The book proudly identifies itself as different from other self-help books: "This book is an invitation. A reflection. A mirror. A set of prompts to help you remember the questions you want to ask yourself." What follows is a scrapbook and a journal -- her poetry, her well-worded short phrases of inspiration, and writings on the lessons she has learned in life.Life lessons she delves into include "Most of the things that seem so significant aren't," which tells of her campaign to teach journal-keeping to prisoners at Salem's medium security prison, and the lessons she learned therein. "Live as if this is all there is" covers the realizations and emotions she struggled with when a close friend was dying. She takes her readers through these experiences, transcribing personal correspondence and the words of people in her life, showing what truth was revealed to her by the challenges she faced.

"Lean Forward into your Life" isn't about embracing any sort of life changing discipline or doing hard things. It's more about letting joy happen. As a result some of her advice is lofty with no consideration for necessary ground support. "Find employment that provides satisfaction and meaning. Your endeavor should return to you a high measure of pleasure for the effort you invest." Good advice, but not easily realized.

Radmacher is an author of inspirational cards and posters. She is masterful at small lines of carefully worded poignancy, and this talent is the best thing about her writing. Paragraphs are loose fitting, not always matching their chapter or each other at first glance. But there is an undeniable flow and beauty to her work. She really is a good writer, especially in small, tight bursts.

Some of the writing is self-indulgent, as any journal would be. We learn many reasons why the author is a successful, self-actualized person, who, through many trials has created happiness for herself. That attitude appropriately fits the flow of her book, advocating a sort of gentle selfishness, a belief that a person needs to proudly embrace the goodness in herself and to take goodness boldly from the world she lives in.

More information about Mary Anne Radmacher and her book is available at www.maryanneradmacher.com.