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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Random Acts of Kindness: 101 Stories of Compassion and Paying It Forward
The best way to make yourself feel great? Do a random act of kindness for someone! These 101 stories will make you smile and get you excited about what you can do, too.
Make miracles happen for yourself and others. It’s easy. Just think outside the box and look around. There are so many ways that you can help—and it turns out the biggest beneficiary may be you! Scientific studies have shown that “doing good” is not only good for the recipient of the good deed, but also for the person doing it, making that person happier and healthier.
So dive into these 101 stories of kindness, from the everyday to the extraordinary. If you need some help, you’ll find hope in these pages. And if you can give help, you’ll feel energized and inspired to find your own opportunities to perform random acts of kindess—every day!
Make miracles happen for yourself and others. It’s easy. Just think outside the box and look around. There are so many ways that you can help—and it turns out the biggest beneficiary may be you! Scientific studies have shown that “doing good” is not only good for the recipient of the good deed, but also for the person doing it, making that person happier and healthier.
So dive into these 101 stories of kindness, from the everyday to the extraordinary. If you need some help, you’ll find hope in these pages. And if you can give help, you’ll feel energized and inspired to find your own opportunities to perform random acts of kindess—every day!
373 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2017
178 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Amy Newmark
372 books177 followersAmy Newmark is the bestselling author, editor-in-chief, and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Since 2008, she has published 191 new Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, most of them national bestsellers in the U.S. and Canada, more than doubling the number of Chicken Soup for the Soul titles in print today.
Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational and aspirational true stories curated from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the thirty-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant.
Follow Amy on Twitter @amynewmark. Listen to her free podcast, The Chicken Soup for the Soul Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, the Podcasts app on iPhone, or by using your favorite podcast app on other devices.
Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational and aspirational true stories curated from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the thirty-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant.
Follow Amy on Twitter @amynewmark. Listen to her free podcast, The Chicken Soup for the Soul Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, the Podcasts app on iPhone, or by using your favorite podcast app on other devices.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 23, 2018
Doing a good deed doesn't need to wait for a perfect time or perfect place or even the right person. What matters is whether you do it or not. Good deed should be done with intention, not for attention. It took me quiet some time to finish the book not because the story not interesting but I try to read two to three stories everyday as to inspire myself to do good deeds everyday.
May 14, 2017
I have always enjoyed the Chicken Soup books, and this was no exception. I have always been a person who strives to be kind to others, and this book just gave me inspiration to continue to seek opportunities to do so. If you like stories that can be read quickly and tales of others' kindness to strangers, you will love this book.
December 23, 2025
This was a Chicken Soup for the Soul book about Random Acts of Kindness - the giving and receiving of it. It was very inspiring and gave me ideas of more creative ways I can pay it forward and do small acts of kindness each day. If we all strived to do even 1 small act of kindness each day, think of how much love and positivity we could spread! The world would be a better, more loving place.
I 100% believe that miracles still happen every day; BUT you must be open to SEEING them. The stories in this book show the many ways God works through us ... IF we listen and do what we're called to do. As NIKE says - Just DO it!
A very motivational book. Especially good timing for this season.
I 100% believe that miracles still happen every day; BUT you must be open to SEEING them. The stories in this book show the many ways God works through us ... IF we listen and do what we're called to do. As NIKE says - Just DO it!
A very motivational book. Especially good timing for this season.
February 4, 2019
Accepting the kindness
I remember how hurt the street vendor was when I rejected her kindness in the fistful of puffed rice. I dint want to take her profit with me. But she would have been more happy if I have accepted it.
I remember how hurt the street vendor was when I rejected her kindness in the fistful of puffed rice. I dint want to take her profit with me. But she would have been more happy if I have accepted it.
July 13, 2023
4/5 Stars. If you saw me crying while reading this, no you didn't
I love Chicken Soup and this one just filled me heart. So wholesome and it left me feeling like my faith in humanity was restored.
I love Chicken Soup and this one just filled me heart. So wholesome and it left me feeling like my faith in humanity was restored.
March 15, 2019
Here are 101 quick reads for folks who need to focus on the positive sides of people. These brief accounts offer hope and encouragement showing how everyday people from all walks of life can make a difference in the lives of discouraged individuals, whether they be strangers or best friends.
April 19, 2019
Pretty much what I expected from the book. Nothing spectacular but yet at times, some very moving simply stated stories. Odd how sometimes such small acts of unexpected generosity and grace can stay with the recipient throughout their life. I like that.
Similar in a sense as to almost every nostalgic childhood memory spent under the weather is likely to include a steaming hot bowl of chicken noodle soup that made your body feel better, this book of ‘kindness’ stories can in a way make your heart and soul feel better. It can also give you a few new ideas of how to show compassion to family, friends and even sometimes complete strangers. It doesn’t take much sometimes.
You’d be hard pressed not to be able to admit that it's uplifting to read about kindness in this day and age, what with all the other less life affirming news we’re subjected to in the media on a daily basis. Most of these stories are written by ordinary people, not ‘professional’ writers. I like that.
If you're feeling tired, jaded or maybe even cynical, pick up this book. You will feel encouraged and hopeful after reading it!
As the late Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was quoted
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
Similar in a sense as to almost every nostalgic childhood memory spent under the weather is likely to include a steaming hot bowl of chicken noodle soup that made your body feel better, this book of ‘kindness’ stories can in a way make your heart and soul feel better. It can also give you a few new ideas of how to show compassion to family, friends and even sometimes complete strangers. It doesn’t take much sometimes.
You’d be hard pressed not to be able to admit that it's uplifting to read about kindness in this day and age, what with all the other less life affirming news we’re subjected to in the media on a daily basis. Most of these stories are written by ordinary people, not ‘professional’ writers. I like that.
If you're feeling tired, jaded or maybe even cynical, pick up this book. You will feel encouraged and hopeful after reading it!
As the late Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was quoted
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
July 26, 2017
This book truly proves that kindness creates a ripple that spreads joy, love and miracles to every corner of the Earth. The stories inspired me to perform my own acts of kindness whenever I get the chance to. Overall, I enjoyed this book. Not only does it soothes the soul and gives it hope, but it shows that kindness is a part of all our lives.
April 2, 2024
Quite a beautiful CSftS book with many examples of "kindness tokens" weaving their threads through society. Some of the stories can be very dark with glimpses of hope shining through, so be forewarned.
March 20, 2018
It was late at night. With my alarm already set for the next day, anymore reading I did was nibbling away at a full nights rest. But with so few pages left, I felt compelled to sacrifice the time it would take to experience the satisfaction of completing the book. I pressed on.
Maybe if I had left it for the next day the last story wouldn't have hit me so hard. That it would have seemed paltry in the light of day competing for attention with the livelihood and activity of the day. But there, alone, late in the quiet night I read, "Although the sea gets rough, no storm lasts forever."
I couldn't stop the tears it released. Just like the woman in the story, I am still in the middle of difficult times and it hit me hard to be reminded of the promise of better days to come. I cry a lot these days, but this time they were tears of recognition and hope.
Maybe if I had left it for the next day the last story wouldn't have hit me so hard. That it would have seemed paltry in the light of day competing for attention with the livelihood and activity of the day. But there, alone, late in the quiet night I read, "Although the sea gets rough, no storm lasts forever."
I couldn't stop the tears it released. Just like the woman in the story, I am still in the middle of difficult times and it hit me hard to be reminded of the promise of better days to come. I cry a lot these days, but this time they were tears of recognition and hope.
December 25, 2020
Good but not what I hoped
While nearly all of the stories of kindness in this book are uplifting, much of their power is diluted because they are nearly all written by the givers, not the receivers of the kindness. This brings into question the motivations of the authors, and while I'm sure most of them are sincere, I hate that I have doubts. The book would have been twice as good if the accounts were consistently written by the receivers of the kindnesses!
While nearly all of the stories of kindness in this book are uplifting, much of their power is diluted because they are nearly all written by the givers, not the receivers of the kindness. This brings into question the motivations of the authors, and while I'm sure most of them are sincere, I hate that I have doubts. The book would have been twice as good if the accounts were consistently written by the receivers of the kindnesses!
November 14, 2017
Great Book
This is a great book that offers every day stories of kindness from people that you would see in your walks of life. If you life real stories this would be the book for you.
This is a great book that offers every day stories of kindness from people that you would see in your walks of life. If you life real stories this would be the book for you.
November 24, 2017
Love the quotes and feel good stories. to read positivity about humanity rather than putting energy, focus and judgement on the negative. these stories have inspired me to be more conscious about random selfless acts of kindness just to be kind to your fellow neighbor and fellow human.
January 10, 2020
Though the stories got repetitive after a while, more than making you feel good this book motivates you to appreciate the little things in life and truly motivates you to extend little acts of kindness whenever you can.
March 14, 2023
I wanted to read this book to get some insight or examples of act of kindness I could replicate. I was given more than what I expected. This book really gave me faith in humanity and how kindness big or small have a trickle down effect from the giver and recipient for random acts of kindness.
March 15, 2017
Inspirational read!
May 30, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
October 10, 2017
Loved it! Most stories made me cry and I got a few new ideas (which is what I was hoping for!). I plan on rereading again soon!
November 6, 2017
A very heartwarming book ( as usual ). It is really uplifting to read Chicken Soup books from time to time.
January 30, 2018
Good book to read when you are feeling frustrated and disappointed with humankind...
May 9, 2019
This book inspires me to be a better person and do good by others. It also makes me think about all the times I have received random acts of kindness.
May 15, 2019
Makes me want to be kinder!
February 26, 2020
This book was so amazing. I cried a few times
July 27, 2020
An antidote to cynicism, and one I need these days.
November 8, 2020
My first book series chicken soup, i'll collection this series
February 14, 2021
a soul nurturing book that delights everyone.
Read
February 18, 2021Love reading these books periodically. Stories were great and enlightening.
December 15, 2022
Good vibes
Some stories clearly dramatized
Real eyes realize real lies
I look up to the skies
And say boss I ain’t wearin a tie
Some stories clearly dramatized
Real eyes realize real lies
I look up to the skies
And say boss I ain’t wearin a tie
June 13, 2023
A sweet book. I'm a little prejudiced because my story is in this book!
June 17, 2023
Inspiring stories. Beautiful quotes. Amazing kindness!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews