Subtitled ‘what cancer told me about life’, this is an inspiring story of resilient transformation with the key insight that life is really happening for you rather than to you. Every life crisis offers us a chance to evolve and grow, taking creative ownership and responsibility. Even before her diagnosis in 2016, the author’s direction and stress level were unsustainable, and she was looking for a way forward. She describes how she digested the news of her diagnosis and underwent conventional healing modalities. Overall, she highlights the importance of attitude and gratitude, appreciating the power of feminine wisdom, slowing down, silence, and being connected with and surrounded by the right people. On her journey, she is especially inspired by Anita Moorjani, Oprah Winfrey, Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer. Each chapter concludes with the gift received in that situation. The second part is about transformation, containing advice and guidance that readers can apply in their own lives. We can shift from busyness to presence, live without artificial limits, express ourselves creatively, find the source of happiness within, build resilience, shine our light, live an abundant life (there is a good chart contrasting lack and abundance on p. 147), and practise self-care. All of this empowers us to live a full and intentional life, which the author meant retraining as a life coach and contributing to global transformation. She describes her path of ‘InsideOut Living’ in terms of 12 indicators, helpfully elaborating on how to apply each one (www.celineodonovan.com). She summarises the book by saying that she is different because of everything she has lived through and experienced: ‘The greatest wisdom and insight comes from living deeply, facing a crisis and seeing it as an opportunity to wake up to the truth of who you are... a powerful and sovereign creator being.’ ~ David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer Scientific and Medical Network

As we join Celine on her journey from getting this life-changing news, to surrendering and ultimately choosing a path of transformation, you are prompted to reflect on your own life and how your personal traumas have shaped you into the person you are today. You will discover that every crisis is an opportunity to evolve and that despite the inevitable pain that comes with growth, life really is happening for you, not to you. It is always unfolding for your highest good. A book chock full of practical tips and insights, and one where no matter if your life has any connection to cancer or any other medical condition, in general, where you will find yourself opening it just to (much like the Bible) give yourself a little pep talk, so to speak, Gifts from the Devastation: What cancer taught me about life is an inspirational, and thoroughly insightful read. FULL REVIEW: https://annecarlini.com/ex_books.php?id=320 ~ Exclusive Magazine, Review

Celine's story of how she overcame a devastating health diagnosis gives a message of hope to everyone. We all have times in our lives when we are hit by trauma and tragedy. This book helps to show that we can overcome obstacles and transmute the pain to lead us into a greater existence than we thought possible. An inspiring story of strength and surrender to what life has in store for us. ~ Helen Murray Dukes

Wow what a fantastic read! The honest andheart-warming story of a modern Irish woman whose busy life is interrupted and subsequently transformed by cancer diagnoses. For those of us who ask the big questions regarding the meaning of life and our true purpose in the world this is a must read. Through Celine’s words, ideas and experiences we are gently led to explore the hidden nature of the self and how to flow in harmony with higher guidance. This inspiring book gives simple practical exercises to work through and reflect on. It is a resource I will dip into again and again on my personal journey towardsa deeper more meaningful life. ~ Patricia Kearns, Sligo Kinesiology

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Packed full of practical tips and insights, this book is a reminder that you are not just a helpless victim of life. You are a powerful creator and life is actually trying to help you grow into the fullest version of you. Inspirational and insightful read. ~ Michelle Coates (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars: "Just finished the book and blown away. Couldn't put it down. Touched every part of my being at different times, different stages, and sometimes all at once. So relatable, so honest, so authentic, absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with the world." ~ Lauren Dolan, Conscious Living

For anyone who has struggled, whether with cancer or another trauma, this book is a must-read. Celine takes a radically different perspective on dealing with devastation, charting how she believes life happens for us, not to us. In an increasingly hectic world, Gifts from the Devastation is a call to try something different. It is a message worth listening to; a message of hope. ~ Sarah McInerney, RTE Broadcaster and Journalist

This book brings gifts to all of us who need to refresh our lives if we sense we are not living to our full potential. It is also relevant to anyone experiencing a significant life disruption.The writing is clear and the message is simple - Live your own life to the full. ~ Dilis, Clare, Consulting Medical Herbalist & General Practitioner MBBCh, DRCOG, B.Sc. (Hons) Herbal Medicine

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling to over come difficult life circumstances and who wants to learn practical ways of overcoming the inevitable challenges that life can throw at us. ~ Tony Og Regan, Holistic Performance Coach and former Galway Hurler