“I Used to Have a Plan: But Life Had Other Ideas” is a captivating book by New York-based author Alessandra Olanow. Her book was published in 2020 and talks about a self-discovery journey and resilience.

Through her beautifully crafted stories and storytelling, she takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and invites them to learn through the unexpected experiences that shape their lives.

Through the pages of this book, Olanow shares her personal experiences of how she managed to overcome life’s unpredictable circumstances. With her honesty and interesting narrative, she speaks about the lessons learned on her life journey. From her professional experiences to her personal relationships, Olanow’s story exudes authenticity and reminds the reader that life rarely follows a straight path, which makes life realistic and beautiful at the same time.

One of the strengths of Olanow’s book is her ability to describe the depth of emotions and how she talks about her personal struggles during some of the hardest moments in her life.

She expresses her opinions and reflections on life’s challenges by encouraging the readers to reflect as well on their own journeys, motivating them to overcome their obstacles too.

Moreover, regardless of the ups and downs she encountered, she explained how she maintained a sense of hope and resilience.

Additionally, the book is enriched with evocative descriptions of the places the author has lived and traveled to. Whether she was exploring the busy streets in one city or immersing herself in the serenity of nature, her ability to paint a colorful picture through her words takes readers to these places, allowing them to travel with her in thoughts.

Overall, this book is interesting and inspiring at the same time. It reminds readers of the beauty and resilience of accepting life’s unexpected turns and celebrating the beautiful moments too.

The author’s storytelling talent and introspective reflections on her personal journey make this book an excellent option for people searching for inspiration and a deeper understanding of life and human experience.
 

Khalil Gibran’s “A Tear and A Smile” is a collection of poems and reflections first published in 1914. The book explores the contrasting aspects of life, such as joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, as well as the complexities of human emotions.

Gibran’s compelling lyrical and philosophical style shines as he contemplates the beauty and challenges of life including love, loss and longing.

He invites readers to reflect on the intricacies of their own emotions and experiences.

The collection is divided into two sections, “A Tear” and “A Smile,” symbolizing the duality of human existence.

In “A Tear,” Gibran delves into the sorrows and struggles of life, exploring pain, loss, and the transient nature of human existence. Through his poignant and evocative language, he captures the universal experience of human suffering.

In contrast, “A Smile” focuses on the brighter aspects of life. Gibran celebrates joy, love, and the beauty found in everyday moments.

He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, kindness, and embracing life’s blessings. The poems in this section inspire hope and encourage the reader to find solace and happiness in the simple pleasures of life.

“I would not exchange the sorrows of my heart for the joys of the multitude. And I would not have the tears that sadness makes to flow from my every part turn into laughter. I would that my life remain a tear and a smile,” he writes.