Review: Make It Happen by Kylee Shields

Welcome to my stop in this blog tour hosted by The Book Bug.  Thank you Lexie for inviting me and a big thank you to author, Kylee Shields, for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Don't forget to swing by the Tour Page for other fun stops in this tour. Ms Shields is also giving 4 generous Giveaways for this tour, $25 Amazon gift card, $25 Target gift card, and a hardcopy and an ebook copy of the book, so be sure to enter that below!

My Review

Make It Happen: A Guide to Happiness for LDS Singles by Kylee Shields, NF, 2012, ebook, 136p, Rating=4
Source: provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Purchase:  Deseret Book | Amazon

Title: Make It Happen: A Guide to Happiness for LDS Singles
Author: Kylee Shields
Release Date: October 2012
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Genre: LDS Self Help

Book Description:
Do you know what it means to be a kigatsuku person? Are you currently in a “hurricane” relationship or a “bridge” relationship? Do you know what it takes to be “righteous in the dark”? Have you struggled to find your place in the world as an LDS single? Do you feel like a misfit or a menace—like a circle trying to fit into a square?
If so, you’re not alone. It used to be an anomaly to be twenty-one and single in the LDS culture, but now there are entire stakes filled with single adults. In this book, author Kylee Shields explains how you can make the most of your single life, even if your current situation isn’t what you expected.
Make It Happen is a collection of principles, blog entries, stories, and conversations had on couches, floors, kitchen tables, and at many single-adult gatherings. It is filled with practical ways to make changes in your life, find hope, increase faith, strengthen relationships, and build the kingdom.

When I was invited to be part of this book tour, I jumped at the chance!  I have a few friends in the single boat and wanted to know what this book had to say about the topic ..in hopes to find something to tell said friends.  I got in the tour, I read the book, and what can I tell my friends?  I don't think much that haven't crossed their minds already, but now just has terms/structure formed by the author ...and that's big!  Ms. Shields had thoughts outlined well, had inspiring quotes and principles, and the "Action Questions" after each chapter served to put some reflective pondering.   All good to get an LDS (Latter-Day Saint, aka Mormon) single motivated to enjoy the now instead of what he thinks should be.

I'm no stranger to the LDS single scene.  I didn't get married until I was thirty-two, so I experienced the longing and heartache for a married-family life.  Hence, I was able to relate to this book.  Ms. Shields was pretty candid about her experiences and that's where the book took an autobiographical feel.  It's a turn-off when there's a look at me/look what I have accomplished force to a read.  So there were points in the read where it seemed to wonder off the main topic yet where she went was so inspiring that it didn't matter and it tied in afterall.  It didn't come off as a look at me/look what I have accomplished obligation but rather sincere imparting of helpful ideas.  Then it was the ending that just brought it to a home run. 

Although this book is geared to LDS singles, the principles and planning guidelines would certainly benefit anyone wanting direction to living happy in the present and knowing the future is for the making.

About Author

Find Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter

“My name is Kylee and I am passionate about life. I am the oldest of 8 children and have the most amazing parents ever. I have one adorable niece and one adorable & squishy nephew. I grew up in Oregon, moved my senior year of high school to Utah, then moved to San Diego, Boston, and currently live in Arizona.
I went to BYU and got my BA in English (creative writing/Editing) and a minor in Linguistics. I love words and writing! There is something very powerful in putting words together and expressing human emotions. I love poetry, reading great novels, blogging, etc. I have an old typewriter I adore and like to type out letters now and again and seal them with wax. I am an author and avid reader. I love learning new words and can trace that back to my mom who has the most amazing vocabulary.
I also attended ASU and got my Masters in Social Work (emphasis in child & family therapy). I have always been drawn to the "punk kids" and absolutely love my job. I work as a Shadow (family therapist) at The Anasazi Foundation. I get to do therapy with amazing adolescents out in the deserts of Arizona. My office is on the trail and I get to throw rocks, hear hearts, and get to know some incredible kids from all over. Not bad for a day job!
When I am not with my family, hanging out with my friends, or working I absolutely love to travel. I have been to Egypt, Ghana, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and almost all 50 of the states. I love music--singing, writing songs, playing the piano, and listening to other musicians. I co founded a Musical Fireside group that is in the process of becoming a non-profit. I have loved watching INSPIRE: music. service.hope grow and touch the hearts of those who hear us sing.
I am a huge Avengers fan (Captain America), I like straws, bridges, swinging on swings, and trains.
I love God and try to recognize His presence in my life. For Him I am indebted for my many blessings and tender mercies. All that I have and am is because of Him.

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