One Day My Soul Just Opened Up: 40 Days and 40 Nights Toward Spiritual Strength and Personal Growth

"The concept of this book is fantastic and much of the book is very good. However, (in my opinion) it could be improved in a 2nd edition.

1. This book provides a word or concept each day; has you read a few pages; fill out answers to a few questions; read some affirmations; and then return to the book at the end of the day to answer a few more questions. It is quick and easy as long as you discipline yourself to do it every day. That is the great part about the book.

2. The parts that could be improved:

a. In a few areas, the author uses 'too much' personal experience. Some of the detail sounds as if she is complaining. She may have meant that to show us how she felt at the time about a particular situation, but I tended to skim over those areas.

b. The author uses the word God a lot. If you are not a religious person, you may find this tedious or even repulsive. Some of the affirmations use the word God. This is not conducive to persons who would benefit from the daily affirmations, but who are not religious.

c. Some of the 40 topics are great and some are boring. Perhaps these are just areas that I don't find relevant for me.

For the above reasons (a, b, & c) I stopped following this book.

The book has great promise, but could be improved.
"
~ Written on 2008-06-06

"This book is meant to be read in 40 days. There is a lesson per day. I found the book enjoyable and enlightening. It is very difficult not to read ahead. It is written in a light-hearted way with many personal experiences by the author. There is a lesson for everyone in this book. Another suggested read is Anatomy of the Spirit. "
~ Written on 2007-12-30

"Each morning I arose looking forward to what insight would be mine today to work with. I enjoyed the 40 days of learning and it has touched my life in a positive way. I wrote morning papers each day and I shall enjoy going back over them. The positive affirmations were wonderful and I bought this book as a gift for my brother. It is one of those books that you treasure and can go back to again and again."
~ Written on 2007-11-22

"My first thoughts were that this would be an inspiration book that would give me tidbit information that I could incorporate in my life here and there. Was I pleasantly surprised how Iyanla framed this helpful information. She allows you to look at her life and how she came to certain realizations. I prefer this method. It is always helpful to know that others are practicing what they preach. So I recommend you order this book with an open mind, really apply the principles to your daily life and your perception will change...because the energy you give off will be different. I will continue to re-read this book. I have bought this book for many friends because it is just that helpful! I see my actions and my perception of life differently and in a more spiritual sense.I say, all you need to come in with, is a desire to analyze yourself...forget about Iyanla as a great author,or tv personality. This book is about being a better you and purchasing this book is a great start!"
~ Written on 2007-09-24

"For someone like me that has just searched a lifetime for some kind of meaning to our existance, this book is astounding. It is enlightening to discover that there are others that also become lost in the search in so that they stop searching---or so they think they do! Well worth the read."
~ Written on 2007-07-12