Who Cares?

A Guided Self-Help & Devotional Journal for the Seasons of Life

Non-Fiction - Self Help
132 Pages
Reviewed on 09/30/2021
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite

Who Cares? A Guided Self-Help & Devotional Journal for the Seasons of Life is written to assist readers in journaling. Author Dr. Melita Murray-Carney suggests that writing down personal thoughts, goals, reactions, and more is a way to enhance our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual lives. The chapter titles, which Murray-Carney calls “seasons,” include “Personal Growth,” “Success,” “Change,” and others. The inspirational concepts that the author introduces are followed by personal applications to individuals, then a Bible verse, and then space for readers to write down their thoughts. The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs of the sea, sky, and landscapes. Murray-Carney begins her book by relating a difficult period she was going through in her own life and how journaling helped her overcome that tough time.

Who Cares? is a helpful resource. Although the book is meant for Christians, with the Bible quoted numerous times, all readers can benefit from it, no matter their faith or lack of faith. Although Dr. Melita Murray-Carney provides spaces for readers to write in, anyone who doesn’t want to write in the book itself could just as easily put their reflections on paper, using the book as a guide. The point, as Murray-Carney notes, is to put your thoughts down in writing. This book would be a thoughtful, appreciated gift for anyone. As Murray-Carney says, “Journaling worked for me, and it can work for you too!” Because Murray-Carney wrote her book while the world suffers through the COVID-19 pandemic, she provides additional help in the appendix for readers; a list of resources that can assist readers with navigating the journey through grief.

Lois Henderson

Who Cares? A Guided Self-Help & Devotional Journal for the Seasons of Life by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Melita J. Murray-Carney is a spiritual, inspirational, and psychological journal written to help others find their true reason for living through focusing on caring for themselves. Inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s gratitude journals, Murray-Carney found her way out of the emotional distress of a broken marriage by learning how to journal. The themes covered are new beginnings, love, anticipation, personal growth, success, mental and physical health, rest and relaxation, change, and gratitude and joy. Each entry starts with a reflection, consisting of a simple and direct prompt to the journaler’s burgeoning development of greater self-awareness. The first question asked, for instance, is: “What are some of your goals?” Several lines are then left open where you can write your answer. A rallying affirmation follows, such as “All things are possible!”, after which a reassuring confirmation provides comfort in the form of a supportive biblical text.

Dr. Melita J. Murray-Carney’s Who Cares? is a beautiful volume that should inspire you to follow through all the seasons. In addition to the text itself, there are multiple shots of clouds set against a bright blue sky, which help to create an elevated sense of calm in the journaler. Other awe-inspiring scenes from nature (both sea and land) are also depicted. I found that the mindfulness inspired by this journal was enough to buoy my spirits, despite my partner of thirty-five years passing away three months ago. That we are not alone at such times is a real source of comfort and joy. The believing Christian is never alone, as we always have God with us. Who Cares? A Guided Self-Help & Devotional Journal for the Seasons of Life is a firm reminder that we should never despair but always turn to the Lord in prayer in a spirit of thankfulness and rejoicing, no matter what.

Vernita Naylor

We are all going through some rough patches during this COVID pandemic era. COVID has unearthed a lot of life challenges. For some, they've lost friends, loved ones, and jobs; faced with in-home schooling, confronted with caregiving of their elders, living in abusive homes and environments, and experiencing food deprivation. These conditions are causing health issues coupled with stress, helplessness, despair, and fear, but all is not lost. With some comfort and balance during these times, it can go a long way. Author Dr. Melita Murray-Carney, a licensed clinical psychologist, realized that she needed to get centered during her personal crisis or lose it all. Her book, Who Cares? A Guided Self-Help & Devotional Journal for the Seasons of Life, inspired by Oprah Winfrey's gratitude journal, helped Melita understand that every facet of our lives is tied to a season. In this book, the reader will go into nine seasons from new beginnings, love, mental and physical health, and change to gratitude and joy, knowing that God is with you each step along the way. Throughout each season in the book, the reader will walk through some deep-dive exercises of reflection, affirmation, and confirmation to assist in achieving the goals set for that specific season.

Who Cares? was a pleasure to read because Melita Murray-Carney provided some excellent tools to get back to basics and begin the healing process. I've been journaling for over fifty years, and I understand that words, meaning, thoughts, and emotions are part of healing, both good and bad. Journaling coupled with scriptures offers peace and consolation beyond words because it allows you to express yourself without judgment and know that God sees you in your times of need. As a professional psychologist, Melita's transparency in creating this self-paced journal shows that no one is above or beyond needing help or assistance. Also, the reader will discover that she has been blessed in getting back on track with this beautiful tool crowned by scriptures of confirmation and it will be a blessing to them. If you're looking for a place to lay your burdens down and help you move forward, you've found the right place. Highly recommended for the reader that's looking for their new normal.

Shannon Winings

If one had to describe Who Cares? A Guided Self-Help & Devotional Journal for the Seasons of Life by Dr. Melita Murray-Carney in a single sentence, it would be best characterized as a journal and self-help book one can use to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and actions, learn how these impact life, and how they can move forward. Dr. Murray-Carney takes readers on a journey of the self, but she is with them every step of the way. Prompts have readers reflecting and responding to questions, while affirmations and Bible quotes keep the discussion positive. These prompts help readers break down the past and future to set realistic goals and enact necessary changes.

While Who Cares? is accurately described as a Christian book, the focus is on self-help. As someone who works in the field and participates in therapy themselves, I could almost equate it to walking through a counseling session with Dr. Murray-Carney. The book hits on hard topics and makes you think, yet it keeps you positive throughout. Readers are taught to hold themselves accountable but understand and even offer forgiveness and grace. For those active in the Christian faith, the chapters also allow for reflection on one's relationship with God. Even if readers are not religious, there is much to gain from Who Cares? in an emotional capacity. As a whole, this book is a great step for readers who are starting in the self-help genre, with the caveat that those who are Christian may understand it more deeply.

Joanne Ang

Who Cares? A Guided Self-Help & Devotional Journal for the Seasons of Life was written by Dr. Melita Murray-Carney. This personal journal includes biblical insights as a guide to making life decisions in the act of God in His words. The journal includes nine chapters: New Beginnings, Love, Anticipation, Personal Growth, Success, Mental & Physical Health, Rest & Relaxation, Change, and Gratitude & Joy. The journal effectively tackles the difficult aspects of your life. It strengthens your mind and soul through the encouraging words of God. Who Cares? confronts your fears, outlines your goals, along with everything in between, turning you into a bold new you. A remarkably eye-opening book for a soul-searching journey with God.

Who Cares? by Dr. Melita Murray-Carney is a spectacular journal that provides guidance for the toughest of times, almost like a mentor available anytime, anywhere, whenever you need one. I really liked the included scriptures, which gave a sense of direction of how we should live our lives in God’s eyes. The journal was brilliantly phrased, straightforward, short, and sweet. I especially enjoyed the succinct paragraphs that clarified the possible conflict within oneself and how to go about it. The questions were clear and easily understandable. The amount of space left for journaling was also sufficient. I thoroughly enjoyed the journal for its simplicity and biblical guidance that can be incorporated into my personal life. I would definitely recommend Who Cares? to people looking for something more than just a regular journal which can change the way you live your life forever.