The Book of Joy

by Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu, Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu
The Book of Joy cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Nonfiction
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Format • £14.24
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  • ID: 254
  • Added: 2025-09-06
  • Updated: 2026-01-24
  • ISBN: 9781473538351
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2016-09-22
  • Formats: 33
  • Reviews: 4

The Book of Joy is a profound and uplifting account of a week-long conversation between two of the most revered spiritual leaders of our time, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Their friendship, forged over many years, is a testament to their shared experiences of exile, violence, and oppression, yet they continue to radiate compassion, humor, and joy. This book captures their journey as they explore the timeless question of how to find joy in the midst of suffering. /n/n Full of love, warmth, and hope, The Book of Joy offers readers a unique opportunity to experience the wisdom and insights of these two remarkable men. From their first embrace to their final goodbye, the book is a gift that inspires and uplifts, reminding us that the ultimate source of happiness lies within us.

Reviews
MFT California · 2026-01-24
inspirational 4.50

The book emphasizes that joy comes from living in community and helping others rather than pursuing material things. The authors' shared wisdom and experiences create a compelling narrative about finding happiness.

The review highlights the profound insights shared by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu about the nature of joy. They argue that true joy is not found in material possessions but in the connections we make with others and the acts of kindness we perform. The book is praised for its uplifting and heartfelt messages, which resonate deeply with readers. The authors' personal stories of hardship and resilience add a layer of authenticity and inspiration, making the book a valuable guide for anyone seeking a more joyful life.

Quick quotes

    The most encouraging conclusion these two great men come to in the book is that joy comes from not pursuing things but from living in community and helping others.

    The book is well-written, entertaining, and customers enjoy reading it from start to finish.

    The Dalai Lama's incredible humanity and connection to all life shows through like bright stars throughout the book, as does the Archbishop's.

horseaddict.net · Unknown · 2022-06-15
inspiring 4.50

The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu is an inspiring and uplifting read that transcends religious and political boundaries. It offers teachings on joy, the science behind it, and practical advice on how to cultivate joy in our lives, leaving the reviewer refreshed and hopeful.

The Book of Joy is a profound and uplifting work co-authored by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, with Douglas Abrams. It captures a week-long conversation between the two spiritual leaders about the nature of joy, the obstacles to it, and the eight pillars that support it. The reviewer found the book to be a refreshing departure from more serious reads, offering inspiration and hope. The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu emphasize that joy is not just something to learn but something to live, and their teachings are interwoven with the latest scientific research on joy. The book's focus on inner values like kindness, compassion, and gratitude resonated deeply with the reviewer, who felt refreshed and reminded that joy is available to everyone every day.

Quick quotes

    No dark fate determines the future. We do. Each day and each moment, we are able to create and re-create our lives and the very quality of human life on our planet. That is the power we wield.

    Ultimately, joy is not something to learn, it is something to live. And our greatest joy is lived in deep, loving, and generous relationships with others.

    The dialogue in The Book of Joy occurs between April 18 and April 24, 2015, when Archbishop Tutu traveled to Dharamsala, India to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s eightieth birthday and to engage in a multi-day conversation with him about joy.

greengroundswell.com · Unknown · 2018-08-27
insightful 4.00

The Book of Joy offers accessible insights from Buddhist and Christian teachings, humanizing Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama while providing practical advice for a fulfilling life. However, the reviewer felt it could delve deeper into serious topics like poverty and oppression, and missed the personal impact of the leaders' presence.

The Book of Joy is a collaborative work by Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, offering insights into finding joy amidst life's challenges. The reviewer appreciated the book's accessibility, as it bridges Buddhist and Christian teachings without requiring prior knowledge. The humanization of Tutu and the Dalai Lama made their advice feel achievable for regular people. However, the reviewer felt the book could have explored more difficult topics like poverty and oppression more deeply. While the book provides valuable meditation exercises and wisdom, the reviewer missed the personal impact of the leaders' presence, which is often more powerful than their words on a page. Overall, it's a useful guide for those seeking guidance, but it left the reviewer wanting more depth in addressing global suffering.

Quick quotes

    The authors stressed the importance of interfaith relationships and respecting non-religious viewpoints without trying to convert people, and there were also citations of scientific studies to show that faith and science were not enemies.

    I also really liked that this book did a lot to humanize Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama.

    I think part of the reason why I didn’t get as much out of it is because I think Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama are compelling figures because of their demeanor - the way they make you feel when you speak to them.

Mental Health at Home · Ashley L. Peterson · 2018-02-28
heartwarming 4.50

The book is described as uplifting and heartfelt, with a strong emphasis on our shared humanity. The relationship between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu is highlighted as a source of joy and inspiration.

This review emphasizes the uplifting and heartfelt nature of the book, which focuses on the shared humanity that connects us all. The relationship between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu is highlighted as a source of joy and inspiration. The book is praised for its ability to uplift readers and offer a sense of hope and connection. The authors' personal stories and their shared wisdom make the book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to find joy in a changing world.

Quick quotes

    This book is uplifting, with much attention given to our shared humanity.

    Joy is immediately apparent in the relationship between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

    The topics they cover, from the nature of true joy to its obstacles, as well as joy-boosting practices, offer a heartfelt and uplifting read.

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