Reviews of The Wisdom to Know the Difference
“The Wisdom to Know the Difference is about being able to change. We human beings are basically the same, wherever we come from, and despite the small physical differences in the shape of our noses, the colour of our hair and so on. We are the same because we all have the same potential to undergo both positive and negative experiences. What's more, we also have the same potential to transform ourselves and our attitudes. What is important is that we can make a change and transform ourselves into better, happier people.”
“We've all heard "grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, and the courage to change the things I can" but we rarely hear how to find the wisdom to know and act on the difference. Until now. This beautiful book weaves together fascinating stories and timeless wisdom from across spiritual traditions to create a practical map for all of us to navigate this very question.”
—Diana Winston, Director of Mindfulness Education, UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center, and author of Wide Awake: A Buddhist Guide for Teens
“In The Wisdom to Know the Difference Eileen Flanagan effortlessly weaves the wisdom of the ordinary people she has met on her path with the extraordinary wisdom of many spiritual teachers into a rich tapestry. A thoroughly good read from beginning to end, I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking spiritual wisdom.”
—Karen Casey, Ph.D. author of Each Day A New Beginning
"Eileen Flanagan is a Quaker writer who you're going to hear a whole lot more about in coming years. She's just finding her voice nationally–and what a voice it is!"
—David Crumm, Read the Spirit
“Chocked full of Quaker wisdom and everyday stories that become parables in Flanagan's hands, this is one of those rare books that give us as readers permission to be–to fully and completely ‘be.’”
—Phyllis Tickle, author of The Great Emergence
“Filled with warm stories of faith in action and practical tips for living the life you were created to live, Eileen Flanagan’s delightful book is a source of wisdom and encouragement to which you’ll return again and again. Blessing and inspiration await on every page.”
—Brent Bill, Quaker minister and author of Sacred Compass: The Way of Spiritual Discernment
“Flanagan epitomizes the modern seeker of spiritual wisdom. In her quest, she does not limit herself to any one path; she goes far and wide to absorb and integrate teachings from many great traditions of the world. The result is a fusion that inspires and uplifts the reader.”
—Derek Lin, author of The Tao of Daily Life
“Down to earth with strong spiritual underpinnings. This book draws from actual situations of real-life people as they struggle to become their true selves.”
—Suzanne Farnham, Founder of Listening Hearts Ministries, Co-author of Listening Hearts and Grounded in God
“The Wisdom to Know the Difference keeps the reader engaged with its illustrations of individuals who have tapped their inner wisdom and have gone on to lead transformed lives. We can all benefit from these universal tales, along with the spiritual practices Eileen Flanagan offers.”
—Joan Gattuso, author of A Course in Love
“Thoughtful and well-composed…By keeping her discussion linked securely to real narratives, Flanagan achieves in her discussion just the sort of balance the book itself promotes.”
—James W. Hood, Friends Journal
"Beautifully written and crafted: truly a literary masterwork in the self-improvement/spirituality genre."
“In this wonderful book, Eileen Flanagan has given us an inspiring and beautifully crafted diary of humanity…I highly recommend this inspiring book and suggest that we all keep it nearby whenever we need a push and reminder for how we can live more optimal lives for our own, and the greater good.”
—Tamar Chansky, Ph.D, author of Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking
"For those who have tried 12-step meetings and have difficulty with 'the God-thing,' Flanagan’s explorations of discernment and 'seeking divine guidance' are well worth a read."
"Eileen Flanagan is definitely on the right track, providing insight to life’s unexpected surprises and presenting useful tools to assist with better coping and guidance towards acceptance."
"Eileen Flanagan is, quite simply, a superb non-fiction writer."
—Rose Rosetree, Pathways Magazine
“It is a moving book with great insights about discernment and self-reflection. After all, how much of our time is spent worrying about that which we cannot change?... I highly recommend the book for its useful discourse about the choices we make and the challenges we seek. The wisdom in life is knowing the difference.”
—Christine Louise Hohlbaum, from The Power of Slow blog
"Flanagan’s writing is smooth and unobtrusive, peaceful and unencumbered. There is no flash evident, just thoughtful rumination, with an excellent command of the craft of writing. She weaves between and among stories effortlessly, creating a crescendo that culminates in a picture of the resiliency of the human spirit."
—Chris Kaiser, from the blog Without Wax
“The Wisdom to Know the Difference is a book to contemplate. Like the process of discernment, it is not neat and cookie-cutter predictable… It is a very wise book about hearing our own wisdom in a messy and frequently deafening world.”
—Besty Robinson, on Spirituality & Practice
"While not specifically about pain or medical illness, the book is helpful to think about where you are in your life and if that’s where you’re meant to be. It offers guidance to help get you on the track you’re called to follow."
"[Flanagan's] 'Queries' at the end of every chapter will help readers find wisdom for any given situation."
"Flanagan often addresses the issue of finding guidance with clarity and the kind of common sense even your grandmother would appreciate."
"This book so impacted me on a personal level, I had to take it in slowly, digest it, and incorporate it into my life."
Quotes from the TLC Book Tour
"I could go on and on about this book. It is well written, thoughtful, and thought provoking. I have book marks all over and go back and re-read passages. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are going through major changes in life. It's been a godsend!"
"The Wisdom to Know the Difference is truly a treasure trove of deep and transformative wisdom."
"I savored every single page of this book."
"From the first page I knew that I had in my hands one of those magic books that I will cherish, and savour for many years to come. It is a treasure chest that is too full to sort through only once."
"My program of recovery, my understanding of a power greater than myself, and my self esteem is better after reading this wonderful book. I can't wait to read it again, and it will hopefully continually be a resource of inspiration."
"This is a fantastic book for anyone who has ever been, or is currently facing a difficult decision or situation. It is also highly beneficial for those of us who simply want to make more sense out of why things happen as they do, and what we can do about them to make our lives happier and more peace-filled."
"I was a bit worried that this book would be too Christian or too preachy for my tastes, but that was far from the case. In fact, Flanagan demonstrates that the spiritual lessons in this book can be applied by anyone."
"I am thoroughly enjoying this book and highly recommend it."
"If guidance is needed for finding your way beyond challenging situations, this is the book to turn to."
"This book is a welcome companion to where I am on my journey."
"I found a lot of profound wisdom in this book. It is about our self-discovery and the choices that we have in life."
—I'm Just F.I.N.E.—Recovery in Al-Anon
"This is a book that needs to be studied. It asks searching questions. It aims to help to you transform your life in important, long-lasting ways."
"you can see the quiet friendliness that we tend to associate with quakers all over the book. she does not wield the heavy stick that i often find in self help books; rather, she tells stories and gives gentle suggestions."