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Giving Back: Memories, Reflections, and Lessons Learned
Giving Back is an inspirational book of 50 short articles by the author, most of which have been previously published. This collection of the author's personal experiences is masterfully crafted to entertain, offer advice, and inspire readers. A few of the selections will bring a tear, while others a smile. Giving Back will appeal to many readers, especially those 50 years old and older looking for informative, engaging, and entertaining stories.
"The life lessons from Edward in Giving Back will help readers navigate through their own life, and that is so beautiful to me because it is rare to come across a book that will not only entertain but also help readers." —Red Headed Book Lover
"For a volume of short stories, essays, and articles that offer wisdom, tears, insight, and humor, Giving Memories, Reflections, and Lessons Learned by Edward A. Joseph is the perfect gift to give yourself or someone else."
—Tammy Ruggles, for Readers' Favorite, Five Stars
"A heartwarming, powerful, and easy-to-read collection. With an impressive career as a published storyteller, these personal and previously published stories are healthy, honest, and unafraid to probe the deeper meaning behind the simple joys and moments of life. There is undeniable heart in these stories, and their bite-sized nature makes them charming and memorable. Giving Back is a tender exploration of universal beauty with vital lessons for all." —Self-Publishing Review
"His advice is interesting; his stories real and experiences relatable. A must-read for retirees, those considering retiring, and anyone wanting to grow old gracefully and in good health." —Dr. Jordan Alexander, for Readers' Favorite, Five Stars
"There is a subtle elegance in simple, good writing. Edward Joseph understands this. It's what makes his book such a pleasure to read. I received an advanced copy and feel lucky that I did, because his brief and poignant essays are the written equivalent of a Norman Rockwell painting—touching, heartwarming, and purely positive. There are pearls of wisdom here. Joseph gives voice to the values we are so at risk of losing in the current historical moment. Be a good neighbor (and someone doesn't need to live next door to be your neighbor). Be kind. Be compassionate. Be intellectually curious and seek the majesty in small things and all places. I thoroughly enjoyed this book on so many levels." —J Petes, Amazon review
"The life lessons from Edward in Giving Back will help readers navigate through their own life, and that is so beautiful to me because it is rare to come across a book that will not only entertain but also help readers." —Red Headed Book Lover
"For a volume of short stories, essays, and articles that offer wisdom, tears, insight, and humor, Giving Memories, Reflections, and Lessons Learned by Edward A. Joseph is the perfect gift to give yourself or someone else."
—Tammy Ruggles, for Readers' Favorite, Five Stars
"A heartwarming, powerful, and easy-to-read collection. With an impressive career as a published storyteller, these personal and previously published stories are healthy, honest, and unafraid to probe the deeper meaning behind the simple joys and moments of life. There is undeniable heart in these stories, and their bite-sized nature makes them charming and memorable. Giving Back is a tender exploration of universal beauty with vital lessons for all." —Self-Publishing Review
"His advice is interesting; his stories real and experiences relatable. A must-read for retirees, those considering retiring, and anyone wanting to grow old gracefully and in good health." —Dr. Jordan Alexander, for Readers' Favorite, Five Stars
"There is a subtle elegance in simple, good writing. Edward Joseph understands this. It's what makes his book such a pleasure to read. I received an advanced copy and feel lucky that I did, because his brief and poignant essays are the written equivalent of a Norman Rockwell painting—touching, heartwarming, and purely positive. There are pearls of wisdom here. Joseph gives voice to the values we are so at risk of losing in the current historical moment. Be a good neighbor (and someone doesn't need to live next door to be your neighbor). Be kind. Be compassionate. Be intellectually curious and seek the majesty in small things and all places. I thoroughly enjoyed this book on so many levels." —J Petes, Amazon review
150 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 30, 2022
This review is for the audiobook version.
Author Edward A. Joseph selected 50 articles out of a collection of his columns for newspapers and edited them into a touching and insightful book. These are short, positive slice-of-life essays that will make you smile and perhaps think about your life in a new way.
The audiobook is narrated by Robin McAlpine. Although she has a lovely, warm delivery that flows well, she would not have been my choice to read essays written by a man. To hear phrases such as "the other men" come out of her mouth was distracting to me. I believe, however, I would enjoy her narration on another book where the gender difference between author and narrator doesn't matter.
