Chicken soup has been known to cure the body of any ailment, thus co-founders Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield thought it would be a fitting name for their new book, which would be a collaboration of short, inspirational stories. On June 28, 1993, the first edition was published: Chicken Soup for the Soul. Little did they know, it would spread like wildfire across the nation.
You are probably already familiar with the name (according to the company’s website, 88.7% of America knows what it is) and might even have a few of the books. I encourage you to return to these books because in these times Chicken Soup for the Soul could not be a better fit. These books are dedicated to life improvement, emotional support, and inspiration. Who could not use a lift right now? Some stories are heart-wrenching, some are humorous, some are comical, and some show pure faith overcoming challenges and reaching dreams. There are nearly 200 different Chicken Soup for the Soul books now available. New releases include The Golf Book, Twins and More, On Being a Parent, and Loving Our Dogs. There are books for all generations and interests.
Lately, I find myself hesitant to start lengthy books, because I am unsure when or if I will find the time to finish them. It can be quite irksome to get through only half a chapter, then stop, and pick up a few days later. The pieces (or should I say ingredients) in all of the Chicken Soup for the Soul titles are short; one always can make time for a quick story, whether on a bus, on a break, or in a bed getting ready for sleep. They are the perfect pick-me-ups, like a cup of coffee, or rather, chicken soup.
These books would not exist without submissions from the public. Do you have a worthy story to share? The company is currently collecting stories about teachers, true love, endurance sport, miracles, and many more topics. (View the list here.) Nearly anyone has the potential to have his or her story published in of these books, and that is the beauty of the network that this collection creates. A single story can positively affect the lives of thousands of readers.
