What do you think?
Rate this book
Random Acts Of Kindness: 365 Ways to Make the World a Nicer Place
In his bestselling book Join Me, Danny Wallace instructs his legions of followers to perform a 'Random Act of Kindness' every Friday. As a result, his thousands of followers (dubbed the Karma Army), without warning, made people happier the length and breadth of the country. Now in Random Acts of Kindness Danny and the gang bring you a hilarious, inspirational book to encourage you to perform Random Acts of your own.
'Now, at last, the secret to a happier world! You have the power to make it a nicer place! All over the planet, thousands of people just like you are performing Random Acts of Kindness for complete strangers- Buy an old lady a hat! Give a policeman a helium balloon! Pat a dog! Hand a stranger your umbrella! Applaud a lady who's clearly made an effort! This book contains 365 real Random Acts of Kindness real people have done for real strangers- so read it, learn it, and start making your world the nicer place, today!'
'Now, at last, the secret to a happier world! You have the power to make it a nicer place! All over the planet, thousands of people just like you are performing Random Acts of Kindness for complete strangers- Buy an old lady a hat! Give a policeman a helium balloon! Pat a dog! Hand a stranger your umbrella! Applaud a lady who's clearly made an effort! This book contains 365 real Random Acts of Kindness real people have done for real strangers- so read it, learn it, and start making your world the nicer place, today!'
- GenresNonfictionHumorComedy
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2004
6 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Danny Wallace
60 books636 followersDaniel Frederick Wallace is a British filmmaker, comedian, writer, actor, and presenter of radio and television. His notable works include the books Join Me, Yes Man, and the TV series How to Start Your Own Country. As an author, Wallace's bestselling books have been translated into more than a dozen languages.
He began writing reviews for video game magazines at the age of 13 for school work experience: a reviewer had become ill and so Wallace was given the opportunity to review a game. At 18 he started writing comedy, mainly through the magazine Comedy Review. He specialised in radio production at the University of Westminster.
At 22, he became a BBC producer. He was part of the production team behind British Comedy Award-winning Dead Ringers, the original producer of the critically acclaimed cult hit The Mighty Boosh, and the creator and producer of Ross Noble Goes Global. As a journalist, Wallace has worked for The Scotsman, The Guardian, The Independent, Elle, Cosmo, The Times and other publications.
In 1999, Wallace challenged comedian Dave Gorman, who at the time was his flatmate, to find 54 other people called Dave Gorman ("one for every card in the deck, including the Jokers"). Wallace accompanied Gorman on his quest and the men created Are You Dave Gorman?, an award-winning comedy stage show about what happened during their journey. A BBC series, also co-written and co-produced by Wallace, followed, as did a book, written by both men.
In 2003, Wallace's book Join Me was published. The book explains how he "accidentally started a 'cult'" called Join Me. The movement would go global, with each member committing to undertaking one random act of kindness for a stranger every Friday ("Good Fridays"). Tens of thousands joined. Join Me celebrates "Karmageddon 10" in December 2011. Traditionally, hundreds of members travel to London for the meet-up and undertake good deeds for strangers, with Wallace present. The movement is now generally referred to as the "Karma Army", although members are still typically "Joinees". He became a minor celebrity in Belgium whilst on his quest for Joinees. While on a book tour through America, Wallace was dubbed a "Generation X legend" by the Wisconsin State Journal.
Wallace next wrote a short book called Random Acts of Kindness: 365 Ways To Make the World A Better Place, with the help of submissions from Joinees. It includes many humorous Random Acts of Kindness (RAoK) ideas, such as "Contradict Demeaning Graffiti", and "Make An Old Man Very Happy."
Wallace's second solo book, Yes Man was published in July 2005. In it, he describes how he spent six months "saying Yes where once I would have said No", to make his life more interesting and positive. In this book he shows the tribulations and mischief that he got up to while he said yes to any question or proposal. The book was described as "one of those rare books that actually has the potential to change your life" by the San Francisco Bay Guardian and as "a fascinating book and a fascinating experiment" by David Letterman. A film adaptation of Yes Man was developed with Warner Bros. and stars Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel. It was released in 2008 in the US and the UK. Wallace appeared on screen in a cameo in a bar scene in the last ten minutes of the film, holding a British pint glass.
