Books matching: humor and inspiration
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- #1
Save:A delightful, feel-good collection that celebrates the small stuff, perfect for dipping into when you need a smile. Not life-changing, but definitely life-brightening!
The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha is a collection of short, joyous essays celebrating everyday joys and truisms. Through the author's engaging and witty writing style, readers are encouraged to pay attention to the little things in life that bring happiness and appreciation. Pasricha's book shines a light on commonplace experiences that often go unnoticed, highlighting the beauty in simplicity and encouraging readers to find joy in the small moments.
April 2010•407 pages - #2
Save:A timeless pick-me-up full of bite-sized inspiration, best for when you need encouragement, perspective, or a little hope - just don't expect literary depth or edgy realism.
Chicken Soup for the Soul is a heartfelt collection of short stories featuring the experiences of mothers, both working and stay-at-home, sharing their journey through motherhood. The writing style is intimate and relatable, allowing mothers to connect with the struggles, joys, and lessons of raising children. Each story serves as a mini treasure, encouraging reflection on parenting choices and the universal challenges faced by moms.
The book is structured into thematic sections, making it easy to pick up and read at your own pace, fitting seamlessly into a busy mom's schedule. The stories are a mix of humor, inspiration, and touching moments, promoting a positive outlook and appreciation for the daily moments in family life. With contributions from a diverse range of writers, it highlights the beautiful complexities of being a mother, providing encouragement and a sense of community.
May 1993•416 pages - #3
Save:Heartfelt, inspiring, and easy to read - this is a wonderful memoir for kids and families alike that gently teaches big lessons about courage and empathy.
"Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio" by Peg Kehret is a powerful autobiographical account of a young girl's journey through being diagnosed with polio and her fight to recover. provides a unique outlook on the experiences of individuals diagnosed with polio, capturing the fear, challenges, and ultimately the resilience in the face of this debilitating disease. Written from the perspective of a twelve-year-old girl, the book not only educates about the history of polio but also weaves in beautiful life lessons about never giving up, the importance of family, and the impact of small kindnesses.
I never thought it would happen to me. Before a polio vaccine was developed, I knew that polio killed or crippled thousands of people, mainly children, each year, but I never expected it to invade my...January 1996•195 pages - #4
Save:Charming, uplifting, and full of heart - an ideal quick read for anyone who loves contemporary YA romance, dance dreams, or rooting for teens as they figure out who they are. Grab it when you want something sweet and hopeful!
'I Wanna Be Where You Are' by Kristina Forest is a heartwarming YA novel that follows the journey of Chloe, a determined young black girl with dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. Despite her overbearing mother's restrictions, Chloe embarks on a solo road trip to audition for a dance conservatory, accompanied by an old friend-turned-enemy, Eli, and his quirky dog, Geezer. As Chloe navigates the challenges of pursuing her passion while facing anxiety and self-doubt, the story unfolds into a tale of friendship, self-discovery, and determination. The writing style is engaging and relatable, capturing Chloe's journey with humor, inspiration, and a touch of romance, making it a perfect summer read.
Chloe's character development, her unwavering determination to chase her dreams, and the authentic portrayal of a young black ballerina's struggles and triumphs are some of the highlights of this book. The dynamic between Chloe and Eli, their journey of reconciliation, and the exploration of themes like friendship, overcoming obstacles, and pursuing one's passions add depth and heart to the story. With a blend of humor, romance, and important issues, 'I Wanna Be Where You Are' offers a refreshing and inspiring narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.
I lie back on my bed and stare at the poster of Avery Johnson on my ceiling. It’s a still of him as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake. He’s wearing white tights and a white tunic with gold and silver trim...June 2019•312 pages A deeply uplifting, eye-opening memoir that champions the power of compassion and kinship. Perfect for anyone looking for hope, inspiration, and proof that unconditional love changes lives.
'Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion' by Gregory Boyle is a heart-wrenching and inspiring book that humanizes gang members in Los Angeles. The author, known for his work at Homeboy Industries, plants truth bombs that explode in readers' hearts and minds, offering a different perspective on people and situations. Through a collection of powerful stories, Father Greg Boyle showcases the struggles and triumphs of individuals in challenging urban environments, emphasizing the importance of compassion, redemption, and unconditional love.
The book is a spiritual journey filled with humor, tears, and profound insights into the transformative work of Father Greg and his team. It serves as a guide on how to approach the world with a loving heart, stay faithful in the face of failure, and offer restorative love to those in need. Father Boyle's narrative style, focusing on love and personal connection over judgment, resonates deeply with readers, leaving an indelible impact on their perspectives towards life and human connections.
