REVIEW: Forgive and Be Free by Ana Holub

Date:                         10/25/13

Title:                         Forgive and Be Free: A Step by Step Guide to Release, Healing, and Higher Consciousness

Author:                     Ana Holub

ISBN 13:                    978-0-7387-3617-4

Pages:                        288

Publisher:                 Llewellyn Publication

Cover:                        NetGalley ARC

Rating:                      4 Stars

Release Date: February 8, 2014 - When something bad happens to us or when someone

hurts us, we are often left asking why? This is often followed by anger and unforgiveness. It is hard for many to realize that this can fester and have a negative impact on our lives. We must realize that in order to heal and move on, we must forgive that person or action that has caused us pain. We must also realize that we must forgive, not for the person or action that we harbor anger for, not for them, but for us.

In Forgive and Be Free, author Ana Holub, discusses this very point. In addition, the author dives into the deeper meaning of forgiveness offering suggestions such as prayer and embracing your fear. As a writer, I especially like that Holub encourages her readers to tell their stories to other. I have worked with and read many works from authors who have suffered hurts from divorce, to sexual abuse, to betrayal. And each time I am amazed at the psychological and physical changes these people make once they share and tell their story. In addition to freeing themselves, they are able to see that they can help others heal.

Chapter 5 shows you how to create a “forgiveness list”, which I think is extremely important especially if you are dealing with multiple hurts. The author recommends hand writing instead of typing on a computer because she feels watching the ink flow on the paper tens to be more therapeutic and taps personally into a writers emotions. I tend to agree.

Finally, this book is just not a “reading” manual. It is a call to action. It includes ten (10) steps to help you assess, accept, learn and release people or actions that have held you back so you can move on with your life. The sample stories and prayer are relatable and helpful.

Great book and great therapy.