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Life's Little Instruction Book: Simple Wisdom and a Little Humor for Living a Happy and Rewarding Life
More than twenty years ago, H. Jackson Brown, Jr. jotted down some words of advice from his own life experience to share with his college-bound son. The compilation was eventually published as Life’s Little Instruction Book, a volume that proved irresistible to millions of readers worldwide and that became the first book in history to be the #1 New York Times Best Seller in both hardcover and paperback at the same time.
The book’s continuing popularity is proof that the simplest observations about life are often the most enlightening.
It turns out that life did come with an instruction manual. Rediscover the simple but profound message of Life’s Little Instruction Book.
The book’s continuing popularity is proof that the simplest observations about life are often the most enlightening.
It turns out that life did come with an instruction manual. Rediscover the simple but profound message of Life’s Little Instruction Book.
- GenresSelf HelpNonfiction
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 13, 1991
70 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
H. Jackson Brown Jr.
77 books751 followersDate of Birth: 1940
H. Jackson Brown, Jr. was an American author best-known for his book Life's Little Instruction Book which was a New York Times bestseller. Before becoming famous as a writer, Brown acted as a creative director of an advertising agency in Nashville, Tennessee. It was simple words of wisdom gathered from other people and his own experiences that made him a best-selling author.
Brown first published A Father's Book of Wisdom, which was quickly followed by P.S. I Love You, a collection of sayings and observations from his father and mother. Both were very popular and led to Life's Little Instruction Book, which was originally written as a going-away present for his college-bound son, Adam. This book contained 511 reminders about "how to live a happy and rewarding life" and became a phenomenal best-seller worldwide. It has logged more than two years on the New York Times best-seller list, including more than a year at the number one spot. Life's Little Instruction Book was the first book to ever occupy the number one spot on the New York Times best-seller list in both paperback and hardback formats simultaneously. Live and Learn and Pass It On followed and also became a New York Times best-seller.
Brown's books have been translated into 35 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. They have spawned calendars, posters, apparel items, daily journals, greeting cards, audiocassettes, screensavers and even fortune cookies. Brown is also said to receive thousands of letters from readers all over the world. Their content ranges from the simple, "I enjoyed your book and I read a page or two every night before I go to bed" to the humbling "your book convinced our family to adopt a special needs child."
Remarking on his books, Jackson has said, "Most of us know what we need to do to make our lives more fulfilled and useful, but sometimes we forget. My little books are gentle reminders of those simple things which, if done well and in a spirit of love, can significantly change our lives."
H. Jackson Brown, Jr. was an American author best-known for his book Life's Little Instruction Book which was a New York Times bestseller. Before becoming famous as a writer, Brown acted as a creative director of an advertising agency in Nashville, Tennessee. It was simple words of wisdom gathered from other people and his own experiences that made him a best-selling author.
Brown first published A Father's Book of Wisdom, which was quickly followed by P.S. I Love You, a collection of sayings and observations from his father and mother. Both were very popular and led to Life's Little Instruction Book, which was originally written as a going-away present for his college-bound son, Adam. This book contained 511 reminders about "how to live a happy and rewarding life" and became a phenomenal best-seller worldwide. It has logged more than two years on the New York Times best-seller list, including more than a year at the number one spot. Life's Little Instruction Book was the first book to ever occupy the number one spot on the New York Times best-seller list in both paperback and hardback formats simultaneously. Live and Learn and Pass It On followed and also became a New York Times best-seller.
Brown's books have been translated into 35 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. They have spawned calendars, posters, apparel items, daily journals, greeting cards, audiocassettes, screensavers and even fortune cookies. Brown is also said to receive thousands of letters from readers all over the world. Their content ranges from the simple, "I enjoyed your book and I read a page or two every night before I go to bed" to the humbling "your book convinced our family to adopt a special needs child."
Remarking on his books, Jackson has said, "Most of us know what we need to do to make our lives more fulfilled and useful, but sometimes we forget. My little books are gentle reminders of those simple things which, if done well and in a spirit of love, can significantly change our lives."
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 5, 2018
نصائح أب لابنه، لتعينه على الحياة.
لا تحتاج لغة انجليزية عالية كي تقرأه، مسل جداً، مفيد كثيراً.
أرى أن لا بد من وجوده بشكل دائم على مكتبي سواء في المنزل أو في العمل.
لا تقرآه دفعه واحدة، تمعن في كل نصيحة وفكر بها بمن حولك وفيك!
يُقرأ ككتاب مرافق لآخر.
لا تحتاج لغة انجليزية عالية كي تقرأه، مسل جداً، مفيد كثيراً.
أرى أن لا بد من وجوده بشكل دائم على مكتبي سواء في المنزل أو في العمل.
لا تقرآه دفعه واحدة، تمعن في كل نصيحة وفكر بها بمن حولك وفيك!
يُقرأ ككتاب مرافق لآخر.
December 4, 2015
لتكن رسالة حياتك ، رسالة كبيرة .
عش ببساطة
فكر بسرعة
اعمل باخلاص
اعط بكرم
اضحك بصوت مرتفع
احب بعمق
ازرع ازهارا اكثر من تلك التي تقطف
تذكر، الحقيقة بسيطة
عندما تدعو الله، ادعُ لوالديك
/
اقتبستُ الكثير والكثير ، سأحافظ على الكتاب في متناول يدي ولن أمل من قرائتها مراراً :)
عش ببساطة
فكر بسرعة
اعمل باخلاص
اعط بكرم
اضحك بصوت مرتفع
احب بعمق
ازرع ازهارا اكثر من تلك التي تقطف
تذكر، الحقيقة بسيطة
عندما تدعو الله، ادعُ لوالديك
/
اقتبستُ الكثير والكثير ، سأحافظ على الكتاب في متناول يدي ولن أمل من قرائتها مراراً :)
November 29, 2019
A kind of book that will blow your mind and remind you with core life values.
At least, you will end up with a list of new challenges!
My favorite quotes:
“Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.”
“Take family vacations whether you can afford them or not. The memories will be priceless.”
“Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.”
“Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.”
At least, you will end up with a list of new challenges!
My favorite quotes:
“Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.”
“Take family vacations whether you can afford them or not. The memories will be priceless.”
“Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.”
“Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.”
September 17, 2013
A great little book. I highly recommend reading it frequently every now and then.
August 12, 2014
Another book I really really loved and really really want to own. It's beyond simple, but that is the beauty of it!
February 10, 2015
الكاتب جاكسون حب يكتب لابنه كم نصيحة بالحياة, طلع معو كتاب من 1532 نصيحة ممتعة لا تتجاوز بضع كلمات أو سطرين
كتاب ممتع وبيورجي تفاصيل جميلة
يُنصح به
كتاب ممتع وبيورجي تفاصيل جميلة
يُنصح به
January 27, 2015
First book of the year, a very good guide, but i consider it as a one time read kinda book.
January 31, 2018
This is a quick, simple read - essentially, it's a giant listicle with 705 tidbits about life. Some of them are outdated or a bit hokey in my opinion, and it is told from the perspective of someone with kids and a wife. But for the most part, the advice is universal and things you may or may not think about a lot. Would make a good gift.
July 7, 2018
I’ve read this book several times and it is always good for a mental “pick-me-up” for when life gets too cray-cray. I find that it regrounds me, freshens up my sense of humor, and helps me to recall what is truly important...
March 14, 2020
This is a book of hundreds of really good tips for life. No explanations, no personal stories, no chapters. It would be really good as a graduation gift in hard copy but not exactly what I was looking for.
April 15, 2018
A must read!
May 20, 2020
Interesting
I liked and found interesting a lot of points as a matter of advice to children one loves. I recommend this book.
I liked and found interesting a lot of points as a matter of advice to children one loves. I recommend this book.
May 4, 2023
It s book yiu can read and take the advices and then read again and take some more . Its a fast read so finished it sooner than expected.
August 1, 2024
A quick read filled with great advice. An excellent gift for special occasions such as graduation, birthday or just another Monday.
March 31, 2025
Thank you, Grams.
October 21, 2025
Literally an instruction book, it actually offers some practical advice which is simply based on life’s experiences, emotions and morals.
January 29, 2026
amazing book to start with....need to remember all the instructions which leads to an awesome life...
August 20, 2013
Its a simple book that simply teach us how to appreciate little things in life & live in a very modest way. It's a good book if you want to see the world in a very light way :)
October 27, 2014
I describe this book as a bit like your grandfather's advice Tumblr. I'm not sure if I'll really remember any of it but I can see it as a popular graduation book.
December 21, 2014
I love how it's very simple to read and gives the best daily dose of inspiration!
April 1, 2025
Cute little book. Some practical, some silly.
Would have liked the ideas to be sorted in some kind of order.
Would have liked the ideas to be sorted in some kind of order.
October 26, 2015
A great instructional book. A must read for everyone who wants to stay on top of their grooming.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews