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The Pursuit of Happiness

Why are we driving ourselves crazy and how can we stop?
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( 1,104 ratings, 186 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Pursuit of Happiness by Ruth Whippman explores the modern obsession with finding happiness, delving into how societal pressures and self-help trends shape our understanding of well-being. Through personal anecdotes and observations, Whippman critically examines whether this relentless pursuit truly leads to contentment, combining humour with insightful analysis. It's a thought-provoking exploration that challenges conventional wisdom about happiness in contemporary society.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$4500
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're curious about the quest for happiness in modern society. It offers an insightful, witty exploration of how our collective pursuit of joy often leads us away from actual contentment. If you appreciate books that blend social commentary, humour, and research to challenge conventional wisdom about happiness, this might be a perfect fit for you.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

When British journalist Ruth Whippman moved to America it seemed that everyone she met was obsessed with one thing: finding happiness. So Ruth sets off on a journey to work out what's going wrong, and most importantly what lessons we can all learn about what truly makes for a happy life. In this book, she details her experiences.

A very funny debunking of our obsession with achieving happiness, which will appeal to readers of Bill Bryson, Louis Theroux and Pamela Duckerman.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A very funny debunking of our obsession with achieving happiness, which will appeal to readers of Bill Bryson, Louis Theroux, and Pamela Duckerman.

'Essential reading. So funny, so relevant, so fascinating ... I loved it' - Marian Keyes

'A whip-sharp British Bill Bryson' - Sunday Times

'Ruth Whippman is my new favourite cultural critic, and her book was such a joy to read' - Adam Grant, author of Give and Take, Originals, and Option B (co-authored with Sheryl Sandberg)

When British journalist Ruth Whippman moved to America, it seemed that everyone she met was obsessed with one thing - finding happiness. Americans spend more money and energy on becoming happier than anyone on earth, yet they are some of the least happy people in the developed world.

So Ruth sets off on a journey to work out what's going wrong, and most importantly, what lessons we can all learn about what truly makes for a happy life.

From nearly falling apart during a controversial self-help course promising total transformation, to investigating a 'happiness city' in the Nevada desert, from spending time with the Mormons in Utah to exploring the darker truths behind the positive psychology movement, Ruth tries it all. Along the way, she stumbles upon a more effective, less anxiety-inducing path to contentment.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Ruth Whippman's The Pursuit of Happiness has been praised for its sharp wit, engaging style, and insightful critique of America's obsession with the happiness industry. Critics have likened her work to that of Bill Bryson, noting her humorous take on cultural differences. The book has been described as both entertaining and thought-provoking, with Whippman's narrative offering a refreshing perspective on the pursuit of happiness, emphasising the importance of relationships and critiquing materialistic values.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099592556

Publisher: Cornerstone

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 October 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Windmill Books

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 203g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Ruth Whippman is a British writer, journalist and documentary film-maker. Before moving to the US in 2011, she produced and directed numerous documentaries and current affairs programmes for the BBC. Her essays and comment pieces have appeared in the New York Times, The Guardian, the Independent and the Huffington Post amongst other places. She lives in California with her husband and two young sons. This is her first book.

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