Non-Fiction Review

If There's One Thing I've Learned...: How To Seize Your Once-in-a-lifetime Chance To Get It Right
by James Green
ISBN-10: 0976105845
Review by Heather Froeschl

I've always had the belief that when you are ready for the lesson the teacher will appear, be that a person with whom you interact - or not - a personal experience, or a book. Our souls are on a journey in life and our lessons come to us; sometimes we are not ready for them. But even a missed opportunity can teach us something, and very often it is a more memorable thing. Do you have to learn everything the hard way? Or is it possible to gain from other people's experiences?

In "If There's One Thing I've Learned..." James Green introduces you to 87 people who share their own moments of truth. As in every lesson, it is up to you to pay heed to the teachers. Read their stories and you just might learn how to "seize your once in a lifetime chance to get it right." At the very least, you will be touched by the memorable tales they tell.

These are stories that revolve around every aspect of human life. Read about the one that got away and might have been a soul mate. Listen to an amazing story of someone who escaped the World Trade Tower on 9-11, because of a backpack. Come to understand the viewpoint of "the other woman." Realize how a simple thing like being kind can deeply affect a person you encounter. Be reminded to look for the signs around you. All of these stories touch on the most important things in everyone's lives: love, family, friendships, happiness, and time. Through these tales about careers, marriage, lust, neglect, sorrow, fate and the lessons of life, you just might see yourself. In fact, I dare you to read the book and NOT see some aspect of your own life. I don't think it is possible.

James Green has interviewed ordinary people and found the most meaningful story that each one has to share. Each incident is open for examination by the reader. Each person who shared his or her story does so in effort to help you in your own life. It is an unforgettable read that will hopefully remind you to not let that possible soul mate walk on by, not let that nasty boss get you down, not forget to go fishing with your son, and to act on your dreams before it is too late.