Books in Review: The Happiness Project

I read a lot. I would guess that I average about 40 books a year. It's not uncommon that I spend a few hours on a "me day" and finish a book in one sitting. It just recharges me like nothing else can. I love getting lost in worlds that aren't our own and experiencing things that I otherwise never would.

I love sharing that feeling. That's what this Books in Review blog series is about. Sharing that feeling.

(Before we begin, I want to remind you that the links below are affiliate links. There's nothing you need to do. That just means that if you decide to buy the book from that link, I get a very small commission. It in no way changes my opinion of the books and it doesn't cost you any extra.)

The Happiness Project

Gretchen Rubin

Quick Synopsis: 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.

My Thoughts: I am mixed about this book. I am glad I read it, because it encouraged me to start my own Happiness Project and I learned a lot from the book, but at times it was a bit slow. It was kind of like reading her journal and, at times, it was quite boring. Though, still worth the read!

My Rating: 3/5 Stars

See additional titles by this author HERE.

Books in Review: The Divergent Series

I read a lot. I would guess that I average about 40 books a year. It's not uncommon that I spend a few hours on a "me day" and finish a book in one sitting. It just recharges me like nothing else can. I love getting lost in worlds that aren't our own and experiencing things that I otherwise never would.

I love sharing that feeling. That's what this Books in Review blog series is about. Sharing that feeling.

(Before we begin, I want to remind you that the links below are affiliate links. There's nothing you need to do. That just means that if you decide to buy the book from that link, I get a very small commission. It in no way changes my opinion of the books and it doesn't cost you any extra.)

The Divergent Series
Book 1 Divergent
Book 2 Insurgent
Book 3 Allegiant
Veronica Roth

Quick Synopsis: In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

My Thoughts: Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I finished all 3 books in 2 days. It's similar to The Hunger Games, if you've read that. However, there are enough differences to set it a part. Some readers thought the ending should have been different (I'm among them), but it doesn't change my overall opinion of the book.

My Rating: 4.5/5 Stars




**This book has now been made into a well-rated movie starring Shailene Woodley and Theo James.**

See additional titles by this author HERE.

Infographic Wednesday: Easter

Easter is fast approaching! It's on the 20th this year. To help you prepare, here are some fun facts (and recipes) all about Easter!

via Visually

Book In Review: Parentonomics

I read a lot. I would guess that I average about 40 books a year. It's not uncommon that I spend a few hours on a "me day" and finish a book in one sitting. It just recharges me like nothing else can. I love getting lost in worlds that aren't our own and experiencing things that I otherwise never would.

I love sharing that feeling. That's what this Books in Review blog series is about. Sharing that feeling.

(Before we begin, I want to remind you that the links below are affiliate links. There's nothing you need to do. That just means that if you decide to buy the book from that link, I get a very small commission. It in no way changes my opinion of the books and it doesn't cost you any extra.)

Parentonomics
Joshua Gans

Quick Synopsis: Gans is an economist, and he began to apply the tools of his trade to raising his children. He saw his new life as one big economic management problem-- and if economics helped him think about parenting, parenting illuminated certain economic principles.

My Thoughts:  I don't really know what to say about this book. I was expecting more parenting and less economics, maybe? But, actually, it's less of a parenting book and more of a book about observing the interesting similarities between parenting and economics. Still an interesting read, but not what I was expecting. Not good, not bad.

My Rating: 3/5 Stars