A LITTLE BOOK OF BIG THINGS

A short inspirational handbook about positive aspects of life.

In her nonfiction debut, Forbes weaves a slender parable through a series of full-page affirmations (such as “Put down the problem and it unties itself,” “Happy is everywhere when you look for it,” and “You see what you look for”). The parable is about a girl’s journey through life, and about the many misguided lessons that she learns: “Her beliefs were her practiced thoughts. Hard work, long hours and pain are the road to success. All people are fake. She can never have what she wants. She can never rely on herself; only others can take care of her. She is not worthy of love.” In the manner of much inspirational literature, the girl is clearly intended to be a stand-in for the reader, which gives its advice and remedies a great deal of resonance: “She learned that reality is her perception,” Forbes writes. “Perception is the story she tells herself…HER REALITY IS HER HABIT OF THOUGHT!” The short work’s emphasis consistently and strongly returns to how belief can change one’s existence; the girl gives herself permission to “believe in her worthiness,” and good things flow from there: “Every moment of every day. She gets to choose.” The juxtaposition of these observations with playful typefaces and colorful, sometimes-abstract imagery gives the entire work the optimistic feel of an illustrated children’s book. However, many of the sentiments expressed are more reminiscent of Zen koans, such as “Pushing against the unwanted thoughts only makes them stronger—She replaces them instead.” Overall, it’s a simple but uplifting read.

A bright, happy primer on using one’s beliefs to change one’s reality.