If not Happiness, at least Contentment
922956
My family started as members of Fresh 20 website several months ago thanks to Groupon and we love it!.  Fresh 20 has changed how we think about dinner.  The cookbook follows the same format: a weekly meal plan that provides 5 easy to cook, healthy dinners at a low cost.  I especially appreciated the sections on pantry basics and kitchen essentials- for those of us with no room for fancy specialty gadgets. The layout and pictures are beautiful.
Here is the real genius and what sets this book ( and website) apart: the five dinners have the same basic ingredients.  You cook a grain on Sunday ( farro, brown rice, couscous) and use it for several meals during the week.  Cook two pounds of meat on Monday, use the "leftovers" again on Wednesday.  Small kitchen, small pantry, small refrigerator, but I can do this!  And save money.
Best part, my two daughters participate in dinner planning ( the menus leave room for interpretation), shopping, meal prep and best of all- cooking!  My husband and I come home from work,  dinner is in progress and my bored summer teens are happy chopping, dicing  and sauteing.
A good review includes "not so good stuff", here are the two for this book:
1. The recipes are structured for a family of 4- perfect for us, not so great for everyone.
2. Best thing about the website- printing out the shopping list to take to the grocery.  Book has the list, just need a print button.
1396507
This book has a message I needed to hear. It is a simple idea really, but the way in which the author writes got the the message through all the mental blocks. For those who feel "less then" or wonder about their purpose in life, this book may be comforting. I read the first part very quickly with much excitement for its positive nature. The second part applies to specific life situations and I will be reading this at a slower pace, so that I can examine more closely the nuances of these words and ideas, and hopefully apply them to my life. It is a joyful message. Take heart.
2411882
Bought for one of my grandkids, so if they are happy, I'm happy.
4122412
Happiness is enjoying something and not having to explain it (quote Hector)  Various scenarios play out and Hector is not the bumbling oaf (nerd) that you picture him as in the beginning.  So go looking for Hap-Penis
3973217
I was in a mood for a quiet read about goodness.  We are surrounded by  destructive news and there are times when we need hope.  This read was calming.
2853495
Happy movies should make you feel happy, right? Well, this one does! It's a little on the think about the simple things, but then again, that is what works. I recommend.
204744
"There is one and only cure to comparison living, and that is contentment".  One of the many quotes from Rachel's new book.  This book tackles the problems of today's society spot on.  We as consumers have thousands and thousands of items hitting us from all sides.  We look as social media and think, If only I had _______, life would be so much better.  Life is not always greener on the other side.  This book offers the way to "Love Your Life, Not Theirs".
1167058
I'm so happy I read this. Joy is optimism in this world! My stiff neck has some flexibility, my unbelief is a bit less and my belief is stronger. The writing is a bit stiff, but that's not a reason to stay away. I'm smiling inside and you will be too.
229799
Tony Robbins talks about "rock star happiness", getting every toy and enjoying every pleasure. But this doesn't last. Robbins shares what brings long lasting happiness is giving to others. Before Alcorn's book the last book on the subject of happiness that really stood out was Joseph McClendon's "Get Happy Now". His book is about controlling your emotions through a few physical and mental steps which he believes will produce the emotion people associate with feeling happy. Cloe Madanes has a practical view on happiness in her works, sharing that not everyone is "meant" to be happy in the way we may think, but that doesn't mean they are not fulfilled. For instance, some missionaries work in the middle of suffering and wouldn't necessarily call themselves happy, but they have a sense of peace and accomplishment.

One of the most fascinating studies in recent years address the Hedonic Set Point. Montel Williams did a great summary in "Living Well." The idea is that we each have a natural level of happiness we will arrive at, no matter whether we go through good times or bad. The study suggest roughly 50% of happiness is genetic, some people are just born more bubbly. The other 50% is made up of daily thought patterns and circumstances.

Then there is Alcorn's massive and gentle piece, that happiness is tied to faith. I used to read another inspirational writer, I devoured all he wrote. Then one day he claimed that God doesn't answer prayer, prayer is only a way to talk to and hear from God, but not a way to see change in the world. I stopped reading him after that. So I looked for someone else to fill the void, and eventually found Alcorn. His book on money and his book on heaven and then his book on suffering are ones I often recommend. And the same for "Happiness." His book covers are sappy, but his content is heartfelt. He fills his book with quotes and anecdotes, and most of all hope and faith.

I don't believe people are meant to be sad and "endure" life. But I also understand some of the prosperity messages and pie in the sky booksare overboard as well. So where does one turn to for balance? Randy Alcorn is that trusted voice. So curl up by the fire and enjoy his book. You won't be disappointed. He speaks as if you are his friend, and as if he knows a little about the subjects he writes about. I trust him and hope you will as well.
3887024
This is an enjoyable story about finding happiness in unexpected places.  Sometimes, being inconspicuous pays off in unexpected ways.  Sometimes, the truth takes time to make sense.  Truth does win in the end when it is RIGHT!
4226426
A good attempt at taking stoicism and bring it up to date. In times when perhaps we need it the most. Not only is about being joyful and pursuing happiness but also understanding what is that about. Good read.
3922759
If only stats could be interesting. I was happy otherwise though.
404152
It was a pleasant up lifting read. If your down, the stories in this book are positive affirmations of peoples faith.
4113438
This short story is an illustration of how happy one can be if one finds the right partner in life, security and a wonderful future.
3473173
It works. My wife is happy.  Thus, I am happy.
4730295
Makes you appreciate all that we have and realise that it really isn't needed at the end of the day to achieve true happiness.
2872630
As ordered; As delivered; As expected; There, feel better about yourself?