Celebrating The Book of Awesome (& Giveaway!)

Neil Pasricha describes himself as a “boring guy with a nine-to-five job,” but let me tell you – he is much, much more. Neil is humble and incredibly kind, and despite being “just a normal guy” he landed himself a book deal after his blog, 1,000 Awesome Things, quickly caught fire after starting in June of 2008.

I am so thrilled to celebrate the launch of Neil’s book this week – and happy to announce that Neil will send one lucky commenter an autographed copy! Just share an awesome thing with us in the comments and we’ll pick a winner at random. **Update: this contest is now over – congrats to Eve from South Korea who won!**

About The Book of Awesome:

In Neil’s own words, “Over the past year the website grew into a warm place where people around the world came to curl up under a blanket and think about the small joys we often overlook. With so much sad news and bad news pouring down upon us, it’s fun to stop for a minute and share a universal high five with humanity.” Don’t you just want to find Neil and hug him?! I do.  That endearing spirit, mixed with his great sense of humor and appreciation for the small things in life, makes Neil an absolutely AWESOME guy, and the same holds true for this book.

Some of my favorite “Awesome Things” from the book:
Each one has a page of heartfelt, funny, well-written description and commentary

And finally, I’d like to add one of my own:

  • Seeing an AWESOME guy with a 9-5 job get a book deal from a blog that brings smiles to so many people’s faces every day. Congrats Neil!

How to Win a Copy of 1,000 Awesome Things:

Please join me and Neil in adding to the awesome! To enter to win an autographed copy of the book, leave a comment with one of your own awesome things by the end of the day on Sunday. I’ll pick a winner via Random.org early next week, then Neil will send you a signed copy of his book. **Update: this contest is now over – congrats to Eve from South Korea who won!**

You can also purchase The Book of Awesome on Amazon (a great gift, and it’s currently 50% off!) and follow Neil on Twitter.

Click here (or press play below) to watch the book trailer – I loved this!

75 comments

Categories: BooksFun

  • http://www.lifeaftercollege.org jennyblake

    Sarah – that's so cute! I think the purring sound cats make, and when they just close their eyes and let you pet them, is pretty awesome too :)

  • http://www.lifeaftercollege.org jennyblake

    Kelly – so fun! I love staying home guilt-free and just deciding to park in front of the TV for a day. I don't do it very often, but when it happens? Totally awesome. Especially if the marathon that comes on is Sex and the City :)

  • http://www.lifeaftercollege.org jennyblake

    JO! Yes – the gramatically correct tweet with zero remaining characters on the first try? Totally awesome.

    I also LOVE the feeling of putting on clothes after they've been in the dryer. Even better? Having someone dump the entire pile of laundry on you and laying under it for 10 minutes.

    You know what else? BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP FROSTED MUFFCAKES!

  • http://www.lifeaftercollege.org jennyblake

    Thanks Tori! I can confirm – the book is fantastic.

    Your awesome things sound so energizing and relaxing. Seeing your husband (a solider) after a long separation – I can't even imagine how incredible that must feel. And warm, fresh laundry is the best! Especially the clean smell of putting on something that's just been washed. Relaxing shower after a sweaty workout is also the best – love them all!

  • http://www.lifeaftercollege.org jennyblake

    Catherine – thanks for your comment! Seeing a photo you took make it to someone's Facebook profile is such a good one – I love it! And yes, this entire comment thread is putting a huge smile on my face. We should all come up with awesome things every day! Have a fantastic weekend :D

  • http://www.lifeaftercollege.org jennyblake

    Pamtastic – yes, I love that feeling! I also love the feeling of cupping a HUGE, warm latte in my hands on a Saturday morning. Awesome!

  • http://www.lifeaftercollege.org jennyblake

    Nicole – thanks so much for stopping by! Nothing better than the first bite into a delicious cookie :D

  • http://diamondkt.blogspot.com David

    Booting up a brand new computer for the very first time.

