Happiness for Beginners

by Garry Lee Wright

Funny 'forensic memoir' about sanity, success, serendipity – and solving the mysteries of a roller-coaster life.

“A heartfelt and hilarious look back in time. Baby Boomers will find a kindred spirit in Garry Lee Wright."

– Tim Walsh, author of "Timeless Toys" and star of "Toyland"

“Like every good satirist, Garry Lee has a slightly different perspective than the rest of the world...a sharp eye for the vagaries and oddities of life."

– Bill Clotworthy, former censor, Saturday Night Live

“Garry Lee's observations have never ceased to amaze me. On the radio or ruminating in print or on the Internet, he has a valuable, unique voice. And he's laugh-out-loud funny."

– Adam Buckman, media pundit and author of "Jerk"


“Garry is one of the funniest and smartest guys I know, and also one of the most generous. When I was unable to afford a couch, he gave me his. It was missing a leg and required a soup can for support. But he also gave me the soup can.”

– Charlie Meyerson, WXRT; ChicagoTribune.com; WGN; WBEZ

Genres: Humor

250 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2012

About the author

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Reviews

[DJ Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt thanks to both Garry Lee Wright and GoodReads for providing me with an Autographed FREE COPY of the book Happiness for Beginners. I was the Lucky winner in Garry Lee Wright’s GoodReads Book Giveaway and I really appreciate the opportunity to read and review his excellent glimpse into his reality.

Excerpt:

“Serendipity means ‘accidental discovery’. Most of the important discoveries in my life have come by accident. But I’m convinced there’s no such thing as coincidence.”

I have never believed in coincidence. I even have a tattoo on my arm that symbolizes the word “destiny”, i.e. no such thing as coincidence. It has to be destiny that this book found me.

The most endearing character for me was Blanche, the mother. The stories of her depression cooking reminded me of my grandmother, who played a large part in raising me, and great-grandmother who visited often. I have to tell you that when I read about Blanche I went out and got myself some potato soup and lemon pie. It just wasn’t the same as it would’ve been had it been homemade.

I blame my grandmother for my predisposition for hoarding. A quality Blanche seemed to exhibit as well. I too can fix anything with duct-tape. Not sure if that skill is inherited or a side effect of motherhood.

My family rivaled the author’s when it came to the crazy train. He talks about the doctors running out of space for the diagnoses, but in my case I think they ran out of diagnoses! I also related to his career crisis, as I too jumped from one profession to another trying to find my fit in the world. It is amazing to me how many of the same choices we made on that front; radio, sales, stand-up comedy, entrepreneur (never caught, lol!), and I never stopped being a consultant (I don’t think anyone ever can!).

Excerpt:

“Faith is a good thing, but religion would be more popular with me if the worst people in the world didn’t think that whenever they bow their heads, a red phone rings on God’s desk.”

I couldn’t agree with the author more. I find it difficult sometimes being around so many people of “faith”. I notice that most of the people who share my overall views of family, politics, and the like are religious. Organized religion has never been my strong suit.

Having spent a good portion of my life in Southern California, mostly San Diego and Los Angeles, it took me back to read the author’s account of good old Cali’. I forgot how much I missed it. How much I consider it home. Thought is different on the West Coast, people are different.

Like the author physical ailments affect me now. I learned to ask questions too, but mine is closed on more than just Mondays. It is always fulfilling in some strange way to meet a kindred spirit on this twisted road we call life, and if I weren’t already taken I’d say Garry Lee Wright was my soulmate!

I would like to HIGHLY RECOMMEND Happiness for Beginners by Garry Lee Wright to all who need a deep laugh, a good cry, a sweet story, a new journey, a winding path, or a friend along the way!

Get your copy of Happiness for Beginners by Garry Lee Wright on Amazon now!

[Jason Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A neat book that offers an adventurous story of going through the struggles and achievements of life in general. A funny and energetic look at the lifestyles of being in broadcast and media career field.
Being a resident of Eastern Iowa, I can definitely relate to many of the pieces he mentions throughout.
On a side note, the residents here are really into their U of Iowa Hawkeyes; my proof copy misspelled the mascot as Haweyes at the end of chapter 20 and may cause some ultimate fans to react negatively in their great state of Iowa here.
A story that I will definitely pass along to others to read and experience for years to come.

[Jes Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

I always enjoy diving into a book about another person's life, about their triumphs and downfalls, and this was no different. I was amazed at all that Garry experienced in life, and his nomadic tendency to bouncy from job to job. I am currently experiencing a version of that: constantly wondering what the next great opportunity could be while I am working at one job or another. In contrast, I can't say that I've have the moving experiences that he's had, remaining in one city thus far in my life.

Although a lot of the references to media icons were over my head, I reveled in seeing what the experience of this particular baby boomer was like. I especially enjoyed the embedded stories that were created offering a different perspective of certain situations, such as Thanksgiving and the future version of Back-to-School. I wouldn't mind reading another book by this author comprised solely of these imaginative little stories.

Garry's personal journey offers the reader plenty of life lessons that should be taken to heart, all the while learning to grab any and all opportunities that may arise in an individual's life. Life should always be viewed as a roller coaster, with it's ups and downs, slow points and thrilling descents, greeted with an open curiosity, never with fear.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads Giveaway! Thanks Goodreads and Thanks Mr. Garry Lee Wright.

This book = smile. It's generally relate-able to the audience and is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in the GoodReads giveaway. Overall, I thought it was pretty good. I got quite a few laughs out of it. Appreciated the author's wry, self-deprecating sense of humor. I will however say that I zoned out with the sections about job changes toward the end. The last chapter seems to end abruptly, as I was expecting more about how the author found happiness and overcame his mental/emotional trials. I really liked a couple of points in the beginning of the book. One being, "Traumas and dramas come in all sizes.... But time is an analgesic. Eventually we can look back at something and see what really happened without having our wires crossed by feeling it. Once the sting of immediacy and surprise fades, events may begin to make sense." I also liked, "A sense of humor, all the experts tell us, is the best coping mechanism around. Funny people are usually recovering from something, often the previous day." "Happiness for Beginners" is aptly named because the book ends just as the author's internal calming begins.

[Michael Dally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Won this book through a goodreads giveaway, and though I don't tend to read many biography's, I did enjoy this book. Mr. Wright has apparently lead an interesting life hrough his career in radio, stand-up, and writting, as well as a couple miscelaneous jobs amongst the years, and the humor that Mr. Wright brings to these life adventures was enjoyable. The format of the book broken up into sections based mainly on location and type of work sometimes caused the book to jump around a slight bit in time, but over all it was effective. This story also focuses mainly on Mr. Wright's professional career, and although other things are mentioned such as his marriages, and children being born, there isn't much focus placed on these occasions. This keeps the book from being too personal, which might have been nice if these things were explored more, it does keep the book moving along.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through goodreads, thank you. This humorous book with life lessons was a delightful read. The author, Garry Lee Wright draws readers into his world whereby assisting our comprehension of the experiences of bipolar disorder. As we read we gain insight into the troubled minds of those in this situation. He describes how it felt to be in his shoes, how he dealt with it, and how he came to realize the success he is today. I feel fortunate to have had the privilege of reading about his journey. As a retired teacher, I recommend all educators and parents read ‘Happiness for Beginners’, it will help you appreciate the difficulties these children face each day, each hour, and each minute.
Thank you Garry Lee Wright

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as a First Reads winner. I started this book a couple of weeks ago but, after only about 75 pages or so, I just couldn't read anymore. I just couldn't get interested. Never one to only finish only half of a book, I again picked it up and finally finished it. While I was able to find humor in some of Garry's story, overall it was one that I don't feel was interesting enough to have been published into a book. (FYI- I did find a few typos in the book as well.) I would not recommend to others.

[Josephine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Good Reads, and Mr. Wright for a free copy of this book. The journey to a 'career' is endlessly fascinating to me. I appreciate the fact that Mr wright never gave up, despite his emotional issues, which he hints at, but doesn't go into detail. I appreciate this, too, because he succeeds in 'keeping it real', instead. Think back....if you are 50/60 something.....how many jobs have you had? And what did you take away from each job? And what if you had a lot of early stuff to deal with? Well, mostly, you read this book.

[Venus Smurf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was funny, profound, and astoundingly witty. More than once, I laughed until I had tears rolling down my cheeks, and I found myself nodding at the author's wisdom more times than I could count. I LOVED the cover art--it was so fitting--and I think my life is honestly better for having read this book. I'm just hoping the author publishes something else soon, because this book is truly a gem.

[Paula Ackley · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book was easy to read I found it hard to follow. Then I realized that this was the whole point of the book. Life doesn't follow a straight path. We are constantly moving (some of us more or less so than others) and our goals are not always what we set out to achieve. To keep happy and focused isn't easy. Mr. Wright showed that it is possible. You have to work at it.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely.. I won a copy of it in a goodreads giveaway, from the author Garry Lee Wright (Thank you!) This is one of the most interesting autobiographies that I have read. Garry has been through so many ups and downs, yet always seems to stay positive & find humor where possible. There were many times that this book literally made me laugh out loud.

[Denisele · Rating 2 out of 5]

This memoir had some funny sections, but for the most part, I have no idea what I just read. I could picture it as someone talking to me, but in Kindle format I thought it was difficult to follow and kind of jumpy...

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I missed being a baby boomer by 5 short months, and still, I can relate to Garry Lee Wright! His retelling of past adventures was hilarious and uplifting at once. I would recommend this book to anyone who ever says "Remember when........"

[shabbalabbadingdong · Rating 2 out of 5]

I forced myself through 175 pages, and just couldn't go on. Garry Lee Whatever has certainly lead an interesting life, but the lack of organization in this book is frustrating for a reader, and I just couldn't bring myself to care about the author at all really.

[Alaina Maxam · Rating 3 out of 5]

not what I expected. kinda a hard read

[Wendy Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

An interesting read on his life. Everyone should have a dream and he followed his, wherever it led him. I enjoyed his sense of humor.