"Thoughts From the Heart" is about words of wisdom and motivating and inspiring views on family, love, and life. It is very down to earth in a homespun way and very positive. You will want to read the essays over and over again from time to time to reinstill the ideas that will help you to change for the better over time.

Thoughts from the Heart

Charles S. Haddad
CharlCyn Press (1999)
ISBN 0967459702
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (8/06)


Charles S. Haddad has compiled a refreshing and down to earth collection of essays he has written on advice for life as a father, grandfather, husband, businessman, friend and community leader.  The timeless and irrefutable advice is written in a clean and clear writing style.  Haddad is an inspiring and intelligent role model and leader with strong ethical standards and an optimistic outlook on life, and this is portrayed in “Thoughts from the Heart”.

This collection of essays, obtained from Haddad’s business experience and what family life has taught him, is broken into four parts entitled: Getting to Know Yourself, Getting Along With Others, Nature and Human Nature, and Putting it All Together. Several essays on relevant subcategories are included under each part.  I guarantee everyone will find helpful information to improve upon.  The book is small and concise which makes it even more appealing, for it is not a bulky book to carry around.  To all adults, I suggest carrying a copy in your purse, briefcase or backpack.

Much of the information included in “Thoughts from the Heart” is advice we might have heard at one time or another but forgotten.  Life can be so difficult and intense with daily pressures, but Mr. Haddad breaks it all down so we see how all the pieces fit nicely together and how wonderful life can be, and truly is, if we just let it.

As the cover states, think of Haddad’s words and advice as pearls of wisdom gleaned from his priceless experiences as a business leader, family man and a pillar of the community.  The world could be so harmonious and remarkable if everyone were required to peruse a copy of “Thoughts from the Heart.”  I believe it should be required reading for all.

Without reservation, I highly recommend this book.  In particular, I enjoyed the advice on raising children, retirement, improving your attitude, and getting through life.  I suggest not loaning out this book but instead picking up extra copies to give as gifts, for you will not want to part with this one.  It is definitely five star reading material.

Charles Haddad speaks with a sincere conviction for what is best.  He writes as a good friend with our best interest at heart.  This is an EXCELLENT book to keep handy and refer to often.  I suggest reading the book in its entirety, then keeping it within reach to consult on an as needed basis.