Book Review and Giveaway: Happier
Today’s book review is a bit different than the typical book about finance, but just as relevant in my eyes. A New York Times best seller, Happier – Learning the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment, is written by Tal Ben-Shahar who happens to be a Harvard Professor on Positive Psychology – and teaches Harvard’s most popular course.
About the Author:
According to the book:
Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., is one of Harvard University’s most popular lecturers. He has been profiled on NPR and featured on CNN, CBS, in the New York Times and the Boston Globe. His classes attract 20% of all Harvard graduates. Ben-Shahar graduated from Harvard with a degree in philosophy and psychology. For the last ten years, he has been teaching personal and organizational excellence, leadership, ethics, and self-esteem.
About the Book
Happier is about finding meaning and fulfillment in life, something which I have written about before. They teach that when you learn how to live for the present and future at the same time, it brings true enjoyment and life fulfillment.
The book is separated into 3 sections:
- What is Happiness? – That is the question that a lot of us have. Ben-Shahar goes through the debate and gives us his definition of happiness. He explains happiness as the ultimate currency (not money) and how important it is to have self-concordant goals.
- Happiness Applied – Here the author applies his theories on happiness in education, the workplace, and in relationships.
- Meditations on Happiness – Various meditations and exercises that you can do to help you find what brings you happiness and fulfillment.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, this was a great book for those of you looking for a little more out of life. I especially enjoyed the section on setting goals along with the various exercises to enhance happiness.
Want a Free Copy?
McGraw-Hill was generous in offering Million Dollar Journey readers the chance to win 2 copies of the book. The details are below:
- Simply leave a comment and you’ll automatically be entered in the draw for a free copy.
- All email subscribers will receive an additional entry (privacy).
- Please only 1 comment entry / person (please enter a valid email address).
- Only those with a North American mailing address may enter (publisher rules, sorry).
- Contest will end Friday 5pm EST July 3, 2009 and the winner announced shortly after!
I can always afford to be “Happier”
Thanks!
I’ve got a whole family here eager to be happier. Bring it on!
I would be HAPPY to have this book !
Sounds like a good read.
Hey who doesn’t want to be Happier?? Please place my name into the pot.
I would be happier if I got to read this book.
Happy happy happy.
I would love to read this book. Thanks!
Sounds like a good summer read!
Count me in!
I could always use more “happy” in my life.
Me Please!
Thanks.
The title of the book makes me Happier in the heart.
I would love to know how to make all my relationships happier in some way!
I truely need to find the secret to happyness, I think I should buy this book even if I don’t win. I feel like I have so many things to be happy for, but yet, I am not…
I look forward to being Happier, this book would come at a perfect time…
Thanks
Funny – I used to be very happy all the time, but now I’m less so. Could this book have the answer to get it back?
Sounds like an interesting read!
Excellent idea for a book.
Pick me please…LOL!
i want the secret to a happy life
I would love a copy of this book!
I would love to learn how to be happier!
mas feliz. Does Spanish count?
I’m in… Thaily
Well now, who wouldn’t want to be HAPPIER?! Thanks for the contest……
I WOULD LOVE TO BE HAPPIER…!
Count me in!
I’m a pretty happy guy, but you can always be happier.
Love and Happiness seem to go together . Count me in .
I definitely need to be “happier”. :)
would like to read this
Happieness is often all about perception!
Happiness is a state of mind, the problem is the current state your mind is in…..
Happiness – do something kind each day……..find joy in the little things in life, and appreciate what you have – good health, family and integrity
Yes …. a positive approach to getting more out of life! Thanks for bringing this book to my attention. Hope I’m one of the lucky two.
This is a road I’d like to travel down……………….
Very wise! I’d love to read this book!
I am happy in the present, and I will be happier in the future if I would win.
Sounds great! Count me in.
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win one!!
What me worry? Nah, Just be Happy!
Thanks.
This is all I could wish for after receiving the finality of marriage annulment last month – HAPPIER!
Interesting book. I’d like to get one.
generally a happy person, but losing my job and my mother within a couple of months has been tough, I could definitely use this!
Bobbie McFerron (sp?) comes to mind. Don’t worry, be happy!
me want book
Sounds like a good topic. I was wondering what I could buy with my Chapter’s gift card.