Small phrases can mean so very much. Seeing a baby yawn. Drawing on a foggy window. Finding a curly fry mixed in with your regular fries. All of these things and so many more are in this book, each bringing happiness, joy and a warm memory to the reader.

Nancy Vu was a high school student when she compiled the phrases that would eventually become this book. Her story is fascinating and full of hope; one that I want to share. She finds little things to be joyful -- things most of us take for granted. But once you start to open your eyes, you can also find many little things that brighten your day. Nancy started a blog in 2010 where she posted small sentences, snippets if you will, of things that made her happy. Things that are often overlooked. The blog was wildly successful, with people pinning her quotes on Pinterest, and reposting on Facebook. Soon enough a publisher came knocking.

That's right, an imprint of Penguin books, Perigree, asked if they could publish her blog in book form. Her quotes come from friends, teachers and anyone can submit an idea to her for possible publication on her website. The subtitle of the book says it all: "A celebration of life's simple pleasures". Her blog and her quotes have touched people in amazing ways. There's an area where you can see how far-reaching and important she's been to others struggling with suicidal thoughts, disabilities and cancer, to name a few. Nancy plans on continuing with the blog, justlittlethings.net, while she is in college.

This was a brilliant read, a hopeful ray of sunshine peeking through a cloudy day, and one that I've revisited over and over. Nancy's book has brought me joy, even during some rather dark moments. Let this book bring a smile to your face and maybe even a tear to your eye as you read the small yet powerful statements inside, and stop and think what little things in your life make you the happiest.