wow this really hit me. i've been having such a cynical few months and honestly when i first saw the title i almost rolled my eyes thinking it would be another toxic positivity thing but your explanation about informed optimism really got to me. that distinction between naive hope and the kind of hope that comes AFTER you've seen darkness is so important.
i keep thinking about that uber ride you described - god how many times have i done exactly that?? just sitting there in awkward silence when a simple "how are you doing today" would cost me literally nothing. it's embarrassing but also kind of motivating?
anyway i'm definitely getting this book and maybe i'll actually follow through on leaving copies around like you suggested. seems like the kind of thing the world needs more of right now even if it feels a little silly to admit that out loudcongrats on the launch!!
Hi Klar, thank you for this note. It really touched me, because I, too, have seen myself and my friends sometimes worn down on hope and too encapsulated in our own lonely bubbles. I'm so glad this piece felt true to you. I'm sure your next Uber driver will feel a little brighter for that "how are you doing today?" you send their way.
Congratulations Evelyn - these types of books are great to read but I rarely get the opportunity to do - saying that I feel that Becky Chambers books are on the same sort of path - focusing on kindness rather than bad actions people take - and I love them!
I will certainly be smiling a little more today at strangers (which we tend to do more in the north of England than down south) and hopefully sending some of your positive energy to them through me.
Evelyne, I believe in your premise. I have faith that individually, for the most part, humans tend to be good and kind, even accepting, of one another. That those who are not are louder, more noticeable, but smaller in number. I will read your book. I will ensure it is passed along. And my message will be “Kindness matters. Pass it on.”
I got teary reading your message, Wendy. I can feel your passionate belief through your words. Thank you so much for making my Sunday afternoon brighter. 💛🥰
Congratulations Evelyn and thank you –for writing this book. for reminding us all that kindness and hope are choices we can make and that collectively, they can tip the balance. I finished it in less than 24 hours, I was so drawn in to Clover's world and love.
Thank you so so much, Toni! I saw your note that you posted, too, and it moved me deeply. I am so happy that this book found you (or vice versa). Sending you all the smiles today!
I am so excited to read this book, I can’t wait to get my copy after work today! I think this will be exactly the book I need right now, your essay really struck a chord with me 💛
So beautiful and vulnerable of you Evelyn to share the story behind the story and why it means so much to you. I share your belief that having hope in our fractured world is an act of courage and resolve and I welcome it and need it to navigate these times. Can’t wait to read your book! And I love your dream too; I will do my best to make it come true here on a park bench in Barcelona once I am ready to pay it forward, maybe with an origami rose 😀
WONDERFUL! Did they used to have a different name? I visited an English language bookstore in Barcelona a few years ago, but I think it was called something else.
Congratulations, Evelyn! 🎉 Wishing you a hopeful and happy publication day! 🌻 Thank you for all of the optimism and kindness you bring to this community. It's always a joy to read your posts and the comments. I look forward to reading your book. 😊
Yay!!! My books are en route and should be delivered soon! I can't wait to distribute them around the NYC with little messages of hope and kindness. It's needed more than ever. Thank you Evelyn 🥰❤️🥰❤️
wow this really hit me. i've been having such a cynical few months and honestly when i first saw the title i almost rolled my eyes thinking it would be another toxic positivity thing but your explanation about informed optimism really got to me. that distinction between naive hope and the kind of hope that comes AFTER you've seen darkness is so important.
i keep thinking about that uber ride you described - god how many times have i done exactly that?? just sitting there in awkward silence when a simple "how are you doing today" would cost me literally nothing. it's embarrassing but also kind of motivating?
anyway i'm definitely getting this book and maybe i'll actually follow through on leaving copies around like you suggested. seems like the kind of thing the world needs more of right now even if it feels a little silly to admit that out loudcongrats on the launch!!
Hi Klar, thank you for this note. It really touched me, because I, too, have seen myself and my friends sometimes worn down on hope and too encapsulated in our own lonely bubbles. I'm so glad this piece felt true to you. I'm sure your next Uber driver will feel a little brighter for that "how are you doing today?" you send their way.
