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Review
"Finally we have a self-help book from a reputable scientist whose advice is based on the best experimental data."
-Daniel Gilbert, author of "Stumbling on Happiness"
"Is lasting happiness attainable or a pipe dream? For the last eighteen years, University of California-Riverside professor of psychology Sonja Lyubomirsky has studied this question, and what she reports might even sway pessimists."
-"U.S. News & World Report"
"Lyubomirsky's central point is clear: a significant portion of what is called happiness . . . is up for grabs. Taking some pages out of the positive psychology playbook, she coaches readers on how to snag it."
-"The New York Review of Books"
"The right place to look for science-based advice on how to become happier."
-Martin Seligman, author of "Learned Optimism"
-Daniel Gilbert, author of "Stumbling on Happiness"
"Is lasting happiness attainable or a pipe dream? For the last eighteen years, University of California-Riverside professor of psychology Sonja Lyubomirsky has studied this question, and what she reports might even sway pessimists."
-"U.S. News & World Report"
"Lyubomirsky's central point is clear: a significant portion of what is called happiness . . . is up for grabs. Taking some pages out of the positive psychology playbook, she coaches readers on how to snag it."
-"The New York Review of Books"
"The right place to look for science-based advice on how to become happier."
-Martin Seligman, author of "Learned Optimism"
Book Description
THE HOW OF HAPPINESS is about how to find lasting happiness. Based on scientific research and trials, this book charts new territory in popular psychology.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
49 of 52 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is one of the more readable "do-it-yourself" happiness books out there. By that, I mean that your average person can sit down and read the book, understand what it is saying, and come away with some practical advice. This is even more of gem when you consider that it was written by someone who has a Ph.D. in Social Psychology. Many times writing can come across more technical than it needs to be when a Phd. writes for the popular read. Not the case here.
The first thing I liked about this book was the fact that it was written by someone who actually makes their living by studying happiness. Serious happiness readers like myself will be glad to know that the author is not only well-published in peer-reviewed journals, but is also an associate editor of the Journal of Positive Psychology- the field's academic journal. What more do you want?
So we're off to a good start with this one. Instead of giving you a blow-by-blow of each chapter, I think this particular book review lends itself better to telling potential buyers some of things they can expect from it:
-you will be able to determine your current level of happiness on a scale that the author has developed and validated. The good thing about this is that you can re-check you happiness levels after doing some of the suggested activities to see if they actually boosted your happiness levels (like you wouldn't know anyway, but being a researcher myself, I like to be able to quantify things)
-you will learn what determines your happiness. The book points out three major things: circumstances, your genetic set-point, and intentional activity. Since intentional activities is the area that offers the most potential to increase your happiness, the book's strategies come from this area. This is a common theme in some of the more recent happiness book, such as Finding Happiness in a Frustrating World, simply because it makes the most sense and there has been a surge of research on intentional activities to increase one's happiness.
-you get a slew of activities to increase your happiness such as expressing gratitude, practicing acts of kindness, or increasing flow experiences (readers liking this strategy should be sure to check out the authoritative book on flow aptly titled Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.
So I think the above represents the major "goodies" in the book, and the info that a typical reader would buy this book to get. However if its more you want, there's also plenty of that. For instance there are plenty of happiness facts cited and even a section on depression.
All-in-all, as you can tell, I really liked this book a lot. If I had to pick one thing I DIDN'T like about it though, it would be it's length. The book is well-over 300 pages and readers of my reviews know that I personally prefer short, to-the-point, practical books. But, when all is said and done, if you want some great happiness info and some practical happiness strategies, check it out. Happy trails!
The first thing I liked about this book was the fact that it was written by someone who actually makes their living by studying happiness. Serious happiness readers like myself will be glad to know that the author is not only well-published in peer-reviewed journals, but is also an associate editor of the Journal of Positive Psychology- the field's academic journal. What more do you want?
So we're off to a good start with this one. Instead of giving you a blow-by-blow of each chapter, I think this particular book review lends itself better to telling potential buyers some of things they can expect from it:
-you will be able to determine your current level of happiness on a scale that the author has developed and validated. The good thing about this is that you can re-check you happiness levels after doing some of the suggested activities to see if they actually boosted your happiness levels (like you wouldn't know anyway, but being a researcher myself, I like to be able to quantify things)
-you will learn what determines your happiness. The book points out three major things: circumstances, your genetic set-point, and intentional activity. Since intentional activities is the area that offers the most potential to increase your happiness, the book's strategies come from this area. This is a common theme in some of the more recent happiness book, such as Finding Happiness in a Frustrating World, simply because it makes the most sense and there has been a surge of research on intentional activities to increase one's happiness.
-you get a slew of activities to increase your happiness such as expressing gratitude, practicing acts of kindness, or increasing flow experiences (readers liking this strategy should be sure to check out the authoritative book on flow aptly titled Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.
So I think the above represents the major "goodies" in the book, and the info that a typical reader would buy this book to get. However if its more you want, there's also plenty of that. For instance there are plenty of happiness facts cited and even a section on depression.
All-in-all, as you can tell, I really liked this book a lot. If I had to pick one thing I DIDN'T like about it though, it would be it's length. The book is well-over 300 pages and readers of my reviews know that I personally prefer short, to-the-point, practical books. But, when all is said and done, if you want some great happiness info and some practical happiness strategies, check it out. Happy trails!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have read a number of the current texts about happiness, and this is by far and away the best. No other book that I have read on this subject sets out in such clear detail what actions we can all take to improve our feelings of happiness, and every action is backed up by genuine, well thought out, scientific research.
If I had my way every child would be given one of these, and its content would be required study.
If I had my way every child would be given one of these, and its content would be required study.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am not usually a reader of self help books because I dont think anyone can truly know what another person is going through. I get the impression that they are widely generalizing and pidgeon-holeing peoples issues from their writing desks.
This book, however, is actually a work of scientific findings that you can acknowledge and decide what that means to you, or not.
It is not a lovely fluffy floaty explanation of why you feel unhappy, it tells you what you can do about it in an infomal manner that makes it sound realistic that you can reach a happier state of mind.
It speaks of the many different types of unhappiness and gives a variety of options to follow to leave behind negativity. You can choose any number of the options to follow or start with one and increase the strategies as you feel happier.
You dont have to follow any strategy you do not want to try, so there is no feeling of failure that you couldnt even manage to follow apparently simple baby steps.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has never bought a self help book.It may surprise you!
This book, however, is actually a work of scientific findings that you can acknowledge and decide what that means to you, or not.
It is not a lovely fluffy floaty explanation of why you feel unhappy, it tells you what you can do about it in an infomal manner that makes it sound realistic that you can reach a happier state of mind.
It speaks of the many different types of unhappiness and gives a variety of options to follow to leave behind negativity. You can choose any number of the options to follow or start with one and increase the strategies as you feel happier.
You dont have to follow any strategy you do not want to try, so there is no feeling of failure that you couldnt even manage to follow apparently simple baby steps.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has never bought a self help book.It may surprise you!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Best one I've read in genre
What I liked about this self-help book was that it was not based on anecdotal evidence but on empirical studies, in contrast to many of the genre. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Pieter van Dillewijn
Awful cover - great book
I very nearly didn't buy this book because of its awful cover and tired marketing slogan "Get the Life you Want". Read more
Published 11 months ago by Mr. D. J. Warden
Twelve activities to change your life...if you want to
I read this book when I was feeling mildly depressed and it has helped so much I have bought copies for several friends. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Sara Boltman
A very good book.
A blueprint of the most powerful happiness enhancing activities that we can proactively engage in. Also well laid out and easily digestible.
Published 19 months ago by oliver stevens
happiness book
Really, really good book. I wouldn't normally advocate self help books, but I found this one really useful. Read more
Published on 21 April 2010 by Mr. M. Michael
Brilliant Book
I have read a number of books on this topic and this rates very high amongst them. Very practical with very useful exercises.
Published on 25 Mar 2010 by D. Butt
Excellent
Based on extensive sound research with straightforward advice.
Well written. I have read many books in this genre and this is easily the best. Read more
Well written. I have read many books in this genre and this is easily the best. Read more
Published on 22 Mar 2010 by P. Mcdermott
a top 3 (OK 4)
[Later note: "The Longevity Project" by Friedman and Martin is a groundbreaking 80-year overview on what is really directly linked to happiness and health. Don't miss! Read more
Published on 14 Nov 2008 by D&D
very much agree with earlier reviews
this is research-based, and densely packed with insights and ideas, by a credible lady with many years of studies under her own belt. Read more
Published on 13 Jun 2008 by Hector
Great book!
Sonja has written a very helpful and inspiring book packed with useful advice. I enjoyed the stories and writing style and the proven strategies on how to successfully set... Read more
Published on 11 May 2008 by PHILIP MCNALLY
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