"Tales 2 Inspire" by Lois W. Stern is a collection of 13 non-fiction short inspirational stories. Though my goal with the book was entertainment many of the stories teach powerful lessons that can only be taught through the prospective of someone living a very different life than mine.
There were lines that stopped me in my tracks. For instance, a high achieving diabetic high school admonishing his over-protective mother with, "Mom, do you own this disease or do I?" Another was an adopted girls realization about true happiness. Or, the incredible bond between a Dr. and her 7- year quadriplegic patient.
Many stories seek to teach us about the power of the mind, but this story may be the best illustration I've read. The first exchange between Dr. and patient was the child saying he had a "really bad tummy ache." The Dr. took that as a "clue to the healing of the soul because he could feel nothing below his neck." Then she induces him into a state of hypnosis and an amazing story begins and brings an enjoyable and enlightening book to an end.
Lois L. Stern, creator of "The Topaz Collection," one of the books in a series of inspirational books in the "Tales2Inspire" series, presents stories that teach, charm and warm the heart. Each story is unique yet shares a bond of uplifting and gratifying life experiences told through the words of writers like Susan C. Haley. She brings a large baby calf into the world when its mother runs into life-threatening problems trying to deliver it. The bond between Haley and and the surviving calf prevails as he grows to become a 2000 pound white bull.
Author Lois L. Stern relates how she overcame her fear of public speaking when she was a shy first grade student, by standing in front of her classmates and amusing them with an account of how she found an oppossum in her garage. Their response, so excited and intrigued, gave Lois a life lesson that would bring her success later in her endeavors.
Writer Karen Pirnot, PHD, in her story, shows how she helps a quadriplegic young boy to learn to use his mental imagery to 'touch and feel' things that he can't in reality. Garret grows up to lead a fuller life due to this practice and becomes a role model for others in his situation. These are just three of thirteen exceptional works.
"Tales2Inspire" and "The Topaz Collection" has inspired new and seasoned writers to achieve success while improving their innate skills and then sharing their award winning stories; reflecting the miracles of life happening all around us. This is a book to be read and reread, learning something new each time.
Those enjoying these fascinating and sometimes humorous tales will want to move on to read other accounts of the strength and faith of ordinary and extraordinary people, in "The Emerald Collection" and in the upcoming "Sapphire" and "Ruby" collections. Each book is named for a specific gem because each story is a sparkling jewel to be read and treasured.
