What do you think?
Rate this book
Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Hearts and Rekindle the Spirits of Women
There are many ways to define a woman: daughter, mother, wife, professional, friend, student... We are each special and unique, yet we share a common connection.
351 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
472 people are currently reading
4125 people want to read
About the author
Jack Canfield
1,286 books1,747 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
March 25, 2013
I would never have read this book if it were not chosen by my book club. That is a good thing. One of the purposes of the club is to expand our horizons. Although I did not like the book, I do believe I got something out of reading it. I understand some people a little bit better, my family especially. I am often confronted by my family with the ways that I do not act like a "woman". They are waiting for me to "grow up". To them, my life is like an extended adolescence. This is despite the fact that I have a decent job in the career that I have chosen, I have been with the same man for 8 years, we own a house, and we are making good progress on our savings. I am still not an adult to them, and I will not be until I am married and have children. They get really sappy when they think about this future that they imagine I will have once I give in to their expectations. My father told me this weekend that my desire to not have children was just like when I was 8 and I didn't want to learn to ride a bike. He told me that I was just scared, and once I had a child I would love being a parent. My father would love this book.
Being a woman does not mean being a wife and a mother, and I really have a problem with the glorification of sacrifice as it applies to the long-suffering caregivers that inhabit its pages.
Being a woman does not mean being a wife and a mother, and I really have a problem with the glorification of sacrifice as it applies to the long-suffering caregivers that inhabit its pages.
April 5, 2013
I'm a woman, so this book applies to me right? Or at least that's what I thought. However, I think the authors of this book have a very narrow sight on what it means to be a woman. But more on that later. This book is one of the very many versions of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books out there. These books are known for their uplifting short stories that are meant to inspire, make you feel good, or just make you cry.
Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul takes stories about women and fills a number of places with them. The chapters range from being about Overcoming Obstacles, Motherhood, Marriage, Attitude, and Love. There are stories about mother's doing whatever they can for their children, to becoming a mom for the first time, to finding the love of your life and marrying him. Far and few between however, are stories about women who stay single and don't have children. There are a few, but barely any. The majority of the stories focus on motherhood and marriage. One of those few that was not however, was about a woman pilot, and that actually was an inspiring story. But then there was one of the first stories in the book, about a man who was inspired by his wife to take his mom out to dinner and other activities, but kept calling it dating his mother, which was kind of creepy (the story may have been innocent but continual references to dating your mother just doesn't sit right).
Since these are short stories we don't really get a sense of all the people. After all, you're seeing them through biased eyes without a lot of description. Everyone seems to be glowing. And mothers and married women are especially revered (are you sensing a theme here). But there are a lot of good people mentioned in these books. People who do good for other people. And there's even a few that are inspiring.
So obviously my main complaints with this book are its representation of women. I'm not saying that it's wrong to have a section on marriage or on motherhood, but I think equal status (and a devoted chapter) should be given to the single career-oriented and the non-mothers. They do a lot of good in the world too. And there's already plenty of Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul books. It's almost like they're saying women who don't follow those choices in life aren't quite women. And that's heartbreaking. This is a Christian based publication, but this one didn't have too many stories that were preachy, which was nice. It was approachable in that way at least.
Not my favorite of the Chicken Soup books. Maybe I'm a little biased, but I just wish this book had been for ALL women.
Chicken Soup for the Women's Soul
Copyright 1996
328 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul takes stories about women and fills a number of places with them. The chapters range from being about Overcoming Obstacles, Motherhood, Marriage, Attitude, and Love. There are stories about mother's doing whatever they can for their children, to becoming a mom for the first time, to finding the love of your life and marrying him. Far and few between however, are stories about women who stay single and don't have children. There are a few, but barely any. The majority of the stories focus on motherhood and marriage. One of those few that was not however, was about a woman pilot, and that actually was an inspiring story. But then there was one of the first stories in the book, about a man who was inspired by his wife to take his mom out to dinner and other activities, but kept calling it dating his mother, which was kind of creepy (the story may have been innocent but continual references to dating your mother just doesn't sit right).
Since these are short stories we don't really get a sense of all the people. After all, you're seeing them through biased eyes without a lot of description. Everyone seems to be glowing. And mothers and married women are especially revered (are you sensing a theme here). But there are a lot of good people mentioned in these books. People who do good for other people. And there's even a few that are inspiring.
So obviously my main complaints with this book are its representation of women. I'm not saying that it's wrong to have a section on marriage or on motherhood, but I think equal status (and a devoted chapter) should be given to the single career-oriented and the non-mothers. They do a lot of good in the world too. And there's already plenty of Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul books. It's almost like they're saying women who don't follow those choices in life aren't quite women. And that's heartbreaking. This is a Christian based publication, but this one didn't have too many stories that were preachy, which was nice. It was approachable in that way at least.
Not my favorite of the Chicken Soup books. Maybe I'm a little biased, but I just wish this book had been for ALL women.
Chicken Soup for the Women's Soul
Copyright 1996
328 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
October 23, 2019
I love how inspiring these stories are. they lifted my spirit
February 26, 2015
I've always been a fan of the Chicken Soup books, ever since I was seven and my teacher used to read them aloud during school assemblies.
I like to read them when I'm feeling down a bit. Even though I might not be able to relate to every single one, they usually hold something uplifting that cheers me up.
This particular chicken soup book, lived up to all the rest.
And it would have gotten a five star review from me, if it weren't for the finishing chapter.
I can't help but feel slightly skeptic when I hear of people who can mentally communicate across long distances. I'm not saying it never happens, but at least it doesn't happen regularly enough for it to earn a place in the book. There were a couple of other psychic references as well, so I couldn't help feeling as if the book was taking a somewhat superstitious turn
The last stories were also slightly darker than the rest, which in my opinion goes against the grain, (and to some extent, the whole point) of the series.
All in all, it's a good book, with beautiful quotes heading the start of each story (I sometimes just flit through and ignore the stories and just read the quotes), and anyone who is into self-help, or books with moral advice and all that stuff, should enjoy reading it.
I like to read them when I'm feeling down a bit. Even though I might not be able to relate to every single one, they usually hold something uplifting that cheers me up.
This particular chicken soup book, lived up to all the rest.
And it would have gotten a five star review from me, if it weren't for the finishing chapter.
I can't help but feel slightly skeptic when I hear of people who can mentally communicate across long distances. I'm not saying it never happens, but at least it doesn't happen regularly enough for it to earn a place in the book. There were a couple of other psychic references as well, so I couldn't help feeling as if the book was taking a somewhat superstitious turn
The last stories were also slightly darker than the rest, which in my opinion goes against the grain, (and to some extent, the whole point) of the series.
All in all, it's a good book, with beautiful quotes heading the start of each story (I sometimes just flit through and ignore the stories and just read the quotes), and anyone who is into self-help, or books with moral advice and all that stuff, should enjoy reading it.
July 1, 2022
DNF@17%
Just some stories that will make you feel emotional for two minutes otherwise there was nothing in the book.WHY DID I PICK IT UP?🙄
Just some stories that will make you feel emotional for two minutes otherwise there was nothing in the book.WHY DID I PICK IT UP?🙄
February 2, 2009
This book has good, inspiring stories of women who have done it all, from childhood memories to growing old and wiser. A couple of the stories had me tearing up.
I have a few favorites that stick out. One called "The Wind Beneath Her Wings" is a story about Jean Harper, one of the first three female pilots for United Airlines. The woman's dream was always to be a pilot, and first everyone told her she couldn't, or she didn't have chance. She Almost believed that, until one teacher told her to live the dream. Another one was "Mother's Day," about a woman who was in her 30's and thought she would never have children, but in her 40's did. It makes me feel a little hopeful about myself. All the stories definitely spark emotion in a person; I can't see how they could not.
I have a few favorites that stick out. One called "The Wind Beneath Her Wings" is a story about Jean Harper, one of the first three female pilots for United Airlines. The woman's dream was always to be a pilot, and first everyone told her she couldn't, or she didn't have chance. She Almost believed that, until one teacher told her to live the dream. Another one was "Mother's Day," about a woman who was in her 30's and thought she would never have children, but in her 40's did. It makes me feel a little hopeful about myself. All the stories definitely spark emotion in a person; I can't see how they could not.
February 20, 2014
I was given this book as a gift, and when I realized it was a collection of heartwarming stories, I ended up reading it to elderly people in an assisted living facility for "storytime". It was PERFECT for that! In fact it was so perfect, I ended up buying more of these Chicken Soup books to read to the dear elderly people.
Sometimes the stories were touching and inspirational, sometimes the people listening would ask me to read "just one more, please!" And sometimes the stories sparked memories in the people and ended up being a catalyst for conversation and remembering.
I would give this 3 1/2 stars if I could. Super easy reading.
Sometimes the stories were touching and inspirational, sometimes the people listening would ask me to read "just one more, please!" And sometimes the stories sparked memories in the people and ended up being a catalyst for conversation and remembering.
I would give this 3 1/2 stars if I could. Super easy reading.
January 18, 2014
A selection of many short stories and comic strips which are divided under these categories: Love, Attitude and Self-Esteem, Overcoming Obstacles, Marriage, Motherhood, Special moments, Living Your Dream, Aging, Higher Wisdom, and finally Across the Generations.
The stories are so inspiring; and what's funny is that I probably wouldn't have picked this book up at the bookstore myself; I mean neither the cover nor the title is eye-catching.. so thanks for my book club for suggesting this. It was a very nice read =)
The stories are so inspiring; and what's funny is that I probably wouldn't have picked this book up at the bookstore myself; I mean neither the cover nor the title is eye-catching.. so thanks for my book club for suggesting this. It was a very nice read =)
April 3, 2024
I used to love this series growing up... Like the teenaged ones? I ate those UP. So I wanted to read this for nostalgia purposes. Long story short: This book let me down. Took me way too long to get through. Felt indifferent to just about every story offered. Think I'll leave this series to my memory now instead of trying to recapture that nostalgia, lol.
Update: I just realized this was published a year before I was even born... So maybe that's why I couldn't relate to or get into any of the stories -- the world is so different now, and being a woman means so much more than what is portrayed in this book from 1996. Still doesn't change my mind about leaving these books in my past, but does help give some context!
Update: I just realized this was published a year before I was even born... So maybe that's why I couldn't relate to or get into any of the stories -- the world is so different now, and being a woman means so much more than what is portrayed in this book from 1996. Still doesn't change my mind about leaving these books in my past, but does help give some context!
May 18, 2012
Full of wonderful true stories from other women. I read this book many years ago when feeling less happy with myself and my life. Many of the stories struck a chord and helped me move on. Well worth a read if you looking for support and inspiration.
NOTE: Having a box of tissues handy would be a good idea when reading some of the stories.
NOTE: Having a box of tissues handy would be a good idea when reading some of the stories.
February 7, 2018
Typical chicken soup: some are funny, some are sad, all in all, enjoyable.
July 12, 2022
It is chicken soup- in the form of Literature
Love love love.
Love love love.
February 8, 2024
Excellent compilation of short stories
March 17, 2017
Enjoyable, inspiring, touching. Good stories to warm the heart. I especially liked the chapter titled "overcoming obstacles".
September 5, 2019
Only if I could give this book more than 5 stars! This book will make you cry, it will make you laugh, it will make you want to live life to it's extreme end. If I were to keep aside something nice for my older self decades down the years, it's this book I'll save up. :)
April 8, 2021
This is a "Chicken Soup" I have revisited many times over the past 21 years. Initially, this edition found me two days after my son was born with serious medical issues. I felt it call to me again and just had to reread it. The short story "Asking for Miracles" holds a special place in my heart. In it, a mother described her experience of praying for her adult son as he fought for his life. Those prayers became my own. Her example of pacing, volume, praising-became part of me. This book is filled with stories that both inspire and make me laugh. It will always be one of my favorite editions.
September 13, 2009
My children tend to give me books for gifts quite often. It's appreciated and it keeps me in tuned to life and the appreciation we should all have for it along the way. The Chicken Soup books are some of their faves to pass on to me because they know I'm a rather, spiritually philosophical type of person who will cry with joy at the drop of a hat.
So true. This book, fulfilled its expectation of the Chicken Soup book. It definitely forms a sisterhood with other women. Loved it.
So true. This book, fulfilled its expectation of the Chicken Soup book. It definitely forms a sisterhood with other women. Loved it.
February 6, 2012
full of inspirational stories from different woman on a different time in different situation. i just love how they collected those stories and bring it on a book and compile it. it's just uplifting, gives you hope and realize things you haven't known before. or you knew it, but denied it at some part. it just tells us that no matter what happen, whatever our problem and how big it is there would be a solution and we'll always be surrounded by people who loves us unconditionally. :)
September 23, 2012
This is the first Chicken Soup book I read in a few years. I enjoyed it a great deal. All of the stories were inspiring and some, thought provoking. Some of the other Chicken Soup books I have read in the past include, "Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul," "Chicken Soup for the Soul of America," and a few others.
March 29, 2014
This book will always be very special to me because it was given to me by my mom when I was hospitalized with my first pregnancy.
The stories were very heartwarming. I highly recommend this book to all women.
The stories were very heartwarming. I highly recommend this book to all women.
June 3, 2021
I casually listened to this book during the winter of 2021, when my city was under lockdown. It was a good listen overall - some stories were quite inspiring, some gave me hope, and some just brought a smile to my face.
September 12, 2007
after each & every story my eyes were filled up with tears...great book to touch the core of anyone's heart!!
January 30, 2008
I love these cheesy books....
March 4, 2008
Good book for "down" days. I got it after my disability. Need a "feel good" book once in awhile.
October 19, 2009
This book was just what I needed during a difficult year when I didn't have time to read. The stories are brief and uplifting. Some made me ponder, others made me cry, still others make me smile.
January 29, 2012
I read and re-read this book all the time. With stories from Maya Angelou to Dolly Parton to Oprah, if a nice book to read on a cold night before going to bed.
September 2, 2012
Can't go wrong with any of the Chicken Soup for the Soul additions
September 12, 2013
I love all chicken soup books
October 19, 2015
Just what I needed.
February 16, 2016
perfect read for any woman. wonderful inspiring stories and lovely anecdotes. i truly loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews