Tag Archives: happiness

March 19, 2014 · 8:43 pm

Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening

18079547Title: Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening
Author: Carol Wall
Source: from publisher for review
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review Summary: Although the author deals with big issues, she does so in a relatable and optimistic way which made this book a very easy and enjoyable read.

Since a tragic event in her childhood, Carol has been a bit afraid of gardening. Following a cancer scare, she became more timid about life as well. A chance encounter with her neighbor’s gardener, Mister Giles Owita, leads to a deep and surprising friendship. As they get to know each other, Mister Owita ends up “transforming not only Carol’s yard, but her life.” (quote from goodreads)
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Filed under Memoir, non-fiction

Tagged as , , change, gardening, , hope, memoirs, ,

March 17, 2014 · 8:38 pm

Lost Lake

13481275Title: Lost Lake
Author: Sarah Addison Allen
Source: from publisher for She Reads book club
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Summary: This book was perfect for me; it’s a very beautifully written, happy story about people helping each other find happiness with just a dash of magic.

Since her husband Matt died, Kate has been a bit lost. When she suddenly realizes that she’s let her controlling mother-in-law take over her daughter’s life, Katie decides she needs to do something. A bit of time away at her Aunt Eby’s summer camp, Lost Lake, may be just what she needs. Unfortunately, her Aunt Eby is about to be forced to sell the place unless Kate and the other people who depend on their visits to Lost Lake are able to do something to help. Continue reading →

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May 17, 2012 · 11:09 pm

The How of Happiness

Title: The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want
Author: Sonja Lyubomirsky
Source: library
 Rating: ★★★★★
Review Summary: Really awesome self-help book, solidly grounded in research and with specific, actionable suggestions for becoming happier.

Unlike many happiness and self-help books, The How of Happiness is very solidly based in scientific research.  The author, Sonja Lyubomirsky, is a psychology professor at UC Riverside with a degree from Stanford who does a great job pulling together current happiness research.  The main premise of the book is that 50% of our happiness is inherited, only 10% is determined by circumstance, and 40% of our happiness is determined by our own thoughts and behavior.  Activities presented here are intended to affect the proportion of happiness under our control. Continue reading →

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