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A Short Guide to a Happy Life
"Life is made of moments, small pieces of silver amidst long stretches of tedium. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won't happen. We have to teach ourselves now to live, really live...to love the journey, not the destination."
In this treasure of a book, Anna Quindlen, the bestselling...more
In this treasure of a book, Anna Quindlen, the bestselling...more
ebook, 64 pages
Published
April 1st 2001
by Random House
(first published October 31st 2000)
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I don't read or browse through self-help books much. You get to a certain age, however (42, in my case) and, if life deals you a bad hand (over and over...and over again), the questions grow and the answers become elusive or impossible to grasp.
Some on-line article or magazine mentioned this little book--talk about drifting through a day! I can't recall where I read about this. I got it from the library. Whoever wrote about it was right, it takes less than fifteen minutes to read. And while it's...more
Some on-line article or magazine mentioned this little book--talk about drifting through a day! I can't recall where I read about this. I got it from the library. Whoever wrote about it was right, it takes less than fifteen minutes to read. And while it's...more
6 likes · like · see review
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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
http://smallworldreads.blogspot.com/2...
Anna Quindlen's little book is, indeed, short. I read it in about 15 minutes. It's a sweet book that probably started as a blog post and morphed into a tiny, happy book with photos. This is good, practical advice to find treasures in every day life. Like this:
I think of [my life:] in all its small component parts: the snowdrops, the daffodils; the feeling of one of my kids sitting close beside me on the couch; the way my husband looks when he reads with t...more
Anna Quindlen's little book is, indeed, short. I read it in about 15 minutes. It's a sweet book that probably started as a blog post and morphed into a tiny, happy book with photos. This is good, practical advice to find treasures in every day life. Like this:
I think of [my life:] in all its small component parts: the snowdrops, the daffodils; the feeling of one of my kids sitting close beside me on the couch; the way my husband looks when he reads with t...more
Anna Quindlen is one of my favorite author's and she has kept her position with this story story. She won me over my Junior year of high school in AP Lit when we read How Reading Changed My Life and it was true, reading had changed my life.
In this book she takes the time out to explain how we; the earth, as a whole forget how to live in the moment. We're always striving for the next best thing, or something else that will make us more happy than what we already have, when in reality we could fu...more
In this book she takes the time out to explain how we; the earth, as a whole forget how to live in the moment. We're always striving for the next best thing, or something else that will make us more happy than what we already have, when in reality we could fu...more
I was very torn between 3 stars and 4. I loved every word of this book, the problem is that there aren't very many of them. This was originally a college commencement speech and in that genre, this one is a beauty. But as a book it only took me about 20 minutes to read - hence my quandary. Can a 20 minute book be 4 stars? What about if the advice therein is really all any grad would ever need? "Don't ever confuse the two, your life and your work." And "So I suppose the best piece of advice I cou...more
Wow - that was 218 Kindle locations and half the pages were photos. A few sentences were inspiring, but not many. Glad I didn't buy it. (I checked it out in ebook version from my public library.)
May 03, 2013
Patty
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2013,
women-writers,
essays,
faith,
inspirational,
self-image,
self-improvment,
non-fiction
I couldn't pass up the opportunity to reread Quindlen's graduation speech. I know that main reasons this book got published is that Quindlen is a popular author and many people like to give inspirational books as graduation presents.
As much as I enjoyed reading this, Quindlen says nothing new. Graduation is an opportunity to pass on pearls of wisdom and those don't change much over time. Spend time with the people you love; realize life is short; seek happiness, etc., etc. I am not complaining -...more
As much as I enjoyed reading this, Quindlen says nothing new. Graduation is an opportunity to pass on pearls of wisdom and those don't change much over time. Spend time with the people you love; realize life is short; seek happiness, etc., etc. I am not complaining -...more
p.10 "It's so much easier to write a resume than to craft a spirit."
Get a life ... notice things ... be generous ...
p.20 "Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure, it is work."
p.42 “Life is made up of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long stretch of gray cement. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won’t happen. We have t...more
Get a life ... notice things ... be generous ...
p.20 "Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure, it is work."
p.42 “Life is made up of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long stretch of gray cement. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won’t happen. We have t...more
To read my full review, please go to: http://coreysbook.wordpress.com/2012/...
