Hollywood Book Reviews
Book reviewed by Allison Walke
In the tradition of bedside table books, author Richard Byrd presents readers with a small gem. His book, Just a Thought is a collection of one hundred unique thoughts presented cleanly and clearly for readers to reflect upon. Each page features one sentence concluding with “…just a thought.” These ideas and advice are meant to encourage the reader open their mind to a new, or sometimes familiar, concept and personally develop their own ideas.
Just a Thought is an impressive collection; clearly Byrd dedicated much time to this project in not only assembling his phrases, but in selecting and delivering each one. The book’s calming color tones encourage the reader to slow down and muse upon the thought presented. Part of the fun of the book is readers won’t agree with the author about every thought, and even this provokes the reader to consider the reasons and purpose of their disagreement. Oftentimes, the meaning of the thought isn’t obvious. For example, “When the story becomes a lie, then who is telling it.” Byrd’s book is not “just a thought,” it’s also thought-provoking.
There is one thought which perfectly encapsulates the purpose of Just a Thought. The thought is, “Comments are just opinions without much thought behind them.” This thought is wonderfully placed midway through the book, since it serves as a reminder as to why you’ve picked up the book in the first place. Midway through, that is, if you’re reading front to back, which you absolutely do not have to. Byrd’s thought about comments versus opinions reminds readers that the essence of speech is the consideration which goes into it. Speech without thought or purpose may as well be mindless drivel. Just a Thought is a reminder to bear consideration upon your words, and Byrd does a professional job reminding and helping readers to do so.
Even though the follow-up, “… just a thought,” plays nicely into the title and theme of the book, it becomes wearisome several pages in. Even Bryd in writing the book sometimes does not type the full phrase and instead abbreviates “J.A.TH.” As a header or footer, this may be less obtrusive and more pleasing to read.
Just a Thought is simple only in its presentation. Readers will find its pages overflowing with opinion and insight. Its content lends itself well to a daily reflection, and upon study of the pages, readers wouldn’t be surprised to find Just a Thought sold as a desk, day-to-day calendar. Byrd’s book would make a sweet, inoffensive gift for someone you don’t know well, or a valuable gift for someone you do.