Laugh like a Kid Again

“For me, joy in hard times is great evidence for God and a key ingredient in living a contagious life. Through the years Phil's stories have helped me laugh like a kid and deeply ponder things that really matter. His new book is a masterpiece of joy!”

—Lee Strobel, New York Times bestselling author

“Phil Callaway is a steward of stories, humor and pain. He seasons our lives with joy and laughter drawn from the deep well of living. Splash through this book and see if you’re not refreshed. I double-dog dare you.”

—Chris Fabry, New York Times bestselling author and host of Chris Fabry Live

“If Phil Callaway was just another old funny guy, he wouldn’t be so cool. The fact that he combines humor and relevant spiritual truth in a winsome way makes reading him a pleasure, kind of like consuming a great vitamin hidden inside a raspberry Gummi Bear.”

—Ellen Vaughn, New York Times bestselling author

“Phil Callaway can find something to laugh about almost anywhere—a dog lost in a blizzard, a tornado wreaking havoc in your backyard, a text message warning of nuclear doom about to fall on your head, and a thousand other upsets and mishaps. He could probably make hitting your own funny bone funny. But he’s no mere jokester. He’s wise more than wisecracking. Yes, he sees the comedy of errors that makes up much of life, but here’s the best part: He sees it, not with scorn or sarcasm, but with love. A comedian can make you laugh. Only a true humorist can make you cry as well, and for all the right reasons. Phil is a true humorist, and, frankly, one of the best.”

—Mark Buchanan, author of GodSpeed and The Rest of God

“Laugh Like a Kid Again will make you do exactly that. Better yet, Phil’s genius in writing is that he makes you laugh while you swallow a compelling chunk of otherwise difficult truth. You’ll love this read.”

—Carl Medearis, author of Muslims, Christians, and Jesus

“I once got one of Callaway’s jokes an hour after I heard him speak. I was on an elevator. I laughed so hard people thought I was crazy. It won’t take you an hour to get his humor. This book crackles with insight and wit. It sizzles with the wisdom of one who has faced pain and discovered contagious joy. This should be called Have a New Laugh by Friday.”

—Dr. Kevin Leman, New York Times bestselling author of Have a New Kid by Friday

“Reading Phil Callaway’s fantastic new book, I kept thinking of a quote attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. “I would not give a fig for the simplicity this side of complexity, but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity.” Substitute the word “laughter” for the word “simplicity” and you’ll get what I mean. Phil offers the kind of deep, cleansing laughter you can only find on the far side of real-life complexity—laughter tenderized by tragedy, seasoned by experience, and grounded in faith. If you are currently engaged in the complexity of living an actual life, I can’t recommend Laugh Like a Kid Again more highly. I give it five out of five figs!”

—Carolyn Arends, recording artist, speaker, author, and Renovaré director of education

“Loved it! I couldn’t stop laughing. My wife asked what was so funny. I read a single paragraph. She laughed so hard her sides hurt, but her headache’s gone. Results may vary. You’re duly warned!”

—David Sanford, author, fan since 1989 (Phil’s first Servant article), addict since 1993 (Phil’s first book)

“I have a confession to make. This is the first Phil Callaway book I have ever read. Phil told me I didn’t have to read the whole thing, but the truth is, all I could do was read this book. I couldn’t put it down. Phil has an uncanny way of finding what’s funny in life and using it to get talking about things that matter most. Read it and be inspired!”

—Carmen Imes, author of Bearing God’s Name, New Testament professor at Prairie College

“Phil Callaway is one of the funniest guys I know, and once again, he doesn’t disappoint. His Hawaii story alone is worth the price of admission. Laugh Like a Kid Again doesn’t just serve up laughs but also a much-needed dish of poignancy.”

—Mike Yorkey, coauthor of The Shot Caller and one of Phil’s golf buddies

“While I was reading this book, geese tromped up and down my arms and waddled across the back of my neck leaving proverbial bumps in their wake. We learn best when our minds are open, our hearts are wide and our lungs are filled with uproarious delight. Phil says, ‘May we spend more time looking up than looking back.’ I’m definitely ‘up’ for that.”

—B.J. Taylor, author of Charlie Bear, Guideposts writer, and prolific Chicken Soup for the Soul contributor

“Phil Callaway understands something about Jesus that few others do—He’s really, really funny, because He invented that whole humor thing. Phil is a master at whisking together the water-and-oil of grief and laughter. These stories are vivid, visceral, and unforgettable. You will “taste and see” the raw beauty of God’s heart when you least expect it.”

—Rick Lawrence, editor of The Jesus-Centered Bible and author of The God Who Fights for You

“People often ask us, ‘What is the key to your blissful 40-year marriage?’ Our answer is, ‘Take God seriously but do not take yourselves so seriously—laugh together often!’ Humor is the towrope that raises us out of the waves onto the wakeboard of life—and Phil Callaway is a high-powered motor boat of hilarity that will help you giggle, chuckle—even laugh out loud for joy.”

—Pam and Bill Farrel, authors of Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti and Red-Hot Monogamy