| Title | : | Chicken Soup for the Womans Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Hearts and Rekindle the Spirits of Women |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1558744150 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781558744158 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 351 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 1996 |
Chicken Soup for the Womans Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Hearts and Rekindle the Spirits of Women Reviews
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I would never have read this book if it were not chosen by my book club. That is a good thing. One of the purposes of the club is to expand our horizons. Although I did not like the book, I do believe I got something out of reading it. I understand some people a little bit better, my family especially. I am often confronted by my family with the ways that I do not act like a "woman". They are waiting for me to "grow up". To them, my life is like an extended adolescence. This is despite the fact that I have a decent job in the career that I have chosen, I have been with the same man for 8 years, we own a house, and we are making good progress on our savings. I am still not an adult to them, and I will not be until I am married and have children. They get really sappy when they think about this future that they imagine I will have once I give in to their expectations. My father told me this weekend that my desire to not have children was just like when I was 8 and I didn't want to learn to ride a bike. He told me that I was just scared, and once I had a child I would love being a parent. My father would love this book.
Being a woman does not mean being a wife and a mother, and I really have a problem with the glorification of sacrifice as it applies to the long-suffering caregivers that inhabit its pages. -
I'm a woman, so this book applies to me right? Or at least that's what I thought. However, I think the authors of this book have a very narrow sight on what it means to be a woman. But more on that later. This book is one of the very many versions of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books out there. These books are known for their uplifting short stories that are meant to inspire, make you feel good, or just make you cry.
Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul takes stories about women and fills a number of places with them. The chapters range from being about Overcoming Obstacles, Motherhood, Marriage, Attitude, and Love. There are stories about mother's doing whatever they can for their children, to becoming a mom for the first time, to finding the love of your life and marrying him. Far and few between however, are stories about women who stay single and don't have children. There are a few, but barely any. The majority of the stories focus on motherhood and marriage. One of those few that was not however, was about a woman pilot, and that actually was an inspiring story. But then there was one of the first stories in the book, about a man who was inspired by his wife to take his mom out to dinner and other activities, but kept calling it dating his mother, which was kind of creepy (the story may have been innocent but continual references to dating your mother just doesn't sit right).
Since these are short stories we don't really get a sense of all the people. After all, you're seeing them through biased eyes without a lot of description. Everyone seems to be glowing. And mothers and married women are especially revered (are you sensing a theme here). But there are a lot of good people mentioned in these books. People who do good for other people. And there's even a few that are inspiring.
So obviously my main complaints with this book are its representation of women. I'm not saying that it's wrong to have a section on marriage or on motherhood, but I think equal status (and a devoted chapter) should be given to the single career-oriented and the non-mothers. They do a lot of good in the world too. And there's already plenty of Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul books. It's almost like they're saying women who don't follow those choices in life aren't quite women. And that's heartbreaking. This is a Christian based publication, but this one didn't have too many stories that were preachy, which was nice. It was approachable in that way at least.
Not my favorite of the Chicken Soup books. Maybe I'm a little biased, but I just wish this book had been for ALL women.
Chicken Soup for the Women's Soul
Copyright 1996
328 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at
www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com -
I love how inspiring these stories are. they lifted my spirit
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I've always been a fan of the Chicken Soup books, ever since I was seven and my teacher used to read them aloud during school assemblies.
I like to read them when I'm feeling down a bit. Even though I might not be able to relate to every single one, they usually hold something uplifting that cheers me up.
This particular chicken soup book, lived up to all the rest.
And it would have gotten a five star review from me, if it weren't for the finishing chapter.
I can't help but feel slightly skeptic when I hear of people who can mentally communicate across long distances. I'm not saying it never happens, but at least it doesn't happen regularly enough for it to earn a place in the book. There were a couple of other psychic references as well, so I couldn't help feeling as if the book was taking a somewhat superstitious turn
The last stories were also slightly darker than the rest, which in my opinion goes against the grain, (and to some extent, the whole point) of the series.
All in all, it's a good book, with beautiful quotes heading the start of each story (I sometimes just flit through and ignore the stories and just read the quotes), and anyone who is into self-help, or books with moral advice and all that stuff, should enjoy reading it. -
DNF@17%
Just some stories that will make you feel emotional for two minutes otherwise there was nothing in the book.WHY DID I PICK IT UP?đ -
This book has good, inspiring stories of women who have done it all, from childhood memories to growing old and wiser. A couple of the stories had me tearing up.
I have a few favorites that stick out. One called "The Wind Beneath Her Wings" is a story about Jean Harper, one of the first three female pilots for United Airlines. The woman's dream was always to be a pilot, and first everyone told her she couldn't, or she didn't have chance. She Almost believed that, until one teacher told her to live the dream. Another one was "Mother's Day," about a woman who was in her 30's and thought she would never have children, but in her 40's did. It makes me feel a little hopeful about myself. All the stories definitely spark emotion in a person; I can't see how they could not. -
I was given this book as a gift, and when I realized it was a collection of heartwarming stories, I ended up reading it to elderly people in an assisted living facility for "storytime". It was PERFECT for that! In fact it was so perfect, I ended up buying more of these Chicken Soup books to read to the dear elderly people.
Sometimes the stories were touching and inspirational, sometimes the people listening would ask me to read "just one more, please!" And sometimes the stories sparked memories in the people and ended up being a catalyst for conversation and remembering.
I would give this 3 1/2 stars if I could. Super easy reading. -
Typical chicken soup: some are funny, some are sad, all in all, enjoyable.
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It is chicken soup- in the form of Literature
Love love love. -
Enjoyable, inspiring, touching. Good stories to warm the heart. I especially liked the chapter titled "overcoming obstacles".
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Only if I could give this book more than 5 stars! This book will make you cry, it will make you laugh, it will make you want to live life to it's extreme end. If I were to keep aside something nice for my older self decades down the years, it's this book I'll save up. :)
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A selection of many short stories and comic strips which are divided under these categories: Love, Attitude and Self-Esteem, Overcoming Obstacles, Marriage, Motherhood, Special moments, Living Your Dream, Aging, Higher Wisdom, and finally Across the Generations.
The stories are so inspiring; and what's funny is that I probably wouldn't have picked this book up at the bookstore myself; I mean neither the cover nor the title is eye-catching.. so thanks for my book club for suggesting this. It was a very nice read =) -
This is a "Chicken Soup" I have revisited many times over the past 21 years. Initially, this edition found me two days after my son was born with serious medical issues. I felt it call to me again and just had to reread it. The short story "Asking for Miracles" holds a special place in my heart. In it, a mother described her experience of praying for her adult son as he fought for his life. Those prayers became my own. Her example of pacing, volume, praising-became part of me. This book is filled with stories that both inspire and make me laugh. It will always be one of my favorite editions.
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Full of wonderful true stories from other women. I read this book many years ago when feeling less happy with myself and my life. Many of the stories struck a chord and helped me move on. Well worth a read if you looking for support and inspiration.
NOTE: Having a box of tissues handy would be a good idea when reading some of the stories. -
This book will always be very special to me because it was given to me by my mom when I was hospitalized with my first pregnancy.
The stories were very heartwarming. I highly recommend this book to all women. -
This book was just what I needed during a difficult year when I didn't have time to read. The stories are brief and uplifting. Some made me ponder, others made me cry, still others make me smile.
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I love all chicken soup books
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Just what I needed.
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I found this book in a small, used book shop in Brighton. It was in a bin outside and only cost one pound. Normally, I would never have picked it, but I scanned the first story and thought "Why not?"
I really loved it. There was not a single story I did not enjoy, and I found many of the stories really powerful. I will list below my favorite stories from the book.
My only problem was the constant religious language. Just not something I am personally interested in. But it was the 90s, so I can't expect anything different.
On Love
The White Gardenia
On Attitude And Self Esteem
Grandma Ruby
Overcoming Obstacles
If There's A Will
And Justice Has Been Served
My Father's Lessons
Who to Believe?
On Marriage
Lost and Found
Grandpa's Valentine
On Motherhood
It Will Change Your Life
Special Moments
Who Won?
Live Your Dream
The Wind Beneath Her Wings
A Room of One's Own
On Aging
A Romance of the 90's For Those in Their 70s
Higher Wisdom
Let it Be (my personal favorite of the entire book)
Connection
Across The Generations
Walking One Another Home
Tribute to Dad -
It was enjoyable to read a book where I didnât have to carve out time to read from beginning to end because it was chock full of short stories and excerpts that you can read as you felt called to. I found myself reading a few in the morning when I woke up, while waiting for lunch to cook, in the evening waiting for the kids to get ready for bedâŚjust delightful to pick it up and add a little light inspiration to my day whenever I wanted to.
It was the perfect kind of book to pepper in bits of inspirational reminders throughout the day.
I loved the diversity of stories, from heartwarming love tales about older married couples and the innocence of children, to powerful moments in womenâs lives and miracles that made you remember how amazing life can show up for you. Although not every little tale captured my interest, I did enjoy seeing shares and glimpses of old letters and unconventional relationships and everything that make life beautiful when we share it with others.
It really was like chicken soup! Highly recommended to keep on your bookshelf for those times you need a boost or a reminder that there is good in this world. -
Chicken soup series is the best.
