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A review by somanytictoc
The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman
5.0
I expected something completely different from this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. Considering the title, I thought it would be a snarky, faux-cynical takedown of the self-help industry. While there's a smidge of this in the very beginning, Burkeman uses it as a springboard to dive deeply into various philosophies and psychological theories that purport to lead to a more fulfilling life (if not necessarily a "happier" one).
Part of the reason the book surprised me is that the author is a British journalist. I hadn't done any research on Burkeman which would have prevented my snarky mistake. He approaches his subjects with a sort of subdued bemusement but largely retains his journalistic objectivity.
I found myself deeply pondering the proposals in the book- although to be honest this is a much more nuanced take on happiness and lacks the bullet point easy solutions of the typical books on how to be happy. I enjoyed this book immensely and found it very helpful and applicable to my life.
Part of the reason the book surprised me is that the author is a British journalist. I hadn't done any research on Burkeman which would have prevented my snarky mistake. He approaches his subjects with a sort of subdued bemusement but largely retains his journalistic objectivity.
I found myself deeply pondering the proposals in the book- although to be honest this is a much more nuanced take on happiness and lacks the bullet point easy solutions of the typical books on how to be happy. I enjoyed this book immensely and found it very helpful and applicable to my life.