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Electronic Press Kit

Taking the Stairs & Liking It:
Seven Steps to an Amazing Life

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Buy now on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble and Audiobook/Audible .

book cover for Taking the Stairs by Lauren Speeth

#1 New Release on Amazon
and Winner (Silver) in Spirituality from the Illumination Book Awards 2026

Drawing on a lifetime of personal experience, and wisdom from President Jimmy Carter, Taking the Stairs and Liking It by Dr. Lauren Speeth inspires readers to find joy through a life of purpose, coherence, and significance. This approachable book is a friendly chat with someone seeking to help you expand your horizons and reach for your dreams. Audiobook narrated by multiple Audiofile Magazine award-winner Jean Ann Douglass. Brimming with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and real-world examples, this book empowers you with practical tools and encouragement to embrace the amazing life you were born to live.

WanderLearn with Francis Tapon

Dr. Dan Peters

Good Morning Washington on WJLA ABC in Wash. DC

Dr. Lauren Speeth interview on CBS in Austin, TX

Studio 10 Education Segment on WJAR NBC in Providence, RI

Good Day Extra Show on DSYX FOX in Columbus, OH

We Are Austin Lifestyle on KEYE CBS in Austin, TX

Launch

Trailer

Podcast

Audiobook Sample

English Audiobook
English Audiobook | English ebook

Spanish Audiobook
Spanish Audiobook | Spanish ebook

Portuguese Audiobook

Portuguese Audiobook | Portuguese ebook

Let's Talk Sound & Mind Podcast

The Authors Show Podcast

The Authors Show · Taking The Stairs and Liking It by Lauren Speeth

REVIEWS

Silver Medal, Spirituality: 2026 Illumination Book Awards

"Your work stood out to our judges, not just for its quality, but for the faith and purpose woven throughout its pages. It is clear you poured intention into this work, and that kind of heart-led storytelling makes a difference for readers who are searching for something meaningful and edifying."

Haley Koth, The US Review of Books

"In a market bursting with self-help and motivational works, this book stands out in its laser focus, clear organization, and inspiring vitality... Her deep compassion, buoyant encouragement, and strong belief in the reader's ability to create an amazing life are truly compelling."

Read the full review here

Oscar Miller, The Book Revue

"A graceful blend of memoir, philosophy, and practical coaching, this book stands as a testament to living ethically, purposefully, and joyfully. It is essential for anyone ready to trade ease for meaning—and ready to climb the stairs with intention. 5 Stars."

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Pine Breaks, Foreword Clarion Reviews

"Taking the Stairs & Liking It is a warm and encouraging guide to navigating existential questions."

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Diane Donovon, Midwest Book Review

"Especially recommended as a panacea for self-centered focuses and negative thinking. Libraries that choose it will find this book a top recommendation..."

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BookTrib

"Stylistically, Taking the Stairs & Liking It stands out in the self-help genre for its brisk, easy-to-follow format. ... Because of its unique blend of heartfelt storytelling and actionable advice, Taking the Stairs & Liking It will appeal to a broad range of readers."

Read the full review here

Kent Lane, IndieReader

"With its emphasis on the thoughts and actions of the late Jimmy Carter, Lauren Speeth's Taking the Stairs & Liking It serves as both a fitting tribute to this much-loved president and a powerful tool for personal growth and social change."

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BlueInk Review

"Colorful references abound, from Adam Smith to Peter Gabriel and even to the Cheshire Cat. Speeth also offers personal anecdotes and photographs, including of her and the former president. Readers seeking a self-help guide with a twist, might enjoy this betterment plan, with its touching salute to Carter, who died last year."

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Vlad Genin, Professor

"Taking the Stairs & Liking It by Dr. Lauren Speeth is a deeply inspiring and practical guide to living meaningful, purpose-driven life. Drawing from personal experience and wisdom shared by President Jimmy Carter, Dr. Speeth outlines seven steps that are both accessible and profound. The book blends heartfelt storytelling with actionable insights, making it a powerful resource for anyone seeking clarity, resilience, and joy. It will be invaluable to readers looking to align their values with their daily choices and cultivate lasting personal growth."

Michal Strahilevitz, St. Mary's College Professor & Wellbeing Educator

"This timely book is a beautiful tribute to President Carter's legacy and an inspiring guide to leading a more meaningful life. In a time of major social and environmental challenges, it delivers a powerful call to action and belongs in the hands of anyone seeking deeper fulfillment."

Student of this method

"I am no longer afraid of all the visions I have. I used to think I needed to get it all down to one. I was panicking. Now I am open to all of it with excitement."

Amy Wieczorek, Butterfield Speaks Consultant & Coach

"Imagine having a long, heart-felt, engaging, informative, inspiring conversation with a beloved teacher, a wise counselor, or a trusted mentor. Imagine that hope-filled conversation awakening within you a passion and a determination to create your best life ever. And then imagine being equipped with tools and techniques to bring your amazing life to fruition. Now read this book and make it so."

BIO

Award-winning author Lauren Speeth has shared her knowledge and wisdom over the years with audiences around the world - including Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, and the Middle East - to critical acclaim. As a teacher, writer and film maker, Lauren's areas of expertise run the gamut, including self-help, social entrepreneurship, the American experience, Irish spirituality, music, and storytelling. As President of Elfenworks Productions and Founding CEO of The Elfenworks Foundation, she leverages a lifetime of high-tech experience from Silicon Valley startups to the Fortune 500 level, along with Stanford University training in chaplaincy and IT security and Climate Reality Leadership Corps training as well as a 2022 PhD focusing on environmental education.

A lifetime Carter Center Board of Councilors member and External Advisor for the Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality, she is also a Regent Emeritus of Saint Mary's College and Member Emeritus of the Peninsula Symphony’s First Violin Section. Following the very wisdom she shares in her books, she and her colleagues have sparked projects worldwide in partnership with like-minded nonprofits and educational institutions, fostering student engagement for a more hopeful tomorrow. Her motto is simple: "Never underestimate your ripple."