Gift Shop of Gratitude

A Journal to Explore the Journey of Your Life

Now available

Gift Shop of Gratitude offers a charmingly original way to remember and record the many gifts life has given us. Twenty warm, humorous, and illuminating essays—about common items found in gift shops—prompt readers to recall the people, events, and experiences for which they’re most grateful. Examples include playing cards to recall the people we most love; t-shirts that call to mind memorable events and activities, refrigerator magnets to recall enriching travel, and more.

Gratitude Pages at the end of each chapter enable readers to record the many gifts of their lives, creating a personal “testament of gratitude” and a precious family heirloom for children, grandchildren, and all whom they’ve loved. Whether buying a copy for yourself, a friend, or a family member, Gift Shop of Gratitude offers a timeless gift.

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“A warmly rendered work that combines aspects of self-help books, memoirs, and therapeutic journals.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Fascinating, fun and informative. . . ideal for gift giving to a loved one . . . unreservedly recommended for personal and family collections.”
—Midwest Book Review

“A creative way to recognize life’s special gifts. The intimacy of this slim volume is remarkably wrought . . . [with] heartwarming messages sprinkled throughout.”
—Publishers Weekly

“This book about gift shops is a gift in itself.”
—San Diego Jewish World

“As I explored each chapter, I couldn’t help but imagine what a treasure it would have been if my late grandparents had filled out these pages, leaving behind a unique glimpse into their lives for future generations. Gift Shop of Gratitude certainly offers readers that opportunity—to craft a meaningful keepsake for their loved ones.”
—The Rochester (NY) Beacon

“In this warm hearted, charming book Peter Lovenheim asks his readers to draw upon the ordinary offerings of the gift shop—the key chains, stuffed animals, tote bags, scented candles—to enhance and deepen their memories—and their gratitude. And though it won’t take them long to finish the book, it may be a while before they exit the gift shop.”
—Author Judith Viorst

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About

Peter Lovenheim is an author and journalist whose articles and essays have appeared in the New York Times, New York Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, Parade, Politico, The Forward, AARP Magazine, The Washington Post, and other publications. He is Washington Correspondent for the Rochester Beacon, an online source of news and commentary for his hometown of Rochester, NY. His latest book, released November 2024, is Gift Shop of Gratitude, a charmingly original way to remember and record the many gifts life has given us.

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