Book ~ "Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Cats" (2020) Amy Newmark

From Goodreads ~ You'll recognize your own cat in this entertaining collection of stories about the surprising, amusing, heartwarming, and even magical things that our cats do. 

They come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, but one thing is for sure - our cats are magical, beloved members of our families. 

These 101 heartwarming, humorous and completely true stories about our feline friends are sure to touch every cat lover's soul. You'll be left with a renewed love, affection and appreciation for your cat and all the magical moments she provides.

I love reading stories about animals and  we have two cats ... so this book caught my eye.  I used to read all in the Chicken Soup for the Soul books but it's been a while.

There are 101 stories and poems about kittens and cats and they are divided into chapters:

1. Magical Miraculous Cats
2. Clever Cats
3. When the Cat Choose You
4. What a Character
5. Cat Therapy
6. Oh So Naughty
7. Four-Legged Friends
8. Tricks & Traits
9. Learning to Love the Cat
10. Brave Cats

The stories are a couple pages each so are a quick read and most were interesting.

It's amazing how many cats, though, were indoor/outdoor cats (ours are strictly indoor cats) and how many of the stories involved owners who had multiple cats (like five or more) plus multiple dogs.  And some have catteries in their barns and sheds so how much human contact would the cats get?

Book ~ "Chicken Soup for the Soul: O Canada: 101 Heartwarming and Inspiring Stories by and for Canadians" (2011) Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Amy Newmark

From Goodreads ~ With 101 heartwarming and inspiring stories by Canadians and for Canadians, this book will delight, amuse, and invigorate Canadian readers. 

"Chicken Soup for the Soul: O Canada" is full of inspirational, amusing, and encouraging stories that will touch the heart of any Canadian. Stories include a wide range of topics written by Canadians, from daily life to Canadian holidays, along with tales from tourists and visitors.

I enjoy reading Chicken Soup for the Soul books and have read and enjoyed many over the years.  So when I heard there was one about Canada, I wanted to read it.

The chapters are:

1. Proud to be a Canadian
2. Ice Time
3. Slice of Life
4. The Cultural Mosaic
5. Wilderness and Wildlife
6. Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
7. Holidays and Traditions
8. Summer Memories
9. Life Lessons
10. Winter Wonderland
11. Inspiring Canadians
12. That Famous Canadian Hospitality

There are 101 stories written by Canadians living in Canada, Canadians now living in the States and Americans about Canada.  I found that some were cute but a lot were dull.  Plus the majority of them were so generic and could have been about anywhere, not specifically in or about Canada.  There are A LOT of hockey stories.

At the beginning of each story, there was a quote.  I found it odd that there were lots of quotes by non-Canadians.

It was good exposure for Liona Boyd because each chapter started with a song written by her.  Nothing against Liona Boyd but we have lots of Canadian musicians who have written songs about Canada that could have been used.

I was disappointed with this book.

Book ~ "Chicken Soup for the Soul 20th Anniversary Edition" (2013) Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Amy Newmark

From Goodreads ~ The twentieth anniversary edition of the original Chicken Soup for the Soul is brimming with even more hope and inspiration - the stories you’ve always loved, plus bonus stories! 

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.

Can you believe the Chicken Soup for the Soul books have been around for twenty years?!

This is the first book in the series (I read it when it first came out) ... it has been rereleased with "20 Bonus Stories for the Next 20 Years".  I recently reread it and enjoyed it.  I could remember some of the stories ... like this one:

Mark was walking home from school one day when he noticed the boy ahead of him had tripped and dropped all of the books he was carrying, along with two sweaters, a baseball hat, a glove and a small tape recorder. Mark knelt down and helped the boy pick up the scattered articles. Since they were going the same way, he helped to carry part of the burden. As they walked Mark discovered the boy's name was Bill, that he loved video games, baseball and history, that he was having lots of trouble with his other subjects and that he had just broken up with his girlfriend.

They arrived at Bill's home first and Mark was invited in for a Coke and to watch some television. The afternoon passed pleasantly with a few laughs and some shared small talk, then Mark went home. They continued to see each other around shool, had lunch together once or twice, then both graduated from junior high school. They ended up in the same high school where they had brief contacts over the years. Finally the long awaited senior year came, and three weeks before graduation, Bill asked Mark if they could talk.

Bill reminded him of the day years ago when they had first met. "Do you ever wonder why I was carrying so many things home that day?" asked Bill. "You see, I cleaned out my locker because I didn't want to leave a mess for anyone elase. I had stored away some of my mother's sleeping pills and I was going home to commit suicide. But after we spent some time together talking and laughing, I realized that if I had killed myself, I would have missed that time and so many others thay might follow. So you see, Mark, when you picked up by books that day, you did a lot more. You saved my life."

John W. Schlatter

I have 18 Chicken Soup for the Soul paperback books including ones about pets, sisters, etc.

Have you read any of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books?