FIRST PLACE for Nonfiction Arizona Authors Association Book Award FIRST PLACE for New Age New Mexico-Arizona Book Award It could be a cloud in the shape of a loved one's face or an extremely relevant song playing on the radio at the exact time of a friend's death--if we allow ourselves to stop, look, and listen, we can identify what spiritual teacher Ann Bolinger-McQuade calls personal oracles. And when we tune into these subtle messages from Spirit, we will discover guidance for navigating life's most trying situations.
In this illuminating book, readers will learn that the universe is constantly conspiring in our favor and is ready to lend a helping hand when we need it most--if only we can look closely and open our hearts to the divine messages that are on display around us. Sharing stories of divine inspiration from her own life, as well as the lives of others (many of them well-known historical or contemporary figures), McQuade shows readers
A PAIR OF SPARROWS SAVE A MAN'S Journalist Byron Pitts narrowly escaped being hit by a car and saw a couple birds circling in front of him. The birds reminded him of the lyrics to his mother's favorite "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." The comforting reminder of guidance and provision encouraged him to persevere in his challenging career in broadcast journalism, which was ultimately rewarded when CBS offered him a position on 60 Minutes .
A LITTLE BOY BRINGS HOPE BACK INTO A WOMAN'S Nancy was reeling from her husband's recent diagnosis of AML, a rare form of leukemia, when a seven-year-old boy knocked at her door collecting donations for AML research. He smiled at her warmly as he told her how he had had AML since he was two, and then he announced proudly that a transplant had saved his life.
SIR ISAAC NEWTON'S APPLE WAS ACTUALLY AN EVERYDAY Many are familiar with the story of how Sir Isaac Newton first discovered gravity when an apple fell on his head. It is a lesser known fact that Newton was interested in the supernatural. Born in the 1600s, when astronomy and astology were considred one and the same, the highly respected alchemist looked to the heavens to assist him in his quest to decode the mysteries of the universe. The falling apple that arrested his attention acted as a personal oracle.
In addition to illuminating oracles through examples, McQuade discusses the history and science of oracles in general and of personal oracles specifically, offering the reader practical instructions for identifying and decoding the divine messages in their own lives.
Ann Bolinger-McQuade is a regular contributor to magazines, a popular workshop facilitator and radio talk show guest. Ann shares her curiosity and passion for discovering the hidden obvious and encourages us to tune into the guidance and support that surrounds us all. She explores all of this in her award-winning book, "EVERYDAY ORACLES: Decoding the Divine Messages That Are All Around Us."
Ann's perspective of the world as alive, nurturing and filled with personal oracles springs naturally from her Native American ancestry. As a child growing up in Kansas she was intrigued with the idea of having Native American ancestors, but never considered her heritage relevant to her life.
Her ancestral imprints began to emerge when a series of personal events that were triggered by her breast cancer diagnosis sent her hurling onto what she describes as an invisible moving sidewalk. (Imagine the people carriers in airports.) She believes that at certain times we all land on such a sidewalk, designed to carry us to a specific destination. This particular sidewalk transported her to a place where oracles that were hiding in plain sight seemed to magically appear at precisely the right time.
"A Transformative Guide to Recognizing Everyday Magic"
⚫️Ann Bolinger-McQuade’s Everyday Oracles: Decoding the Divine Messages That Are All Around Us is an enlightening and motivating book that encourages readers to become attuned to the subtle yet significant messages the universe is continually sending. Through engaging real-life examples from famous historical figures to ordinary individuals McQuade demonstrates how personal oracles can provide comfort, guidance, and affirmation. Whether it’s a song that plays at just the right moment, a significant encounter, or a natural sign appearing when needed, she shows how these seemingly minor experiences are actually divine messages waiting to be recognized.
⚫️What sets this book apart is its ability to connect the mystical with the practical. McQuade not only shares intriguing stories but also equips readers with tools to identify and interpret their own spiritual messages. By weaving together history, science, and personal stories, she offers a thoughtful examination of how oracles have influenced human lives throughout the ages. Her insights encourage readers to cultivate a deeper awareness of the signs around them and, crucially, to trust their intuition in interpreting these messages.
⚫️Beyond its captivating narratives, Everyday Oracles is a book that promotes mindfulness and self-reflection. McQuade reminds us that in our fast-paced, often chaotic lives, taking a moment to pause and observe can lead to profound insights. Her writing is warm and approachable, making the book feel like a conversation with a wise friend who gently nudges us to embrace the unknown and discover meaning in the everyday.
