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)

Practical and Insightful

Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Project is a delightful read that is inspiring but not so lofty as to be unattainable. Her practical approach and admitted foibles and challenges were something I could relate to, and think, gosh that is a good idea, maybe I could do something along those lines myself. I have already recommended the book to someone and plan to re-read it immediately.

I know I need to apply the knowledge...but

I loved the information, it is always difficult for me to start a new project.

Rationality is an allied of Happiness

Where does The Happiness Project rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I read and hear many books, on different subjects. This year is all about happiness and a better life. This book mixes in a balanced manner the rationality needed to be happy.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Happiness Project?

In simple words, Gretchen Rubin organizes the world outside her, to make the inner world function better. Isn't that what we ll want?

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

Plus, the recording and reading is really good!

Any additional comments?

My advise: read it, think about your life and live a better quality life, with the people you want, not with things and imposed subjects. Your life.

Awesome Book

love it!! I can't wait to share this with my family and start my happiness project!

Love it

Really useful book, if you suffer from procrastination then this book really offers helpful and simple tips to get you to the next level :)

Great book

I enjoyed this book and could relate to so many of Gretchen's experiences. The book provides lots of practical ideas on how to move forward with my own happiness project. Definitely worth the time. I will probably go back and read again to decide what things I want to consider trying for myself

Literally changed my life

I will listen to this my whole life to remind me so many valuable information about mindset!

Helpful and full of real-life stories

I loved the book and I also love Gretchen's blog. Actually I was first hooked on the blog and only after that read the book. As happiness studies go it's the most down to earth and applicable that I've seen. I know for sure many of the things Gretchen mentions in her book actually work. for anybody interested in happiness or just in improving themselves, it is an excellent read.

Great ... listen (read)

Very insightful. I loved hearing the author tell her story, I felt it added to the book. Now I want a paper copy!!!

A must read for every woman

Gretchen was on to something & I'm glad she was brave enough to write a book on her personal ah-ha moment. I think many of us (especially women) are trying to navigate between the many hats we wear, and get worried when we start feeling like we're losing ourselves and our personal purpose. Gretchen has mastered the navigation blueprint of doing it all (& in some cases, that means letting some things go). This is a definite re-read several times. AND, I would suggest this to young women entering into college to read this. Get things figured out before a husband & babies get involved. You'll be better equipped to enjoy that incredibly valuable & precious time more fully.