A Perfect Word for Every Occasion

A Perfect Word for Every Occasion

by Liz Duckworth

From the back of the book:

Have you ever wondered just what to say at a funeral, to a friend whose spouse is fighting cancer, or to someone going through a breakup? The right words don't always come easily. Sometimes we're so afraid to say the wrong thing that we say nothing at all or resort to cliches. But with a little help you can share the perfect message that will draw you nearer to friends and loved ones. This book offers examples and guidelines for things to say, lines to write, and Scripture verses to share. Full of encouraging messages organized by category - sympathy, thank-yous, congratulations, etc. - it will help you find the right words for formats old and new: Facebook messages, emails, cards, texting, receiving lines, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, funerals, and more. You'll even discover what not to say. A Perfect Word for Every Occasion is a trustworthy resource for words to bless the ones you love.

My take:

The description on the back of the book definitely proved true as I read through the book. I think everyone has struggled at one point or another to come up with the right, non-offending words on an occasion or two. Duckworth gives guidelines for writing letters with meaning and offering helpful words. She even uses the humorous "Aunt me-me" to show what not to say. Duckworth rightly discusses how all of us become "Aunt me-mes" at some point or another, because it can be difficult to take on someone else's pain in order to offer encouraging and uplifting words in times of grief. She also discusses etiquette in today's social media age (something I believe is sorely needed).

I would highly recommend this book if you are having a hard time writing a difficult letter, or if you simply need guidance for how to write a wedding invitation. I especially appreciated how Duckworth included supporting scripture at the end of each chapter. I believe I will be using this as a "go to" guide for writing letters in the future. I give this a "5."

You can purchase the book here.


About the author:

Liz Duckworth is the author of critically acclaimed books such as Wildflower Living and Ragtail Remembers. With almost twenty years of experience in the Christian publishing field, Liz heads up Liz Duckworth Publishing Services. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and two sons.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."