven with biblical exegesis.
Some of my favorite quotes from this book:
p.145 As Mother Teresa said, "Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love."
p.158 " A good person, even in death, is still alive."
p. 15 More...
Apr 11, 2011
M
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I read his seminal Why Bad Things Happen To Good People years ago in college for a Philosophy class. It was a formative study. He's just as powerful here. I especially enjoyed his theories on forgiveness vs. revenge. He presents excellent, well thought arguments on the benefit or better yet the necessity of forgiveness even for the most atrocious crimes.
I also enjoyed thinking about and reading his take on aging and specifically on purpose in life.
Overall, it was a thoughtful and More...
I also enjoyed thinking about and reading his take on aging and specifically on purpose in life.
Overall, it was a thoughtful and More...
Apr 12, 2009
Sara
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I was put off by the many references to the Bible. The title and description of this book does not indicate that it has such an extreme Judeo-Christian foundation. For those who seek that type of a book, I'd probably give this book a higher rating. However, I did not feel this book adequately addressed what the title proclaims: to resolve a conflict between conscience and success, or how to live a life that matters outside of religious proclamations, in fact. I'd recommend it only for those who
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Jul 24, 2010
Greg
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This is a thought-provoking (and thought-consolidating) book, just what I would expect from Rabbi Kushner. The good Rabbi reminds us that what is truly important in life rarely has anything to do with the size of our bank accounts, the number of rooms in our houses, or the number of toys we own. Rather, it has more to do with the quality of our relationships, the strength of our character, and the steadiness of our personal growth.
Rabbi Kushner takes us on a thoughtful journey of th More...
Rabbi Kushner takes us on a thoughtful journey of th More...
May 08, 2011
J
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Living a Life that Matters uses the story of Jacob in The Book of Genesis as the background for discussion regarding why and how a person should live a life that matters.
Harold Kushner is a Rabbi so his logic carries a spiritual component. However, his writing is devoid of self righteousness. Using stories and references to popular culture he argues that integrity defines character. He tempers his words with sensitivity and understanding to explain that personal development is an o More...
Harold Kushner is a Rabbi so his logic carries a spiritual component. However, his writing is devoid of self righteousness. Using stories and references to popular culture he argues that integrity defines character. He tempers his words with sensitivity and understanding to explain that personal development is an o More...
Feb 12, 2010
Alicia
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I love this book. This is a very uplifting and though provoking book about conscience and why we want to do good things. I especially like it because it is quick to read, upbeat and very straight-forward. It's not complex or hard to understand but it is very interesting and is great to read. You'll love it.
Jun 28, 2009
Paul
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I love the words of Harold Kushner. Though, I am not Jewish what he writes is timeless and for anyone who truly wants to become a better person. I finished this book last month but I already have started to reread the book. The book definitely should be read many times.
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Oct 21, 2009
Annie
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Loved it! Kushner has a way of making all of us feel better about ourselves yet want to strive to be better. His use of the biblical Jacob to explain the internal conflicts within us all was fascinating. Kushner is an intelligent yet thoughtful writer.
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Apr 06, 2011
Beverly
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Good book, full of wisdom and common sense by well-known and much-loved Rabbi from Massachusetts. Required reading for Whole Health Education Certification program through the National Institute of Whole Health, which I enrolled in March 2009.
Mar 15, 2010
Brian
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Kushner's book uses biblical stories and personal experience to tackle the question that composes the title of his work. I found his insights poignant. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the finer points of life.
Sep 13, 2009
Angela
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One of my favorite authors. He is most famous for writing "When Bad Things Happen to Good People." This book weaves philsophy and religion in a common sense practical approach that is applicable to everyday life.
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Jan 02, 2009
Jeanine Marie
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More excellent advise about life balance and finding meaning, this gentle book provides some countercultural and timeless messages.
Aug 28, 2011
Jayne
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If you are questioning the "why's" of life, Rabi Kushner helps explain it in terms for me that gives me comfort.
Apr 15, 2009
Bri_laughs_a_lot.
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I loved this book. He stated the facts just plain and simple so you didn't have to look for the hidden meaning, or try to figure out what he meant. Plus he used examples that we can ALL relate to, not just certain groups of people.
Sep 05, 2011
Natasa
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thoughts on what matter and thus being responsible for your own life. nice ideas and a great reminder that in todays world ideals still should not be abondend, as we have to look in the mirror every now and than.
Aug 16, 2008
Michael
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This is written by a Rabbi and has lots of religious stories from the Bible, etc. He teaches here that every life matters and the size of your wallet isn't the most important thing but the size of your character. Friendship, family, service and generosity is what makes a differnce in the world. We make a difference if we only effected one person in a positive way.
Oct 11, 2009
Elizabeth
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This was a good book - just not exactly what I expected. I think I was expecting more of a "this is how you should do it," but it was more indirect and used a lot of parables. I'd recommend it if you're searching for meaning.
Mar 30, 2007
kevin
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This is a quick read. There are some meaningful life lessons you can derive from it, but I don't recall finishing it and thinking to myself, "Yeah! That makes perfect sense." Draws heavily on figures and parables from the Old Testament (Jacob, Abraham, etc.). If you like Mitch Albom "feel good" books, then you'll probably like Kushner.
Nov 13, 2008
Julie
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Pleasant thought provoking. Great to read while on public transportation. Plus, I always like when I read a book about what you SHOULD do, and I can say "Hey, I already do that!" This author is great, kind and realistic. I want to read his other books now!
Feb 01, 2008
Lynette
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I picked this book to read for an English class. It is full of great stories and ideas, but it seemes a little hard to get the authors point because of all the stories. I liked it, however. It is written by a Jewish Rabbi.
Feb 19, 2008
Heidi
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A good book to listen to on tape. Written by a Jewish Rabbi I believe. Don't remember much about this one. But the title says what it is about, something I'm sure we're all concerned with.
Sep 30, 2008
TurtleneckGirl
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Wonderful integration of spirituality and purpose. I could read this again. Kushner incorporates many Old Testament references, especially regarding the story of Jacob.
May 21, 2008
Bridget
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I admire the way that Rabbi Kushner uses the biblical story of Job to illustrate the common moral conundrum of personal success vs. doing the right thing.
Jan 05, 2009
Jessi
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So far this book is a little "airy"..I haven't highlighted much and that's a bad sign, but the jury is still out.
