Make Your Own Sunshine: Inspiring Stories of People Who Find Light in Dark Times by Janice Dean

Make Your Own Sunshine: Inspiring Stories of People Who Find Light in Dark Times by Janice Dean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.0/5.0 - Maybe you know of Janice Dean. My husband did, but I didn't. So I didn't pick this book up based on the author, maybe a little bit based on the cover and more based on the title and the implied subject. The book delivers on what it promises, serving up stories that range from a small child selling cocoa and cookies and donating the money to pay off negative lunch balances at her school, to the principal who makes each graduating student's pandemic related experience special by dressing in full regalia and going to each home and placing a sign in their yard. There are several other stories of teachers who have made a difference in the lives of their students. Some stories are tug at your heart, like the first responder who spent months working the Pile after 9/11, who died, as many others did, from cancer, likely as a result of his time there. Besides his work there, he was active in advocating for a permanent health and compensation fund for the victims, and even while dying, raised money to buy a transport van for other sick responders. Parents and siblings also provided inspiring stories, lunchbox notes to last a lifetime, and a video with audio clips for a young bride whose father had died before her marriage. In all, there are more than 20 such stories.
There was a personal connection for me, as well. Ms. Dean turned 50 this year, had planned a big trip that had to be postponed due to the pandemic, and has MS. This also describes a friend and I felt like I understood her a little better, having read this. She is bright, brave and like two of the other people with MS in the book, climbs mountains and runs races. Another former colleague of mine reminds me of Janice, as he seeks out stories of optimism and is such a positive person. These people are gifts in my life.
I'd recommend this to anyone who has struggled during these past months, and especially for those who feel like they've lost control over their lives. Maybe there will be a story in here that will light your way or give you inspiration.
AtY #50: A Book Published in 2021
Book 107 of 2021




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