Cover Image: Laughing All the Way

Laughing All the Way

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Member Reviews

This was an informative read. While not quite what the title suggests, it is a book that will provide guidelines for surviving getting older.

Entertaining stories, scriptures, and sage advice round out each chapter.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Although the author transmits some valid and worthwhile advice, the overall tone of the book was not a good match for me. There was too little humour and too much bible. Not for me but if such religious emphasis is for you, it will probably be a worthwhile read - although not as funny as the title indicates. I found the book description misleading.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.

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Oh dear, not what I thought at all. This book is for religious followers who want to be reminded constantly of Bible quotes. If this is your genre, then I would recommend it. Sadly not for me, sorry.

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Often, about the time we make it to our “senior years”, many of us have had life experiences that do not leave us laughing about much. This author is encouraging us to develop a different perspective. As long as we continue to live, we will age. However, the way we age is based on the choices we make.

It has been said that a cheerful heart is like a medicine. This author reminds us that we can view our aging as heading for the end or as entering a new phase of life. Most of all, it will require us to not take ourselves so seriously. The ability to laugh at ourselves actually can produce a positive effect on our health. Along with the ability to laugh is the ability to forgive — others as well as ourselves. So, the author shares stories with us from various people as well as her own life experiences. In addition, each chapter has inspirational quotes from different sources to support the chapter’s theme.

While the author does indicate a faith in God, I would also place this book in the inspirational category. Many of the thoughts expressed are just that — designed to be an inspiration. It’s a good book to read and even to share with others who may need to change their perspectives. For, while the author has expressed thoughts with seniors in mind, the points she makes apply across the life spectrum. Although the things she writes about can only come from having experienced different situations in life, someone who has not yet reached the “senior” stage will also benefit from much of the information shared.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley. However, the thoughts expressed are my own

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Laughing All The Way by Karen O'Connor is a highly amusing look at life as we get older. With scripture references and a focus on God, it has much wise advice to impart.
There are 4 C's covered - new choices, challenges, chances, chapters. Within each section are anecdotes, advice and each chapter ends with wit, wisdom and willpower. You will recognise yourself in the scenarios.
We make choices every day. We are only responsible for our choices, not others. "I'm not held captive to the opinions and choices of others." We do choose how to respond though. "We can choose to focus on the hurts and disappointments, or we can... see them as opportunities to trust God." We cannot control the behaviour of others. We must hand their lives over to God. Too often we try to do God's job - our job is to pray. God's job is to convict. Do not carry a burden that was never meant for you.
Some people try to steal our joy. Do not let them. Focus on God and let Him be the source of your joy.
God is love. He loves us no matter what our circumstances. "God... will never turn away from us, no matter what other people do to us." Keep your eyes on God. No matter what people tell you. "God is never about blame, shame and guilt." If others make you feel blame, shame or guilt, their actions are not from God. He loves you. "It's not about being worthy. Our behaviour doesn't merit God's favour. He loves us."
I found Laughing All The Way a really powerful book. Written in a light hearted manner, it felt more like advice from a dear friend. I cannot wait to read more by Karen O'Connor.
I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

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This book was a surprise. It wasn't what I had expected, based on the title and cover. It is an encouraging and instructive book but it is not funny. It made me think but it did not make me laugh.

O'Connor shares her insights to help readers live life well in the latter years. She offers challenges like knowing one's self. She explores the four personality types and discusses introverts and extroverts. She encourages creativity, noting that the latter half of life is the perfect time to be creative. She helps us get through setbacks, noting that God may be directing us to a new path in life.

The most surprising part of her book was also the most informative for me. It was on creating personal boundaries. She writes of offering to help another person but then being overwhelmed by the intensity of need. She also writes about her decision to quit meddling. I really liked her example of taking care of what's in our own boat and leaving others to take care of what's in their boat.

O'Connor shares great stories to illustrate her wisdom offerings. She is a good example of seeing older life as a gift to be enjoyed.

If you are looking for general wisdom and insight into living your latter years, such as breathing deeply and getting rid of clutter, this book is for you. If you were looking for humor, you will need to look elsewhere.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A very uplifting Christian self-help book. Lots of good bible verses you might be familiar with but is always good to reread. Karen O’Connor has a pleasing writing style and relatable stories and antidotes.

I would recommend this to a friend needing encouragement or just a relaxing lighthearted read.

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Karen O'Connor has written a number of books that present a humorous perspective on aging. In this book, she also offers a lot of practical advice on making the most of your golden years. Having lived through a number of major life changes, she can speak from personal experience as well as offering the Christian viewpoint. She encourages her readers to keep living life to the fullest. Don't let the title fool you. This is not strictly a book of humor. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

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Not all of life is fun, but how we respond may determine our well-being, physically, mentally, and spiritually. The Bible is full of puns and humor; it encourages its readers to be full of happiness and laughter for good health and long life. Even in seasons of grief, laughter is coming.

O'Connor offers some joyful and practical suggestions for tackling the challenges of aging. She recommends blending humor and inspiration. Look at the funny side of life, she encourages us.

If you're getting older and life is getting you down, consider picking up a copy - and looking at the bright side for a change.

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This is a good book for the right person. She dealt with important issues in a Biblical way, however, I found it a bit too lighthearted.
I received this book free from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.

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Laughing all the Way, will have you laughing out loud. I love the short story concept for times that I just need a laugh or want to call a friend who's down and relate a funny story. This book has some wonderful scripture that fits perfectly
between the stories. I loved this book !

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A book that’s indeed filled with “wit and wisdom”. Reading it made me think how much I’d love to sit down and have lunch with this author, just to be able to draw in some of that wisdom in person. Loved her stories and admonition, and glad to have read this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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As we age, we learn to relate to things either with laughter or with complaints. Karen O'Conner decided to meet the challenge with humor and I love her for it. This book was a fun trip through the incidents that were met with laughter and love. I loved the book, while not yet a senior (it's knocking on my door though) I still loved the anecdotes that went along with this book. She encourages us to look at life and not be afraid to tackle it head on no matter what can happen and look at things as a blessing. Many lessons to be learned from this 80 year old!!

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Thanks to author/publisher for giving me an arc.

I liked the book . Some of the funny episodes were laugh out of loud and some i could not connect with. However it did not deter me from continuing to read.

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A fun book, with lots of different short stories, about the everyday challenges of life. I especially like the tidbits of wisdom inbetween the stories.

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Karen O'Connor is a popular humorist who has written over half a million books, WOW. As we get older we have a hard time facing the changes in our lives. Karen helps us prepare or relate, by sharing some of her funny and personal anecdotes. We can relate when she shares the story of her husbands confession, “I washed my pants with my wallet still in the back pocket.” Been there, done that. Or you forget where the cell phone is until you hear it tumbling in the dryer. Getting older is not for sissies. She encourages us to take new chances, accept new challenges and to not take our self too seriously. I feel this is a great book for someone who is senior or feels they are approaching that age bracket. This is only my opinion but I do not think a millennial, will understand and appreciate the humor. I received a copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers through NetGalleys. The Opinion expressed in this review is completely my own.

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I laughed out loud on some of the stories in this book. It is a real pick me up. I loved the bible verses and the short stories.

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Loved this book so much, the funny stories and a bit of scripture it was a great balance and great for feeding the soul and just enjoying. I even read bits out to my husband and sister-in-law who both loved hearing them. Also does a good job when I'm feeling a bit down.

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