Official Review: Something Happened Today by Paul E. Kotz

[Quinto]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Something Happened Today" by Paul E. Kotz.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Something Happened Today: A Collection of the Unexpected by Paul E. Kotz was inspired by Kotz’s desire to leave something inspiring for his daughters to read. Indeed, the title itself is a suggestion to look for a miracle every day. The collection is drawn from personal experiences. The stories, eighty in number, have been categorized into the following headlines: “Everyday Gifts,” “Everyday Life,” “Growing Up,” “Kindness,” “Society Today,” “Mentoring,” “Unexpected Surprises” and “Advice and Perspectives.”

Under the headline “Advice and Perspectives,” “What Brings You Happiness?” is an insightful look at the ingredients of happiness. Kotz promptly notes that it is the little things that seem to make him contented, like the sunshine in his face while walking around a lake, or the morning drive while listening to that special song that sparks a memory. In a more reflective manner, though, he learned a great deal from Buettner, who traveled the world in search of the keys to happiness. According to Buettner, there are six areas that we should focus on that lead to ultimate happiness: home, self, financial life, social life, workplace, and community. Other must-read stories in Kotz’s book include: “The Power of Encouragement,” “Actions Speak Louder than Words,” “Making mistakes is Okay” and “Pick Others Up.”

Kotz’s blend of philosophical insights are realistic, persuasive, unwavering, and refreshing. He’s managed to create content that brims with his personality. A personality that’s, to a greater part, been influenced by his long experience in the teaching profession. As an illustration, the story “Each Day is Precious,” focuses on the events of 9/11/2001. As he recalls, and while teaching, the news of an airplane hitting the World Trade Center was shocking to his class. At that moment, and remembering his teenage years, he would reflect on what possibly could be going on in his students’ minds, considering that keeping calm and patient is quite a chore in itself. As he would later say, “This day changed me,” hence were innumerable more throughout the world.

Kotz’s tone is animated, appreciative, humorous and inspirational. Furthermore, his series of stories, narrated in rapid succession, makes the book fast-paced and fun to read. There is hardly time to be bogged down by complex actions or lengthy descriptions. As a matter of fact, Kotz thinks the book’s brevity is one of its strengths, and I agree. Besides, as he discovered in the story “Funeral Talk in the Hot Tub,” “People are dying to talk to you!” To impart useful knowledge that they have gained over the years.

Pragmatism permeates every page of this book. This is important because Kotz’s positive experiences have on occasion been possible in view of the help he has drawn from others. He admits that countless people have put him back on the path when he got lost. Consequently, even the editing seems to be professionally done. I only came across two non-distracting errors – a missing comma and a misplaced period. Plus, one case of a wrongly used word in a sentence.

I recommend the book to anyone who needs encouragement in life, as is often the case with the best of us from time to time. The book can also make an excellent gift to a friend or a relative. Conversely, maybe only a proud person will find it unsuitable to them. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars as it didn’t come short in any of the assessed parameters.

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Something Happened Today
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Like Quinto's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Anthony__]

The series of stories, narrated in rapid succession as you explained made the book intriguing to me. Great review!

[Quinto]

The series of stories, narrated in rapid succession as you explained made the book intriguing to me. Great review!

Thanks, Anthony for your kind comments.

[Wezi Nyirenda]

This review makes me feel like buying the book right away. It is an excellent review in my opinion.

[Quinto]

This review makes me feel like buying the book right away. It is an excellent review in my opinion.

Thanks, Wezi Nyirenda for your kind comments.

[kandscreeley]

I admire the author for wanting to leave something behind for his daughters. It's nice, as well, that we can benefit from it. I could always use a bit of encouragement in my life. I'll have to put this one my list. Thanks for the fabulous review.

[Quinto]

I admire the author for wanting to leave something behind for his daughters. It's nice, as well, that we can benefit from it. I could always use a bit of encouragement in my life. I'll have to put this one my list. Thanks for the fabulous review.

Thanks, kandscreeley for your kind comments. Yes, the inspiration written about by the author is contagious.

[Uinto]

I like the your review and how you bring out the inspiring aspects of the book. I'll put it in my to read list.

[Itskai88]

The reason behind the writing of this book is heartwarming and one can feel that the author poured his heart into it. It is definitely ok to make mistakes and learn from them as that is an amazing way to grow in life. Great review.

[Faithmwangi]

Thanks for the review it was very clear, honest and insightful. I appreciate the fact that the author took the time to ensure others were encouraged by his words. I look forward to this read.

[gali]

A self-help book that takes a look at the ingredients of happiness sounds inspiring! It is nice that the book contains a collection of stories from taken from the author's own experiences. Adding Pragmatism to the mix makes it valuable sell-help book for fans of the genre. Thank you for the review!

[langenbrat]

I was disappointed that the free sample doesn't include any of the actual book, but rather reviews of the book and the acknowledgements. I was looking forward to reading a bit and seeing the author's style, because it looked like the kind of book I would really enjoy.

[jaliper]

Im into feel good book that boosts one's attitude towards life. Like theses stories that show how a little compassion and care can change a mood from bad to wonderful. Thanks for this.

[cpru68]

This book reminds me of other titles that I have read through the online book club. It sounds like his aim is to get his readers to be aware of the present moment and take in the simple things in life. Great idea about giving this away as a gift! Thanks for this insightful review. The sample pages gave nothing as far as what even one story was like. So thank you for sharing this information.

[Renu G]

I have downloaded it on kindle unlimited. The cover is attractive and the content is all about positive thinking. I hope to read a few pages every day, to refresh my mind.