A review by charliemudd
The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman

4.0

This book does what Magid's Ending The Pursuit of Happiness didn't do. It explains a difficult subject without resorting to oxymoronic or intentionally vague language. (In fact, Burkeman even interviews Magid to try to gain clarity into his brand of Buddhism.) In "The Antidote", Burkeman explains how to get value out of negativity using approaches that range from the teachings of the Stoics to the celebration of the day of the dead in Mexico. He extensively covers the superficiality and even danger of using positivity as a self-help mechanism. My only complaints are that a few of his analogies seem forced, and the book feels a little short; it feels like there is more to be said on the topic. Otherwise this book has many useful techniques that I really believe I will build into my life.