Random Acts of Kindness Then and Now: The 20th Anniversary of a S (2nd Revised Edition) (2013-02-16) [Paperback]

by Author

Nearly twenty years ago, Conari Press published Random Acts of Kindness , and launched a simple movement--of people being kind to one another in their daily lives.To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Random Acts of Kindness , the editors of Conari Press have compiled Random Acts of Kindness Then and Now , which includes the original book along with new material sourced from Facebook, Twitter, and various other social networks. It combines the best of 21st century crowdsourced wisdom with the best of 20th century social activism.The inspiration for the kindness movement, Random Acts of Kindness is an antidote for a weary world. Its true stories, thoughtful quotations, and suggestions for generosity inspire readers to live more compassionately in this beautiful new edition.This is the ideal gift book for all occasions/ an inspirational gift that inspires readers of all ages. It not only restores reader's faith in humanity, but encourages them to pass that faith along to their friends and neighbors.The original Random Acts of Kindness was name a Best Bet for Educators in 2000 by USA Today .

Genres: Self Help

Paperback

First published February 1, 2013

Reviews

[Julia Glasmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected at least some of the stories to be a bit cheesy (which they were), but was fine with that - I just liked the idea of small, uplifting stories. A lot of the "acts of kindness" praised in the book, however, seem just like common decency to me. What really turned me off was that many of the stories were not told by people who benefited from someone else's kindness, but rather from the people who "committed" the random act, essentially padding themselves on the shoulder for how great and thoughtful they were - it almost felt like bragging.
Just before reading this book, I had finished "Don't sweat the small stuff" (Richard Carlson) and also that book deals with a different topic, the following section from it came to mind: "While many of us frequently do nice things for others, we are almost certain to mention our acts of kindness to someone else, secretly seeking their approval. When we share our own niceness or generosity with someone else, it makes us feel like we are thoughtful people, it reminds us of how nice we are and how deserving we are of kindness. While all acts of kindness are inherently wonderful, there is something even more magical about doing something thoughtful but mentioning it to no one, ever. You always feel good when you give to others. Rather than diluting the positive feelings by telling others about your own kindness, by keeping it to yourself you get to retain all the positive feelings."

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The phrase "random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty" is attributed to Anne Herbert. The book Random Act of Kindness was published in February 1993 by The Editors of Conari Press. That book was updated in 2013 with this book. This book includes the initial edition and has added more examples of random acts of kindness

The two key ingredients in a random act of kindness are that it is being done spontaneously and without the thought of receiving anything in return.

The idea of acting kind is not some squishy do-gooder way of looking at life. It is a way of life that research has shown benefits the initiator of the act of kindness, the person who receives the act, and those who observe the act of kindness. Because of those benefits, as described in this book, it has also become a global movement called the World Kindness Movement.

I recommend this book if you are currently or decide in the future to open yourself to the power of a brief, spontaneous act of kindness. There is no downside to doing this if they are done spontaneously and without thought of getting anything in return as I mentioned above. And in these difficult times in which we live the many positive acts listed in this book are a motivator to take that ten seconds to act in a way that will positively energize ourselves and others.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a short and easy to read book providing motivation by depicting random acts of kindness from one person to another. : )

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Read

Endearing stories and relevant quotes inspire the reader. A great book to pass on as a gift or keep as an uplifting reference on kindness in practice.

[Jec · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartwarming and very thoughtful reads....
not one to pass up

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully inspiring book!

[Phyllis Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I always enjoy reading about acts of kindness, and I like the format; short essays that allow you to read a bit, put it down and come back later without losing the thread. There are also quotes from famous people dealing with kindness. It's a perfect little book to carry with you when you have a few minutes to read but no time to get absorbed in a novel. If you like reading about people being kind to each other, you will love this book.

The main thing I took away from it is, you don't have to make some GRAND GESTURE to be kind. It's the simple things; like giving someone a word of encouragement, or (literally) giving someone the coat off your back. (there is one story detailing this very thing.) I have always tried to be kind to other people, but this makes me even more determined. Also, as famous person said, "If you feel the impulse to do a kind act, do it right then, don't hesitate."

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely feel-good book of short stories about random acts of kindness and what it meant to the people that shared them. I think we all feel better for those moments and I know it made me remember acts that touched my life. It really makes you remember that a simple word or action can change a life...so do the good! Am sharing this book with as many people as I can, as little things can really change someone's world.

This was a free book from Goodreads.

[Arwen S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to set on a coffee table or put in your bathroom! Each story is a nice quick read, and gives your spirit a lift. I have always believed that simply sharing your positive experiences can encourage others to do the same! It is also a great size, so compact!

I won this in a good reads giveaway.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories in here were heartwarming and short, and since I don't have all day to read some epic novel (sadly),I could read one story at a time without taking all day.

I got this novel from Goodreads Giveaway, one I actually don't regret (that's a good thing).

[Alysha Gaskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was uplifting and inspiring. Whenever in a bad mood, it has a way of restoring your faith in humanity.

[Mookeypoop Vo]

I'm not the nicest person in the world even when I was young I was harsh. I hope this books changes my view of the world in my eyes

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. It is so inspiring to hear stories of people helping strangers. I think it can put your life in perspective compared to others. I highly recommend this book.

[Tarryn Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely reminder that kindness is free. The stories were so heartwarming