Common People Uncommon Lives

Common People Uncommon Lives doesn't list seven steps, ten tips, or a hundred habits to make you rich or improve your looks. It simply offers to renew your faith in the goodness of the human spirit, with a few hearty laughs thrown in for good measure.

Jan says that when a story is meant to be, it takes hold of her and doesn't let go until it is written. That is how Common People Uncommon Lives came into being. Readers will find an often humorous account of the many Michigan grandmothers Jan has "adopted" over the years; a tribute to a quiet character from Arkansas, whose life story is told not by himself but by the people who have cared for him; a young woman from Indiana, determined to rise about life circumstances difficult enough to break the spirit of most people; and even a leader in the world of philanthropy who is known around the world, yet who chooses not to boast about his triumphs, but to speak humbly about his beliefs. Each story imparts a lesson for living, though at first glance, one might not think that to be the case. There are also recollections of a blueberry pie that gets its revenge, a dog that performs angelic duties, and even time spent in the "cottage from hell."

Common People Uncommon Lives will make you laugh, make you cry, and most importantly, it will make you think; about your own life, your own stories, and the meaning of it all.

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Words of praise from readers...

"This lovely book will touch your heart and soul."

Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Internationally Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host and Author, The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands (2004) HarperCollins

"Jan Corey Arnett has an uncommon ability to pay attention to the common. In her stories we find adopted grandmothers, a little girl who ate too many beets, a quiet character named Cat, and an elderly couple that knows how to love right to the end. The word, "love" shows up, but the small gestures that show love are everywhere. Jan's special gift is to make these gestures visible. The stories are always enjoyable, written in a style that is brisk and accessible. Behind the apparent simplicity of her writing is the hard work of skilled observation, the illuminations of an active intelligence, and the graciousness of a generous heart."

Emilio DeGrazia, Award-Winning Author, Literary Judge

Arnett shows us how to be grateful for life's simple joys while at the same time giving thought to the more serious issues we face. Her stories touch our hearts and connect our souls.

Steve Smith, Battle Creek Enquirer

"…takes me back in time to when common people who did uncommon things were valued not because of their education or degrees, but because of their love for family. You see parts of your family and your story here. I feel privileged to have read this book."

Harry Bonner Sr., 4-H Leader, Volunteer, Michigan 4-H Youth Development, Albion

"Jan has the unique talent of taking snippets of life and putting them together in a marvelous way that brings a lump to the throat, tears to the eyes, or an understanding chuckle. Her stories are told simply and with great understanding…."

Dave Eddy, WBCK Radio, Battle Creek's "Morning Mayor"

"The very old and the very young, the high achievers and the nobodies, the gracious and the cranky; to them all, Jan brings a perceptive eye, a listening ear, and a caring heart… Companionship, joy and wisdom, Jan shows us, are as close as the next person you meet."

Elizabeth Sherrill, Author, All the Way to Heaven

"…touching and uplifting. These stories remind us once again of the unparalleled blessings we receive with the opportunity to live in America…."

Michael Medved, Nationally Syndicated Radio Host, Author, Saving Childhood