Amy O. (cheermom140) reviewed The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun on + 85 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
So disappointed in this book. With all the great 5-star reviews, I expected to be overwhelmed with fresh ideas, not trying to force myself to read stale drivel. Couldn't even finish it - you're better off reading the daily quotes on a Franklin Planner to get a good dose of positive vibes.
The author, Gretchen Rubin, is married to the son of Robert Rubin - former CEO of Goldman Sachs. Her husband is a super-rich hedge fund manager. She has housekeepers and nannies galore to clean and watch her children so she can look for "happiness."
from another reviewer but couldn't have said it better myself ..."I have not written a review before but felt compelled to do so after reading 1/3 to 1/2 of Ms. Rubin's work. Rather than feel happy or inspired myself, reading this book became painful. The author's constant reference to her past accomplishments were both self serving and unnecessary. I am still waiting for the "happy" part of the book to materialize. Your money would be better spent making a donation to the local food bank rather than buying this book - and I'll guarantee you'll feel happier."
The author, Gretchen Rubin, is married to the son of Robert Rubin - former CEO of Goldman Sachs. Her husband is a super-rich hedge fund manager. She has housekeepers and nannies galore to clean and watch her children so she can look for "happiness."
from another reviewer but couldn't have said it better myself ..."I have not written a review before but felt compelled to do so after reading 1/3 to 1/2 of Ms. Rubin's work. Rather than feel happy or inspired myself, reading this book became painful. The author's constant reference to her past accomplishments were both self serving and unnecessary. I am still waiting for the "happy" part of the book to materialize. Your money would be better spent making a donation to the local food bank rather than buying this book - and I'll guarantee you'll feel happier."
Moira Guthrie (moirawr) - , reviewed The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
While my initial response to this book wasn't the violent knee-jerk reaction of some of the other reviewers, I did find this book a bit tiresome to read. There were several chapters that were lighthearted and fun and the ideas were things that can be universally applied to everyone's life but other chapters I thought it sounded like she was just trying to convince herself of something. (Perhaps that she is happy.) And some chapters I just plain disagreed with - for instance, that money can buy happiness.
All in all, it wasn't a bad read but it definitely isn't a favorite and I won't be holding onto it. And I won't be picking up any other of Mrs. Rubin's books.
All in all, it wasn't a bad read but it definitely isn't a favorite and I won't be holding onto it. And I won't be picking up any other of Mrs. Rubin's books.
Beth H. reviewed The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Such a good book to be so infuriating. Ms. Reuben admits she has not dealt with many tragic events in her life and does not suffer from depression, but, my oh my, does it seem like she had the perfect life even before her "Happiness Project." Still, some real gems here. And a good read.
Cis H. (californiadreamin) reviewed The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun on + 279 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Poor little Gretchen Rubin, can't find happiness with all she has going for her...aww. And her poor husband! If I were a man and my wife talked to me the way she barked and berated him, I'd have my bags packed and a lawyer on retainer. I was so disappointed in this book! Granted, I did glean a few new book titles to read, and I admit there were a FEW decent ideas, but I truly had to put this book down and walk away at least five times before I could finish it. I found Gretchen to be mean spirited, selfish, and boring. Those daughters will need all the Rubin's money for therapy some day!
John O. (buzzby) -
Helpful Score: 1
I seem to have a different philosophy of life than she does, I don't know if I can follow her path (especially the part about marrying the son of a fabulously wealthy man).
