The Happiness Playlist: The True Story Of Healing My Heart With Feel-Good Music

by Mark Mallman

Minneapolis rock legend Mark Mallman woke at 3 a.m. with a crushing panic attack that wouldn't end. He responded by pouring songs into a happiness playlist and leaning on the wisdom of friends. This is the true story of a man beset by grief, healed by music, and learning to laugh through it all. “Mark Mallman is legitimately original, exclusively motivated by a desire to conquer the strange obstructions he builds inside his mind." — Chuck Klosterman, author of Fargo Rock A Heavy Metal Odyssey in Rural North Dakota . “This brave and masterfully written book is a testament to the power of love and art. Read it and become obsessed." — Diablo Cody, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of Juno and creator of United States of Tara . “ The Happiness Playlist is funny, thought-provoking, and just plain helpful. It's the best book on grief that I've ever picked up. This examination of music-listening as a method to combat heartbreak is a joy to read. You need it." — Craig Finn, leader of the critically acclaimed American indie rock band The Hold Steady. “You're going to love this book. It's beautiful, hopeful and personal. It will help you process grief with music that helps you through." — Sean Tillmann, singer-songwriter and actor, best known as Har Mar Superstar. “I highly recommend Mallman's book about music, anxiety and happiness. It's wise, funny, raw, and heartfelt." — Jim Walsh, author of The All Over But The Shouting and Gold Following Prince In The '90s. "At its best, Mallman's style is reminiscent of Kerouac and Hemingway. He uses music to heal his wounds, but that summation is only part of it, and doesn't do the book the justice to which it's entitled. Mallman also leans on his 'tribe'—friends and fellow artists, girlfriends and colleagues, his father—as well as his own creativity and his tremendous ability to look with humor and detachment on his frozen environment and the healing possibilities in his own head. The result is an uplifting memoir that earns its wings honestly, with humor and perception." — Dave Eisenstark in IndieReader "Observing Mallman fighting grief feels like watching a fishing bobber battling a strong current. This book should offer solace to anyone grappling with a similar situation." — Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Memoir

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2019

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A colorful expression of grief, depression, and anxiety. A thoughtful reflection as to how Mallman handled his.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a chance on reading this book. It's very different from the types of books I usually read. I'm glad I gave it a go. Mark Mallman tells his story of his journey through depression and grief with his amazing writing style.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an accessible yet profound memoir about how music can lead us through grief and anxiety. Mark's style is straightforward and unique voice is one that not just fans will appreciate. This is a great read for anyone who has experienced loss and seeks healing. It is also a huge love letter to music and Minneapolis. I highly recommend for anyone!

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I offer this review with the acknowledgement that I am not this memoir’s target audience, although I did love the MN references.

For me, too much streaming of consciousness without reflection. To me, reflection is crucial in a memoir.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quirky little memoir from musician Mark Mallman as he seeks to overcome grief after his mother's death. His writing style is pretty random, but it's also full of surprisingly little joys. (Also fun to see people I know in the acknowledgments—go Carolyn Swiszcz!)

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mindfully using happy pop songs to reset his psychological outlook, fun but a little heavy on dreams and psychic predictions for me.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one!