Life teaches us lessons continuously. Do we pay attention and acknowledge what we learn? Do we strive to improve ourselves and hence our lives, relationships and by this positively influence everyone around us?
Life's an ongoing process. We should consciously stop sometimes to reflect upon the situations we find ourselves in and the experiences life gives us. Could we have done things differently? What did we learn from these? Should we change something, and achieve a different outcome next time?
Do you want to change your life, but don't know where to begin? Are you in an unhappy relationship? Do you feel lonely? Can you imagine what your life would be like, if you discovered what makes you feel fully alive? Are you stuck in a job you don't love? What's stopping you from getting the life that you’re dreaming of?
Life's a roller-coaster. Let's transform it into genuine fun, by finding and offering only the good within us. As odd as it sounds, it takes a little effort to be a good person. It demands self-awareness. It requires perseverance. You must keep an open mind about things and develop an acceptance of everything that is different, even if you don't fully understand it. Though at times it requires nothing more than just an honest smile.
Be good! Do good! Smile! Discover the better version of yourself! Take charge now!
Nico J. Genes has traveled and worked with many exciting and unique people of different nationalities, religions, and sexual orientations, all of whom helped her understand diversity and accept everyone just as they are.
With her first two novels, Magnetic Reverie and Reverie Girl, she successfully broke the ice into writing. From her readers’ feedback and reviews, Nico can proudly say she has a solid confirmation of her skills as an established writer. An essential element of her writing is that she always has a message she wants to transmit. Her motto sums up: We are all different, and that’s okay!
Besides novel writing, Nico also runs a blog in which she talks about life’s issues and gives the kind of friendly advice everyone needs at specific points in their lives. The positive feedback from her readers became her inspiration for her third book, Lessons in Life.
Continuing her mission of welcoming all diversity and pleading for tolerance and acceptance, she wrote the novel ADHD: Life Is Beautiful, based on a true story.
Nico is eager to hear from you on www.nicojgenes.com or her social media accounts:
We all search for it but personal happiness and contentment isn’t a gift, it is earned through honest introspection and taking a step back from events or words that upset us. Nico J. Genes has written a collection of her own personal reflections that will put life and how we react to it in perspective. Respect for one’s self as well as for others is a recurring message through short stories and even poems.
Ms. Genes hasn’t written a “how-to” book where one size supposedly fits all, she has given her take, which is surprisingly simple and happily universal. Thought-provoking and calming, this collection is like an oasis in a world that grows increasingly less content and more volatile as we are reminded that change begins one person at a time! LESSONS IN LIFE is a beautifully written, refreshing read that will resonate in our very souls.
I received a complimentary Copy from Nico Genes!
Publication Date: July 13, 2018 Publisher: Nico J. Genes Genre: Inspirational | Reflective Print Length: 186 pages Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Lessons in Life started out brilliantly, posing a thought thought-provoking question and promising to do more of the same. Unfortunately, the rest of the book did not live up to that promise.
Some of the metaphors worked quite well, such as "the woman who only ate chips for every meal" or "going barefoot", but others were just too simplistic, lacking in nuance. Sometimes even a simple message could be brought to life with a good story or example, but in many cases, the author did not expand much or illustrate the point enough. Instead, there were a lot of vague and general statements that left me uninspired.
I enjoyed the story of the wife who started to question long-standing family traditions. It had an intriguing premise and a solid punch line.
Some of the other stories lacked detail and were just too general, such as when the author helped someone who showed no gratitude. This is a situation many of us have been in, and it could have created a strong emotional resonance for the reader, but since there were no specifics on how she helped the person, what their relationship was, etc. it made for a bland example. The story about teenage dating was even more baffling and just as flat.
While the author's message of kindness, tolerance, and critical self-examination is a very important one and something we all need to be reminded of once in a while, I feel like the delivery failed to excite or break new ground in the genre.
I originally wanted to just give this book a three. Then, after thinking about it a while, I decided it deserved four stars from me, since I liked some of the stories and passages from it so much.
I really enjoyed this. :) It was a very nice collection of little stories. It's exactly as the title says: lessons in life. :) Just a bunch of stories to remind/encourage us to be kind, thoughtful, and helpful.
And to remember that it's ok to take time for ourselves. And that it's okay to say no.
I struggle with both those. 👆
I really enjoyed the piece about how it's ok to cry and feel our emotions. That another thing I struggle with, remembering there's no shame in feeling things.
Also, I'm going to share my love of Disney & say that that particular story will be great to go back to and reread after watching Inside Out. 😁
It's ok to say no. It's ok to cry.
& Even if people aren't always grateful or help you in return or even just completed screw you, remember to try and keep being helpful, hopeful & kind.
I read this book over several days, mostly as bedtime reading. I think it was absolutely perfect for that. Happy & thoughtful. It's a very calming read. Makes me think, but it's to overly stimulating.
