Half Full: Forty Inspiring Stories of Optimism, Hope, and Faith

Care to take on a dare? I bet you cannot read Half Full without tearing up. You may not even be able to read it without a box of tissues at your side. Frankly, I had to read one story at a time, and take breaks between the essays so that I could compose myself! Azriela Jaffe is a shining example of why life for an optimist is always half full. She sees good in the stories of others, and she makes their lights shine by bringing hope and encouragement to the world through this book.Despite all of the international problems we face today, despite the economic woes of our national economy and despite any other negativity in our world - Half Full is a chance to sit back and relax with others who see life from a positive perspective, and who have personally taken on their own challenges to find individual success beyond belief. I never tire of hearing about the inner strength that people have. I am never bored by hearing the life-stories of what others have to endure to find themselves. I love hearing about the struggles and seeing visions of the success smiles through the eyes of the writers.My own essay was blessedly chosen by Azriela for inclusion in Half Full. I cannot say that my story of optimism and love compares to the stories of others, but it does fulfill the important lesson that Ms. Jaffe wanted to convey when she started writing this book - it is a story of hope and of triumph. I highly recommend Half Full. If you took my dare, you probably lost. But, that's ok - look on the bright side - you had a great read!

The stories in this book help you realize how lucky you really are! Everyone has had their share of life-changing events, and you may even find a story within that is similar to yours in some way. The difference is the power of positive thinking. The 40 stories in Half Full show how you can make the best of what you are going through just as these authors did. My family is going through hard times (yet again), and Half Full has helped me feel far more optimistic about it all. It can surely give you a boost as well, whatever your situation. I plan to get several more as gifts.