Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Pearls For Life: Fifty Nuggets of Wisdom for All to Live by is a nonfiction inspirational collection written by Duane Gardner. Gardner was moved to write this book when his college-age daughter recounted how she had made the choice to help a friend in need instead of studying for a test, and had done poorly as a result. What is important? Grace knew she had done the right thing in putting her friend’s well-being first, but that bad grade still hurt and made her worry about her academic success. Each pearl is designed to address those situations that don’t seem to have easy or automatic solutions. They are not didactic calls to action, but, rather, they offer different ways of looking at situations and determining solutions. Gardner is concerned about the increasingly negative aspects of modern society. His pearls are meant to offer an alternative to reaction and negativity.

Pearls For Life: Fifty Nuggets of Wisdom for All to Live by is indeed filled with wisdom and imbued with a sense of peace and reflection. Some of the pearls seem simple at first, such as the one entitled Experience Is a Good Teacher, but actually reading the pearl provides a useful guide for determining which experiences are worthwhile as learning moments, and gives insight into how to minimize the impact of negative experiences. I was particularly impressed by the pearls entitled Develop a Character Quality in Sixty Days, which offers the reader practical instructions in adopting character traits, and Respond Rather Than React, which counsels insight and reflection to allow for measured responses to stressful situations rather than an unproductive emotional reaction. Each page of this book is well worth spending a few minutes in quiet contemplation and consideration. I love the peaceful and calming effect of Gardner’s Pearls. Pearls For Life: Fifty Nuggets of Wisdom for All to Live by is most highly recommended.