⚫️Whether you’re a skeptic, a seeker, or someone who has already encountered moments of divine synchronicity, this book has the potential to change your perspective. McQuade’s message is clear: the universe is always reaching out to us—we just need to be open to listening. Everyday Oracles is essential reading for anyone looking to enhance their connection to the universe.
Everyday Oracles: Decoding the Divine Messages That Are All Around Us by Ann Bolinger-McQuade
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Have you ever paused for a moment and thought, “Was that a sign?” Everyday Oracles is a powerful and beautifully written book that dives deep into the mysterious and magical way the universe communicates with us. Ann Bolinger-McQuade invites us to open our hearts and minds to the personal oracles that surround us daily—those subtle nudges, signs, and synchronicities that carry profound meaning if we're willing to listen.
👉Through heartfelt real-life stories, both from well-known figures and everyday people, McQuade shows us how divine messages often appear when we need them the most. One unforgettable example is the story of a man nearly hit by a car, only to be stopped by the appearance of two sparrows—an image that instantly reminded him of his mother’s favorite hymn. Another touching moment is when a grieving woman opens her door to a little boy collecting donations for AML research, the same illness her husband had just been diagnosed with. These stories are not only moving, but they awaken something within us—a deeper sense of awareness, connection, and purpose.
👉What makes this book truly special is the way McQuade balances the mystical with the practical. She doesn’t just share beautiful stories—she teaches us how to spot our own everyday oracles. She guides us to slow down, pay attention, and trust our intuition. Whether it's a dream, a sudden thought, a meaningful song, or even a bird crossing your path—nothing is random when we learn to see through the lens of the soul.
👉Her writing is warm, nurturing, and incredibly uplifting. It feels like a conversation with a wise friend who is gently encouraging you to reconnect with your spirit and recognize that you are never alone. The universe is always speaking—it’s just up to us to tune in and receive its messages.
👉Everyday Oracles is a book that promotes mindfulness, gratitude, and a renewed sense of wonder. It’s a gentle reminder that magic exists in the smallest of moments, and guidance is always within reach if we’re open to it.
Listened to the 7-hr audiobook which is read aloud by Lynn Landon, a female American-accent narrator. Suitable for 1.75x speed. Enjoyable to read, an interesting spin on meditating and thinking exercises.
Favourite Quotes:
"It has been suggested that Newton was not the first of the age of reason but the last of the magicians."
"I was meditating on [a couple of issues] and allowing time for the answers to reveal themselves to me."
"When we trust our gut and know what to be on the lookout for, our connections with these other frequencies and dimensions expands naturally. Then before we know it, we start to recognize that supernatural occurrences are simply the result of connecting with a different energy frequency and we emerge from the limited perspective of the 3D world, that flatworld that can make us feel isolated and alone."
"A maze is an intellectual exercise; a labyrinth is a spiritual one."
Everyday oracles is an insightful read that encourages the readers to see the subtle message of the universe in everyday life. The universe is constantly conspiring in our favour and is ready to lend a helping hand when we need it most, we just need to open our hearts to the divine message.
Author has shared her own life stories, as well as the lives of many other well-known historical or contemporary figures. Author tells that that when we notice things they help us in many ways like the Clouds, Rock formations, Radio, Lyrics from the songs that guided the author. This book really helped me a lot and I genuinely recommend it to all!!!!
See a face in the clouds, or have a "do not go" feeling when about to set out and accomplish a daily goal are two examples of oracles. We all have our deja vu moments, but are we being fully aware of what's constantly in our presence. You can see certain animals in our path, or have a friend give you advice/warnings for future events. It's all in front of you, you just need to know how to listen and interpret those signs. This book will help. Great read.
This book has really helped me to open my eyes and to pay more attention to all the details so that I can really enjoy my human experience. I could read it ten times over. Absolutely recommend it!
I had the honor to meet this author a week after having what were clearly a series of omens from wildlife. These things are still happening. She and her book have been very helpful as I work on figuring out what all the hawks keep trying to tell me. I especially think the information in the appendix of this book will be helpful in tapping into the messages and meanings that are surrounding me. Ann was also kind enough to give me an extra copy she had of one of her reference books because when I told her what has been happening, she thought I needed it. I recommend this book to anyone who is being surrounded by spiritual messengers or wants to get in touch with departed loved ones.
This book was a giveaway from Goodreads. I began reading it with my typical skepticism.......and the more deeply into the book I got, the more it spoke to me!!! Confirmed some past incidents, encourages me to find the extraordinary in the every day!!!!!
Highly recommend this book for anyone who would like to explore the amazing world around us, and becoming open to messages and influences around us every day.
Not only have read it through once, going back to read particular sections, but have begun to read it again, even more slowly!