The Matter of Hope is alchemy for the soul. It transmutes the darkest places in us into points of light. The author shares her story of losing her daughter at birth and how she fell into deep despair. She walks us through her steps in finding hope again. Focusing on the four areas of our being-physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual-she shares with the reader how these are affected by loss. She tells us how she transformed the despair and doubt into hope and peace. Beyond this she discovered and uncovered gifts and understandings deep inside herself that can help all of us. When we have great loss we also find underneath golden knowledge that can come only from walking through suffering and pain. "Thinking in mythological terms helps to put you in accord with the inevitable's of this vale of tears. You learn to recognize the positive values in what appear to be the negative moments and aspects of your life. The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure." Joseph Campbell in The Power of Myth (with Bill Moyers) Reviews of this book: Oh wow, so I didn't even realize how much I needed to read this book until I actually did And I'm so grateful that I did. We all go through stuff in our life, some more than others, and while some people are more aware of their emotions (in touch with their feelings), others may not be and a book like this can help someone and give a valuable perspective. While reading this, the thought that kept striking me was "she understands me" (she being the author), and I thought the advice and analysis (done through the short narratives on various subjects) was spot on and profoundly impactful. I truly felt more enlightened and even comforted by reading this. Thank you (4 stars) Brenda Maxwell-Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers I was really impressed with this book From the beginning I was touched by the author's struggles with life and her candor in sharing her heartbreaking, tough, and ultimately inspiring perspective. I love when people are able to avoid being "victims" of fate and instead become the master of their destiny - and I love even more when they inspire others to do the same. It is clear that the author knows what she is talking about, and that she is an excellent writer as well. I have found that many times reading self-help books can either be frustrating because the author is to 'highbrow' or they just don't present the material in a way that I feel I can relate to (or its condescending). I really appreciated the author's simple and direct approach to a variety of personal topics, and the clear steps to take explained in a coherent and interesting manner. Recommended read suitable for almost all ages. (4 stars) Cory Banyan-Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers Three words; Amazing, Amazing, Amazing The Matter of Hope author Alice takes your mind on a mental journey This workbook is powerful It has improved my thoughts of events, emotions & loss from birth to now. Alice's insightful information brings to the core of HOPE, the core of the universe & the core of your very own soul Please purchase The Matter of Hope like.. yesterday You will not be dissapointed Alice has a gift & she demonstrates it in her book Cidalia Cuenca"