Make Your Own Sunshine: Inspiring Stories of People Who Find Light in Dark Times – Real Heroes and Selfless Acts That Uplift Your Spirit

by Janice Dean

The New York Times bestselling author and Fox News senior meteorologist Janice Dean returns with more inspiring stories of people who know how to find light in dark times. While the news is filled with villains and villainy, we do see a few famous heroes now and again. But what about the everyday heroes? The people going out of their way bring a little love into someone else's life? They deserve a time in the spotlight to inspire us all.
Life can be tough—but it helps to know other people have come through hard times with a smile on their face. In Make Your Own Sunshine , Janice Dean shares inspiring stories that will lift your spirit and touch your heart. Good people are all around us doing selfless deeds, from a firefighter who bravely battled for his colleague’s health after 9/11 to a good Samaritan who secretly pays for the coffees of everyone in line behind him.  You can’t help but smile reading about the teacher who cut her hair to make her student feel better.  And you may shed a tear when you hear the story of the dad who never missed writing a napkin note for his daughter, including stashing extra notes in case he lost his batter with cancer.  From a young man who makes bow ties for dogs waiting to be adopted to an Uber driver who brightened a new mom’s day by helping her buy baby clothes, the heroes in this story will warm your heart and stick in your mind. Janice has made it her mission to uncover and document these good stories to inspire us and gives us a much-needed boost of optimism. All we have to do is open our minds and our hearts, to look for the light on a cloudy day. Because as she reminds us, if we don’t make our own sunshine—who will? 

Genres: Nonfiction, Inspirational

240 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2021

Reviews

[Peg Redding · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose this for our book club. It is a lightweight. The meat of the individuals’ stories was good but I felt as if the author had to stretch each story with filler to make a complete (and, at that, short) book. To me, it would have made a good blog. Compared to our other book club selections, this was very disappointing.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0/5.0 - Maybe you know of Janice Dean. My husband did, but I didn't. So I didn't pick this book up based on the author, maybe a little bit based on the cover and more based on the title and the implied subject. The book delivers on what it promises, serving up stories that range from a small child selling cocoa and cookies and donating the money to pay off negative lunch balances at her school, to the principal who makes each graduating student's pandemic related experience special by dressing in full regalia and going to each home and placing a sign in their yard. There are several other stories of teachers who have made a difference in the lives of their students. Some stories are tug at your heart, like the first responder who spent months working the Pile after 9/11, who died, as many others did, from cancer, likely as a result of his time there. Besides his work there, he was active in advocating for a permanent health and compensation fund for the victims, and even while dying, raised money to buy a transport van for other sick responders. Parents and siblings also provided inspiring stories, lunchbox notes to last a lifetime, and a video with audio clips for a young bride whose father had died before her marriage. In all, there are more than 20 such stories.
There was a personal connection for me, as well. Ms. Dean turned 50 this year, had planned a big trip that had to be postponed due to the pandemic, and has MS. This also describes a friend and I felt like I understood her a little better, having read this. She is bright, brave and like two of the other people with MS in the book, climbs mountains and runs races. Another former colleague of mine reminds me of Janice, as he seeks out stories of optimism and is such a positive person. These people are gifts in my life.
I'd recommend this to anyone who has struggled during these past months, and especially for those who feel like they've lost control over their lives. Maybe there will be a story in here that will light your way or give you inspiration.
AtY #50: A Book Published in 2021
Book 107 of 2021

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book the world needs right now! When tragedies happen look for the good, or in the words of Fred Rogers, look for the helpers. This book show's that humanity is still good and a lot of good comes out of tragedies. This book is full of stories from regular people who went viral after telling about something good they did or someone else did for them, not to get notoriety, but just to show there are still good people in the world. Thank you Janice Dean for making me smile and cry at the same time! I will definitely share some kindness today and hopefully everyday.

"...you have to look for the sunshine, or sometimes you have to make your own."

"How do you get to be that person? How do you become a person who steps in to help others?"

"Not everyone can lead a movement to change the world, but everyone can find a way to help someone else, just a little, just for a few moments."

"One flower can make kindness blossom around you."

"Anyone at any time could be that person. The one that causes the spark that changed an entire life."

[chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

didn’t like: an epigraph, then a prologue?? and telling us abt your wonderful birthday in the front of the book in the prologue?? not sure why we need to know that or why we'd care?? then an epilogue at the end??
also the repetitions of "I ask Emma" instead of "I asked" became irritating.
author injects a lot of her personal story within the chapters abt others. not sure that's a good thing. if you're going to interview someone else, the interview should be about them. not you. if you want to write about you, then either put that all in one chapter or make the entire book about you.
liked: some great stories.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite frankly, this book was shit on a stick. It was bought for me as a gift, so I felt compelled to read it. Otherwise I would have never picked this up. It's corny. It's terribly written and littered with typos. It feels like it was slapped together in a week. And it has way too many references to Fox News.

