Member Reviews
SILLY SELF HELP SUPERPOWERS
Steven Joseph has created a fantastic analogy for crankiness. One is usually cranky when there are troubles. In Yiddish , troubles are referred to as tsuris. Joseph has compared the state of crankiness to a giant dinosaur that he appropriately dubbed the crankaTsuris. The author is a consummate storyteller. Each chapter is a different anecdote about some cause of crankiness and how to overcome the problem. The parables are downright silly. But hidden in the humor are messages that we can learn from. This book may technically be a self help books. But the humor is the overriding element. I laughed my way through this book. I actually alternated between the eBook review edition that I received from the publisher and the audiobook. Nicholas Santasier does a great job narrating this book and is highly entertaining. However if you choose the audio format than you will miss out on all the great funny illustrations. No matte how you prefer your books, I recommend this book for anyone craving some light entertainment. Joseph has one other book for adults as well as several children's books. Some of the stories in this book show up as the plots for for his "Snoodle" graphic novel Series. If you like this book, you will definitely want to get the kids' books for your children.
An ARC for my honest review. Unfortunately, after about reading half (and skimming half of that) I did not finish this book. I just did not see the purpose. There were stories. There were stories that were supposed to give some help. I didn't see that I didn't understand it.
Cranky Superpowers - A Witty Guide to Embracing Life's Quirks
In "Cranky Superpowers: Life Lessons Learned from the Common CrankaTsuris Chronicles," Steven Joseph transforms what many would consider a flaw—crankiness—into an unexpected virtue. With the humor and insight of a seasoned storyteller, Joseph delivers a narrative that is as entertaining as it is enlightening. Joseph's approach to crankiness is not just about complaining; it's a call to action. He urges readers to harness their frustrations and annoyances as forces for positive change. The book delves into the idea that our cranky moments often highlight our deepest passions and areas where we seek improvement and connection. In the book, the personal anecdotes, seasoned with a dash of self-deprecating humor, make the lessons feel like a conversation with a wise friend rather than a lecture. He gives us a reminder that resilience and humor can coexist, turning everyday irritations into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
"Cranky Superpowers: Life Lessons Learned from the Common CrankaTsuris Chronicles" is a unique and engaging exploration of the everyday frustrations and irritations that we all encounter in life. Joseph takes these common annoyances, which he aptly refers to as "CrankaTsuris," and turns them into valuable life lessons. What sets this book apart is Steven's witty and humorous writing style, which makes even the most mundane topics a joy to read.
"Cranky Superpowers" is a delightful read that reminds us that even our most exasperating moments can be sources of wisdom and personal development. Steven Joseph's ability to turn life's irritations into valuable life lessons makes this book a must-read for anyone looking to find humor and meaning in the everyday frustrations we all face. It's a refreshing take on self-help literature that is sure to leave readers with a smile and a newfound appreciation for life's little annoyances.
Princess Fuzzypants here: We all know that humans can be cranky. Sometimes they can be very cranky. Even kitties can be cranky at times. What can you do with all this crankiness? According to this book, we should embrace it and turn it into something positive…like laughter. The book is filled with silly stories and funny tidbits about some decidedly Yiddish characters like the Schlemiel. This poor Everyman stumbles through many of life’s challenges and while he may not turn lemons into lemonade, he does manage to prevail.
The author takes some of those common sayings we all use that we have accepted them as maxims and then wraps a humorous parable around the saying which both mocks yet explains it in relatable terms. This is not a portentous book. It is light hearted and funny and there will be times when you might even guffaw out loud.
While I never quite got what the over-arching message was at the heart of it, I did enjoy the read. Four purrs and two paws up.
I read this book as a pre-release e-book obtained through NetGalley, provided by the publisher.
This is a book of humorous short stories, many of which could be thought of as modern fables. They can each be read in a matter of minutes, but often take longer to think about. In some cases, there are rhymes and similar-sounding words, and it’s often useful to read aloud or imagine it being read aloud for full impact. The later stories in the book often refer to the events of a previous story.
It is second in a series, and sometimes refers to stories or lessons learned in the first book. It makes me want to go back and read the first book.
The stated goal of the book is to get in touch with your internal crankiness, and how to make the most of it. This is not a self-help book. It is a humorous book which you might be able to learn some life tips from. It leans on well-known children’s fables, mashing them together in unique ways as well as leaning on Jewish culture heavily and Yiddish words to describe types of people and situations, yet all of this was explained in the book to an adequate level. It might give someone better appreciation for some of the diversity in our world – without the horrors that out-of-control CrankaTsurises can cause.
"Cranky Superpowers" reminds us that it's okay to be perfectly imperfect. From cooking to listening, Steven Joseph's book offers practical wisdom with a smile. Drawing from personal experiences, he shows how everyday annoyances can be tools for personal growth. It is a delightful guide to embracing life's imperfections. With wit and humor, where he encourages readers to recognize their crankiness as a superpower. This book is must-read.
I did not enjoy this story. It did not flow well at all. Perhaps it's because I haven't read the others but it seemed choppy and not put together well at all.
Cranky Superpowers is a thought-provoking self-help book that offers a comprehensive guide to personal growth and self-discovery. Drawing upon a wealth of life experiences, Steven Joseph delivers a collection of valuable insights that resonate with readers seeking to navigate the complexities of life.
The writing style is clear and engaging, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. Truly is a valuable self-help resource for those on a journey of self-discovery and personal development.