(Not like mysteries. I SO can't do mysteries before bed. Otherwise I'll be up all night wondering who done it?) 😂
A couple stories I really liked were the one about the little boy saving turtles, and the one about traveling by bus & having to go. 😂😁 I will definitely remember that one next time there's a line for a rest room.
Recommended for everyone who enjoys short stories & nice easy reads. Perfect bedtime story choice!
“Lessons in Life” is a superbly written book by a supremely gifted author, Nico J. Genes. The book gives many fascinating and engrossing examples of how life is constantly teaching us important lessons and it shows us the importance of paying attention and acknowledging what we learn.
The author insightfully acknowledges that as life continues we will make many mistakes but instead of refusing to ever question our decisions and always blaming others, we need to be humble and ask questions like “could we have done better” and “what did we learn from this and “should we change something and achieve a different outcome next time.”
There are many great stories in this book all with important life lessons to learn. One of my favorites was about the wife and husband who lived together with their 3-year-old son in a largely happy relationship.
One thing that the wife did which the husband found puzzling was that she always cut the meat she was cooking for the 3 of them into 4 equal pieces.
This irked the husband and so one day in frustration he blurted out “why do you cook every piece of meat you cook for us in 4 pieces?”
His wife responded that “this is the way my mother used to do it.”
She then called her mother to ask her why she always cut her meat in 4 pieces when cooking it.
Her mother then told her that this is the way her mother had always cooked meat but that she would call her and ask her why she had cooked meat like this.
When the wife’s mother called the wife’s grandmother to ask why she had cooked meat this way the answer was that “we only had a small pan and it was the only way for the meat to fit.” “It became a habit.”
The moral of the author’s story was that we should always challenge ourselves to look at the things in our lives that we have simply accepted to see “if there may be another way.”
Other excellent pieces of advice contained in this book were concepts such as “revenge offers only temporary satisfaction” and that no matter what is happening in your life “writing is one of the best therapies that exists.”
The pace of the writing in “Lessons in Life” was superb and the stories and advice flowed effortlessly.
The editing and formatting was beyond reproach and the cover was very appealing.
I highly recommend “Lessons in Life” to all young adult and adult readers alike. It was fascinating and has important life lessons for everyone. A great read. 5 Stars. Don’t Miss It!!!
Speaking of wisdom. This is it. This gem of a book by Nico J. Genes, says it all. In the heart of it, this book is a collection of parable like succinct short stories. These are about societal changes at many levels. From conventions and practices, to respect for all creatures great and small, both humans and nature, respect for the mute, respect for the able bodied, every living creature down to the last ant. All life is interconnected and is pivotal to our existence on earth. In order to maintain this, respect for one another is essential. Changes need to occur to strengthen this bond.
Her all important messages are universal. In a world of never ending greed and corruption, these stories is a grim reminder of how well we know what we must do, yet don't put enough effort to do it. In order to make our lives meaningful again, we need to touch base with our moral imperatives, and then take it from there.
Lessons in Life is a sweet collection of little stories about how to be a bit more positive and easier on oneself and others. The stories were a bit cliche, and there were a few errors with commas that I noticed. But overall, it is a good, positive, uplifting book. I imagine that a younger person who has not been as inundated with self help books, and well-meaning advice would find the book refreshing and helpful. The book’s tone is friendly, and casual, almost as if the author and reader are sitting together and talking over coffee. One quote from the book that I think sums up the book’s advice is this: “Next time you look at yourself in the mirror or at others, instead of a criticism, share a smile.”
This book is full of stories and suggestions on how to lead a happy life. I believe the author is well intentioned and commend her for bestowing her kind knowledge on to others. However, I felt her words of wisdom were cliche and I’d heard them many times before. Since I’m almost forty, I think my age might have something to do with that. If you are in your twenties or feeling lost in life, this might just be the book for you. For me, it didn’t bring anything new.
This enjoyable book by Nico J. Genes shows us in a very enthusiastic fashion all the most simple human endeavours in life. These facts of life are all brought to us in a most pleasurable way without ever becoming a lecture, and so making this book such a pleasant educational read, but at the same time I like to say that these facts of life should be really important to all of us. Every little thing within our human lives is very important, especially when you consider that all kinds of feelings and emotions will always be a part of our lives, and these kind of feelings and emotions come wonderfully to the forefront in this lovely book. The book is full with wonderful short stories which will make you conscious in a respectful fashion about certain aspects of life, such as there is love, respect, helpful, change, doing good, work and questioning. Also absolutely beautiful pictured reflections of life are presented to us in this lovely book, and I hope that a lot of people will take notice about all these heartfelt messages and stories. All these stories within this book are delivered to us in a educational and emotional manner, though not in a way to lecture us, but by trying to show us how to feel and experience real life around us. Highly recommended, and so I would like to say to you is read this delightful book for it is simply wonderful, and for those who can use some guidance this is: "A Good-Natured Handbook about Lessons of Being Human(e) in Life"!
