God Loves Laughter

by William Sears

This is the hilarious story of a poor boy from the Middle West who became one of America's topflight TV stars. But he was bothered with a boyhood dream and eventually left the big time. He made his home in three continents and became a much-loved world traveller.

Through all the laughter - as it's uproarious at times - there is an underlying serious note, and the fact that his dream came true and brought him long-sought spiritual assurance is a considerable satisfaction to the reader.

Genres: Baha I, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Memoir, Humor

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

William Sears (March 28, 1911 - March 25, 1992) was a prominent American Bahá'í teacher and writer.

Sears was appointed a Hand of the Cause by Shoghi Effendi in the last contingent of Hands prior to his death in 1957.

Sears was a United States television and radio personality. He remains an extremely popular author in the Bahá'í community.

(source: Wikipedia June 28, 2008)

Picture reproduced with permission of the Bahá’í International Community.

Reviews

[Michael Hawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

The great thing about this site is looking around and rediscovering all the old books you've read in your life. This was a gift to me by a dear friend and is a great book for Baha'i and non Baha'i alike. William Sears is one of those guys you wish you could've met. I need to read this again.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spiritual book for people who are not religious, or not attracted to religion. It is the story of one man's search for truth, and how his life changed when he found it.

[Barkha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an easy book to read, and the light hearted note belies the seriousness of the topic of finding, losing and finding the guiding light of faith again. As someone struggling with finding faith, the simplicity of how the narrator's life unfolds brings hope. At the same time, however, it baffles me and triggers that disbelieving part of me that wonders, is it really that straightforward? I did come away from reading the book feeling more optimistic and light-hearted, though.

[Isabell]

Told myself that I’ll read this in one sitting. Thought it would be hard. It wasn’t

[Daniel Wichers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a marvelous book this is. The beginning of the book was an introduction to the writers youth (and special bond with his grandfather) and lasted a bit long but it was worth being patient for everything written since the middle to the end of this book! What a nice story of how this writer came to his faith and the journey he made. Full of nice anecdotes and metaphors and wisdom (from his grandfather). A great read!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has a lot of funny stories of William's life growing up and his obsession with God. He met a woman who introduced him to Baha'i Faith and the rest was history. He ended up doing quite well for himself in radio and TV and ended up traveled the world...lucky duck.

[Lua Burias · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was actually just sitting on our shelf. dad recommended, so i read. by far one of the best and most unmasked life stories ever told.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching and relatable story that is great for any age!

[Elizabeth Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful commuting of age story.

I loved the relationship with Grandpa...we should all be this fortunate. I was also inspired by the love story. With Magritte. Too often spiritual journeys are not supported by our partners. It just proves that if we listen and trust God guides us where we need to go.

[Ava Badiee Hockley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful mix of humor, heart, and wisdom. Sears shared his life story with such warmth and hope sty that you can’t help but be drawn in. From childhood antics to moments of deep spiritual discovery, every page felt both entertaining and meaningful. It’s a light, uplifting read that shows how laughter and faith can be beautiful intertwine!

[In · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud, look back at a bygone era with fondness and listen to a storyteller tell his story with a richness as only a blessed few can manage. This was a true find and I will eagerly read his other works.

[Susan Foroughi ofner · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite books!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed reading it with lots of laughter. Would read it again.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd or 4th time I have read this book. It is so funny and inspirational.

[Michelle Link · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Funny! I love the dogs!

[Tess Majestic · Rating 5 out of 5]

My parents had a copy of this book sitting on the bookshelf, and one day when I was around ten years old, I pulled it out and read it. This is basically a collection of memorable stories about the life of Mr. William Sears. My favourite was the one about how his family came back from vacation to find they'd left a hose running and now their kitchen floor was an ice rink. I got a kick out of his father's Irish drinking songs and his Grandfather's humour. It does talk about his finding the Baha'i Faith and the work he did, but isn't too in-your-face about it. Personal footnote.... Not long after reading this book, I met Mr. Sears at the Desert Rose Baha'i School. He came to the children's class and gave us all prayer books. I remember standing in line to have him autograph this book, only he had to go because he was tired (he was very old by then). Really loved Mr. Sears, and loved this book, too.

[Debra Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books are timeless; others become dated days after their last printing. Some, though, are like little paperbound time machines, and this is one of those ... with lots of references to events, people, and turns of phrase from the 1930s, '40s, and 50s that stretch your brain cells to remember what's being said. My husband read this book to me, and we both laughed out loud more than once. It's a simple story with an important message: The world is too big to take ourselves too seriously. Laugh, love, have fun.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book a real pleasure to read. There was always somthing going on seeing how things in life turn out the way they do. Lots of hilarious moments which seem to persuade you to laugh :) At the end i realised this book is actully the story of the author which i found to be really neat. It was a really rewarding read.

[Neda Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that I couldn't put down until the end. Easy reading of a little boy, his endearing relationship with his grandfather and his fascination and search for God. You can't help but laugh out loud at his antics and yet get a tear in your eyes over the special relationship with his Grandfather. A must read at any age!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, enjoyable read. There were so many moments where I felt emotional connections with Sears. I would recommend this to anyone!

[Tony Bristow-stagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful heart warming book that I could not put down. Well written and well worth the read. I have a copy on my shelf to hand out to others.

[Jacki Bowker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 2nd go around with this book. Loved it the 1st time and now reading it to my son who continues to laugh at William's antics. Most
Of all, I love the searching for God and where it leads him!

[Henry Dixon]

I thought I could read it online!!