The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun

by Gretchen Rubin
The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 3211
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9780062474247
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2015-12-29
  • Reviews: 3

The Happiness Project is a compelling exploration of one woman's quest to find genuine contentment in her everyday life. Gretchen Rubin, an award-winning author, documents her year-long experiment to improve her happiness through small, intentional changes. Drawing from cutting-edge research, classical philosophy, and her own experiences, Rubin offers practical insights and relatable stories that resonate with anyone seeking a more fulfilling life. /n/nThis revised edition of The Happiness Project continues to inspire readers with its blend of humor, wisdom, and actionable advice. Rubin's approachable writing style and genuine curiosity make this book a must-read for those looking to transform their own lives and find lasting happiness.

Reviews
The Literary Lioness · The Literary Lioness · 2025-10-17
thought-provoking 3.50

Rubin's realization that she was not truly happy despite having a perfect life is a compelling starting point. The book offers a unique perspective on happiness and personal growth.

The Literary Lioness found Gretchen Rubin's realization that she was not truly happy despite having a seemingly perfect life to be a compelling starting point for the book. They appreciated Rubin's intellectual curiosity and her willingness to explore different aspects of happiness through personal experiments. The reviewer noted that the book offers a unique perspective on happiness and personal growth, making it a valuable read for anyone looking to improve their own well-being. They highlighted Rubin's ability to blend personal storytelling with broader insights, making the book both engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Gretchen Rubin realized that she had not accomplished true happiness.

    Rubin realized that despite having a seemingly 'perfect' life she was not as happy as she could be.

    The book offers a unique perspective on happiness and personal growth.

Green Groundswell · 2013-01-11
insightful 4.00

The narrative is both thoughtful and entertaining, offering a unique perspective on the various facets of happiness. The insights shared are practical and relatable, making it an engaging read.

Green Groundswell found Gretchen Rubin's exploration of happiness to be both insightful and enjoyable. The book is structured in a way that makes it easy to follow Rubin's personal journey, and her reflections on happiness are both thought-provoking and practical. The reviewer appreciated the balance between personal anecdotes and broader insights, making it a relatable and engaging read. They highlighted how Rubin's experiences and experiments with happiness can inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and make positive changes.

Quick quotes

    Rubin delivered a thoughtful and entertaining narrative on what she views as the facets of happiness.

    She shared her happiness journey in a way that is both relatable and inspiring.

    The book is a great blend of personal story and broader insights into happiness.

Year of Reading My Books · 2011-12-27
inspiring 4.50

The book is a mix of challenges and successes, all of which are worth the read. The personal experiences shared are both fantastic and unsuccessful, but ultimately valuable.

The reviewer from Year of Reading My Books appreciated the honesty and variety in Rubin's experiences throughout the book. They noted that while some of Rubin's attempts to increase happiness were successful, others were not, but all were valuable in their own way. The reviewer found the book to be a compelling read, filled with personal anecdotes that are both relatable and inspiring. They highlighted the importance of Rubin's willingness to share both her successes and failures, making the book a realistic and practical guide to finding happiness.

Quick quotes

    Throughout the book, she describes her challenges, successes, and experiences – some fantastic, some unsuccessful, but in total, all worth it.

    Her journey is filled with personal anecdotes that are both relatable and inspiring.

    The book is a realistic and practical guide to finding happiness.

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