The pacing was a bit too fast for me. I normally listen at 1.2 speed without noticing a difference. For this audiobook, I had to turn it down to 1.0 in order to fully enjoy the book. These essays are meant to be savored, and I wanted more opportunity to do that. I also would have appreciated a longer break or some other distinction between essays. Even at 1.0, this was too quick and didn't give me as much time as I wanted to change gears going into the next essay.
Despite my quibbles about the narration, this audiobook is enjoyable, thought-provoking, informative, and inspiring. I especially enjoyed the essays that featured interactions between the author and his daughter or his wife. My favorite section was the travel section near the end. I am inspired to try the authors method of traveling. I highly recommend this book.
Author Edward A. Joseph selected 50 articles out of a collection of his columns for newspapers and edited them into a touching and insightful book. These are short, positive slice-of-life essays that will make you smile and perhaps think about your life in a new way.
The audiobook is narrated by Robin McAlpine. Although she has a lovely, warm delivery that flows well, she would not have been my choice to read essays written by a man. To hear phrases such as "the other men" come out of her mouth was distracting to me. I believe, however, I would enjoy her narration on another book where the gender difference between author and narrator doesn't matter.
The pacing was a bit too fast for me. I normally listen at 1.2 speed without noticing a difference. For this audiobook, I had to turn it down to 1.0 in order to fully enjoy the book. These essays are meant to be savored, and I wanted more opportunity to do that. I also would have appreciated a longer break or some other distinction between essays. Even at 1.0, this was too quick and didn't give me as much time as I wanted to change gears going into the next essay.
Despite my quibbles about the narration, this audiobook is enjoyable, thought-provoking, informative, and inspiring. I especially enjoyed the essays that featured interactions between the author and his daughter or his wife. My favorite section was the travel section near the end. I am inspired to try the authors method of traveling. I highly recommend this book.
July 21, 2022
This was a handful of enjoyable short stories. Each lasting about 5 minutes. There are plenty of useful nuggets of practical advice and places to visit. The storytelling was great and easy to follow. This is definitely a single sitting listen. The narration by Robin McAlpine was great. I'll recommend this to others. You will enjoy these stories and find some value from them.
Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've listened to or will listen to multiple times. I'll update my review if I listen again.
I requested this book from the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've listened to or will listen to multiple times. I'll update my review if I listen again.
I requested this book from the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 25, 2021
Books fit niches. Like well-told tales, Ed Joseph’s collection of 50 personal reflections, experiences and practical advice fits multiple niches, more than the six that organize the list of Contents: Nostalgia, Reflections, Advice and More, Health, Travel, and Didn’t Make the Cut. Each story in Giving Back is a short two or three pages and can be read in five minutes when taking a break during the day or just before turning off the night table light. It’s nice to read one story at a time, so the pictures his words paint will linger and lead to reflections of one’s own.
Some of his pieces recall the dreamy world of childhood memories, when thrills were intense beyond adult comprehension. My own favorite is “Miracle at Ebbets Field, May 21, 1952,” when his mother allowed him to watch a televised Wednesday night game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds, but for “One inning ONLY and then ‘straight to bed’ with NO complaining. You have school tomorrow!” Any former kid whose loyalty to one’s favorite baseball team knew no limits will enjoy this batter-by-batter recap of the most first inning runs scored by one major league team in modern baseball history – whether one loved or hated “dem bums of Flatbush.”
The memories he shares of his parents are evocative without being saccharine, thus inviting the reader to recall analogous memories. In “Den Mother Love” he describes his tough-talking waitress mother agreeing to serve as his Cub Scout den mother, while his father’s five adventurous years as a carnival roustabout provided his children with an endless supply of memorable “Lessons for Living from a Carnival Dad.”
His several “Advice” and “Health” articles touch on topics from avoiding “‘Phishing’ Pain” to reminding seniors that all body parts need regular check-ups no matter the inconvenience, and that exercise per physicians’ advice is good, including aerobics, bowling, and more.
The thread that ties all the articles together is empathy. When reading them, you get the feel that a trusted friend is sharing light humor, insights, and advice that is caring, yet non-judgmental, just what you expect from an old friend.
Some of his pieces recall the dreamy world of childhood memories, when thrills were intense beyond adult comprehension. My own favorite is “Miracle at Ebbets Field, May 21, 1952,” when his mother allowed him to watch a televised Wednesday night game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds, but for “One inning ONLY and then ‘straight to bed’ with NO complaining. You have school tomorrow!” Any former kid whose loyalty to one’s favorite baseball team knew no limits will enjoy this batter-by-batter recap of the most first inning runs scored by one major league team in modern baseball history – whether one loved or hated “dem bums of Flatbush.”
The memories he shares of his parents are evocative without being saccharine, thus inviting the reader to recall analogous memories. In “Den Mother Love” he describes his tough-talking waitress mother agreeing to serve as his Cub Scout den mother, while his father’s five adventurous years as a carnival roustabout provided his children with an endless supply of memorable “Lessons for Living from a Carnival Dad.”
His several “Advice” and “Health” articles touch on topics from avoiding “‘Phishing’ Pain” to reminding seniors that all body parts need regular check-ups no matter the inconvenience, and that exercise per physicians’ advice is good, including aerobics, bowling, and more.
The thread that ties all the articles together is empathy. When reading them, you get the feel that a trusted friend is sharing light humor, insights, and advice that is caring, yet non-judgmental, just what you expect from an old friend.
December 9, 2021
Giving Back is indeed an interesting yet inspiring book which contains around 50 stories written majorly for the older generation of those above the age of 50 who are young at heart. The stories can be heartwarming, heartbreaking, brings the waterworks out due to how the stories of memories, reflection and how some lessons were learned and how Edward become the man he is today. Well written stories.
#GivingBack #NetGalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edward A Joseph ; BooksBaby via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
#GivingBack #NetGalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edward A Joseph ; BooksBaby via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
February 7, 2023
Drink coffee, eat dark chocolate, don’t drink and drive - a few of the common sense messages you’ll find in Giving Back - Memories, Reflections, and Lessons Learned by Edward A. Joseph. The author blends heartfelt moments like remembering his late mother – the Dragon Lady – and her message of hope and love; with practical advice on healthy living, realities of getting older, why Sudoku may help as you increasingly forget where you left your keys. The author adds a dose of humour, famous quotes and his personal experiences in fifty short stories. As a family man and former teacher and administrator, Joseph has a wealth of experiences to draw upon. I enjoyed the story of how he met his wife – with a small issue around a stolen boat – and how Susan, the love of his life, and his children factor strongly in his experiences.
Tackling sensitive issues from colorectal cancer to Alzheimer’s, Kegels for men and why you shouldn’t put off seeing the ophthalmologist, Edward A. Joseph reminds us, our health warranty runs out after forty. We need to invest in our health and put our energy into what is meaningful to us. It is why he is still golfing, bowling and at 76 years old finished first in the 200-meter dash at the Empire State Senior-Masters Games. Each topic covered in Giving Back, becomes less daunting with Joseph’s own experience supplementing his research and advice. His stories entertain and inform while providing practical tips for living a healthier life. No wonder many of the articles appeared in national magazines and books, like Chicken Soup for the Soul. I may personally take on his philosophy of stating your age as forty-eight (every year). His advice is interesting, his stories real and experiences relatable. A must read for retirees, those considering retiring and anyone wanting to grow old gracefully, and in good health.
Tackling sensitive issues from colorectal cancer to Alzheimer’s, Kegels for men and why you shouldn’t put off seeing the ophthalmologist, Edward A. Joseph reminds us, our health warranty runs out after forty. We need to invest in our health and put our energy into what is meaningful to us. It is why he is still golfing, bowling and at 76 years old finished first in the 200-meter dash at the Empire State Senior-Masters Games. Each topic covered in Giving Back, becomes less daunting with Joseph’s own experience supplementing his research and advice. His stories entertain and inform while providing practical tips for living a healthier life. No wonder many of the articles appeared in national magazines and books, like Chicken Soup for the Soul. I may personally take on his philosophy of stating your age as forty-eight (every year). His advice is interesting, his stories real and experiences relatable. A must read for retirees, those considering retiring and anyone wanting to grow old gracefully, and in good health.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews