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O's Little Book of Calm & Comfort
The fifth installment in our series of small, inspirational books from the editors of O, the Oprah Magazine—this one a collection of contemplative and meditative essays that soothe and inspire the listener to lead a full life with ease.
A tranquil, peaceful collection of soul-stirring writing designed to guide listeners toward an easier, less-anxious existence. The editors at O., The Oprah Magazine have combed through the Magazine's extensive archives to assemble O's Little Book of Calm and Comfort, a collection of stirring pieces from great writers and celebrated thinkers, that offers warm and reassuring companionship to any listener feeling frazzled by the demands of daily life.
A tranquil, peaceful collection of soul-stirring writing designed to guide listeners toward an easier, less-anxious existence. The editors at O., The Oprah Magazine have combed through the Magazine's extensive archives to assemble O's Little Book of Calm and Comfort, a collection of stirring pieces from great writers and celebrated thinkers, that offers warm and reassuring companionship to any listener feeling frazzled by the demands of daily life.
Audio CD
Published March 28, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 9, 2017
This book is one that caught my eye on a library shelf and so I grabbed it. It is definitely one that I ran hot and cold with. Some of the contributors were fantastic and some were cringe worthy. Overall, I found some nuggets worth sharing...
"Ask yourself, 'Am I living in a way that the earth can be grateful for me?'" -Robin Will Kimmerer
"What gladdens my perfection-obsessed heart is to attempt projects that don't matter, at least not in the grand scheme of things. So I make Pinterest-inspired marshmallow snowmen sliding down a coconut cake on fruit-leather toboggans for a five-year-old's birthday, and neither of us cares that their sugar-sprinkle eyes dribble down their chins. I watch videos of men chiseling rocks in the English countryside and then go out to lay my own stone wall, half of which survives. The whole while, I forsake doing things flawlessly and instead just do them - for the joy of learning something new, for the pleasure of thinking with my hands, for the sweet delight of merely trying." -Lise Funderburg
"To get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with." -Mark Twain
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is an absurd one." -Voltaire
"Run my dear,
from anything
that may not strengthen
your precious budding wings." -Hafiz
"Ask yourself, 'Am I living in a way that the earth can be grateful for me?'" -Robin Will Kimmerer
"What gladdens my perfection-obsessed heart is to attempt projects that don't matter, at least not in the grand scheme of things. So I make Pinterest-inspired marshmallow snowmen sliding down a coconut cake on fruit-leather toboggans for a five-year-old's birthday, and neither of us cares that their sugar-sprinkle eyes dribble down their chins. I watch videos of men chiseling rocks in the English countryside and then go out to lay my own stone wall, half of which survives. The whole while, I forsake doing things flawlessly and instead just do them - for the joy of learning something new, for the pleasure of thinking with my hands, for the sweet delight of merely trying." -Lise Funderburg
"To get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with." -Mark Twain
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is an absurd one." -Voltaire
"Run my dear,
from anything
that may not strengthen
your precious budding wings." -Hafiz
December 22, 2017
Book of Calm and Comfort? I think not. Very misleading title. A total waste of time. I think the only reason this book was able to get published was because the name Oprah was on the cover. I have never given a book a one star before. If I ever see the name Oprah on a book cover from now on, I will stay far from it!
June 20, 2020
I enjoy reading combined-short essays and stories. In this collection, they just weren't all about calm and comfort, and some just were not great.
August 22, 2017
Whilst the idea was excellent the execution was poor. Some v upsetting stories included that neither calmed not comforted. In fact once I felt much much worse. The editors needed to think harder about why people would choose to read this and include suitable stories.
February 1, 2021
Book has little to do with neither calm or comfort
March 25, 2019
When I started this book I was really looking forward to reading about stories that are comforting and calming. I would say that maybe less than half of the short stories in this little gem was just that. The rest I am sorry to say left me feeling sad or depressed. But it is a short book with some great stories. With that being said not sure if I want to read "O's Little Guide to Starting Over"...
November 25, 2019
It was oddly comforting finding out what other people found comforting. Every story was unique and none of the things I would have expected, i.e grandmothers recipe or and old quilt. Some stories made me laugh, some made me cry, and others made me think how did you make the cut... Oh well, still worth the read.
June 23, 2017
A good friend gave me this to encourage me through the tough cancer stuff and I did feel its effect. A lot of the essays dealt with the aftermath of divorce but it was interesting to see how the faced adversity. Worth reading in lots of different circumstances.
October 5, 2017
Well written, thoughtful short pieces, some of them sad, all of them uplifting. Now if I could just stop referring to it as O's Little Book of Comfort and Joy. My brain obviously goes into Christmas mode every time I see a reference to Comfort and...
November 3, 2017
The quality of writing here is high, however what might bring comfort to one person may be upsetting to another and unfortunately there's no way to know when going in to each piece whether it's going to be calming or the exact opposite! Overall it wasn't quite what I was expecting from the title.
August 6, 2019
I have several of these "Little" books from O. I keep one in my desk drawer at work all the time. I especially liked the very last story from Elizabeth Gilbert. The message, don't worry just live! I needed to read those last pages today!
March 28, 2020
“Strength means honoring your entire range of emotion, even your despair and heartbreak. Especially your despair and heartbreak. It means acknowledging each of those feelings, your questions and ideas and faith and terror, and meeting what comes with the full force fo your heart.”
May 12, 2020
Wonderful, inspiring, and a book you will reread many times!!
I absolutely loved this book!! The words are heartfelt, interesting, and just fun! Makes a wonderful gift or treat for yourself. Enjoy!!😊
I absolutely loved this book!! The words are heartfelt, interesting, and just fun! Makes a wonderful gift or treat for yourself. Enjoy!!😊
April 18, 2022
A nice collection of short stories/poems about comfort. Some were really sad though and maybe triggering for people that experienced recent loss. I enjoyed a couple very much: gratitude and Conversations with Pema Chodron.
June 28, 2017
Inspiring collection of stories. Really enjoyed the interview with Pema Chodron. Will re-read when I have moments where I need some inspiration.
January 21, 2018
Wonderful. Feel like I could read it a couple more times.
June 8, 2018
Small book, Big thoughts. Just nice. Made me smile.
December 11, 2018
Loved the short stories! It reminded me that, while we are all on different paths, we all experience love, pain, loss and hope. Good for a good laugh or a good cry. Which ever you need.
December 14, 2019
I enjoyed it, but I do not remember much of it. Easy to listen to and digest.
February 3, 2020
One word! Liberating!
September 28, 2020
Some excellent writers and heart warming stories. It's not extraordinary but I enjoyed it. I just needed something soothing like can soup for my mind. What can I say, it's been a rough 2020.
October 19, 2020
Lords of comforting short stories. I enjoyed this book.
August 3, 2021
I listened to this book of essays and loved it.
November 7, 2021
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Worry isn’t safe.
2. Pay back kindness by passing it on.
1. Worry isn’t safe.
2. Pay back kindness by passing it on.
March 20, 2022
Each story a pebble of understanding
I enjoyed each story because in it was a guide to awareness and understanding. Become your best self by learning to love yourself.
I enjoyed each story because in it was a guide to awareness and understanding. Become your best self by learning to love yourself.
December 10, 2022
A modern version of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Quick and easy listen with some cute stories.
April 27, 2023
There were barely any comfort in 98% of the stories, most of what I’ve experienced was discomfort and uneasiness… maybe Elizabeth Gilbert’s story was the only one that was of interest to me..
May 8, 2023
I did not find the stories calming or comforting, most were just sad.
July 31, 2023
Hmmm… O’s Little Book of Cold Comfort kept popping into my mind as this sterile collection of random writings droned on in my ear as an audiobook.
January 5, 2024
Libby audio. Good to listen to while doing other stuff. Essays by different well known people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews