A Short Guide to A Happy Life
Book - 2000
From the New York Times bestselling author of Alternate Side, Anna Quindlen's classic reflection on a meaningful life makes a perfect gift for any occasion.
"Life is made of moments, small pieces of silver amidst long stretches of tedium. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won't happen. We have to teach ourselves now to live, really live . . . to love the journey, not the destination."
In this treasure of a book, Anna Quindlen, the bestselling novelist and columnist, reflects on what it takes to "get a life"--to live deeply every day and from your own unique self, rather than merely to exist through your days. "Knowledge of our own mortality is the greatest gift God ever gives us," Quindlen writes, "because unless you know the clock is ticking, it is so easy to waste our days, our lives." Her mother died when Quindlen was nineteen: "It was the dividing line between seeing the world in black and white, and in Technicolor. The lights came on for the darkest possible reason. . . . I learned something enduring, in a very short period of time, about life. And that was that it was glorious, and that you had no business taking it for granted." But how to live from that perspective, to fully engage in our days? In A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Quindlen guides us with an understanding that comes from knowing how to see the view, the richness in living.
"Life is made of moments, small pieces of silver amidst long stretches of tedium. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won't happen. We have to teach ourselves now to live, really live . . . to love the journey, not the destination."
In this treasure of a book, Anna Quindlen, the bestselling novelist and columnist, reflects on what it takes to "get a life"--to live deeply every day and from your own unique self, rather than merely to exist through your days. "Knowledge of our own mortality is the greatest gift God ever gives us," Quindlen writes, "because unless you know the clock is ticking, it is so easy to waste our days, our lives." Her mother died when Quindlen was nineteen: "It was the dividing line between seeing the world in black and white, and in Technicolor. The lights came on for the darkest possible reason. . . . I learned something enduring, in a very short period of time, about life. And that was that it was glorious, and that you had no business taking it for granted." But how to live from that perspective, to fully engage in our days? In A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Quindlen guides us with an understanding that comes from knowing how to see the view, the richness in living.
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Publisher:
New York : Random House, c2000.
Edition:
1st ed.
ISBN:
9780375504617
0375504613
0375504613
Branch Call Number:
170.44/QUIN
Characteristics:
50 pages : illustrations ; 19 cm
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Add a CommentShort is an excellent descriptor. This little book only took me fifteen minutes to read. There was nothing particularly new or profound in it, yet the flow of Quindlen's prose was such that it was a very readable little essay. The takeaway, to be present and attentive, is stated in multiple ways. The imagery is vivid. I think the author does an excellent job of encouraging the reader to live a life more present, and more aware of the beauty in it. I read it twice in short succession, and think it is a read one could return to again and again, when in need of encouragement and refreshment.
"Knowledge of our own mortality is the greatest gift God ever gives us," Quindlen writes, "because unless you know the clock is ticking, it is so easy to waste our days, our lives." This little book brought some giant nuggets into my life and living! I came across this as recommended by Sheryl Sandberg!
I've probably read this more times than any other book, in part because it is so short. You can expect to spend 15 minutes or less reading it. Though everything in this little gem may not ring true for you, there's bound to be something that will resonate.
If you like advice about working less and appreciating the world around you more, this book will be right up your alley. While work and a profession is important, in this short read, Quindlen focuses on the rest of life and what you're missing if you're not paying attention. This book would be good for recent graduates or people who are getting run down by the rat race.
Beautiful prose, wonderful, down to earth advice - what a great combination!