The Smallest of Joys: How to Create Your Own Magic, Let Your Best Be Enough & Find Contentment Exactly as You Are

by Diane Shiffer

USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller!

From social media’s favorite vintage warm, heartfelt advice on how to discover joy and beauty in your everyday life. Have a cup of tea and settle in!

“In times when unexpected disappointments seem lurking around every corner it’s even more important to focus your attention on things that are beautiful.”—Diane Shiffer

Narrated by Diane, with five exclusive audiobook-only bonus tracks—gentle guided meditations created to help you begin and end each day with calm, gratitude, and joy.

Known to her nearly 2.5M followers as @shifferdiane on TikTok and Instagram, Diane Shiffer is the internet's favorite nana. Her cozy, candid posts—featuring cups of coffee on the porch, cats on the countertop, and vintage treasures—have become a sanctuary for those craving softness and kindness in a divided and harsh time.

Like a collection of letters from a wise and loving grandparent, this book offers warmth, wisdom, and encouragement for anyone seeking more peace, joy, and self-acceptance. Diane’s signature blend of gentle humor, vintage charm, and heartfelt reflection invites you to slow down and reconnect with what matters most. When we treat ourselves with kindness, we often find that life flows more easily—and even joyfully.

THE SMALLEST OF JOYS is an invitation to slow down, embrace self-love, and welcome a little stillness (maybe even silliness!) into your days. With short, heartfelt chapters, you’ll discover how

Embrace your inner weirdo Be patient with yourself through life’s changesKeep a tidy home without overwhelmDevelop a positive body imageHeal from heartbreakConnect with others through gratitudeFind everyday magic in the simplest moments
Whether you’ve been following Diane for years or are just meeting her now, this book is like a warm teacup in your hands and a soft blanket around your shoulders. A modern antidote to hustle culture and self-criticism, it’s a reminder that kindness—especially toward yourself—can be a powerful way to live.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Cozy, Inspirational, Health

Audible Audio

Published April 14, 2026

Reviews

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the audiobook for review on netgally.

I have not seen Diane Shiffer's online content because of mental health issues I need to stay away from social media. However her book felt like a warm hug full of kindness. She narrates her own book and its very engaging and is a very calming read as well as lifting your mood. Im sure her social media profiles has the same effect. Wouldn't definitely read more from gernif she writes more books.

[Matthew Keith Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diane is light in the darkness. Her effervescence for life and joy and hope is contagious. Reading this book, similar to listening to her social media videos, is so grounding, refreshing, renewing. She’s the Nana we all need, reminding us that we’re enough, that we’re welcome, that the world needs us in all our varieties. I’m so grateful for her and her vintage quirks and infinite wisdom.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Smallest of Joy's is a beautiful, vintage style book of wisdom that feels like advice from an older family member being passed down to the younger generations.
The book generally gives advice from the authors heart about finding and embracing the simple joys and beauties that occur within your life everyday.
The book has such a cosy and comforting vibe and feel to it and to make the most of it I would set aside a small period of time with a warm comforting drink to enjoy it to the max.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a joy and encouragement. Little pearls of wisdom daily. The author narrates and that was special. Great way to start or even end your day. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ALC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Brok3n]

Not my kind of book

Diane Shiffer is someone I am personally close to. In fact, I received my copy of The Smallest of Joys: How to Create Your Own Magic, Let Your Best Be Enough & Find Contentment Exactly as You Are from her hands. I therefore will not be rating it.

She warned me when she gave it to me that it would not be my kind of book, She was right about that. It's not that I disagree with anything substantive that she has to say. In general terms, I feel the same way about joy as she does. Her principles of individuality and self-care resonate. The problem though, is that general principles do not a satisfying book or a tiktok channel make. Shiffer knows this, of course. She illustrates her principles with lots and lots of examples.

And that is where the book failed to satisfy me. Here's an example

But you and I both know that things do not have to be big or showy or expensive to be beautiful, my dear. The battered old ornaments, crafted and glued by tiny hands, are more precious than anything new or trendy. Paper chains, cranberry garlands, cut-out snowflakes . . . do those ever really go out of style? Even the simple, inexpensive things are lovely at Christmas. The plain old things still bring joy. The simple things are plenty. The simple things are more than enough.

Shiffer's joy is supported by things, material things, objects. Indeed, her short-form videos are largely concerned with the "vintage" objects she loves. She loves things, old things. Although she is the opposite of what is commonly understood by the adjective "materialistic," she cares deeply for things.