    Going to bed with freshly washed bed sheets on my skin and waking up to a new toothbrush across my gums.

    After spending the afternoon waxing my car, driving with the windows down and the sunroof open on a warm night, letting the new wax scent blow in.

    Cuddling my Bulldog Diesel’s “scuba skin” as I call it – wrinkly fur that’s just so thick and squishy that it’s irresistible to the touch. Then kissing him on the forehead and hearing him leave out a long, relaxed breath/sigh.

    The sound of Jenny Blake’s giggle and actually being able to HEAR her smile when she talks.

    Sorry, I got carried away. You said one thing and I gave you 5. I just love the idea of the 1,000 Awesome Things! I could easily make a 1,000 awesome things list myself because it feels so good writing down all the things that make me smile. Thank you for bringing Neil’s blog to my attention and needless to say, I’ll be buying his book. In fact, I think I’ll do that today! So no need to include my name in the giveaway drawing. The whole idea of bringing awareness to things that make us happy was a gift in itself.

    (Ok, now I am sounding cheesy. I’ll stop now. Wow, I'm a comment whore.)

  • christina_brown

    Two Awesome Things:

    1. Knowing that with hard work and confidence, you can nail down a job interview to the T.
    2. When it is raining hard outside and that the cold air helps you sleep like a baby. :)

  • http://wordsofloveinmymemory.blogspot.com/ Kay

    Awesomeness:

    -Soaking in a hot bubble bath after a long day of work. Feeling the sensation of the warm water & soap tingling at your skin.
    -Flowers for no special reasons.
    -During a run, crossing that finish line you didn't think you could & finishing it with a SMILE :)

  • WhatsWithDiane

    Sounds coming in from outside when taking a late afternoon nap in the spring time with the window open.

  • http://twitter.com/Toreano Toreano

    A family BBQ!
    Putting the boat in the water for the 1rst time each year!
    Being on time when you're running late!

  • caroldz

    cdziuba@aol.com Looking out your window every day, and one day seeing a form of wildlife or bird you've never seen.

  • Rachel R.

    I have such a self-help book addiction, too! After graduating in a couple weeks I'll have plenty of time to read for leisure, so I've added a bunch of the books you've commented about and rated on your book list page. I'm really looking forward to finally having the time to read! :)

  • cstironkat

    Snagging a 100% on a college final.
    The first cannon ball of the summer off the high dive
    The first winter snow fall.

  • http://katingiro.tumblr.com/ Kat

    When you're walking down the street and you see someone coming towards you who breaks into a random private smile, over something they're remembering or a song they're listening to or something.
    That always turns my mood around no matter what else is going on :) I guess it reminds me of all those little things that I have, too, to smile to myself about.

  • TAllegra

    Waking up thinking you need to go to work and realizing its the weekend! :)

  • Mia J.

    Having a snuggle with my daughter before starting the day is the best thing ever.

  • http://doniree.com/ doniree

    August, love!

  • christina_brown

    Np! :)

  • http://www.richarddedor.com/blog Richard

    My Awesome: Love can be found anyway and at any time. I found my boyfriend through AIM while chatting with an old tennis teammate. I found a great friend in someone who outted me in high school. I found love behind the closed-mindedness of my parents. Love is all around – and it's awesome!

  • jakenicholson

    When you wake up and just know its going to be a great day.

  • RebeccaRapple

    Your response takes the cake. Amazing women are beyond the best. (And, Chris is pretty sweet too! haha)

  • brianpeck

    All I have to say is this is totally awesome. I think it is really cool especially where it came from a blog. I really think he should come out with some audio books and get it out there i love it

  • AgreeToDisagree

    I know this probably is not appropriate for this site, but it is AWESOME nonetheless:
    ** Being able to go to the bathroom after holding it in to the point where it is actually painful**

    A-W-E-S-O-M-E-!

    Sorry, had to say it.

Previous post:

Next post: