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)

Something for everyone

As Rubin prefaces her book, happiness looks different for all of us. So not every chapter of this book will be directly relevant to you or your life. Still, the principles of growth, mindfulness, and accountability outlined herein will make everyone happier.

Thoughtful and not overwhelming

Listening to this book gave me a lot of small moments throughout where I paused and found myself acknowledging both good and bad habits and characteristics. This book helped me realize I'm on the right path for some things and where I could use a course correction. Gretchen is awesome to listen to and I appreciate her candor. Great audiobook!

Loved it!

Would you listen to The Happiness Project again? Why?

I found it very easy to relate to, and used a lot of her project ideas in my own "H/P"
I love Gretchen, and she is easy to listen to, not annoying at all!
Overall, I thought it was an excellent book!

Starting my own Happiness Project

What did you love best about The Happiness Project?

There are so many ideas that I never thought of relating to happiness before (clean closets, empty shelves.) I am a parent, and so is the author. A large part of the book related directly to children and to marriage. I think there's still a lot to be found for anyone who has a close relationship and/or nieces or nephews/children in their lives. I never really thought about how my every day actions could add up or detract from my happiness. I'm very glad Gretchen wrote this book - despite her critics. Her website is also a great compliment to this book.

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

Gretchen's "Happiness at Home" is read by another performer. I might have to read that as a hard copy instead of the audio book. I became spoiled listening to Gretchen read this book because It just felt more authentic to hear her discussing her personal life changes.

Authentic, inspiring, and practical!

I had heard of the Happiness Project but had not made the time to read it. When I finally did, I was pleasantly surprised by how much good information was in there, practical yet inspiring! A tough mix. A personal account woven with real-life studies and anecdotes. A worthy read that will inspire you to look at your own life.

Great!

Really enjoyed this and got some wonderful suggestions out of it. Looking forward to creating a happier life for myself.

I liked it

It was interesting to read/listen to the book. the book made me to think about some important stuff.
I also liked the voice of the narrator

Inspiring

I finished this book 2 weeks ago and yet it is always on my mind. I loved the quotes from various times and people of the past. I loved the different thoughts on what indeed can make happy people happier
I still haven't applied what I learned about making time for myself but I will. I think this will be a book I credit years from now for changing my life

Life changing!

This book is full of actual tips that one can realistically follow and really make a positive change in one's life.

Practical and Entertaining

The happiness project was an enjoyable audio book. Gretchen Rubin is entertaining and I like her voice. The book is about how she managed her year long happiness project. It will give you a good starting ground of ideas that are practical to try. Do not expect anything ground breaking in the book. It is a good reminder and framework.