The Book of (Holiday) Awesome: When the Christmas Lights All Work, Successfully Regifting a Present, Drinking with Grandma

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The Book of (Holiday) Awesome: When the Christmas Lights All Work, Successfully Regifting a Present, Drinking with Grandma (The Book of Awesome #3)

3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 · rating details · 286 ratings · 44 reviews

There's nothing like the holidays. They bring out the best, and sometimes the worst, in everyone. Luckily, Neil Pasricha is here to remind us that not only are the holidays great but there's actually even more to celebrate than we realize. From Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa to such holidays as Mother's Day and Father's Day, Thanksgiving, and beyond, "The Book of (Holida...more

ebook, 192 pages

Published November 17th 2011 by Putnam Adult

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Nov 13, 2011 Laura (All of Everything) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: everyone!

This isn't so much a review as much as it's me praising this book and its author. I had the most amazing opportunity to meet Neil at the Indigo holiday party and he has got to be one of the most genuinely nice people I've ever met. Even though my friend and I were super nervous/excited to meet him he had a way of making us feel a lot more calm and relaxed. He's a person that you just feel comfortable around; you want to stay and chat too because you feel you could have some amazing conversations...more This isn't so much a review as much as it's me praising this book and its author. I had the most amazing opportunity to meet Neil at the Indigo holiday party and he has got to be one of the most genuinely nice people I've ever met. Even though my friend and I were super nervous/excited to meet him he had a way of making us feel a lot more calm and relaxed. He's a person that you just feel comfortable around; you want to stay and chat too because you feel you could have some amazing conversations, and this is a quality that Neil has been able to cross over into his writing

I've been following Neil's blog 1000 Awesome Things for a number of years now (he was in the 700's then) and hearing how the idea for the blog came out from a negative experience in his life makes all the little happy moments he's shared even more inspirational. Not only can these awesome moments make you laugh hysterically or reminisce, they also give the reader a sense of belonging, that, "hey! someone else thinks this is awesome too! I totally agree", and let you appreciate the smaller things in life that we sometimes don't take the time to notice, the awesome things.

The Book of (Holiday) Awesome is a collection of holiday themed bits of awesome. (Hehe, there's going to be so much awesome in this review!) From putting up the Christmas tree (for me it's the first weekend of December) or having the whole strand of lights work or finally being able to pull out those insanely warm sweaters/socks/scarves that have been hidden away until the next snowfall. Or finding an elusive chocolate egg buried in the sofa cushions from Easter, your cool mom, and the awesomeness that is summer. These moments are the kind that make you all warm and fuzzy inside, especially now with the holiday season approaching.
Christmas has got to be my favourite holiday. The hustle and bustle, putting up lights, hauling up those boxes of ornaments from the cave under the stairs, hearing the first Christmas song on the radio! I love it all. For me it's like time slows and there's nothing better than sitting on the couch under a thick blanket with a good book, some tea, watching those classic TV shows like Rudolph or Frosty the Snowman while the Christmas tree glows in the background. It's got me smiling just thinking about it.

Bottom Line
Neil's books are truly awesome. They let you notice the little things in life, and he does a fantastic job at pulling you in and could probably get even the grinch to crack a grin. These are books that absolutely anyone can enjoy, kids and adults alike; they'll all find at least one thing they can smile at and agree with. And it being a holiday book and all, it would make a fabulous present. I know I'll be gifting his other books this Christmas. Maybe you can all guess why awesome is a word I say a lot ;)(less)

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Jul 07, 2012 Traci rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As I was straightening up the shelves at the big library the other day, I came across this wonderful little offering from Pasricha. If you read this blog, you know I have read his first book of Awesome, as well as the sequel, and have highly recommended both. I missed this one when it was first published, and since it's been hotter than you-know-where lately, I thought I'd treat myself to some Christmas in July awesomeness.

I should have known that Pasricha would offer up more than yuletide gree...more As I was straightening up the shelves at the big library the other day, I came across this wonderful little offering from Pasricha. If you read this blog, you know I have read his first book of Awesome, as well as the sequel, and have highly recommended both. I missed this one when it was first published, and since it's been hotter than you-know-where lately, I thought I'd treat myself to some Christmas in July awesomeness.

I should have known that Pasricha would offer up more than yuletide greetings; the man has covered almost all the holidays in this little book. We start off with the biggie, the one that most wait for all year long: Christmas. And while it's one of our favorites, Pasricha also points out that it can be (and often is) one of the most stressful holidays around. Let's face it: we put some might high expectations on Christmas, no thanks in part to those holiday movies and specials we watch every year on TV, the ones that show angelic children and loving families gathered around the table to enjoy the perfect meal. No one mentions that at least one of those kids is a brat, that Uncle Louie drinks like a fish, that Aunt Edna will hit on cousin Shirley's date, etc. Nor will we get that perfect meal, as the turkey is either dry or cold (you've gotta give that big bird plenty of time to thaw!), the potatoes are lumpy (as is the gravy), and no one is exactly sure what the dish is that Grandpa Phil brought. There's always a fight, sometimes two or three, followed by tears and "I love you, man!" make-up hugs. Pasricha wants to make sure that in this time of holiday drama, we all remember the little awesome things that make Christmas....well, Christmas. Things like having all the lights work the first time you plug them in, the first snowfall of the season, a card from a long-lost friend, and hot chocolate by the fireplace. Look for the little things, and you can (hopefully) ignore all the rest.

We move on to New Year's, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, summer fun (no 4th of July here, just a chapter on fireworks, since the author is, I believe, Canadian). Then we hit the biggie, Halloween. Love the author's advice on how to hit this holiday up for maximum fun and candy takedown. For example, do not trick-or-treat with a group. Nope, wrong way to go: the slowest person will drag you down, plus when you hit a house, the "giver" will suddenly decide to ration the goodies (the old "one for you, and one for you, and one for you...") Instead, go with a partner to maximize the haul. The "givers" are a lot more likely to give out a handful to each bag if just two little ghosts show up at the front door. But be wise when picking said partner - don't choose anyone with less energy than you. You're looking for someone on your playing field, not someone that you'll have to lift up. Conversely, stay away from the track stars, too - you don't want to get left behind.

Finally we end with Thanksgiving, which seems a bit strange since again, I do believe the author is Canadian, and I didn't know they celebrated that holiday with us. Thought it was just us Americans. But perhaps there's something similar and around the same time for our neighbors to the north? Either that or the guy just likes the idea. Anyway, lots of good advice on how to sneak in a nap at the in-laws, getting to unbutton your pants after dinner, and of course, The Turkey Coma.

Another nice little offering from Pasricha. If you haven't checked out his blog, http://1000awesomethings.com/ you really need to do yourself a favor and explore his site. The world is still a dreary place right now (economic uncertainty, unemployment, gas prices, Mid-East unrest, you name it), and Pasricha does an awesome job at reminding us to look around and appreciate the little things that bring a smile to one's face, even if it's just for a minute. (less)

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Nov 21, 2012 Tiffany rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I think that there is a lot of bad in the world. The news is always filled with homicides or wars or any number of awful things. But, when you pick up one of Neil's books, you are instantly reminded of the little things that make the world great. I don't always agree with some of the things that he deems awesome, but that's usually only because I haven't looked at something the same way as him. But every now and then he pegs on something that I thought I was the only one who loved. It's always n...more

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Dec 29, 2011 Carlee rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I didn't spend much time looking at the book while I was at the library, so I thought this book was something different than what it turned out to be. My fault for not reading the first few pages (the page I did turn to was where he's talking about unwrapping gifts which is a little less warm and fuzzy, and not so yay, everything is awesome!!).

The book wasn't bad, but it's just not my cup of tea. Guess I'm too cynical... at least it was a short book though and some of the sections were a little...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Meagan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In a word this book is of course "awesome". Not only does The Book of Holiday Awesome cover winter holidays, it covers holidays during the whole year!
I would recommend this book for the person who is feeling overwhelmed during this Christmas season-it is a nice little break to remind yourself that while you may be annoyed with the crowds, and planning holiday feasts with crazy family members in the end it will all be worth it. Awesome.
**the last entry in the book is one of my favourites that I...more

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Dec 05, 2011 Kaitie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: blog, humor, nonfiction

The Awesome books are always a lot of fun. They're quick and easy to read with each entry only being a few pages, and I'm always amazed at how many of the awesome things included are ones that I would have chosen myself. This holiday version isn't my favorite of the three, but definitely worth reading and gets you into the holiday spirit. Plus I learned about some holidays I don't celebrate, so that was a bonus.

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Jan 16, 2013 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-booklist, non-fiction

I love this book. Love. This. Book. You should all read it. It takes no time but it had me laughing and smiling and remembering. I jotted notes in the book so next year I can add more. I love that it hits pretty much all the holidays through out the year.

This may mean I now need to buy the original book, The Book of Awesome so I can read one daily.

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Dec 29, 2012 Violet rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I bought this book on a whim while online shopping for holiday gifts, and I really enjoyed it. It's a fun, light read that was perfect for reading during holiday downtime when I was too braindead to read something heavier. It's nice to focus on simple pleasures, and this book was definitely great for putting the holidays in perspective.

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Nov 29, 2012 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got this for Christmas last year and decided instead of reading it all at once, I would read a few pages at each holiday in the book so that I could savor the awesome throughout the year. I'm so glad I did. Neil has a way of making you realize that even the simplest things are awesome if you'll only take the time to enjoy them!

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Dec 28, 2012 Betsy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, holidays, humor

I get the blog updates from 1000 Awesome Things in my inbox daily, and it's a nice reminder of the good things in life we take for granted. This version covers the good things about the holidays that are awesome such as finding a parking spot at the crowded malls, drinking with grandma, wrapping a present perfectly, etc.

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Sep 25, 2012 Rayna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So perfect for celebrating your favorite holidays and for learning a thing or two about other holidays. And who knew that Kwanzaa is worth more the Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Eid, or Easter in Scrabble? Know we do.

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Jan 23, 2012 Lisa rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

2.5 It was very awesome of Sara to gift me with this book, and some of the things I agreed with as being awesome...some were questionable. 5 stars for the joy of friendship!

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Nov 20, 2011 Jes Adams rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love these Awesome books, and this one did not disappoint. They always make me feel so happy, and I laughed out loud in several spots. Thank you Mr. Pasricha - you did it again! :)

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Mar 31, 2012 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read the first book in the series and really liked it. The awesome rubbings were very unique and creative. These were just too obvious to me. It seemed forced.

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Jan 08, 2012 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was fun to read. I especially liked his Halloween strategy and his tribute to his mother. It truly did lighten my spirit. Thank you, Neil!

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Dec 13, 2011 Kelly Rae rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, adult-funny, adult-non-fiction, holiday

This book was funny and a quick read!

Eating the first freshly baked cookie from the oven even though it's way too hot... AWESOME!

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Dec 06, 2011 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011

So much fun to read!

I picked this up from the library and by the time I got in to the car I was reading it out loud to my family. We laughed and agreed and shared stories about all the awesome things noted in the book.

This is one that I want to buy and keep on hand!

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Dec 27, 2012 Julia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Love reading this a different holidays. The things in the book are super relatable. Overall, awesome.

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Jan 01, 2012 Lee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Don't think you an ever get enough of Awesome quotes,events and situations! Simply said .... Awesome!

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Dec 16, 2012 Dianne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fun read, nice around any holidays to remind us that there is more fun than we sometimes see at the time, and to take the time to enjoy and smile at the "awesome" when it happens

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Jan 31, 2013 Clara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Everyone will "get" the AWESOME! in this book. This would be a good gift book.

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Dec 17, 2011 Kimberly rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-2011, library-books-read-2011

The perfect little book to pick up everytime you have a minute that will remind you that even the little things in life need to be savoured.

Check out my full review on my blog:
http://turningthepagesx.blogspot.com/...

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Dec 20, 2012 Danni Foley rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

A few repeats in this one. Again, would have been better as a list than a book

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Dec 21, 2011 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed this one. Gets me in the Christmas spirit, for sure. :)

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Apr 21, 2012 Julia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got it for Christmas last year and stayed up the entire night reading it, I couldn't put it down! Another thing that helps us get a little bit more happier during the holiday season (s).

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Mar 05, 2013 Jess Mann rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Yeah no. The idea is so worn out... i can't even

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Feb 04, 2012 Tomm rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not as good as the first but still entertaining and fun.

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Jan 04, 2012 Megan Fowler rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wish it was just about Christmas. The other books were more gneral, which I think made them more awesome.

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Jul 11, 2011 Julia marked it as to-read · review of another edition

OMGOMGOMGGG!!!!!!!
I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS!

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Feb 27, 2012 Brooke rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Cute headings but really dumb writing.

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About Neil Pasricha

Neil Pasricha (Paz-REE-cha) never imagined that writing about the smell of gasoline, thinking it’s Thursday when it’s really Friday, or wearing underwear just out of the dryer would amount to anything. A self-described “average guy” with a typical 9-to-5 job in the suburbs, Neil started his blog 1000 Awesome Things, as a small reminder — in a world of rising sea levels, global conflict, and a trou...more

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