andeez's review against another edition

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5.0

I'd had this on my "to read" list for quite some time, but the other day - it called to me. At first I was disappointed. After all, I'm all about the "Quest" and didn't think I needed to be convinced of the importance. I'm so glad I continued to read. Guillebeau not only shares a bit about his own quest to visit every country in the world, but uses this book to highlight the quests of others and shares ideas to make our own quests not so overwhelming.

This is the perfect book to read before January 1, but really can be applicable any time of year.

vll295's review against another edition

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5.0

Have you ever felt discontent in your life? Have you ever wanted to do something inspired? Are you feeling like something is missing? If any of these sound like you, this may be the book for you.

In this book, Chris Guillebeau introduces to some amazing people who have felt empowered to take a quest. In doing so, he interviews people who have done all sorts of unique things with their lives. I loved reading the stories and hearing about the amazing challenges that they have achieved in their lives. Not everyone has the ability to take on a major task or the resources. In the back of the book is a chart that helps you take a small step towards a quest. The book fills you with ideas and and how to make your ideas a reality.

If you feel like there could be something more in your life, then this may be the book for you. I love that Chris uses the information from his interviews to create some themes and ideas about what is that makes these people happy. The book certainly will leave you wanting to and making a commitment for making great things in your life happen.

For anyone who enjoys a book about adventure, I would recommend this book.

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from blogging for books, but all opinions are my own.

brb_reads's review against another edition

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3.0

I think I expected a little more to this book than it actually offered. I might try his other books to hear about his specific journey and possibly a few other stories that peaked my interest, but I felt the book was a little generic.

deecreatenola's review against another edition

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5.0

I am definitely a fan of Chris Guillebeau, which is interesting because I was completely turned off by him when I first was (virtually) introduced to him. But once I started following him I found out that I pretty much like all the things he does. This book is no exception.

In The Happiness of Pursuit, Chris talks about quests. Goals that are outside of the box, somewhat larger than life, and something people will center their lives around, if only for a period of time. He not only describes his own quest to visit every country in the world (which took him about 10 years), but he also talks about others' quests. From long journeys by foot, to international meals, to building a library of birds they've watched, the people he describes all found something that drove them to achieve. It's definitely inspirational.

I believe in quests, its definitely been too long since I pursued my own, my last being traveling the country by van more than 25 years ago.

The book is easy to read as well as easy to read in chunks. I used this as my "phone book," which for me is a book I keep on the kindle app in my phone to read when I have some time. There's not a long story arc to follow so you can let a week or two go by between readings. Chris has a great writing style, telling his own history as he shares the histories of others. He is very self-effacing which is very relatable.

If you are looking for something "more," give this book a try.

camklingfus's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring medium-paced

3.5

aga_acrobat's review against another edition

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4.0

"The first duty is to sacrifice to the gods and pray them to grant you the thoughts, words, and deeds likely to render your command most pleasing to the gods and to bring yourself, your friends, and your city the fullest measure of affection and glory and advantage."
 
–Xenophon, Cavalry Commander

yaelwrites's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoyed this book. Chris Guillebeau talked about all the different aspects of finding quests, weaving in rich stories from other people with extraordinary goals, be they athletic, spiritual, exploratory, social justice-oriented, or creative. He also shared some of his own adventures visiting every country in the world before the age of 35. Every aspect of the process was covered and well-researched, and the narrative flowed beautifully throughout the book. If you've liked Guillebeau's other books in the past, you'll love this one--his writing has gotten even richer. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off for a quest of my own...

aaronwcma's review against another edition

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4.0

Honestly more like 3 stars in terms of the quality of the book itself, really only has one main message (go on a quest, it will be fun and fulfilling!) with some entertaining but not groundbreaking anecdotes to support this. Some general tips on how to define a quest, some inspiring examples of quests, etc.

But the book did manage to convince me to go on my own quests, and inspired me to take action. So for that, I give it a 4/5 on terms of impact on my life.

beeshep's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely loved this book. Not only did it make me feel okay about choosing to live a different life than my peers, but it also laid down a way to plan your life in order to achieve your dream quests. I was so inspired by this book that I am taking a major leap in my own life, one that I am currently planning. So many inspirational stories and ideas that you just can't help but get excited. A must read for wanderers and people who want to make their life their own.

willwork4airfare's review

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3.0

Read for inspiration, not content. Some of the quest stories were very interesting though.