melissa6381's review against another edition
3.0
Couple concepts were cool but also super focused on Scandinavian culture
capricioustrout's review against another edition
2.0
I don't think I liked it. There are some nuggets of bliss and good advice in here but it's all very surface level. And the author's #relatable humorous interjections made me both roll my eyes and threw me off the flow of the book. Meh.
flyingbulgarian's review against another edition
1.0
I really wanted to love this book. It has a great premise (going around the world and finding out more about each selected country's approach to happiness/a good life) but ughr. I felt patronised half the time, and the other half of the time the author/narrator mispronounced the words she was using from foreign languages (I listened to the book on Audible, so fully appreciate this issue only applies to the audio book not the real book)...
I did get a warm, cosy feeling from some of the stories, but ultimately it felt shallow and not really well thought through. The author's little notes/commentary felt unnecessary.
Would I still recommend it to someone struggling to find happiness?.... Probably yes. Would I re-visit this book? Probably not.
I did get a warm, cosy feeling from some of the stories, but ultimately it felt shallow and not really well thought through. The author's little notes/commentary felt unnecessary.
Would I still recommend it to someone struggling to find happiness?.... Probably yes. Would I re-visit this book? Probably not.
zimebelle's review against another edition
2.0
As a collection of what 'happiness' is to different people around the world, and snippets of what it entails or how to experience the sense of it- this is great.
The author's tone at times, and the amount of stories to lead into each section that could really be edited down, were a dud for me. Many times the author makes comments about younger generations that - I guess was supposed to come off as funny or maybe just making commentary- but comes off as really rude and insulting, especially when these are part of the people buying your product? I don't understand. Also times where, again I guess trying to be funny while expressing jealousy, really misses the mark. "Well, la de da for you... I'm happy for her. Really. Can't you tell?" why would you decide to put this kind of tone in writing, about your friend?
Any who, flipped through the last half perusing the first and last page of each section which is probably the best parts. The highlight of the place, with a definition of their happiness, ending with ways to experience it. Which would also be my reccomendation if anyone wants to read it- just cut out the commentary. Even if you're interested in reading more about an area, you'll be better off finding another book that does it more justice. But great to get little snapshots to get you started.
Also, very interesting to note how many places that report a high happiness level also have a high value on supporting healthcare and education, by having high taxes, imagine that?
The author's tone at times, and the amount of stories to lead into each section that could really be edited down, were a dud for me. Many times the author makes comments about younger generations that - I guess was supposed to come off as funny or maybe just making commentary- but comes off as really rude and insulting, especially when these are part of the people buying your product? I don't understand. Also times where, again I guess trying to be funny while expressing jealousy, really misses the mark. "Well, la de da for you... I'm happy for her. Really. Can't you tell?" why would you decide to put this kind of tone in writing, about your friend?
Any who, flipped through the last half perusing the first and last page of each section which is probably the best parts. The highlight of the place, with a definition of their happiness, ending with ways to experience it. Which would also be my reccomendation if anyone wants to read it- just cut out the commentary. Even if you're interested in reading more about an area, you'll be better off finding another book that does it more justice. But great to get little snapshots to get you started.
Also, very interesting to note how many places that report a high happiness level also have a high value on supporting healthcare and education, by having high taxes, imagine that?
nattycran's review against another edition
2.0
This book gets a star for having a diverse collection of countries and philosophies.
This book loses a bunch of stars because Helen Russell is often trying to be #hip and funny and falls painfully short. She has rude opinions that she interjects in the text. I also don’t believe that she has the qualifications to write a book such as this.
As a journalist I think it would have served her better to focus on one culture. Instead we get disappointing and short snapshots of other cultures with her ignorant and highly Anglo normative and Scandinavian trendy perspective.
This book would have been better written by an anthropologist, sociologist, historian, social worker, etc. Empathy and proper understanding are essential and I found this lacking.
This book loses a bunch of stars because Helen Russell is often trying to be #hip and funny and falls painfully short. She has rude opinions that she interjects in the text. I also don’t believe that she has the qualifications to write a book such as this.
As a journalist I think it would have served her better to focus on one culture. Instead we get disappointing and short snapshots of other cultures with her ignorant and highly Anglo normative and Scandinavian trendy perspective.
This book would have been better written by an anthropologist, sociologist, historian, social worker, etc. Empathy and proper understanding are essential and I found this lacking.