Facebook Fairytales: Modern-Day Miracles to Inspire the Human Spirit - Emily Liebert

At this point, you would have to live under a rock if you haven't had some type of interaction with Facebook. In fact, as of November 2009, there were 350 million people participating in this social network. Not a bad deal for a couple of college dropouts, no?

I suppose it was kismet that I was afforded the opportunity to review this particular book. Yes, I am one of the 350 million that dabble on Facebook, and while my story isn't all that earth-shattering, Facebook has made a difference in my life. Please allow me to digress for a moment. I'm compelled. If you've heard all of this before, I apologize!

As with most people, when I registered with FB, I was connected with people from every walk of life from around the globe...my best friend in grade school, my favorite author, old work colleagues, my grade school crush, blogger friends, my book club members, even my mother (who, by the way, is the FB Queen). Beyond this, I rekindled friendships with a handful of girlfriends from high school. Four of us really gelled, and ended up going a cruise together last October. There was something nearly spiritual about spending time with women that knew each other's secrets, from the days of yore! Another friend, who was not able to go on the cruise, passed away several weeks ago, and I feel blessed that I was able to be a part of her life before she left us. These ladies were all gifts in my life, that I will treasure forever. I thank FB for that.

But FB does have its bad reputation as well. Jealous spouses that can't handle the reappearance of old flames (I know a couple!). High school bullying. Hundreds of punks who trash the houses of unsuspecting vacationers. But good things happen too, and Ms. Liebert has chosen 25 from hundreds to warm our heart.

The bottom line is that FB is an effective tool to market your mission. Your mission could be to find a kidney donor, or to locate your lost cat. To find a job, or motivate masses to march against injustice. To adopt a baby, or find lost family members. To befriend a Prime Minister, or memorialize a remarkable teen who passed away. Each story is remarkable in its own way. Some are inspiring and some will bring tears to your eyes.

In the literary sea of familial dysfunction, murder, and the apocalypse, this collection of stories is a breath of fresh air to give you hope for humanity. The only downside is that the stories are brief, and you are left wanting to know more. On the positive side, the stories are short, concise and is a very pleasurable, easy read. Take a break from the dreary and soak yourself in some happiness for a change!


I am also pleased to be able to spread some of that happiness around. If you would like to win a copy of Facebook Fairytales, just leave a comment sharing a Facebook experience with us. If you won't touch Facebook with a ten-foot pole, that is OK too, just let us know. Everyone entered by midnight on April 15th will be entered into the drawing!

4 out of 5 stars