It's the Little Things . . .: An Appreciation of Life's Simple Pleasures

I found myself laughing out loud and shouting YES! Oh my, Craig Wilson has finally put into words what makes one so happy in life. I LOVED the Sweet corn story. So much so, that I had to read it out loud to my husband. He laughed too. Probably because we can so relate to that one. And the Clothesline, Oh lord let me die face down in line dried sheets...lmao. Right on, hit the nail right on the head. The camping chapter will help me explain to my dear mother in law why I will NEVER be at the family reunion campout. Roughing it is a tub with no jacuzzi and that's as rough as I get. Hysterical laughter could be heard over the Italian vacation with mom. USA Today must thank Craig Wilson for my subscription. Reading his columns should be listed as one of the simple pleasures in life.

Graig Wilson's work is an act of genius. In a society where all things are measure by their price tag, Craig Wilson appreciates the small things in life. He has been my favorite write for USA Today since day one, and I was excited to hear of his collection of columns. He is able to poke fun at things, and be serious. His writing style is wonderful. His view of life is simple, and wonderful. Everyone should read this book, and appreciate the simple things of life!

I was introduced to Craig Wilson's columns through the nationally syndicated "Don and Mike Show". Every week, Don and Mike read Craig's column on the air, in lisping voices with "Feelings" playing in the background, and almost without fail, there is one gem in each column. Whether it is a mention of "My partner, Jack" or shoe shopping with his mother in France, the humor is there each and every week. Rumor is that Craig doesn't quite appreciate the way his column is read on the show. Fear not Craig, it sold one copy of this book, and i'm sure many more. In fact, without Don and Mike, I would never have found the weekly USA Today column. Now, it's the first thing I look for in Wednesday's edition.The book really is quite good, whether you are buying the book for inspiration or humor, you make a good choice in buying this book.

You can hear the sound of the screen door in your head as Craig Wilson writes about the squeek it made when he visited an open house some years ago. That sound reminded him of his childhood, and the same wonderful sound that his grandmother's screen door made and in an instant you are transported back in time with Craig. He writes in such a way that you instantly feel better with every sentence. His book is a wonderful collection of his best essays from "The Last Word", his Wednesday column in USA Today. Craig Wilson is a true gem that can turn the simplest experience into one to be treasured. Whether you are having a bad day or jsut need a little perspective, Craig Wilson's book will make you smile! You know that feeling you get on an early crisp winter day when you warm up some good old fashioned oatmeal and snuggle up with your favorite blanket before anyone else is awake? Craig Wilson just makes you warm and happy all over! After reading this collection, you too will run to the news stand every Wednesday to get your Craig fix! He is just awesome!

I began reading Craig's column in USA Today about six months ago (every Wednesday, BTW) - and was immediately stunned at both the quality of the writing, and the depth of insight. So, I hoped he'd written a book ...and... I hoped his "essay-style" would translate. Okay so he has ...and... it (his style) does. This book is quite simply the best I've read in several years. I've already bought 3 additional copies and mailed to my friends and relatives. The only phenomonom that I can compare the book to is (obliquely) "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" - which is an incredible movie, promoted without fanfare, and totally deserving of the accolades it's now receiving. Craig's writing should make him the millions Tom Hanks/Rita Wilson are raking in.