I knew it was going to be a good read when I laughed out loud reading the INTRODUCTION! The stories are genuinely funny, thought-provoking, and joy-giving.In her first book, "Laugh It Up!" Candace Payne offered us a peek at the woman behind the mask: the Chewbacca mask. The woman who belly laughed for three minutes straight on Facebook live video with such contagious joy that the world laughed with her not at her. She shared the story behind her viral video and how she grew into a woman who was not only comfortable in her own skin but also undeterred by what others thought about her.In her new book Simple Joys: Discovering Wonder in the Everyday the author shares even more hilarious events from her life to demonstrate how each of us can mine for joy in our own everyday experiences. From taco sweats and taffeta to an icy driveway and hot coffee, this gifted author will have you laughing out loud one moment and deeply reflecting on complex situations in your own life the next.Candace is a masterful storyteller who recounts her experiences with such vivid detail, it makes you feel like you were right there with her at the roadside café in Zambia squirting ketchup onto her fries or sitting next to her in the back seat of the car as her father walked out of the house with his hot cup of coffee on a freezing cold morning.Don't be fooled. Simple Joys is not a book that you read, put down, and forget about. It's one that makes you chuckle, wince, roll your eyes, examine your own life, and mine for nuggets of joy even in difficult times."The most underrated tool we have at our disposal to shift an atmosphere of anxiety to one of joy is to speak out the good times." page 63.Simple Joys will help you discover wonder in the ordinary events your everyday life through fun stories, poignant reflection, and questions to spur introspection.Chapter titles:* Prologue: There's Joy in Them Hills!* The Year I Spent with My Head in the Clouds* Trash-bag Choir Dresses and the College Crush* The Waterbed Where I Said, "Amen"* The House on the Hill, the Coffee that Would Spill, and the Stories Shared Around the Table* The Day Inadequacy Tried to Squash My Joy* Run for Cover* Selfies with the Last White Rhinos in Zambia* Take the Good, Toss the Bad* Epilogue: Prospecting for a Heart of GoldAt the conclusion of each chapter, Candace poses one related, thought-provoking question to the reader and provides ample space for the reader to jot down their own thoughts. There are also a few blank pages at the end of the book for additional notes.The book ended too soon for me. It left me wanting more. So, I sincerely hope that Candace is already working on her next book. While I wait, I will read Simple Joys again.About the physical copy of the book: See attached photos. This small, but mighty 176-page book measures only 5-1/2" x 6-1/2" x 0.9" and is the perfect little gift book—but I'd totally buy this for myself, too! (Actually, I did.)Each chapter features an inspirational quote digitally illustrated by the author. I'm hoping they make them into a calendar or coloring book, because they are totally cute!The cover is full-color hardback with smyth-sewn and perfect-bound pages. The pages are printed in full-color on a heavy stock matte which is perfect for highlighting, note-making, drawing, and journaling.I had the opportunity to participate in a live video chat with the author immediately prior to release, and when she revealed the book cover she said, "Well, it's supposed to be watercolor dots, but they remind me of macaroons...and I love macaroons! So, that's a simple joy!" Yes. Exactly.Simple. Joys. All you have to do is look for them. They're everywhere.I highly recommend Simple Joys for personal development. I also think it would make a great gift for a friend or relative, especially if paired with a couple colored ink pens, and a gift card to a local coffee shop! Hint. Hint. Hint.--------------------Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I also decided to purchase the book because I really enjoyed it. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”