“A Short Guide to a Happy Life…” If you look at that title, you’re bound to think it’s likely overstated or pretentious, and yet, the title A Short Guide to a Happy Life isn’t entirely misleading. It is short. The entire book is 64 pages long, and those pages are compacted into a pocket size. Is it a guide though? No. The only place it will guide you is to the returns counter at your local book store. Is it describing...more
“A Short Guide to a Happy Life…” If you look at that title, you’re bound to think it’s likely overstated or pretentious, and yet, the title A Short Guide to a Happy Life isn’t entirely misleading. It is short. The entire book is 64 pages long, and those pages are compacted into a pocket size. Is it a guide though? No. The only place it will guide you is to the returns counter at your local book store. Is it describing...more
This world would be a much better place if people who read books like this would look beyond their initial "cliché" reaction, and actually thought about why counsel like this becomes so commonly heard. Perhaps because it reflects a deeper truth to which we should pay attention? As Quindlen says "You are the only person alive who has sole custody of your life." That being true, then counsel such as hers (whether original or not) that helps us to see what will bring happiness and joy to ourselves...more
Love, love, love this. I picked it up at the library because it looked like a quick and interesting read, but it's really so much more. It's a celebration of all the little things in life, a reminder to slow down and savor the journey. Maybe it's because in the past two years, I've become a mother and lost my grandfather (one of the most important people in my life), but I have become a huge, cheesy advocate for making the most of your life and spreading the love around.
This would be a great gr...more
This would be a great gr...more
This book was given to me by a good friend when life seemed to be too much. It was just what I needed.
1 like · like · see review
A nice little book with words of wisdom about enjoying life with pretty photographs. Basically the message is live in the moment and take time to smell the flowers. "I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned that this is not a dress rehearsal, and that today is the only guarantee you get." So relax, enjoy life. Live for today. She also said to live life as if you have a terminal disease. I think I will give it a try, and stop letting fear get in the way of happiness and enjoy...more
Jan 20, 2013
Gilbert
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
teens, people celebrating transitions, people slightly needing a positive lift, graduates
Recommended to Gilbert by:
Robin Thompson
It's a book to keep, so that you have the advice to refer to over and over again. It's short...like you can read it in 10 minutes!! The book has some pictures that are simply showing other human beings enjoying each other. So the book is extremely short....it's a short essay moreso than a book.
But this has important insights about embracing life. So, if you want 2013, or any year to be extra special, why not pick up this book, buy it, read it, and pass it on?
Here's to being mindful and grateful...more
But this has important insights about embracing life. So, if you want 2013, or any year to be extra special, why not pick up this book, buy it, read it, and pass it on?
Here's to being mindful and grateful...more
Jan 30, 2013
Ananya
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
journals-memoirs-autobiograhy
Life is short. So, is this book. In this graduation speech turned book, Quindlen reminds those nitty gritty of life which may not seem as eye opening as one may expect from a book because after all, we know it all, or rather our conscience knows it all, yet most of the time we ignore that inner voice. We are aware of our mortal existence and yet we take our time for granted. We don't appreciate relationships until they are broken and lost. So, it is good when sometimes, we stop and introspect an...more
So if you have time to read this book review, I’d venture that you also have time to read this book. ;-) I read the whole thing while putting the kids down for a nap. No, not while they were napping — while they were getting ready to nap. (Granted, it does take forever to convince Logan to try to nap. He’s kind of growing out of them.)
This book is titled A Short Guide to a Happy Life, and Quindlen’s not kidding about the “short” part: fifty pages, all double-spaced with huge margins, many of tho...more
This book is titled A Short Guide to a Happy Life, and Quindlen’s not kidding about the “short” part: fifty pages, all double-spaced with huge margins, many of tho...more
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 is not a dress...more
“I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned that this is not a dress...more
Although I didn't plan it this way, I read this on the plane flying to AR to attend the funeral service of my favorite aunt. A few pages into the book, the words "do you think you'd care so very much about those things if you developed an aneurysm one afternoon, or found a lump in your breast while in the shower?" Thinking about my aunt (who died suddenly from an aneurysm) and how much she impacted the people in her life, coupled with the words written in this book, caused me to really think abo...more
I really think this short book is a big waste of money. I received it this weekend as a birthday gift. I read it in one short setting as it is only about 45 pages long, mostly pictures. I did not think there was anything of value here. I guess the message is "be grateful for what you have"? She should feel grateful that anyone would throw down $13 or more for this. Please don't waste your money. There is little to no content here.
Consider the lilies of the field. This phrase/scripture keeps coming to me in all sorts of ways since my dads death. This book was loaned through my friend today, and the strange part is the book is dedicated to a lady who had an article in the NYTimes today that my dads first wife recommended to me. Some crazy coincidences for me to read this. Anyway, short, sweet, simple and to the point. I fully agree and have pondered her sentiments much throughout the last month.