The stories in the series are sometimes hear-warming, mind-blowing, and so tender that they make us question ourselves, doubt our perspectives, help us change, make us believe in change. The stories are not just stories they are a life lived and lessons learned, experiences earned, memories made. This collection of different stories from people across the globe and putting them together in forms of context allowing us to take more experiences and lessons from the way others lived.
Not just this book, but the other Chicken soup book that I read also made me feel the same way. I'm in love with these short and delicate stories.
There's this story, where a student asks her teacher, " Where do the mermaids stand?" when they were asked to divide into 3 groups- a Giant, a Wizard or a Dwarf. That's the one that caught my attention the most. Where do the mermaids stand? All the mermaids- all those who are different, who do not fit the norm, and who do not accept the available boxes and pigeonholes? All the ones who do not fit in the already named three groups, who do not want to be in that three groups? I thought, yeah! why not? why should I be someone to choose only between those that are already there when I think I do not fit, I can make myself a new identity and live with all the dignity, right? WOW! that's really is amazing.
You should definitely read it! I took time to read this, I didn't just read it in one sitting. I allowed myself to take all that there is to take. And it didn't disappoint me. -
12/2020đ
Chicken Soup for the Womanâs Soul
Jack Canfield (main editor)
I know about the Chicken Soup for the Soul series when I was a schoolgirl looking for something to read in the school library, and I saw a copy of Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul; then I found out that I liked it so much that I copied some of the quotes in the book in my diary.
I found this gem at a bookfair almost four years back. Bought it as a present for muself but somehow it gets on my to-be-read pile and I just got around to reading it.
As it always is with a compilation of stories, there are stories that gets to you more than the others. Some might say this book is a bit biased because most of the stories revolve around women who are mothers or grandmothers. That might be a way to see it..since a lot of the contributors are women.
A comfy and easy read for a weekend, though I finished this in a few weekdays. đ
My personal rating: 3.5âď¸/5âď¸ -
You'll find excerpts from Leo Buscaglia, Oprah Winfrey, Kathie Lee Gifford, Maya Angelou, and Dolly Parton to name a few. For example, Leo talks about his mother being the heart of the home and cooking her Italian Minestrone Soup. So very touching. Oprah encourages and exhorts us to 'be the kind of woman who in the face of adversity will continue to embrace life and walk fearlessly toward the challenge. Kathie Lee's story of Stacey Nasalroad will move you to tears, while Dolly's memory of singing on the Opry will cause your own self to believe in your dreams! This is a beautiful, inspiring book so excellent for gift giving.
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I have read a few books from Chicken soup series at different stages in my life and every time they have been relatable and comforting. This book is no different. This one is designed to cater to a woman's soul.
The categories the stories have been put in are to make sure anyone who picks it up finds a story to related to and enjoy, reminisce.
There are stories that made me smile, some left me sad and some brought tears to my eyes. These books are roller coaster of emotions. If you are looking for comfort, warmth, hope or even assurance give this book a try. You might just find what you are looking for. -
One story was also put in Chicken Soup for the Teenage's Soul. I wonder how this happened?
Many stories were added with 'magical incident' that I highly doubted really happened.
Some others stories were about dead people who supposedly good and kind, but it was hard to feel anything about those beloved people because the readers had zero attachment with the characters.
Well not all of the stories were boring, but overall I couldn't wait to put it down. Or maybe this was just not my cup of tea. -
Love love love! This has everything. Just page after page after page of every good ingredient that a good chicken soup must have.
I have read this many times over the years and I will always re visit this book.
Perfect for a motivation, perfect for inspiration, perfect for all the feels.
Hello Book Buddies đ¸ I hate self help books. Don't for one moment think this is that,its not. It will surprise and uplift your spirits. -
Iâve never read a book full of hope and a lot of emotions like this one. I fell in love with it from the first pages. Favorite quote
âThey were my marks of life. All of us are scarred by life; it's just that some of those scars show more clearly than others. Our scars do matter. They tell us that we have lived, that we haven't hidden from life. When we see our scars plainly, we can find in them, as I did that day, our own unique beautyâ. -
Es un libro ameno, con varias historias breves y emotivas, me gusto porque tuve oportunidad de leer varias de ellas con mi hija de nueve aĂąos. Son historias que te ayudan a hacer varias reflexiones sobre valores como fortaleza, dignidad, amor, tolerancia, aceptaciĂłn, perseverancia, empatĂa. Hubo algunas historias tan emotivas que me hicieron llorar.
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I can't remember why I loved it as a kid but picking it up because of that nostalgia, again, at the age of 24, turned out to be a big mistake. I totally detest this book, couldn't finish it this time. All stories about married woman and their married life, their children and husband. A lot of things are really wrong with the book.
