A joke book talisman is a unique and whimsical item that holds the power to bring joy, laughter, and positivity into our lives. It is more than just a book of jokes; it is a symbol of lightheartedness and the ability to find humor in everyday situations. This special talisman can be a physical book or even a digital collection of jokes, which is easily accessible whenever we need a good laugh. Its purpose is to serve as a reminder that life doesn't always have to be serious, and that a good sense of humor can go a long way in navigating the ups and downs of life. The power of a joke book talisman lies in its ability to instantly lift our spirits and change our perspective. Whether we are feeling stressed, sad, or simply need a break from the monotony, flipping through its pages or scrolling through its digital contents can instantly brighten our mood.
Whether we are feeling stressed, sad, or simply need a break from the monotony, flipping through its pages or scrolling through its digital contents can instantly brighten our mood. The jokes within its pages act as tiny bursts of joy, allowing us to momentarily escape from our worries and find solace in laughter. Furthermore, a joke book talisman can also serve as a social catalyst.
After the Call: An Unseen Talisman
What did winning the Newbery Award mean to me? I’ve heard of writers who had their bags packed and ready in case the call came. I was simply enjoying my shredded wheat when the telephone rang with the wonderful announcement from Pat Scales, chair of the Newbery committee that year. As soon as I hung up, my excited editor called to tell me I had to be in New York that evening to appear on the TODAY show the following morning.
What did winning the Newbery Award mean to me? I’ve heard of writers who had their bags packed and ready in case the call came. I was simply enjoying my shredded wheat when the telephone rang with the wonderful announcement from Pat Scales, chair of the Newbery committee that year. As soon as I hung up, my excited editor called to tell me I had to be in New York that evening to appear on the TODAY show the following morning. And what the Newbery Award meant to me at that moment was that I had exactly twenty-four hours to lose thirty pounds.
But what about my family? Was there time to call my relatives? Could my husband, my wonderful proofreader, come with me? Our sons were both grown and living with their spouses, so who would feed the cats? The coming days and weeks swirled before my eyes. Was this what it was going to be like? Flowers arrived, champagne, a photographer…the ringing phone never stopped.
The following morning when I was rushed into NBC Studios beside the Caldecott winner, David Wiesner, I had my first sense of using the Newbery Award as a shield. While one technician called out the seconds before airtime, “…nine…eight…seven…six…,” a man holding a tiny microphone on a cord said to me, “Can you slip this under your skirt, bring it up behind your blouse, and out above your bra?” and I said…“No.”
So he clipped it to my collar, pushed me down in a chair, and said, “Never mind.”
Now, I like Jane Pauley, who was substituting that morning, and I’m sure she’d had only seconds to glance at our two books before the interview. All David and I had been told in the green room was, “Remember — on television, you have no time to think.” I still recall the look that passed between us. Jane Pauley asked me if I thought my book would make a lot of money, and she asked David if all those frogs floating around on lily pads on the book jacket of Tuesday might not frighten small children, and a few minutes later, the interview was over. The Newbery year had begun.
I didn’t know then that thirty years hence, Shiloh would still be selling well. I did not know that it would be the first in a quartet and that movies would be made of the books. I did not know that some schools would be asked to ban the book because the villain in my story says “damned” once, “hell” twice, and when Marty asks the names of his dogs, answers, “Git, Scram, Out, and Dammit.” Or that Marty lies to his parents because he thinks it’s the only way to save a dog. I did not know I would meet so many wonderful librarians who would stand up for my books. Or that decades later, I would still be answering children’s letters that read, “Why is Judd so mean?”, followed by “This is the best book I ever read.”
Most of all, the award has given me confidence. When its first review ended with “this title is not up to Naylor’s usual high quality,” my heart sank. I presented it to the Children’s Book Guild of Washington, DC, to which I’ve belonged for fifty-five years, and remember hugging it to my chest and saying, because of that review, “No one will ever love this book as much as I do.”
Then came the Newbery Award, to make up for all my deficiencies. So what if I can’t correctly pronounce words in French? If I make a joke and no one laughs, or I’ve never heard of a particular violinist? I carry an unseen, unspoken talisman with me in my head, and no one around me needs to know; there’s at least one thing I did well.
From the May/June 2022 special issue of The Horn Book Magazine: The Newbery Centennial.
From the May/June 2022 special issue of The Horn Book Magazine: The Newbery Centennial.
When we share a good joke with others, it creates a sense of connection and camaraderie. Laughter is contagious, and a simple joke can bring people together, creating bonds and fostering a positive atmosphere. In our increasingly digital and fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in the seriousness of life. A joke book talisman acts as a gentle reminder to take a step back, embrace moments of silliness, and find joy in the simplest of things. It encourages us to not take ourselves too seriously and to find laughter even in the darkest of times. So, whether we carry a physical joke book in our bag, keep a digital collection on our phone, or simply bookmark a website with jokes, a joke book talisman can be a powerful tool to keep us grounded, uplifted, and armed with humor to face whatever comes our way. As Charlie Chaplin once said, "A day without laughter is a day wasted." Let our joke book talisman ensure that no day is ever wasted..
Reviews for "The Power of a Joke: How a Talismanic Joke Book Can Bring You Good Fortune"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Joke book talisman". The jokes were stale and not funny at all. I found myself groaning more than laughing while reading it. The author seems to rely heavily on clichéd and predictable punchlines, which made the jokes feel old-fashioned and unoriginal. I was hoping for a book that would bring some humor into my life, but this definitely wasn't it. I would not recommend this joke book as there are much better options out there.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I wasn't impressed with "Joke book talisman". The jokes were mediocre at best, and I found myself skipping through pages hoping to find something that would actually make me laugh. The humor felt forced and lacking in creativity. The structure of the jokes was also quite repetitive, which became tiresome after a while. Overall, I didn't find this joke book to be entertaining or worth the time and money.
3. David - ★★☆☆☆
"Joke book talisman" fell flat for me. The jokes seemed to be aimed at a younger audience, and as an adult, I didn't find them amusing or clever. Most of the jokes were predictable and lacked the wit that I enjoy in a good joke. The book also lacked diversity in terms of the types of jokes, which made it feel monotonous. I was expecting a more engaging and humorous read, but unfortunately, this book didn't deliver.
4. Lisa - ★☆☆☆☆
I regretted buying "Joke book talisman". The jokes were incredibly cheesy and didn't elicit any laughter from me. It felt like I was reading a collection of dad jokes that were trying too hard to be funny. The book also lacked variety in terms of the subjects of the jokes, which made it repetitive and boring. Overall, I was not entertained by this joke book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a good laugh.
5. Michael - ★★☆☆☆
I found "Joke book talisman" to be underwhelming. The jokes were predictable and lacked originality. Many of them felt like recycled material that I had heard before. The book didn't offer anything new or refreshing in terms of humor. While it may be enjoyable for young children or those who haven't been exposed to many jokes, for someone who enjoys clever and witty humor, this book was a letdown. I wouldn't consider it worth the purchase.