cover image The Right Words at the Right Time: Volume 2: Your Turn!

The Right Words at the Right Time: Volume 2: Your Turn!

. Atria, $25 (401pp) ISBN 978-0-7434-9743-5

""That Girl"" Thomas follows up her bestselling inspirational volume, which collected stories from luminaries describing times when well-chosen words impacted their lives, with this collection of personal essays from more than 90 ""ordinary Americans,"", selected from thousands of submissions to a national contest. From the experience of a naval officer who comes to a major career decision in a Burger King to a woman's epiphany at a Zen Buddhist Monastery in Japan, these simple, touching stories highlight the moments when the right phrases or comments made a life-changing difference. Divided into thematic sections like ""At a Crossroads,"" ""Taking Chances,"" and ""Letting Go,"" Thomas's new title may be a little Chicken Soup-esque, but this is no canned concentrate-this is genuine, home-cooked comfort food. Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.