Born in Las Vegas, Nevada and later living in Long Beach, CA, Peyton had an unusual and disturbing childhood—her father, a gambler, took Peyton and her brother from their mother, a nurse, and moved them from state to state for several years; during this time, the children lived a life of neglect and disorientation. Later reunited with her mother, who hired a private investigator to find her children, Peyton refuses to let her past tarnish her future. Instead she spins a web of positivity for own children, weaving together quotes from Helen Keller, Thomas Jefferson, Nelson Mandela, Jack Canfield, and many others as she doles out advice to live simply, forgive, and take care of the three selfs: self worth, self esteem and self acceptance.
Peyton also includes fun tips like “chocolate is necessary for life,” along with more universal truths such as “The great secret to life is attitude.” While readers may not find novel ideas here (the author relies heavily on the teachings of others and includes a useful resource list) this uplifting missive is poignant nevertheless. Short, sweet, and to the point, Peyton’s message of love and compassion comes straight from a mother’s heart.
Reviewed by Kathryn Livingston for IndieReader