A Short Guide to a Happy Life
by Anna Quindlen
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Book Reviews of A Short Guide to a Happy Life
Book Review: A short guide with a long list of cliches
Summary: 2 Stars
It seems the publishing industry has found a way to beef up their profits by publishing really short books and selling them at outrageously high prices. This book ...took me all of 8 minuits to read. In this respect it reminded me of "The prayer of Jabez," and "Secrets of the Vine." However, this one is even shorter. Not only is is short but it seems the author wrote down every cliche about life that she could think of and tried to squeeze them all into one essay, which is what this book really is. These include such things as "If you win the rat race, you are still a rat" and "Life is a journey not a destination." If you can think of any others it is probobly in here. In closing the book fails utterly to enlighten. It's real success seems to come not from enlightening the reader, but in lining the pockets of the publisher. Save your money, and spend it on something a little less trite.Book Review: A Happier Life
Summary: 5 Stars
Anna Quindlen is one of the most articulate, informative, and enjoyable contemporary writers I have read, and "A Short Guide to a Happy Life" is another great addition to her list of books. Although it was written as a commencement speech and not intended to be a book, there were so many requests for copies of the speech, it made sense to publish it in book form. I wish I had read a book like this one when I was growing up, but I learned most of Quindlen's advice the hard way. Maybe I would've had a happier life when I was younger, but my life is happy now that I've learned that things usually work out for the best. It's still a good book to read after acquiring lots of wisdom and experience -- just to keep everything in perspective and remind us of the most useful things to pass on to our children and grandchildren. I recommend this book to everyone -- young and old.Book Review: Makes a great gift
Summary: 5 Stars
I am buying several copies of A Short Guide to a Happy Life and giving them as gifts to my graduating daughter and several of her close friends from high school. For a little more than the cost of a greeting card that gets tossed after first examination, this poetic book of a mere fifty pages provides the perfect inspiration we all need to refer to from time to time. This tiny tome proves that you don't need a War-and-Peace-sized novel to deliver a message: "Get a life. A real life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger paycheck, the larger house. Do you think you'd care so much about those things if you developed an aneurysm one afternoon, or found a lump in your breast while in the shower?" (p. 16)
Quindlen writes simply, succinctly and sweetly, and puts down in words what we all really truly know deep down, but need reminding of on occasion.
Book Review: Not a guide to a happy life.
Summary: 3 Stars
This little booklet is an extended greeting card. It has a lot of white space, a lot of pictures, and enough greeting card thoughts to give some people a warm feeling. There is a lot more to living than taking a moment to have a warm feeling. We can all write a book like this: "Happiness is holding a purring kitten or playing with a joyful puppy." Here's another one: "Look closely at your child's face. Your child will grow and you will miss that child's innocent expression." If you want a small, simple giftbook with pretty pictures and thoughtful ideas I recommend instead, "Timeless Values", a Helen Exley Giftbook. If you really want a guide to a happy life, I recommend "Achieve Lasting Happiness, Timeless Secrets to Transform Your Life," by Robert Canright. This is a book that can change your life.Book Review: A Wonderful Life Lesson
Summary: 5 Stars
If you want to read an author who can teach you something about dealing with adversity in your life, look for one who has done so in their own. In this wonderful little book, Anna Quindlen shows us that the way to hope is to use our tragedies to help us see the miracle that is life. Those who criticize the message as being too cliched miss the point that we all need a checkup on these basic truths periodically, and having this little book handy is exactly what this doctor ordered. It's small size is a virtue, not a vice, because it makes repeat visits to favorite sections that much easier. There's nothing like having an upbeat book like this that is brief and to the point. Add in the moving photos, and it's a gem. A must gift for anyone in your life in need of some good simple direction in their life.