The Joy of Small Things

by Hannah Jane Parkinson

'This book is a not-so-small joy in itself.'NIGELLA LAWSON'Parkinson has the gift of making you look with new eyes at everyday things. The perfect daily diversion.'JOJO MOYES'Always funny and frank and full of insight, I absolutely love Parkinson's writing.'DAVID NICHOLLS'I loved this book . . . Parkinson's writing transports you to unexpected places of joy and comfort . . . these pages contain happiness.'MARINA HYDE'The twenty-first century feels a lot more bearable in Parkinson's company.'CHARLOTTE MENDELSONDrawn from the successful Guardian column, these everyday exultations and inspirations will get you through dismal days.Hannah Jane Parkinson is a specialist in savouring the small pleasures of life. She revels in her fluffy dressing gown ('like bathing in marshmallow'), finds calm in solo cinema trips, is charmed by the personalities of fonts ('you'll never see Comic Sans on a funeral notice'), celebrates pockets and gleefully abandons a book she isn't enjoying. Parkinson's everyday exaltations - selected from her immensely successful Guardian column - will utterly delight.FEATURES BRAND NEW MATERIAL'A compendium of delights.'OBSERVER'Delightful . . . a love letter to those little moments of bliss that get us through the daily grind.'RED

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Essays, Psychology, Memoir, Personal Development, Unfinished

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2021

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ironically I found this quite annoying...

[Shuhei Matsutoya]

I was excited to dive straight into reading this book. To indulge in reading and to truly start appreciating everything that's around me- especially those things that seem so integrated into common nature to the point where people tend to overlook them.

I was disappointed, to say the least.

Although I wholeheartedly agreed with some of the topics and so-called "Little moments of joy" that Parkinson so enthusiastically talks about, her writing is corny. When reading through the book, I just found myself asking myself- who is Hannah Jane Parkinson to tell me this? The blurb of 'The Joy of Small Things" says, "Hannah Jane Parkinson is a specialist in savoring the small pleasures of life." Is this really true? What authority and life experiences have she even gone through to write about and teach us what the "small pleasures of life" truly are?

The word “beauty” is subjective to each individual- and I do understand that these little things hold special importance in Parkinson’s life. However, the lack of relatability that some of these pages hold for a teenager like myself suppresses any relevance that Parkinson is trying to convey to readers. The spark that makes these things so special to her is nonexistent when reading through these seemingly irrelevant chapters- making the book extremely monotonous. I saw no "beauty" in these little things.

I also found that the majority of these topics were often luxuries that a large number of people around the world could only dream of having relatability to (These include “Plays without intervals, Clean bedding, The perfect dressing gown, Antique shopping, European town squares, and many, many more). The only exceptions to this trend were when Parkinson narrates her experiences with the different universal virtues that have the power of brightening up souls. These stories came off as genuine and are stories that many can relate to. However, overall this writing just comes off as gloating to me- anecdotes about fortunes that only privileged people can truly relate to.

The book also just seems so rushed. If Parkinson truly wanted to convey the necessity of these little details of life that she blames us for taking for granted so much, then why only dedicate barely 2-3 pages to each topic? I understand that these chapters are intended as quick reads for readers to come back and reread when they please- but this style of writing was just extremely bland and boring to me. I am sure that there are some readers that will enjoy this type of writing.

[Ophelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Jane Parkinson has written a warm, witty and wonderful collection of the everyday things that bring her joy.
Vignettes on such things as: memes, perfect pens, night buses but my favourites were: changing your mind, the to-done list and abandoning a book.

I found myself thinking about this book on dog walks and coming up with my own list, I would like to add:
Flip flops
Short chapters
The sound of a tennis ball.

[Febe · Rating 4 out of 5]

co-ouderschap met Jaad
finished at last!!
very cute, giggling occured regularly<3

[Sarah Groth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Funny, clever and oh so relatable. I laughed and “mm hmm”ed through almost every chapter. Definitely will lift your spirits and give you a reminder of the good things in life!

[Sophie Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This popped up on my Goodreads feed and was available on the Libby App straight away, but its something I hope I would have sought out anyways - a beautiful synergy with the energy I'm wanting to cultivate in 2023! I dipped in and out this (post sleep paralysis, in waiting rooms, on sleepless nights, in realllly boring lectures, as an alternative to scrolling Christian mommy bloggers) which is a reading style that works well with this very short essays. I really enjoyed the way certain themes and the writer's central interests and preoccupations persisted throughout the collection, even as each essay was a world onto itself. The strong allusions to significant mental health struggles gave the small joys an interesting legitimacy, which I found deeply moving.

Here is a collection of my Notion (please sponsor me) notes while reading:
- I like cover songs (looking at you Maggie Rogers x Tim McGraw)!!
- I like ice cream vans!! I too leaped out of bed over Easter to the sound of the Mr Whippy Truck
- I am also gay AND #diagnosed (and 99% sure the author was using girlfriend in a queer way and not an old person way)
- I too have a favourite font (it's Avenir) and am equally captivated by Yorkshire Puddings
- I love the define feature when reading an ebook - I got to learn who Anne lister was! Look her up! I love lesbians!
-God I love window seats (always my plane choice) But I rlly hate Libby’s highlighting system - deeply infuriating - I wish I had this on kindle so my highlights would stay! But saving girl era persists etc :(
-When books add other books to my Goodreads - that is an elite experience - I would write a whole column on that alone - though this particular recommendation came from the column about translators
- The terrible highlighting of Libby strikes again - but it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness!!!! (Dumbledore said it first, according to my Tiktok Noah Kahan is saying it now, but this book says it best)
- Being a regular is so cool!! I miss u Goods (best cafe in welly change my mind)
-Memes 🤝 Jane Austen 🤝 me
- the girlies and cold water swimming, it's a yes from me
- the ode to the 3 minute pop song was clearly written before ATWTMVTV
- the idea of making a foil boat for bath snacks is one I will be trialing

When I was reading this book, I started thinking of daily occurrences in my life and how they would become essays: when the snarled traffic around the Basin at rush hour parts for ambulances, when strangers hold the lift for you, the two seconds everyday when I get to slam my horn when I go through the Mt Vic tunnel... we are all better off by stopping to consider where we can hold or cultivate joy in the small things

read this!

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Joy of Small Things is not a book of great, world-shattering ideas, but it is a book of one good idea, the idea of finding joy in small things, and in a near two year period of the world being severely off-kilter, this book is a gem.
As a columnist Hannah Jane Parkinson has a history of writing for The Guardian and Observer, writing about everything from Football to issues with Mental Health, culture, and politics. This is not a book to read all at once, but it one to turn to occasionally, to remind the reader about the joy and goodness there is out in the world, and how it is the smallest things that make the most difference, the seemingly insignificant people who only make a difference to a small number of people, the comfort to be found in a solitary trip to the cinema, the serendipity of finding the right book in a charity shop.
The things here are only small, but when added up together, would make a difference, and although these are the thoughts and opinions of just one person, we can all find more joy in the things that tend to go unnoticed in our everyday lives.
The tone of the book is generally hopeful, and although Hannah Jane Parkinson does mention her struggles with her own mental health, she doesn’t dwell on it, only using her own experiences to highlight certain elements within the book. The idea for the book was first thought of in 2018 after Parkinson was given a copy of JB Priestley’s Delight to read. In 2018 Social Media, and Donald Trump seemed intent on inflicting their own harm on the world, and although we all know that the world was to change completely after that, much of the content of The Joy of Small Things still stands up.
The short chapters of the book look at such things as being a regular, having a good dressing gown, fonts, a good cover version, Autumn Leaves, techno music, cemeteries, going to the cinema and the theatre alone, graffiti, box sets, playing board games, and the art of abandoning a book.
Although the world is still a troubled, and troubling place, and there is much in the book that is now of limits (trips to the Cinema, flirting, travelling, and train journeys being some things that have been particularly hard hit during lockdown) there is still much to lift the spirits inside the pages of this charming, warm, witty and well-written ode to joy, optimism and hope.

[Selma Durmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very grateful for this book. Since picking it up I often find myself seeking my own small things of joy.

[Beth Bonini · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of brief essays - “odes to joy,” you could say - that were initially published in The Guardian. I read most of it on a long airplane journey and it suited my tired, numbed-out state of consciousness because it is pleasant, undemanding and occasionally humorous. Like the author, I am also prone to noticing and registering and relishing “small joys” and I appreciate the underlying concept. I have read, and choose to believe, that the practice correlates strongly with positive mental health. The author frequently alludes to her own struggles with mental health and depression, and one senses that she has cultivated the practice with some deliberation. I enjoyed the essays, but have no need to hang onto this book. I think that I will give it to a Little Free Library and hope that it gently lightens someone else’s day.

3.5 stars

[Dana Nana · Rating 4 out of 5]

All together a rather large joy 🌞

[Immanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sehr unentschlossen in meinem Rating. Aber viel schönes dabei, manches hat mich aber auch garnicht gecatched.

[Thomas Vos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prima toiletboek. Korte hoofdstukjes die je bij een volgend bezoek alweer vergeten bent, maar dat is niet zo erg.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t enjoy at all. It is mainly just snippets from her column she writes in the newspaper made into a book. Not impressed

[nicola ✩ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
this got a bit repetitive (she talked about the joy of floor tiles like 3 times) but still cute overall
ended up skimming a bit towards the end

[Marlou · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gevalletje idee is leuker dan de uitvoering, helaas (en de vertaling hielp denk ik ook niet mee). Er zaten leuke stukjes tussen, maar na een tijdje was ik wel klaar met het "eerst iets negatiefs, en vanuit daar ombouwen naar puur gelukzalig fijns". Alsof je niet gewoon (heel) blij mag worden van kleine dingen die jou - en misschien alleen jou - blij maken?

[Bethany Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this easy to read book - often read at lunch breaks in the nearby garden lake.
It is the small things that matter! 💛

[ania pawlak · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 fajne pomysły ale nic nie wniosła

[Vany · Rating 4 out of 5]

this felt like a warm hug! it felt like talking to a friend explaining to you what they like and why and I love such conversations

[Aylin Houle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Joy Of Small Things was inspiring, put you in a good mood, made you appreciate the smallest things in life (that aren't so small), and truly makes you appreciate every little thing.

Looking up, clean bedding, autumn leaves, recovering from a cold, dogs in parks, handwritten letters, seeing a friend, moments after waking up... Just a few examples of things written about.

It opens your eyes further to the world and just simply taking every little thing in.

I found myself reading this book little by little. Bringing it out at random moments and even sharing parts with my children. Having them understand the importance of the small things in life.


It was a nice reminder and one I may continue to bring out whenever I need that extra smile ❤️

[Faras_bookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5/5
What can I say, it was a joy to read this book. It’s filled with warmth, coziness, appreciation of tiny things and well joy. And I think it makes it just that little bit more meaningful coming from someone who has been true real hardship and is not just a wishywashy happy person. It’s also just beautifully written and can really bring you to all sorts of places, from a Cuban beach, to a park in autumn or a sweaty concert at night. This book brought a smile to my face!

[Zoe Panstingl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ich bin irgendwie nicht die Zielgruppe für das Buch. Es fühlt sich an, als wäre es für middle aged women gedacht, die sich über alles beschweren. Beispiel: die Autorin schreibt über den Airplane mode. Die Stewardess kam zu ihr und sagt ihr, sie soll das Handy abschalten. Die Frau fängt ernsthaft an mit ihr zu diskutieren, dass sie doch den Airplane mode anhat und warum sie das Handy abschalten soll und warum gibt es dann einen Airplane mode, anstatt einfach das Handy auszuschalten. Sie kanns ja nachher eh wieder einschalten aber nerv doch nicht die arme Stewardess, die einfach nur gesagt hat, dass du beim Starten das Handy ausschalten sollst.
Die Autorin beschwert sich, sagt aber dann wie toll die Sache doch ist. Finde ich bisschen widersprüchlich.

Es hat auch einen eher lamen Humor, also ich fands jetzt nicht so lustig. Ich hab auch einfach nur die Kapitel gelesen, die mich interessiert haben, weil das sind alles kleine individuelle Geschichtchen.
Manche Sachen waren eh relateable. Hunde im Park, Katzen, second hand Bücher, Herbstlaub, das versteh ich ja alles, finde ich ja auch super, aber bei manchen Sachen war ich verwirrt.

[Adnan Muminović · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked it up for the title at a bookstore hoping for something relaxing and pleasing.

It was exactly that, but also more.

It’s not a monumental book, of course, but it does not have to be. It’s soothing and deeper than it appears.

It reminded me of how much under-appreciated joy there is in this world; how much beauty and how many reasons for gratitude there are, once you pay attention and stop taking things for granted.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book full of only good things. Tbh, didn’t sound appealing to me at all at first, I saw this present more as a little passive aggressive nod to my usual taste in books. But I have to say, it did bring me joy. The perfect book before bed to end your day.

[Anneke Visser-van Dijken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bij het zien van de schitterende cover van Geluk zit in de kleine dingen van Hannah Jane Parkinson word je om een of andere reden vrolijk als je naar de parmantige teckel kijkt. Ook de kleur geel maakt dat je je vrolijker voelt. De titel geeft goed aan wat je van het boek kan verwachten. Het is mooi dat men de cover niet heeft veranderd, maar zich hebben gehouden aan de oorspronkelijke cover. De tekeningen in het boek maken het boek compleet.
In Geluk zit in de kleine dingen van Hannah Jane Parkinson deelt de auteur met de lezers waar ze gelukkig van wordt. Tijdens het lezen zul je erachter komen dat de auteur niet veel nodig heeft om gelukkig te worden of te zijn. Ze kan gelukkig worden van de kleinste dingen, van dingen die geen geld kosten, van alleen maar kijken naar onbetaalbare huizen op diverse makelaarssites, van dure dingen en van grootse dingen. Ze geeft haar eigen mening over diverse onderwerpen, zoals over de politiek. Ze laat de lezer met andere ogen naar alledaagse dingen kijken, geeft af en toe een tip, haar columns zijn voor veel mensen herkenbaar, ze maakt graag vergelijkingen met iets waar jezelf niet opgekomen zou zijn en sommige van haar columns zijn leerzaam.

Lees verder op https://surfingann.blogspot.com/2023/... .

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It makes me a bit sad that more people haven't read this, or that it doesn't have a higher rating. Fair warning: if you are expecting the next great American (well, British, to be more precise) novel, this isn't it. It's not even a collection of stories. It's a collection of short columns, tiny bits of daily joy, and that's exactly what it delivers. It's calming and comforting, like a favorite sweatshirt or a cup of hot chamomile tea.

As someone who was strongly against audio books for a long time, I'm now partly converted to the other side. While I still read the vast majority of the books on my list, I've grown to appreciate the audio versions of some genres/formats. This is an ideal example: read in the author's soothing voice, this audio book is a great companion on your commute to work, a walk, or a slower-paced run.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it better than Matt Haigs Comfort Book and agree with many things the author considers small joys. Still found me skimming some of those at the end though. I think this kind of book/theme/topic is just not for me. Cute sausage dog on the cover though!

[Paige| apaigeinthechapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

a new favourite that made me feel immensely better about my life

[Lindsay Mahler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this book. So cute so sweet so perfect. One of my favs of the summer!

[Nicole Renke · Rating 5 out of 5]

V cute, love the concept of appreciating the small joys

[katharina s · Rating 4 out of 5]

a true joy