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 little shining gem!
Summary: 5 Stars
This little gem of a book is indeed, a very quick read, but the insightful quotes will leave you feeling uplifted and recharged! The written contents were originally written as a commemorative speech, so those looking for "more" in whatever capacity, will not find it. I found the book to be insightful words of wisdom for graduating seniors, entering the reality of the "real world", yet Quindlen speaks of what is truly "real" as compared to what is forced upon us as real at that tender young and impressionable age.Quindlen speaks of "getting a life. A real life, a full life..." "Learn to be happy. And, think of life as a terminal illness, because, if you do, you will live it with joy and passion, as it ought to be lived." I believe that her words have more relevant meaning today, after what we, as a country, have been though recently. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans."
This books speaks to one's heart and the things that are truly important, meaningful and heart-felt, when all else fails.
The wonderful quotes are too numerous to mention, but well worth the effort of writing your favorites ones down and hanging them up to remind you to live your life with meaning, depth and joy.
I loved this simple, yet remarkably profound book. It is a gem, very much wanting to be shared with those that you love!
Book Review: A Simple Reminder of the Magic of Life
Summary: 5 Stars
Anna Quindlen's charming and engaging little book is a refreshing reminder that life is short, magical and that every moment matters. In a direct and elegant way, Quindlen shares the lessons she learned during and after her mother's death. These lessons focus on embracing your life and not taking it for granted whether you're in one moment enjoying spring flowers or being of service to another human being. I was really touched by the author's honest and humble sentiment throughout the book; Quindlen manages to bypass the drama and darkness of the experience of her mother's death and offer up the richness of what she experienced as a result. Reading it felt like receiving a sweet gift from a friend.
Another book that shares profound life lessons with a similar sense of sincerity and sweetness is Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment, by Ariel & Shya Kane. Through incredible stories and examples from real life, the Kanes share what they have discovered on their 20+ year journey as a couple about how to have life be richer and more fulfilling than you ever imagined. If you want to feel inspired, refreshed and enlivened (rather than 'worked on' or preached to), pick up both of these books and treat yourself to a truly delightful experience.
Book Review: don't be so cynical
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read some of the reviews that look down on this book as being simplistic. Okay, Ms. Quinlin's thoughts are simple to digest but they aren't easy to live. And okay, they probably won't turn anyone's life around. But that's only because people are too caught up in the day to day details of life (I'm late, I'm stressed, I'm not rich enough yet) to see what's really important. Often, it takes a big shock (as the author received when her mother died) to truly understand what life is about and change your world accordingly.I'm a person living with a terminal illness and I can tell you from the trenches that Ms. Quinlin knows what's what. Happiness isn't a permanent state; it's a series of small moments. You'd better be open to them, or you'll be dead and you'll have missed all the good stuff.
Also, please note: Ms. Quinlin's book began as a commencement address. Perhaps you'll appreciate it more if you think of it as words of wisdom for young people just starting out in life. But I see it as words of wisdom for people too caught up in the demands of modern life to stop and look up at the sky. There's nothing wrong with being reminded to tilt your head back once in a while.
Book Review: Truth doesn't always have to be written in dark tomes
Summary: 5 Stars
I am so grateful to my husband for buying me this book for Christmas! It may be quick reading, but it is also quick to fly out! It was maybe in our house 24 hours before someone borrowed it! So she says things that others have said before. SO WHAT? No one has fit it so neatly into one very aesthetically pleasing book you can slip into your backpack or briefcase, and pull out any time you just want a "fix" of optimism and positivity! Consider this: you are on the plane and just ordered a nice glass of wine, or maybe you dashed into your favorite coffee house for a cafe' mocha on the way home from work. Or maybe you are just hanging out in your kitchen on an early morning. Or on the train to work. Reading a couple of pages is tremendously satisfying, thought-provoking not in a Dalai Lama way, but i bet he would approve, as it is really pretty zen! Anna Quindlan's appreciation for life, the really important stuff, and how she acquired that appreciation are everything. She is candid and confident and intelligent but not high-minded. Anyone who thinks this book is merely trite greeting card stuff, please think again!Book Review: Simple, yet profound
Summary: 5 Stars
One can read this brief but powerful book in 15
minutes but the lessons are timeless. Anna Quindlen
gets to the heart of what is valuable and precious in
life by reminding us how temporal our existence is. I
love her idea to "...think of life as a terminal
illness, because, if you do, you will live it with joy
and passion, as it ought to be lived." She reminds us
that the simplest of moments are miraculous and worth
celebrating. This small volume offers tons of
inspiration.
Another book I go to for inspiration is Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment
by Ariel and Shya
Kane. This book is filled with delicious stories
that touch and amuse but ultimately guide the reader
to a place of well being and gratitude for all that
life has to offer. Both of these books are pure
magic. Keep them near by in case you get knocked
about by life. These authors will bring you back to
living fully and joyously one moment at a time.