Jamie

Jamie asked Gretchen Rubin:

I had never heard of Samuel Johnson before reading The Happiness Project but loved the references you made to his writing. Do you have any recommendations for which of his works to read first? (Because, turns out, there are a lot of options!)

Gretchen Rubin I'm so happy to hear that you liked the references to Dr. Johnson. I love his writing, but it's not for everyone. I'd start with Boswell's LIFE OF JOHNSON. It's a biography, and includes many of the greatest observations by Johnson. Or Selected Essays. Happy reading.

More Answered Questions

Blair Bieser

Blair Bieser asked Gretchen Rubin:

A psychologist I know says if clients' conscious minds could solve their problems, they wouldn't come to him. So he focuses on their subconscious minds. For example, people's conscious minds can know flying is safe, but their subconscious minds can be so afraid they won't get on an airplane. Will your new book talk about the role the subconscious mind plays in forming good habits and breaking bad ones?

Amy H.

Amy H. asked Gretchen Rubin:

Hi Gretchen -- SuperFan from San Francisco here. Are there any habits you've tried to make or break that you still struggle with, or did not succeed at? (Apart from anything you deliberately set aside as "Not Gretchen"?) I'm trying to differentiate between habits and things like mindfulness and not letting the daily grind or chaos derail us -- which need ongoing effort and attention.

Linh Dieu

Linh Dieu asked Gretchen Rubin:

I know that working with other people makes us happier than being alone. But i feel that i donot have close friends near me. Being alone is a kind of happiness?

All answers from Gretchen Rubin…

89,097 followers

To ask Gretchen Rubin a question, please sign up.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions