When life sends a signal, listen closely

The Journey Behind the Second Edition of Resilience: Bouncing Forward with Jewish Wisdom and Psychological Science

Most of the time, life doesn’t offer clear instructions on how to proceed. Our next step is often hidden beneath layers of uncertainty, and we’re left wondering what to do, hoping for a sign.

This past spring, that’s exactly where I found myself with the first edition of my book Resilience. It had completely sold out, and I stood at a crossroads:

• Should I reprint the first edition in hardback with my original publisher, Mosaica Press?
• Republish the first edition in paperback on Amazon?
• Or… update the book for 2025 as a second edition on Amazon—refresh the stories, simplify the structure, and make it more accessible?

The first option felt out of reach due to the expense.

With the third option, I knew that once I committed, I’d be all in. That’s how I operate: late nights, hyper focus, you know the drill.

So, I tested option two. I uploaded the original PDF to Amazon, but the formatting was off. That door closed quickly.

Then I reached out to the original publisher to reconsider the first option. And that’s when the signal came.

They told me that just that day, someone had contacted them asking to order 10 paperback copies. She was running a reading group at a women’s correctional facility and had found Resilience deeply helpful. But she could only bring paperback books into the facility.

That was my sign.

So, I chose option three. Over the summer, I rewrote much of the book. I added a new preface, fresh examples, a clearer structure, and more accessible language.

Resilience received a new cover and subtitle. I also included more of myself throughout the book, which felt a bit vulnerable(!), but my own journey now begins on page one.

I released the second edition one month ago, six months after my father’s passing.  I dedicated the book in his memory.

And then, the feedback began to arrive from the very women who inspired the second edition:

• “You couldn’t have chosen a better book at this time. Maybe you’re a messenger.”
• “Thank you for the book. It looks like a great book, and I’ve been praying every day for resilience for the past couple of weeks. We talked about it in our trauma class. It is a gift.”
• “I am only on page 9 and I’m finding it insightful and a good read.”

I was told that one of the women blinked back tears as the group read through the book together.

I could have won a marathon and not felt more joy.

Then came the Amazon reviews, slow and steady. Here’s one that especially moved me:

“This book truly touched me. Dr. Leslie Gutman combines psychology and Jewish wisdom in a way that feels both timeless and completely relevant. Her approach to resilience isn’t about ‘bouncing back’—it’s about growing stronger and wiser through life’s challenges. The reflections and exercises helped me see my own struggles differently and reminded me of the power of faith, gratitude, and community. I read the whole book in one sitting; it was that good, but I’ll be going back over it more slowly to truly internalise its messages. A beautiful, uplifting guide for anyone seeking strength and meaning through the prism of Jewish thinking.”

Sometimes life whispers. Sometimes it shouts.

This time, God handed me a message, and I thankfully listened.

If you or someone you care about is navigating life’s challenges and seeking strength, clarity, and spiritual grounding, I invite you to explore the second edition of Resilience.

Resilience is now available in paperback on Amazon worldwide. Just head to the Book tab in the menu for links.