Small Steps to Big Happiness NOW!!!
" I just wanted to write you and thank you for writing
"Crappy To Happy". It has become one of my favorite books in the entire world.
It makes me feel comforted and inspired. I applaud your courage. I am grateful
that your book came into my life. Now, if I can only be so brave as to act
on my feelings as you put out there to do in your book. Thank you thank you
a million times. GO GIRL!! - Nani S., a reader
"This book is quite a scream! Endorsed by everyone from Gerald Jampolsky, Arielle Ford and Swami Beyondananda, Peyser (former Editor-in-Chief of Catalyst Magazine) has brought 158 on-target, yet hysterical pearls of wisdom, to all of us who have been thinking our way into misery. With true accounts from her own amazingly interesting and sometimes quasi non-conventional life, Peyser weeds out the "crap" and finds the pot of gold we are all striving for, yet rarely attain. Where does she find it? Sometimes at the end of the rainbow and sometimes in the middle of a car fix-it garage - she finds it everywhere she chooses to and that's the point. As soon as we focus on the good around us we will be more grateful, happy people, and when we choose to focus on the sh-t, then sh-t happens! This book should be required reading for every high school graduate as a manual for how to do life. You will find within these pages simple wisdom at its finest, and get a laugh or two while you're at it. It's the book I wish I would have written first! Well done, Randy!" -- Dr. Maryel McKinnley, "Awareness Magazine," Nov/Dec 2002
"Life is at times messy, difficult and depressing. Randy Peyser offers us something we all need - a light-hearted spiritual approach to navigating the rough patches with grace and humor." -- Arielle Ford, author of "Hot Chocolate for the Mystical Lover's Soul"
"Randy Peyser's new book is a delightful read and is uplifting, filled with honesty, vulnerability and humor." -- Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D., author of numerous best sellers including "Love is Letting Go of Fear"
"Taking a spunky approach to self-help, Randy Peyser, the former editor-in-chief of the New Age magazine, Catalyst, has written "Crappy to Happy: Small Steps to Big Happiness Now." Using humor, parables and personal anecdotes, Peyser explains how readers can learn to be true to themselves, develop spirituality in their lives and cultivate personal integrity. Her advice is straightforward and jargon-free, and her emphasis is on the present. "Asking for support doesn't mean you're a wimp," she says. "Get all the support you need. Those with a sense of humor -- or those in need of one -- will relish Peyser's quirky book." -- "Publisher's Weekly," May 6, 2002
"I just want to thank you for possibly saving my life. I have been depressed for so long. A couple of weeks ago I picked up your book at the local book store. I began reading it right away. I couldn't believe how so much of it has touched my life. I began practicing some of your points, with great success!! I am so excited about my life now. What really interested me is your faith in God. The fact that you threw in humor also caught my eye. I am about half way through the book. I am going slow, its like savoring that dip of double-dutch chocolate ice cream. You go slow so you can make it last. Thank you, Randy." -- Deb, a reader
"A remarkably useful book for all of us - charming, insightful and most of all inspiring in it's approach to creating a happier life from within." -- Greg Hicks, co-author of the L.A. Times' Best Seller, "How We Choose to Be Happy"
"Randy's book will have you chuckling till the sacred cows come home." -- Steve Bhaerman a.k.a. Swami Beyondananda, author of "Duck Soup for the Soul: The Way of Living Louder and Laughing Longer"
"Not only does your book fly, it soars on the wings of truth and a giggle. Thanks for playing so big and for bringing the much needed humor to the game!!!!!!!!" -- Matt Garrigan, Reverend
"I absolutely love your book. You have a great mix of honesty and humor. Your authenticity radiates through your work and makes you oh, so lovable!!" -- Michelle, a reader
"I just wanted to honor you for writing such an awesome book! I love it, in fact I'm going to read it again. Everytime I read it, I instantly feel revived, happy, and inspired. I've bought three books for my family members and will continue to recommend it. I had been looking for a good motivational book for the past two years, and I could never find one that I could either understand or could stay awake to read the next page. Thank you so much, you have helped me in more ways than you will probably ever know." -- Kerry, a reader
"I was having a low self esteem day when I picked up this book. I laughed so much once I started to read it I felt a whole lot better by the time I put it down. I have used some of your ideas too. Even if someone does not do everything you say, anyone who reads your book will have a whole new perspective on life and on being happy by the time they put it down. I have told several friends about your book." -- Caterina Rando, author of "Learn to Power Think"
"I LOVED your book. I felt such a connection with you by virtue of your transparency and your metaphysics. And I LOVE your humor--laughed out loud in places. Thanks for the inspiration and the chortles, and thanks for being you and for sharing your experiences and insights in such a delightful way." -- Karren, a reader
"I am reading your book and enjoying it very much!!! I love your down-to-earthiness!!! You are an author that people can "connect" with and not someone writing from a throne-in-the-sky!" -- Anne Hollingworth, Red Wheel/Weiser rights administrator
"I am SO appreciating your funny, inspiring book. I'm trying to read it slowly because I don't want it to end, but I'm almost finished. (Yup, still laughing and crying all the way through). Luckily it's the kind of book you can pick up again and again and see something you didn't notice the first time, or just read all the way through again. I have been telling all my friends to get it." -- Julie, a reader
Greenwich Village Gazette Review: "SELF - HELP TO LAUGH ABOUT (In A Good Sense). I had been so reluctant to pick up "Crappy To Happy" ever since it was sent to me. I mean, did I need to read another book about "steps into success" that would do nothing but bridge the gap in my daily commute? However, the book kept staring at me begging to be opened, so I thought I'd give it a try - and, it turns out, it was worthwhile.
The first impression you get is that this one is not your usual self-help book. To begin with, the author does not try to say that her own life is a success story - she claims to be as broke as the next person, and her love life doesn't exactly seem to be above par, but she seems to be content with the everyday happy moments most of us take for granted but somehow seem not to notice as our lives go along. "Crappy To Happy" is basically a collection of anecdotes from the author's personal life with suggestions, at the end of each story, to "Steps to Happiness Now" which have little to do with financial success, but simply to refrain from what she would consider excessive worrying.
In one of my favorite moments, Peyser jokes (as she goes about telling us about her need to conclude this very book) about the psychology books that promise immediate financial success("golden sheckels") to their readers as long as they (the readers) do "what they love": "Either those books are right and these authors are deservedly experiencing his flowing of golden sheckels upon their beings, or those overly enthusiastic, motivated , you-can-do-it-too types are wrong. In which case they're still getting their golden sheckels, so they're happy either way".
"Crappy To Happy" is essentially a book of personal reflections that has its emotional and witty moments - think of it as if you were reading a letter from a favorite aunt you might care dearly about - and if the advice doesn't work for you, at least you'll have a few laughs as you go through its pages." -- Ernest Barteldes, Reviewer, Greenwich Village Gazette, NY
"The book is great! Such good advice and information and a funny read on top of it all. So many spiritual and uplifting books are also deadly serious - I like the light tone, but its wonderful that it still packs a punch at the same time. I am going to re-read it." -- Joanna, a reader
"Happy Happy Happy to have found this book. I literally have not put this book down since I got it! I'm taking it with me everywhere -- just to have the opportunity to get another laugh, insight, inpsiration throughout the day. Randy is inspiring w/o being sappy -- funny w/o being sarcastic -genuine, brilliant. What can I say? I love this book and if you've ever felt the slightest bit bad, you will love this book, too!" -- Susan, a reader
"I'm drawn to honesty and this book is one of the most authentic reads I've had in a while. I laughed, I wept, and I learned. Whether using her own style of swift and discerning humor, or laying bare her own vulnerability, Randy gives us a treasure of a book that enlightens and inspires. She offers tips for emotional honesty (how to "notice and report"), and encourages us to take a deeper look as we journey toward a rich and rewarding life. "Crappy to Happy" is witty, deeply moving, and a total joy to read! -- Pamela, a reader
"I loved your book. You bring out deep spiritual truth without hitting people over the head with it." -- Sharon, a reader
"I love your book, "Crappy to Happy." It really has kept me inspired over the past few months. Keep up the good work! -- Alaina, a reader
"I giggled and laughed my way thru your book. I didnt want to put it down. I finished it in about 3-4 hours. My life blows, like just about everyone else's, and this book was given to me from a friend of my Mother's whom I've never met. I am so thankful for angels on this earth. They truly are everywhere, aren't they? You are one yourself, for caring enough about all of us struggling souls out there to write a book with great insight and much, much humor.
You took my mind off of everything that is on it whenever I had the book in my hands. Thank you sooooo much. It was a great respite. I believe the blood, sweat and turning down jobs that you did because you knew in your heart that this book needed to be written, was all well worth it for you.
And your Gramma --- THANK YOU for sharing her thoughts on how to live. "God will never disappoint you. Just smile. Don't worry." Tears, babe. Big time. Because she was so right. I really needed that reminder." - Nanci, a reader
"Your book is the funniest, most interesting piece I have picked up in a while! I'm almost done with it-- it's like saving that last piece of chocolate cake--and I just want to thank you for writing it! You are a wonderful, gifted writer! - Jill, a reader
"I loved your book. I couldn't put it down. Now my husband is flying through your book and he is laughing all the way." - Linda, a reader
Randy, you are "real" in your speaking, writing and facilitating. You share your experiences with humor and grace. I've told so many people, "Crappy to Happy" is like talking on the phone to a good friend. We tithe to people who are Sourcing our spiritual nourishment, and you definitely qualify. Thank you for all you give." - Patty Lemon, speaker coordinator, Gavilan Hills Church, San Martin, CA.
"Hi Randy, I just wanted to let you know that I just finished reading your book today. I started yesterday (It was GREAT!!). I am a 29 yr. old, single mother of two sons (ages 9 and 6). I work hard everyday to support them (on my own), so I can relate to the shortage of money piece. HA!! I called on those Collection Angels tonight. :) Anyhow, I wanted to let you know that I am glad that there is someone else out there that I can relate to (Our witty ways are very similar). I laughed often while reading your book. :) As to not ramble on, I wish you much success with your future. I can't begin to tell you the last time I actually read an entire book (that kept my interest) over the course of a weekend. GREAT JOB!!" - Felicia, a reader
If you would like to add your comments about my book, your feedback is welcome.
© Copyright 2002 Randy Peyser. All Rights Reserved