A Short Guide to a Happy Life
by Anna Quindlen
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| 50 Books 2008: Tiff's 50 in 2008 | 10 | 14 | 09/06/2008 09:40PM | |
| Love for this short but meaningful read! | 1 | 2 | 03/30/2008 08:26PM |
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 647)
This short, small book could be read in about an hour. Very practical advice given by this excellent writer. This is a quote from the book: “I learned to live many years ago. Something really bad happened to me, something that changed my life in ways that, if I had had a choice, it would never have been changed at all. And what I learned from it is what, today, sometimes seems to be the hardest lesson of all.
“I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned that this i...more
“I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned that this i...more
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Read in October, 2005
I finished this book in an instant, yesterday at night. I couldn't form a definite opinion on it. The book is too small; when I start getting into the reading, the book ended. It's too short, it reads too fast, and didn't allow me to understand very well the purpose of it, what the author intended with it. Doesn't seem to be an opinion shared by many, who loved this little book, but I thought that, when it seemed the book was beginning, it ended abruptly. Maybe it's because I'm not used to these...more
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this book was first realized as a speech given at by Ms. Quindlen at my college commencement. in the past 10 years i have read and re-read these words that i still recall so fondly. the experiences in my life have allowed me to see the intelligence and honor in anna's words; the worth of success that is measured in no other terms than the family that surrounds me; and the nummber of times a day i can smile for no reason whatsoever. it is a constant source of strength and a reminder that happiene...more
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Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
Everyone
This is a great little book - we're talking a 15 minute read. Filled with tons of little quotes, inspirations and touching photos, this book reminds you to slow down and not take the little things in life for granted. Some of my favorite quotes of the book include:
Yogi Berra: "When you come to a fork in the road, take it!"
"No man ever said on his deathbed I wish I had spent more time at the office."
"If you win the rat race, you're still a rat."
John ...more
Yogi Berra: "When you come to a fork in the road, take it!"
"No man ever said on his deathbed I wish I had spent more time at the office."
"If you win the rat race, you're still a rat."
John ...more
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Read in August, 2008
Heartfelt but really not a guide to happiness. I think it really was more like hey don't focus on the dreary but on the small details of life, the little things.
the gist, "be sure to stop and smell the roses" which I already do!
Maybe this book is more for the clinically depressed.
It had great pictures but in black and white so you didn't get quite the impact of feeling or emotions in the photos. Grainy and not good printed quality.
Over - this book was accurate in its ...more
the gist, "be sure to stop and smell the roses" which I already do!
Maybe this book is more for the clinically depressed.
It had great pictures but in black and white so you didn't get quite the impact of feeling or emotions in the photos. Grainy and not good printed quality.
Over - this book was accurate in its ...more
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Read in February, 2008
My mom gave me this book to read. I sat down to start it and finished it in the same sitting. It is only about 20 paragraphs long or so, so it is definitely an easy read. It's about focusing on the important things in life instead of getting caught up in the most demanding things. It's good for those moments when you need a quick refocusing of priorities. Read it if you get the chance.
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Read in April, 2008
recommended to Rosie by:
my in-laws shelfrecommends it for: the upbeat... or those wishing they were
Short is right- I read it in about 10 minutes sitting on the office floor. This book made me realize that the book of hers I read years ago was actually semi-autobiographical. She advises us all to get a life. "You are the only peron alive who has sole custody of your life...not just the life of your mind, but the life of your heart. Not just your bank account, but your soul."
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Read in June, 2008
recommended to Dianne by:
any and all
This is a short essay that I found I was actually pretty familiar with--many bits and pieces have been circling the internet as quotes. Still, this was a gem of a book! I think everyone needs a copy and needs to read it--possibly more than once. I found this book to be full of thought-provoking prose and count it among my favorites.
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Read in July, 2008
This little book is based on a speech the author gave at a college graduation. It's an inspirational book about not getting too caught up the the things that don't matter; to stop and enjoy the simple pleasures around you. There's lots of thought-provoking advice for everyone, not just college graduates!
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Read in June, 2008
This short, little book takes only a few minutes to read. Yet it is filled with bits of wisdom that takes many of us a lifetime to learn. In a nutshell Quindlen is saying to the reader to stop, look and listen, be present, live as if now is the last moment of your life. Black 'n white photos throughout.
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Read in September, 2007
Cool compilations of this author's thoughts on happiness, it has many of her best quotes from commencement speeches she has given. Just a little book to sit out and read every now and then to keep you focused on what is really important. you can read it in about 15 minutes. really good.
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Read in August, 2005
recommends it for:
Everyone
Not only would benefit from reading this book but I think it's a NECESSITY that everyone reads this book; even those who don't like to read. (An added benefit: it takes about fifteen minutes)! Anna Quindlen is a powerful author. You won't regret the fifteen minutes spent.
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Read in September, 2008
She wasn't kidding when she called it "a short guide". My sister Kara read it out loud to me in 15 minutes. But it was very interesting and had some really poignant things to say. I especially liked, "And remember that love is not leisure, it is work."
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Read in July, 2005
I give this book out as a gift to graduates OFTEN. It is a commencement speech that she never got to give, and is it a good one. Highly recommend - quick read. You will keep it on your book shelf as the go to book for advice and refer to it always.
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Read in September, 2007
recommends it for:
anyone
In less time than it took to finish my cup of coffee I had read this book. And yet in that short time, my outlook had been refocused. This is the perfect little speech for reminding me to refocus on my priorities and let all the other stuff go!
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This is one of those books that you're essentially issued upon graduation from high school or college. They are totally pointless. I'm a little shocked I even lobbed two stars at it. Because seriously -- a happy life according to who?
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Read in January, 2004
recommends it for:
everyone
One of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors. A 10-15 minute read (to read & re-read) on an approach to life I whole-heartedly endorse. Some of the observations may seem trite but, for me, they really hit home.
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Read in September, 2007
This book really contained no new insight. I can save you $12.95 and about 7 minutes of reading by telling you the premise is stop and smell the roses...take some time and enjoy the view, yadda, yadda, yadda...snore.
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Read in June, 2008
It's exactly as it states, A short guide to a happy life. It's quick and to the point, with the message being, "We have to teach ourselves how to live, really live...to love the journey, not the destination."
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
anyone
I think about this book just about every day now.. it really changed how I think about the decisions I am making. A very inspiring, quick read... and it`s mostly a picture book! Who wouldn`t love that?
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book data (includes all editions)
avg rating (all editions): 3.98 (521 ratings) avg rating (this edition): 3.96 (506 ratings) number of reviews: 77
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quote
"Don't ever forget the words on a postcard that my father sent me last year: "If you win the rat race, you're still a rat.""
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