Praise for I am a Golden Buddha

“I just love this book Jenny Messerle wrote. Her gentle wisdom and encouragement on handling self-criticism is healing to my heart.” - Sabrina Ward Harrison, author of Spilling Open: The Art of Becoming Yourself

“Jenny Messerle has created a total gem of a book, a creation of shiny endearing wisdom. You will immediately fall in love with the feeling behind the author's words, her illustrations, and quirky yet completely lovable characters. This book is a total expression of love and a rare gift. I highly recommend anyone to look up this artist's offerings as I am a huge fan!” – Alena Hennessy, artist, teacher, and author of Cultivating Your Creative Life; The Painting Workbook; Intuitive Painting Workshop and The Healing Guide to Flower Essences

“I am Golden Buddha is a gorgeous book filled with wonderful cartoons and lovely words.  The book is amazing and I can see myself in it so much. Thank you to Jenny for being so vulnerable and for sharing herself so beautifully with the world. This book is a treasure.” – Violette Clark, author of Journal Bliss: Creative Prompts to Unleash Your Inner Eccentric

“What a courageous, insightful, beautiful book I am a Golden Buddha: A Journey from Self-Criticism to Inner Peace is. We need to get it out into the world. So many people are going to identify with and benefit from it. But they have to read it for that to happen.” – Jill Badonsky, author of The Muse Is In: An Owner’s Manual to Your Creativity 

"There is a purity in the book I am a Golden Buddha, and combined with a reader's open heart, these pages are sure to heal. We all carry stories from our childhood that have the potential to fracture our perception of self worth. Not only does Jenny provide a structure to begin seeing yourself anew, but she also provides a vehicle through personal stories and tender illustrations that will melt away any defenses. Read this book, as I did, and fall in love with both Jenny and with yourself!" – Rachel Awes, psychologist, author, speaker, & art playgroundist

“I am a Golden Buddha is one of my favorite new books. Reading this book, I kept thinking, "Oh my gosh, she is writing about me." In that thought process I alternated between feeling exposed - "I am so weird "- and feeling encouraged and aligned. My thoughts of inadequacy and self-esteem in progress were normalized by hearing a shared journey, albeit with different details. Hearing someone tell their story so authentically, and seeing how they rose above those pernicious voices telling them (us!) that we are not good enough, gives me both courage and understanding to rise above those same voices that keep me small. Thank you, Jenny. I hope everyone who reads this endorsement will read your important book.” Molly Lannon Kenny, author of No Gurus Came Knocking and founder and director of The Samarya Center, a 501(c )(3) non-profit organization dedicated to individual transformation and radical social change

“This book hit very close to home for me. As a first generation Asian-American myself, Jenny's experiences are very relatable and it also shed some light on where some of my own anxieties come from. I read this book when I was struggling through some anxiety and depression and this book made me feel less alone. In our crazy world today, it's so easy to lose yourself. This book teaches us to love and appreciate ourselves, which is so hard sometimes! I also enjoyed the graphical comics that she included. I thought it was a unique approach. Thank you, Jenny, for sharing your story with the world.” - ML, Amazon reviewer

"I absolutely love this book! It is so uplifting and such a blessing to have, especially in the time that we live in. 'A Journey from Self-Criticism to Inner Peace,' is one of the messages I work with as a Licensed Professional Counselor on a daily basis. I often give this book for homework for my clients who have found it as invaluable as I have. Thank you Jenny for delivering this message to our society!" - Tammy Koolbeck, M.Ed., L.P.C.-S, N.C.C., C.A.R.T., C.R.S., F.A.P.A., P.D.T.S., C.A.C.H., B.C.P.C. 

"In 'I am a Golden Buddha,' the author offers a soul searching, deeply compassionate exploration of self-criticism, illuminating the ways we come to believe our thoughts as truth. We see ourselves in her words, accessing authentic awareness and a gentle softening. With her story as your guide, you begin to recognize that nothing within you is broken. Jenny's heartfelt and achingly honest book shows us how to reconnect with a steady sense of our inherent worth and radiance. This is a meaningful and supportive book for anyone ready to relate to themselves with greater clarity and kindness." - Juliana Coles, Visual Journal Artist, Teacher, and Author of Ghost Pirate: The Legend of Juana La Loca 

"I loved this book so much I bought several. I put two in my office lobbies, and gave others to my loved ones of all ages who I thought would benefit greatly from reading it. I gave I am a Golden Buddha to my nephew and he began reading it right away. He told me, ‘This is exactly how I feel. How did you know that I needed this book?’…”– Jennifer K., Amazon reviewer

“Ahhhhhh! GIRL! I can relate! This book is so so good! Part memoir, part "self help", part awesome art. This is going under the tree this holiday for EVERY woman in my life!” – Bessie P., Goodreads reviewer

“This book spoke to me in so many ways. Every time I'd turn the page, there was another story, example, or concept, that made me feel like "that's me!" It's a beautiful journey and a beautiful book.” – Cheryl E., Goodreads reviewer

"I love this book! I think most people struggle with self-criticism and Jenny has such a wonderful gentle way to guide us out of this self-criticism and see beyond it to the people we truly are. By sharing so intimately her feelings and thoughts, she makes the reading relatable and makes us aware of how to change the criticisms we put on ourselves and shift our hearts into self-love. The magic in the book is also in the wonderful illustrations that make me smile every time I pick it up. I adore her characters that hold so much wisdom. When the self-doubts and self-criticisms arise, I am reminded that I am the Golden Buddha under all those layers of clay." - Monika T., Amazon reviewer

 “I am a Golden Buddha is …a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page, disarmingly simple and yet very profound.” – Mardie R., Goodreads reviewer

“I am a Golden Buddha is a powerful read— a uniquely personal self-help book, unlike any I’ve ever read….” – Zannah M., Amazon reviewer

“This wonderful book is a gem. I read and reread many passages and will again I'm sure. Do yourself a favor and get this book. Everyone should read this to understand a bit more about others, their struggles, their strength, and the beauty in the world…” – Amy C., Amazon reviewer

“This book is so inspiring! When I read the last page, I immediately started reading the book again. I am a Golden Buddha contained information about ways to help silence your inner critic which I found incredibly helpful. Reading this book was truly a healing experience.” Richard G., Amazon reviewer

“Amazing honesty, written with care, it hits home. I have ordered 3 more copies to share with my friends. I can hear our conversations echoed in every chapter.” – Jessica C. Amazon reviewer