the lessons of the five balls

"5.0 out of 5 stars

Touching...another dimension from Patterson,

It is 11+ years after this story was written and literally hundreds of reviewers have shared their comments on this book.

James Patterson does not need accolades or praise - his body of work is enormous. People at times critique him for using co-authors, but his range of successful story lines and continuing series have made his mark as one of the best selling authors of all time.

This book is what my title said: "Touching...another dimension from Patterson". It is more in the style of a Nicholas Sparks, but its 2001 publication clearly precedes Sparks emergence.

I discovered an important observation and a learning lesson on page 20 in a diary entry, where a main character describes life. She says life is a game in which people must juggle five balls. The balls are called:
1. work
2. family
3. health
4. friends
5. integrity

You keep them all in the air and one day you come to realize that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls are made of glass and if you drop one of them, it will be changed. The balls representing family, health, friends and integrity if not handled properly can become scuffed, nicked or perhaps even shattered.

Once one really understands the lessons of the five balls, you have the beginnings of balance in your life.

This is an emotional and touching story and it is enjoyable

I most appreciate the lessons of the five balls even more.

Dr.John Hogan CHE CHA CMHS
HospitalityEducators
Hogan Hospitality
"