Life Is Short (No Pun Intended): Love, Laughter, and Learning to Enjoy Every Moment
Jennifer Arnold and Bill Klein have inspired millions as stars of TLC’s hit show The Little Couple. Though they both have dwarfism, they have knocked down every obstacle they have encountered together with a positive, can-do attitude. The show has featured the lives of Jennifer (a respected neonatologist) and Bill (a successful entrepreneur) from their marriage in 2009, to the launch of their pet shop, to the adoption of their children, to Jen’s overcoming cancer.
Now, for the first time Jen and Bill are letting readers into their private lives with behind-the-scenes, never-before-told stories about how they fell in love, what inspires them, and the passions that drive their success. They will open up about their struggles with cancer, infertility, adoption, and simply living life in a challenging world.
Jen and Bill have a simple purpose in life: make the world a better place through encouragement and education. A must-have for fans of the show or anyone who has ever faced a difficult obstacle, Life Is Short (No Pun Intended) gives readers a glance at what inspires these positive people to approach life with such optimism and share their lives with the public every day.
Reviews (200)
Touching and inspirational
When we first meet Bill and Jen on THE LITTLE COUPLE, they'd already established themselves in their careers and were about to get married. This book covers the early years leading up to that point, talking about the unique challenges they individually faced as Little People, as well as the challenges that many of us face, such as coping with parents splitting, fitting in with step-family and seeking love. The chapters alternate between Jen writing from her point of view and Bill from his. That sounds like it might be jarring, but it actually works well. We hear about Jen's early childhood, then Bill tells us about his. Both are very open about the painful experiences, but also focus on how important attitude, love, support, appreciation and hard work are in overcoming obstacles in life. Once the book picks up after their marriage, it's interesting to see the differences in emphasis between the book and the TV series. One good example is that the book doesn't focus on the infertility treatments as much but does go into much more detail about the adoption process than we saw onscreen. This makes a lot of sense to me. After all, the former wound up being just a detour but the latter resulted in Jen and Bill becoming Mama and Baba to their beautiful children, Will and Zoey. I was already impressed and inspired by Bill and Jen, but am even more so after reading their book. I was always taught that it was never about what happened to me; instead it was how I reacted that made all the difference. That said, at times it's easy to forget that, lose perspective and feel overwhelmed. Bill and Jen are honest about having those moments, but focus on how they were able to flourish even during the hard times. It's an important life lesson, but they are living proof that it's the key to a happy life. Their positive attitude has enriched not only their own lives, but that of everyone around them. Highly, highly recommended.
Thank You Bill & Jen
This is the perfect go-to book for healthy doses of inspiration and information about Spondyloepiphyseal (Skeletal) Dysplasia. In tag fashion Jen and Bill share parts about their entry into this world, their family, challenges they faced being short people, and (in leaps and bounds... no pun intended) their successes and achievements. At times I found myself rereading paragraphs, forgetting which one was narrating, despite their unique experiences. Not only did they have different dysplasia’s but their support systems differed. Their personalities contrasted some too, albeit in complimenting ways, what had me anxiously turning pages anticipating how the two would ‘eventually’ meet. Nicely done. Very nicely done. Turned out to be well worth the wait. Their courtship, especially the way Jen spelled things out, was a courtship that any true romantic would dream of experiencing. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. Gosh, that was so beautiful. Overall, it took a day to read this memoir, but I could go on forever. Above all I truly thank this couple for sharing so much of their life. There is so much to learn, to like, to love, to laugh at, and that much more to be humbled and inspired by reading ‘Life is Short.’ Simply, A Must! Highly recommended.
As Warm & Real as the TV Series - Did Not Want to Put It Down Til I Finished It!
I absolutely LOVED this book! My only "complaint" is that I would have liked for it to have been twice as long and included even more stories (and photos) from Jen & Bill's amazing lives! I enjoyed that they took turns writing chapters. Some of it had to have been painful for them to relive as they wrote it - but there was no evidence that they left out any of the difficult times. I believe their hope is to encourage and support anyone else living with similar emotional and/or physical challenges. The book does an excellent job of taking us through their lives as they lived them - running the gamut of emotions. But I found it much more joy-filled & hopeful than sad. As a late-comer to their TV show (which I now never miss), it was lovely to be able to "catch up" with the Klein family in this manner. If you already enjoy "The Little Couple", or if you've never watched the show but are curious about their story - or if you just need to see a light at the end of someone's tunnel - this book is a wonderful read! I recommend it.
I will never complain about anything again after reading this story!
I have watched the Little Couple TV show from the beginning. I feel very connected to this family. In fact, I jokingly say that I wish they would buy the house next door and be my neighbors. Their journey has been incredible and most likely will remain that way. I look forward to watching their equally remarkable children grow and thrive in the environment they have set up for them. In a world where most people can barely make it through a minor crisis without completing melting down and blaming everyone else for their troubles, it is so refreshing to see two people gracefully navigate the heavy currents of health and social issues and coming out of it laughing and being grateful. I am in complete amazement at how they do it. I have been a Psychologist for 30 years and have seen many people in crisis. There is but a handful that I have met that have had adversity this severe and journeyed through it as well. They are all my inspiration . And not the least of this is the remarkable love and devotion of their friends and families that have taken this journey with them. I feel honored to read their story and I will take it with me always. And every time I even think about complaining about some minor thing that has happened to me, I will remember what they have endured and with such dignity and grace.
Love the picture on the cover and loved this book as well
This book is similar to the TV show (The Little Couple), simple and direct. I enjoyed it and it was good to get some background information about these people who have become almost like friends though I've never met them. They've suffered through cancer and back pain but when it mattered they were really fortunate to adopt two remarkable children. If you're a fan of The Little Couple, you'll love this book. I was late in watching The Little Couple as I'm not a fan of reality shows but I really do like this one as everyone is so personable and nice. Sincerely nice, not weirdly perfect as on other shows of this ilk.
Wonderful
We can all recall bullies from childhood days, and the sting of being different, but how often can we say that we have made a difference in this world? Jen and Bill certainly can raise their heads high because make a difference they indeed have. I caught their show by chance and was captivated by the sincerity and down to earth reality. I despise the phoniness of so called reality shows, but none of that was on display here. I was privileged to spend some time with a bright accomplished doctor and a proud businessman, with wicked senses of humor and , in her case, a nervous self deprecating laugh. Oh, and by the way, they were little people. Their story, their family, their children became a celebration of life that was a joy to behold. This delightful book gives more insight into their lives and the difficulties of being being born little people, but in no way do these two people waste time blaming fate for all their ills....they celebrate life and achievement and dignity. Bravo to the authors for sharing their story and educating us all about the bigotry of ignorance.
Inspiring Book
I had no idea of the additional trials and tribulations Bill had to endure in his life. I hope all those college "kids" are ashamed of themselves for the way they treated Bill in college. Bill and Jennifer should be an inspiration to everyone. They have overcome so many physical obstacles in their life just by being born a little person. But, their size didn't stop Jennifer from becoming a medical doctor (neonatologist no less) and Bill from becoming a successful businessman. I found this book to be moving and easy to read. Bill, Jen, Will and Zoey are my favorite family, big or little!
Truly heartwarming
A fascinating account of the trials and tribulations of this amazing little family. Their indomitable spirit shines through on every page. The couple take turns describing their growing-up years. Sometimes funny, often heartbreaking. A must-read for everyone, but especially teens who tend to feel underprivileged, underappreciated and mistreated. The book is extremely well written and is a perfect supplement to their TV show "The Little Couple." The reader experiences the tough and courageous journey Jen and Bill had to eventually become as successful as they are today. You find yourself hoping that all those who bullied, avoided and looked down on these wonderful human beings,.are now eating a huge plate of crow! I wonder how the kids of those parents who discouraged association with Bill and Jen turned out? My children would have been proud to call them friends. Bill and Jen also talk about the tremendous support they had from their parents and relatives. Knowing what they and their families endured, it is admirably courageous for them to adopt those two adorable children who will have similar issues. The book is a fantastic and worthwhile read for everybody. . .
If you love their show "The Little Couple"
If you love their show "The Little Couple", you will love, love, love their book. It takes you through their lives from birth until now. Jen & Bill are amazing individuals, and after reading about the physical hardships they have endured (countless surgeries & procedures) and the emotional slights they have delt with due to the ignorance of "small minded people" I am even more impressed with their accomplishments. Thank you for sharing your stories Jen & Bill. Your beautiful children, Will and Zoey, are so blessed to have you for parents. You have brought so much love, laughter, and stability into their lives, and your family brings joy, smiles, tears and warmth to those who follow your journey.
Resiliency and a Positive Attitude
I loved the show "The Little Couple" and I loved this book. The trauma they had to go through with so many surgeries was heartbreaking. I only broke my leg once and it was a huge trauma in my life. I can't imagine breaking bones on purpose! The trials they both went through I am sure contributed to the amazingly resilient people they have become. It was also fascinating to hear the way their lives were intertwined for years before they me. It was clearly fated that they be together. I was jealous of the tremendous number of friends in their lives, their stable and loving families (including the one they are building with Will and Zoey) and the incredible financial and career success they have both attained. What they have achieved is no easy feat for people of any size with or without a disability. They are an example to all of us of overcoming obstacles with an amazingly positive attitude and grace. I am grateful to have this peek into their lives and look forward to continuing to watch their lives on TV.
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