If you're curious to dig a little deeper, I was also interviewed in PSYCHOLOGY TODAY on this topic: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/well-read/202508/the-power-of-kindness
Also, thank you for getting a copy of my book! Here's to a little more light in the world...
{{Rightbackatchya}}
Congratulations Evelyn - these types of books are great to read but I rarely get the opportunity to do - saying that I feel that Becky Chambers books are on the same sort of path - focusing on kindness rather than bad actions people take - and I love them!
I will certainly be smiling a little more today at strangers (which we tend to do more in the north of England than down south) and hopefully sending some of your positive energy to them through me.
Best of luck!
thank you so much, Paul! I am so happy that you're spreading your smiles and kindness around today!
congrats! can't wait to read it :)
Thank you, Miha! 💛🥰
Evelyne, I believe in your premise. I have faith that individually, for the most part, humans tend to be good and kind, even accepting, of one another. That those who are not are louder, more noticeable, but smaller in number. I will read your book. I will ensure it is passed along. And my message will be “Kindness matters. Pass it on.”
🥰🥰🥰😘
I got teary reading your message, Wendy. I can feel your passionate belief through your words. Thank you so much for making my Sunday afternoon brighter. 💛🥰
Putting this book on my wishlist to order when I can—this sounds lovely and like a story that the world needs right now!
thank you so so much for doing that!
Congratulations Evelyn and thank you –for writing this book. for reminding us all that kindness and hope are choices we can make and that collectively, they can tip the balance. I finished it in less than 24 hours, I was so drawn in to Clover's world and love.
Thank you so so much, Toni! I saw your note that you posted, too, and it moved me deeply. I am so happy that this book found you (or vice versa). Sending you all the smiles today!
Congratulations! I love the sound of your novel and look forward to reading it. Yes, hold up the torch for goodness in the world!
I just wrote a piece inspired by a line in yours, and linked to your piece. It's scheduled to post in about 3 hours.
Oh thank you very much, Allegra! Let's all hold those torches up together!
Yes! It’s already happening. You’re making a tidal wave of kindness sweep across the world! How fantastic! Thank you!
💛💛💛💛💛
I am so excited to read this book, I can’t wait to get my copy after work today! I think this will be exactly the book I need right now, your essay really struck a chord with me 💛
Oh, Kit, this makes my heart smile!
So beautiful and vulnerable of you Evelyn to share the story behind the story and why it means so much to you. I share your belief that having hope in our fractured world is an act of courage and resolve and I welcome it and need it to navigate these times. Can’t wait to read your book! And I love your dream too; I will do my best to make it come true here on a park bench in Barcelona once I am ready to pay it forward, maybe with an origami rose 😀
Thank you so much, Amy! It feels so special that my words have traveled across the ocean to you.
I have already requested your book to be ordered at our wonderful English bookshop here in Barcelona, BackStory😀
WONDERFUL! Did they used to have a different name? I visited an English language bookstore in Barcelona a few years ago, but I think it was called something else.
Is Barcelona on your book tour?😀
I wish!
https://www.backstorybookshop.com/
Congratulations! I think you would love Fix the News, a substack with a similar mission of spreading informed hope. https://fixthenews.com/p/welcome-fix-the-news-substack
Thanks, Juniper, I’ll check it out!
Congratulations, Evelyn! 🎉 Wishing you a hopeful and happy publication day! 🌻 Thank you for all of the optimism and kindness you bring to this community. It's always a joy to read your posts and the comments. I look forward to reading your book. 😊
awww thank YOU, Steph, for being part of the positive light in our community! I'm honored that you choose to spend your time here with me!
Congratulations, Evelyn! Thank you for writing this book for us - I can't wait to read it!
you are so very very welcome, Kristin. And thank YOU!
Yay!!! My books are en route and should be delivered soon! I can't wait to distribute them around the NYC with little messages of hope and kindness. It's needed more than ever. Thank you Evelyn 🥰❤️🥰❤️
Thank you again for your outburst of kindness... it's overwhelmingly wonderful to feel your good intentions walking side by side with mine, Amy!
Congratulations 🎊🎉🍾🎈, Evelyn. Thank you for such a beautiful letter to us. I'm looking forward to celebrating with you on Sunday!
oh my gosh, thank you, E. And I cannot wait to celebrate with you on Sunday!