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Peace and Contentment
We All Want to Be Happy Volume 2 is a heartfelt exploration of life’s joys, struggles, and lessons, blending humor, resilience, and spiritual musings in a warm and relatable narrative. What did you aim to explore in this volume that sets it apart from volume 1?
I suppose my ultimate purpose was the same as in volume 1. The presentation is similar and the subject matter is the same; my hope is that the minor differences in both will fill some gaps left after reading Vol. 1. When Vol 1 was published and I read it, it occurred to me there were areas either omitted or not emphasized in a way most appropriate to my goals.
How do you balance vulnerability with relatability when sharing such intimate anecdotes?
To me personally, the balance is built in by comparing the impetus of the anecdote to the reaction for the character, whether me or someone else. My hope is that my readers can identify themselves in similar situations and balance their own reactions to the initial cause. They can then determine what reaction balance is truly appropriate to the initiating situation.
What was your process for deciding which moments or themes to include in this collection?
I attempted to include primarily the moments from which I clearly learned something helpful toward gaining peace and contentment in my own life. My thought was to hit only the highlights of the hundreds of experiences available to share, those most likely to be recognizable by my readers in their own lives.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Actually, I am working on two separate books: 1) Serendipity will follow in the footsteps of these two volumes. I am about one-half complete in this endeavor as it is going slower than I originally expected. I want to be certain every glimpse truly reflects a case of serendipity and that has turned out to be more of a chore than I had assumed it would be. 2) The Best of Intentions is the title of the other book. It deals with my brother’s early endeavors into salesmanship and preaching the gospel. I have the ‘meat’ of this book written and am now working toward collaterating further with my brother to close the deal.
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I invite you to share these true stories and essays, all brief and stand-alone anecdotes. My experiences and thoughts may remind you of your own similar situations; they may bring about a tear, a smile, or a belly-laugh! Life is a group participation endeavor with so much to learn from those closest to us.
WE ALL WANT TO BE HAPPY VOLUME 2
Ann Mullen’s We All Want to Be Happy Volume 2 is an intimate blend of autobiographical reflections, heartwarming anecdotes, and thoughtful essays. Each chapter offers a slice of life, rich with vivid memories and lessons learned. From navigating youthful challenges to poignant explorations of faith and family, the book paints a picture of resilience, humor, and humanity, culminating in a celebration of everyday happiness.
Mullen’s storytelling style feels like chatting with a dear friend over coffee. Her humor and self-awareness shine, especially in moments like the rainy-day escapade in Chapter One, where a fire hydrant and a disheveled new employee collide. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the visual of her boss witnessing this comedic disaster, which perfectly encapsulates her theme: we don’t control what happens to us, but we do control our response. It’s this mix of wit and wisdom that makes the book relatable.
However, not all moments are lighthearted. Mullen recalls the frantic night when she scrambled to free her new husband from jail, relying on family and humor to navigate a stressful situation. It’s raw, emotional, and deeply human, showcasing her knack for finding meaning and even levity in chaos. These stories, while personal, evoke universal themes of love, trust, and resilience. Some essays take a more reflective turn, delving into spirituality and the nature of existence. Mullen invites readers to ponder life’s bigger questions, gently challenging them to embrace curiosity and faith. While not every reader may share her beliefs, the sincerity of her musings is undeniable and adds a layer of depth to the narrative.
We All Want to Be Happy is for anyone who enjoys heartfelt, candid storytelling. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, nostalgia, or quiet introspection, Mullen delivers it all with charm and authenticity. This book is a gem for fans of memoirs and self-help with a personal touch. It’s like a warm hug for the soul, and I’d recommend it to anyone seeking both comfort and inspiration.
Pages: 197 | ASIN: B0DS2ZJYVM
LITERARY TITAN 