What do you think?
Rate this book
Glad to Be Human: Adventures in Optimism
"I am changed by these now dog-eared pages, and I will return to them again and again for inspiration.” ― Annabel Monaghan , author of The Digit Series, columnist for The Week and The Huffington Post
In a world so often filled with distressing news and bewildering violence, being “human” often gets a bad rap. Rejoice in everyday reasons to smile with positive thoughts and enjoy the gift of life. Take a walk on the bright side and celebrate life. In Glad to Be Adventures in Optimism , award-winning writer Irene O’Garden reminds us of the radiance of human existence. From kitchens to gardens to busy city streets, all around, in your everyday life, you can find plenty of reasons to feel gratitude and hope and find joy. It’s the little things. In this collection of essays, O’Garden explores a wide range of practical reasons to celebrate life―just look closely around you. In one essay, she describes the simple pleasure that comes from clearing clutter off a desk―in another, the thrill of visiting the Statue of Liberty. The book’s grand finale is the Pushcart Prize-winning essay, “Glad to Be Human.” One simple message. Through contemplation, meditation and with literary style, Glad to Be Human invites you to view life through a positive lens. From small, daily activities to journeys overseas, O’Garden has a knack for finding beauty and meaning in all life’s adventures―even in our deepest pain and suffering―helping all of us feel glad to be human. If you enjoy Anne Morrow Lindbergh and Anne Lamott, or books like Risking the Rapids , The Book of Joy , The Book of Delights , or The Gratitude Diaries , you’ll love O’Garden’s Glad to Be Human .
In a world so often filled with distressing news and bewildering violence, being “human” often gets a bad rap. Rejoice in everyday reasons to smile with positive thoughts and enjoy the gift of life. Take a walk on the bright side and celebrate life. In Glad to Be Adventures in Optimism , award-winning writer Irene O’Garden reminds us of the radiance of human existence. From kitchens to gardens to busy city streets, all around, in your everyday life, you can find plenty of reasons to feel gratitude and hope and find joy. It’s the little things. In this collection of essays, O’Garden explores a wide range of practical reasons to celebrate life―just look closely around you. In one essay, she describes the simple pleasure that comes from clearing clutter off a desk―in another, the thrill of visiting the Statue of Liberty. The book’s grand finale is the Pushcart Prize-winning essay, “Glad to Be Human.” One simple message. Through contemplation, meditation and with literary style, Glad to Be Human invites you to view life through a positive lens. From small, daily activities to journeys overseas, O’Garden has a knack for finding beauty and meaning in all life’s adventures―even in our deepest pain and suffering―helping all of us feel glad to be human. If you enjoy Anne Morrow Lindbergh and Anne Lamott, or books like Risking the Rapids , The Book of Joy , The Book of Delights , or The Gratitude Diaries , you’ll love O’Garden’s Glad to Be Human .
236 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2020
2 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 6, 2020
Irene O'Garden has given us a glimpse into her life - how she sees the world with love, possibility, and joy, while acknowledging the difficult moments of living. O'Garden's heartfelt insights help you explore what it means to be human, including both it's challenges and preciousness.
Through her expressive essays, you can begin to appreciate the wonder and meaning of life that you likely have been missing. I especially enjoyed the photos that accompany her essays because they served a a charming surprise to inspire and delight!
O'Garden offers you a brilliant collection of essays to see and appreciate the beauty in everyday life!
If you'd like to find more joy and possibility, this book is for you!
Through her expressive essays, you can begin to appreciate the wonder and meaning of life that you likely have been missing. I especially enjoyed the photos that accompany her essays because they served a a charming surprise to inspire and delight!
O'Garden offers you a brilliant collection of essays to see and appreciate the beauty in everyday life!
If you'd like to find more joy and possibility, this book is for you!
July 13, 2020
O’Garden’s ability to nurture the artist in herself and in each of us is truly astonishing. GLAD TO BE HUMAN inspires, challenges and delights. A master storyteller, she paints vibrant pictures with words that speak to us in the way we need to hear them--- directly to the heart. With her witty, wise and perceptive voice, O’ Garden leads us on an exploration of the wonders of one’s world----within and without ---a herculean task during these dark days
July 13, 2020
Irene O’Garden’s Glad to Be Human: Adventures in Optimism offers a stunning collection of curiosities and illuminations, ripe for the taking. Through delicate word weaving and the noticing of nature’s magic, O’Garden reminds us why being human warrants gladness, with nods to the big and small. (A saddleback caterpillar? The Leaning Tower of Pisa?) The glorious takeaway is this: readers discover brightest star of all. Gratitude.
July 11, 2020
This book is perfect for these times! Irene O'Garden is what my dad would call "relentlessly positive!" and wow do we need her now! Read these meditations on a wonderful life for their beauty, stay for the inspiration. A treasure!
January 4, 2021
I received a complimentary copy.
A group of stories that invoke deep thinking, good energy and blessings. Such a mixture of emotions that keep you uplifted.
A group of stories that invoke deep thinking, good energy and blessings. Such a mixture of emotions that keep you uplifted.
November 16, 2022
This is a really lovely collection of poems, thoughts, essays, experiences. I definitely recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews