My V Author

The Art of the Moment: Simple Ways to Get the Most from Life by Veronique Vienne

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


"Prolong the Pleasure of Being Alive

"Don't wait for a second chance to get it right.

"Fold your napkin carefully at the end of a great gourmet meal.

"Have serious conversations with seven-year-olds.

"Forget to mention that you were right in the first place.

"Say 'Don't ask' and 'Go figure' rather than launch into tedious explanations.

"Reframe family pictures.

"Always have a kind word for people with old dogs.

"Look at the world as if you were a cat.

"Welcome unexpected interruptions: They are often the prologue to happy accidents.

"Think in the shower.

"Find a little more time to be with friends.

"Make the most of everything, one moment at a time."

~~back cover

"Feel the excitement of being here now! 'The Art of the Moment' explores ways to get the most from life, one day at a time. The signature essays -- short and sweet, yet insightful -- are invitations to appreciate the uniqueness of each moment. Dismissing the notion that our notoriously short attention span is to be blamed for our distracted state of mind, the book encourages readers to savor the fullness of life in brief, joy installments. 'Each moment is both the last time and the first time because no two days are ever alike.'

"Each chapter is a reminder that time is not running out. You don't have to rush to experience a sense of joy, wonder, and adventure. It's yours for the taking, whenever you are ready for it. You can claim the 'now' while watering the lawn, taking a seven-year-old to soccer practice, buying a new pair of shoes, or daydreaming about opening a small bookstore across the street from the bank.

"This book ... is a perfect gift for anyone who believes that the ultimate art of living is to make each minute count."
~~front flap

The only way I can think of to describe this book is to call it a miniature coffee table book. Nice format, lovely facile I-already-knew-that platitudes and small, nonmemorable essays -- to quote my friend, "it was much of a muchness". Perhaps a nice introduction to New Age thought for someone who's never delved into it before. But if you've done any reading on the subject, or are into meditating -- this is not the book for you. The metaphysical equivalent of "Dick and Jane".

I only read it because I needed a V author for my 52 A-Z Challenge.