"Thank you a thousand times: a journey of gratitude"

• By A.J. Jacobs
• c. 2018, TED Books
• $ 16.99, $ 22.99 Canada; 140 pages

A big big bear. That's what you've been like all week: a grunt, a grunt, a grunt, a grunt, a grunt. Anything that could go wrong did – dramatically. But what went well? Hmm. Take a cup, sit down and turn away from eyebrows with A.J. Jacobs "Thanks to Thousand".

Have you ever had one of those days when everything is going bad?

Yes, A.J. Jacobs has them, just like the rest of us. And like most of us, he's "globally ridiculously lucky," something he recognizes even when "daily irritations take over my head." Unfortunately, this happens about half the time he is awake.

He tries to become aware of his bad mood; In fact, while emphasizing gratitude towards one of his sons, Jacobs began to think. Perhaps we treat gratitude too superficially. He decided to go to the next level of gratitude by thanking everyone who had a role to play by bringing him his daily cup of coffee.

He started off gently with the barista of coffee whose bubbly personality reminded him to "affirm and recognize" all those who serve him. He then visited the café's coffee shopper, who taught Jacobs to slow down because it's hard to be grateful if you do it fast.

He thanked the designer of the cup lid, the designer of the logo of a coffee shop and the people who developed the sleeve. At this point, without end in sight – how far back, how deep should it go here? – Jacobs exchanged his goal. Rather than making his project "a job for life," he thanks a thousand people for his coffee.

This included the roasters, who prepared the beans for sale. This included a trip to the Catskills to thank those who bring water to New York homes. Jacobs thanked the people who prepare the coffee safely, the people who store the beans, the truckers who transport them, the pallet manufacturers, the scientists and the Colombian farmers who have coffee beans trees passed from generation to generation. and who invited Jacobs to visit them again.

"I will not respond to the invitation," he says, "but I'm grateful to have it."

One thing is wrong during the day and it's like falling in the mud at the edge of a fast river: whoosh, and everything happens downstream. "Thanks a thousand" reminds you that there are a million reasons to not let him go.

But do not think it's a self-help book filled with sunny platitudes; on the contrary, author A.J. Jacobs actually dissects gratitude with the help of science and research. Yes, in the end, being grateful is good for us and offers benefits that you may not realize. Add to that an attractive sense for puppies by finding people to thank, and you have a book that educates, informs and charms the socks.

If "thank you" is superficial, you need this book. If this is an impossible phrase to say in your world, you really need this book. For all those who are grateful, grateful and in a good mood, "Thanks to Thousand" is a book to keep in mind.

"2019 National Geographic Almanac"

• c. 2019, National Geographic
• $ 19.99, $ 25.99 Canada; 399 pages

You know? Of course, because you are not a model. You are at the top of the situation, you are attentive, you address to 4-1-1. Yes, you know – until you do not do it, that's when you need "National Geographic Almanac 2019."

For several years now, NatGeo's managers have been publishing a children's almanac every fall in which children can find information and fun information that they can share in conversations to impress adults and others. National Geographic Kids' almanacs are fun, but even if they're welcome, they're more for kids under 13.

Finally, adults can also know things. Take, for example, planning for your next vacation or your next weekend getaway. "National Geographic Almanac 2019" has ideas for hiking, exploring, diving, camping and dining in America and around the world. This includes of course photos of spectacular places that you want to add to your itinerary.

With legacy such as National Geographic magazine, you should not be surprised to know that science, oceanography, environmental concerns and wildlife have their own sections in this book. Learn more about Spinosaurus (and be glad you did not live near a river 97 million years ago). Read a mini biography on astrophysicist Jedidah Isler, "the first African-American woman to get a PhD in Yale Astrophysics. »Discover coral reefs, dolphin brains and ancient humans.

Speaking of us, discover the languages, their evolution and how new languages ​​become new means of communication. See how researchers are working to make sure we all have enough to eat in the coming decades. Discover why you can compare a virus to "a kind of vampire", discover the inventions without which we can not live, check out some quick biographies of the First Ladies of America, see why addictions invade your brain, learn how to be happy, discover the benefits of spending time in a park, enjoy the photographs taken around the world and answer a light quiz.

Why leave all the pleasure to the children?

Indeed, you should not have to do it, which is why "National Geographic Almanac 2019" is an easy choice for any home.

Filled with the goodness you expect from the parent publication, this book is both a reference, a navigation between fodder sources and an irresistible part. Dive on any page and open it in a minute or three; go back and forth anywhere and learn something else. The articles are brief – which leads to this: brevity can be an advantage or can annoy a reader, since the topics are presented on pages long enough to arouse interest but not long enough to satisfy a deeply inquisitive mind.

Consider this as a springboard book or a good argument for those who are 13 years old and over. Think of it as homework help or as a supplement to National Geographic Kids' almanacs. Consider it, if your family needs a versatile and versatile multi-purpose time killer, but beware: with photos, fun facts and maps inside, "National Geographic Almanac 2019" will make you addicted, you know.

More: The bookworm: the hair lifted but not the hair touching each other, please

More: The bookworm: talk about death and eliminate the differences

The worm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. She has been reading since the age of 3 and never goes anywhere without a book. Terri lives on a Wisconsin hill with two dogs and 11,000 pounds.

Read or share this story: https://www.marconews.com/story/entertainment/2018/11/14/bookworm-science-gratitude-know-nat-geo/1986243002/