Real Words from Real Readers
What people are saying about Ross H. Palfreyman’s honest, hilarious, and deeply moving storytelling.
"Eric is my temple-sealed father-in-law and gifted me a signed copy of your book Joy in the Brambles last Christmas. Since my husband and I are both newly unemployed, I took some time to read it, and I am so very grateful to you for providing so much perspective and wisdom in this quick and easy read. This morning, I was lost, angry, and heartbroken. This afternoon, I feel like I have direction— that direction being caring, compassionate, charitable service, and a resulting joy!"
"Get inspired to find and spread joy with this simple read by Ross Palfreyman. In this book, he shares personal stories in which he himself was able to experience joy. Through charity and service, joy is felt. This book is a great feel-good read that I will return to as a reminder of how to feel joy. Great stories and amazing quotes fill the pages of this book, making it easy to revisit and pick yourself up. Feel inspired to spread and find joy within the pages of Joy in the Brambles."
This book is all that a book should be. I laughed; I cried. Palfreyman seamlessly moves through personal stories, religious truths, and motivational quotes in a rhythm that is a “joy” to read and experience. I love that it taught me new perspectives about scriptures that I’ve read many times. It was not only entertaining and gripping for me, a young mom and law professor, but was also a good source of stories for my young children. I often struggle with teaching them important big-picture concepts about selflessness and service, and Palfreyman has helped me do just that. For example, I told my second grader the story about Palfreyman’s second-grade son serving his classmate, and my son’s response was, “I want to look for ways to help my classmates too, just like Sam.” It is rare to find a book this accessible for the whole family. I can’t wait to read it again, but this time, read it aloud to my kids as part of our daily bedtime story and scripture study.
When I read or listen to a book, I usually just mindlessly turn each page without thinking. Some, more interesting than others. This short book however, was one where I paused & pondered. Causing me to reflect on my life. Even at age 66, this gem of a read caused me to have an intense desire to change. To take my own life experiences & be ok with my shortcomings, knowing that these experiences are part of life, and from them, can teach me that by making just a few adjustments, and for me, remembering that I have a Savior Jesus Christ that loves me & will never leave me, even after doing things that are impossibly stupid. Through Him, and with also a little “Prodding” from this most insightful read, I came away with a new perspective on life. One of joy & happiness. One of feeling that this journey is so much more enjoyable when i forget about myself, and show an increase of charity to others in my life. I honestly cannot remember walking away from a book & feeling this way. As I’m writing this review, I’m looking out at a neighbor, trying by herself to rake up the last remnants of fall, knowing that by helping her, I’m going to get much more out of my service, than she is from me! Oh, my book already has several creases, underlines, notes in the margins & highlights. Already half way through for a second read. This book will cause a crossroads in your life. I don’t know how you could not be changed by insights that are simply on every page of the book. For the many books I’ve read in my life, This will simply go down as a classic.
A quick 2.5 hour listen. Excellent quotes from all types of people (Mother Teresa, the prophet Abinadi, and multiple Beatles, to name a few), as well as stories from his life where he learned the importance of serving others. An uplifting read, will listen again with my preteens/ teens.
Author Ross Palfreyman does a good job of explaining the subtle but important difference between joy and happiness. He uses real life examples to illustrate that joy is more meaningful and lasting because it is outward looking and serves others instead of inward looking and self-serving. Having known this author my entire life, I know firsthand how much joy he found in being a selfless parent to 6 children and 17 grandchildren.
I like the way Ross writes! Joy in the Brambles is an easy read full of great quotes and great reminders about how to stay happy - reach and maintain joy through service and charity. Joy in the Brambles is a book I will keep in my truck, on my night stand, in a back pack or the like and I'm sure I'll refer to it many time in the future.
Joy in the Brambles is a thoughtful book about finding purpose and joy in one’s life through service. My favorite chapters included personal examples from the author’s experiences. Written simply and with heart, Mr. Palfryman discusses the difference between happiness and joy, and the fulfilling joy he has found through service in his religion, and in his neighborhood.
I read this book and when I finished, I had my 13 year old twin boys read it. We all loved the insight it gives into the life of a missionary as well as adventure stories about the fascinating place that is Thailand. I have recommended this book to lots of friends already, it is well written and interesting to read.
Two Years in God's Mormon Army is a great read. Whether you are mormon or not familiar with the beliefs and culture at all, you will find this book to be entertaining and insightful. It is a great mix of spiritual growth, culture, and fun as the author spends two years getting to know the people of Thailand. Set in a very interesting time in that regions history and during a time when missionaries were few in the area, the unique adventures experienced by the author really are a once in a life time experience. Whether you are just curious about those young men walking around your neighborhood in suits and name tags or have friends and families on missions of their own, this book is sure to entertain and shed light on the mormon mission experience.
This honest account of a Mormon mission in Thailand illustrates some of the humor and adventure found in typical day-to-day doings of LDS missionaries everywhere while also recounting some pivotal historical moments that took place in what was once a far-flung country. While Palfreyman does not shy away from difficult theological questions, he also shares with equally refreshing candor some of his piercingly poignant spiritual experiences. A fun and fascinating read!