Michael

I was expecting a lighter story - but it felt more like a college text than a discussion of the virtues of the trades. Good, but definitely not for listening while driving. Way too much concentration needed.

Depressing, but well told. Makes you want to know more about where these people are now, even more than is told in the brief epilogue. And I would love to hear what Mr. Lewis recommends for how to avoid this in the future.

This is an amusing book, quite funny at times. But it is very "male" (lots of sex jokes and bathroom jokes) and while acting like it's targeted at the under-25 crowd, many references would only be understood by baby boomers. Either you get all the quips and find the technique childish, or you like the technique but miss half the jokes. Fun to listen to in short bursts, but tedious on long listens.

It reminded me of the wonderful old Connections series. What a wonderful collection of stories, and Mr. Bryson's voice added to the experience. I am tempted to get the unabridged version too, because I want more. For anyone with an ounce of curious scientist in them, start with the unabridged version!

I wish this book were longer - I could listen to Ruth tell stories forever. A wonderfully kind and thoughtful look back at her mother, as seen after the years of work and experience it took to not become her mother. Wonderful for anyone who is trying to figure out a seemingly difficult parent.

I had not read/heard the other "Art of Happiness" books, so that may be the issue here - but this book is not what I thought, and I did not find it to be very enjoyable.

Most importantly, I did not find the narration to be well done. Perhaps I was spoiled by "American On Purpose" where Craig Ferguson expertly reads his own book. That was brilliant. This book, on the other hand, is monotonous - literally.

The book is really the work of Howard Cutler, with some very brief comments drawn from interviews with the Dalai Lama. Mr. Cutler has knitted together a lengthy discussion from precious little real input from His Holiness.

Hopefully the other "Art of Happiness" books are better. Definitely don't start with this one.