Wow! This was great. I hadn’t been in a rush to read it. I expected it to be a filler book and in a way it was and in a way it was its own thing too.

This is almost as much a journal as a book and ideally should be owned rather than borrowed. A lot of space on the pages is for readers/users to pen their own thoughts. This would make a great gift for a Maisie Dobbs fan who likes quotes and journaling. I can see it being used as a useful therapeutic tool also, using it either on one’s own or in a group setting. If I owned the book I would still use my own paper and pen (or keyboard) to do the written exercises. That way I could do them again & again and I can see the usefulness of doing them multiple times. Even though I wouldn’t write in the book I’d want to own it. A library copy just isn’t the same thing, unless one is in the mood to use the entire workbook within the borrowing period, without feeling pressure to finish.

This book can be read in a jiffy but it took me a lot of extra time because I took the time to like more quotes on Goodreads, as I knew I would. I also found myself pondering what the author said as I read and I enjoyed being reminded of the Maisie books.

I enjoyed the author’s personal stories and musings. I love her honesty and loved seeing how her own life led to writing the Maisie books. I loved the passages about nature, London history, and all the psychological/philosophical contemplation.

I greatly appreciated the included old photographs and pictures, and I think that most fans of the book series (or interested in the history of those times and places) would also be happy to see them.

I’ve read all of [author:Jacqueline Winspear|5023]'s books except her autobiography [book:This Time Next Year We'll Be Laughing|53179303]. That one is on my to read list and I’d like to get to it. I also can’t wait for Maisie Dobbs #18!

Highly recommended for all Maisie fans and for some other readers too.

4-1/2 stars ( )

This book made me want to read the series again. It has the same tone, style, and nuggets of wisdom. In fact, that's the point of this book - quotes from the Maisie Dobbs books containing thought-provoking gems about life. Topics include acceptance, listening, grieving, peace, wisdom, and more. The format of the book is a quote from one of the Maisie novels and then a page or so of explanation and discussion, with another page for you to offer your written reflections on the quote and how you can apply the wisdom to your life. Sort of like a journal. I think you wouldn't even need to have read the series to enjoy this little inspirational book. But you should absolutely read the series (in order) as you will most definitely enjoy it! ( )