Life's Extras

by Archibald Rutledge

A wonderful little book of meditations which illustrates Rutledge's love of nature, his deep faith and his spiritual vision. This is a sweet little book of reveries on the blessings that lie in the little unnecessary things of life. Creation supplies us with just two kinds of necessities and extras. This book is one of the extras for which the reader will resolve to be a better person. Great for gift giving and personal inspiration, this book was once given by Henry Ford to all twenty-five thousand of his employees.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Inspirational

44 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1928

About the author

Archibald Hamilton Rutledge (1883-1973) was a South Carolina poet laureate. He is remembered as one of America's best-loved outdoor writers. His short stories appeared in Outdoor Life and Field and Stream, plus he wrote more than 50 books including An American Hunter (1937), Old Plantation Days (1907) and Wild Life of the South (1935).

Reviews

[Pamela Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written little book about how inspiring the simple things in life are. It reminds me of Leonardo da Vinci's lament the people don't actually take time to observe the marvelous things that surround them on a daily basis. Very thought-provoking, packed with delicious descriptions.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book came across my desk as I was withdrawing a duplicate copy. It was short enough that I decided to "give it a read." Rutledge, a South Carolina poet and educator, takes life moments to show God's greatness and the beauty of His creation. The life sketches are illustrated with drawings done by B. Hay Gilbert which compliment the text. I enjoyed the drawings more than the narrative.

[Lydia Gunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

"God gives us the necessities of life for our bodies and the extras for our spirits." This was an interesting and random little book. Nothing much to glean.

[Abigail Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is, I think, something everyone should read at some point in their lives. It’s short, doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to read if you’re slow and savor it. Rutledge was a South Carolina native and was the state’s first poet laureate. While many of his works are clearly from a past age in their vocabulary and perspective, they are nonetheless incredible narratives on the old South and Rutledge’s personal journey through life. This book is just a tiny glimpse of that- beautiful descriptions of the things he calls “life’s extras”, the small beauties that are not necessary for life but rather give life meaning, comfort, and point to the Creator caring for us beyond providing those bare necessities. I don’t know if this book is still in print, and Rutledge books are increasingly hard to come by as collectors (such as my husband) have been snatching them up. If you do see this, it is likely worth the price to have a small piece of South Carolina and medicine for your soul on the shelf.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I don't talk much about these things, but I felt that all that beauty and peace were really the love of God. I guess He does not love us with words: He loves us by giving us everything we need - in every way."

This is one of the most beautifully written testimonies of the beauty that is in the world around us and God's hand in creating that beauty that I have ever read and it brought me peace on a day when I was in turmoil. It takes only a few minutes to read and it is worth every second.

[Hunter Q Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

U have this little book five stars simply because that was the most allowed. It is such a soothing, relaxing book. However, it is ,in my opinion, a very profound and thought provoking book.

[Terri Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of my all time favorites. This is a great reminder to stop and look at the daisies. I found this book at a small used book store that won’t be selling books for much longer. This world will be missing one of its greatest treasures when all of these book stores are gone. I love everything about an old used book store ... especially when I find a great copy of one of the books I consider a treasure. Like “Life’s Extras”.

[Josiah Dumais · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful use of imagery to tie into faith. It uses simple everyday beauties that are simply over looked to capture the reader's attention. I love works that go heavy with descriptions to paint the atmosphere and this does an excellent job at that. My only problem with this book is that it is too short.

[Lucas Wooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief, thoughtful reminder to not just appreciate the little, simple, extra things in life that surround us every day, but to appreciate the Creator behind them as well. Thank God he provides our necessities and delights us with extras. A pleasant find at a used book store for $3.

[Drew Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely, whimsical little meditation on the unnecessary graces of life! As charming as it is brief.

[Elizabeth Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reminder to stop and appreciate the “extras” that God provides us during our lifetime. We are surrounded by so much beauty.

[Gail Gallant · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book is a glimpse of how nature can be healing and nurturing if we just slow down and take the time to look and listen to the wonder around us.

[Carleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One small book that says it all …

[tiago wollitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about how God leaves us “extras” in nature and in people to show his love

[Vickie Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

a refresher course in extra proof that God loves us, has joy for us through many extras we only have to open are senses and our hearts to receive them

[Emma Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet little book of uplifting ways to look at and appreciate all the beauty in nature, reminding you of the little miracles in life. Perfect size to read in just a few minuets, giving you a reason to smile and find meaning in things any time you need.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraging stuff. Interesting illustrations, too.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carolyn let me borrow this after a passage was read at a friends wedding.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book of meditation on life.

[Adam Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended highly!! Only takes about 15-20 mins total to read cover to cover tops!! Loved it!!