I, myself, don't much care about things. For me beauty and joy come from ideas. (For instance, unlike so many of you, I don't care about the smell or feel of a paper book. For me a book is the words and pictures it contains. Whether they appear on paper or a screen is literally immaterial to me.) Thus, while I agree with ever major value Shiffer shares, her examples largely fail to reach me.

Blog review.

[Val (piano semi ia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just as lovely as her IG! Make sure you get cozy before reading this one! It’s an invitation to slow down and re-encounter with yourself. I would have loved illustrations inside!

Thanks to Hay House and NetGalley for this ARC of The Smallest of Joys by Diane Shiffer, to be published on April 14th, 2026.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real delight. I feel such kinship to Diane and her sentiments and mentality. This book was such a comfort.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit twee - but very positive!

[Samantha Christmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful little book fed my heart and soul. It made me think. It made me feel. It gave me strength to keep going.
I highly, highly recommend it. One of the very best (and most helpful) books I've read in a while. For me, it's right up there with Maya Angelou's memoirs, Brene Brown and Anne Lamott. Yes, that good.
It taught me new things and changed how I approach life.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley and Hay House LLC.

If you need a kind, reassuring word from a friend or grandma, this audiobook is for you. Her voice is very calming and caring. A balm to the soul.

This is an ode to being authentically you. Not to strive for perfection and shiny. But to step outside of the rat race, and accept yourself, scrapes and all. If you enjoy something, do it as often as possible, make it a priority and a ritual. This is a reminder to wear the clothes and don’t worry about how unique they make you. It’s great advice on how living intentionally every day adds up slowly into the life you want. A life you can find solace in. A life that is yours.

Diane speaks about “happy traps” and finding small joys in routine rituals like making coffee or showering. I think this is great advice in such a commercialized civilization. We are so trained to be productive and that happiness and peace has to cost money or be found in material items. This book is the exact opposite of that. A reminder to slow down and appreciate what you already have. To make “little alters of joy”.

Diane mentions a few times she has raging ADHD, as do I. So I could relate a lot to what that mind set is like. She is also a homebody like myself. I could find any excuse to stay inside, tucked in my home so could relate to that as well,

Her relationships with her daughter, Millen, and with the cats. Especially Mama Cat. Are heartwarming and beautiful.

The meditations at the end are soothing and something you could bookmark and come back to daily, or weekly to ground yourself and give yourself a time out during times of stress.

[Jaime · Rating 2 out of 5]

Diane is delightful. A joy and a gift. I prefer her content on social media as this book felt too verbose and repetitive. I wanted to know more about her and her life, what makes her tick and what big things drove her to find joy in the little things. But this book just skims her surface, never digging deep enough for me to really understand or relate. Still, she’s a remarkable human and I’ll continue to be uplifted by her content.

[Kassie Joslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight, the absolute epitome of a hug in a book. I could see myself reading this again.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered Diane’s videos on Instagram a while back, and she was just what I needed while I was going through a period of anxiety.

So I was delighted to find out she was writing a book!

I figured I would read one essay a morning while I was having my coffee, but her writing is so charming that I usually end up reading 3 to 5 of these little essays first thing.

I’ve gotten choked up at them a few times. She writes as if she’s your lovely vintage grandma speaking directly to you, building you up, and giving you little life lessons on how to slow down and get through hard times.

This book is probably not for everybody, but it was just what some of us need at certain times in our lives. I’m going to keep this book and return to it whenever I’m feeling stressed 🌺

[Daphyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. Every word of it. I want to begin again and savor each word anew. She sums up so well much of what I’ve learned in my 50+ years about joy and beauty and gratitude. She’s just your grandma sharing little words of wisdom and yet I cried from the sheer desperate need to hear some goodness in this world.

[Katie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author, and it felt like the warmest hug.

On its own, it’s probably a four-star book—but the emotion and level of care radiating from the author pushed it to five for me.

There are certain times of year when I feel more raw and vulnerable and find myself reaching for books that truly nourish my soul—this one absolutely delivered. If you’re in need of a deeply comforting read, this is it.

[Courtney (lostintheliterature) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book has something for everyone. Whether you’re anxious, stressed out, striving for perfection, or exhausted; or you are naturally inclined to show others love, kindness, and compassion but are never quite able to extend the same to yourself; or you’re the quirky one, the one on the outside, the over thinker, maybe even the one too afraid to be yourself, because you believe you aren’t worthy of the space you take - this book is for you, every part of you. It’s full of ways we can show ourselves love, kindness and real self care. This was my first time hearing Diane Shiffer, and yet so many of the things she said made it seem like she knew me and her words were for me. While listening I often found myself saying, “I needed to hear that”.
I obviously can’t write down every quote I loved from this book (because almost every chapter had something memorable), but I’ll leave you with some of my favourites.
-“An important part of caring for ourselves is treating ourselves with the same kindness we show to our most beloved ones. Not only in emergencies or when we finally earn it, but as a regular, everyday act of love. Because cruelty and neglect are never okay, not even when directed at ourselves. We tell ourselves we can bully our way to self improvement. We punish ourselves into better behaviour. We think that if we deprive ourselves enough we’ll finally become good enough. But deprivation rarely leads to growth. But love does. Safety does. Nourishment does. […] If you’re loving others well, then please […] make sure you’re loving yourself too”
-“What if I had let fear keep me frozen? Everything I wanted was on the other side of that fear. I’ve learned that the only way out is through – not around, not under, not tucked quietly into the back of your mind while you pretend it’s not there, through. Step by trembling step. There was a time I wanted to avoid it all and I did for a while, but avoidance didn’t bring peace, courage did.”
-“More and more, I have come to see that real self care, the kind that nourishes us in the long run, often doesn’t feel so cozy in the moment. Real self care looks like paying that bill you’ve been dreading. Making that phone call you’ve put off for far too long. Washing the dishes instead of letting them soak overnight. Getting up and going for that walk even when the couch is calling your name. Venturing out of your soft, comfortable bubble and stretching just a bit towards […] life. […] the best self care is the kind that makes life gentler for your future self. It’s doing the hard thing today so that tomorrow feels a little easier, a little lighter."

Thank you to Netgalley and Hay House LLC for the chance to listen and review.

[Jess Keast · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never seen this author on social media, and while it's nice that the author narrated the audiobook being called darling etc by a stranger is downright uncomfortable for me (maybe a cultural thing?). I also found the constant giggling incredibly grating. I assume that's her style but to a newcomer it is off-putting.

Absolutely chock full of useful and actionable ideas to improve your life. Nice short chapters and nothing too heavy.

Delightful except for the writing/narrative style for me. I think it'll be a hit!

"Your value does not diminish because things didn't go to plan" ❤️



Thanks to netgalley for the advance audiobook copy.

[Ayanna Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can visualize this cute and quirky author, which means this is good writing that created a movie in my mind. Practical not toxic positivity and a good read or listen if you do not know or have forgotten the meaning of joy. Definitely not for everyone but she does have one million followers so…

[Kayleigh Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy little read. Maybe a bit repetitive but joyful nonetheless

[Schuyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The very best car rides while Diane read her book. Sweet and tender. I love her grandmotherly presence.

[Seawitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comforting little Hay House book on being kind to yourself and others, appreciating simple beauty and practicing gratitude.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and comforting.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not saying I think this is a five star book for everyone, but it was just what I needed.

[Ange | rambling_angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Smallest of Joys feels like a hug in book form. It's a cozy, uplifting read and a welcome change of pace in today's often overwhelming world. The book gently reminds you to slow down and notice the beauty tucked into everyday moments-something I didn't realize I was craving until I found it here.

I wasn't familiar with the author's Instagram page before reading, but after finishing the book, I sought it out and found the same refreshing, delightful tone reflected there as well. Both the writing and the broader creative presence feel sincere, comforting, and quietly joyful.

This is the kind of book you reach for when you need reassurance, warmth, or simply a reminder that small joys still matter. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a gentle, feel-good read.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

What an inane little book. The premise is good, but it’s so incredibly repetitive. I’ve never seen her social media content, but based on this book, I do think this author’s content is probably much better suited to 15-second Instagram reels than to the book format.

I personally am someone who finds lots of little joyful moments in my own days, so I was looking forward to this book. But it’s more a recitation of her own joys than anything else, and I just failed to find pleasure or inspiration in the regular repetition of the same few ideas every page or two.

[Lisa Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obtain this book immediately! If you can, get copies for those you love as well! If you enjoy audiobooks, the author narrates it herself and it made the experience that much more special! She is the Nana that all of us deserve! 🥰

[Alice Teets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I stumbled across Diane Shiffer’s Instagram, and instantly fell in love with her sweet voice, vintage items, and gentle way of encouraging love in all ways. This book is, as she says at the end of it, a gift to her readers. Divided into sections based on the seasons, each small essay encourages noticing the beauty all around us, loving everyone (including ourselves) fiercely, and being grateful for small moments of joy. Definitely recommend and I will definitely reread this.

