Everything Happens for a Reason

by: Warren Hanson

Published by: Tristan Publishing

Reviewed by Barbara Broom

Warren Hanson is both the author and illustrator of this book. His most well-known book collaboration is A Cup of Christmas Tea, written by Thomas Hegg, and complemented by Hanson’s fabulous illustrations. These men also teamed up on the Peef the bear children’s book.

Others that he both wrote and illustrated are:

The Next Place

Older Love

Kiki’s Hat

I own and love several of these and highy value Hanson’s message, both words and visuals–he knows how to spin a story and create knock-your-socks-off illustrations.

However in this new book Hanson used type and unique and creative formatting (not single illustration) to carry through the theme of “everything happens for a reason.” In addition to these thematic words, Hanson has carefully selected quotes–from Emerson to Steve Jobs.

My favorite was by the distinguished writer and speaker, Og Mandino.

I am here for a purpose,

and that purpose

is to grow into a mountain,

not shrink to a grain of sand.

Another is by William James, which really backs up the title.

When you have to

make a choice

and don’t make it,

that in itself

is a choice.

I did find some of the colored words difficult to read, which weakened the possible full power of the book–and really made me work to get the message, as did the circular words.

Not the Warren Hanson we’ve come to know and expect–so that requires a mind shift–but could be worth the read anyway.

Armchair Interviews agrees.