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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
This book had some great facts to back up many varied forms of gratitude, and I enjoyed hearing about her year of 'experiments' but I enjoyed the Happiness Equation much more in terms of positive thinking books.
This was really hard to get through. Although the concept is great, the author leads such a privileged life that it's hard to believe she wasn't grateful before. The author's anecdotes felt very humblebraggy (ok we get it, your doctor husband is handsome).
I did like the science and research that went into the book though. It was interesting to see that showing gratitude does affect our bodies in a positive way. But it wasn't enough for me to enjoy reading the book as a whole.
I did like the science and research that went into the book though. It was interesting to see that showing gratitude does affect our bodies in a positive way. But it wasn't enough for me to enjoy reading the book as a whole.
All sorts of scientific evidence and real life stories of why living gratefully improves your own happiness (as well as those around you!). Inspired me to keep a gratitude journal and I must admit it didn't take long to feel the impact of living more in a state of thankfulness than the alternatives.
2.5 stars
Started this for my scrapbooking book club. Always interesting to see how these non-fic books can be adapted to a creative life.
I've always thought of myself as a bit of a snark; some bark with a soft a nougaty center. This was the first time I had really thought about what that lifestyle could be doing/how it could be affecting my family, my work, my life.
The book starts off with the author asking her husband if he thought she was negative. He thought it over and said yes. From that point on, the author uses her relationship as a touchstone for her new positive outlook. Throughout the book, it seems like she experiments with different tactics, all of which involved her husband. My big takeaway was that having a positive outlook really strengthens our bond with family and friends- which makes sense. I mean, who wants to hang out with a grump?
If I learned nothing else, the author's focus on saying thank you every day to her husband was something I knew I had to do. In less than a week it is already having an effect!
There is a lot of interesting scientific information included, particularly concerning the health benefits of a positive outlook. Some of it seems a bit hokey, but if it works, it works. I was a bit less convinced about the Gratitude Diet, but at its bare bones, it really harkens back to a form of mindful eating.
All that being said, despite the fact that there are some good tips and it inspired me to be more mindful of my attitude, the book itself was a bit rough. My most common thought? This has to be a rich, old(er) white woman writing this. Seriously, all of her problems were white people problems! (I say this with humor, and as a white woman, so please don't bite my head off) I can deal with the celebrity references, but the constant references to her vacations and Manhattan apartment with suburban? views, 'settling' for prosecco instead of the good stuff (I think she actually said something like, I was so grateful to be with my husband, it doesn't matter where the bubbles come from)? Yeah it was just a bit much. I want to be grateful too, but I find it hard to believe that someone working as a waiter would have as easy a time spending a year thinking of ways to be happy. It's just not realistic.
Started this for my scrapbooking book club. Always interesting to see how these non-fic books can be adapted to a creative life.
I've always thought of myself as a bit of a snark; some bark with a soft a nougaty center. This was the first time I had really thought about what that lifestyle could be doing/how it could be affecting my family, my work, my life.
The book starts off with the author asking her husband if he thought she was negative. He thought it over and said yes. From that point on, the author uses her relationship as a touchstone for her new positive outlook. Throughout the book, it seems like she experiments with different tactics, all of which involved her husband. My big takeaway was that having a positive outlook really strengthens our bond with family and friends- which makes sense. I mean, who wants to hang out with a grump?
If I learned nothing else, the author's focus on saying thank you every day to her husband was something I knew I had to do. In less than a week it is already having an effect!
There is a lot of interesting scientific information included, particularly concerning the health benefits of a positive outlook. Some of it seems a bit hokey, but if it works, it works. I was a bit less convinced about the Gratitude Diet, but at its bare bones, it really harkens back to a form of mindful eating.
All that being said, despite the fact that there are some good tips and it inspired me to be more mindful of my attitude, the book itself was a bit rough. My most common thought? This has to be a rich, old(er) white woman writing this. Seriously, all of her problems were white people problems! (I say this with humor, and as a white woman, so please don't bite my head off) I can deal with the celebrity references, but the constant references to her vacations and Manhattan apartment with suburban? views, 'settling' for prosecco instead of the good stuff (I think she actually said something like, I was so grateful to be with my husband, it doesn't matter where the bubbles come from)? Yeah it was just a bit much. I want to be grateful too, but I find it hard to believe that someone working as a waiter would have as easy a time spending a year thinking of ways to be happy. It's just not realistic.
3.5 stars. Quite a bit of wisdom and research done, in true journalistic style. Goes beyond memoirs about happiness, but still is similar enough that if you've read too many of those you won't appreciate this book as much as you probably would if it was the first or even fifth book you've read on gratitude and positivity.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This was really eye opening for me in ways I already practice gratitude, but also trying to flip how I approach certain situations to make them less severe/more understanding.
I recommend this book to everyone, truly. This is a better and more realistic, down to earth “The Secret,” and the changes cost you nothing. All you have to do is have an open mind.
I recommend this book to everyone, truly. This is a better and more realistic, down to earth “The Secret,” and the changes cost you nothing. All you have to do is have an open mind.
I enjoyed this reminder to prioritize gratefulness in the everyday and liked thinking through different areas of life through the lens of thankfulness and seeking ways to give. She lives in a world of privilege, (but many in the US do) so there were some things that might seem trite to readers with real problems. Generally, a dose of gratitude could do us all good. I was most interested by the family application and health benefits.
I struggled with this book because I loved the message, but really disliked the voice. The name-dropping, the self-righteousness, the endless stories about doling out advice to others...grating. But I am grateful for the message of gratitude and its wide impact on relationships, career, and health.
The concept of the book is good but it reeks of the author's privileged life so as long as that doesn't bother you, you might enjoy it.