The self-help book "The Upside of Down Times" by author Lisa Ryan is a toolbox of information explaining how one’s life can be transformed for the better with the power of gratitude. The author explains how being more gracious in our everyday lives can lead to a happier and more fulfilled life. The author gives many examples on how her life and the lives of others that she has connected with have improved by practicing her gratitude technique. Author Lisa Ryan goes on to explain how, when we incorporate being grateful to our everyday routine, we appreciate more of the things that life has to offer. Moreover, when life’s challenges are thrust upon us, we are better equipped to handle disappointments and setbacks if we practice the art of being grateful.

The helpful information and all of the practice exercises at the end of each chapter make Lisa Ryan’s book "The Upside of Down Times" a recipe for a more positive, happier life that is filled with love and gratitude. She gives her readers all of the tools they need to put the power of gratitude into practice. A life that is filled with despair and negativity can be transformed into one that is filled with hope, appreciation, and boundless promise. I found all of the positive quotes that the author gives in her book to be very uplifting and positively mood alternating. I have even started using a gratitude journal as the author suggests and found it to be very helpful in changing the way I look at different situations, and it has truly made me more gracious and appreciative in my life.

This is a sensible book that will change your mind with its theme of gratitude, and how the reader will see him/herself and the happiness of his/her future. In this book you will find gratitude for self, health, children, others, wealth, and in your business. I have practiced positivity and gratitude for some years now and I have found out firsthand that it does change your attitude and the way you see yourself every day. This is a self-development book that will open your eyes to all that is there and show you how to become what you are meant to be, a successful member of the society. It will show you how to inspire others by your example. In an era when many feel that everyone owes them something, gratitude isn’t found in our minds or hearts. In this book you will find many reasons why we should be thankful more often. As the author says, “Harnessing the power of gratitude can make a positive change in our lives as well as in the lives of others, and can ultimately lead us to healthier, more successful, and wealthier lives.” As a daily positive thinker, I agree with Lisa Ryan, wholeheartedly, that we need more positive and grateful hearts in this world. This will bring a happier and lasting tomorrow not only to us but also to our families, communities, and work places.

It is a well-done work and a good self-help book for all who struggle with mere mediocre living and want a way out. Lisa does a great job guiding and showing the reader the steps to a better tomorrow. Finally, it is an easy book to inspire you to change and become better than you are. I recommend this book to everyone, from young adult to adults alike. If supervised by a parent or adult, this theme can be used to teach children from an early age to be thankful and positive, thus giving them a much happy and certain future.