Book Report: Local ingredients in Chicken Soup for the Soul

Posted on by Alli Marshall

The popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series is back with holiday edition, A Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas (HCI, 2007), by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. Designed to be inspirational, motivational and uplifting, the Chicken Soup books are collections of heartwarming stories. In fact, the flagship release, Chicken Soup for the Soul (1993) was a collection of stories that motivational speakers Canfield and Hansen collected from other motivational speakers.

There’s a whole lot of motivation and positive thinking going on right there. Turns out, Canfield and Hansen needed all that uplifting inspiration. They were turned down by a whopping 140 publishers and their agent handed the unsalable book back to them.

When the book finally did make it to print, it became a classic within sixth months, topping Christmas gift lists and bestseller lists. Now, 42 books later (including titles like Chicken Soup for the Woman Golfer’s Soul, Chicken Soup for the Coffee Lover’s Soul and Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul), the Life Issues publishing company released a Christmas edition, culling stories from fans who submit their own tales via the company’s online form.

Ann Greenleaf Wirtz of Hendersonville, N.C. did just that. Her unique tale, “Memories of a Christmas Doll,” recounts a Christmas in 1954 when young Wirtz discovered the truth about Santa Claus.

Wirtz is a freelance writer who contributes regularly to the Times-News and is a hospice volunteer. She is the author of Sorrow Answered: A Journey of Grace (Publish America, 2006). Meet her at a Saturday, Dec. 8 book signing at The Curb Market (221 N. Church St., Hendersonville, N.C., 692-8012).

—Alli Marshall, A&E reporter

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About Alli Marshall
Alli Marshall has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. She is the winner of the 2016 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize and the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall
View all posts by Alli Marshall →

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6 thoughts on “Book Report: Local ingredients in Chicken Soup for the Soul”

  1. Chop

    The above article gives a clear cut idea about the book published by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen.It portrays a dish which tastes yummy on the eve of christmas . Kudos to the reporter for discovering a tasty soup by this article

  2. Baked

    Great news for “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series fans. It motivates me and instills positive energy and thoughts into my mind. Long live Mr. Jack and Mark.

  3. best Baked

    The above article gives a clear picture of book published by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen.
    the reporter has thus discovered a healthy and a tastier soup which adds more taste on the eve of christmas. hats off to the reporter

  4. Frozen Alcoholic Drink Recipes

    Good combination of healthy and tasty ingredients. I hope all the above information is true. Please post such wonderful experiences. Thanks a lot. I will try this at home.

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