[Samantha Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have followed Diane's journey on TikTok, loving how she brought me into her world of peace and little joys, almost romancing her life. There were so many little moments that I felt like her hand was on my shoulder, asking me to lean in, and remember what I already knew: kindness is not the same a being nice, loving myself means loving others better, and showing up as my full self means giving the world my best, are just a few of the lessons her book taught me. I see this as a book I will come back to every year and learn something new, to be reminded to once again to be present to my life and fully embrace myself, especially the things that may seem odd to others.

[C.R. Comacchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hay House Audiobooks for an advance copy.

I’m not much of a social media follower, so I had no real sense of who or what I was going to be listening to when I downloaded ‘The Smallest of Joys.’ If anything, I had negative preconceptions of some beautiful, impeccably turned out middle-aged woman, an organizational whiz, perfect mother, wife, baker, crafter, etc etc. I’m also not much for being lectured to about how to do everything better, when I often struggle to get it done at all, much less in picture-perfect Instagram-able form.

So why bother reading/listening to something you already hate, in principle? The title intrigued me. There are times when the best you can hope for is the smallest of joys, when you ‘get’ the futility of striving for anything more. I wasn’t looking for a magic wand solution or the kind of high energy motivational sermon that would make me feel more lethargic rather than pumped up to go.

To my surprise, that’s what I got, slowly and gradually, as I listened to Diane tell her truths. Many times as I started, I wanted to quit, telling myself she was oversimplifying even ordinary lives. By the second chapter, I caught on. What we are socialized to believe is essential to happiness is just that—what we are taught to believe, a message continually reinforced even by people selling a simple life. But she isn’t one of those. At the bottom of each of her brief essays, which together form a narrative whole but are also perfect to dip into when you feel the need or desire, is not revolutionary. She just draws on anecdotes and memories from her own life, familiar enough to feel like universal truths. Be true to yourself. Be kind. Be present. Set yourself little ‘joy traps,’ like hiding a small special treat to ‘accidentally’ come upon, surrounding yourself with things you love that may be old junk to others but are calming and comfortable to you. Having a warm drink and a treat just because your soul needs it, without justifying the calories or the time taken. Believe in your own beauty and worth even while others think you odd in character and appearance. In fact, be even odder.

I didn’t have to go out and buy all kinds of new instruments or supplements to reshape myself according to a supposedly ‘new and improved’ script. And I don’t have a long list of improvements to work on. I just feel comforted, and that’s a good enough reason to read or listen to Diane.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: The Smallest of Joys by Diane Shiffer

Rating: 3.5 Stars

I recently picked up The Smallest of Joys by Diane Shiffer, and it’s like receiving a warm, comforting hug in book form. Diane, who many know as the beloved internet nana @shifferdiane with nearly 2 million followers, has crafted a heartfelt guide to finding peace and happiness in everyday life. If you’re someone who appreciates the quiet, gentle moments—cups of tea, cozy porches, and the charm of vintage treasures—this book will definitely speak to you.

The book feels like a series of thoughtful letters from a wise grandparent, filled with warmth, humor, and encouragement. Diane invites readers to slow down, embrace their quirks, and treat themselves with kindness in a world that often pushes us to rush and criticize ourselves. The short chapters cover everything from cultivating self-love and patience during life’s transitions to maintaining a tidy home without feeling overwhelmed. There’s also a lovely focus on healing heartbreak, developing a positive body image, and finding magic in the smallest moments.

One of the things I appreciated most was how the book gently nudges you to pause and notice the simple joys tucked into daily life—a philosophy that felt especially comforting during unpredictable times when disappointments can feel all too common. Diane’s blend of vintage charm and candid reflections creates a soothing atmosphere that encourages mindfulness and gratitude.

That said, I do wish the book had included some illustrations to complement its cozy vibe—it felt like it would have been the perfect touch to enhance the reading experience. Which is why I’m giving it a solid 3.5 stars.

Overall, The Smallest of Joys is a lovely little invitation to embrace stillness, silliness, and self-compassion. Whether you’re already a fan of Diane’s social media presence or encountering her wisdom for the first time, this book offers a sweet reminder that kindness—especially toward yourself—can truly transform how you experience life. It’s a modern antidote to hustle culture and relentless self-critique, perfect for anyone looking to slow down and savor the quiet beauty around them.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️