The Original! Chicken Soup for the Soul: 20th Anniversary Edition -- Book Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

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• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Chicken Soup for the Soul; 20 Anv edition (June 25, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 161159913X
• ISBN-13: 978-1611599138
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 inches

Synopsis:

"Twenty years later, Chicken Soup for the Soul continues to open the heart and rekindle the spirit. Celebrate the twentieth anniversary with the classic book that inspired millions — reinvigorated with bonus stories of inspiration! You will find hope and inspiration in these 101 heartwarming stories about counting your blessings, thinking positive, and overcoming challenges."

My Thoughts:

Let me just start by saying, "Boy, do I feel old."  I can't believe that Chicken Soup for the Soul books have been around for 20 years.  I remember reading the first release and being hooked.  Then, over the next 20 yrs. (yikes!), I have continued to read these wonderful inspirational books, one right after another.  One of the perks of being a blogger is being able to review books.  As a Chicken Soup for the Soul blogger, I am sent new releases from this amazing bestselling series, to not only read and share a review, but also give my readers (3 to be exact) a chance to win a copy of each of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books I write about. So, it is a win-win for both my readers and I! :-)

So, when I received my recent review copy from Chicken Soup for the Soul, I was surprised to see that it was their 20th Anniversary Edition.  Not expecting to finish the book in one sitting, as the girls were still sick and up and down the previous few nights, I chose a few short inspirational stories to read, which their titles alone caught my eye.  Usually, I will start at the first page, and read all the way through to the end.  But, on the occasions when I don't have much time to sit and really enjoy a book, I love being able to pick and choose.  

A few of the titles sounded familiar, and when I began reading them, I found myself thinking back to when I had originally read and enjoyed these favorite stories.  In addition to the "Favorite Original Stories," this 20th Anniversary Edition also includes 20 bonus stories "for the next 20 years."  This is one bestselling series I know will be able to last another 20 years -- probably longer, as there are so many loyal followers, who simply love reading the personal, heartwarming stories, that definitely move and motivate you.  

It was hard for me to choose a favorite out of all the great inspirational stories included in this new release.  I will say, though, that even though it must have been hard to narrow down the selection of "Favorite Original Stories" from the past 20 years, I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one, and can see why they are favorites.  If you are a fan of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, or are merely looking for a good book to read this summer, this is one title worth checking out.  I surprised myself, and was able to read this book in one sitting, as the girls stayed asleep. :-)  The stories will have you laughing, crying and relating your life experiences with those who open up and share their stories in this book.  I will continue to read the Chicken Soup for the Soul series for the next 20 years...and hopefully, longer!

--GIVEAWAY--

Three (3) lucky readers will win a copy of "Chicken Soup for the Soul: 20th Anniversary Edition" to read and enjoy.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.