A book review previously published in our newsletter: The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2010. The author works at a nine-to-five office job in the suburbs. One chilly spring night, Neil wanted to get away from his daily life where there is constant news of polar ice caps melting, wars, hurricanes and a frozen job market. He started a website- http://www.1000awesomethings.com -where people could think about small joys that they often overlook in their rushed, jam-packed lives. From this, the book emerged as a place where we can smile and enjoy the moment as we notice awesome experiences. There are short sections on such moments as: hitting a bunch of green lights in a row, a long hug when you really need it, neighbors with pools, popping bubble wrap, when there's leftover cake in the office kitchen, snow days, and finding money in your old coat pocket. Some moments are illustrated with photographs. For example, there is a picture of a jar of peanut butter and a spoon beside the description of the awesome moment of experiencing the first scoop out of a jar of peanut butter. There is an exquisite scene related to the smell of rain on a hot sidewalk. The book is a delight to read. It will draw your attention to awesome daily moments and cause you to smile, laugh and remember good times-and pay attention to each present moment. Frances Frommer Mississauga, Canada frances010 @ sympatico.ca Author of Surviving & Thriving Solo: Options When You Live Alone http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Thriving-Solo-Options-Alone/dp/1449025951 http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=62547
The title alone is awesome. I have to admit, sometimes I can get fed up with "positive" titles because they can sound contrived and a little too exclusive--like they don't want to admit people are allowed to have bad days (even though most of those books still tell people it's okay to feel angry, sad, etc., if faced with unpleasant situations). The Book of Awesome sounds funny, actually.
