LifeLines: An Inspirational Journey from Profound Darkness to Radiant Light Hardcover – March 16, 2021

For the fullest life-changing experience, readers may wish to also listen to the audiobook. The book and the audiobook offer slightly different things. The book offers the complete set of her Lifelines (poems); the audiobook offers some of her hand-selected Lifelines, read by her, and her additional commentary on their meanings. (The book does not have her individual commentary on each Lifeline/poem.) The book shows her beautiful photography. The audiobook is read by both her (she reads the Lifelines) and someone else reads the rest of the book; this helps powerfully distinguish the poems (Lifelines) - the exuberant feeling in her voice is EVERYTHING. You are hearing the pain and joy in her voice, as she reads her own experience to you, through her Lifelines.For anyone who hasn't yet read or listened, the first part of the book is focused on the pain of her experience; those of us with similar pain of the past and present will identify deeply. This is where the feelings of validation of your experience will emerge, if you allow them. Then closer to the end of the book, you will hear/feel through her Lifelines (poems) how she emerged into the joy she lives in today. So this where those of us looking for "a way out" of pain will find inspiration that IT IS POSSIBLE. More than anything, Melissa demonstrates hope and possibility of leaving a painful way of thinking/feeling/believing/living behind, and instead, living peacefully, lovingly, happily, compassionately - with yourself, and others.

This book is truly a life changing must read. It is the first book that is non fiction that I have a hard time putting down.I have read and reread certain parts of this book, underlined and made notes.I have never felt such a powerful connection to a book until now. Melissa’s words not only spoke to me but gave me a better understanding of myself! I felt like the book was written just for me.I love this book so much I bought a copy for my daughter.I have attended a couple of workshops and the Lifelines community is pretty awesome.The book is so beautiful, from the photography, to the wonderful verses, and the overall quality of the pages a book.This is a book that will probably never make it to my bookshelf...because I will always be reading it.Thank you Melissa for this incredible book.You have made a difference in my life and my daughter’s.

I received Melissa’s book today. The last few days were very stressful for a variety of reasons. Tears were shed, anxiety ran high. It is now nighttime and I lay in bed. Distant thunder sounds through my open window. I open the book to a random page. What comfort I felt when reading one of her verses. It surely must have been written for me and about me. How did she know?I have joined the LifeLine website as well. It has familiarity in what it has to offer. Like an old friend. It doesn’t matter that I struggle finding time to go in daily. I rejoice in just knowing it’s there. Ready to pick up where I left. A journey that starts with the first step on the path. It’s my place, my home, my friend, my heart, my hope. Thank you Melissa, thank you for the personal response when I reached out to you. I see the sunshine.I have owned it for several days now. The book is beautiful and everyday I read a few pages in the evening making note of pages I feel most in touch with. This is a keeper and I will be ordering more to share with family.

Inspired by this personal story.

The messages in the book are fantastic. And I thank Melissa for publishing it. However, be aware that the formatting of it for Kindle is far from fantastic. On an Fire tablet (7") the text is so small that it is impossible to read. There doesn't seem to be a way to resize it to make it visible. It is also not compatible with my Paperwhite. Both devices are about 2 years old. The only way I've been able to read it is the Cloud Reader app available online.

I have never written a book review but I felt compelled since it isn’t often that a book like this comes along. I absolutely LOVE this book! I ordered this book after seeing a clip of Melissa of Melissa and Doug tell why it was important to her to publish her story. I am glad I did. This book is a treasure! It is beautifully bound. Yes, the book is heavy but that is the best part. It is filled to its brim with poetry, art, illustrations, stories and photographs. The author gives voice to our human existence through sharing her intimate and personal struggles with mental wellness. I highly recommend you buy it. In fact, buy two and give one to a friend. Lifelines is much more than a book. It’s a lifeline of connection that keeps giving as others tell their stories as well.

I bought this book because I have been using the Melissa and Doug toys to work with vulnerable children from ages 16 months to 3 yrs. I wondered who were the masterminds behind the toys that touch so many. I have listened to podcasts with Melissa, and was intrigued by her vulnerability, truth and mission to help others. This book is a biography, and also a self help book, all in one. Creative with the poems, strong and vulnerable with her life story. The book is heavy, thick, strong and sturdy, like the toys she develops. It has been a pure joy to read this, listen to the podcasts and follow Lifelines. 🙂🙏 Namaste

Lifelines is one of my favorite books of all times! As I'm reading the stories, I cry, laugh, and feel a a rainbow of emotions. I marvel at the concept that someone with all the accolades in the world, is able to be so courageous to tell her sacred story. . .with the desire to lead the way out of past traumas. For me, Lifelines is a wayshower, wisdom packed, honest account of what a lot of us have gone through or will go through. The fact that there is also a FREE website dedicated to giving people the tools to navigate their lives shows the power of compassion and dedication to something bigger than ourselves. THANK YOU for this brilliant book.