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

Kristin S. Kaufman (Goodreads Author)

3.70 · Rating details · 61 ratings · 36 reviews

When a seat is saved for us, a door is opened to a new learning opportunity.

Real life. Author Kristin S. Kaufman has had the good fortune in her life to have many seats saved for her-both literally and figuratively. In this final book of her Is This Seat Taken? trilogy, Kristin invites you to come along with her as she revisits the moments in her life when she discovered t ...more

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Hardcover, 184 pages

Published October 8th 2019 by Greenleaf Book Group Press

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· 61 ratings · 36 reviews

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May 23, 2020 Tina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: goodread-books-i-won-from-giveaways, read-in-2020

This is a non-fiction book. I do not read a ton of non-fiction book. In fact I may read 2 non-fiction books a year, but this book just jump out at me. It has been sitting on my kindle for a long time, but I am so glad I finally picked it up. This maybe me really think about my life. I won a kindle edition of this book from a goodreads giveaway, but all of my reviews are my honest opinions.

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Sep 16, 2019 Ell rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

What a beautifully written and thought-provoking book! Kristin S. Kaufman ‘s conversational style is like that of a caring and wise friend, opening up about the lessons she has learned as she has traveled in life. Is This Seat Taken? No, I Saved it for You, is refreshing and insightful! The questions and the exercises provided at the back of the book compliment the narratives superbly.

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Oct 11, 2019 The Views of Heather U rated it it was amazing

First, I want to thank Netgalley, Kristin S. Kaufman and

What a fantastic book! It reminded me of a mix between “Chicken Soup for the Soul” meets a John Maxwell read. I LOVED the authors ability to tell a tale, keeping the reader captivated until the end of the story. Then sharing her perspective, life experience with the reader, to then wrap up by presenting the thought provoking questions at the end. Contemplation time of sorts. It was so well written, so heartwarming and overall a fantastic a ...more

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Dec 02, 2019 Terry rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A nice reminder that often the 'small' gestures we make and the things we do, can and will make a difference. Thanks to the author for reminding us of just what is important. ...more

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Nov 24, 2019 Lizzie Reimer Adams rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: feel-good-tbr, giveaways-wins

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 pott ...more

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Oct 11, 2019 Lisa Ahlstedt rated it it was ok · review of another edition

This book details the "seats" that the author has been given over the years and the lessons she's learned from each of them. This is the final book in a trilogy on the same topic. The author takes experiences from her own life -- the elderly widows who lived in her neighborhood, a dance teacher, a high school reunion, an abusive relationship, an alarming medical diagnosis, etc. -- and is able to relate what she learned from each encounter. While not all of the encounters were pleasant, she was a ...more

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Sep 17, 2019 Firetruckmama rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: book-giveaways-won, reviewed

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 regard ...more

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Oct 11, 2019 Dixie rated it liked it · review of another edition

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 pro ...more

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Jun 10, 2020 Ashlee Woods rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Reading any of the books in the Is this Seat Taken series by Kristin Kaufman feels like a therapeutic counseling session or a long chat with a good friend. She has the ability to transform the reader into the stories, pulling you into the dynamics of the relationship, and the thought process and contemplations of the characters in each lesson.

I highly recommend this read for anyone who is seeking validation for a longing, wanting, desire for more - more from relationships, more from life, more f ...more

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Dec 31, 2020 txncupcake rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is the third book of this series, and although I haven't read the the first two books, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Each chapter focuses on individuals who made an impact on the author's life, directly or indirectly. The end of each chapter allows you to take what you've read and reflect on the people who have made an impact in your life. Although I won this copy in a Goodreads giveaway, I am looking forward to buying the other two books. ...more

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May 14, 2020 Tracy rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-giveaways

(Won this book on Goodreads) I really enjoyed the life lessons and examples to help relate the information to our own lives. I loved that stories out of the bible can be used to help us with today's problems. Choosing to change our focus to a negative to a positive is not easy but reading this book you can start the process to a brighter future. ...more

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Nov 30, 2019 Heather Bennett rated it really liked it

This is a book that you will think about long after you read. Well written and interesting. I would read more by this author.

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Dec 06, 2019 April Kelcy rated it it was ok

Quick read, and with some creative turns of phrasing, but overall very lightweight in substance.

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Mar 24, 2020 Amy rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I won this book from Goodreads. It was the third in a series and was difficult to connect as I did not feel there was enough brought over from the other books to understand.

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Jun 26, 2020 Aurora rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: giveaways

I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway and the following is my honest review.
this book makes a great gift for anyone struggling with identity and what path to take next in life.

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Dec 14, 2020 Melinda M rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: done, first-reads-done

Is This Seat Taken? No, I Saved it for You: Inspiring Life Lessons from Everyday Experiences
by Kristin S. Kaufman is very interesting .

