The Book of (Even More) Awesome: Junk Drawers, Puppy Breath, the Smell of Sizzling Bacon, and Other Simple, Brilliant Things

The Book of Awesome #2

by Neil Pasricha

From the bestselling author of The Book of Awesome , You Are Awesome , and the award-winning, multimillion-hit b log 1000 Awesome Things comes even more of the little things that make us smile every day!

Neil Pasricha is back with a collection of hundreds more awesome things from the website, as well as never-before-seen extraordinary moments that deserve

• Letting go of the gas pump perfectly so you end on a round number
• When a baby falls asleep on you
• When your pet notices you’re in a bad mood and comes to see you
• Pulling a weed and getting all the roots with it
• When your windshield wipers match the beat of the song you’re listening to
• When the hiccups stop
• The smooth feeling on your teeth when you get your braces off
• Driving from a rough road onto a smooth one
• When the person you’re meeting is even later than you are
• That guy who helps you parallel park

There’s even space for you to write your very own Awesome Things in the back. Because couldn’t we all use (even more) awesome?

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Humor, Psychology, Inspirational, Canada, Adult

400 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

Hey Goodreads peeps,

Pass me a drink. Let's chill on the ripped couch at the back. I love this place. Book lovers are my favorite people. (And my favorite lovers.)

My name is Neil Pasricha (pass-REACH-ah) and I'm the New York Times / #1 int'l (blah blah blah!) bestselling author of ten books on living an intentional life including THE BOOK OF AWESOME (gratitude), THE HAPPINESS EQUATION (happiness), TWO-MINUTE MORNINGS (habits), and the poorly-titled YOU ARE AWESOME (resilience.) My books are published in a lot of languages I can't read and sold a couple million more copies than anyone was expecting.

My background? Well, trust me: Nobody expected me to be writer. Least of all me. My parents aren't jazz trumpet players and watercolorists who raised me in Manhattan. They're hardcore Indian immigrants from Punjab and Nairobi who arrived in Canada scraping to get by. I was supposed to be a doctor! That was the life plan. But after my wife left me and my best friend took his own life in my late 20s I started a blog to cheer myself up. That blog was called 1000awesomethings.com and basically turned into everything else I've done and am doing.

If you want to hang out without social media algorithms in between us (no offence, algorithms! please don't punish my search results!) then join the thousands and thousands of good-hearted kindred spirits globally who get my newsletters. I put a lot of work into my newsletters -- they're sort of my weird digital babies -- and they contain my book recommendations, my new articles, my podcasts, and, of course, my daily awesome things (which I've been writing for 15 years now!). Sign up at www.neil.blog/newsletters

Hit me up if you wanna be friends! I love this clunky old site because it feels like my old hometown library somehow.

Shall we both get back to reading now?

XOXOXO

Neil
neil@globalhappiness.org

Reviews

[Megan Baxter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prepare for some classic damning-with-faint-praise.

This book is okay. There are mild smiles of recognition, occasional vague warm fuzzies, some confused "huh?s" Why I bothered to pick it up after the first one, I'll never know, because it is much of the same.

Note: The rest of this review has been withdrawn due to the changes in Goodreads policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this decision here.

In the meantime, you can read the entire review at Smorgasbook

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was AWESOME.

Literally. Flip to any page, any at all, and you get something awesome. Don't believe me? I'll flip to 5 random pages and write down the heading. 5 random pages to prove the awesomness in this book:

1. That one email account you use for all your spam

2. When two cookies melt together in the oven

3. Accidently doing something really good in sports
And this one especially applies to me since as a clumsy girl who is always the last to be picked, it is the best feeling in the world when I actually score a goal or shoot a basket

4. Walking into class and seeing a substitute teacher

5. Correctly guessing the actor voicing the animated movie character

All 5 of the above are pretty awesome things that actually happen in our lives! It may not seem like something that incredibly special but when it happens, there is no denying that it is pretty hell awesome.

Neil reminds us that those little things we do that make us smile, are awesome! In a world like ours, where bad news and sadness happens all the time, it is nice to remember some of the little awesome things. Like that warm pizza box on your lap, a day with your mom and when you become a regular somewhere.

It is a light read. But I think that is why I loved it. I didn't have to use my brain too much, I didn't really have to think. I just had to enjoy the contents because a large majority of them happened to me once and it brought back good memories.

I could flip to any page and be delighted with an entry. I laughed at almost every page and now I always try to add a bit more awesome-ness into my life.

Would this be classified as non-fiction? If so, it was great! Hmmm, maybe I can convince my English teacher to let me do my report on this book ;)

Great for light reading on trips and such. Just pick it up, flip to any page, read the entry and go back to the book whenever you feel like.

I haven't read the first book but I really enjoyed this, so I will go out and buy it as soon as I can!

Some of my favorite entries include:

~ The last couple of hours before the weekend: Who doesn't love that feeling when you know that in only a few hours, the final bell will ring and school will be over until Monday!

~ Taking off your glasses or contact lenses after a long day: For some of you with perfect vision, you'll never have to know this feeling. But let me tell you, it feels good. After a whole day wearing my glasses, to take them off just feels amazing and awesome!

~ Seeing old people hold hands: Whenever I see that, I just feel a wave of happiness and admiration for the couple. I just love it because it makes me believe that when you find true love, it really does last. Sweet and mushy and totally awesome!

The Huffington Post described it best, "Pasricha doesn't mandate a way to live well. In many simple ways, he just reminds us that we already do"

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing I like about snow (esp. driving in snow) is when I get the chance to kick the big snow clumps off of the mud flaps of the car.

I'm so happy someone else thinks it is as awesome as I do.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to rate this book as 5 star because of all of the smiles and good memories it brought back as I read it! Totally great read. Fun, sweet and totally goofy.

[Mitchell Clifford · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book suffers from similar issues of the first where the content gets extremely repetitive very quickly. Also, this book in particular with some of the “awesome moments” and comments had me questioning the target audience.

[Tabetha C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me smile - something I needed to do because of the last two weeks. It was easy to read, and one of the benefits was the ease of being able to pick it up and put it down whenever I needed to go off and do something.

Neil Pasricha reminded me that I need to stop and take pleasure in the simple things of life. There are so many wonderful things around me, and I need to acknowledge them.

AWESOME!

[Hemavathy DM Suppiah-Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Allison boozy bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

The purpose of this book is right on target. The author puts forth a commendable effort in trying to focus on the small and positive things in life. I related to just about every “awesome” entry, and I found myself smiling as I recalled some of the universal happiness “truths” in this tome of thankfulness. Yes, I indeed enjoy: putting on my most flattering pair of pants, contemplating my Almost Name, eating cookies like Cookie Monster, and seeing shapes in clouds. However, I must now lower the boom on these cookies and rainbows.

I was annoyed with Pasricha’s writing. I kept reminding myself that the author is an adult, because the entries were written in such an immature manner. Basically, I felt like I was in the presence of an eight-year-old motormouth kicking the leg of my dinner table while spilling food everywhere. Also, the author’s penchant for throwing in random poetry felt a little lame, a little forced, like he was trying to give the commentary more punch than necessary. I related to several awesome tidbits from this book but grew bored with it very quickly. I have not read the first book and I don’t think I will after reading this sequel.

After reading this book, the following became very obvious to me. If Neil Pasricha can successfully publish and sell books that rely on nothing but readers’ inherent nostalgia, I realize that I should have already published something by now!

[Chipper · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a quick, light-hearted read that attempts to convey a number of fun and/or interesting things that make you smile. Though I agreed with many of the "awesome" topics covered in the book, I felt the list belonged better as a series of tweets, facebook posts, or blog entries than an actual book. When I later learned that the author actually maintains a just such a blog, I felt I had been somewhat cheated. I honestly can't justify the list price, let alone the $13 discounted price for something that you can simply subscribe to in an RSS feed. Overall, I just wasn't a fan but clearly there are plenty out there since the title of the book suggests it is a sequel and so many of my fellow Goodreaders seem to like it so much.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neil has done it again! His Book of Even More Awesome delivers the same wit, charm, perspective, laughter and heartfelt warm-fuzzies that the first one did...and then some. You absolutely cannot go wrong by buying this book for yourself or as a gift for someone else. I can't help but smile when I read his work -- The Book of Even More Awesome had me grinning from ear-to-ear with the turn of every page. Buy it and delight in the amazing, uplifting and optimistic collection of even MORE awesome things. This book goes beyond home run -- it's a grand slam!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick & easy read. many entries made me smile. Who doesn't love stepping on crunchy leaves or the sound of barely frozen puddles cracking when you step on them? I thought I was the only one that experiences a feeling of happiness while peeling that sticky glue off the back of your new credit card! Seriously, is there any feeling better in the world than when the hiccups stop? I think not. Any bigger feeling of accomplishment than when you place the last piece in a puzzle? Ummm...maybe only when you open a book to the exact page you were looking for.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the first book, but this one caught my eye as I wandered the library last month. Who couldn't use a little awesome in their lives? As someone who really relishes the little things in life, I found myself smiling quite often at the creative and clever passages presented in this collection.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read many of the stories behind the headings...usually I had my own thoughts/memories about the situation. But it really made me stop to think about what tiny things in life, if I stop long enough to notice them, truly make life sweeter. I wrote down some of my own things that are "awesome" to me.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book...a quick read and full of all sorts of "awesome" things to brighten your day.
Who doesn't love to kick that big chunk of ice off the mudflap? Or get the last bite of anything? Or start a road trip with a bunch of car snacks, mix tapes, the anticipation of reaching your destination, and best of all, an empty bladder? This book makes me smile.

[Brandi Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you read Neil's blog this is a bit repetitive but still fun. I loved perusing the pages and reading all of the little bits and goodies of fun & daily things that we quite often forget bring us magic.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short entries that focus on the little things that make life awesome. I love the sheer variety of the entries and the author's uplifting writing style.

This one of those books for everybody, especially readers who usually just stick to magazines as you can pick it up an enjoy it from any point.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

WAY BETTER THEN THE FIRST!!!!!

[Mercede · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adds a happy outlook to the simple,little things in life

[Devika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It made me so happy, and joyful.

[Corrie's Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this in November. Only just getting to close it out now

Just a book of small things one would consider awesome. Always a good time to see what people think are awesome.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could copy and paste my review from The Book of Awesome and it be more or less accurate. The topics in this book were slightly more interesting (less focused on the perspective from a 9-5 lifestyle), but the style was a bit more hammy. It also seemed like Neil Pasricha wrote more anecdotes and weird tangents in this installment. Some of the topics were interesting but felt like such a missed opportunity. But it's still a quick, enjoyable read. Spent a few nights flipping the pages way later than I should've.

[Nakul Menon · Rating 3 out of 5]

When life becomes overwhelming at times books like these help people to relax and be thankful for the little moments that make up their lives.

I am surprised with the amount of comments that say this book is not worth being published as a book and rather should have stayed a blog. but I think the opposite The book of awesome and the books such as this should be read in a physical book because it has the capacity to make you feel good,
Bring up nostalgic memories and make your appreciate new little things in life which you haven't tried before.

[Katie Markle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book written by an author who finds the joy in the little things. Sometimes it is difficult to see the positive things in your life, but this book helps you see that there will always be good things in life. "The Book of (Even More) Awesome" is not difficult to read and is great for all ages! If you are feeling blue, or you just want a quick and fun read, this is perfect for you.

[Dania · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a LONG time since I've picked up a book by Neil Pasricha... I remember reading "The Book of Awesome" back in high school, and the ever flowing current of optimism and hope was wondrous!

Same thing with this book too, some AWESOME things I didn't agree with like puppy breath- I don't own a puppy so of course I can't relate, but the pet snuggling when you're upset would definitely be AWESOME, when I do own a cat/kitten one day! 😊

AWESOME!!!!!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, if you haven’t watched his TedTalk please stop
Now and take care of that. I promise it is a life changer. The concept behind this book is so simple yet mood changing. I found myself laughing and saying yes that is AWESOME. Maybe I’ll take a picture everyday next year of my awesome thing and put together a personal book of awesome. Very positive and encouraging.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joys. "Finding something you lost a long time ago after you already gave up looking for it." "When a baby falls asleep on you." "When a cop finally passes you after driving behind you for a while. "When you learn a new word and then suddenly start seeing it everywhere." "Eating anything from your own garden."

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the original, but still some gems in this book - "head nodders" for sure. As some other reviewers have noted, I, too, could have done without the rhyming after the first few incidents. I fun book to pick up if you're feeling a little low or overwhelmed. There are still things to feel happy about. Awesome.

[Cacey Cottrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished rereading this book after a really long time and while there were some close repetitions from the first book, it still slapped. Maybe the one thing that hit me was how some of these ‘awesome’ things are kind of done-away with due to the increasing pace of technology, but even that was pretty, well, awesome!

[Kenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I think it’s a great reminder of the good things about life. Some things are unrelatable, but we are all living different lives. I think this is a good book for when dealing with depression ( other than the last pages) because it reminds you of the good things in life no matter how small. There are also plenty of humorous elements which I enjoyed.

[Ezrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sure, it was painful as painful can be, but we need to grieve, we need to let emotions overcome us, and we need to choose to walk toward those bright lights in the distance. Even if those lights seem pretty far away."

Thank you for this piece.