The Joy You Make

Praise

“In The Joy You Make, Steven Petrow does exactly that. Through his writing, he shows us all how to make joy our life’s companion, no matter our circumstances. He’s gifted, generous, and he wants us to know what he’s discovered. Lucky us.” —Maria Shriver
 
“Combining the intimacy of a memoir and the insight of scholars and scientists, Steven Petrow gives us all a blueprint for ways to not only cultivate, but spread joy . . . and who couldn’t use more of that in their lives?” —Katie Couric
 
“In The Joy You Make, Steven Petrow gives us a map to the buried treasure of inner joy—which is often hiding inside our grief, where we rarely dare to look. This book is for anyone whose suffering has made them give up the search for joy. ‘Don’t quit now,’ Petrow encourages us. ‘You may be closer than you’ve ever been.’” —Tom Rosshirt, coauthor of The Call to Unite
 
“When joy seems elusive, that’s when you need it the most. In this enlightening, insightful, and remarkably useful guide, Steven Petrow takes you on a journey to welcome more joy into your life. Prepare to be delighted as you read this book—and as you put into action the wonderful ideas that await you inside.” —Chris Bailey, international bestselling author of How to Calm Your Mind

“We know gratitude and joy are good for us, yet they often get paved over in the stress of modern life. Well, I’m grateful for this book. It is a manual of often surprising, always joyful interventions, enlivened by Petrow’s wry humor and honest prose. He offers a picture of joy that is rich and complex. Also, Petrow’s teachings work: I restarted my own gratitude journal after reading about his experiences—so far so good!” —Jeff Warren, coauthor of Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics
 
“The Joy You Make is a book is for everyone. Follow Steven Petrow on his personal search for joy, where he finds silver linings along a path that includes divorce, the pandemic, even the loss of his beloved sister. But make no mistake, Steven’s joy is real—and infectious. I felt my heart open as I read his story.” —Denise Austin
 
“Uplifting, wise, and life-changing . . . Steven Petrow will make you recognize and nurture joy in new, surprising ways. Think Anna Quindlen meets Robert Fulghum: The Joy You Make is a template for creating and experiencing a more fulfilled existence. Petrow weaves his own personal history amongst a wide-ranging sociological study of joy that ultimately offers the reader a blazing beacon of light in trying times. We all have that one person whose word on things big and small we trust implicitly: that’s what reading The Joy You Make feels like. Petrow shares the roller-coaster ups-and-downs that have touched his life, while offering a North Star to those who might feel a little bit lost or just need a pick-me-up. You’ll savor the joy of the mundane, taking a pause, solidarity, doing nothing, perspective, imperfection, sex, reading, aging, uncertainty, family—and so much more. This witty, affirming book is one to savor, and one you’ll want to share.”  —Todd Doughty, author of Little Pieces of Hope
 
“This book is the essence of Steven Petrow—warm, charming, and eloquent. I discovered joy not only in the lessons he conveyed but also in the recipes for life he so generously shared. This is a beautiful book.” —Jeanne Phillips (aka Dear Abby)

“A manual for finding silver linings. Petrow combines personal stories with actionable advice in this self-help book about increasing joy. . . . Petrow’s vulnerability is brave and will endear him to many. . . . A good-natured self-help book that emphasizes storytelling.” —Kirkus