I read You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life - 2 Stars - This was a monotonous read. I hoped that it would be insightful, but I was disappointed. Either I’m not the intended audience or this book is dated. I had hoped that it would be more autobiographical, but it was lacking in that sense. It just felt dry and dull.
All Flags Flying - 4 Stars - This book is more suitable for Baha’is or for those who are somewhat familiar with the Faith. I first read this more than thirty years ago and have always loved William Sears’s books. My only criticism with this one is the lack of continuity. I wish that the stories were more chronological. I should have re-read his other memoir first.
I got all emotional and teary-eyed when he described the “Zoo Crew” puppet show. Many years ago, after my husband read this book, he created a puppet show that was aired on TV with the same name. William Sears’s puppet show was our inspiration. Some of those episodes are on YouTube. I was one of the puppets and watching those episodes bring back such wonderful memories!
I loved the descriptions of their dachshunds (they had eleven of them!); the cakes that his wife Marguerite would bake; and all their travels.
My favorite quotes:
“Do something every day for the Faith … Never let a day go by without doing something – however great, however small.”
“The goal of every Baha’i is to become a better person, a finer human being. I realize with melancholy sadness that I myself am still a long way down the road.”
Everlasting Matrimony: Pearls of Wisdom from Couples Married Fifty Years or More - 5 Stars - If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. It’s a delightful coffee-table book. We’ve had this one for years and I finally finished reading it from cover-to-cover. Much of the advice is common sense, yet they are great reminders. This book would make a perfect wedding or anniversary gift.
My favorite quote:
“We’ve been married 50-plus years and the only thing I wish I’d known from the beginning is that it would get better every year! Better and better and better! I feel very sorry for couples that are divorcing since the best is yet to come.
We got one piece of advice from the minister who married us and it is one we carried with us from the beginning and one that works. He told us that there is no such thing as a 50/50 marriage. A good marriage is 75/25 – and both sides must give 75%. We both have tried to give more in all we have done and it works.
I love my husband, but more than that I like him. He is my best friend and we like to do things together – forget all the nonsense about opposites attracting. Couples do better if they have similar likes and dislikes and come from similar backgrounds and religions.
Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone is true not only in the world, but also, especially, in marriage. A sense of humor is the best thing you can bring to marriage, and it will help you face all the problems of everyday living. Nothing gets too serious if you can laugh at it.
My advice to couples ready to wed is first, be friends, second, love each other, and third, laugh with and at each other. The time will fly by before you know it.”
For more quotes, here's a link to my Good Reads review.