[Carey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh, I can’t finish this book. It’s not a bad theme or idea, it’s just not done very well. The stories really could be just one page each but the author stretches them too much to make it a book-length production. But really they are much like the “My Unsung Hero” podcast episodes, except drawn out. I love that podcast but it just doesn’t seem to make a good book. At least not done this way.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

This is a feel good book. It makes you feel inspired. The stories are so inspirational. It’s an easy read and well worth reading.

[Tamara Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Make Your Own Sunshine” acts as a literary ray of sunshine to brighten a world that is that has been darkened by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other personal tragedies experienced by others.

The book begins with an prologue in which the author shares how plans for celebrating her fifty birthday were thwarted by the global pandemic. Although her birthday plans are canceled, she is able to find sunshine among her sadness by reading story of others doing good deals & performing acts of kindness to strangers. After she reads these feel good stories, she is inspired to compile a book of twenty-one stories of people from different walks of life showing acts of kindness and how small acts lead to big changes in the lives if many.

Each chapter of “Make Your Own Sunshine” focuses on an ordinary person, the act of kindness they performed, how it made them feel, and the act’s impact on others.

Throughout the book. the author interjects her own personal anecdotes to better connect with both the interview subject. In addition, by providing her personal anecdotes, I feel this also helps the reader have sympathy and empathy for the author.

My favorite part of the book was the eight pages of color photos showing the people highlighted in the book pages since this helped better connect the reader to the interview subject. Within the pages of “Make Your Own Sunshine” are stories that will pull emotion from the reader, make them think, and also inspire the reader to find a way to make sunshine in the lives of others.

The epilogue for “Make Your Own Sunshine” ends as it begins with a story from the author regarding rediscovering a live riding a bike as well as her young son learning to ride a bike.

Overall, this book is a wonderful read for anyone going through dark times in their life and are looking for an uplifting read. In addition, this book provides inspiration for those desiring to make a difference in the life of others through big or small acts of kindness.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I loved this audiobook and recommend it to everyone, especially if you are looking for some upbeat, positive things in life. I had not heard of Janice Dean as I do not watch a lot of television, but after listening to this book, I will be checking out her show on Fox. This book is full of stories of people taking the negative in their lives and turning it into a positive. From tragic stories that cause big changes and even foundations, but also simple things like buying a coffee, writing a note, sending a card etc. can change someone's day. Janice mentions Fred Rogers a couple of times as someone who set such a good example for others and the quote I love was "Look for the Helpers". I want to be a helper now. This is the book we need right now. It is so easy to get down in the dumps and feel sorry for ourselves, but this book shows us that simple things can make such a difference. Again, I recommend this book to everyone. I love when an author narrates their own books. Janice Dean has a voice that is easy to listen to. She adds expression and inflection to the book making it sound like I am sitting with her listening to her stories over a cup of coffee. I want to thank HarperAudio for a copy of this audiobook to listen to and review. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Your Own Sunshine is a warm an uplifting book consisting of short stories complied through interviews by Janice Dean. Her philosophy is no matter how big or small, what is important is that all acts of kindness bring happiness and that in turn brings sunshine.

Sometimes you have to look around for that light to hold onto. Finding those moments is what Dean calls “ making your own sunshine “ and the light from others will always help guide our way. She helps point out that even in the darkest days one small gesture of goodness can lighten any mood or atmosphere. As she says it only takes a few seconds to make sunshine and pass it on. We’ve seen it with pot banging for front line workers, Garth Callaghan napkin note dad, meals for the homeless, and tweets and FB posts of countless acts of kindness from so many people. It’s all about communities and people coming together to help each other.

The premise for Dean writing this book was to shine a light on positive stories many that spread kindness.

Dean’s compilation of interviews make for a ray of sunshine. One thing is for sure that as long as there is love and kindness there will be sunshine ☀️

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a feel good, light weight book that is easy to read as it is comprised of short stories. These stories are about the unsung heroes in the lives of others. By their actions, words, or deeds they inspire one to do better, be kinder, and help another person when the situation arises and presents itself.

But for several editing issues (replication of words, omission of words, use of wrong name within the same story, repetitive content as filler or like it was forgotten to be deleted because it had already been used) it was an okay read. This seems to happen frequently in recently published books, reflecting a undereducated editor (in English) and a hurried, deadline driven world, the very antithesis of the books content.

It was an okay read in that I finished it. Must not have been terrible in that regard. Having just moved, my want to read books are in storage.

[Shannon Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me want to become a better person. Each chapter has stories about wonderful human beings living throughout the US and Canada spreading kindness by their actions and sunny disposition in life. It is a fast read. Yes, it looks like I took a month to read this book. However, I read the bulk of the book in one day. Going to start to focus on the good in life rather than evil/anger in the world that seems to permeate society and the 24/7 news cycle our culture prides itself on. This doesn't mean being naive- just choosing to put a larger emphasis on sunshine rather than darkness in my life.

[Natalie {booksandbakeryfinds} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of hopeful and inspiring stories of people participating in small acts of kindness, this book filled my heart with joy and reminded me of the brighter side of humanity. With the pandemic continuing on more than year later, many people, myself included, are feeling tired, defeated and burnt out. This book may be exactly what you need to bolster your spirits; it sure did wonders for me. Highly recommend.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says stories of people who find light in dark times- they not only found light they shared light with others. I read a story at night before bed. It was a wonderful way to end a long day often full of troubling news and sadness caring for a loved one with dementia. I would read a story of how others gave of themselves and did acts both small and large to brighten others lives. It has inspired me to seek ways daily to help someone else or spread cheer in some way.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself smiling and sighing with satisfying happiness reading this book. How refreshing to read stories of people who are unselfish, caring, generous, loving human beings. A great read for these times of unrest, division and hatred. Make You Own Sunshine encourages all of us to find the good out there. It's there, we just have to look for it.

[Lil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice and easy pick-me-up read with multiple short stories of good, kind people. Probably much needed right now with Coronavirus heading into its third year and a possible full-out war between Ukraine and Russia. I think this book would be a nice reminder to spread a bit of sunshine wherever and to whoever we can.

[Cheryl Jensen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is akin to the Chicken Soup for the Soul style of books. Janice Dean collected uplifting stories of people helping others throughout the Covid 19 pandemic. The stories are of ordinary people doing what they can to lift others. I feel badly giving Dean's good-intentioned book a rating of only 2/5, but poor editing decreases its value for me. For example, one seven-page story focuses on the good works of Seth Stewart, and mentions his name several times throughout. Then the final sentence reads, "Keep . . . spreading that sunshine, Scott." A gentleman was uplifted by numerous birthday cards from strangers up until, "almost a year before his ninety-third birthday." Confusing. Later his daughter states he passed "just eleven months after the 'birthday extavaganza.'" Now that makes sense. A baby with a birth defect is born, but we don't know when, only that he passes away in March 2020. There are other small things, such as using the same descriptive word too close together, and the awkwardness of overusing "I asked," instead of finding alternate ways to structure the sentences.

[Len · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It's very inspiring.it makes you see and be aware that inspite of the bad news happening in the world that there is still kindness in simple things that will inspire you. This book help me realize to give kindness in my everyday life and hopefully I can inspire my kids and the people around me. Thank you Janice Dean for writing this book!

[Marissa Savala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an uplifting and easy read. Janice returns and as always, brings the sunshine. This book is a collection of stories about everyday people who have managed to find the sunshine during a rainstorm. This is a great pick-me-up read and would serve well on a flight, in the bathroom, or with a cup of tea before bed.

[Brianna Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars. This book is a collection of heartwarming, feel-good stories about the kindness of people in simple yet extraordinary ways. It is a good dose of happiness, which is helpful in a world that feels full of stress and conflict some days. It was an easy read, although the writing style felt choppy at times.

[KrisT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life experiences! Some grief, some kindness can come together at the right moment and how you choose to go forward can and will make all the difference. The world has been out of any persons control and yet there are helpers and kindness to be found all over. Love this!

[Jules Poet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book, but it was too long. I think people would respond better to a poem, song or quote. The stories are mostly about real people making the lives of those around them better.

It felt a little too sunshiny at times. But the message was stellar and worth listening to

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great feel-good stories, hut most of them leave you with an "and what" question. Not knocking the author, really good write up (listened to the audiobook), but simply not my cup of tea, despite the great topic.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what you would expect from Janice. Very positive, uplifting, inspirational read!

[Cat Roule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and well written

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janice Deans's book is the perfect book for this time when life seems so up in air right now. Stories of kindness and hope restore faith and has inspired me to do better, be better. Thanks Janice!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Janice, for the inspiring stories, the people in these stories are heroes, and so are you. You are a ray of sunshine and have shared them with the world thank you. Can't wait for more.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of stories---even in the worst of circumstances, finding hope and light.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF the audiobook at 50%. While I appreciate the sentiment and intent of this book, I found the stories droned on excessively and I didn’t care for Janice’s narration. On to the next book!

[Becky Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect feel good book! Read it while on vacation and was pleasantly surprised.