Monday, December 22, 2014

Reviewing Chicken Soup for the Soul

By now, it is likely that everyone has heard of the book series "Chicken Soup for the Soul". According to their official website, the idea of touching lives through telling positive stories began during Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen's motivational speeches.  After some time, they compiled these stories into a book. A small publisher gave them a chance after they had been turned down by the big publishers. And so, the Chicken Soup for the Soul series began.

Over the years, I have read several of the books.  Then I had basically forgotten about them. Until recently.  

For several reasons, work related and writing related, I picked up newer copy of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. And I was again reminded of how down-to-earth and wonderful these books are.  

Living with Alzheimer's photo by Amazon

I am currently reading Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer's & Other Dementias.  As I read, I am struck by how educational and supportive the book is. It is quite a bit like being at a good support group but never having to get out of my pajamas or leave the couch.  I do not currently have any family members or close friends who are suffering from dementia. But I have learned a great deal from this book and believe it would be very helpful to the family members and friends of folks who are living with dementia.



Teenage Soul photo by Amazon


Because I work with special education students and am always on the lookout for positive messages for them, I purchased Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul and took it to work. I understand that the kids will always listen to other kids before they listen to a boring, old social worker.  While many of my kids at the school are too young, I did have some teenaged students who read portions of this book. Some of the the students seemed to benefit from these stories.  In fact, my book disappeared. Which means, one of them related well enough that they borrowed it permanently. 



As I mentioned, there are 250 books in the series.  Some of the topics or themes you will find include:holiday:

  • pets
  • age-specific (teen, pre-teen, seniors)
  • motivational
  • dealing with illness
  • religion (angels, miracles)
  • self-help (empowering yourself, finding happiness)
  • and much, much more


It's Christmas photo by Amazon

If you've never heard of the series, I strongly recommend that you find a copy on a topic that interests you. Because there is such a large variety of topics, I'm sure you will find a one that suits you perfectly.   If you've heard of the series, but like me, hadn't read any of them for awhile, I urge you to pick up a copy. 

Slow down during this hectic season and take time to feel good.  Soothe your soul with a little chicken soup.



Disclaimer: In affiliation with Amazon.com, Dawn Rae is a blogger and content writer who may earn compensation from the sale of Amazon products

16 comments:

  1. I've read Chicken Soup for the Writers Soul. The back of the book promised there would be another one, but I've not seen one.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, I will have to look for that one! I'd not realized there was one for writers. I do hope they do another.

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  2. Love the series. Actually got to meet both men at a seminar in 2004!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is awesome! Were they good speakers? I love good motivational speakers.

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    2. Yes excellent speakers and very kind men!

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  3. Oh, gee! I wonder if I can get the book in time for Christmas! My mom would love the Christmas Chicken Soup for the Soul. She loves those books! Over the years, I have read a few of them myself, but my mother enjoys them so much, she reads them multiple times. Going now to see if I can get that one here before Christmas!

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  4. Hallelujah! I got one and it said it will be here Dec. 24th! This pleases me greatly!!! Very timely post. Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. YAY!!! That's a great gift for your mom. I'm glad you are pleased.

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  5. I always love the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I haven't read one in many years...I think I'll pick one off my shelves and read a few pages. That is what is so great with these books, you can pick them up anytime and read a page or two and then go off refreshed and with a better frame of mine. Thanks for the reminders.

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    Replies
    1. You are very welcome. I agree. The little stories definitely help create a better frame of mind.

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  6. I had no idea about the Alzheimer's and Dementia book - I'm going to get this for someone in my family and I know he'll read it. Glad I found this today. Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Barbara, there is nothing scientific or medically helpful in the dementia book. But the things the families say they do the help their loved one, or to help themselves stay calm and patient, were very helpful. I hope your family member finds it helpful.

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  7. I love that one of the teens at your facility enjoyed the book enough to take it for further reading!

    There was a time when I had near 100 Chicken Soup books in my library. Unfortunately, those were left behind in a major life move/escape.

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    Replies
    1. Oh wow, Ruth, that's a lot of Chicken Soup. I bet they were all good. Sorry they were left behind.

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  8. I've read some of the 'Chicken Soup' books, but didn't remember that one of the authors was Jack Canfield. Canfield is my son's very favorite author. His 'The Success Principles' so impressed my son that he has bought copies for his brother and sister and several friends over the years. My son is probably Canfield's biggest fan. I want to look for the Writers Soul one now. The perfect review of a great series of books.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. It was easy to write about books that are so good. I've really enjoyed getting reacquainted with the series.

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