Note: I was given this ARC by the author and this is my honest review!
"Love is the color in your life. Enjoy all the shades and new sensations that come with it, making you feel alive."
"If you can't climb the highest mountain any more, go to the closest hill. It is better than staying at the bottom thinking you can't do it." --Lessons in Life, Nico J Genes
A mix of personal reflections, enhanced and illustrated by stories the author presents to you. Along with a few short poems, this is really a book to get you thinking. I liked the way Lessons in Life is separated into different sections (Lessons in Change, Lessons in Love, Lessons in Doing Good, Lessons in Work, Lessons in Questioning). Each section is unique and thought-provoking. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, the questions raised by each section settle into you slowly, leaving your own answers behind.
You're promised "achieving a better you through self-reflection" and that really is what this book is about. This is perfect for when you're in the mood to recharge and explore your connections to the world around you. The best way to read this book would be slowly, a section at a time, as you digest and work through the lessons. I really enjoyed reading this. And I know it's shallow, but I can't help loving the beautiful cover art.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for this honest review.
Very honest account of one's life, searches, aspirations and endeavors. Nice messages of combining traditions with innovation. One should be themselves and not anyone else. So brave and emotional. Wise words, congratulations.
This book is a great reminder to pay attention and learn from our daily life lessons. Nico J. Genes offers her own experiences and how she was able to learn valuable lessons from them. It is a nice collection of stories to remind us to be helpful, kind, and thoughtful. The book is divided into different sections such as: Lessons in Change, Lessons in Love, Lessons in Doing Good, Lessons in Work, Lessons in Questioning. You could start with any section or title you find interesting. The stories are short and easy to read. If you want to clarify your thinking and your emotions to make better decisions, you will enjoy this book.
This is the kind of book you pick up on a "verge" day meaning you feel like you are on the verge of losing it for whatever reason, quitting your job, cussing out your boss, lashing out at your sig. other, kicking the dog (don't EVER kick the dog or throw the cat!), and in a few seconds, it may bring you back to some mindfulness--a few seconds because it is a fairly simplistic book and as another reviewer observed, rather cliche. Still, it is written as if the author is sitting across from you in a chair giving you a warm hearted, well-intended talking to. While adult readers may find it overly cliche, it may be a very appropriate book to read aloud to elementary school students that don't know all the cliches yet, and it is written in a lively style that will likely keep their attention.
I really enjoyed reading this book. And, I suspect all fans of the Self-Improvement genre will love having a nibble on this one also! LESSONS in LIFE: Achieving a better you through self-reflection, is a very well written life improvement book. This book is intelligent, wise and packed to the rafters with practical common-sense advice. It becomes very obvious as you read through this page turner that the author is imparting her wisdom and understanding as to what happiness and success really means. It’s an excellent guide for putting things into perspective.
Profound thoughts are explained here in the simplest of terms. That's all I can say about this book. It is difficult to write a more objective review because the impact the author will have on you will make you see life and its problems in a wise and practical way. The book should NOT be read - it should be absorbed and reflected upon.
This book has helped me clarify my thinking, process my feelings, and make better decisions. If you are you ready to stop drifting and design a life you love, this read with help you on your journey. The author has put her heart in the pages of this book and will encourage and give hope to the reader. So many wonderful and courageous people share their experiences through books, and I thank this author for sharing hers.
The overall tone was simply imparting knowledge, personal experience and wisdom in a gentle and generous way. Her words will help to better equip you to interpret and handle life in a whole new way, which in turn will bring peace, love and joy into your life. If you are looking for inspiration and encouragement in the face of serious issues, this would come highly recommended from me.
No matter what your situation is today, this book will put you on the right path to better things. I’ve been around the block a few times myself and even I found this read to be very insightful. This wonderful new book will show you how to properly tune into life and the simple rules you must follow to achieve this. This by far is one of the best Self-Improvement books I’ve read in a long time. The author must be commended for her time and effort for producing such an insightful book. Also, the writing style is friendly which makes for an enjoyable read.
LESSONS in LIFE is a wonderful read that will leave you feeling like a better person for having read it. It's an impressive work for author Nico J. Genes and I'll certainly be looking forward to reading more from her in the future. I would highly recommend this perceptive and intuitive read. A well-deserved five stars from me.
"Lessons in Life," an excellent manual for living life to the fullest
Having been more than charmed by Nico J. Genes first two novels, "Magnetic Reverie" and "Reverie Girl," I knew I must read her next book, "Lessons in Life." I was by no means disappointed, except that, being an "Aspie" (one who is blessed with Aspergar's syndrome) I could only appreciate most of the author's good advice intellectually, even if not emotionally, as it was clearly intended. Nonetheless, everything she says in this book makes perfect sense to me, and I have little doubt that one who follows her advice, based as it is on several decades of personal experience, would not only emerge greatly enriched, but would have acquired a set of wise instructions for dealing with the many stressful and unkind situations that life poses for us all.
Especially, as one who was immersed in a poetic world from an early age, I was struck by the author's excellent poetry, with which she opens some chapters of her book. There's so much bad poetry around, it's nice to be able to say that her poetry is among the best I've read, and it greatly increases the reader's overall enjoyment of the work, at least that's true in my own case.
As an avid writer, I particularly appreciated her last chapter, which helped me to understand the great value in writing, as a means to express how you deal with the world and its various vagaries. It's a special world, all your own, within which you can write the rules without fear of offending someone else, who happens to see things differently.
Overall, I can truly say that "Lessons in Life" is a very worthwhile read. Highly recommended!
This book is genuine and straight from the heart. It's a compilation of stories and poems that teach important life lessons we can learn from in any season of life. Each story and lesson is a step towards becoming the best version of ourselves. I received this ARC as a gift and this is my honest review
I enioyed a lot reading this book. I especially enjoyed all the messages that made me think there are so many things one could improve for a better self, for a better life. Really motivational, written in a very pleasant way.
Lessons in life is a compilation of short inspiring stories. Each one tells a tale about a life's lesson. The topics include looking at what we take for granted, gratitude, and the choices we make in life. She offers good words of wisdom and a positive outlook on life.
One of my favorite stories is about something simple we assume without questioning. It goes to say what we are taught as kids do stick with us as adults and then we go ahead and do the same thing.
A second story caught my attention deals with fear. It is interesting to learn children don’t experience it the same as adults. You’ll see what I mean in the book.
Another topic caught my eye. It is about imposing opinions. People tend to want to change other’s points of view on issues. The author explains her take on this. I find her words inspiring.
This book is a fun read and can be read within five hours. It is very moderately-paced, and each story is unique. The way each is written is clear and will grab your attention. You do not need to read the stories in order if you don’t want to. You will get the message. I feel like a new awareness came over me as a result of reading this book. I really enjoyed each story and I know you will too. I am recommending it to everyone. Don’t forget to read the introduction to the book as it was writing by yours truly.
I enjoyed this collection of short stories. I was given an advance reader copy and asked for my honest opinion. Nico has reflected on many things we are often too busy to reflect on. It is a good book for somebody who doesn't want to repeat their mistakes. It has a deeply charming subtle humour. It is easy going. The key thing is some if not most of this book will relate to everybody in one part of their life. Watching from a sideline, we get vision we don't see whilst in the thick of the game. This is a nice book full of such wisdom written in plain speak, rather than complex gobbledygook. I recommend this for people seeking to climb either the workplace or social ladder or anyone wanting to stabilise a relationship with a wobble. I was left wondering if I am ever a grumpy seagull. Hopefully not too often.
I received a copy of this book from voracious readers only.
The chapters were short and sweet and something you could dip in and out of. I sometimes got the impression that English wasn't the authors first language from some of the phrasing.
Some of the stories lacked details where others came across as relevant.
Some of the chapters were a bit simplistic and finished before they got started.
I still managed to find some relevance in this book and enjoyed it
This is a collection of beautiful heartouching stories. I read them before going to sleep, some stories for multiple times as they were so relaxing. Food for thought.
Nico Genes loves life. You can tell from her personal experiences and the stories she shares. Her message is engaging and universal; we are all different, and it’s just fine. Her experiences are fascinating. She has traveled near and far, and the unique people she has met have inspired her to think deeply. She asks herself the questions we ask ourselves and then offers her thoughts and observations honestly
This book is a pleasure to read. The message is inspiring, inviting us to be our best selves in a simple, straightforward way that is written with a loving heart.
Reading this book gives me the feeling that I am witness to her deepest thoughts. She shares advice and observations that come from the heart. It’s like having a riveting conversation with your best friend.
Absolutely a wonderful read. It's fascinating, and it has very helpful information for everyone at any point in their lives, especially if you're trying to work through a rough time. As you keep reading, it makes you believe in yourself by learning to appreciate what you have in life, accepting them. It inspires you to have energy and passion when we're down, making the reader to understand that is not alone in the experiences that life brings. The author, Nico J. Genes, helps you realize that having positive thoughts is very important in our lives to enjoy what surrounds us 100% recommended to people that loves to read!!!!!
There's a lot of good advice and the author seems to be a happy person. The various messages are given in multiple formats including mini fiction pieces, some stories that sounded like they could happen in real life and some poetry. A lot of the content seemed to be only loosely connected and not very organized, but I enjoyed reading most of the parts in general.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great collection of interesting short stories with insightful messages that make you think and help you work towards a better self, a better human being