21st Annual Writer’s Digest Annual Self-Published
Book Awards
Entry Title: Feeling
Good: Life lessons from my friends
Author: Louise Rachlis
Judge Number: 22
Entry Category: Inspirational
Books are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1
meaning “needs improvement” and 5 meaning “outstanding”. This scale is strictly
to provide a point of reference, it is not a cumulative score and does not
reflect ranking.
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Structure and Organization: 3
Grammar: 4
Production Quality and Cover Design: 4
Plot (if applicable): 0
Character Development (if applicable): 0
Judges
Commentary*:
It is nice to see someone
like this author who, at 65, is not bemoaning the passing of years, but rather
celebrating them. She has created an upbeat, inspirational work in which
she shares reflections of women her age, and others, about her journey to date
and describes each story as one of three types--one that shares the
satisfaction of "doing good" (kind acts and deeds that make one feel
useful or satisfied in helping another), one that reflects on "feeling
good" and the outcomes a positive act or influence has on one (either as
the recipient of a kindness or the one acting in kindness), and "making
good" which includes achieving goals, whether personal, professional or in
athletics or competitive activities. Throughout the book, you can see the
author's character and transition between different ages in life and the
perspective she gains throughout her life--what are the takeaways and things
that stick with you long after the act or event is over, particularly as to
what is really important in life (faith, family, serving others) and the
importance of taking ownership of one's own joy and happiness. I
definitely liked the fact that she organized the book by topics, which can
stand alone and allow the reader the flexibility of reading the book straight
through or choosing to pick and choose a particular topic or subject that
appeals to the reader at any given moment. I wasn't sure if the several pages
in the back were for the reader to make notes and reflect--if so, having
"Reflections" at the top and lines to write on would be really
helpful, particularly for those of us who tend to angle uphill or down left to
our own on a blank page. Another idea or suggestion might be to have (in
the back, perhaps) a cross reference listing all the Making Good, Doing Good
and Feeling Good items grouped together. In the alternative, including in
the Table of Contents whether each item is a Making Good, Doing Good or Feeling
Good just gives the reader another way to connect with the book.
*Commentary may be quoted as: “Judge, Writer’s Digest 21st
Annual Self-Published Book Awards”