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Jan 18, 2020 Jan Talkington rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-books

A Goodreads Giveaway. This is an inspirational life coach type book. Each chapter has a personal story from Ms Kaufman and then an application with encouragement to apply it to your life. Well written and good applications. I grew up in Arkansas so I could picture a lot of the places mentioned in the book and felt as if I knew the people. Worth the read and reflection.

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Dec 22, 2019 Kris rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: own, kindle

Somehow, this book was not exactly what I thought it would be. That doesn't mean it is a bad book. On the contrary: it was a collection of inspiring incidents of when the author faced challenges or adversity and what her take-away was. Inspiring people to look at painful or uncomfortable situations with the admonition to have faith that it will make them a better person after it's all over. Faced with a surprising diagnosis, those of us who have been given a 'life-sentence' often look for meanin Somehow, this book was not exactly what I thought it would be. That doesn't mean it is a bad book. On the contrary: it was a collection of inspiring incidents of when the author faced challenges or adversity and what her take-away was. Inspiring people to look at painful or uncomfortable situations with the admonition to have faith that it will make them a better person after it's all over. Faced with a surprising diagnosis, those of us who have been given a 'life-sentence' often look for meaning in our every day lives. The book is a relatively short, easy read. But I stopped at pg 46 (/166). I am contemporary with Kaufman. I too, have lived a rather full life so far and had a life-altering diagnosis. But I was looking for inspiration. I wasn't inspired. Perhaps, because I already knew and practiced much of this. Perhaps because I am agnostic. I also know, that sometimes, we simply don't have the energy or luxury of time to puzzle out a 'lesson'-we need a shortcut. The book felt more like a "me, me, me, look-at-me, do-as-I-do" kind of lesson (her "From where I sit" segments). It contains plenty of scriptural references and honest advice... the voice just didn't come across for me. I'm too old and just as educated. The book felt 'trite'. I was so wanting a book that focused more on humor and what I could do to get out of a funk...not preach me into one. This was a downer. The voice was wrong. While the mechanics of Kaufman's writing are good, her message is lost in a self-centered voice that doesn't practice what is being preached, especially as a member of Rotary. Giving to others should not be about making ME feel good. It should be a way of life. I have, over my life, read dozens of books along the vein of Kaufman's having been raised Lutheran. Perhaps, I was thinking more Erma Bombeck and Dave Berry (who provided a recommendation for this book!) My parents owned a funeral home. I often looked for inspiration in lots of placed during the the darkest of events. This did not inspire me. Perhaps some may find solace or inspiration in this book. But there are just too many other examples out there that do not sound like a personal eulogy or lecture. I'm sorry. I was so very excited to receive a copy of the book through #GoodreadsGiveaways. I particularly held on to it until I knew I was having a down day. In my mind, I thought it would have funny stories about encounters with people. The "I Save this Seat for You" reads like a Bible study. I imagine, that is the author's intent. It was the wrong thing for me to read at that time. Perhaps that has colored my review. I can see, where a younger audience or someone truly grounded in their faith might find solace and inspiration. It would also make for a good Women's bible study. I have still recommended this book to several friends/family members who I know are more into this avenue of self-improvement. I thank Kaufman and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book as the author is indeed correct in noting you never know where your greatest lessons will come from: The one that might inspire you. ...more

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Dec 31, 2019 Babajaga rated it liked it · review of another edition

I won a Kindle edition of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Overall, I liked the book. I enjoyed and even got inspired by several of the stories. I also found the questionnaires at the end of the book thought-provoking. But on the other hand, some of vignettes didn’t address me much. That’s why only 3 stars.

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Oct 19, 2019 Shirley rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I liked it! Please, let me tell you why.
(xiii) The Prayer for St. Francis
(xvi) Successful people practice control over the ABC's which include their attitudes, beliefs, and choices.
(p. 1) "[Kids] don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are."-Jim Henson
(p. 34) "Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right."-Henry Ford
(p. 50) ". . . all of us need and want to feel like we are a part of something greater than ourselves."
(p. 50) "We all know change is inevit I liked it! Please, let me tell you why.
(xiii) The Prayer for St. Francis
(xvi) Successful people practice control over the ABC's which include their attitudes, beliefs, and choices.
(p. 1) "[Kids] don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are."-Jim Henson
(p. 34) "Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right."-Henry Ford
(p. 50) ". . . all of us need and want to feel like we are a part of something greater than ourselves."
(p. 50) "We all know change is inevitable and the only real constant in life. . . . When facing changes what we know and what is familiar becomes dismantled. It can be scary, frustrating, irritating, disheartening, and even disillusioning."
(p. 56) ". . . daddy taught us that faith, hope, love, and service to others were the cornerstones of life."
(p. 67) "Just knowing you don't have the answers is a recipe for humility, openness, acceptance, forgiveness, and an eagerness to learn-and those are all good things."-Dick Van Dyke
(p. 69) "Being excluded can be one of the best teachers about our lives and the choices of those with whom we choose to walk life's journey."
(p. 70) "Forgiveness takes the power away from those who have hurt us."
(p. 79) "I believe that alignment exists when an individual or a team loves what they do, they are good at it, and most important, it is tied to something greater than themselves."
(p. 83) "There are no accidents or coincidences with God, just his perfect order and divine timing."-Ranal Currie
(p. 86) " My focus revolves around three principles. Daddy learned from the men in his ward: gratitude, courage, and Divine timing."
(p. 91) "Don't judge each day by the harvests you reap but by the seeds that you plant.-Robert Louis Stevenson
(p. 98) The choice of how we navigate life's challenges becomes our character."
(p. 101) "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."-Roger Caras
I appreciate Kristin Kaufman's wise words and the meaningful quotes that she shared belonging to others. This is an inspiring read with much depth of thought.
Thank you Goodreads for sharing this wonderful giveaway. ...more

