10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works–A True Story, by Dan Harris
The first line of the Preface reads: “I initially wanted to call this book ‘The Voice in My Head Is an Asshole.’” I knew I was going to like Dan Harris. The title was “deemed inappropriate,” but you get the gist. (It sat on my shelf for a few years; think I would have read it sooner if that had been the actual title!) This book is a combination of TV reporter memoir, skeptic turns believer story, and how-to manual for fellow skeptics of a cynical nature.
I’m skeptical of self-help books, and this book reads like a reluctant skeptic wrote it (because one did) and went along (with himself) kicking and screaming all the way. If you’re like me, you might be thrilled to know he poo-poos the self-help genre in general, as well as anything that promises happiness. So why not settle for 10% happier, especially if it’s less settling and more, well, realistic?
Here’s how you can get a little bit happier today — you can buy it here.