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Chicken Soup for the African American Soul: Celebrating and Sharing Our Culture One Story at a Time
This is the book everyone has been waiting for-an inspiring celebration of the joy, challenges, and triumphs of being African American.
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2004
About the author
Jack Canfield
1,314 books1,763 followersJack Canfield is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, which currently has over 124 titles and 100 million copies in print in over 47 languages. According to USA Today, Canfield and his writing partner, Mark Victor Hansen, were the top-selling authors in the United States in 1997.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 1, 2023
Short story collections are a gamble, I always find the stories very hit or miss. And yet I keep trying (insanity’s cousin, delusion). This was mostly misses for me, with hints of hits. I need a story to immediately grab my attention if you’re only giving me two pages of plot. Also, short stories don’t allow me enough time to become invested in the characters, maybe that’s where my problem lies. As I sit here trying to think of at least one story that grabbed me, I’m drawing a blank. I actually liked the quotes before each story better than the stories to follow. Those quotes were the saving grace for me, making up the majority of my highlights. It’s unfortunate that black stories are often synonymous with struggle, discrimination, and overall sadness. Can we sprinkle in a little happiness, some fun? We like to laugh. I promise it won’t take away from the black experience.
September 10, 2016
Among a number of stories (The Letter… Remembering Eric… Consider This…Where's Your Notebook and several others) those that really resonated with me was Walking by Faith by Deborah Bellis (I cried), Black ‘n’ White Snapshots by Judy Belk (humorous), along with Guess Who We’re Playing? by Tony Ramos, Light at the End of the Tunnel by Leslie Banks and It Runs in the Family by Jarralynne Agee, (All beautiful).
So appropriately titled it is the perfect book to curl up with.
So appropriately titled it is the perfect book to curl up with.
April 1, 2013
This collection of stories embraces African-American culture by nurturing the soul and encouraging one to excel in all things. The stories deal with our history, family, the power of praise and worship, lessons learned over time, triumph over controversies, accepting who you are and making a difference in the world. The stories will leave you feeling loved and filled with confidence about being African-American.
Everyone needs to read a warm, loving and inspiring story every now and then. All of the stories are uplifting, but there were a few that especially tugged at my heartstrings. "I Owe You an Apology" pays tribute to our African-American men by honoring their greatness instead of constantly complaining about their shortcomings. "Where's Your Notebook?" describes one father's weekly lessons to his sons, each family should be so involved. "The Lady at the Bus Stop" acknowledges the privilege of education while recognizing that someone else paved the way before her.
I plan on purchasing this book for all of my friends and family, as it is one to be shared. This is one to keep in your personal library, next to the bed or on your bookshelf at work and to hand down for generations. No matter what your problem, Chicken Soup for the African-American Soul can see you through.
Everyone needs to read a warm, loving and inspiring story every now and then. All of the stories are uplifting, but there were a few that especially tugged at my heartstrings. "I Owe You an Apology" pays tribute to our African-American men by honoring their greatness instead of constantly complaining about their shortcomings. "Where's Your Notebook?" describes one father's weekly lessons to his sons, each family should be so involved. "The Lady at the Bus Stop" acknowledges the privilege of education while recognizing that someone else paved the way before her.
I plan on purchasing this book for all of my friends and family, as it is one to be shared. This is one to keep in your personal library, next to the bed or on your bookshelf at work and to hand down for generations. No matter what your problem, Chicken Soup for the African-American Soul can see you through.
October 12, 2009
This is a book that will always remain on my shelf to be read again and again. It's a delightful collection of stories from mostly everyday people. It's inspirational, it's educational, it's uplifting. There wasn't one story, quote or cartoon that I did not like. I appreciate the authors taking the time to put together this list of stories.
October 1, 2023
This book is absolutely AMAZING...First off, I like books that I can easily pick up and put down whenever I want to, no matter how much time has passed between my readings. Because this book has very short stories, it was so easy for me to do that!
Secondly even though the stories are short, mostly every story put a huge smile on my face, made me feel like I had just received the biggest hug, and inspired me in some way!
Now I will say that some of the stories were shorter than others and I did want just a tad bit more with those and a few of the stories didn't hit home for me. But that can be expected with a book filled with a variety of short stories...some will hit right on point for you and some won't.
The book did talk a lot about pain and life struggles, but to me there was always a silver lining at the end, some sort of beauty that let you know that life is still good and that you can make it through anything! Overall great book, especially for those struggling and looking for hope and inspiration...I highly recommend!!!!!
Secondly even though the stories are short, mostly every story put a huge smile on my face, made me feel like I had just received the biggest hug, and inspired me in some way!
Now I will say that some of the stories were shorter than others and I did want just a tad bit more with those and a few of the stories didn't hit home for me. But that can be expected with a book filled with a variety of short stories...some will hit right on point for you and some won't.
The book did talk a lot about pain and life struggles, but to me there was always a silver lining at the end, some sort of beauty that let you know that life is still good and that you can make it through anything! Overall great book, especially for those struggling and looking for hope and inspiration...I highly recommend!!!!!
December 29, 2017
good book to read on african american stories
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February 17, 20232 Copies
July 20, 2024
Chicken Soup for the African-American soul was rich read! The stories were a constant reminder of hope and resilience.
July 22, 2025
lovely collection of short stories that uplift and inspire
December 15, 2018
Truly grateful and reflective after reading the stories shared in this book. For those who can find the connection of heart and spirit, this book is about more than just the African American experience. It had me reflecting over every decade of my life. I found many connections and opportunities for gratitude and weeping.
May 13, 2022
The stories within this book took me on a emotional journey which made me realised, we all have our crosses to bare but with faith, love, compassion and understanding, many things can be accomplished.
I cried when reading many of the stories because I felt the writer's pain as if it was my own. I don't know if because of where I am in life but I truly felt that these stories were there for me to see how other people experience difficulties and suffering but were still able accomplished so much with the little they have.
Plus the kindness and love of strangers and those around us can help us through any pain or suffering we are going through.
The stories that touched me the most was:
1. Funtown - Yolanda King (daughter of MLK Jr.) with Elodia Tate
2. Ripples in the Pond - Tyrone Dawkins
3. Where's Your Notebook? - John W. Stewart Jr.
4. hand-Me-Down Love - Greg Franklin
5. The Fragile Eight - Isabel Bearman Bucher
6.who's that Calling My Name? - Vici Howard-Prayinto
7. Lord, why Did You Make Me Black? - RuNett Nia Ebo
8. I owe You an Apology - Lisa Nichols
9. More Alike Than Different - Mary Cornelia Van Sant
10. Soothing the Soul Racism - Ta'Shia Asanti
11. Cold Hands, Warm Heart - Karen Waldman
12. A Lesson Learned in an Answered Prayer - Norka Blackman-Richards
Totally enjoyed this book and the many things I learned and experienced.
I cried when reading many of the stories because I felt the writer's pain as if it was my own. I don't know if because of where I am in life but I truly felt that these stories were there for me to see how other people experience difficulties and suffering but were still able accomplished so much with the little they have.
Plus the kindness and love of strangers and those around us can help us through any pain or suffering we are going through.
The stories that touched me the most was:
1. Funtown - Yolanda King (daughter of MLK Jr.) with Elodia Tate
2. Ripples in the Pond - Tyrone Dawkins
3. Where's Your Notebook? - John W. Stewart Jr.
4. hand-Me-Down Love - Greg Franklin
5. The Fragile Eight - Isabel Bearman Bucher
6.who's that Calling My Name? - Vici Howard-Prayinto
7. Lord, why Did You Make Me Black? - RuNett Nia Ebo
8. I owe You an Apology - Lisa Nichols
9. More Alike Than Different - Mary Cornelia Van Sant
10. Soothing the Soul Racism - Ta'Shia Asanti
11. Cold Hands, Warm Heart - Karen Waldman
12. A Lesson Learned in an Answered Prayer - Norka Blackman-Richards
Totally enjoyed this book and the many things I learned and experienced.
August 30, 2012
I'm "forcing" my students to read Chicken Soup for the Souls books until the library opens next week. I have about 5 different sets. I've learned that my students learn well if I model it so every day, after taking attendance, I open up my copy of Chicken Soup and read along with them.
It's inspring to see the contributors to these books: Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, etc. But it's also inspiring to see who inspires whom. There are some beautiful stories of Mean Joe Green, Maya Angelous, and Muhammad Ali and their interactions with the public. There are some inspirational stories of triumphs over racism, bigotry, and preconceptions we all have about each other.
One of my students who is reading the same book told me yesterday that the stories were a bit too mature for her... until she read the next story about the pregnancy of a 13-year old. The themes may be adult but adult situations happen to children every day.
It's inspring to see the contributors to these books: Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, etc. But it's also inspiring to see who inspires whom. There are some beautiful stories of Mean Joe Green, Maya Angelous, and Muhammad Ali and their interactions with the public. There are some inspirational stories of triumphs over racism, bigotry, and preconceptions we all have about each other.
One of my students who is reading the same book told me yesterday that the stories were a bit too mature for her... until she read the next story about the pregnancy of a 13-year old. The themes may be adult but adult situations happen to children every day.
October 6, 2020
It took me a while to get fully invested in this book. I prefer self-help, inspirational memoirs, and bible-based encouragement readings. This is like listening to a village of people who have come together to share their most touching life moments.
Some of the stories show how we touch each other’s lives; others show how we can learn, grow, and live differently. Most of the stories are relaxing; some bring smiles to your face; others make you think deeply. Some are about what we learn in life; others are what we realize after a loved one’s death and how we choose to live through grief.
There is much to be learned by hearing another person’s thoughts on their life choices, journeys, and trials. I feel blessed to have been able to listen and learn from these great writers. I think everyone who loves goodness and encouraging stories would enjoy reading this book. The total listening time for the audiobook is about 12 hours.
Some of the stories show how we touch each other’s lives; others show how we can learn, grow, and live differently. Most of the stories are relaxing; some bring smiles to your face; others make you think deeply. Some are about what we learn in life; others are what we realize after a loved one’s death and how we choose to live through grief.
There is much to be learned by hearing another person’s thoughts on their life choices, journeys, and trials. I feel blessed to have been able to listen and learn from these great writers. I think everyone who loves goodness and encouraging stories would enjoy reading this book. The total listening time for the audiobook is about 12 hours.
November 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this book because in my opinion I like hearing how other people look at things and how other people have a good outlook on life. Especially, if they're African American and they are being treated disrespectfully and how they don't let that ruin their day or make them upset. to the point where they want to hurt someone or somebody. It's a really powerful book with some amazing stories in it. I love it!
June 12, 2010
I didn't finish reading this book and I am not going to. It was the most uninspiring and boring book I have read in a long time. I read the one for the dog and cat lovers and it was amazing. I thought this would be the same; I was so wrong. Oh well, you live, read, and learn. :)
June 29, 2007
Good for the soul
October 4, 2016
Great read! I would read a few stories when I needed a little inspiration. I will look into other books in the Chicken Soup series. Very inspiring!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews