annemariewellswriter's review against another edition
3.0
I really didn't love this book. I don't know Dan Harris, and his memoir can basically be summed up as "I am a vain, self-absorbed asshole, let me count the ways." I was hoping that his meditation practice that helped him "tame the voice in his head, reduce stress without losing his edge, and find self-help that actually works" would lead to him NOT being a vain, self-absorbed asshole.... and I was disappointed.
However, it ACTUALLY motivated me to make a solid attempt to develop a meditation habit (hence 3 stars and not 2) BECAUSE if THIS bro/brah can develop a meditation habit, then goddamnit I can too.
However, it ACTUALLY motivated me to make a solid attempt to develop a meditation habit (hence 3 stars and not 2) BECAUSE if THIS bro/brah can develop a meditation habit, then goddamnit I can too.
barnabas's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful humorous book that got me more into meditation, I was already meditating for almost a year when I started reading this book. I appreciate the way Dan Harris encourages us, many skeptics who think it does not work should definitely give this book a go.
leasummer's review against another edition
3.0
This is mostly a memoir and not a self help book. I must be out of touch with network news because I didn't know Dan Harris by name, I didn't come into this book with an intention of learning about his career and life. We follow Dan on his journey to not be spiritual but find "something" without losing his edge. It's entertaining, he's a good storyteller. The self help portion basically says you can do mindfulness meditation without being spiritual and without losing your edge. The appendix has good tips for mindfulness meditation.
teleportsbehindyou's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
afox98's review against another edition
4.0
Dan Harris, a self-described jerk (early in the book), takes a deep dive into meditation in its various forms to help him be less of a jerk and calm the voices in his head. He goes all in with his research, talking to “gurus,” experts, and everyday people about the benefits they’ve received from this practice. Funny writing style and some great stories about the stressful world of television news are icing on the cake. I’ve been interested in meditation from afar for a while for stress relief and mindfulness reasons but never thought my wacky, always-going brain could handle it. After reading Harris’s journey, I think I can, so I’m going to try.
hgridley's review against another edition
1.0
should be titled, "narcissist is given everything he could ever want, still resents pretty much everyone, finds out about buddhism after reporting on religion for almost a decade (?), appropriates its teachings to suit his personal ambition, leverages mindfulness to build a monetizable personal brand." yikes!
autumn_franks_03's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
relaxing
slow-paced
2.5