Member Reviews

This is a sweet collection of positive stories about people doing good things. It’s a modern Chicken Soup for the Soul. I enjoyed the stories but it isn’t a great book for reading straight through. It gets repetitive. Better for someone who might leaf through it and read a story here, a story there.

I personally spend plenty of time reading internet listicles and don’t need more of it, and prefer my actual reading to have plot and characters. But this has a place for sure—I can think of people to whom I might give a copy. Just not a good fit for me.

I received a free eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you for writing this book. Books like this raise the world up. The world needs more books like this to counteract all of the negativity going around.

Was this review helpful?

Good People: Stories From the Best of Humanity is a book that makes the perfect gift for anyone, whether they are struggling or happy and at peace!

I didn't read this book in one or two sittings. For me, Good People was a book to be read and savored a little at a time. It overflowed with love, understanding, kindness, and hope.

Blessings to all of the people who have noticed someone struggling and helped them out. Especially to teachers who have somehow managed to find the time to do so!!

Many thanks to both #NationalGeographic and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of #GoodPeople This book has an expected publication date of September 3, 2024.

#GabrielReilich #PerfectGift

Was this review helpful?

I would recommend that this book be read as a daily devotional. When you’re feeling low and need a pick-me-up reminder of the gems of goodness in a chaotic world, this book does the job.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

Was this review helpful?

Sometimes I am a jaded, cynical jerk about the world. I mean, there is nothing but terrible news to read all day long, and depending on your news source, we might as well all be prepping for the end of the world. My mental health never does well when I view the world from this POV, Gah!

What a nice salve in this increasingly messed up world we live in - it is a pleasure to read about people actually being kind and caring about another human being, even if they might not know them. The chapters are short but sweet, and I looked forward to immersing myself in another "do gooder" story with each new chapter. Reminded me of Chicken Soup For The Soul, and I especially liked reading them right before bed. Delightful!

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars

Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell's GOOD PEOPLE: STORIES FROM THE BEST OF HUMANITY will put a smile on your face and publishes September 3, 2024.

This is a great collection of 101 short essays about kindness experienced among strangers. Most of the essays are 1-4 pages, which is a happy way to start or end the day. A hug from a stranger in Target when you hear bad news, the person behind you paying for your thrift store prom dress when you don't have enough money, a stranger seeing you safely to your next destination...none of these actions were lifesaving in the literal sense. However, these were emotionally lifesaving and so impactful that the essay writers remembered them months, years, and decades after.

#netgalleyreview #bookstagram #gabrielreilich #luciaknell #upworthy #goodpeople

Was this review helpful?

This has been one of the best books I have read in a long time. Full of feel-good stories, it reminds me of the good in humanity, which is difficult to find in this day and age.
I would definitely be interested in reading more volumes such as this. I highly recommend it for anyone who likes human-interest stories, or anyone who wants to read uplifting, positive essays and snippets.

Was this review helpful?

We live in the world that is full of very bad, bad, and bad people, until we think that every one we met is a bad person. This book brings me so many stories of a very good, good, and good person. It cheers me up and my world, so I could trust my feeling again to love others.

Was this review helpful?

Almost every story in this book brought me good tears. I honestly do not love the cover, but hope that people will pick up the book regardless. It's soul changing and a worthy, uplifting offering in a heavy world. I'm not sure how they edited the stories, but each story seems to be in the voice of the person telling it, which adds even more authenticity. I'm definitely ordering this coffee book for my office.

Thanks so much to the publisher for sharing it with me in exchange for an honest review. ALL THE STARS!

Was this review helpful?

This compilation of stories reminds us how to be better people and how good people still exist. This book is a feel-good collection!

Was this review helpful?

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley.
Have some tissues handy because a lot of these short blurbs will tug at your heartstrings. It was really heartening to read so much positivity after the news seems mostly down and depressing these days. An uplifting book to read all at once or in pieces when you need some good news.

Was this review helpful?

This is a wonderful book for these difficult times. Uplifting and heartwarming, this book is a reminder of all the good that is out there among us. Good stories that may renew your faith in mankind. Perfect gift for anyone needing a lift. Simple to read only one story of the 101 and feel a bit better or inspired. Highly recommend

Was this review helpful?

I love these kind of books especially when I'm feeling down or had enough of the human world. I read a few passages and I feel better about life. It is interesting how some Acts of Kindness are so simple while others are very involved and extraordinary and they are all wonderful. You will truly enjoy something different from what is out there right now.
I like the way the book is put together; the stories are just the right length so it doesn't take long to read a couple of stories and it was nice to read each story and feel connected to the storytellers. With all that is happening in this world, I've been trying to see the good in the world and this book is just one example of the good in the world.

I want to Thank National Geographic and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book about the wonderful connections between people.

Was this review helpful?

This was a sweet book that renewed my faith in humanity! I love hearing about small kindnesses and gestures that make a huge difference in other’s lives. This book was full of that version of heartwarming. This made me smile on a very rough day. I’m so grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy these wonderful stories!

Was this review helpful?

Childhood memories of reading Chicken Soup for the Soul came flooding back while reading this book.

101 stories, doing exactly what the title says they’ll do: remind you that the world is good, and so are the people.

This is a desk book — one you keep close and flip through on the hard, frustrating work days.

Thank you to NetGalley for a sneak peek!

Was this review helpful?

I loved the concept of UPWORTHY GOOD PEOPLE and the real stories shared that are evidence of the goodness in others, especially strangers. From these smallest to the biggest acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion, they have stayed with the ones receiving them and have greatly impacted the lives since. Sometimes even inconveniences at the time can turn into a beautiful story. This book reminds me of the importance of human connection and goodness in humanity.

Thank you to National Geographic and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

If you follow Upworthy on social media, you are familiar with the uplifting, powerful stories of life.

This collection of short stories features a variety that showcase kindness, compassion, and determination. These tales will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful.

Was this review helpful?

Upworthy Good People is a much-needed reminder that good people exist. The world feels like a dark and hateful place, and it is easy to lose faith in humanity. Upworthy is a bright spot on the internet, and now, with their new book, they have put out a tangible piece of that goodness. I will buy a physical copy of Upworthy Good People to put on my coffee table. When the world feels too dark, it’ll be there to remind me that good people exist.

My first read of this book was a delightful rush, devouring the feel-good stories. However, on my next read, I intend to savor one or two stories a day, allowing them to linger in my thoughts and inspire personal reflection on the goodness they embody. If we all adopt this approach, we might just create more space for kindness and goodness in our lives, a change the world could certainly benefit from.

I tell my son every day, “Be good. Be kind. Be open-minded.” Upworthy Good People proves that many of us still live with goals like these.

Thank you to NetGalley and National Geographic for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is hard to review, the kindle version of the ARC is very difficult to read.
I enjoyed the stories (trite as they may be at times), but would have liked more. How it changed them would be helpful other than , "wow it changed my life, I never knew there were so many good people."
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

Upworthy Good People by Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell is a breath of fresh air in a world that often feels heavy with negativity. This heartwarming collection offers a glimpse into the random acts of kindness that occur every day, providing a much-needed reminder of the inherent goodness in humanity.

Reading just a couple of stories from this book each day became a cherished ritual for me. Each tale served as a gentle reminder that amidst life's challenges and cruelties, there are countless moments of compassion, generosity, and selflessness happening all around us.

What sets Upworthy Good People apart is its ability to uplift and inspire without being overly sentimental or preachy. The stories are presented with sincerity and authenticity, allowing readers to connect with the genuine emotions behind each act of kindness.

This book isn't just a collection of stories; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of empathy. It's the kind of book you'll want to keep on your coffee table, not only to share with others but also as a daily reminder that, despite the chaos of the world, there is still plenty of goodness to be found.

Overall, Upworthy Good People is a touching and uplifting read that will leave you with a renewed sense of hope and gratitude. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a little positivity in their lives.

Was this review helpful?