Life Is Good: The Book; How to Live with Purpose and Enjoy the Ride

In 1989, the Jacobs brothers decided to make a living creating art, and in 1994 debuted the Life Is Good clothing brand, with just one simple mission%E2%80%94spreading the power of optimism. This book provides the backstory to their subsequent success: an upbringing as two of six siblings in a "chaotic" lower-middle-class home in suburban Boston; the cross-country road trip that generated their career path; and the inevitable ups and downs on to the way to a $100 million business. While growing the company, the Jacobses identified "Ten Superpowers" as key to a sunny perspective and, not incidentally, a terrific business plan: openness; courage; simplicity; humor; gratitude; fun; compassion; creativity; authenticity; and love. Practical self-help tips and funny anecdotes are accompanied throughout by color photos; eye-catching graphics (including T-shirt designs); sidebars with lists of favorite feel-good songs, movies, and books; and "Fuel"%E2%80%94letters from fans relating how the Life Is Good brand helped them overcome adversity. All of these ingredients combine to make for a fun read full of charming life lessons. (Sept.)