Frequently Happy: 52 Mindful Moments to Bring Hope and Joy

by David Larbi

A beautiful book combining poetry, topics of self-reflection and journalling prompts to help readers find joy all around them.

I always pay attention
When a small joy grabs me
Some say easily pleased
I say, frequently happy!

Life can often be stressful. Each day might seem like a struggle to get through. You may find yourself desperate to get to the weekend, or wishing time would pass more quickly.
David Larbi is here to show you how to see beauty in the everyday and build pockets of joy, inspiration and calm into your life. Combining poetry with weekly reflections, this book is designed to help you explore your emotions, seize opportunities to grow, and find happiness all year round.

With journalling and activity prompts for every season, Frequently Happy creates space for deep self-reflection and brings motivation and gratitude to the forefront.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Audiobook, Health

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 23, 2025

Reviews

[Dani🦋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for this book to be out!!!!!!!

[♡ abbie ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in one sitting! I’m a poetry girly to my core so I looooved the inclusion of poems as well as David’s thoughts. Having the journal spaces was a fab idea too, as every mindful moment contains at least one very relatable thought or feeling, so being able to add something of my own was lovely. David is an exceptional writer (and, I must say, a fantastic friend too) so I always knew I was going to love this book, but it’s made me see so many things in my life differently and for that I’m truly grateful ❤️

[audge :-)]

very sweet and uplifting!! david larbi has a way of rewiring my brain unlike any other content creator. i love his vids online and was very impressed with this book. his advice feels very relevant to my life right now. thx maren for this book <33

"I always pay attention
When a small joy grabs me
Some say easily pleased
I say, frequently happy!"

YEAHHHH THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN ABOUT!!!!

[Zoë · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know why, but I couldn’t finish this book. At first, I liked it, but after a while, it all felt like little happy stories I couldn’t resonate with. Though I love David and his way of writing, especially his poetry.
Maybe this just isn’t the time for me to read this.
I will definitely try again one day.

[Aisling · Rating 5 out of 5]

David just fills my heart with joy 😭😭

[eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars rounded up)

sooo just to preface this review by stating that i first came across david larbi on tiktok, where he posts short videos reciting his optimistic poems and stories recounting the joys and sometimes challenges of his day. he has a very contagious chirpy spirit and when i saw he was writing and releasing his one book, i knew i wanted to read it and see what it was like.

in the main, i felt like the general idea for this book was great, and the formula of it all did work really well. i love the concept of 52 ‘once a week’ chapters that follow seasons of the year; each presenting a poem, a few reassuring mindful paragraphs, and a self-reflective journal prompt. david larbi should be very proud of this book and the good that he continues to set out to achieve and inspire.

i particularly enjoyed some of the more insightful, psychological aspects throughout. one of the chapters within ‘spring’ about the illusion of frequency (baader-meinhof) and how this can be applied to happiness was really interesting and stuck out to me as being very memorable. particularly for the fact it attached a formal label to a concept i’d noticed before and just not known it existed officially.

however, my little gripe with this book is that a lot of the ‘advice’ or words of wisdom felt slightly generic or … kind of obvious to me? perhaps this is coming from somebody who’s just been fortunate enough to have had a great upbringing with a network of supportive and encouraging people around me - so oftentimes, what was posed as ‘never heard before’ perspective-altering mental health advice and reassurance, actually ended up being just something that my dad has always taught me or what friends of mine say all the time.
i don’t for a second think it felt patronising or anything, but certain chapters’ content and wording did almost feel like a children’s tv show host teaching children lessons on how to navigate growing up, rather than adult-to-adult advice on how to juggle and manage hectic everyday life?

overall though, i still think it’s certainly worth a read. even if you only take one or two gems from the book, it’s worthwhile for how quick and easy a read it is. i’m also thinking this book will come in handy to me later on for referring back to certain poems or journal prompts. it would be lovely to use this as your self reflection diary for the year; set one day each week as ‘journal night’ and work through the seasons this way <3

[Freya Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book. I liked the journal prompts at the end of each chapter they really helped me to reflect

[Ghislaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a warm hug <3

[Asia Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frequently Happy: 52 Mindful Moments to Bring Hope and Joy, is exactly the kind of book the world needs right now. David Larbi has created a beautiful blend of poetry, reflection, and mindful journaling prompts that gently remind us to slow down and notice the joy tucked into everyday life. Each of the 52 mindful moments feels like a small gift, whether it’s appreciating a simple pleasure, setting healthy boundaries, or finding courage in challenging times. What I loved most is how accessible and uplifting this book is. It genuinely felt like a breath of fresh air to pick this book up and slow down, and reflect. You don’t need to carve out hours of time either, just a few minutes with one of these reflections can completely shift your perspective and brighten your day. His words are warm, encouraging, and deeply human, making this not just a book to read once, but one to return to again and again throughout the year. In fact, I can’t wait for this book to release so I can gift my mom a copy, as she loves these types of books and even maybe one for myself to read again at a later date. This is more than a collection of mindful practices like a typical self help type of book, it’s a companion for cultivating gratitude, hope, and joy in every season of life…Literally, as this book is separated into well curated seasons, with poetry and subjects relevant in those seasons, yet still timeless so you can still partake anytime of year. I’ll be recommending Frequently Happy to friends, family, and anyone looking for a little more light and reflection in their days. Thank you David Larbi, SOURCEBOOKS (non-fiction), and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've absolutely inhaled this one I loved it so much. It's a really quick easy read. The basic layout of this book is that there are 52 "moments" and each moment has a poem, extract and a journal prompt. I really liked this structure because I love poetry when I can understand it so having an extract to explain it works well for me and then the journal prompt means you can relate it back to your own life and personal meaning which means you are getting a lot out of this book.

Sometimes I read a self help and then I don't always know straight away how to apply what I've learnt to my actual life but with this one you are forced to reflect after each part which I think is really helpful.

The book is split into 4 sections as well winter, spring, summer and autumn so you could read this going through the year as a tool book or straight through like I did. It's definitely one I think I'll pick up again at different points even just to reflect back on in times I need a little guidance. I think it's lovely. 💖

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Sourcebooks Nonfiction for my #gifted ARC. My thoughts are my own.

What a lovely, lovely book! I thoroughly enjoyed working through the 52 mindful moments themed and grouped according to spring, summer, winter, and fall. Each has a poem by Larbi followed by a thought developed from that theme, and finally a question or two to guide the reader in reflection and/or journaling. The 52 moments are not required to be read in sequential order, but can be. They can be used to frame each of the 52 weeks of the year if the reader so chooses, but this is also quite optional. I appreciate that the book provides a framework but leaves it up to the reader on how to implement and personalize it. Throughout, the themes of joy, hope, and finding contentment are repeated, encouraging the reader to find inspiration for them in the quotidian and small we encounter all around us. This is at once a deeply personal and eminently giftable book, especially with the holidays approaching.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a title I have absolutely no criticisms of. From the very beginning, the author presents a beautifully curated poetic collection that explores the seasons throughout the year, forging connections not only with readers across generations but also with the present moment. The book is filled with many memorable moments, and its journal prompts are a distinctive feature that sets it apart within the genre. Each poem and prompt is thoughtfully crafted to help readers better understand themselves, their motivations, and their interactions with the world. There are moments of tough love, addressing difficult issues some may not feel ready to face, yet these are conveyed in a way that encourages growth, pushing beyond comfort zones while maintaining self-respect and respect for others. Ultimately, this is a wonderful collection that, like David's social media profiles, excels at spreading love, peace, and hope for brighter days.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik ben dol op de schattige gedichten van David Larbi. Altijd als zijn video's op social media voorbijkomen, word ik helemaal vrolijk. Toen zijn eerste boek uitkwam, heb ik dan ook gelijk een preorder geplaatst en sinds januari ben ik in dit boek bezig. Dat lijkt veel te lang, maar het is opgedeeld in de vier jaargetijden, met als bedoeling dat je ze per seizoen rustig doorleest.

Er staan 52 gedichten in, met een bijbehorende anekdote op het gebied van ontwikkeling en mindfulness en wat reflectievragen voor de lezer. Dat hoefde van mij niet zo, het ging mij alleen om de gedichten, maar ik moet zeggen dat ik de verhalen erbij ook leuk vond om te lezen en er wat dingen voor mezelf uit heb gehaald.

Geen boek om te verslinden, maar juist om er af en toe even bij te pakken en rustig van te genieten. Vrolijk, lief en hartverwarmend!

[Anisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

David, David, David!!
This book is everything I hoped it would be. I’ve been following David Larbi on social media for a while now, and his poems and daily reflections never fail to lift the weight off my shoulders and bring a smile to even the weariest of faces.

This book captures all of that, alongside the emotions, experiences, and inner battles that so many of us go through in our 20s and 30s. Through a blend of poetry, personal insights, and reflective journal entries, David delivers thoughtful storytelling that feels both intimate and interactive.

It’s a truly calming, inspiring read that I know I’ll be coming back to again and again. Thank you, David, for continuing to share your light in so many beautiful ways.

[Carly Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy! I needed this so much.
I love how simple and beautiful the poetry is. The author gives little insights into his life and childhood which makes the book very relatable.
Within an hour I was pulled out of my winter funk.
Thank you for this beautiful gift.
I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a boost of joy.
It contains a delightfully simple framework to help you kickstart cultivating positive emotions today.
Short and snappy practical journaling practices to help you to shift your mindset from negative self talk and a hopeless outlook on the world to finding true joy in life’s simple pleasures.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girlfriend got me this book a couple of months ago. I am currently in the process of starting to read and wanted to read something that was not fiction.

When I got this I had no idea who David Larbi was. I started by reading one chapter before work each morning, not been a poetry guy or one for “self help” but there were some lessons in here that spoke to me. Larbi’s use of words and poems is a joy to read and anyone can take away something from this. If you’re remotely interested in an eay to read, feel good book. Pick this up and you might be surprised how good it is.

[Lindsay Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. I read it over the course of a few months, trying to pace myself to align the parts of the books to the seasons but ended up finishing it before the fall months. I didn’t use the journal prompts in the moment of reading each poem but I was glad to have that reflective prompt after each one and am looking forward to using them separately from the book. If you enjoy David’s videos or podcasts, this book is a wonderful compilation of many of the themes he touches on. Congrats to David for publishing his first book — your perspectives have influenced many people for the better!

[Kali Coates · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Frequently Happy was an unexpected but delightful book to start fall with! I really enjoyed all the poems and the general joy the book brought but after a while it started to feel a bit repetitive. I think if I was a place in life that I was searching out a book for writing prompts or reflection, I would definitely go back to this one!

Thanks NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy of this book!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

[Susanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I reallyyy wanted to love this, as i love David Larbi's Instagram posts. But, with pain in my heart I'm giving this 3 stars.
There's nothing that I particularly disliked about this book, and some poems/thoughts and especially the writing prompts I loved! But it just didn't stick out that much for me. I feel like basically all of the thoughts David shared I'd already read or discussed or thought about myself, yet his writing about it didn't really add anything (for me).

[Jaime O'neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧
I was so lucky to receive a copy of this audio book from Source Books Audio. This book is absolutely BRILLIANT!! I have never read a book that is so relevant to the thoughts rambling through my brain! If your having a bad day listen to this book!! If your stressed listen to this book!! This book helps you take that needed moment when you just need to tell yourself all will be ok!! I absolutely loved this audio book and it will not be the last time I listen!!

[Marine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very beautiful read with lots of thoughtful poems. I particularly enjoyed the structure of this book (52 poems divided into Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall) where each chapter gave space for personal reflections. I think this book does a great job in making me appreciate the mundane and the small joys in life.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frequently Happy was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I follow David on Instagram, so I was excited to receive a copy of his new book. If you enjoy him on social media, his book is similar: a mixture of poetry and reflective prose. David even included journal questions to prompt you in your own reflection.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review.

I really like the fact that after every poem there is a space to journal.
Where you can answer a question in your own way.
I read through the poems and they were good.
I will be reading this again and fill in all the questions through the year.
The possibilities are endless.

Thank you so much for everyone involved for the arc.

[Terra]

I was gifted a copy of this (audio)book by the publisher and decided to give it a full listen through to see what it was all about. I absolutely adore the author/narrator and the way he interwove poetry with personal experience. I think this is a book I will come back to often, and may even attempt the weekly journal prompts, as many of them really spoke to me.

[Destiny Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have loved David Larbi's poems for a while now, it has always been a joy to have my scrolling interrupted by David reading his poems. To hear him share sometime mundane musings and small happiness's has brought light to my life. Loved the new poems and so glad he read the audiobook. A great hug of a book.

[Scott Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Organized in seasons, spring, summer, fall and winter with 52 individual chapters thatbwill certainly uplift your life. This audio book is filed with hope and joy, thought provoking poems that will cause you to pause and absorb what you hear. Look up David Larbi on tiktok and prepare to be enlightened.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author David Larbi’s TikTok are always positive moments for my doom scrolling. This book was easily digestible with his kind, optimistic flare. Listened to on audio which I recommend as the author narrated but I would suggest having a physical copy/ pen and paper to write the journal prompts. Will purchase physical copy to properly appreciate this read

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audiobook was very nice! I’m glad the author narrated it himself.

I felt like some of the things he said inspired me, while other insights were a little more generic. But they still felt like good reminders even if they were a little more obvious.

Overall, I would say this book did have a positive impact on my mental state.

[Radmila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved starting my mornings and ending my days with this book instead of social media scrolling! The short chapters provide some hope and insight in bite size. The best part were the poems - I have saved some of them to go back to.

[Adri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful poetry. Understanding and rebuilding my relationship with winter has still suck with me, thank you. I did not finish, but this book isn’t meant to be read from front to back in one go. I feel like I got what I needed from it, and I’ve passed it on for someone else to enjoy x