What do you think?
Rate this book
Anna Quindlen Boxed Set: A Short Guide to a Happy Life / Being Perfect
From beloved author and columnist Anna Quindlen, comes two timeless bestsellers, A Short Guide to a Happy Life," "and Being Perfect." "These two treasures are now packaged together and make the perfect gift for someone special.
In A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Anna Quindlen 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? Here, Quindlen guides us with an understanding that comes from knowing how to see the view, the richness in living.
In Being Perfect, Anna Quindlen shares wisdom that, perhaps without knowing it, you have longed to hear: about "the perfection trap," the price you pay when you become ensnared in it, and the key to setting yourself free. Quindlen believes that when your success looks good to the world but doesn't feel good in your heart, it isn't success at all.
She asks you to set aside your friends' advice, what your family and co-workers demand, and what society expects, and look at the choices you make every day. When you ask yourself why you are making them, Quindlen encourages you to give this answer: For me. "Because they are what I want, or wish for. Because they reflect who and what I am. . . . That way lies dancing to the melodies spun out by your own heart."
At the core of this beautiful book lies the secret of authentic success, the inspiration to embrace your own uniqueness and live the life that is undeniably your own, rich in fulfillment and meaning.
In A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Anna Quindlen 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? Here, Quindlen guides us with an understanding that comes from knowing how to see the view, the richness in living.
In Being Perfect, Anna Quindlen shares wisdom that, perhaps without knowing it, you have longed to hear: about "the perfection trap," the price you pay when you become ensnared in it, and the key to setting yourself free. Quindlen believes that when your success looks good to the world but doesn't feel good in your heart, it isn't success at all.
She asks you to set aside your friends' advice, what your family and co-workers demand, and what society expects, and look at the choices you make every day. When you ask yourself why you are making them, Quindlen encourages you to give this answer: For me. "Because they are what I want, or wish for. Because they reflect who and what I am. . . . That way lies dancing to the melodies spun out by your own heart."
At the core of this beautiful book lies the secret of authentic success, the inspiration to embrace your own uniqueness and live the life that is undeniably your own, rich in fulfillment and meaning.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2005
2 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Anna Quindlen
86 books4,747 followersAnna Marie Quindlen is an American author, journalist, and opinion columnist.
Her New York Times column, Public and Private, won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992. She began her journalism career in 1974 as a reporter for the New York Post. Between 1977 and 1994 she held several posts at The New York Times. Her semi-autobiographical novel One True Thing (1994) served as the basis for the 1998 film starring Meryl Streep and Renée Zellweger.
Her New York Times column, Public and Private, won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992. She began her journalism career in 1974 as a reporter for the New York Post. Between 1977 and 1994 she held several posts at The New York Times. Her semi-autobiographical novel One True Thing (1994) served as the basis for the 1998 film starring Meryl Streep and Renée Zellweger.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 31, 2023
4 stars
Other than really liking the written word of Anna Quindlen, I needed to read a self help book for a challenge. Self help books are really not my thing - since you know I am perfect (cough, cough!!) So when I came across "A Short Guide to a Happy Life" and under 100 pages by an author I like, I was elated. Then when looking for a copy of the book I found an Audio CD of not only the material I wanted, but which also included a second novella, or short story, called "Being Perfect" I knew that that CD was meant for me. LOL!
In under 100 pages - actually in less than one hour - I got to listen to one of my favorite authors expand on learning how to be yourself, embracing your own uniqueness and actually seeing what each day has to offer. In addition this CD disc also included a short interview with the author.
So I not only fulfilled my challenge, got to listen to one of my favorite authors narrate her own CD, but also got the affirmation that I am 'perfect' just the way I am...lol! What more could I asked for?
Other than really liking the written word of Anna Quindlen, I needed to read a self help book for a challenge. Self help books are really not my thing - since you know I am perfect (cough, cough!!) So when I came across "A Short Guide to a Happy Life" and under 100 pages by an author I like, I was elated. Then when looking for a copy of the book I found an Audio CD of not only the material I wanted, but which also included a second novella, or short story, called "Being Perfect" I knew that that CD was meant for me. LOL!
In under 100 pages - actually in less than one hour - I got to listen to one of my favorite authors expand on learning how to be yourself, embracing your own uniqueness and actually seeing what each day has to offer. In addition this CD disc also included a short interview with the author.
So I not only fulfilled my challenge, got to listen to one of my favorite authors narrate her own CD, but also got the affirmation that I am 'perfect' just the way I am...lol! What more could I asked for?
September 15, 2018
A quick look at the problems of trying to be “perfect”. As a Virgo, it took me a long time to get over that. Now I truly enjoy all my imperfections. Great old-fashioned photographs. 🤪
September 7, 2016
Awesome little book. So inspiring. I need to be reminded of the miracle every day is. Highly recommend "A Short Guide to a Happy Life." I took lots of little notes from this one.
June 15, 2022
This is a very short read but tells it like it is. What makes you happy can be different from what you think does; that happiness can be found anywhere and quite often passes unnoticed until we come to reflect upon that particular point in our life. Interesting for all its brevity.
September 4, 2019
Quindlen's speech to graduates.
May 14, 2022
It's a fine short read about simple reminders on how to be happy. Nothing earth shattering.
March 5, 2012
Honestly, these 2 short essays (commencement speeches) didn't do much for me. The interview with the author was far more interesting.
Being Perfect: I was hoping this was about being perfect in terms of striving to constantly better yourself, but was sadly disappointed. This 'perfect' is about being the trendiest, most popular idiot you can be.
A Short Guide to a Happy Life: I totally disagree with this one as well. When my biggest problem is sloth, and how sloth causes me to not change things that make my life unhappy, taking it easy and not trying is not the best solution.
Both have some spots of brilliance, but ultimately, these speeches were not designed for myself or anyone with similar attitudes towards life.
Being Perfect: I was hoping this was about being perfect in terms of striving to constantly better yourself, but was sadly disappointed. This 'perfect' is about being the trendiest, most popular idiot you can be.
A Short Guide to a Happy Life: I totally disagree with this one as well. When my biggest problem is sloth, and how sloth causes me to not change things that make my life unhappy, taking it easy and not trying is not the best solution.
Both have some spots of brilliance, but ultimately, these speeches were not designed for myself or anyone with similar attitudes towards life.
December 9, 2009
Could barely muddle through this book! It might make me a lesser human being for not loving this much-enjoyed quickie about Doing Good, but I felt like I was reading every graduation speech ever written. (I understand that's what it was intended to be -- but why must it be put into yet another little gifty book? Haven't we got it all memorized by now? Life's Little Instruction Books, Chicken Soup, etc. etc.)
November 22, 2011
Generic
May 28, 2012
Once again the title caught my attention, but I didn't like the book.
August 8, 2012
graduation speeches - about mortality awareness to keep one grounded in appreciating now... and being perfect isn't by others standards but your own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2015
Fantastic little audiobook, read by the author. These are two commencement addresses full of good advice on how to live ones life well. Just an hour, plus a nice interview with Quindlen.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews