A Short Guide to a Happy Life

We've all heard the saying life is what you make of it. This little gem of a book is pretty much just an expansion of that simple phrase but it's really nice to see it done so well

While some may note this as trite and corney, I liked the simplicity of it all. The suggestion of turning off all phones and enjoying silence spoke to me. I've grown to dislike the sound of the phone, and the sound of people talking on their phones in public places. Somehow we are all running in place. I feel it when I enter the office building. As the elevator takes me up to the second floor, I feel a tad of tension, anticipating a busy day. Taking time to slow down is what I hope retirement brings.

This book is filled with Quindlen's wise words about living life - enjoying the journey and not just the destination. Take in the small things - hugs from your kids, birds flying against the blue sky, your spouse's smile - whatever seems small and insignificant are really the important parts of life. Quindlen wrote this as a commencement address to college graduates, and while she commented that she is not an expert in economics or academe, she is an expert at reminding us how human we all are. Together with her words, this book is filled with beautiful black-and-white photography that captures life's little moments. At fifty pages, this small book lifted my heart and soul. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially fans of Anna show more Quindlen. show less

I suspect this little book was only put out to catch fans' eyes and make some money, maybe as an easy Christmas gift/stocking stuffer or maybe just from long-time Quindlen fans. I honestly can't think of any other reason to make this very short, overly trite and simplified, purportedly wise little "essay" into a book by itself. So much of this little book is overly vague and didactic, it makes me far from inclined to ever touch another word by the author, if I'm being honest. I'm glad this was a gift--I'd hate to have spent money on it.

To be clear, nothing new is said in this book, there is no huge revelation that will make you happy to the end of your days, and if you want to see one big cliche, you will. I gave this book 5 stars because I am always trying to look on the bright side of life, and I read this on a day where I really needed some sunshine, and this book gave me that.

One of those little books that can be carried in a pocket or stuffed into a gift bag that contains many nuggets of wisdom. Quindlen shares how one important thing, losing her mother at a young age, divided her life into a Before and After--and forced her to come to an understanding of what mattered in life. This little book, a commencement speech, is rewarding to return to after a few years. It still resonates.

A lovely sweet reflection on life and how to embrace every day.

“Life is made up of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long stretch of gray cement. It would be wonderful if they came to us and summoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won’t happen. We have to teach ourselves how to make a room for them, to love them, and to live, really live.”