The Book of (Even More) Awesome: A Second Toast to Life’s Simple Pleasures

“I honestly can’t go a day anymore without smiling at a couple tiny awesome things in my world. […] So, come on: When bad news squeezes your lungs and the weight of the world pushes you under, let’s always try to catch our breath by focusing on the best things in life.” – Neil Pasricha

As if The Book of Awesome wasn’t enough to put me in an awesome mood, Neil Pasricha’s back with the release of his follow-up book, The Book of (Even More) Awesome. Awesome title, right?

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this awesome phenomenon, let me quickly brief you.

Following the sudden death of his best friend and a marriage on the rocks, Neil Pasricha, a self-described “average guy,” did what any man in despair would do when suddenly stranded with too much alone time: he turned to his computer and decided to take up the introspective task of writing by starting a blog. What initially started out as a therapeutic platform to relish in life’s daily joys has now grown into a worldwide phenomenon. His Webby Award winning blog, 1000 Awesome Things, boasts thousands of visitors daily who are curious to read about how things like high-fiving babies, the smell of gasoline, free samples, and rain hair can all turn an ordinary day into an awesome one.

When I first heard that there was going to be a second book, I was curious to see how this one would measure up to the first book. So I pre-ordered it. Of course, Amazon has awesome delivery times and I received it the day AFTER Neil Pasricha was in town for the official book release and signing at the Bloor Street West Chapters. So much for wanting to add to my awesome collection of author autographed books…

If you’ve read The Book of Awesome, then you’ll find this to be no different in its layout. Highlighting hundreds of awesome things mentioned on his blog plus never-before-seen awesome revelations, The Book of (Even More) Awesome is a call to reclaim your authenticity by rejoicing in what truly makes you happy. It is a recollection of mundane events you continue to take part in but have never really stopped to ponder about. Essentially, it is a 200-page Bible of AWESOME reminding us to live fully in the present without obsessing about the future.

Want a sneak peek? You can read the first 20 pages here.

The Book of (Even More) Awesome isn’t meant to be read cover to cover, but rather as you see fit. Personally, I chose to read it like I did the Chicken Soup for the Soul series: flipping to a random page and reminiscing in the story to be told. Finally realizing where you know someone from after staring at them forever… stumbling on an elusive rerun of your favourite TV show… waking up to the smell of sizzling bacon… the extra time you get when the clocks roll back… the perfect egg crack… taking a spin on a shopping cart… AWESOME!

After reading some of the stories, you’ll be propelled to think about the small things that make you smile. Neil provides blank ruled sheets at the back of the book where you can record your list of awesome things.

One man’s awesome idea has catapulted to have (even more) awesome implications on the way people view their lives every day. Since reading the Book of Awesome, I created a memo on my phone titled, “Awesome Things,” and every time I find myself in awe of life’s small joys, I make a conscious effort to write some of them down. Things like the first snow, all-day breakfast menus, and toe socks, have all given me a newfound appreciation for the simpler things in life. To me, Neil’s books are a beacon of insight into the less complicated, more frivolous way of life we all yearn for, but have somewhat lost, amidst a sea of 21st century developments. It is a poignant reminder that the best things in life are usually free and don’t have to cost a thing. Neil makes it clear with each entry that awesome doesn’t have a price tag, and realizing your awesome place in this world shouldn’t either.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and pick up a copy of The Book of (Even More) Awesome. We could all use a little more awesomeness in our lives.

Also worthy of checking out is Neil Pasricha’s talk at TEDxToronto on “The 3 A’s of Awesome.” Amongst the many TED talks I’ve seen over the last few years, this one makes it on my favourites list.