Writer's Digest evaluates my book, Feeling Good: Life lessons from my friends

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 21^st Annual Self-Published Book Awards”