Danny Wallace and the Centre of the Universe was published in 2006. It is linked with World Book Day which in 2006 was on Thursday 2 March. It tells the story of Wallace's trip to Idaho, to visit a manhole cover in a small town, whose residents have proclaimed it the centre of the universe. The cover identifies it as a "Quick Read"; the price and length of the book have been curbed in order to encourage people who may not often read books to purchase it.
Wallace's book, Friends Like These, was released on the 3 July 2008, and tells the story of how he spent a summer trying to track down his old school friends from his days in Dundee,
He began writing reviews for video game magazines at the age of 13 for school work experience: a reviewer had become ill and so Wallace was given the opportunity to review a game. At 18 he started writing comedy, mainly through the magazine Comedy Review. He specialised in radio production at the University of Westminster.
At 22, he became a BBC producer. He was part of the production team behind British Comedy Award-winning Dead Ringers, the original producer of the critically acclaimed cult hit The Mighty Boosh, and the creator and producer of Ross Noble Goes Global. As a journalist, Wallace has worked for The Scotsman, The Guardian, The Independent, Elle, Cosmo, The Times and other publications.
In 1999, Wallace challenged comedian Dave Gorman, who at the time was his flatmate, to find 54 other people called Dave Gorman ("one for every card in the deck, including the Jokers"). Wallace accompanied Gorman on his quest and the men created Are You Dave Gorman?, an award-winning comedy stage show about what happened during their journey. A BBC series, also co-written and co-produced by Wallace, followed, as did a book, written by both men.
In 2003, Wallace's book Join Me was published. The book explains how he "accidentally started a 'cult'" called Join Me. The movement would go global, with each member committing to undertaking one random act of kindness for a stranger every Friday ("Good Fridays"). Tens of thousands joined. Join Me celebrates "Karmageddon 10" in December 2011. Traditionally, hundreds of members travel to London for the meet-up and undertake good deeds for strangers, with Wallace present. The movement is now generally referred to as the "Karma Army", although members are still typically "Joinees". He became a minor celebrity in Belgium whilst on his quest for Joinees. While on a book tour through America, Wallace was dubbed a "Generation X legend" by the Wisconsin State Journal.
Wallace next wrote a short book called Random Acts of Kindness: 365 Ways To Make the World A Better Place, with the help of submissions from Joinees. It includes many humorous Random Acts of Kindness (RAoK) ideas, such as "Contradict Demeaning Graffiti", and "Make An Old Man Very Happy."
Wallace's second solo book, Yes Man was published in July 2005. In it, he describes how he spent six months "saying Yes where once I would have said No", to make his life more interesting and positive. In this book he shows the tribulations and mischief that he got up to while he said yes to any question or proposal. The book was described as "one of those rare books that actually has the potential to change your life" by the San Francisco Bay Guardian and as "a fascinating book and a fascinating experiment" by David Letterman. A film adaptation of Yes Man was developed with Warner Bros. and stars Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel. It was released in 2008 in the US and the UK. Wallace appeared on screen in a cameo in a bar scene in the last ten minutes of the film, holding a British pint glass.
Danny Wallace and the Centre of the Universe was published in 2006. It is linked with World Book Day which in 2006 was on Thursday 2 March. It tells the story of Wallace's trip to Idaho, to visit a manhole cover in a small town, whose residents have proclaimed it the centre of the universe. The cover identifies it as a "Quick Read"; the price and length of the book have been curbed in order to encourage people who may not often read books to purchase it.
Wallace's book, Friends Like These, was released on the 3 July 2008, and tells the story of how he spent a summer trying to track down his old school friends from his days in Dundee,
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 10, 2018
While most of this book has seriously good intentions, some of the 'Acts Of Kindness' seem a little offensive and outdated. For example 'Tell some lesbians, they have a nice hair cut' or 'Tell a large lady she looks nice'. Kinda implies no one would ever say this to them normally.
I did like the little stories about people's reaction to being on the receiving end of a random act of kindness. These were lovely to read.
Take this book as inspiration but ignore the outdated ones and don't ever give a cat milk! It's bad for them!
I did like the little stories about people's reaction to being on the receiving end of a random act of kindness. These were lovely to read.
Take this book as inspiration but ignore the outdated ones and don't ever give a cat milk! It's bad for them!
June 28, 2020
This is a just a book of ideas for random acts of kindness. You can read it in half an hour. I would not say that all are great ideas.
My random act of kindness is giving this two stars instead of one.
My random act of kindness is giving this two stars instead of one.
June 11, 2007
This was a cute little book! I also have read "Are You Dave Gorman", "Join Me" and "Googlewhack".
My favorite ideas:
- sending the peanuts to the old man
- pub day in honor of a friend
- free box of stuff
- pay for an extra game of bowling for someone
- place a small ad with a compliment to the reader
- giving away books - hooray for bookcrossing!
My favorite ideas:
- sending the peanuts to the old man
- pub day in honor of a friend
- free box of stuff
- pay for an extra game of bowling for someone
- place a small ad with a compliment to the reader
- giving away books - hooray for bookcrossing!
July 7, 2010
I was supposed to be doing the housework but got sidetracked as soon as I picked up this book with little tips on doing random acts of kindness. Some are worth following whilst others are sheer nuttiness but most will make you laugh out loud. An entertaining distraction.
July 4, 2013
Danny Wallace's writing is full of humour, wit, candour and inspiration. Like all great non-fiction writing, the author creates something out of nothing as he observes both the humdrum and absurdity of every day life throughout his madcap adventures. Great reading, I can never put him down.
October 26, 2007
I am a huge Danny Wallace fan, and I think this book is a way to make the world a smilier place!
Definately something to try and do in London.
Definately something to try and do in London.
November 12, 2008
This book made me feel all warm and fuzzy. And for a few days I was doing random acts of kindness all over the place. I think I should read the book again.
February 17, 2013
Let's hope enough people read this book and feel inspired to try and make the world a nicer place
March 1, 2014
A book that makes you smile. Enjoying and easy!
February 2, 2019
I'm yet to read a book I dislike by Danny Wallace. This one is a follow-up to/bonus content for 'Join Me' which has to be one of my favourites. Published in 2004 (which seems like yesterday but was actually FIFTEEN YEARS AGO), it's definitely dated in places - 'If you're returning a video, rewind it first', 'Turn your Walkman down on the train' - but these were definitely fun to reflect on. In the same vein, I think we must have become a lot more cynical a society these past 15 years. All the good deeds involving offering people food and complimenting people on the street I'm sure would more often than not be taken the wrong way. 'Applaud a lady who's clearly made an effort' - I think this might count as harassment.
Nevertheless, many did survive the test of time and here are just a few of my favourites:
'Hide a complimentary note in a book in the library'
'Buy a packet of crisps from the vending machine but leave them in there'
'Find old scarves and gloves you don't need anymore and, on a cold day, offer them to strangers in the street'
'Pop a sugar cube next to an ant's nest'
And... 'Hug your mum for no reason whatsoever' because thank you for this lovely Christmas present Mumma if you're reading this xxx
Nevertheless, many did survive the test of time and here are just a few of my favourites:
'Hide a complimentary note in a book in the library'
'Buy a packet of crisps from the vending machine but leave them in there'
'Find old scarves and gloves you don't need anymore and, on a cold day, offer them to strangers in the street'
'Pop a sugar cube next to an ant's nest'
And... 'Hug your mum for no reason whatsoever' because thank you for this lovely Christmas present Mumma if you're reading this xxx
April 5, 2020
I think that's I might just have missed the point of this book. I challenged myself to read it within an hour. It took me 46 minutes and 26 seconds. I didn't do anything kind in all of that time.
I only read this book now because I've just finished reading Join Me by the same author and this book was on the shelf too and is kind of a follow-up. I only have it three stars because that's what I gave Join Me (by the same author). I only want to give these books to someone who will make more of an effort than me to live up to their ideals and then have a nice cup of tea.
Can't think of anything else to say about the matter.
Read it if you like.
I only read this book now because I've just finished reading Join Me by the same author and this book was on the shelf too and is kind of a follow-up. I only have it three stars because that's what I gave Join Me (by the same author). I only want to give these books to someone who will make more of an effort than me to live up to their ideals and then have a nice cup of tea.
Can't think of anything else to say about the matter.
Read it if you like.
December 17, 2017
Quick, fun read that made me want to go back and reread Join Me. And, of course, made me want to go out and do some RAoKs. It's more a collection of anecdotes and suggestions than a book, but was enjoyable nonetheless.
December 28, 2018
Easy read, entertaning
March 16, 2024
Beautiful and inspiring 😍
July 14, 2008
I only gave this a 3 as some of the Random Acts are a bit iffy to me, but it is a brilliant book filled with ideas of how to make people smile, how to brighten someone's day and generally making the world a better place.
This was the first Danny Wallace book I read, and then I moved on to Join Me. I've done some random acts of kindness myself and it has made me feel happier and better in myself, it has made me appreciate others more and not to be so focused on myself as we all can be during those busy days!
Lovely ideas and some funny comments and stories of other peoples' kindness. Brilliant book for when you're despairing with the world - I strongly suggest that one night, instead of watching the news, read this book and enjoy, then take part in the Karma Army's Random Acts of Kindness.
This was the first Danny Wallace book I read, and then I moved on to Join Me. I've done some random acts of kindness myself and it has made me feel happier and better in myself, it has made me appreciate others more and not to be so focused on myself as we all can be during those busy days!
Lovely ideas and some funny comments and stories of other peoples' kindness. Brilliant book for when you're despairing with the world - I strongly suggest that one night, instead of watching the news, read this book and enjoy, then take part in the Karma Army's Random Acts of Kindness.
September 7, 2014
Buy this, read this, and then follow the instructions at the back! Now that I've finished, I'm looking forward to following those instructions myself, AND, when the funds come in for me to do this, one of my Random Acts is that I'm going to buy ten copies and put them in random places for people to find and have so that they can do the same. I also see this as doing a Random Act of Kindness for you Danny Wallace - a stranger I don't know!
The beauty of this book is that not only did it point out some examples of things that I could do as Random Acts of Kindness, it hi-lighted some of the things that I have already done that I wasn't aware were Random Acts of Kindness at the time. It made me feel better about myself - I hope it makes other readers feel the same way too. Dan - keep doing what you do!
The beauty of this book is that not only did it point out some examples of things that I could do as Random Acts of Kindness, it hi-lighted some of the things that I have already done that I wasn't aware were Random Acts of Kindness at the time. It made me feel better about myself - I hope it makes other readers feel the same way too. Dan - keep doing what you do!
June 14, 2016
When Danny Wallace accidentally formed a cult in Join Me, he didn’t know what to do with them. So he decided to encourage them to take up random acts of kindness, by writing a book with 365 different ideas to help you to make the world a better place. These range from the whimsical to the farcical to the practical, with such gems of wisdom as “If you’re getting a big order in at McDonald’s or Burger King, buy an extra bag of fries, and give them to someone who needs them, outside. Don’t forget the ketchup. It’s the details that make it special.”
Because of all of this, it’s a quick read and a feel-good book, and I’d definitely recommend it to you if you want to read something that will put a smile on your face. Even better, why not make a habit of starting to carry out random acts of kindness yourself? You could help to make the world a better place, and it needs it. Enjoy!
Because of all of this, it’s a quick read and a feel-good book, and I’d definitely recommend it to you if you want to read something that will put a smile on your face. Even better, why not make a habit of starting to carry out random acts of kindness yourself? You could help to make the world a better place, and it needs it. Enjoy!
August 6, 2012
This is a quick read, full of interesting, useful and often amusing ideas for making someone else's day a bit brighter. A few of the suggestions are not such great ideas, but some are things you might already do or would be willing to do and just never considered. I just love the idea of the book and that Danny Wallace and his Karma Army are out there thinking about ways to improve the world, one person and one action at a time. Examples: "create a free box with some stuff you no longer need and leave it on a bench" or "let someone keep the change", or "make a stranger laugh". I just love the idea that people still have it in mind to make the world a better place, when it feels like too many people are just giving up or making it worse on purpose. Sweet!
March 20, 2016
This is an amazingly adorable book of lots of suggestions for how people can make the world a better place. The suggestions for the most part are tiny little ways (like leaving a coupon next to the item the coupon is for in a supermarket, or buying a packet of crisps for the table beside you in the pub), and they are combined with anecdotes from Danny Wallace's Karma Army.
You don't have to have read 'Join Me' to get something out of this book, but of course for the bigger context I think it would be much better. As most of the suggestions are low impact in both time and money these are so easy to take and consider doing, even once or twice to be more altruistic. They are also full of wit and humour.
You don't have to have read 'Join Me' to get something out of this book, but of course for the bigger context I think it would be much better. As most of the suggestions are low impact in both time and money these are so easy to take and consider doing, even once or twice to be more altruistic. They are also full of wit and humour.
March 17, 2016
Not being one to fully know (or, perhaps, fully appreciate) English humor, I could never quite decide if Wallace was serious or joking. Help me out here, British folk. Perhaps some serious ideas and some not so?
Give an apple to your teacher.
Leave some fresh
fruit and vegetables
outside a student
house. They will
probably try and turn
it into beer, but at
least you tried.
Resist the urge to kill.
Give an apple to your teacher.
Leave some fresh
fruit and vegetables
outside a student
house. They will
probably try and turn
it into beer, but at
least you tried.
Resist the urge to kill.
January 12, 2016
Essentially a book of lists - of random acts of kindnesses that you could do. There is the odd paragraph about the results of these ROAKs as they are known, but the book is a very quick read. Ranging from the impracticable to the thoughtful (and thought provoking), some of the suggestions really made me chuckle - and wonder when I could implement them... Great fun - amd aimed at making the world a better place to boot. Can't lose!
March 25, 2014
I've skimmed this before but decided to read it properly tonight. I am a fanof Danny Wallace and this is a great idea. However some of the kindnesses (more than a few) are essentially the same thing, and a few of them I thought were a bit patronising. Some were meant to be a joke I think! By no means his best book but it's very quick and the idea is the most important thing.
January 6, 2022
Tegu on väikese raamatuga, kus on toodud välja erinevaid viise teha väikeseid heategusid - osad neist on erinevate inimeste päris heateod, osad on Danny Wallace'i fantaasia vili. Positiivse emotsiooniga humoorikas raamat.
January 28, 2008
If you're looking for silly inspiration this might be for you, but otherwise just be a better person.
December 10, 2010
A very quick read. It's obviously not meant to be read in one go like I did, but it has some lovely, touching anecdotes and a lot of smile inducing ideas.
June 1, 2012
Some good ideas, but giving a hedgehog milk is not one of them - it could make them ill, so stick to water.
September 2, 2013
Not really a story, but it was alright and enjoyable
only gave it 3 stars due to how quick it was to read, more of a book of quotations...
only gave it 3 stars due to how quick it was to read, more of a book of quotations...
September 21, 2015
Not the book I was expecting, but a funny little book all the same full of "random acts of kindness" others have performed, or to give you ideas for your own "karma army" acts!
January 4, 2017
Fun book to read to kids, with a bit of censoring. The British words and humor made us laugh.
November 30, 2014
Everything about this makes me happy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews