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Chicken Soup for the College Soul: Inspiring and Humorous Stories About College
Offers advice and counsel on everything from homesickness to partying to grades.
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
68 people are currently reading
1031 people want to read
About the author
Jack Canfield
1,292 books1,753 followersJack Canfield is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, which currently has over 124 titles and 100 million copies in print in over 47 languages. According to USA Today, Canfield and his writing partner, Mark Victor Hansen, were the top-selling authors in the United States in 1997.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 1, 2016
As with all books that are collections of short stories, essays, and musings, there are a few exceptional pieces that stand out from the crowd.
Stories recognized for best work and personal favorites:
1. 819 Gaffield Place by Michele Bender
2. Hani by Jamie Winship
3. Making the Grade by Varda One
I originally was going to post my top five favorite stories, but I couldn't find two more that resonated with me just as much as these three did. 819 Gaffield Place now has a permanent place in my heart because the story gives me hope that I will find the same feeling of home the character finds away at school, as well.
Stories that may not have earned a best-work title, yet deserves recognition for any number of reasons:
+From a previous reader: Common ground by Megan Narcini - A girl shares how she bonded with her dorm-mates over the Chicken Soup books. I wonder... I feel less people would carry these books to college with them now.
+The Wonder Years by Hugh Gallagher - A boy shares his college admissions essays, listing a whole host of exaggerated and false achievements.
+Good-bye, Mr. Blib by Beth Mullally - This one earns a spot for its creative title.
+The "No-Hug" Rule by Cheryl Costello-Forshey - Rather than the traditional essay or story you would read here, this one is poetry.
+Breakdown of Family traced to Psych. 1 Student by Beth Mullally - I greatly enjoyed this entertaining story, especially since I get the psychology references.
+There is this one quote on page 132 that is not part of the larger story, but serves as a sort of prelude. "This is the place where I learned to live this life, to curse this life, and to claim this life for my very own," Jodie Foster.
+The Wicker Chair by Eva Rosenburg - This is another humorous story, one that just made me smile.
+Library Science by Jenna McCarthy - I don't know what this is, a parody, maybe? but it makes me very happy.
+Angels on a Pin (101 Ways to Use a Barometer) by Alexander Calandra - A greatly enjoyable piece, I feel another teacher would give the student an A just for creativity and thinking outside the box.
+Reverse Living by Norman Glass - I always somewhat thought like this. Somewhat.
+Of Mice and Maintenance Men by Lisa Levenson
+Work for Your Supper by Arlene Green - Both Mice and Maintenance Men and Work for your Supper gave me the same positive feelings, and both were humorous.
This book was finished earlier than I was expecting. Filter pages at the end, that weren't part of any story, made the book seem like it was going to go on. When I turned the page of the last story, I had the reaction of: Wait, what? That was the end? Nooo...! All of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books are ones you just gently hold in your hands in awe and reverence.
I gave Chicken Soup for the College Soul only four stars due to the fact that I was much more inspired by the series when I first read the Chicken Soup for the Teen Soul back in middle school. No need to doubt, though. This book has a permanent place in my bags when it comes time to leave for college.
Stories recognized for best work and personal favorites:
1. 819 Gaffield Place by Michele Bender
2. Hani by Jamie Winship
3. Making the Grade by Varda One
I originally was going to post my top five favorite stories, but I couldn't find two more that resonated with me just as much as these three did. 819 Gaffield Place now has a permanent place in my heart because the story gives me hope that I will find the same feeling of home the character finds away at school, as well.
Stories that may not have earned a best-work title, yet deserves recognition for any number of reasons:
+From a previous reader: Common ground by Megan Narcini - A girl shares how she bonded with her dorm-mates over the Chicken Soup books. I wonder... I feel less people would carry these books to college with them now.
+The Wonder Years by Hugh Gallagher - A boy shares his college admissions essays, listing a whole host of exaggerated and false achievements.
+Good-bye, Mr. Blib by Beth Mullally - This one earns a spot for its creative title.
+The "No-Hug" Rule by Cheryl Costello-Forshey - Rather than the traditional essay or story you would read here, this one is poetry.
+Breakdown of Family traced to Psych. 1 Student by Beth Mullally - I greatly enjoyed this entertaining story, especially since I get the psychology references.
