Mark Victor Hansen

  • 26

    Catalog books

  • 28

    Works

  • 1988 to 2015

    Strongest span

Who This Author Is

Mark Victor Hansen co-created and edited many entries in the Chicken Soup for the Soul franchise, compiling uplifting personal stories across themed volumes. His books collected essays about love, resilience, creativity, college life and women’s experiences, aiming to inspire readers through short, relatable true-life moments.

Across anthologies such as collections for writers, college students, sisters and women, Hansen focused on accessible, comforting narratives. These volumes mix humor, heartache and hope, offering quick reads that emphasize empathy, perseverance and the power of ordinary people’s lives to comfort and motivate.

Best Place To Start

Chicken Soup for the Sister's Soul

HCI • 2002 • longer commitment

It helps anchor a specific period of this author’s publishing run instead of blending into the undated shelf clutter.

Author At A Glance

Best known for: Chicken Soup for the Soul anthology series • Heartfelt, short inspirational stories • Themed collections for different life stages and roles

Genres and themes: Inspirational nonfiction • Personal essays and memoir fragments • Family, relationships, personal growth

Who this author is best for: Short, uplifting true-life stories suited to readers who like bite-sized, emotionally resonant essays and easy bedside or commute reading.

Start with a themed collection that matches your life stage or interest—each volume offers standalone stories you can read in any order.

Top Books To Start With

  1. Chicken Soup for the Sister's Soul

    HCI • 2002 • longer commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 2002 • 400 pages.

  2. Chicken Soup for the Expectant Mother's Soul

    Hci • 2000 • standard commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 2000 • 250 pages.

  3. Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul: Heartwarming Stories for People 60 and Over (Chicken Soup for the Soul)

    Hci • 2000 • longer commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 2000 • 350 pages.

  4. Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul: Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit of Writers

    Hci • 2000 • longer commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 2000 • 400 pages.

  5. A 6th Bowl of Chicken Soup for the Soul: More Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit

    Hci • 1999 • longer commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1999 • 384 pages.

  6. Chicken Soup for the Cat & Dog Lover's Soul: Celebrating Pets as Family with Stories About Cats, Dogs and Other Critters

    Hci • 1999 • longer commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1999 • 408 pages.

  7. Chicken Soup for the College Soul - Inspiring and Humorous Stories About College

    Hci • 1999 • standard commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1999 • 340 pages.

  8. A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit

    Hci • 1996 • standard commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1996 • 250 pages.

  9. Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Hearts and Rekindle the Spirits of Woman

    Hci • 1996 • longer commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1996 • 350 pages.

  10. Condensed Chicken Soup for the Soul

    Hci • 1996 • standard commitment

    It stands out because it asks for less time than many of the longer volumes on this page.

How The Picks Compare

  • Chicken Soup for the Expectant Mother's Soul is the easier short commitment, while Chicken Soup for the Sister's Soul asks for more reading time up front.
  • Chicken Soup for the Expectant Mother's Soul gives you an earlier look at this author’s shelf, while Chicken Soup for the Sister's Soul leans later in the catalog.

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