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Damn Good Things: Small Moments That Make a Big Difference
This is a book about being alive. The stories are real and reflect moments when we feel fully alive—but perhaps are not aware of it, unable to take time to appreciate or recognize these unexpected gifts. I call them Damn Good Things, and they’re easy to see once you know how. When you do, you might just improve your day, learn something about yourself, and even change your life.
212 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2024
7 people are currently reading
2100 people want to read
About the author
Peter W. Andersen
2 books11 followersPeter Andersen has been writing since he was a kid. In his professional life he’s worked as a journalist, writing teacher, newspaper editor, manager, freelancer, and technical writer. He spent 30 years producing technical documentation at Microsoft and other software companies. These days, in addition to writing about Damn Good Things, he conducts life story interviews with the residents of a local retirement community.
The idea for Damn Good Things came about when he found an old diary entry about a rollercoaster ride he once took with his father. The entry described how fully alive they both felt in that moment, and ended with the words, “What a damn good thing for me and my dad to do!”
Inspired by that diary entry, he began to research and write about the moments when we feel completely alive. He soon realized that this is what he’d been writing about his whole life. This is truly the lens through which he sees the world. Whether it’s an aging, half-blind pug tearing across a wood floor to get to her dinner, the distant whistle of an approaching train in the night, or a memory-filled relic from a childhood home – he’ll show you how all of these are Damn Good Things.
The idea for Damn Good Things came about when he found an old diary entry about a rollercoaster ride he once took with his father. The entry described how fully alive they both felt in that moment, and ended with the words, “What a damn good thing for me and my dad to do!”
Inspired by that diary entry, he began to research and write about the moments when we feel completely alive. He soon realized that this is what he’d been writing about his whole life. This is truly the lens through which he sees the world. Whether it’s an aging, half-blind pug tearing across a wood floor to get to her dinner, the distant whistle of an approaching train in the night, or a memory-filled relic from a childhood home – he’ll show you how all of these are Damn Good Things.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 10, 2025
Living in the real world
This kind of read feels like a cozy conversation, the kind where you settle into a comfy chair with a cup of tea and let the world slow down for a moment. It's the literary equivalent of listening to a wise, kind-hearted neighbor recount the little, seemingly unremarkable events of their day—yet somehow, they manage to make those moments shimmer with significance. Their tales are steeped in nostalgia and warmth, reminding us that the beauty of life is often tucked away in the folds of the ordinary.
From the clinking of coffee cups in the early morning to the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, this type of story draws attention to the details we might otherwise overlook. It's a gentle reminder that life is not just about the big milestones but the collection of tiny, quiet moments strung together, like pearls on a necklace.
The addition of quotes from great thinkers like Darwin and literary luminaries like Fitzgerald only adds depth and texture, connecting those small, personal stories to something universal and timeless. And then there's "sweet Lily" who melts my heart and even a cherished friend with the love of popcorn, or a small child who brings a splash of innocence and joy to these musings.
Amidst all this, there's humor—those silly anecdotes and mishaps that make us laugh at the absurdity of life—and the celebration of "damn good things," which feels like an invitation to pause and count the blessings we might otherwise take for granted. It's a refreshing, heartwarming perspective, encouraging us to slow down, breathe, and savor the sweetness tucked into even the most mundane days.
It’s not just a read; it’s a philosophy for living—a gentle nudge to focus on the simple yet profound joys that make life truly grand.
This kind of read feels like a cozy conversation, the kind where you settle into a comfy chair with a cup of tea and let the world slow down for a moment. It's the literary equivalent of listening to a wise, kind-hearted neighbor recount the little, seemingly unremarkable events of their day—yet somehow, they manage to make those moments shimmer with significance. Their tales are steeped in nostalgia and warmth, reminding us that the beauty of life is often tucked away in the folds of the ordinary.
From the clinking of coffee cups in the early morning to the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, this type of story draws attention to the details we might otherwise overlook. It's a gentle reminder that life is not just about the big milestones but the collection of tiny, quiet moments strung together, like pearls on a necklace.
The addition of quotes from great thinkers like Darwin and literary luminaries like Fitzgerald only adds depth and texture, connecting those small, personal stories to something universal and timeless. And then there's "sweet Lily" who melts my heart and even a cherished friend with the love of popcorn, or a small child who brings a splash of innocence and joy to these musings.
Amidst all this, there's humor—those silly anecdotes and mishaps that make us laugh at the absurdity of life—and the celebration of "damn good things," which feels like an invitation to pause and count the blessings we might otherwise take for granted. It's a refreshing, heartwarming perspective, encouraging us to slow down, breathe, and savor the sweetness tucked into even the most mundane days.
It’s not just a read; it’s a philosophy for living—a gentle nudge to focus on the simple yet profound joys that make life truly grand.
February 7, 2025
Damn Good Things is a book written by the author about things that happen to us all. We always have things that can be great things in life. The author wrote a great collection of Good things happening in these stories overall and I was thoroughly impressed in the writing style. I really loved 'Ruth' as it shared an important message that you can get along with anyone even a window washer and have a nice meal together with anyone and enjoy a good conversation. I also loved How Not to Fix a Toilet, that was a great story too, as this one showcased that sometimes it's not important to fix the toilet, sometimes it's important to spend time with people and hear what they need to say more. These are excellent stories with great moral and life lessons. I think that everyone should read this book and have an excellent day afterwards as they will uplift your mood greatly afterwards!
February 3, 2025
As someone who keeps a gratitude jar each year I can appreciate anything that encourages us to stop and take note of the good that surrounds us.
This book is focused on the small moments that we may sometimes overlook but that may actually be very important to our days. Though the book focuses on the good it does not encourage toxic positivity. It instead simply reminds us to stop and appreciate some of those seemingly smaller moments.
The book is broken down into short stories of these good moments. The book can be read cover to cover or can be picked up and a story read whenever the reader needs a reminder of the goodness around us.
Cute stories that will uplift and bring a smile.
This book is focused on the small moments that we may sometimes overlook but that may actually be very important to our days. Though the book focuses on the good it does not encourage toxic positivity. It instead simply reminds us to stop and appreciate some of those seemingly smaller moments.
The book is broken down into short stories of these good moments. The book can be read cover to cover or can be picked up and a story read whenever the reader needs a reminder of the goodness around us.
Cute stories that will uplift and bring a smile.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews