An Eye For Joy: Noticing The Good World Everywhere
Inspiration | Personal Growth | Happiness | Creative Nonficiton | Essays
Publication Date: November 5, 2025 978-1961864399 (paperback) Dimensions: 6 x 9 Pages: 138
This charming and eccentric little book invites readers to embrace the impulse to wonder, the practice of noticing, and the deep inclination toward joy—no matter life’s difficulties. Through short, sparkling true stories, the author reveals how the good world is everywhere, waiting to be seen, savored, and celebrated daily. Smart, witty, and full of heart, this collection offers a fresh, joyous perspective reminiscent of Anne Fadiman, E.B. White, and Erma Bombeck. Each essay is a “diamond necklace” of moments that illuminate the beauty often overlooked, reminding readers that paying attention is a life-saving spiritual practice accessible to all. Perfect for fans of Ross Gay and lovers of literary nonfiction, this book is an uplifting gift and a bright reminder that joy can be found in the smallest details—if only we choose to look.
Reviews
"This is an eccentric little book that will give you unusual joy. Smart, fun, joyous."
—Chris Crowley, New York Times bestselling author of Younger Next Year, Younger Next Year for Women, and The Practical Navigator"Immense curiosity and heart-filled humor!"
—Sue Scott, actor, radio personality, and former co-star of
A Prairie Home Companion"Peg Guilfoyle has the knack of finding meaning in what most of us overlook or forget. The little gems in this book will call to mind essays by Anne Fadiman, E.B. White, and, at times, Erma Bombeck. What a treat!"
—Jack El-Hai, author of The Lost Brothers, The Lobotomist,
and other books
"A diamond necklace of short, sparkling true stories. Like E.B. White of yore and Ross Gay today she is determined to find joy everywhere she goes. Crisp, unforgettable storytelling."
—James P. Lenfestey, author of Time Remaining, Seasons of the Urban Coyote, Seeking the Cave, and A Marriage Book
"Despite the evidence assailing us each day, the good world is and always has been everywhere. This book is a bracing, bright reminder that to pay attention is a life-saving spiritual practice, and anyone can do it."
—Rev. Victoria Safford, author of Walking Toward Morning
About The Author
Peg Guilfoyle is the author of The Guthrie Theater: Images, History, and Inside Stories (Nodin Press), which won a Midwest Book Award and an Independent Publishers Award, and Offstage Voices: Life in Twin Cities Theater (Minnesota Historical Society Press). Her commentary and essays have appeared in the Minneapolis StarTribune, the Minnesota Women’s Press, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, on Minnesota Public Radio, and elsewhere. Her media appearances and reviews include the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, BookTrib, MinnPost, and others. She has been a popular presenter and speaker, a stage and production manager, and the producer of many corporate and organizational histories, including Honor Bright: A Century of Scouting in Northern Star Council, which won a Minnesota Book Award.
