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A review by theresidentbookworm
A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen
5.0
It is an unspoken rule of mine that self-help books are to be avoided at all costs. It just seems to me that there are just some things that cannot be helped with a book, and people presuming they can change or improve my life in 300 hundred pages or less is a bit disconcerting. Of course, that is just my opinion, and anyone is welcome to disagree with me. That being said, I gave A Short Guide to a Happy Life a chance, though not my usual choice of book, because it was very kindly gifted to me by my (now) former journalism teacher.
Having read Anna Quindlen's best seller, I realize now that it only belongs on my self-help shelf for lack of a better place to put it. I also found it surprisingly practical and thoughtful. Quindlen offer concise and honest advice on how to life a happy life in just 50 pages (or less if you discount the pictures). Best of all, she does not presume to know any more about the subject than her readers, confessing to still be a student in life.
Quindlen emphasizes the importance of being a good daughter, sister, friend, and partner instead of solely focusing on being successful in your career. “You cannot be really first-rate at your work if your work is all you are," she advises. I could not agree more.
Overall, Anna Quindlen does not give much original advice, but she does breathe fresh air into old words of wisdom that is clearly needed. Her clear, unassuming voice feels more like a mother or aunt than an awarding winning author. A Short Guide to a Happy Life is a great gift for anyone graduating high school or college and the perfect read for someone looking for more life advice that comes without steps attached.
Having read Anna Quindlen's best seller, I realize now that it only belongs on my self-help shelf for lack of a better place to put it. I also found it surprisingly practical and thoughtful. Quindlen offer concise and honest advice on how to life a happy life in just 50 pages (or less if you discount the pictures). Best of all, she does not presume to know any more about the subject than her readers, confessing to still be a student in life.
Quindlen emphasizes the importance of being a good daughter, sister, friend, and partner instead of solely focusing on being successful in your career. “You cannot be really first-rate at your work if your work is all you are," she advises. I could not agree more.
Overall, Anna Quindlen does not give much original advice, but she does breathe fresh air into old words of wisdom that is clearly needed. Her clear, unassuming voice feels more like a mother or aunt than an awarding winning author. A Short Guide to a Happy Life is a great gift for anyone graduating high school or college and the perfect read for someone looking for more life advice that comes without steps attached.