My touchstone image of God comes by way of my friend and spiritual director, Bill Cain, S.J. Years ago he took a break from his own ministry to care for his father as he died of cancer. His father had...2009•241 pages- #6
Save:A funny, motivational, and surprisingly honest memoir - perfect if you’re looking for inspiration with a dose of humor, but maybe not for those who prefer their memoirs more traditional or less confessional.
'I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons' by Kevin Hart is a memoir that chronicles the life of the famous comedian, from his childhood struggles to his rise to stardom in the entertainment industry. The book offers a mix of hilarious anecdotes, insightful life lessons, and personal stories that showcase Hart's determination, resilience, and positive outlook on life. Through his witty writing style, Hart shares his experiences, successes, failures, and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way, making the book a blend of humor, inspiration, and candid storytelling.
His other lines were: “I’m just gonna put it in a little and leave it there. I just wanna be close to you.” And then there was the classic, “I’m just gonna rub you with it. I promise I won’t put it in...June 2017•401 pages A funny, heartbreaking, and eye-opening read about choosing your own path. Junior’s voice sticks with you long after you finish. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an honest take on growing up and daring to hope.
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" follows the story of Junior, a young Native American boy living on a reservation who decides to attend an all-white school in a neighboring town. The book delves into Junior's struggles with identity, challenges faced on the reservation, and the journey of self-discovery as he navigates between two different worlds. Through a mix of humor and poignant moments, the author, Sherman Alexie, paints a vivid picture of Junior's experiences, incorporating illustrations that enhance the storytelling.
Junior's decision to leave the reservation sparks conflicts with his tribe and his best friend, leading to a series of events that test his resilience and determination. Sherman Alexie's writing style captures the essence of Junior's character, blending real-life struggles with moments of hope and courage. The book addresses themes of friendship, family, cultural identity, and the pursuit of a better future, offering readers a heartfelt and engaging coming-of-age narrative.
Okay, so that’s not exactly true. I was actually born with too much cerebral spinal fluid inside my skull. But cerebral spinal fluid is just the doctors’ fancy way of saying brain grease. And brain gr...2007•279 pagesAn unfiltered, laugh-out-loud, and eye-opening account of life as an astronaut - warts and all. Not your typical space memoir, but all the more memorable for it.
'Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut' by Mike Mullane is a gripping memoir that offers a unique perspective on the Space Shuttle era. Mullane's writing style is described as candid, enlightening, and almost immersive, providing readers with a firsthand insight into the challenges and excitement of space flight. The book delves into the fateful uncertainty of the Space Shuttle program, highlighting both the glory and folly of this remarkable era in human exploration. Mullane's storytelling reads like a novel, captivating readers with his emotional depth and wittily told anecdotes about his experiences as part of the 1978 class of astronauts.
Mullane's book not only provides a detailed account of his journey as an astronaut but also touches on important themes such as family impact, dreams, and the reality of space exploration. The narrative is filled with humor, inspiration, and a wealth of background information for space enthusiasts, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the space program and the extraordinary individuals who were part of it.
I was naked, lying on my side on a table in the NASA Flight Medicine Clinic bathroom, probing at my rear end with the nozzle of an enema.Welcome to the astronaut selection process, I thought. It was...February 2006•404 pagesEqual parts inspiration, nostalgia, and oddball entertainment, Possum Living will either light a fire under your minimalist dreams or just make you laugh out loud - but don’t take every word as gospel.
'Possum Living' is a book written by Dolly Freed, an 18-year-old girl at the time, detailing her and her father's life of voluntary simplicity. The book offers practical tips and novel concepts on how to live well without a job and with almost no money. It covers topics such as frugal living, urban homesteading, and self-sufficiency, providing insights into a minimalist lifestyle and encouraging readers to rethink consumerism. The writing style is described as humorous, charming, and engaging, with a colloquial narrative that sets it apart from typical how-to books.
Do you remember the story of Diogenes, the ancient Athenian crackpot? He was the one who gave away all his possessions because “People don’t own possessions, their possessions own them.” He had a drin...1978•224 pages- #10
Save:A thoughtful, compassionate, and accessible exploration of happiness through the lens of both science and ancient wisdom - best for those willing to embrace reflection, practice, and patience.
"Art of Happiness" by Matthieu Ricard explores the concept of happiness from a Buddhist perspective while incorporating modern scientific thought and Western philosophical traditions. Ricard discusses the importance of distinguishing between pleasure and contentment, emphasizing the role of meditation in attaining a calm mind and overcoming ego involvement. offers practical exercises to help readers practice mental disciplines and move towards optimal states of being, ultimately aiming to guide individuals towards enduring happiness and compassion.
2003•305 pages
