Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul: Stories to Inspire Caregivers in the Home, the Community and the World

by Jack Canfield (Compiler), Mark Victor Hansen, LeAnn Thieman

An inspirational collection of stories for people who help others through day care, eldercare, emergency service, and community service shares the real-life experiences of other caregivers who found the motivation to work through challenging days and make a positive difference in other people's lives. Original. 200,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction

373 pages, Paperback

First published July 13, 2004

About the author

Jack 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.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book twice now. Thought it was more memorable to me because I now work with children in a care care setting, work with youths that have cognitive/physical disabilities, and I also write about a person who is a caregiver to another person. I really love the very last story titled "What God Would Say to Caregivers". Very touching!

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me laugh and cry in my heart. This is a treat for anyone who has empathy. I’ve never been a caregiver but I’ve seen other people do it. My Mom has been my caregiver because of my chronic illness. I appreciate her so very much. Now I didn’t agree with all the theology in this book but I still loved it.

[Ray Rodgers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not finish this. I've been a caregiver for my wife with AD for 10 years and just didn't find anything new and it only added to my depression.

[Bharati Kadu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains all the stories which are filled with love, care, positivity, and hope. All these stories make you feel humbled and inspire you to do something good for your loved ones.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are just wondrful books to keep by your bed. I am reading this book prior to giving it to a special friend who selflessly cares for a dev disabled aunt, and brother while trying to work. Lots of brothers and sisters who never help. This book, like all of them, makes you laugh, and honors those special folks who care for others. I love the story about a man in a supposed coma because he never talked or open his eyes. One day the nurses were saying how wonderful it was that his wife came in every day to take care of "her father". She said he was her husband, and they told her she looked so much younger. Suddenly a voice came from the bed - "she colors her hair!"

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[Jo-anne Vienneau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat inspirational. Felt it was too often the same story just different people.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh, I suppose I'm just not into Chicken Soup books much anymore. I found other things more interesting than these stories at this time. The links provided are informative.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many wonderful stories of compassion, helping others and love. A good book for any caregiver. The stories will make you cry, smile and touch your heart.