+There is this one quote on page 132 that is not part of the larger story, but serves as a sort of prelude. "This is the place where I learned to live this life, to curse this life, and to claim this life for my very own," Jodie Foster.
+The Wicker Chair by Eva Rosenburg - This is another humorous story, one that just made me smile.
+Library Science by Jenna McCarthy - I don't know what this is, a parody, maybe? but it makes me very happy.
+Angels on a Pin (101 Ways to Use a Barometer) by Alexander Calandra - A greatly enjoyable piece, I feel another teacher would give the student an A just for creativity and thinking outside the box.
+Reverse Living by Norman Glass - I always somewhat thought like this. Somewhat.
+Of Mice and Maintenance Men by Lisa Levenson
+Work for Your Supper by Arlene Green - Both Mice and Maintenance Men and Work for your Supper gave me the same positive feelings, and both were humorous.
This book was finished earlier than I was expecting. Filter pages at the end, that weren't part of any story, made the book seem like it was going to go on. When I turned the page of the last story, I had the reaction of: Wait, what? That was the end? Nooo...! All of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books are ones you just gently hold in your hands in awe and reverence.
I gave Chicken Soup for the College Soul only four stars due to the fact that I was much more inspired by the series when I first read the Chicken Soup for the Teen Soul back in middle school. No need to doubt, though. This book has a permanent place in my bags when it comes time to leave for college.
November 11, 2012
Another great edition of the College Soup for the Soul Series. I really enjoyed this book. Some of the stories made me cry, some made me laugh, and some made me really think about the important things in life during our college years. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who is in college or is soon to be entering college.
May 10, 2017
Many of the stories in this chicken soup book really fell flat for me. In other editions (mostly the teenage ones) there's usually some that I personally do not enjoy, but I felt like this book had a lot more ones I just didn't like.
That being said, I really enjoyed some of the stories! I will be starting college within the next two years or so and it was nice to be able to hear what other people have to say about their experiences. A few stories were especially relatable, uplifting, and or moving and for that reason, I am rating this a 3 to account for the good and the not-so-good parts of this book.
I would recommend this for someone starting college or graduating high school.
That being said, I really enjoyed some of the stories! I will be starting college within the next two years or so and it was nice to be able to hear what other people have to say about their experiences. A few stories were especially relatable, uplifting, and or moving and for that reason, I am rating this a 3 to account for the good and the not-so-good parts of this book.
I would recommend this for someone starting college or graduating high school.
June 10, 2024
Was given this book to ease any anxiety I had from going into college
Made me more anxious because it basically gave no advice for men
Some of the stories were cool and I liked the section about tragedy and stuff
Cant hate too much just wasn’t for me
Would definitely recommend this to my middle class white daughter who probably won’t go to college 🏫🏫🏫
Made me more anxious because it basically gave no advice for men
Some of the stories were cool and I liked the section about tragedy and stuff
Cant hate too much just wasn’t for me
Would definitely recommend this to my middle class white daughter who probably won’t go to college 🏫🏫🏫
April 23, 2014
Chicken Soup for the College Soul is a collection of short stories by different authors that are all inspirational and humerus in their own way. Author Dan Clark shares his story called "Never Too Old to Live Your Dream". It's about him meeting a remarkable woman that convinced many people that they are never to old to go back to school and to follow their dream. In this story their is a woman named Rose, who is 87 years old that is in a college chemistry class. In Dan's opinion, the woman is to old to be attending a university, which is where the authors humerus tone falls into play and wants to know what motivated her to take on such a challenge at her age. The enthusiasm of this woman is what makes the story have a great usage of an inspirational tone.
The author demonstrates persuasive writing by including the speeches given by Rose that explains why she is in school. On page 291 it says, " We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young,being happy and achieving success. You have to laugh to find humor each and every day. "You've got to have a dream. When you loose your dreams,you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and they don't even know it!" This part of Rose's speech, not only reassured Dan, but many others at the banquet to always live their dream no matter how old they are. The last thing Rose said in her speech was on page 292," the only people that fear death is those with regrets". This showed how courageous and passionate she was about the students succeeding in life and doing what ever their heart desires. The shows an inspiring woman that wants everyone to succeed in life and follow their dreams.
This is a great story to share during a mini-lesson and teach persuasive writing. Students can discuss what their goals/dreams are in the future and persuade the other students why these goals are so important. Students can take turns sharing their plans for the future and what they hope to accomplish. We can also share ideas about this passage and ask each other, what does Rose mean when she says, "We have so many people walking around who are dead and they don't even know it".
The author demonstrates persuasive writing by including the speeches given by Rose that explains why she is in school. On page 291 it says, " We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young,being happy and achieving success. You have to laugh to find humor each and every day. "You've got to have a dream. When you loose your dreams,you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and they don't even know it!" This part of Rose's speech, not only reassured Dan, but many others at the banquet to always live their dream no matter how old they are. The last thing Rose said in her speech was on page 292," the only people that fear death is those with regrets". This showed how courageous and passionate she was about the students succeeding in life and doing what ever their heart desires. The shows an inspiring woman that wants everyone to succeed in life and follow their dreams.
This is a great story to share during a mini-lesson and teach persuasive writing. Students can discuss what their goals/dreams are in the future and persuade the other students why these goals are so important. Students can take turns sharing their plans for the future and what they hope to accomplish. We can also share ideas about this passage and ask each other, what does Rose mean when she says, "We have so many people walking around who are dead and they don't even know it".
January 22, 2010
How I Came To Read This Book: I believe I bought it for my sister as a high school grad gift.
The Plot: Another collection of heartwarming tales – this time related to all things college: from the perspective of parent, student, teacher, and more.
The Good & The Bad: I have a weird interest in some of the trappings of stereotypical American lifestyle, mostly because I find them kind of bizarre. One of them is the tradition of leaving your family and friends and uprooting yourself to a tiny cell of a room a million miles away, or, going to college. Plus the whole obsessive process of getting into a ‘good’ college is fascinating to me. In Canada, 90% of kids tend to go to one of their local Universities, and it’s no contest to get into them. We also all tend to stay at home until we graduate. So reading this collection gives you a wide range of stories to mull over how strange the whole US college thing really is. It’s also your typical bunch of schmaltzy fluff, but I’d hazard a guess this might be a sweet gift to pack into your kids’ bags when they set off for their own college adventures.
The Bottom Line: Your typical Chicken Soup collection, but focused on one unique element of American culture. Best served to a freshman, or recent grad.
Anything Memorable?: I harassed my sister for years after I bought this for her, claiming she never read it and that I read it before her. I went so far as to send it to her in a care package when she was teaching English in China one summer, to which she claimed she had already read it. Lies.
50-Book Challenge?: Nope.
The Plot: Another collection of heartwarming tales – this time related to all things college: from the perspective of parent, student, teacher, and more.
The Good & The Bad: I have a weird interest in some of the trappings of stereotypical American lifestyle, mostly because I find them kind of bizarre. One of them is the tradition of leaving your family and friends and uprooting yourself to a tiny cell of a room a million miles away, or, going to college. Plus the whole obsessive process of getting into a ‘good’ college is fascinating to me. In Canada, 90% of kids tend to go to one of their local Universities, and it’s no contest to get into them. We also all tend to stay at home until we graduate. So reading this collection gives you a wide range of stories to mull over how strange the whole US college thing really is. It’s also your typical bunch of schmaltzy fluff, but I’d hazard a guess this might be a sweet gift to pack into your kids’ bags when they set off for their own college adventures.
The Bottom Line: Your typical Chicken Soup collection, but focused on one unique element of American culture. Best served to a freshman, or recent grad.
Anything Memorable?: I harassed my sister for years after I bought this for her, claiming she never read it and that I read it before her. I went so far as to send it to her in a care package when she was teaching English in China one summer, to which she claimed she had already read it. Lies.
50-Book Challenge?: Nope.
February 20, 2012
When I was a teen, I used to read these cover to cover. Now I use them more as random stories for when I have short amounts of time.
I liked this, especially as I was graduating. It was a great book for college and would be a good gift for someone graduating high school
I liked this, especially as I was graduating. It was a great book for college and would be a good gift for someone graduating high school
Read
March 26, 2025i liked one of the ones at the end, norman the pig in cinderella, and the woman sweeping the church, “building a cathedral to the glory of God.” they would not see it finished, but it would not be finished if they did not start it…
feel like i’ve heard those before
started this my freshman year of college, i think. finished it now. probably would’ve been more effective if i hadn’t read the vast majority of it in like the second half of my last semester, but oh well.
i don’t know how i feel about it being over. i thought i would feel accomplished, but i just feel kinda sad. i
i’m gonna be a wreck when i graduate, won’t i? thus far i’ve not really thought about it too much, i’ve had too much to do and i’ve just kept going. but tonight, i have homework, yes, but i was studious the past two nights and i’m ahead in some classes and where i should be in the rest, there’s only one i’m behind in. and today was the last of something, and now this book is done… and i am left with my thoughts, and my feelings, and everything is ending. i don’t know what my life will look like after this, but i know it will not be the same. i finally feel like i’m getting college figured out, and now i’m leaving and it’s collapsing behind me.
i just… i’m sad, dawg. i’m saying dawg to lighten the mood, but man, i’m sad. college…
feel like i’ve heard those before
started this my freshman year of college, i think. finished it now. probably would’ve been more effective if i hadn’t read the vast majority of it in like the second half of my last semester, but oh well.
i don’t know how i feel about it being over. i thought i would feel accomplished, but i just feel kinda sad. i
i’m gonna be a wreck when i graduate, won’t i? thus far i’ve not really thought about it too much, i’ve had too much to do and i’ve just kept going. but tonight, i have homework, yes, but i was studious the past two nights and i’m ahead in some classes and where i should be in the rest, there’s only one i’m behind in. and today was the last of something, and now this book is done… and i am left with my thoughts, and my feelings, and everything is ending. i don’t know what my life will look like after this, but i know it will not be the same. i finally feel like i’m getting college figured out, and now i’m leaving and it’s collapsing behind me.
i just… i’m sad, dawg. i’m saying dawg to lighten the mood, but man, i’m sad. college…
October 22, 2025
Bought this book when I was in college but left it in my hometown. I only managed to read it after working for several years.
I used to love Chicken Soup’s writing style, but I feel like it’s changed (or maybe I have). I found this one pretty boring and just wanted to finish it as soon as possible (not in a good way). I guess I just couldn’t relate to most of the stories anymore.
That said, it still carries the familiar messages: keep dreaming, stay persistent and resilient, and always follow your heart.
I used to love Chicken Soup’s writing style, but I feel like it’s changed (or maybe I have). I found this one pretty boring and just wanted to finish it as soon as possible (not in a good way). I guess I just couldn’t relate to most of the stories anymore.
That said, it still carries the familiar messages: keep dreaming, stay persistent and resilient, and always follow your heart.
September 24, 2024
Unsurprisingly, this Chicken Soup entry largely declines to deal with the less than G-rated realities of college.
Additionally, the audience for this book doesn’t seem to be actual college kids. Rather, Chicken Soup for the College Soul feels aimed at anxious, religious suburban parents who want reassurance that the adult, secular forces of university won’t necessarily corrupt their sheltered child.
Additionally, the audience for this book doesn’t seem to be actual college kids. Rather, Chicken Soup for the College Soul feels aimed at anxious, religious suburban parents who want reassurance that the adult, secular forces of university won’t necessarily corrupt their sheltered child.
December 19, 2025
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 ���𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘪 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘛𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘴, 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴. 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘧𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘪𝘹@𝘨𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘶𝘱𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘥 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦. 𝘐 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘞𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵.
September 22, 2021
Most of the stories are amazing. But there's a particular one that I love, this one made me realize that despite of the busy life college would bring never lose yourself. And because of this I want to take a break after graduating high school and find out what's really best for me and my future. Chicken Soup books are really therapeutic.
January 3, 2022
3 stars. I wanted to read this before I started my final semester and this book wouldn’t apply anymore. Some of the books perspectives didn’t always age well or I didn’t connect with it at all. But I love this kinda book because it makes you feel less alone in the world and reminds us how normal we all are.
February 22, 2022
An inspiring book that has made me laugh and cry at the same time! One of the few books you can relate to when living and having lived the college experience. I recommend this to anyone who is in their last year of high school, as well as starting and ending college, or for anyone who wants to reminisce it.
May 21, 2018
Like all Chicken Soups, it was amazing. There are so many different stories, so many different truths, some funny, some sad, some heart-warming. If you are on your way to college, in college, or just out of college, this is a book for you!!
July 27, 2021
This book is good for student who starting college as income Freshman. Not as transfer student going to college. These stories are not transfer students who starting college. This book has great stories and some that not great.
January 3, 2022
I'm currently in College, and let me tell you, College in the pandemic sucks. Although some stories fell short, this book gave me that pat in the back like things are gonna be alright but it will take some time.
March 13, 2018
Some good stories. I especially like Dave Berry's wit.
June 25, 2018
I guess I just got bored with it
December 18, 2020
book of collection of good stories and essays that are all inspirational and humerus in their own way.
January 16, 2023
This book was just OK. I felt like some of the stories were very simple and didn’t really give good advice. It wasn’t as good as the teenage version I remember reading in middle school.
Want to read
June 1, 2025Cutting is for The No Hug Rule
By Cheryl Costello-Forshey
By Cheryl Costello-Forshey
January 26, 2024
got this as a gift before starting college. very fun, and just honestly an easy read. not great, but i gave it a 3 because it served its purpose correctly.
April 17, 2013
Once, a long long time ago, I went to college. And now I'm thinking about going back. So it seemed fitting that I read this book. Having somehow collected an unbelievable amount of Chicken Soup for the Soul books, I'm pretty convinced there is one for every subject, and this one just happens to be for the "College Soul". Although I'm not sure what college these people went to, because their experiences sure weren't like mine.
The Chicken Soup for the Soul series deals in inspiring, heartwarming, and sometimes sad stories about human perseverance and kindness. They are short stories, just enough to read a couple a night or sit down and read the whole book in one sitting because it does read fast. This particular book is supposed to be about college, and there are a lot of college stories here detailing feeling overwhelmed at starting, dorm rooms, roommates, grades, and other such things you would associate. There's the requisite story about drugs being bad and to avoid them on campus and stories of parents pride at seeing their kids go off to get their education. And then there's just some random stories that have nothing to do with college at all, like the one of the mother explaining the meaning of sex to a little girl in a waiting room. That one puzzled me. But there were a few stories I liked, mainly the ones saying that if you try hard enough you can achieve anything, because I do believe that is true.
The majority of the stories in this particular edition of Chicken Soup are positive. The people are mostly kind and want the best for each other or they impart valuable lessons to the reader and the protagonist. But I couldn't really feel connected to any of them. Sorority girls, class presidents, etc., they were all people that wouldn't even deign to talk to me during school let alone be something I had any reasonable hope of achieving. And maybe that makes me a little bitter but I wish there had been more stories about the people who did what they could and got out of there straight into career. More stories about people who went back after figuring out what life had in store for them. Sure there were a few, but it just wasn't enough for me.
This is a Christian publication but religion didn't play much of a role in this one. It mainly just focused on the different educational institutions and their students. I do think it presented an unrealistic view of college. A lot of times people are so busy working and the college classes are so big that close friends can't be made in the college classroom. And roommates never seem to get along as well as they do in this book. But I'm sure they were just trying to provide a positive outlook to a future college student so they wouldn't go screaming in terror at the thought of any negative aspects of their future. It's meant to be sappy. And I do wish they had stuck to just college stories. There were a lot in here that I didn't understand why they were a part of the book, they just didn't fit.
Only an ok book. I don't think it will prepare anyone for college, but for a few it may give them something to reminisce over. And for another few, it may even be inspiring.
Chicken Soup for the College Soul
Copyright 1999
337 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
The Chicken Soup for the Soul series deals in inspiring, heartwarming, and sometimes sad stories about human perseverance and kindness. They are short stories, just enough to read a couple a night or sit down and read the whole book in one sitting because it does read fast. This particular book is supposed to be about college, and there are a lot of college stories here detailing feeling overwhelmed at starting, dorm rooms, roommates, grades, and other such things you would associate. There's the requisite story about drugs being bad and to avoid them on campus and stories of parents pride at seeing their kids go off to get their education. And then there's just some random stories that have nothing to do with college at all, like the one of the mother explaining the meaning of sex to a little girl in a waiting room. That one puzzled me. But there were a few stories I liked, mainly the ones saying that if you try hard enough you can achieve anything, because I do believe that is true.
The majority of the stories in this particular edition of Chicken Soup are positive. The people are mostly kind and want the best for each other or they impart valuable lessons to the reader and the protagonist. But I couldn't really feel connected to any of them. Sorority girls, class presidents, etc., they were all people that wouldn't even deign to talk to me during school let alone be something I had any reasonable hope of achieving. And maybe that makes me a little bitter but I wish there had been more stories about the people who did what they could and got out of there straight into career. More stories about people who went back after figuring out what life had in store for them. Sure there were a few, but it just wasn't enough for me.
This is a Christian publication but religion didn't play much of a role in this one. It mainly just focused on the different educational institutions and their students. I do think it presented an unrealistic view of college. A lot of times people are so busy working and the college classes are so big that close friends can't be made in the college classroom. And roommates never seem to get along as well as they do in this book. But I'm sure they were just trying to provide a positive outlook to a future college student so they wouldn't go screaming in terror at the thought of any negative aspects of their future. It's meant to be sappy. And I do wish they had stuck to just college stories. There were a lot in here that I didn't understand why they were a part of the book, they just didn't fit.
Only an ok book. I don't think it will prepare anyone for college, but for a few it may give them something to reminisce over. And for another few, it may even be inspiring.
Chicken Soup for the College Soul
Copyright 1999
337 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
February 15, 2011
Kumpulan kisah2 unik tentang masa2 transisi menuju dunia kampus, perkuliahan, maupun kelulusan.
Salah 1 yang paling kusuka dan sampai saat ini kuingat adalah kisah Rachel & ayahnya.
Diceritakan bahwa Rachel punya impian untuk kuliah, tetapi jalan satu2nya agar bisa mewujudkannya adalah dengan beasiswa. Ya beasiswa, di keluarganya belum ada yang mampu kuliah. Sepertinya, aku benar2 bisa merasakan kisah ini dalam hidupku sendiri. Hehe...
Rachel suka sekali bermain basket dan ini adalah satu2nya harapannya agar bisa mendapat beasiswa ke perguruan tinggi. Rachel sempat jatuh bangun untuk mewujudkan impiannya tersebut seperti saat guru olah raganya memberitahu bahwa dengan tinggi badannya yang pendek tidak memungkinkannya untuk lolos seleksi beasiswa perguruan tinggi.
Namun ayahnya tak pernah berhenti memotivasinya dengan kata2 yang takkan pernah dia lupakan dalam hidupnya. ~ Jika Impianmu Cukup Besar, Halangannya takkan Berarti ~. Dengan berbekal nasihat dari ayahnya, dia tak pernah berhenti berjuang habis2an agar bisa kuliah dengan tekadnya kuat.
Tanpa disangka2 dalam sebuah pertandingan Kejuaraan California Utara, ternyata ada salah seorang perekrut universitas yang tertarik dengan permainan basketnya. Membuahkan hasil beasiswa yang selalu diimpikannya.
Di akhir kisah, setelah mendapat beasiswa, Rachel harus kehilangan ayahnya yang selalu memotivasinya.
Sungguh Tragis...
~evan yofiyanto~
Salah 1 yang paling kusuka dan sampai saat ini kuingat adalah kisah Rachel & ayahnya.
Diceritakan bahwa Rachel punya impian untuk kuliah, tetapi jalan satu2nya agar bisa mewujudkannya adalah dengan beasiswa. Ya beasiswa, di keluarganya belum ada yang mampu kuliah. Sepertinya, aku benar2 bisa merasakan kisah ini dalam hidupku sendiri. Hehe...
Rachel suka sekali bermain basket dan ini adalah satu2nya harapannya agar bisa mendapat beasiswa ke perguruan tinggi. Rachel sempat jatuh bangun untuk mewujudkan impiannya tersebut seperti saat guru olah raganya memberitahu bahwa dengan tinggi badannya yang pendek tidak memungkinkannya untuk lolos seleksi beasiswa perguruan tinggi.
Namun ayahnya tak pernah berhenti memotivasinya dengan kata2 yang takkan pernah dia lupakan dalam hidupnya. ~ Jika Impianmu Cukup Besar, Halangannya takkan Berarti ~. Dengan berbekal nasihat dari ayahnya, dia tak pernah berhenti berjuang habis2an agar bisa kuliah dengan tekadnya kuat.
Tanpa disangka2 dalam sebuah pertandingan Kejuaraan California Utara, ternyata ada salah seorang perekrut universitas yang tertarik dengan permainan basketnya. Membuahkan hasil beasiswa yang selalu diimpikannya.
Di akhir kisah, setelah mendapat beasiswa, Rachel harus kehilangan ayahnya yang selalu memotivasinya.
Sungguh Tragis...
~evan yofiyanto~
June 25, 2016
Having graduated high school a few months ago, this college edition of Chicken Soup For The Soul was just what I needed. And like many other installments in the Chicken Soup series, there were many heartwarming and memorable stories in this book. A few that stick out are My Star, Work For Your Supper, Emma's Ducks, The Mirror, I Dare You!, A Not-So-Random Act Of Kindness, and Christy's Last Day. In general, the whole book had a feel-good vibe to it that, given all that's been happening in the world lately, is a much needed deviation.
But on the downside, there are many stories that are easy to forget. But that's just a problem with all Chicken Soup books that isn't solely present in the College edition. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and anyone who is a fan of the series (or anyone looking for a nice feel-good read) give it a try. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it makes for good light reading.
(Also, purely from a personal perspective, I felt it was odd that the book's final story (Don't Go!) was a humorous one rather than something to end the book on a serious, ultra heartwarming bang.)
Pros: Heartwarming and memorable stories and good writing.
Cons: Forgettable stories.
But on the downside, there are many stories that are easy to forget. But that's just a problem with all Chicken Soup books that isn't solely present in the College edition. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and anyone who is a fan of the series (or anyone looking for a nice feel-good read) give it a try. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it makes for good light reading.
(Also, purely from a personal perspective, I felt it was odd that the book's final story (Don't Go!) was a humorous one rather than something to end the book on a serious, ultra heartwarming bang.)
Pros: Heartwarming and memorable stories and good writing.
Cons: Forgettable stories.
Read
December 3, 2013Chicken Soup for the College Soul is a recommended read for all college students. This book contained so many short stories that I could relate to. The authors craft for this book would be structure. This book was broken different sections each section with short stories on that topic about college. I liked this because I was able to go to whatever type of college story I wanted to read about just by picking a college category. For example, some of the sections are Love 101, lessons from the classroom, tough stuff and graduation. I felt like this made the book very organized and functional. The actual short stories were direct and got straight to the point which was also good structure. This book can be used to show students the difference between short stories and novels. There were many stories in this book that I could share to help compare the two.
Genre: Short Story collections
Genre: Short Story collections
May 12, 2015
I love all of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Books that I've read. I actually began this one at the beginning of my sophomore year of college and put it down for quite some time. As I began my 2nd year of my masters program, I decided to finish reading it before I was no longer a college student. Of course, I became busy and just took the time to finish the last few entries two nights after I graduated with my masters degree. This book provides so much inspiration and serves as a reminder of how fortunate many of us are. It certainly put things in perspective for me, giving me a good laugh at times while breaking my heart at other times. I definitely recommend this book for those entering college, finishing college, or anyone else who was fond of their college years and is looking for a way to reminisce about their own experiences.
November 13, 2010
I've read a lot of Chicken Soup books, but this is the only one I've read retrospectively, as I'm 5 years removed from college. I'm sure it's a great motivator for incoming college students, but it didn't really reflect my college experience. Instead of presenting the good, the bad, and the ugly, the book focused on the good and only the bad and ugly when a positive spin could be put on them to make them good too.
Too idealistic and 'all is wonderful' for me. I'm not saying I had a bad college experience, far from it, I just don't think this book provides a complete picture of what it's like to be a college student.
Too idealistic and 'all is wonderful' for me. I'm not saying I had a bad college experience, far from it, I just don't think this book provides a complete picture of what it's like to be a college student.
January 18, 2011
I had the opportunity to get this book for a highly discounted price for my Kindle, and I couldn't resist. Like all the 'Chicken Soup' series books, it's a mix of material, that varies widely in quality. Some of it is sad, some is inspiring, and some you want to reread again and again. On the reverse, a few of the included stories are rather dumb. But, overall, it's a great book that covers a variety of college scenarios, and will help give you the courage needed to face the frightening new adventure that is college, and manages to give a few helpful tips and pieces of advice at the same time.
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