Gift Shop of Gratitude - by Peter Lovenheim (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

WRITE YOUR LEGACY
Visit a museum, a national park, a castle in Europe, or even the local zoo these days, and you'll likely be directed to "exit through the gift shop." A gift shop can be a metaphor for life. And that's how award-winning journalist Peter Lovenheim found the inspiration for this book as a gift shop of gratitude.

Through the lens of twenty common gift shop souvenirs, you are prompted to recall and organize all the things in life you're most grate-ful for. Consider the snow globes and ball caps, the T-shirts, postcards, and jewelry-and let them bring to mind the people, places, and life experiences you hold most dear.

After reading a chapter about the evolution of scented candles, what do you remember about the aroma of your mother's cooking? Do key chains prompt memories of a friend or mentor who opened important doors for you? Does a bobblehead recall a beloved teacher or athletic coach?

This special book will surprise and delight you with the memo-ries it evokes. Then, by journaling your answers in the Gratitude Pages to these thought-provoking prompts, you'll create your own personal memory book.

• Perfect gift for parents and grandparents to chronicle their family legacy
• Evokes cherished memories that can be shared for generations
• Become the co-author of this book about your own life
• Create a treasured family heirloom for children, grandchildren, and those
  

Review Quotes

"A snow globe evokes some cherished encounter with nature. Pictures on a deck of cards remind us of the people we hold dear. A saying on a coffee cup gets us thinking about some of the maxims that have guided our life. In this warm hearted, charming book Peter Lovenheim asks his readers to draw upon the ordinary offerings of the gift shop-the key chains, stuffed animals, tote bags, scented candles--to enhance and deepen their memories--and their gratitude. And though it won't take them long to finish the book, it may be a while before they exit the gift shop." -Judith Viorst, Bestselling author Necessary Losses and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

KIRKUS REVIEW: RECOMMENDED
Journalist Lovenheim offers strategies for the daunting task of practicing gratitude with a highly specific series of metaphors. In 20 short, quippy chapters, the author reminds readers that, despite their troubles, they all have a lot to be grateful for the book's unique premise--equating each type of gratitude to an item in a gift shop--offers readers a useful method for locating immaterial thankfulness in a materialistic world. For example, snow globes, he asserts, represent fond memories of inspiring natural wonders, bobbleheads represent mentors who've helped one succeed, and baseball caps represent teams and groups that have support in one's life, Lovenheim also encourages readers to embrace more abstract objects of gratitude, such as outlets for self-expression and encounters with beauty. However, the author is not one to sugarcoat uncomfortable notions, so he urges readers to address challenges as jigsaw puzzles ("these puzzles depict difficult situations--losses and assorted troubles, some of my own making--that in my life I had to work through and resolve") and keys to open "doors of opportunity." The specificity of the objects and their meanings feels unique among books on this topic. The items sometimes rely on distinctions that, at first, appear inconsequential: What, for instance, is the significant difference between the playing cards picturing "people I'm most grateful to have had in my life" and the "mentor" bobblehead? On the other hand, the delightful examples from the author's own life may make it easier for readers to reflect on theirs. Each chapter helpfully ends with a journaling prompt and lined pages upon which readers may begin to build their own imaginary gift shop. A warmly rendered work that combines aspects of self-help books, memoirs, and therapeutic journals. -KIRKUS REVIEWS

"This book about gift shops is a gift in itself."--San Diego Jewish World

As I explored each chapter, I couldn't help but imagine what a treasure it would have been if my late grandparents had filled out these pages, leaving behind a unique glimpse into their lives for future generations. "Gift Shop of Gratitude"certainly offers readers that opportunity--to craft a meaningful keepsake for their loved ones.--The Rochester (NY) Beacon

"A creative way to recognize life's special gifts. Remarkably wrought...[with] heartwarming messages sprinkled throughout." -BookLife

"Fascinating, fun and informative...ideal for gift giving to a loved one...unreservedly recommended for personal and family collections." -Midwest Book Review

Peter Lovenheim is a gifted storyteller with a curiosity that's contagious. I smiled the whole time I read Gift Shop of Gratitude. More importantly, I found more ways to experience gratitude. That is the true gift of this book.-Pauline Steinhorn, author, Dreaming of the River (forthcoming)

Who knew that semolina was the first fake snow in snow globes? As Lovenheim weaves in details about the origins of 20