While walking around my neighborhood bookseller, I strolled into the inspiration section. No, these weren't religious texts or the area where singles from the supergroup Chicago are sold, but books on a whole new level.
In this section there were books about motivation, desire and goal setting. It was basically the section for paperback personal cheerleaders. It is here that I found a wall full of paper Prozac, those 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' books.
The Chicken Soup for the Soul series began 10 years ago. The first book is filled with stories, anecdotes and poems to satiate middle-aged women's desires to feel good about themselves, hence the (cute at first, but not so endearing after awhile) title.
Since its humble beginnings, the CSS series is now approximately 60 books strong. Each one has a theme meant to attract readers from all professions and different walks of life. For example, mother's, golfers, veterans, college students, etc. Some books seem unnecessary to me.
Why do people in Hawaii need their own edition? They live in a tropical paradise 24/7! Sure, the cost of living is expensive and no pizza coupons are accepted, but let's be honest, is it sending the Hawaiian people into such a shame spiral that they need their own CSS to get out of it?
And what about 'Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul'? Are there really that many heart-warming stories about NASCAR and its fans? I know the smell of beer, sweat and motor oil always make me count my blessings.
With titles like the aforementioned already published, I cannot wait to read about some of the next ones. It seems like nothing is off limits with the CSS team. I'm sure they will have titles like the ones below before we know it.
First up is 'Chicken Soup for the South Beach Soul.' Skimp on the noodles when you read these heartwarming vignettes about parting with potato chips and cereal. Also includes humorous poems about steak and eggs and sad letters from people who were kicked out of the all-you-can-eat BBQ night at Old Country Buffet. And in case readers of this book get hungry, the pages are made with genuine cowhide.
Who doesn't love cocks? Shuttlecocks, that is! Read witty anecdotes and more in 'Chicken Soup for the Badminton Fan's Soul.' This edition features stories about the trials and tribulations of playing the fastest net game on earth. There is laughter and tears, but mostly laughter at the shuttlecock.
My personal favorite would be 'Chicken Soup for the Chicken Soup for the Soul Readers.' This paradoxical title could make the world cave in on itself. I don't even know what the contents of the book would be. Maybe it would be like that movie 'The Neverending Story,' and the book could tell who was reading it and could change the plot to suit the personality of its reader. However, unlike 'The Neverending Story,' a horse wouldn't have to die?? unless of course, that's how you roll.
It amazes me that people need this much inspiration in their lives. It's as if religion, illegal drugs, the beauty of nature, motivational speakers, cheerleaders and grandparents aren't enough anymore. We need to read other people's sob stories to truly feel happy, and that makes me sick. Excuse me while I heat up some chicken soup.
