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: The full story behind this book, from someone who missed it.
Summary: 5 Stars
As a graduate of Villanova's class of 1999, it is a blessing to me that Anna Quindlen published "A Short Guide to a Happy Life," which was intended to be mine and my classmates' commencement address. As I entered my final semester at Villanova, I was excited by the announcement of Anna Quindlen as our commencement speaker. I had long respected her writing in the Times, and knew that my mother and sister would be very excited by her presence at my graduation as well. Little did I know that one of her many beliefs would lead some of my fellow graduates to react in a manner which led to Ms. Quindlen's withdrawal as our commencement speaker.
Her position as a pro-choice advocate was widely known when her invitation to speak was extended; yet the reaction to this position was unpredictable. Villanova's pro-life group, the Villanovan's for Life, threatened protests and even a graduation walkout if Ms. Quindlen spoke. It so deeply saddened me when I learned that she would not be speaking that this is the first time I have quantified my emotions regarding this travesty, and I do so in support of the wonderful message that I was deprived of on my graduation day....
...I have read a few reviews likening this book to "an inspirational quote a day calendar" and "an hour with Oprah," as well as knocks because of a lack of photo credits (the pictures are there to help one visualize the story, not find a photographer to help one decorate their office walls). Was anything else expected besides something short, sweet and inspirational? Did people honestly expect a great tome on the joys of life? What you got was exactly what was promised, a short guide to a happy life.
I guess my main point is that there is always a story behind the story, and once this is known, I hope that people can view this piece in a different light knowing that there is a motivation and message in this story that goes beyond the published pages. I received the email containing this speech a few months after my graduation, and it has stuck with me ever since. Anna Quindlen has now offered that opportunity to all, and it is an opportunity that one, especially now knowing the stories background, would be unwise to pass up.
Book Review: Inspiration and More
Summary: 5 Stars
Tuesday I was at the bookstore when it opened to buy this book. I bought a copy for myself and one for my daughter, then went to sit on a bench overlooking the ocean to read it.This tiny gem of a book contains many thoughts that are just common sense until you see them written down. Then they become points to ponder, to think about and mull over in your mind and heart. Which is exactly what I did after finishing...I sat and looked out at the sea, thinking about what I had just read.
Much of the text of this book was part of a commencement address that Quindlen was to give at Villanova. She released the speech after she cancelled and I have been told that it was so well-received that she was asked to put it into book form.
This is a book to savor and to read over and over again and to give as a gift to a loved one. I plan to return to the bookstore to buy several more copies.
Some of the thoughts in the book:
On life: "there will be thousands of people doing what you want to do for a living. But you will be the only person alive who has sole custody of your life. Your particular life. Your entire life. Not just your life at a desk, or your life on a bus, or in a car, or at the computer. Not just the life of your mind, but the life of your heart. Not just your bank account, but your soul."
On being a mother, a wife, and a friend: "I show up. I listen. I try to laugh."
On being charitable and good to others: "if you do not do good... then doing well will never be enough."
And on living for today: "I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned that it is not a dress rehearsal, and that today is the only guarantee you get."
Quindlen talks about leading a balanced life and not making work one's entire focus--she says "you cannot be really first-rate at your work if your work is all you are." and "Don't ever confuse the two, your life and your work."
Her thoughts on mortality, which Donald talked about in his review, are powerful-- and applicable to all of our lives.
I certainly think Quindlen herself is a first-rate writer and thinker, and thank her for the valuable lessons in this book.
Book Review: Required Reading for Life's Lessons.
Summary: 5 Stars
Several years ago, Anna Quindlen, was asked by Villanova University to give that years commencement speech. But as the date of graduation approached, Quindlen found herself in a conflict which resulted in her cancelling from attending. A graduating senior, though, wrote to Quindlen asking her for a copy of her speech which then made its way onto the Internet and private e mails. Many readers weren't satisfied with the unbound pages and urged Quindlen to publish this as a book and so A Short Guide to a Happy Life became a book with an interesting story about its birth. But least any reader think this is the end of the story or destination, doesn't know Quindlen that well for within the pages of this small book, she sets her audience on a thought provoking journey which doesn't end when one closes the book.Fueled by the loss of her 40 year old mother when Quindlen was 19, she reflects on how she learned at this early age what is important in life. And not just a life to be lived chained to one's desk or a life which forces one to covet material things but a life of exploration and unbridled happiness. When Quindlen urges her readers to "get a life," she forces them to reevaluate what they find precious and dear. And as Quindlen continues to describe what she finds important, I also found msyelf, as I'm sure most of her readers did, shaking my head in agreement and shedding a tear. If Tuesdays With Morrie explained to many readers how to die with dignity, then this book shows us how to life lives which are meaningful and presonally productive.
Quindlen, a long time favorite of mine, beginning with her columns for The New York Times, has written a perfect book not only for a new gradate but a gift of words to be cherished for any age at any time.
And now, I will always remember to look at the view!
Book Review: Short and powerful through its simplicity and conciseness
Summary: 5 Stars
It took me approximately twenty minutes to read A Short Guide to a Happy Life. It's obviously one of the shortest books in print.But it's conciseness and simplicity is where its power lies. It's definitely a collector's book, too. It's the perfect book to leave right on the corner of your desk whenever you need to drink some sips of inspiration, or bring yourself back to the present. It's underlying message can be read on every page. And if you don't have the time to read, take a look at the photographs. The black and white pictures interspersed among the pages sum up Anna's simple message: get a life.
She humbly admits her lack of specific expertise in regard to academia or any other technical subject. Instead, she humanely writes of her experience of real life, and the beautiful details she has picked up along the way. That's probably why she writes such fantastic novels.
The death of her mother as a young college student changed Anna forever. It allowed her to see the beauty in every moment of her life, to embrace all of life. She writes of the absurdity about many things that mark American culture: "the rat race," complaining, career growth. Periodic quotations of deep minds also back up her message.
A quote sums up her life, and the essence of this book: "I never think of my life, or my world, in any big cosmic way. I think of it in all its small component parts: the snowdrops, the daffodils; the feeling of one of my kids sitting close beside me on the couch; the way my husband looks when he reads with the lamp behind him; fettuccine Alfredo, fudge; Gone with the Wind, Pride and Prejudice." It's a casual definition of mindfulness.
Reading this book is like meditating. It's a quick and powerful way to bring you back to the only thing you ever truly have: the present.
Book Review: A message that bears repeating
Summary: 5 Stars
The self-help genre is full of books and tapes claiming to contain the one formula for spiritual, emotional, or physical well-being. From the likes of Anthony Robbins and Stephen Covey to Joan Lunden and Oprah Winfrey, it seems that everyone knows exactly what you need to do to be happy once and for all. Given the large volumes written on this subject, the size of Anna Quindlen's book is quite surprising, especially relative to its ambitious title. You're even more surprised when you notice all the pictures and large print. Can it be that Quindlen has crystallized in less than 50 pages what so many others have devoted dozens of chapters to?Yes and no. The true beauty of this book is not that it is complex and profound, for it's not. Instead, the writing is simple and clear and repeats what all of us already know: our lives are very short and every moment is a gift that should be cherished. Quindlen zeroes in on this theme in order to get the reader to focus on what is truly important in life. She does this through simple stories from her own experience that could easily apply to anyone's life.
While this book is a very quick read, you'll find yourself picking it up over and over. It is a perfect inexpensive gift for anyone who is a little too caught up in everyday pressures to realize how quickly life is passing by. It, along with "The Precious Present" by Spencer Johnson, is one that I will continue to give as a gift while enjoying my own copy over and over again.