The book "Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Heart & Rekindle the Spirit" is an excellent book. The book was originally given to me by a friend who thought that I "would enjoy it". Me, the person who genuinely dislikes reading any kind of book for pleasure, "enjoy" this book. Definately not me, I thought to myself.
I had to travel on a business trip alone, therefore I took the book along (just in case I got extremely bored). Thoughtout my trip, the book didn't get cracked open. I found other things to do with my time, than read a book.
Yet, on my return flight, my reservations were mixed up for some reason or another. Therefore, I ended up having a 4 1/2 hour layover in the Dallas Airport. Being upset, I didn't even want to shop. I also didn't want to look out of place, so, I opened the book and started glancing at first, pretending to read.
Then all of a sudden, as if a magnet were pulling me closer, I began to read the first short story in the book. It was so real and inspiring that I continued to read. I couldn't wait to flip a page. As a matter of fact, I was really thirsty. Not wanting to put the book down, I continued reading. Every story hit close to home and I could relate to most everything being read.
At one point, I heard a young man say "I think you could use this tissue more than I can", as he handed me a tissue. Looking up at him, I noticed that my eyes were filled with tears. The story I had been reading was so real that I found myself crying and feeling the characters emotions. Being a little embarrased (but not much), I explained how I typically do not shed a tear for most books. I told the young man how this book was so capturing and inspiring, that it pulls you in and holds your mind,emotions, and attention captive. He laughed and said something to the effect of "most women cry over mushy things".
Sitting next to me, he read over my shoulder as I continued to read. When I finished the short story, I turned and looked and him and noticed that he too had tears in his eyes. I didn't say a word, but the spiritual emotions were evident. We were both captured by this wonderful book.
Till this day, I thank my friend for giving me this book. I have also given a copy of this same book to many friends (the first one, being my new friend that I met at the Dallas Airport that day).
I highly recommend this book to everyone, it will rekindle the spirit of everyone who reads it (especially the ones who think that this is just another one of the "mushy" books.
If I could, I would put a money back guarantee if not fully satisfied on this book. That is how much I enjoyed reading it.
Thank You, and I hope that you have the opportunity to pick up this book and give it a chance, I did and I loved it.
From a real Skeptical, Lucy R. Fonseca 3127 S. Nelson Amarillo, Texas 79103 (806) 379-9201