I am not always a fan of Ms. Quindlan, but this small book, written originally as a commencement speech, is truly a treasure.
I've given copies to young women graduating from high school and college and I think Ms. Quindlan has great knowledge and humor to impart. It's a simple lesson in finding the true riches that make a life worth living.
Read this anytime-keep it on hand to reread whenever you need a boost.
I've given copies to young women graduating from high school and college and I think Ms. Quindlan has great knowledge and humor to impart. It's a simple lesson in finding the true riches that make a life worth living.
Read this anytime-keep it on hand to reread whenever you need a boost.
This is the text of a commencement speech delivered by Ms. Quindlen. Although a little simplistic in places and obviously intended for a college-aged audience, there’s plenty of opportunity for the older reader to appreciate the necessity to stop every once in a while and enjoy life’s journey. The accompanying black and white photographs are perfectly matched to the sentiments of the book.
A nice short & very to the point treatise which flows easily while getting to the heart of why we exist, what the value in life is, and how we can all be more present in the moment with gratitude. The everyday things, small experiences, and deep nuances which we all experience in our lives can be so easily taken for granted until they are gone. As one scene the author depicts..."enjoy the view".
Ownable. Should sit right next to Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet."
Favorite lines:
"I show up. I listen. I try to laugh."
... "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."
Poem by Gwendolyn Brooks:
"Exhaust The Little Moment.
Soon It Dies.
And Be It Gash or Gold
It Will Not Come
Again In This Identical Disguise."
Favorite lines:
"I show up. I listen. I try to laugh."
... "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."
Poem by Gwendolyn Brooks:
"Exhaust The Little Moment.
Soon It Dies.
And Be It Gash or Gold
It Will Not Come
Again In This Identical Disguise."
How exceptional this book is!! Just as the title says, it gives advice for finding happiness (or recognizing what you have). I love the quote, "I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned that this is not the dress rehearsal, and that today is the only guarantee you get." Everyone should read this. It only takes a couple of minutes to read--longer if you enjoy the pictures.
Some books use the simplest words to drive home a lesson that'll last a lifetime. The Giving Tree, was one such book. And as I started my Monday morning commute, I started reading Anna Quindlen's short guide and left me smiling, and teary eyed. And this book instantly became my favourite.
It takes all but 10 minutes to read and packs value in each word. MUST READ!
It takes all but 10 minutes to read and packs value in each word. MUST READ!
Interesting book. This was shorter than I had expected - which is ridiculous since the title states it's a "short guide". I enjoyed reading thoughts I've heard and pondered presented with new words and with a different perspective. Nothing truly innovative or mind blowing, just a simple, sweet reminder of basic truth: "Look at the view..."
This book retailed for $12.95, and it sold more than a million copies. It contains nothing news, but it's said concisely and powerfully. I'm left feeling like it's the non-religious person's guide -- that those who recognize the hand of the Lord in their lives already know what Ms. Quindlen presents here.
I guess a reminder never hurts.
I guess a reminder never hurts.
Ehh...not much to say about this book. Lots of the garden variety Chicken Soup For the Soul cliches. "Count your blessings," "every day is a gift," et al. That said, my mom wrote in it and gave it to me for Christmas one year. As such, it still sits prominently on my bookshelf sandwiched between "Lolita" and "Valley of the Dolls."
This book reads like a motivational talk, and is pleasant and true enough. It would have been far more powerful with a different design - I found the photographs trite and like interruptions to the words/message. However, I have kept this on my nightstand for regular revisits, as the tips on staying happy and true to oneself are useful.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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| Love for this short but meaningful read! | 1 | 4 | Mar 30, 2008 08:26pm |
Anna Quindlen is an American journalist and opinion columnist whose New York Times column, Public and Private, won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992.
She began her journalism career in 1974 as a reporter with The New York Post. Between 1977 and 1994 she held several posts at the New York Times. She left journalism in 1995 to become a full-time novelist. She currently writes a bi-weekly colu...more
More about Anna Quindlen...
She began her journalism career in 1974 as a reporter with The New York Post. Between 1977 and 1994 she held several posts at the New York Times. She left journalism in 1995 to become a full-time novelist. She currently writes a bi-weekly colu...more
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“Life is made up of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long stretch of gray cement. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won’t happen. We have to teach ourselves how to make room for them, to love them, and to live, really live.”
—
43 people liked it
“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.”
—
16 people liked it
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