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Dec 17, 2019 Reneta rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

My, my my, what a treat!

My, my, my, what a treat! So many chapters of this book are relatable. The author, Kristin Kauffman, uses “life moments”: ones we often ignore or forget, and shows how we are each affected in so many small ways. Each chapter has a quote to set the tone, questions after the “seat encounter”, and a calligraphy-worthy quote at the end. The chapter names are clever, (Mary Poppins, The Cracked Pot, One More Race)enticing you to read... just one more. I will re-read this book ...more

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Oct 16, 2019 Sherry rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I looked forward to reading this book for two reasons: one, the clever concept of sharing human stories through the universal experience of sitting next to someone (friend or stranger). That theme would resonate with so many people – including me. The second reason was I love self-help books and am always looking for greater understanding about what motivates human behavior.
Despite a clever concept and an excellent, engaging writing style this book was not particularly thought-provoking or insig ...more

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Oct 22, 2019 Jessica Slavensky rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Love this book

I’ve always been one to read good books, and just happened to win this one off Goodreads in a giveaway. I just started reading “self help” & other “life lessons” books. I really enjoyed this one because the author shares personal stories about her life & gives you questions to help you reflect on your life & helps guide you on what you want to be known for. This book really helps you look into what you want to do to contribute to the world & what you can do to become a better perso ...more

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Oct 26, 2019 Janice Cloutier rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Even though I did not read the first two books I found this third book in the series very special! There are so many life lessons we learn from others if we take the time and opportunity to notice and listen and observe! This author demonstrates through her many encounters how to truly listen, observe and learn by the many types of people she has encountered! I have learned some important life lessons in reading this book and how valuable others are to our lives! This is a very special read I th ...more

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Oct 28, 2019 Angela rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Examine the Past and Direct Your Future

The author used direct quotes from famous people to make her points followed by reflective questioning to drive her points home. This book covered deep concepts in a lighthearted and easily understood manner by using illustrations from her own past. It is an encouraging read for anyone who wants to make changes in life and develop a more positive outlook on the future.

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Oct 14, 2019 Barb Wild rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book entertained me. Made me first, want to read the books that come before it and second, want to write my own experiences down for my kids to read when i am not here. (kind of like those history books my father left for us and we are just now reading them in our 50's. Great story and questions suggested. I would share this with my book club. ...more

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Oct 16, 2019 Kelly Knapp rated it liked it · review of another edition

Our Contact With Others

Many writers have tried to show how our contacts with others, both major and minor can have a lasting effect, like ripples on the lake or the layers of an onion. Kaufman uses examples from her life to show how various people have affected her and her writing is eloquent

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Nov 08, 2019 Margaret Yelton rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This was a very well written book that reminded me some of the Chicken Soup books, tales of life experiences she and others have experienced. I found humor in this book, yet it also caused tme to do some self-assessing. I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to others.

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Nov 16, 2019 Garrett Lampson rated it liked it · review of another edition

Inspirational until..

I loved the authors life story and examples in this book. In fact,I liked everything, until I got to the chapter about crystals, chi and feng shui energy. All in all this was a great quick read.

The book is well written and easy to read. It helps put life's moments into perspective. I would recommend this book. ...more

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Dec 10, 2019 Ashley rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: goodreads-giveaway, e-book

*I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway

Wasn't exactly the 'self-help' book that I was expecting. Suited best for the upper class, this book encourages readers to ask themselves important life questions and to grow. ...more

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About Kristin S. Kaufman

Kristin S. Kaufman

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Kristin S. Kaufman is the founder of Alignment, Inc., formed in 2007 to serve individuals, corporations, boards of directors, and nonprofits in finding alignment within themselves and their organizations. Alignment, Inc. is a unique services organization that works with companies and inviduals to create sustainable success individually and collectively. Kaufman has brought this expertise to hundre ...more