Profound. That's about it in a nutshell. Friends have picked this book up at my house and then have gone out and bought their own copy. The words just wash over me and are calming to my soul, almost meditative - absolutely not preachy. I read the poem or at least say the words, "I will not die an unlived life" everyday.

Stories and questions to ponder will inspire one to think about what kind of a life you are living.

As an avid reader of self improvement books, I have to say that I was disappointed in this book. Let me say that I believe every book has purpose and meaning, just like every author. Unfortunately I found this book was somewhat negative to me, that it did not uplift me. Someone else may benefit from this book but it may depend on what they are ready to hear and how far they are on their path. At least that is my opinion. If I feel a book speaks to my soul I keep it in my private collection, if a book appears to be aligned with where a friend may be in their lives I pass it on and some I donate to the library hoping another person finds it when they need to hear its' message. I could not bear to donate this book to the library because I felt that uncomfortable with it! I didn't want to pass it on to anyone at all. I would recommend anything by Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Don Miguel Ruiz, Doreen Virtue and Carolyn Myss. I would also recommend "Divine Demons" by Carla Berg (who also happens to be another person who spent time alone in nature to contemplate her life and life in general). This book I just can't recommend.

I love this book! I don't want to put it down once I started reading it. I brought it with me wherever I went. It is also one of the few books that I would re-read and also make book synopsis for regular reviews. Her words are those that you would want to keep in your heart all the time as reminders and companions. Wonderfully written, with stories that left me touched, moved and inspired.

Rage, fear, denial and inertia that were permanent blocks to me are now openings for passion. I am thankful to Dr Markova for her insights and her dedication to the world for knowing ourselves so that the gift God has blessed us with can be shared with the rest of the world. She is a demonstration of what passion looks like when its is claimed, nurtured and ignited!

I found Dawna Markova's poem "I will not die an unlived life" posted on the door of a boutique in a small town in England. After discovering the book I found that the promise of the poem was more than fulfilled by reading about Markova's remarkable life. She has a gift for letting a reader discover their own wisdom through her experiences and learnings. Rather than spoonfeeding cliche's and helpful tips, Markova generously and unflinchingly shares herself with her reader. An amazing gift I've passed on to friends from Paris to Portland!