One recent December, John Kralik found his life at a frightening low: his small law firm was failing; he was struggling through a painful divorce; he had grown distant from his children; and overall, his life dreams seemed to have slipped beyond reach.

Inspired by a note his ex-girlfriend had sent to thank him for a gift, John imagined that he might find a way to feel grateful for what he had by writing thank-you notes. To keep himself going, he set a goal of writing 365 notes in the coming year.

Immediately after sending his very first notes, significant and surprising benefits began to come John’s way—from financial gain to true friendship, from weight loss to inner peace. Thank-you note by thank-you note, his whole life turned around.

A Simple Act of Gratitude is a rare memoir: uplifting and inspirational, but with a profoundly basic message and example that everyone can believe and achieve. To read it is to be changed.