The Healing Power of Humor [Paperback]

Allen Klein (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 1, 1989

The ability to laugh at annoyances, crises, and even outright disasters can literally save your life. The author presents a series of proven techniques for overcoming the negative effects of loss, setbacks, upsets, disappointments, trials, and tribulations.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

I wrote this book after my wife died. Her humor helped me get through the three difficult years of her terminal illness. Hundreds of people have told me how it helped them to not only deal with life-challenging issues but everyday trials and tribulations as well. It must have because the book is now in 24th printing and seventh language translation. (as of 02/01) For more, check out allenklein.com

About the Author

Comedian Jerry Lewis has said that Allen Klein is "a noble and vital force watching over the human condition." Klein is an award-winning professional speaker and best-selling author of 17 books, including The Healing Power of Humor, The Courage to Laugh, Change Your Life!: A Little Book of Big Ideas, Inspiration for a Lifetime, and, Learning to Laugh When You Feel Like Crying. Klein is also a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, a Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association, a Toastmaster's Communication and Leadership Award, and, a New York City Hunter College Hall of Fame honoree.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Tarcher/Putnam; 1 edition (February 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874775191
• ISBN-13: 978-0874775198
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #140,476 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Humor > Theories of Humor

More About the Author

For information about my workshops, or, reprintable articles about humor go to my website: www.allenklein.com

--Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor

--Hunter College (New York City) Hall of Fame honoree

--Certified Speaking Professional from the National Speakers Association

--2005-2006 President of The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (www.aath.org)

As of September, 2012 I have authored eighteen books about humor as well as books about the positive side of life that have sold over 500,000 copies.

My first book, The Healing Power of Humor, is currently in a 40th printing and ninth language translation.

I am the world's only "Jollytologist"

I have BA from Hunter College and a Master's degree from St. Mary's College in MN.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential book for anyone going through difficult times July 18, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

When a friend from college was diagnosed with a termanal brain tumor, I sent him and his family a copy of this book. Several times he and his wife told me how helpful this book was for all of them during these terrible times. It gives everyone permission to access appropriate humor to feed the spirit, and allow us to find joy in the midst of suffering and sorrow. Great and inspiring ideas and suggestions.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Helps us lighten the load of life on a daily basis. February 28, 2001

By PS

Format:Paperback

Educational and entertaining, this book relays convincing evidence as to the psychological and physiological benefits of humor. The author gives concrete and helpgful techniques and suggestions as to how we can begin to bring more joy and laughter into our lives. Lots of humorous anecdotes and examples bring the points home. I found this book informative and motivational.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A real pick-me-up March 15, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Wonderful book, which truly elevated my spirits so much that people started complimenting me about my positive attitude. Good bedtime reading. Chapters are written so that you study one "lesson" per day.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book will convince you to keep humor in your life November 19, 1998

By Tom Antion

Format:Paperback

This book showed me the evidence that I need to have humor in my life on a daily basis. I have always loved humor, but until I read this book I didn't really realize the powerful effect it has on me and my family. This book will help anyone learn how to have a more healthy, mind, body and spirit. --Tom Antion

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A staple item for the humor lover's bookshelf February 28, 2001

By Jacki Kwan

Format:Paperback

Since reading this book in 1994, I have used it as a reference for my life AND work. Using a warm and witty style of writing, Allen teaches us the physiological and emotional benefits of mirth. My favorite chapter title is "Strike While the Irony is Hot!" So clever!! I recommend this book to friends who are facing life challenges and to everyone who attends my workshops. On a more personal note, since embracing The Healing Power of Humor, I felt freer to add a little levity to my Aunt Alice's funeral. My family was amazingly grateful. Me too!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to read at any time November 18, 2007

By M. Nelson

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was taking a training that was particularly difficult. At lunch and breaks I would open this book and read. It is like the sun coming out after a thrunder storm.

It is fun and serious at the same time. Read and enjoy.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Helped me behind prison razor wire July 14, 2011

By Sue Ellen Allen

Format:Paperback

Prison is a harsh, lonely landscape, designed to quash hope. There is very little laughter inside the wires. While I was in prison, I was desperately lonely and depressed. I was battling advanced breast cancer and my young roommate had died from undiagnosed leukemia. When I received Allen Klein's book, I felt as if someone had thrown me a lifeline of hope. I underlined and starred and laughed. I read it over and over. This is not a dated joke book. For someone hurting, it is priceless. Wherever you are, inside prison walls or outside in the free world, grief and loss are agony and this little book will serve you well.

In Arizona, inmates are only allowed to keep 10 books and 5 magazines so you can imagine a book has to be very special to hold on to it. I was released over 2 years ago. I've written my own book (The Slumber Party from Hell). Through it all, I've held on to Allen's book. It still gives me pleasure and inspires me. Thanks, Allen. I wish there were copies in every prson in America.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars kind of dated February 24, 2010

By frosty

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I expected more than just a dated joke book. The authors intent is noble and it occaisionally made me laugh but it read like joke sections in Readers Digest