Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Hearts and Rekindle the Spirits of Women (Chicken Soup for the Soul)

Women have many roles in their lives - daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers - well, you get the idea. This group of stories progress through those stages showing how a woman's spirit can change and grow with the "adventures" of time.

Never having been a mother, it amazed me that my favorite sections were those about motherhood. One story told of a woman asking her friend if she should have a baby? Her friend's thoughts ran the gambit of all she had been through with her own children in seconds and replied to her friend that she'd never regret it. The other story that made me laugh was made up of supposed want ads for the requirements of the job of "mother". Newborn mothers should like to rock, be light sleepers, early show more risers, willing to work all shifts with no vacation time. Mothers for toddlers should be athletes in top condition with quick reflexes and boundless energy, patience, knowledge of first aid, - a pediatric nurse with an Olympic background was deemed a perfect candidate for the position. The other ads were just as amusing.

There were also stories of how women adjust to the changes as we get older and lose those we love whether they are parents or other family members. Some are amusing, make you laugh while others cause your eyes to fill with tears as you empathize with the writers.

I have to admit that the last few months for me have been difficult but when I read the inspiring stories in this book, my spirit was lifted and I feel that I can go forward again. It was a perfect time to read this book and set me back on the path of life's joy and beauty. show less

WOW! Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul, not only opened my heart and rekindle my spirit, but it gived me a new purpose and sense of being and belonging. Women everywhere should read these stories and open their hearts to new beginnings. You won't want to put this book down once you have started to read and will want to ensure that every female in your life share in the stories with you. I know I did!

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 show more can't see how they could not. show less

As always in this series, this collection of stories and some cartoons are heart warming and endearing. Very enjoyable to read.

Amazing stories that will lift your spirits, inspire you, and move you to tears. What's amazing is that these are true stories, and that there is great amount of goodness in people.

101 Essays, some published in other books, all with a woman's theme

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. What bonds all women are our mutual experiences of loving and learning: feeling the tenderness of love; forging lifelong friendships; pursuing a chosen career; giving birth to new life; juggling the responsibilities of job and family, and more.
This shining collection brings you inspiration and comfort in special chapters on marriage, motherhood, aging, bridging the generations, attitude, self-esteem and higher wisdom. Stories honor the strength and reveal the beauty of the feminine spirit. Included are incredible stories from Oprah Winfrey, Leo Buscaglia, Linda Ellerbee, Robert show more Fulghum, Kathie Lee Gifford and many others.

Whether you are a career woman or a stay-at-home mom, a teenager or a senior, a young woman just starting out or a woman of the world, this delightful book will be a treasured companion for many years to come.

About the Authors

Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen,, the #1 New York Times and USA Today best-selling co-authors join Jennifer Read Hawthorne and Marci Shimoff, co-authors of the #1 New York Times best-sellers Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul and Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul. Professional speakers, Hawthorne and Shimoff talk to thousands of women worldwide about personal growth, self-development and professional success. show less