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Happy Bastards: An Eye-Opening Guide to an Extraordinary Life and Not Oversleeping on What Matters Most
Do you feel unsatisfied with your life, work, or relationships? F!*k satisfaction! There’s something more than happiness and success. Break through the limits society has put on you. Discover a meaningful life, full of bliss and joy, experienced by happy bastards.
Happy Bastards is a radical memoir and self-development book written by entrepreneur, blogger, and life provocateur Alex Monaco. Alex looks you straight in the eye and tells you your beliefs must change if you want to experience real bliss. And while unflinchingly exploding the delusions we tell ourselves, he also gently guides you to a new, better narrative for your life that will grant you the sheer joy you never thought possible.
If you like hard-won wisdom, in-your-face advice, and doing instead of complaining, then you’ll love Alex Monaco’s best-selling kick in the pants.
Here’s just some of what you get after reading this book:
Increase your human value without any plastic surgeries, a perfect body, money, or “success.”
Discover what a quality life really is!
Become a more respected person in all areas of your life.
Learn to create better goals and achieve them faster!
Change your life and become the person you always wanted to be!
Unlearn the Top Twelve beliefs that stop you from finding happiness and joy!
If you’re ready to accept the harsh truth and reframe your thinking, get your copy of the Happy Bastards manifesto today!
I have good news for you! You can still become a happy person. I also have bad news. Your happiness can’t wait for Friday. Happiness is here, and it hurts more than you do because you squashed it with your butt! – Alex Monaco
Happy Bastards is a radical memoir and self-development book written by entrepreneur, blogger, and life provocateur Alex Monaco. Alex looks you straight in the eye and tells you your beliefs must change if you want to experience real bliss. And while unflinchingly exploding the delusions we tell ourselves, he also gently guides you to a new, better narrative for your life that will grant you the sheer joy you never thought possible.
If you like hard-won wisdom, in-your-face advice, and doing instead of complaining, then you’ll love Alex Monaco’s best-selling kick in the pants.
Here’s just some of what you get after reading this book:
Increase your human value without any plastic surgeries, a perfect body, money, or “success.”
Discover what a quality life really is!
Become a more respected person in all areas of your life.
Learn to create better goals and achieve them faster!
Change your life and become the person you always wanted to be!
Unlearn the Top Twelve beliefs that stop you from finding happiness and joy!
If you’re ready to accept the harsh truth and reframe your thinking, get your copy of the Happy Bastards manifesto today!
I have good news for you! You can still become a happy person. I also have bad news. Your happiness can’t wait for Friday. Happiness is here, and it hurts more than you do because you squashed it with your butt! – Alex Monaco
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2017
11 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Alex Monaco
8 books27 followersAlex Monaco is a bestselling author and blogger whose page, www.alexmonaco.net, reads more than 100,000 readers. Working as a housekeeper and waiter in England, he saved money and founded a digital marketing agency, which he sold 20 years later (Adface). In 2014, together with Olympian, he created the Onbo coaching system, which was awarded at the MITx Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp event created by MIT—Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (http://news.mit.edu/2014/50-startups-...).
Alex Monaco has helped thousands of people and businesses achieve their goals.
Alex’s primary mission is to help people break free from standard mindsets by changing their beliefs and choosing wiser life goals that society is silent about.
Alex Monaco has helped thousands of people and businesses achieve their goals.
Alex’s primary mission is to help people break free from standard mindsets by changing their beliefs and choosing wiser life goals that society is silent about.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 12, 2023
This was more of a rant than an actual book, but I did enjoy it immensely. The author did a great job at combining humorous anecdotes with equally funny rhetorical questions that had me chuckling throughout the book. His words did resonate with me though; I could see the point he was making. Good job at that.
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this book.
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this book.
April 11, 2023
An unique (and at some parts almost poetic, sarcastic in good sense) self-help book that radiates such a powerful author aura, that it's even hard to describe it. It's easy to read, easy to understand. It's inspiring and moving. It seems like a lot of personal touch was added to design too! :)
Unique, powerful self-help book.
Unique, powerful self-help book.
April 27, 2023
Reader beware, you're in for a scare--but that's only if you're unwilling to face your flaws, fears, and former fabrications.
This book takes an aggressive, look-at-yourself-completely approach. If you aren't ready to be comepletely honest with yourself, this will definitely heat your seat. But If you take a step back and breathe, you'll see that Alex Monaco isn't yelling at you or pointing out your flaws because he's being mean--he's doing it because he honestly cares.
As the book goes on, Alex gives exceptional advice on how to make the most out of your life, no matter what your goal is. No where in here does he let you weasel away from addressing the problem: you and your outlook on life.
"[Some people] would want Alex Monaco to part the ocean of problems with his bare hands (like God parted the Red Sea). But why should I do that if you have arms and can swim?"
The outcome of your life comes down to your mind and discipline, and this book has wonderful pointers and helpful advice on how to fix that, and the author does NOT sugar coat anything, which, in my opinion, is desperately needed now adays.
If you're looking to change your life and work on yourself without unnecessary fluff or words of manipulation, this is the book for you. A great read all in all.
This book takes an aggressive, look-at-yourself-completely approach. If you aren't ready to be comepletely honest with yourself, this will definitely heat your seat. But If you take a step back and breathe, you'll see that Alex Monaco isn't yelling at you or pointing out your flaws because he's being mean--he's doing it because he honestly cares.
As the book goes on, Alex gives exceptional advice on how to make the most out of your life, no matter what your goal is. No where in here does he let you weasel away from addressing the problem: you and your outlook on life.
"[Some people] would want Alex Monaco to part the ocean of problems with his bare hands (like God parted the Red Sea). But why should I do that if you have arms and can swim?"
The outcome of your life comes down to your mind and discipline, and this book has wonderful pointers and helpful advice on how to fix that, and the author does NOT sugar coat anything, which, in my opinion, is desperately needed now adays.
If you're looking to change your life and work on yourself without unnecessary fluff or words of manipulation, this is the book for you. A great read all in all.
April 14, 2023
That's the way! Inspiring read, immensely enjoyed this bit.
April 11, 2023
A fantastic read that made me think about my life, my perspectives and how I interpret things. A great self help book. Fast read, and it put things into perspective for me@!
February 3, 2025
Motivational non-fiction book Happy Bastards takes a look at the kind of people the author admires and wishes to emulate and sets out steps for how to manifest their life quality for yourself.
The author’s tone comes across as excited and enthusiastic, but also somewhat bombastic and didactic, depending on how you feel about this kind of motivational instruction. He appears to have supreme confidence that what works for him will work equally well for everyone and that the only reason people might fail to succeed is that they don’t try hard enough or believe in themselves enough.
The anecdotal evidence relies quite a lot on survivor bias and extrapolating to the general from the individual. For example, one woman mentioned was poisoned but ‘made up her mind’ to survive and did, so Monaco reasons that you needn’t die from so-called ‘certain death’ if you just fight hard enough and keep the right mindset. Of course, this discounts the possibility that many of those who did die in that situation also fought equally hard not to and ‘made up their minds’ not to but died anyway, so their stories don’t make it into the record. Monaco is keen to attribute any advantages he has in life to his hard work and positive mindset – and those clearly do contribute to his success – but his insistence of the universal application of these methods suggests that anyone who doesn’t have his advantages is just making excuses for not working hard enough or not having the confidence to take risks.
That said, the book contains some good, basic ideas about living life fully and in the moment; believing in yourself; putting your all into everything you do; and being more of a “happy bastard” in every situation. None of this is new, but Monaco’s simple, direct expression, forceful charisma and sheer exuberance are likely to help those messages reach new audiences who don’t usually subscribe to ‘mindfulness’ or ‘wellbeing’ ideas. And the book is full of rhetorical questions, imagination exercises and hyperbolic exhortations to keep the flow brisk, conversational and easy-to-digest.
To summarise the overall message of the book: work hard; believe in yourself; follow your goals; respect your value; don’t listen to anyone who wants to knock you down; keep a Positive Mental Attitude; be happy with what you have got and who you are, but also strive to do and be better; and be confident. All important lessons to master for good mental health and I can’t argue with any of them. Following those mantras is very likely to help transform you life into a more successful and positive version, if not the full Alex Monaco, HB version of it!
The author’s tone comes across as excited and enthusiastic, but also somewhat bombastic and didactic, depending on how you feel about this kind of motivational instruction. He appears to have supreme confidence that what works for him will work equally well for everyone and that the only reason people might fail to succeed is that they don’t try hard enough or believe in themselves enough.
The anecdotal evidence relies quite a lot on survivor bias and extrapolating to the general from the individual. For example, one woman mentioned was poisoned but ‘made up her mind’ to survive and did, so Monaco reasons that you needn’t die from so-called ‘certain death’ if you just fight hard enough and keep the right mindset. Of course, this discounts the possibility that many of those who did die in that situation also fought equally hard not to and ‘made up their minds’ not to but died anyway, so their stories don’t make it into the record. Monaco is keen to attribute any advantages he has in life to his hard work and positive mindset – and those clearly do contribute to his success – but his insistence of the universal application of these methods suggests that anyone who doesn’t have his advantages is just making excuses for not working hard enough or not having the confidence to take risks.
That said, the book contains some good, basic ideas about living life fully and in the moment; believing in yourself; putting your all into everything you do; and being more of a “happy bastard” in every situation. None of this is new, but Monaco’s simple, direct expression, forceful charisma and sheer exuberance are likely to help those messages reach new audiences who don’t usually subscribe to ‘mindfulness’ or ‘wellbeing’ ideas. And the book is full of rhetorical questions, imagination exercises and hyperbolic exhortations to keep the flow brisk, conversational and easy-to-digest.
To summarise the overall message of the book: work hard; believe in yourself; follow your goals; respect your value; don’t listen to anyone who wants to knock you down; keep a Positive Mental Attitude; be happy with what you have got and who you are, but also strive to do and be better; and be confident. All important lessons to master for good mental health and I can’t argue with any of them. Following those mantras is very likely to help transform you life into a more successful and positive version, if not the full Alex Monaco, HB version of it!
May 13, 2024
“Happy Bastards” by Alex Monaco is a compelling, no-nonsense guide that dives headfirst into the deep waters of personal growth and self-improvement. In this provocative and insightful memoir-meets-self-help book, Monaco, an entrepreneur and life provocateur, challenges readers to confront their beliefs and embrace a new narrative for a more fulfilling life. Monaco’s approach is refreshingly blunt. He doesn’t shy away from addressing the tough truths and delusions that often hinder personal progress. His style is direct and confrontational, yet there is an underlying sense of empathy and understanding that resonates throughout the book. He isn’t just a critic; he’s a guide, offering practical advice and wisdom gained from his own experiences.
One of the most impactful aspects of “Happy Bastards” is its focus on redefining what it means to live a quality life. Monaco persuasively argues that true value and respect don’t come from superficial achievements like plastic surgery, a perfect body, or financial success. Instead, he advocates for a more holistic approach to self-worth, emphasizing inner growth, personal goals, and genuine self-respect.
The book is filled with actionable advice, and Monaco’s strategies for creating and achieving better goals are both practical and inspiring. Readers will appreciate the clear, step-by-step guidance that Monaco provides, making the journey towards self-improvement feel attainable and grounded.
One of the book’s key strengths is Monaco’s ability to debunk common beliefs that often impede happiness and joy. His analysis of these beliefs is insightful, encouraging readers to unlearn harmful patterns of thinking and adopt a more positive and proactive mindset.
“Happy Bastards” is more than just another self-help book; it’s a manifesto for those who are tired of merely dreaming about a better life and are ready to take concrete steps towards achieving it. Monaco’s blend of hard-earned wisdom, straight-talk, and encouraging guidance makes this book a must-read for anyone looking to make significant changes in their life.
In conclusion, “Happy Bastards” by Alex Monaco is a powerful, engaging, and transformative read. It’s ideal for anyone who appreciates honest, in-your-face advice and is ready to embrace the sometimes harsh truths necessary for personal growth. Monaco’s message is clear: change is possible, and it starts with challenging our deeply held beliefs. If you’re ready to embark on this journey, “Happy Bastards” is an excellent place to start.
One of the most impactful aspects of “Happy Bastards” is its focus on redefining what it means to live a quality life. Monaco persuasively argues that true value and respect don’t come from superficial achievements like plastic surgery, a perfect body, or financial success. Instead, he advocates for a more holistic approach to self-worth, emphasizing inner growth, personal goals, and genuine self-respect.
The book is filled with actionable advice, and Monaco’s strategies for creating and achieving better goals are both practical and inspiring. Readers will appreciate the clear, step-by-step guidance that Monaco provides, making the journey towards self-improvement feel attainable and grounded.
One of the book’s key strengths is Monaco’s ability to debunk common beliefs that often impede happiness and joy. His analysis of these beliefs is insightful, encouraging readers to unlearn harmful patterns of thinking and adopt a more positive and proactive mindset.
“Happy Bastards” is more than just another self-help book; it’s a manifesto for those who are tired of merely dreaming about a better life and are ready to take concrete steps towards achieving it. Monaco’s blend of hard-earned wisdom, straight-talk, and encouraging guidance makes this book a must-read for anyone looking to make significant changes in their life.
In conclusion, “Happy Bastards” by Alex Monaco is a powerful, engaging, and transformative read. It’s ideal for anyone who appreciates honest, in-your-face advice and is ready to embrace the sometimes harsh truths necessary for personal growth. Monaco’s message is clear: change is possible, and it starts with challenging our deeply held beliefs. If you’re ready to embark on this journey, “Happy Bastards” is an excellent place to start.
April 16, 2023
Buyer beware.....
If you are serious about making a change for the better in your life, then you need this book. If you have read other self-help books and still are not satisfied with who you are, then you need this book. If you think you have your act together, then you need to read this book, the reflection of yourself in the mirror of this book will surprise you.
With humor and irreverence, Monaco relates his life experience not to sound his own horn, but to challenge all of us to become happy bastards. Some of his advice you may have heard before, some of it is just common sense, but what makes this one different is the depth of just what it takes to make a true change.
The book starts with not how you can be better, but how you can make others feel better about themselves, how to make others happy. Yes, this means changing how you are but imagine how much better the world would be if we each made each other a little bit happier.
Some of his ideas are easy to implement, some not so much. One example is he encourages us all to read more. Just doing that simple thing could open the eyes of many people. But then he gives a list of ten books all of us should read. Are you ready to dive into Tolstoy's "War and Peace"? Or how about Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged"?
Regardless of where you are in your quest for change, this book will challenge you, unsettle you, and hopefully, motivate you to act.
This one gets a full five stars and after having read this I am on my way to becoming a happy bastard!
If you are serious about making a change for the better in your life, then you need this book. If you have read other self-help books and still are not satisfied with who you are, then you need this book. If you think you have your act together, then you need to read this book, the reflection of yourself in the mirror of this book will surprise you.
With humor and irreverence, Monaco relates his life experience not to sound his own horn, but to challenge all of us to become happy bastards. Some of his advice you may have heard before, some of it is just common sense, but what makes this one different is the depth of just what it takes to make a true change.
The book starts with not how you can be better, but how you can make others feel better about themselves, how to make others happy. Yes, this means changing how you are but imagine how much better the world would be if we each made each other a little bit happier.
Some of his ideas are easy to implement, some not so much. One example is he encourages us all to read more. Just doing that simple thing could open the eyes of many people. But then he gives a list of ten books all of us should read. Are you ready to dive into Tolstoy's "War and Peace"? Or how about Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged"?
Regardless of where you are in your quest for change, this book will challenge you, unsettle you, and hopefully, motivate you to act.
This one gets a full five stars and after having read this I am on my way to becoming a happy bastard!
April 24, 2023
Alex addresses the reader in a refreshingly authentic and personal manner which speaks to the heart.
It feels like you are receiving lessons on how to live your life from a close family member at an al fresco lunch rather than sitting in a sanitized lecture hall.
Everything about the book is colorful, from the language to Alex’s shared life experiences which are generously offered to you the reader to help you relate to the advice that is been proffered.
Be warned that while both of you are tucking in to a piece of apple pie (Alex’s favorite) he will rip the band aid off.
If you want to live your best life then it is in your hands, but you have to take action.
Do you want to be like the sad goat that he saw gazing towards Monaco or do you want to be the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T)?
It is your decision, but before you make it, I have to tell you:
They are out there … “the Happy Bastards.”
Alex has seen them, or so he has told me, they live and breathe, he speaks about them in reverent tones, and between you and me, I think he has become one of them!
I want to be one too.
So why don’t you find a few spare hours in your busy day and sit down with a libation and speak to Alex.
I know that I will return … if only just to get another piece of apple pie!
It feels like you are receiving lessons on how to live your life from a close family member at an al fresco lunch rather than sitting in a sanitized lecture hall.
Everything about the book is colorful, from the language to Alex’s shared life experiences which are generously offered to you the reader to help you relate to the advice that is been proffered.
Be warned that while both of you are tucking in to a piece of apple pie (Alex’s favorite) he will rip the band aid off.
If you want to live your best life then it is in your hands, but you have to take action.
Do you want to be like the sad goat that he saw gazing towards Monaco or do you want to be the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T)?
It is your decision, but before you make it, I have to tell you:
They are out there … “the Happy Bastards.”
Alex has seen them, or so he has told me, they live and breathe, he speaks about them in reverent tones, and between you and me, I think he has become one of them!
I want to be one too.
So why don’t you find a few spare hours in your busy day and sit down with a libation and speak to Alex.
I know that I will return … if only just to get another piece of apple pie!
April 17, 2023
This is a provocative book that will get you thinking.
One of the key questions it asks is: why is it so rare to find extremely successful, happy and wise people?
More importantly is the question it answers: how can I be one of them?
This book – based on the author's widely improbable path from working in a dead-end, menial job to starting a very successful digital advertising agency, and winning many prestigious awards along the way, is a goldmine of insight, wisdom and practical advice.
While the basic building blocks we all know – work hard, don't give up, imagine success – are in there, the book contains truly a unique perspective, based on his actual experiences. Leveraging his experience and perspective will give you a "how to" path forward.
This book will not change your life unless you let it.
My advice (not as impressive as his): read the book.
One of the key questions it asks is: why is it so rare to find extremely successful, happy and wise people?
More importantly is the question it answers: how can I be one of them?
This book – based on the author's widely improbable path from working in a dead-end, menial job to starting a very successful digital advertising agency, and winning many prestigious awards along the way, is a goldmine of insight, wisdom and practical advice.
While the basic building blocks we all know – work hard, don't give up, imagine success – are in there, the book contains truly a unique perspective, based on his actual experiences. Leveraging his experience and perspective will give you a "how to" path forward.
This book will not change your life unless you let it.
My advice (not as impressive as his): read the book.
May 2, 2023
The mind is a powerful tool. It can be your best friend or your worst enemy depending on your choice of thoughts and beliefs. Happy Bastards is a well-written, straightforward road map to overcoming popular false beliefs and reclaiming your happiness.
The book helps you to put things in a positive perspective while uncovering and replacing false beliefs which could be holding you back from the happiness and joy that you deserve. From life experiences that one can relate, to tips that help you regain your happiness, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a more positive happy way of life. Only you can make or break your life and Happy Bastards empowers the reader to understand that.
The book helps you to put things in a positive perspective while uncovering and replacing false beliefs which could be holding you back from the happiness and joy that you deserve. From life experiences that one can relate, to tips that help you regain your happiness, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a more positive happy way of life. Only you can make or break your life and Happy Bastards empowers the reader to understand that.
April 13, 2023
It was a quick, yet eye-opening read about choosing happiness over everything else.
The book is written in a unique style like most of Mark Manson books, and I found it to be very similar to the subtle art of not giving a fck book. I can highly recommend it as self-motivation book not only for men but also for women.
The book is written in a unique style like most of Mark Manson books, and I found it to be very similar to the subtle art of not giving a fck book. I can highly recommend it as self-motivation book not only for men but also for women.
April 22, 2023
Alex's excitement is straight up. This is super direct and an excellent point of view to become a better version of yourself. He's incredibly expressive about his desire for you to have a more exciting & prosperous life. His great humanity and humor pour into the pages of this book. Improve your life by reading it!
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July 10, 2024
Skaičiau ne šią, bet kitą Monaco knygą, tačiau jos nėra Goodreads. Pildau šią knygą, kad ją priskaitytų prie metinio iššukio. Skaičiau autoriaus ,,Įkrautos mintys". Skaičiau gana senokai 2024m. kovo 16 ir 2024m. kovo 24, t.y 2 dienas. Buvau užsiėmusi tuo laikotarpiu, todėl buvo toks didelis tarpas tarp skaitymo. Šiaip knyga man patinko, mintys joje geros ir skaitydama tikrai nenusivyliau!
April 14, 2023
This was a life-changing book. It took me from being an exceptional loser to someone, who wants more from life. This was the first step towards success, the small grain of hope for the big dream to come true. 5 stars all day!
April 12, 2023
This book messed up my life... in a good way
April 13, 2023
This is a great book! Straight forward, no bs, and spot on! This book can really help you change your life! Highly recommend!
April 21, 2023
Very funny and inspiring.
April 17, 2023
The book defines happiness and outlines example tips to help readers realise what is important and to change a negative mindset to achieve happiness. Ultimately, the quality of life is not achieved through luck but by enjoying life as is. The book is animated and intense, providing true accounts and hypothetical scenarios so readers can reflect on their own decisions. For example, many people wish to be famous, so the easiest solution is to rob a bank without a mask. These frequent jokes help to really dig deep and be realistic on what being happy really means to readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews