Mile Behind the Smile: Rediscovering Our Happiness Through Embracing Our Stories

by Calvin T. Long

Mile Behind The Smile is about re-imagining what happiness is in our society by discussing the journeys many of us undergo to live a happy life. A compilation of stories from people who have been able to find happiness, despite adversity, through acts of selflessness, service and, ultimately, love. If you have struggled with self-doubt, insecurities, or finding happiness in your life, the stories in this book will offer you the guidance and support necessary to help discover the love around you. Read the stories * Barbara Raymond, author of The Baby Thief * Karen Donovan-Godt - Founder and Executive Director - Hope for Honduran Children * Mollie Zoul, Program Assistant at Anchor Center for Blind Children Mile Behind The Smile explores the intersection of finding happiness and gaining strength through helping others and sharing ourselves with others. The ability to accept our vulnerability; the courage to expose our most hidden selves is what ultimately leads us to live happier lives. Mile Behind The Smile will show you that by owning our story we can feel genuine contentment and happiness. We don't need to seek happiness in possessions when we can rediscover it from within.

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2019

Reviews

[The Reading Potato · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5. This is a heartwarming read about finding and experiencing happiness. By sharing stories from his own life and the stories of those that have inspired him, Calvin Long provides insight into overcoming internal and external struggles in a way that ultimately leads to more good.

I enjoyed hearing everyone’s story, and how, although each story is unique, they are each united by a sense of perseverance and the kindness and support of others. I also liked the thought-provoking questions and related songs placed at each chapter that allow the reader to stay engaged and in the right mood for the read.

The lessons are not particularly new or shocking, but this book serves as a good reminder that we are each on this earth for a reason and a purpose, even if we don’t fully understand or realize it ourselves.

I can see this read being particularly impactful for teenagers and those in their 20s, but the messages of love and hope are certainly timeless and universal.

Thank you to the author for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Kait Vanderlaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mile Behind The Smile is a self help book focused on different ways of finding happiness. What makes this book unique is that the second half is a collection of stories from people of all different backgrounds and their experience with struggles and the ways they’ve found happiness. This book was reminiscent of Brene Brown books and had a lot of relatable content. Many of the stories have Christian undertones, but even as a non-religious person I still felt they had value and weren’t overly preachy like other books can be. I really enjoyed narratives and perspectives shared along with the reflection questions at the end of each chapter. There is also a playlist to accompany the book which I found really neat given how much emotion can be wrapped up into songs. Overall it was a great read!

[Nicole reading_with_nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be uplifting, it is written with short stories about people that went through these difficulties of what other have experienced and struggled with in their lives and how they turned that into moments to overcome and share their lessons to help others.. At the end of the chapters a question is asked to make the reader reflect on what was read..
I also enjoyed that there is a playlist of music to go with the book on Spotify..
This is a great book if you are maybe feeling like you need some positivity in your life, or if you need to read and know that you are not alone in a temporary struggle you may be going through..

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very timely read because a lot of the lessons in the book apply to what is going on with the coronavirus. This book gave me a lot of good food for thought. The editing left a little to be desired but otherwise, this was an inspiring read.