Is This Seat Taken? No, I Saved it for You: Inspiring Life Lessons from Everyday Experiences

There are books that entertain you, and then there are books that illuminate you. Kristin
Kaufman’s writing does the latter so effortlessly that I found myself pausing just to breathe in
the depth of her reflections.
She writes about life’s hardest seats , grief, loneliness, change, disappointment , in a way
that makes you feel understood rather than judged. One chapter in particular, about how life
forces us into roles we didn’t choose but desperately needed, left me sitting in silence.
This book helped me see that even the painful seasons of my own life were preparing me for
something. It’s rare for an author to open her heart this fully, but even rarer for her words to
open yours.

Olyssara Jhaesten

5 reviews

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Lizzie (Dizzy Lizzie’s Book Emporium)

Kristin has a remarkable ability to find clarity in the simplest interactions , a reunion, a
passing conversation, a memory, a seat left open. She doesn’t dramatize these moments;
she honors them.
The way she reflects on friendships, ambition, family, personal boundaries, and the quiet
ache of self-reinvention brought so much peace to my heart.
I especially loved how she approached the idea of presence , being fully where you are,
instead of chasing the next accomplishment. Her words felt like an exhale.
This book is humility, grace, and honesty wrapped into one.

311 reviews32 followers

November 24, 2019

I received a free copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. “Is This Seat Taken? No, I Saved it for You” is a quick and encouraging read, reminding us to take stock of life as it comes. Recognize the good in the good times, and see the silver lining in what appear at first to be bad times. I especially appreciated Chapter 6 “The Cracked Pot” in which the author is in a therapy session and her counselor pulls out a pot and speaks of the Chinese tradition of filling the cracks of old pottery with gold. To me, this was a beautiful illustration that our past mistakes and heartaches do not define us. Far from it, they leave beautiful scars on our lives that have brought us to this very moment where we find ourselves.
This book is one of the first Christian-based books to integrate “woo-woo” techniques such as mindfulness and other tactics that help with spiritual alignment. While I appreciate this openness to integrate these spiritual expressions into our daily lives, in the end, Kaufman strays into a bit of prosperity gospel thinking, which is definitely a toxic mindset. I was very disappointed with this aspect of the book, and would not necessarily recommend reading this book if you are presently in a mental health valley. Prosperity gospel thinking can only serve to hurt those in positions of hopelessness and pain.

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Firetruckmama

1,751 reviews

September 17, 2019

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway, for which I'd like to thank the publisher and the author.

I didn't really know what this book was about, other than it being a collection of tales about everyday experiences that end up affecting one at a deeper level than expected. This is a collection of those moments in the author's life. She presents the story, then provides information on how it affected her life/thinking/outlook, and then lists questions for the reader to contemplate regarding their own experiences.

I found the book to be interesting. The resources at the back of the book were excellent recommendations. I also found the questions posed after the stories to be well thought out and good for further reflection.

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Dixie

489 reviews2 followers

October 11, 2019

I liked this. It was a nice blend of memoir and self-assessment/self-improvement. I appreciated the humor and truth expressed through the author's sharing of her personal experiences and the opportunities they provided for personal growth. The questions at the end of each chapter encouraged me to consider what I had learned from similar experiences in my own life. The appendix chapters are full of resources for continued self-assessment.
I requested and voluntarily read an advance review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley. I offer my honest opinions in response.

Amy Ingalls

1,524 reviews14 followers

January 27, 2023

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

The author uses examples from her own life to provide inspiring lessons for the reader. While this was a quick, easy read I didn't really get much from these life lessons. The chapters reminded me of some of the uplifting articles in my one of my mother's favorite magazines, First for Women. Not bad, just not necessarily for me.

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Hadley Eric

12 reviews1 follower

There are some books you read, and then there are books that speak to you slowly, gently,
almost like someone placing a hand on your shoulder and saying, “Sit down. Let’s breathe
together.” That was my experience reading Is This Seat Taken? No, I Saved It for You.
Kristin Kaufman has a rare gift: she can take a seemingly ordinary moment, like sitting in a
folding chair at a reunion or sharing a casual conversation with a colleague, and turn it into a
lantern that lights up something inside you that you didn’t even realize was dark.
What struck me the most was the honesty of her reflections. She doesn’t rush through them
or overshadow them with dramatic flair. Instead, she lets them breathe , and in doing so, she
gives the reader permission to breathe too. Her writing made me suddenly aware of how
many “seats” I have been placed in throughout my own life , some comfortable, some
painful, some confusing , and how each one, even the ones I tried to forget, shaped me in
profound ways.
The chapter where she talks about losing a parent moved me in a way I wasn’t prepared for.
It unlocked memories I’ve kept tucked away, and instead of drowning me, it helped me
understand them with new softness. Her writing doesn’t demand that you feel something,
instead, it quietly opens the door and lets the feeling enter on its own terms. I closed the
book feeling a sense of peace I didn’t know I was missing.

Arrielle Marcus

5 reviews1 follower

What I appreciated most about Is This Seat Taken? No, I Saved It for You is how quietly powerful it is. This isn’t a book that tries to impress you with big declarations or dramatic moments. Instead, it gently asks you to slow down and notice the meaning already present in your life. Kristin Kaufman has a way of making reflection feel natural rather than forced.

One of the strongest elements of this book is how it validates experiences we often dismiss as insignificant. Moments like sitting alone, waiting, observing, or feeling unsure are usually brushed aside as unimportant. Kristin reframes these moments as “seats” that carry wisdom if we’re willing to pay attention. That shift in perspective changed how I viewed my own past , moments I once labeled as unproductive or lonely now feel like quiet turning points.

Her writing about navigating adulthood , especially the emotional adjustments that come with change , felt incredibly honest. She doesn’t present herself as someone who has everything figured out. Instead, she openly acknowledges doubt, confusion, and growth as ongoing processes. That honesty made the book feel trustworthy and deeply relatable.

This is the kind of book that stays with you. Long after finishing it, I found myself noticing my surroundings more, listening more carefully, and appreciating the lessons hidden in everyday moments.

Wren EMRY

5 reviews

What makes this book unforgettable is its ability to transform the ordinary into the
extraordinary. The simplest scenes , sitting alone at a reunion, navigating early career steps,
facing heartbreak, building friendships , become profound lessons when told through Kristin
Kaufman’s lens.
Her ability to extract wisdom from everyday experiences is a rare talent. It made me realize
how many life-changing insights I’ve overlooked simply because I dismissed them as
“nothing special.” She challenges the reader to see life as a collection of meaningful seats,
each one shaping us, guiding us, strengthening us in ways we often only recognize in
hindsight.
Her chapter on toxic relationships stood out to me. She writes about the emotional
unraveling, the confusion, the slow erosion of self-esteem, and the eventual return to
selfhood with such honesty that it feels like a mirror held up to anyone who has ever been in
that position. It’s powerful, raw, and incredibly validating.
She balances those heavy stories with moments of light and humor , memories from
childhood, quirky experiences, unexpected turns in her career , all told with a warmth that
makes the book feel like a conversation rather than a monologue.
This is not just a memoir. It is a beautifully crafted guide to the human experience, filled with
wisdom that seeps into your heart long after the final page.

Sterling Maddox

3 reviews

What struck me most about this book is Kristin Kaufman’s ability to reveal the significance of
decisions we often overlook. She transforms seemingly mundane moments , choosing
where to sit, whether to speak up in a meeting, how to approach a relationship , into
profound reflections on character, resilience, and self-awareness.
Her chapter on career pivots resonated with me profoundly. She candidly shares moments of
uncertainty, when she questioned her own path, and how those moments of hesitation
ultimately shaped her trajectory. Unlike many inspirational books, she doesn’t offer easy
solutions. Instead, she gives insight into the nuanced decision-making process that defines a
meaningful life.
The stories about small-town life and community values were refreshing. Kristin shows how
upbringing influences not only our choices but our worldview, subtly shaping our interactions
and values throughout adulthood. By reading this book, I felt like I was given permission to
honor my own past, learn from it, and see the wisdom embedded in decisions I had taken for
granted.
It’s a reflective, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying read that encourages personal growth
through the lens of ordinary experiences

Griffin Jasper

12 reviews1 follower

I picked up this book thinking it would be light inspiration, but what I found was something
much more intimate. Kristin’s ability to weave her life experiences into lessons that resonate
with the reader is remarkable. She writes with a tone that balances vulnerability with
confidence, and that mix makes the book extremely accessible.
One of the most powerful chapters for me was the discussion about learning to make friends
as an adult. It seems like such a simple topic, but the way she explores it , the nuance, the
openness, the subtle fear behind initiating connection , felt like someone finally naming what
so many adults silently struggle with. Her reflections made me rethink the relationships in my
own life: the ones I’ve nurtured, the ones I’ve neglected, and the ones I’ve outgrown but
never fully released.
What surprised me most was how healing this book became. Not in a dramatic, life-altering
way, but in a gentle, persistent way , like sunlight slowly touching a cold room. I found myself
pausing after many chapters, re-reading certain lines, letting the wisdom settle. It was the
emotional equivalent of exhaling after holding my breath too long. I didn’t expect to find
myself in these pages, but I did, and I’m grateful for it.

Tavian Dorian

5 reviews

This book is one of those rare reads that feels like it grows as you read it , each chapter
revealing something bigger, deeper, and more profound than the last. Kristin Kaufman
doesn’t simply share life lessons; she reveals the heartbeat behind those lessons.
Her storytelling shines brightest in the quiet moments , the unexpected conversations, the
seemingly small shifts in perspective, the moments where identity cracks open and
rearranges itself. Her chapter on losing a parent nearly brought me to tears. She writes grief
in a way that doesn’t try to fix it or define it, but instead sits with it, honors it, and
acknowledges that growth often comes from the saddest seats in our lives.
Her reflections on community and small-town values also lingered with me long after I
finished reading. She paints a picture of her upbringing with such detail that it feels like
stepping into a memory, warm and textured and filled with unspoken lessons.
And the questions she includes? They’re not simple reflections. They’re invitations to go
deeper, to understand yourself more fully, to connect your past with your present in a way
that feels meaningful and empowering.
If you’re looking for a book that gently transforms you, this is the one.

Vynessae Taequinns

3 reviews

From the first page, something about the tone felt different , deliberate, intimate, and quietly
powerful. “Strange Stories” isn’t the kind of book you “just read.” It’s more like an experience
that grows deeper the more you surrender to it. The way the author builds tension is nothing
short of art. Scenes start ordinary, then shift, then twist, and suddenly you’re pulled into
emotional and psychological corners you didn't expect to enter.
What stood out to me most was how the themes unfold. There’s no rushing. Every character
seems to carry their own gravity, and the more you learn about them, the more you start
examining yourself. I found myself rereading sentences simply because they hit in a way that
felt deeply true. The author blends heartbreak and intrigue so naturally that you barely notice
how invested you’ve become.
When I reached the final chapters, I actually slowed down because I didn’t want it to end.
That rarely happens to me. This book is layered, thoughtful, and wonderfully haunting , the
kind of story that lingers in your mind long after the last word.

Ronan Elwood

4 reviews

This book landed in my hands at the exact moment I needed it, almost like the universe
saved a seat for me, too. Every chapter felt like a gentle invitation to slow down, breathe
deeper, and look back at my life with more compassion than I ever had before.
Kristin Kaufman writes with a vulnerability that feels brave. She doesn’t just tell her stories,
she lets us into her emotional process, showing the messy middle, the doubt, the moments
of feeling lost, and the small wins that slowly become big transformations. Reading her
experience with abusive or toxic relationships hit particularly hard. She describes the internal
unraveling that happens long before the relationship actually ends, and she captures the
courage it takes not just to leave, but to start recognizing yourself again.
I also appreciated how she discusses adult friendships , something we don’t talk about
enough. Her story about learning how to make friends later in life felt like a mirror. Adult
friendships are awkward, vulnerable, and sometimes intimidating, and she writes about that
process with so much grace that it made me rethink the way I’ve been approaching it.

Sapphire Rowan

7 reviews1 follower

If I had to describe this book in a single phrase, it would be this: emotionally generous.
Kristin Kaufman gives of herself in a way that makes the reader feel seen, even though she’s
telling her own story. Her memories are vivid, specific, and deeply personal, yet somehow
they echo universal truths that all of us carry in our hearts.
Her metaphor of “seats” is nothing short of brilliant. What could have been a simple thematic
device becomes a powerful lens for looking at life. Each seat she describes , a reunion chair,
a corporate boardroom, a hospital waiting area, even the internal seats we occupy in identity
and self-worth , becomes a symbol for the lessons we often overlook.
The chapter that resonated most with me was her reflection on striving for career success.
Not because it was glamorous or dramatic, but because it was painfully honest. She admits
the missteps, the doubts, the times she questioned her own value. It reminded me of the
seat I once sat in during a job interview where I felt completely out of place , and how that
one uncomfortable moment ended up shaping the entire direction of my life.

Lauren

4 reviews

Kristin Kaufman’s book is a masterful exploration of life’s quiet teachings. Unlike
conventional self-help books, it doesn’t rely on formulas or motivational clichés. Instead, it is
a meditation on awareness, choice, and presence.
Her reflections on personal transformation are particularly memorable. She writes about how
we occupy different “seats” in life , some comfortable, some challenging , and how each one
offers insight if we approach it mindfully. I was inspired to examine the roles I play in my own
life, the patterns I repeat, and the moments I had overlooked as opportunities for growth.
The stories about balancing personal ambition with emotional well-being were especially
illuminating. Kristin shows that success is not measured by accolades alone but by
authenticity, resilience, and the courage to honor one’s true self.
This book left a lasting impression. It encourages readers not just to live, but to observe,
reflect, and embrace the wisdom embedded in each experience. It is, without a doubt, a
transformative and unforgettable read.

Lucian

5 reviews

Reading this book was an emotional journey. Kristin Kaufman writes with sincerity and
insight, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives through the lens of her experiences. She
doesn’t offer platitudes or clichés; instead, she provides authentic perspectives on courage,
vulnerability, and the pursuit of meaning.
Her exploration of standing up for oneself, whether in relationships or career decisions, was
particularly striking. She frames moments of confrontation, risk-taking, or departure from the
familiar as transformative, showing that real growth often requires courage in the face of
uncertainty.
I also loved her reflections on personal rituals, small triumphs, and everyday victories. She
reminds readers that fulfillment often comes not from grand achievements but from
mindfulness, intentionality, and appreciation of life’s seemingly minor moments.
By the end, I felt both inspired and grounded , reminded that life’s lessons are often subtle,
yet profound if we pay attention.

Siobhan Seamus

5 reviews

This book captures the subtle ways human connection shapes our identity. Kristin Kaufman
has a remarkable ability to unpack the complex dynamics of relationships , familial,
professional, and social , and show how every interaction leaves an imprint on our hearts.
Her reflections on mentorship and learning from others were especially inspiring. Kristin
demonstrates that life often places teachers in unexpected forms: colleagues, strangers,
fleeting encounters. Her writing made me consider the “seats” I have been offered in life and
how many lessons I may have overlooked simply because I wasn’t paying attention.
Additionally, her perspective on personal growth is refreshingly realistic. She acknowledges
failure, hesitation, and misjudgment as integral parts of development, reminding readers that
growth isn’t linear but often hidden in subtle, uncelebrated moments.
This book gave me clarity about how I interact with others, the importance of intentional
presence, and how each connection , big or small , can be transformative.

Marcellus Reed

3 reviews

I approached this book thinking it would be gentle inspiration, but what I discovered was a
tapestry of profound insights woven from everyday experiences. Kristin Kaufman’s writing
feels intimate and observant, noticing the little things that often go unseen , gestures,
conversations, pauses, and subtle shifts in circumstances.
Her reflections on adult social challenges were eye-opening. Making friends, navigating
office politics, and learning to trust new people as an adult are rarely discussed in such
depth. Through her stories, I realized how often we underestimate our capacity to adapt,
reconnect, and grow emotionally.
What made this book extraordinary was her focus on reflection. Each “seat” she writes about
is more than a memory , it’s an opportunity to learn, to pause, and to consider how our
choices shape not just our own lives but the lives of those around us.
Reading this book was like walking through a gallery of lessons: each chapter carefully
curated to make you think, feel, and question the hidden potential in ordinary life moments.

Ellery Maverick

10 reviews1 follower

Kristin does something in this book that very few authors can pull off: she transforms the
everyday into something sacred. She doesn’t wait for grand life events to teach lessons;
instead, she pulls meaning out of quiet interactions, childhood memories, and subtle turning
points.
What I loved was how she approached her small-town upbringing. There’s no romanticizing,
but there’s also no bitterness. She talks about the values instilled in her , humility,
community, responsibility , with a clear understanding of how those early experiences
continue to shape the lens through which she views the world. It made me think about my
own upbringing and how those seemingly simple moments continue to echo in my adult life.
As I read, I realized how rarely I pause long enough to reflect on where I sit in my life,
physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Kristin’s metaphor of “seats” made me rethink
everything. Suddenly, even moments of discomfort felt like something purposeful. As
someone who often rushes through life, this book made me slow down and notice.

Zinnia Lucien

5 reviews

There’s something incredibly special about the way Kristin Kaufman approaches storytelling.
Instead of simply recounting events, she dissects them emotionally , layer by layer , until the
core lesson becomes clear not through preaching, but through her lived truth.
Her chapter on learning to make friends as an adult resonated with me in a way I didn’t
expect. She captures that vulnerable transition between “I should have my life figured out by
now” and “I still want connection, warmth, and new beginnings.” The way she describes
approaching new relationships after setbacks felt like watching a flower grow through
concrete , slow, brave, and beautiful.
Her reflections on losing a parent were also incredibly touching. She doesn’t try to
romanticize the experience. Instead, she shows the aching reality of grief and the strange
way life goes on, whether or not we’re ready for it. I found myself thinking about the last
conversation I had with my own loved ones , something I hadn’t allowed myself to revisit in
years.

Constantina Max

12 reviews2 followers

What sets this book apart from other inspirational reads is its practicality. Kristin doesn’t
simply share stories; she pairs them with reflective questions that gently push you into
deeper understanding. They’re not formulaic or generic , they actually feel like they were
written for real human beings with real complexities.
As someone who values personal development but dislikes overly preachy books, this was
the perfect balance. Her voice is wise without being condescending, compassionate without
being sentimental, and honest without being harsh. I found myself stopping mid-chapter,
reflecting on moments in my own history, some of which I had never examined closely
before.
By the time I finished the book, I felt more grounded. Like I understood not only myself
better, but the meaning behind certain life events that I had previously dismissed as random
or unfortunate. This book reminded me that life is continually speaking , we just have to learn
how to listen.

Eleanor Caleb

12 reviews2 followers

If I could describe this book in one word, it would be comfort. But it’s the kind of comfort that
doesn’t ask you to avoid anything , rather, it quietly encourages you to face your truths with
compassion. Kristin writes in a voice that feels both maternal and wise, as though she has
walked long roads and is now sharing her lantern with others.
I found myself particularly moved by her reflections on grief. Her writing didn’t try to sanitize
the experience or categorize it into neat stages. Instead, she described the emotional reality
, unpredictable, messy, tender. Her honesty helped soften my own grief in ways I didn’t
expect. It reminded me that loss isn’t an interruption of life; it becomes part of the landscape
we learn to walk through.
I finished this book with the same feeling I get after a long, honest conversation with
someone who understands me. It didn’t just touch my mind; it touched my heart.

Zephyr

5 reviews

There are books that entertain, books that inform, and once in a great while, a book that
rearranges something in you without asking permission. That’s what this one did for me.
Kristin Kaufman writes with the kind of sincere vulnerability that feels like she’s placing
pieces of her heart directly into your hands. Not in a dramatic way , but in a deeply
thoughtful, quietly powerful way that lingers long after you put the book down.
What moved me most was how she revisits her life through the metaphor of “seats.” Each
seat becomes a moment, a lesson, a doorway. Her empty folding chair at her high school
reunion struck a strange nerve in me , that feeling of walking into a room filled with
memories, mistakes, old versions of yourself, and the unsettling realization that time
changes everything and everyone. Her honesty in describing her discomfort, gratitude, and
reflection around that moment made me revisit my own reunion experiences in a new, more
forgiving way.

Thayer

2 reviews