Today I am reviewing It’s Never Too Late by Kathie Lee Gifford for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
About the Book (from the publisher): When Kathie Lee Gifford stepped down as cohost of the fourth hour of the Today show with Hoda Kotb, you might have thought her best days were behind her. It turns out, she was just getting started. As Kathie Lee says, “I’m not retiring; I’m refiring!”
In It’s Never Too Late, Kathie Lee draws on stories from her remarkable life to weave together a beautiful reminder that whatever circumstances we face, God is still dreaming big for our years ahead.
Taking us from her Chesapeake Bay childhood when she first heard God’s calling, to her skyrocketing fame with Regis, to her decision to leave television for Nashville, Kathie Lee inspires us to pursue what really matters.
Because it’s never too late to forgive, to dance the cha-cha, to make a difference in the world. God placed His dreams in your heart for a reason. And like Kathie Lee, you might just discover that the best is yet to come.
My review: I decided to read this book and review it because I’ve always liked Kathie Lee Gifford. She is refreshingly honest and funny and down to earth. She’s 67, I’m 68. And I like the concept of dreaming big, no matter what your age. That being said, I am often uncomfortable with anything I perceive as ‘preachy.’ I’ve mentioned this before on the blog. I was raised in organized religion, but that particular domination did not preach, except on Sundays in the pulpit. One’s faith was private, just as one’s politics were (obviously, I’ve changed regarding politics!) So when reading a book like this one, I have to let those old “judges” go and read it with an open mind. And I did.
Kathie Lee’s faith is a constant in her life and she really lives it. I admire her for that. She prays, she reaches out to others, she does a lot of work for charities and for the betterment of her fellow man. The book itself is composed of short chapters in which she speaks of moments and experiences in her life that illustrate the theme of this book. It’s written very much in the way she speaks, so there’s an intimate and upbeat sharing of things she’s learned along the way – always honest, always uplifting.
I enjoyed it very much. There’s a lot of scripture quoting, so if you’re uncomfortable with that, this may not be the book for you. Also woven throughout the book are lyrics to the songs she has written. She is a prolific songwriter and her recent move to Nashville is yet another example of her openness to change and growth.
There’s valuable advice here. It’s far too easy at this age to think it’s all over, that nothing new and exciting can happen. But it can. And I have personally had several pivotal moments in my life where I felt led by God (Divine Power, Supreme Being, Deity, whatever word you are comfortable with) to make a major change which I could never have engineered on my own, when things and people and opportunity came together in a way I never could have imagined.
I was particularly touched by the idea that it’s never too late to forgive. I have wrestled with this in my own life and have found the act of freely forgiving to be incredibly healing. Not only for the person I forgive, but for myself. It isn’t always easy; in fact, it can be incredibly difficult to get to that point, but it’s worth it in the end.
If these are ideas that appeal to you, I think you’ll like this book. It’s an easy and entertaining read and you’ll feel better for having read it.
About the author: Kathie Lee Gifford, four-time Emmy Award winner, is best known for her eleven years cohosting the popular fourth hour of the Today show alongside Hoda Kotb. Gifford continues to pursue her dreams as an actress, singer, songwriter, playwright, producer, and most recently, director. She has authored numerous books, including her most recent children’s book, Hello, Little Dreamer, and four New York Times bestselling books, including The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi.
I am giving away one copy of this book. If you’re interested, leave a comment on this post (not via email) and I’ll draw the name of the winner on Saturday.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
I have always liked Kathie Lee Gifford and I am sure I would love this book!
I hope you and Don have a nice day. Ed and I got our second shot last Wed and we were both pretty sick for a few days. Over the weekend we were mostly just tired but today it’s sunny and I feel like working! So, I must get busy and get some much needed cleaning done. Take care.
Oh, by the way, I loved Don’s song with you on the background vocals……..loved it!
Yes I think This sounds like a very good read.I think she really shows who she is a Christian woman. It is not all about her and she really wants to make a better world. We can all do little things in our life to show God’s love.
I personally believe we are to share God’s love and Word. Yes without forgiveness we can become bitter and ugly. Thank you so much for reviewing this book.
Thanks for reviewing this book. I recently found it on Amazon and was intrigued by the title. So yes I would like a copy. Have a great day!
Hmmm. I never would have picked this up but it does sound like it is well worth a read. I think our backgrounds and overarching beliefs are much the same. I do appreciate her humor and honesty and I’m grateful you shared this. You’re right — it is never too late.
I love reading biographies. I’m the same age as she, soon to be your age and sometimes wonder what I’m going to next. Maybe this will give me a boost to the next phase of life.
Thanks for insight on this book. I’ve always enjoyed Kathy Lee & her smiles!
Love her and anxious to read the book! Also enjoy following your blog!
Thank you… would enjoy reading this book.
would love to be considered for the book drawing.
I struggle with forgiving some deep hurts of the past.
thanks for the nice review.
This book sounds memorable and interests me greatly. Thanks for your excellent review.
As a Marylander I would love to read this book! I could then add it to my Little Free Library for others to enjoy! Thanks for the giveaway!
Kim
Like you, I was raised in organized religion, but don’t follow it anymore. I am a spiritual person though, and pray often and believe in being a “good” person and helping others. I honestly don’t know a lot about Kathie Lee, but am intrigued to know more. I would also be interested in hearing her thoughts about making changes in later life and more on forgiveness. Thanks for the chance to win your giveaway, Claudia!
Have loved Katie forever. Would love the chance to win your free give away. That last song you sang backup with don was great.
I have to remove your comment Brenda for two reasons – it’s my review and maybe not the place for another review – but mostly because I have to keep track of comments for the giveaway. Comments that aren’t about signing up for the giveaway just make it harder for me.
But appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks, Claudia
Love anything Kathie Lee writes.
She is outstanding.
A very blessed women.
Beautiful inside and out.
I too find Kathie Lee Gifford an honest and open person. I like the idea that at my age I’ve still got lots of living yet to do and more things to achieve. Thank you for the review.
This sounds like a good book, and I enjoyed your review of it!
This sounds like an interesting book to read. Thanks for the oportunity.
Interesting review. I must say I am surprised you liked it. I never would have considered reading the book but maybe I will now.
Thanks for the recommendation. I would love to read this book.
I like Kathy Lee Gifford. I’ve always admired her because she is not afraid to discuss her faith in God in the public arena.
Thanks for the thoughtful review. As I approach my 57th birthday (this Friday), I need to be more aware of not stopping the growth in my life – not stopping pursuing my dreams. Although I’m uncomfortable sometimes with outward expressions of faith, I admire people who are truly comfortable in theirs and really live it. It seem as if Kathy Lee Gifford is just that type of person.
Sounds like a great book. By the way, what is your favorite play you ever saw on Broadway?
Please consider me for the KLG book. I’ve been a fan forever, all the way back to Name That Tune!
Your blog is a bright spot for me each day. Thanks for being so consistent with blogging👏👏
I’ve long enjoyed and admired Kathie Lee, so straight forward. While I don’t always agree with her, I think she’d be a very fun and supportive friend. She never disses other women. This sounds like a good read. Today, Tuesday, the wind is blowing a gale, just as the weather guys predicted. We’re supposed to have our new washer delivered today and the generator guy is supposed to be here shortly to spend about 3 hours fixing our generator. I feel sorry for all of them and wish I could make a big pot of hot coffee for them. Alas, we are not coffee drinkers so no Keurig. I hope you and Don have some success very soon getting the vaccination. Stay well!
Thank you for being on this tour! Sara @ TLC Book Tours