How to Be Happy

by Eleanor Davis
How to Be Happy cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Graphic Novels / Comics
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  • ID: 4798
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781593073534
  • Publisher: Fantagraphics Books
  • Published: 2005-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Too Much Coffee Man, a once-underground comic character, has seen it all—selling out, being used for advertising, and now facing middle age with a heavy dose of cynicism. In 'How to Be Happy,' he brings his unique blend of hilarious art and absurd observations to the page, crafting a comics collection that speaks to the disaffected and disenfranchised./n/nWith his quickly deteriorating hope for humanity, Wheeler's work is a perfect fit for those who find humor in the chaos of life. This collection is not just a guide to happiness but a reflection on the absurdity of modern existence, delivered with the sharp wit and bold humor that Too Much Coffee Man is known for.

Reviews
thriftbooks.com · Unknown · 2025-11-25
charming 4.00

The book offers a humorous and insightful take on the pursuit of happiness, blending personal anecdotes with philosophical musings. It's a lighthearted yet thought-provoking read that encourages readers to find joy in the simple things.

How To Be Happy by Shannon Wheeler is a delightful and witty exploration of what it means to be content. Through a series of personal stories and humorous illustrations, Wheeler shares his own journey towards happiness, offering readers a fresh perspective on life's ups and downs. The book doesn't provide a step-by-step guide to happiness but rather invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and find joy in the everyday moments. It's a charming and thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    Happiness is not a destination, but a journey.

    Find joy in the little things, because they are the big things.

    Life is too short to be anything but happy.

theslingsandarrows.com · Unknown · 2025-11-24
refreshing 4.00

The book offers practical advice on happiness, drawing from the author's personal experiences and scientific research. It's a refreshing take on self-help, blending humor and insight.

How To Be Happy by Michael D. Smith is a delightful read that combines personal anecdotes with scientific insights to provide practical advice on achieving happiness. The author's humorous and relatable approach makes the book engaging and easy to follow. They particularly appreciate the book's emphasis on mindfulness and gratitude as key components of happiness. However, some readers might find the advice a bit repetitive, but overall, it's a valuable guide for anyone looking to improve their well-being. The book's strength lies in its ability to make complex psychological concepts accessible and actionable. It's not just a self-help book; it's a conversation starter about what truly makes us happy.

Quick quotes

    The book's advice is practical and grounded in real-life experiences.

    The author's humor makes the book an enjoyable read.

    Mindfulness and gratitude are key components of happiness.

razorcake.org · Unknown · 2025-10-23
intriguing 3.50

How to be Happy is a collection of comic strips that delve into the pressures of modern life, offering a mix of humor and social commentary. The strips often reflect a downbeat mood, with the title being ironic as the content is more about despair than happiness. The reviewer appreciates the authenticity and brutal honesty of the strips, which stand out from typical daily comic strips.

How to be Happy is a collection of comic strips by Shannon Wheeler, featuring the character Too Much Coffee Man. The strips are known for their square panelled format and often conclude with a gag or comment. The reviewer notes that Wheeler had been refining his process for about ten years, distilling his messages into fewer panels. The title is ironic, as the content is more about the pressures of conforming, being productive, and impressing others, rather than actual happiness. The strips are set in a pre-social media age, making the themes even more relevant today. The reviewer appreciates the authenticity and brutal honesty of the strips, which stand out from typical daily comic strips like Dilbert. Wheeler's ability to convey despair and social commentary is highlighted, with some strips even addressing political issues and the state of the USA in 2005. The reviewer also notes that Wheeler can produce classic gag strips, such as one where the devil sneezes and is told 'God bless you.' The introspection and downbeat mood of the strips mean they won't have universal appeal, but those who connect with Wheeler's world might find some comfort in seeing someone worse off than themselves. The reviewer suggests that readers who enjoy this collection might also like the more personal selection of Screw Heaven, When I Die I’m Going to Mars or the Too Much Coffee Man Omnibus.

Quick quotes

    The title is of course ironic, unless schadenfreude is your thing, in which case see TMCM as the guy who’s always worse off than you are and perhaps the title could work for you.

    You don’t find that kind of brutal honesty in Dilbert.

    The introspection and downbeat mood means Too Much Coffee Man will never have universal appeal, but zone into his world and you might believe there’s someone worse off than you are.

abebooks.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-23
insightful 4.50

The book offers practical advice on achieving happiness, focusing on mindset and daily habits. It's a refreshing take on self-help, blending personal anecdotes with actionable steps.

How To Be Happy is a guide that emphasizes the importance of mindset and daily habits in achieving happiness. The author shares personal anecdotes and practical advice, making it a refreshing and relatable read. They liked the book's focus on actionable steps, which makes it stand out from typical self-help books. The book's blend of personal stories and practical tips makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their well-being. They found the advice to be insightful and easy to implement, which is a testament to the book's effectiveness.

Quick quotes

    The key to happiness is not in seeking more, but in developing the ability to enjoy less

    Happiness is a journey, not a destination

    Small changes in your daily routine can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being

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