The Happiness Project

By: Gretchen Rubin

Narrated by: Gretchen Rubin

Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 New York Times Bestseller

“An enlightening, laugh-aloud read. . . . Filled with open, honest glimpses into [Rubin’s] real life, woven together with constant doses of humor.”—Christian Science Monitor

Gretchen Rubin’s year-long experiment to discover how to create true happiness. Drawing on cutting-edge science, classical philosophy, and real-world examples, Rubin delivers an engaging, eminently relatable chronicle of transformation.

Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. “The days are long, but the years are short,” she realized. “Time is passing, and I’m not focusing enough on the things that really matter.” In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project.

In this lively and compelling account, Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.

As an added bonus, this recording includes a sampling of Gretchen’s podcast, Happier With Gretchen Rubin. In this episode, "Choose the Bigger Life," Gretchen and her sister, Elizabeth Craft, discuss happiness, good habits, and whether Gretchen is going to get a dog.

©2009 Gretchen Rubin (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Packed with fascinating facts about the science of happiness and rich examples of how she improves her life through changes small and big. The Happiness Project made me happier by just reading it." (Bookpage.com)

Happiness, well-being, relationship building

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Easy read and I would recommend this book to everyone!! Gretchen is analytical about happiness and creating a better life filled with more joy. She accomplishes this through organization, taking better care of her body, attending to her relationships, and many other aspects. I love that she doesn’t treat happiness as an isolated feeling to fix, but from a holistic view. I think the focus on anti-depressants and trying to normalize is some senses takes away from finding true joy and happiness. I understand medication is needed, but no one should settle for feeling ok. Gretchen’s experiment and journey are eloquently described and have encouraged me to be a better person to others, tackle tasks that seem to grand, and to try be honest with myself.

What other book might you compare The Happiness Project to and why?

This book was similar to “The Courage to Start” by John “The Penguin” Bingham and to “My Stoke of Insight” by Jill Bolte Taylor because I was inspired by all, and given new perspectives that forced growth in my life. However, The Happiness Project was different in the fact that the author addresses all areas of life for growth.

What does Gretchen Rubin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She is able to portray the feelings and difficulty of situations through her reading that while stated, one might not get the full impact. You can also better appreciate her ability to laugh at herself and situations in her life. Her excitement and confidence in her findings or truths, is contagious. While a similar experience may be derived from reading the book, her narration is highly recommended.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I have laughed out loud at some of the situational stories in the book, especially when about conversations with her husband.

Narcissist

If you could sum up The Happiness Project in three words, what would they be?

How many times In one book can you say the work "I"?

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

blah

What three words best describe Gretchen Rubin’s performance?

blah too monotone

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no

Any additional comments?

no

a must read for those striving to be happy!

I loved this book. The author really gets to the core of finding happiness for yourself and family.

Inspiring

What made the experience of listening to The Happiness Project the most enjoyable?

I love the way this book is divided into the months of the year. It makes listening in chunks more enjoyable.

Have you listened to any of Gretchen Rubin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

After listening to this book I've subscribed to Gretchen's podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, which I would also recommend.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Some of the topics really hit home for me and I was inspired to create my own list of commandments. Don't think I have Gretchen's discipline though, so sticking to it will be another thing.

Inspirational

Enjoyed listening to this book and was inspired to start some of the plans.
Will need to re-listen again and make notes as I didn't the first time through!

Very Inspirational

After listening through I was so eager to start my own Happiness Project. I am relistening now, it is just that good.

Jessie

It was an interesting concept but it ended up feeling too long. The point was belabored and I felt like I was being preached to.

Extremely Happy!

Would you listen to The Happiness Project again? Why?

Yes, I am listening to it again. I listened once all the way through, now I am listening to each month and doing some of the things she suggests.

What did you like best about this story?

I actually have quite a bit in common with the author, but even the dissimilarities were interesting to listen to and learn from her learning process.

What about Gretchen Rubin’s performance did you like?

These are her experiences & she really puts a lot of feeling into her discoveries. You can visualize the conversations between her and her husband & others.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Get happy.

Any additional comments?

This is one of the best, most meaningful books I have ever read/listened to.

A lot to think about

Would you listen to The Happiness Project again? Why?

Yes, there's a lot to think about and changes I'd like to try to make.

Any additional comments?

I think the author is a bit of an over achiever. There's too much for me to focus on in a single month. But with so many "resolutions" to consider, it gave me a lot to think about and to try in my own life.

Enlightening in a new way

While I did not find much new enlightenment in this book, I did learn a lot about myself. I found this book extremely useful if you're willing to keep an open mind and think critically about how her own process can relate to your own process. There's no huge breakthrough here, but it does take all of those little tips of how to be happier and put it into one place. This book was a great reminder of things I want to work on and how to tackle them. It is also useful to see inside of someone else's brain who is similar in some ways in order to dig deeper into my own mind. This is a book that I will definitely read again in the continuous pursuit of bettering myself while also remembering to be happy with where I already am.