International Writers Inspiring Change presents: No Grapes In Grateful: What if gratitude wasn’t about what’s given— but what’s grown?

No Grapes in Grateful is a deeply personal reflection on what it means to stay soft, strong, and rooted—especially when life doesn’t go as planned. Author Keith Thorn offers readers an honest and hope-filled look at the moments we don’t post about: the near-misses, the delays, the disappointments, and the silent prayers left unanswered.

Through thirteen heartfelt chapters and powerful bonus pages, Thorn gently dismantles the myth that gratitude only belongs to those who’ve received what they asked for. Instead, he makes a compelling case that some of life’s greatest gifts come not from getting—but from growing.

Blending memoir, reflection, and practical tools, No Grapes in Grateful is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Where’s the good in this?” and hoped there was still purpose in the pause. With warmth and wisdom, this book invites you to trade bitterness for better, and to discover that even without grapes, there is still so much to be grateful for.

International Writers Inspiring Change review of No Grapes In Grateful

“Reading “No Grapes In Grateful” feels like sitting in front of a cozy fire enveloped in a

cashmere sweater, savoring your favorite beverage, petting your beloved pet(s), and enjoying

the scent of your most comforting candle all while listening to gentle raindrops falling just

outside your door. Or, like sitting in the same room with a wise grandfather who, while smoking

his pipe, dispatches important life lessons – not about the material things in this life, but the

deeply spiritual. The spirit that is YOUR spirit…and how best to protect it through universal (but

oft-misunderstood) truisms: resilience, gratitude, growth, forgiveness, hope, and peace. Keith

Thorn’s book begins with a question: “What if gratitude wasn’t about what’s given, but about

what’s grown?” And to that, he writes, “Growth means returning – again and again – to the

kind of person you truly want to be.” Can living in a world as complex as ours really be so simple

as staying focused on our own peace, or own self-worth, or own dreams even if they’re often

elusive? From Thorn’s book, I would say “yes.” But it will require daily work, which is why this

book is so valuable.

“Make no mistake…his philosophies aren’t earth-shattering or even entirely unique. Yet, the

magic is how he weaves these philosophies together to provide readers with a heartfelt, loving

roadmap for living a life where bitterness, grudges, and self-recrimination are unwelcome

guests. In total, “No Grapes In Grateful” is a love letter to humanity, and it could not have been

published at a more apropos time. This book is one not to be gulped, but to be savored as you

reflect upon how each of his chapters resonate with you. I highly recommend this book and will

be giving copies to several friends in the coming year.”

- Suzanne Groves - iWIC Reviewer and Award-Winning Author of “You’ll See: A Story of Narcissistic Abuse, Survival, and My Journey To Understand”

About the author

Bio -

Keith Thorn – Author, Storyteller, Soulful Observer

Keith Thorn writes from the heart—with honesty, wisdom, and a quiet strength earned through years of living, loving, and learning the hard way. Whether through fiction, memoir, or daily reflection, his work explores what it means to be present, to grow through pain, and to carry kindness forward in a noisy world.

A martial artist and lifelong student of inner peace, Keith blends personal experience with spiritual insight to offer stories that heal, inspire, and linger. His books have resonated with readers who value authenticity, emotional depth, and the sacred simplicity of real-life moments.

Keith spends his time between Collinsville, Illinois and Port Isabel, Texas with his wife Melody—his greatest companion and muse. Together, they live a life shaped by sunsets, road trips, and the belief that it’s never too late to start again.

If you’re looking for a voice that honors vulnerability, celebrates resilience, and reminds you that you’re not alone—Keith’s books are for you.

Interview -

iWIC: What inspired you to write?

Keith: I was inspired by the simple but radical power of gratitude. I’ve seen how choosing to be grateful—even when nothing feels “good”—reshapes perspective and rewrites the story we tell ourselves.

iWIC: Who or what most inspired you in life?

Keith: Those who keep giving thanks in the face of difficulty. My mentors, my faith, and my own journey with Melody showed me that gratitude isn’t about circumstances—it’s about seeing the gift of each breath.

iWIC: What do you hope to inspire with your writing?

Keith: I want readers to realize that gratitude is not about having “grapes on the table” or getting what we want. It’s about discovering fullness in what we already have, and freedom in what we can let go of.

iWIC: What is the backstory to your book? How did it come about?

Keith: No Grapes in Grateful grew out of a personal shift: moving from asking “Why me?” to saying “Thank you” even in hardship. The phrase came to me as a reminder that gratitude isn’t transactional—it doesn’t depend on what’s served, but on how we choose to receive life. This book is that reminder in written form.