Hi everyone, this next review post is on a book that had a profound impact on my life. I was at a crossroads and after completing this book I found myself wanting to find a ‘happiness project’ of my own. If you want to know how to start one for yourself, have a read of my review below.
Title: The Happiness Project
Author: Gretchen Rubin
Genre: Non Fiction – self help
Publication details: Harper; NY, 2009
ISBN: 9780061583254 (Hardcover)
What this book is about: Gretchen Rubin has an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. At that moment; she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project. With her unique combination of humour and insight, Gretchen chronicles the twelve-months she spends test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Each month she tackled a new set of resolutions: give proofs of love, ask for help, find more fun, keep a gratitude notebook, forget about results. She immersed herself in principles set forth by all manner of experts from Epicurus to Thoreau to Oprah to Martin Spligman to the Dalai Lama to see what worked for her – and what didn’t. Her conclusions are sometimes surprising as they range from the practical to the profound. Written with charm and wit, The Happiness Project is illuminating yet entertaining, thought provoking yet compulsively readable. Gretchen Rubin’s passion for her subject jumps off the page, and reading just a few chapters of this book will inspire you to start your own happiness project.
My review: An amazing read!! I hadn’t felt more inspired from a book than this one in a long time!! I went forth and even started a mini-happiness project of my own and the results of it, well…you’re reading it my friend!! Every single page in this read feels as if Gretchen is talking to you over a cup of coffee, it’s that easy to read!! Her monthly resolutions are practical and the principles she outlines are so life-affirming. Interspersed with all of these are lovely anecdotes about her family which make it all the more real. This is a great read for anyone who just needs a little pick-me up!! Her blog, Facebook, Instagram and podcasts are awesome if you wish to follow her there!!
My rating: 5 ⭐
Additional notes: Gretchen Rubin has a second book that follows this read titled, Happier at Home which was published in 2012.
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 