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A 5th Portion of Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 More Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit
This treasury of stories offers a tribute to life and humanity, with topics ranging the emotional and experiential gamut. Through 101 timeless tales and inspiring bits of wisdom, Canfield and Hansen invite readers to enjoy "Chicken Soup" in whatever way they find most comforting--by the spoonful, by the bowl, or the whole pot in one sitting.
388 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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557 people want to read
About the author
Jack Canfield
1,286 books1,751 followersJack Canfield is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, which currently has over 124 titles and 100 million copies in print in over 47 languages. According to USA Today, Canfield and his writing partner, Mark Victor Hansen, were the top-selling authors in the United States in 1997.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
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July 29, 2025~ Love, true love, is that which can give the most without asking or demanding anything in return (Mazie Hammond)
January 26, 2022
I remember reading this book when I was in high school. I believe this was the very first book of my choice that influenced me into reading more the succeeding years.
It was given by my aunt and was displayed for a long time when I said to myself, “why not read it?” so I did. I was not that good in english back then (until now) but this book has helped me improve my english. That’s what inspired me to read more and progress. Over the years, I spent most of my time reading, especially during summer when technology hasn’t took over all of us yet.
The book is still with me and I’m not proud that it’s not in a good condition to be even lent to someone. The covers have torn apart and you can even see the pages turned yellow with age. If I can only upload photos of it, you’ll want to grab it from me and salvage the remaining pieces. This just shows my not-so-developed love for reading and book back then. I have decided to keep this with me anyway.
There are stories that stuck with me that taught me lessons about life, death and reality. Some of it I just appreciated after rereading it again recently.
I would recommend Chicken Soup not to those who find reading novels too boring because of the thick pages, but to those who wanted to start reading and be inspired and touched by real people’s lives.
It was given by my aunt and was displayed for a long time when I said to myself, “why not read it?” so I did. I was not that good in english back then (until now) but this book has helped me improve my english. That’s what inspired me to read more and progress. Over the years, I spent most of my time reading, especially during summer when technology hasn’t took over all of us yet.
The book is still with me and I’m not proud that it’s not in a good condition to be even lent to someone. The covers have torn apart and you can even see the pages turned yellow with age. If I can only upload photos of it, you’ll want to grab it from me and salvage the remaining pieces. This just shows my not-so-developed love for reading and book back then. I have decided to keep this with me anyway.
There are stories that stuck with me that taught me lessons about life, death and reality. Some of it I just appreciated after rereading it again recently.
I would recommend Chicken Soup not to those who find reading novels too boring because of the thick pages, but to those who wanted to start reading and be inspired and touched by real people’s lives.
October 3, 2011
A 5th Portion of Chicken Soup for the Soul edited by Jack Cranfield and Mark Victor Hansen carries on the well established Chicken Soup for the Soul legacy. This book, like the others in the series, is uplifting and thought provoking. Whether you read the book by reading a story a day or reading large chunks of the book at once, it doesn’t matter. Whether you read the book from cover to cover or skip around won’t matter either. However you choose to read this book, you can be sure you’ll enjoy it.
I truly appreciate the kind tone of the book. There is enough edginess in my day to day life, it is relaxing to pick this book up and lose myself in the kinder, gentler rhythm of a book whose soul purpose is to uplift and inspire.
Honestly I can’t say enough good about this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those who need encouragement. I would also recommend this book for teens.
I truly appreciate the kind tone of the book. There is enough edginess in my day to day life, it is relaxing to pick this book up and lose myself in the kinder, gentler rhythm of a book whose soul purpose is to uplift and inspire.
Honestly I can’t say enough good about this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those who need encouragement. I would also recommend this book for teens.
September 29, 2025
I love these Chicken Soup for the Soul books. This one was on my bookshelf for many years while I was always too busy to get it down and read it. Although it was published in 1998, the stories are still heartwarming.
Actually, I am sure I appreciate the stories more now than I ever would have before now since there is so much hate and conflict in the world today. This book reminds us that there are still many caring people and that positive energy is still alive. We just need to look for it and embrace it.
I kept thinking as I read this book that I might want to read the stories again and maybe I should put the book back on my bookshelf and keep it. However, I think I will take it to Goodwill and trust that others will be blessed by the stories in the book.
Actually, I am sure I appreciate the stories more now than I ever would have before now since there is so much hate and conflict in the world today. This book reminds us that there are still many caring people and that positive energy is still alive. We just need to look for it and embrace it.
I kept thinking as I read this book that I might want to read the stories again and maybe I should put the book back on my bookshelf and keep it. However, I think I will take it to Goodwill and trust that others will be blessed by the stories in the book.
January 3, 2018
Chicken Soup for the Soul is a great collection of meaningful stories. As always, different stories will have different effects on each reader. Some stories you love, some stories you don't. Sometimes you connect to a story, sometimes you don't. The stories make me think and they make me strive to be a better person. What more could you ask for?
October 22, 2024
A Standout in the Series
"A 5th Portion of Chicken Soup for the Soul" is a standout in the series. Some stories will make you laugh, some will make you cry, and some can change your life (see "Karen, Do You Know Him?"). The sections "On Love" and "On Death and Dying" are high peaks in a range of mountaintops. If you like "Chicken Soup," you will love this one. It's seasoned just right.
"A 5th Portion of Chicken Soup for the Soul" is a standout in the series. Some stories will make you laugh, some will make you cry, and some can change your life (see "Karen, Do You Know Him?"). The sections "On Love" and "On Death and Dying" are high peaks in a range of mountaintops. If you like "Chicken Soup," you will love this one. It's seasoned just right.
November 4, 2024
What's not to like about this beautiful series of books? This one had some of my favorite writings of the series so far. But overall, it was a nice addition to the series with great stories to inspire and to give your soul and mind warmth and love. Kind of sad to be finishing out the original series with the last book now, but I have had a good time with this series so far!
April 20, 2024
Nói chung ko có j để wow như một số cuốn ngày xưa mình đọc. Có vẻ tác giả ham gom số lượng nhiêù nên chất lượng bị suy giảm. Các câu chuyện ít được chọn lọc hơn, chỉ có một số truyện được được, nhiều truyện xoàng xoàng ko có nhiều ý nghĩa
June 24, 2017
Love them!
I love the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Keeps me inspired. Always look forward to reading them. On to the next
I love the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Keeps me inspired. Always look forward to reading them. On to the next
February 8, 2018
I always get teary-eyed when I read any edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul becuse the stories are so heartwarming and this one was no exception!
March 9, 2019
Sangat memotivasi saya
June 28, 2020
Absolutely recommended. The stories will delight and warm your heart. Will put you back on earth if you have drifted away from your roots.
April 28, 2021
Be ready to shed some tears. Great as always.
August 23, 2021
I really love this series. It's perfect for those times when I don't have very long to read.
July 10, 2023
More soapboxing about God, religion, and prayer than actual heartfelt stories.
May 5, 2024
I love these books. Short stories that make you feel good. I enjoy reading them to my residents at a retirement home and then we discuss the stories. Many more to come.
May 18, 2021
Nice short stories to provide warmth, love, perspective and even wisdom at times. A good read to come back and look life in its own self.
April 26, 2013
Too much of a good thing can make it bad. And as with five servings of real chicken soup, a 5th book of "general" Chicken Soup for the Soul makes you more queasy than cured. Like all of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, this one contains a 101 short stories that are meant to inspire.
In this 5th portion, the chapters are titled, "On Love", "On Parents and Parenting", "On Teaching and Learning", "On Death and Dying", "A Matter of Perspective", "Overcoming Obstacles", and "Eclectic Wisdom". There was a lot of variety in the stories as you can see from the chapter titles, but none really stood out. There were even a few I couldn't really see why they were included as there was nothing inspiring about them (like the story of a mom who paddled her daughter at the beach and then marveled how easily kids forgive). It was just kind of rambling without a true sense of purpose to the story.
I didn't find any of the people in the stories especially endearing. Because the stories are so short you don't really expect to get a connection, but even just reading about them I didn't get the usual tears or smiles that I get with some of the other books. I think I got more meaning from the stories that had pets in them, at least they're cute and furry. Or maybe I'm just feeling anti-social and heartless tonight, who knows.
As I said before, there aren't any stand out stories in this book. I just got done reading it and while I remember what happens in a good many of them, none of them really did anything for me. I think they were just trying to get another book out and didn't pay as much attention to the quality of the stories this time around. And some of them even seemed familiar to some of the other books, especially the one that goes around naming famous people and their failures before they were famous. They have a rendition of that in every book. But at least it was a quick read and easily read in one sitting.
I think that most people will be content to stop at the first or second book in this series (of the general ones at least) rather than go on this far. Only a few really die-hard fans of the series could appreciate this book.
A 5th Portion of Chicken Soup for the Soul
Copyright 1998
367 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
In this 5th portion, the chapters are titled, "On Love", "On Parents and Parenting", "On Teaching and Learning", "On Death and Dying", "A Matter of Perspective", "Overcoming Obstacles", and "Eclectic Wisdom". There was a lot of variety in the stories as you can see from the chapter titles, but none really stood out. There were even a few I couldn't really see why they were included as there was nothing inspiring about them (like the story of a mom who paddled her daughter at the beach and then marveled how easily kids forgive). It was just kind of rambling without a true sense of purpose to the story.
I didn't find any of the people in the stories especially endearing. Because the stories are so short you don't really expect to get a connection, but even just reading about them I didn't get the usual tears or smiles that I get with some of the other books. I think I got more meaning from the stories that had pets in them, at least they're cute and furry. Or maybe I'm just feeling anti-social and heartless tonight, who knows.
As I said before, there aren't any stand out stories in this book. I just got done reading it and while I remember what happens in a good many of them, none of them really did anything for me. I think they were just trying to get another book out and didn't pay as much attention to the quality of the stories this time around. And some of them even seemed familiar to some of the other books, especially the one that goes around naming famous people and their failures before they were famous. They have a rendition of that in every book. But at least it was a quick read and easily read in one sitting.
I think that most people will be content to stop at the first or second book in this series (of the general ones at least) rather than go on this far. Only a few really die-hard fans of the series could appreciate this book.
A 5th Portion of Chicken Soup for the Soul
Copyright 1998
367 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
August 28, 2014
No literary genius here, but every once in awhile I like to read books like this for all the feels. Some of the stories in this were unreadable, but a few really touched me. Pretty much what you would expect.
September 5, 2008
I was browsing books on the bookshelves in CENFOS' lib when suddenly I came across ths book.
April 20, 2009
Good bathroom books. Short stories. : )
Currently reading
August 14, 2012great book i've learnt alot
August 19, 2015
very good a must read
January 31, 2024
If I see a Chicken Soup Book, I Will Read It!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews