Official Review: A Positive Thought a Day Keeps the Negat...

Shelle · Post by **Shelle** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:32

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Positive Thought a Day Keeps the Negative Away" by Dr. Curtis E. Smith.]

3 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Keeping up a positive attitude and remaining upbeat and hopeful during times of trouble are often important for people going through illness, physical or emotional recovery, or any other traumatic event. Reverend Dr. Curtis E. Smith, an ordained non-denominational minister, has seen first-hand how attitude can determine outcome in his patients’ lives. His book, A Positive Thought a Day Keeps the Negative Away, provides helpful and inspirational encouragement on a daily basis to assist anyone in need of encouragement.

A Positive Thought a Day Keeps the Negative Away is a simple book with a simple concept. It contains a different saying or short, positive message, along with a Bible scripture, each day for an entire year. It’s similar to the popular joke-a-day, or fact-of-the-day calendars sold during the holidays. Bible verse-of-the-day calendars also exist, and this one is similar, but also contains a secular, non-religious verse. I would surmise that both religious and non-religious texts were selected to appeal to a wider audience.

I appreciate that the author set out to create a book full of positivity and inspiration. Sayings like “Be a Reason Someone Smiles Today” and “Each Day is Another Day to Laugh, to Love, and to Give” are sure to boost lowly spirits. I especially liked Biblical passages such as “This is the Day the Lord has Made, Let us Rejoice and be Glad in it” and “Love your Neighbor as Yourself” and found them to be very uplifting. Of course, words alone likely won’t turn around a hopeless situation, but they certainly won’t hurt.

This book appeared to be professionally put together and well-thought out, with the exception of one editing issue. The daily verses were capitalized in an odd manner. Instead of “Don’t let Yesterday use up too much of Today” the saying was printed as “Don’t Let Yesterday Use Up Too Much Of Today.” This was consistent throughout the book and not simply relegated to one or two days. It was distracting and lowered the overall quality of the book.

I rated A Positive Thought a Day Keeps the Negative Away 3 out of 4 stars. It is adequate at meeting the intended purpose of such a book and offers a year's worth of positive thoughts. However, the lack of editing prevents me from rating it higher. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adding a shot of positivity to their day, or to anyone needing to take active steps to keep their spirits up. I could easily this this book becoming a popular gift item, or in hospital and care center gift shops.

******
A Positive Thought a Day Keeps the Negative Away
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like Shelle's review? Post a comment saying so!

strawberrysab · Post by **strawberrysab** » 24 Jun 2018, 06:59

Excellent review. I think it takes a very positive person to find a reason to be positive every day of the year. Even more so to create a balanced blend between religion and non-religion.

Renwilcourt · Post by **Renwilcourt** » 24 Jun 2018, 07:54

Positivity is always the key, especially if you're in a bad situation. Just compose yourself always and be postive that everything will be alright, then everything else will follow.

Kalin Adi · Post by **Kalin Adi** » 24 Jun 2018, 10:11

I think we all need positivism in our daily lives, not only the sick people. And there's no better advice on how to be positive than the one that the Bible provides. Good idea to have this 'every day positive message' book in any book lover's bookshelf. Too bad about the lack of editing, though. Thanks for the review!

KatSims92 · Post by **KatSims92** » 24 Jun 2018, 10:47

Despite the strange editorial choices, I'm sure this book would be a great source of comfort for many. We could all use more positivity, and coming from a psychology background, I know that it is possible to change your thoughts and make them more positive. So, those who want the spiritual aspect as well would be pleased with this book, it seems.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 24 Jun 2018, 17:07

This is a good thought. It's just not that easy for some of us. Nevertheless, I'll probably have to check it out. Thanks for the review.

zobo1210 · Post by **zobo1210** » 24 Jun 2018, 17:24

As a young reader I look for tittles that sound interesting, In my opinion a book with a shorter tittle will sell better. I think the message your trying to share in your book is great and that it could help readers be more positive then negative. Lots of teens especially need the positive vibes, bulling and social media can make a person feel hopeless, sad, lonely, depressed, and make them feel like giving up. Kids need to be able to read that it gets better and to think positive so I think this book is great! I'll definitely be purchasing this book.

Maina Kevin92 · Post by **Maina Kevin92** » 24 Jun 2018, 18:34

Based on the review the book seems to have a lot of wisdom and positivity in it and the fact that the author relates it to the bible is quite encouraging. It would be helpful to mention that it might change perspectives down here in Africa.

Samantha Simoneau · Post by **Samantha Simoneau** » 24 Jun 2018, 20:24

This is a lovely book with a thoughtful purpose. I like that it is easy to fit in your day and you can ruminate on the positive thought and scripture throughout the day. Nothing too scholarly, nice and to-the-point. I'm curious: on each day, did the point of the positive thought and the point of the scripture coincide, or was it more random?

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 25 Jun 2018, 10:06

kandscreeley wrote: ↑24 Jun 2018, 17:07 This is a good thought. It's just not that easy for some of us. Nevertheless, I'll probably have to check it out. Thanks for the review.

I agree with kandscreeley; it definitely is easier said than done. However, it is a great place to start. Thank you for the great review!

AWANDO OGUTU · Post by **AWANDO OGUTU** » 25 Jun 2018, 14:11

A look at the title will bring any avid reader to the point that this is a motivational book. I think the author picking one verse each day for a whole year was an excellent. Moreover, he emphasizes on optimism whatever the situation we are going through.

Nerea · Post by **Nerea** » 25 Jun 2018, 14:20

Nice review.
It's a lesson for all to avoid falling into the captivity of negativity.
Indeed a "Positive thought a day keeps the Negative away"
A good book to read.

Emmy-jay · Post by **Emmy-jay** » 29 Jun 2018, 01:25

Being optimistic always is a good way of living life.. We all have our challenges, but how we deal with them matter most, living a pessimistic life would always lead us astray.... We must always believe and seek the word of God in the bible for comfort and inspiration for our daily lives..

jyxsu_86 · Post by **jyxsu_86** » 30 Jun 2018, 07:18

Its good to have an inspiring book that you could everyday whether good or bad times.

kfwilson6 · Post by **kfwilson6** » 05 Jul 2018, 15:26

A very positive, motivational, and inspiring book. Although, I confess I don't find it to be anything new. There doesn't seem to be anything unique in this book. I guess for those who just like the repetition of positive reminders it might be a good book.