Saturday, January 10, 2009

Book Review: The Secret to True Happiness

Cheesy title, I know. I would probably never read a book with this title except that I received this signed copy to review—and I always read review copies. But hopefully the title of Joyce Meyer's newest book will attract readers less persnickety than I, because it is well worth it.

I do not usually read books "like this." I don't read self-help and I rarely read "Christian living" books, unless I'm reading specifically for a Bible study. I so dislike books fluffy best-sellers like The Prayer of Jabez and Don't Sweat the Small Stuff that I have built up an aversion to the genre in general. I've heard great things about Joyce Meyers for years now, but this is my first encounter with her—and I applaud her.

Her approach is straightforward. If you want true happiness, stop whining and start enjoying. Stop comparing yourself to other people, stop being self-focused, stop being so dramatic, and start enjoying your everyday life. The root of unhappiness, she says, is self-centeredness.
When we are self-centered, we expect people around us to exist for our benefit. We think they should work to keep us happy, do what we want, and put us first. And by all means, they should never do anything to irritate us, frustrate us, or inconvenience us. … The overwhelming majority of the unhappiness, upset, and frustration we feel comes from not having things we want or from having to deal with situations we don't want. When our personal desires are not being met, we fall into discontent—and this is selfish.

This isn't an earth-shattering book. There aren't any magic tricks; it's just good, common sense laid out in a practical way with suggestions for getting over yourself and choosing, each day, to be happy.

I'd love to give this book away to someone. It's even signed by Joyce Meyer. ;-) If you would like a chance at winning this book, just leave me a comment and tell me something happy in your life.

**Addendum: Congrats to 1incollege1indiapers for winning this book! Hope you enjoy it!

14 comments:

Randy Small said...

something happy in my life: you

crochet lady said...

Thanks for the review. I like Joyce Meyers. I read a book of hers years ago that I thought was really good. Sounds like this one might be good to try.

The HoJo's said...

Thats a lovely comment Randy :o), my daughter is happy tonight, it was the final performance of the panto here, we all watched her and she joined us for the rest of the performance, just brilliant and one happy little girl who can't wait for next years rehursals to start
xc

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

I'm happy because I just acquired a copy of the book 14,000 Things to Be Happy About.

I've been making a casual study of happiness for the last two years. I'd love to see what Joyce Meyers has to say about it.

julie s. said...

my husband's been saying that same thing since i met him. he should have written a book. he, literally, a few months ago told one of his customers who sits in the coffeeshop all day every day (and this guy is young) that he would buy him a ticket to any third-world country. he told him to get off his butt and go help someone and his troubles would disappear. sadly, the guy is still at the shop all day every day. i suppose we don't have to go to another country to find selflessness. if we can just learn to practice it with those around us. i, like you, have balked at reading these types of books but after your review might have to check it out!

oh, and the happy in my life is my husband, kids and fabulous friends!

klbest said...

The "happy in my life" is my children. I appreciate them so very much.

One Gray Hair At A Time said...

The "Happy In My Life" right now is that my college son is happy and doing well. When they are out of your home you worry, but knowing that he is making wise decisions makes me "Happy".

Leah Courtney said...

I really enjoy Joyce Meyers, I'd like to read this!

Anonymous said...

I am not a self-help fan either, so be sure to send the copy to someone else. :-) But, I did want to say that my husband is someone in my life who is making me happy. He is just an all-round good guy, and I love him very much.

Hava
http://nonfictionlover.today.com

Heather said...

I have been interested in checking her out...thanks for the review...Something happy in my life, my children are healthy and happy, my husband is home for 4 days.

DebD said...

great review. I'm like you - I really don't like this genre in general.... I had to read "The Shack" for bookclub and it was an ordeal at best...I don't know that I'll give this one a go. I like Ms. Meyer's emphasis on avoiding belly button gazing - SO true in this American culture.

And, its always nice when a book is better than you think it will be.

BARBARA YARN said...

Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more. Nice Comment!

BARBARA YARN said...

Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more. Nice Comment!

Vagabond Recon777 said...

Totally agree with the cheesy book comment, Jabez, Myers. I've seen her on TV and can't imagine reading her book no matter how good the review. These self-help gurus are very tedious to read so I'm glad you reviewed the book so I won't have to read it.