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How to Be Happy with Who You Are
44 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2025
10 people want to read
About the author
Sudha Murty
186 books2,991 followersSudha Murty was born in 1950 in Shiggaon in north Karnataka. She did her MTech in computer science, and is now the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. A prolific writer in English and Kannada, she has written nine novels, four technical books, three travelogues, one collection of short stories, three collections of non-fiction pieces and two books for children.
Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages and have sold over three lakh copies around the country. She was the recipient of the R.K. Narayan's Award for Literature and the Padma Shri in 2006.
Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages and have sold over three lakh copies around the country. She was the recipient of the R.K. Narayan's Award for Literature and the Padma Shri in 2006.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 22, 2025
"The simpler the words, the deeper they sink.”
That’s exactly what this book does.
'How to Be Happy with Who You Are' by Sudha Murty isn’t a self-help manual dressed in heavy words, it’s a quiet mirror. Each story feels like a conversation with a grandmother who has seen enough life to tell you what truly matters.
There’s no drama here, no preaching, just simple truths told with warmth and wisdom. You pause, smile, and think, “Yes, that’s true,” more times than you expect.
It’s the kind of book you finish in one sitting but carry with you for days. A gentle reminder that happiness isn’t out there somewhere, it’s within, waiting for us to notice.
Simple words. Deep reflections. Sudha Murty at her calm, grounding best.
That’s exactly what this book does.
'How to Be Happy with Who You Are' by Sudha Murty isn’t a self-help manual dressed in heavy words, it’s a quiet mirror. Each story feels like a conversation with a grandmother who has seen enough life to tell you what truly matters.
There’s no drama here, no preaching, just simple truths told with warmth and wisdom. You pause, smile, and think, “Yes, that’s true,” more times than you expect.
It’s the kind of book you finish in one sitting but carry with you for days. A gentle reminder that happiness isn’t out there somewhere, it’s within, waiting for us to notice.
Simple words. Deep reflections. Sudha Murty at her calm, grounding best.
November 1, 2025
How to Be Happy with Who You Are by Sudha Murty @smtsudhamurty
How does one even begin to talk of a Sudha Murty book? Her stories read less as something one reads, rather as something remembered, as if they have always been quietly waiting inside. How to Be Happy with Who You Are is one such tale, luminous and gentle, rooted in the kind of wisdom that never feels heavy-handed, yet stays long after.
Its about the Princess of the Sea, who after a meeting with her so-called friends, longs to be like them, strong like the mountains, sweet like the rivers, colourful like the trees. Her desire to be someone else mirrors our own everyday discontent, that subtle ache to measure our worth against another’s. Through her transformations, she realises what we all eventually learn, true happiness comes not from comparison but from accepting who we are.
The role of her father, The Sea King, as patient, pragmatic, and loving, is so beautifully etched-letting anyone learn a lesson themselves is always the truest lesson learnt!
The rare simplicity of Murty's storytelling carries depth-the kind that both children and adults can read and take something different from. Every line feels like a truth distilled, told with warmth rather than instruction.
The soft and fluid illustrations by Shruti Hemani create a gentle rhythm within the narrative. They make this book not a simple read, but an experience that glows with colour and quiet understanding.
You don't review a Sudha Murty story, you receive it. How to Be Happy with Who You Are is not just for children, but for anyone who has ever wished to be someone else, anyone in need of remembering that peace begins where comparison ends.
How does one even begin to talk of a Sudha Murty book? Her stories read less as something one reads, rather as something remembered, as if they have always been quietly waiting inside. How to Be Happy with Who You Are is one such tale, luminous and gentle, rooted in the kind of wisdom that never feels heavy-handed, yet stays long after.
Its about the Princess of the Sea, who after a meeting with her so-called friends, longs to be like them, strong like the mountains, sweet like the rivers, colourful like the trees. Her desire to be someone else mirrors our own everyday discontent, that subtle ache to measure our worth against another’s. Through her transformations, she realises what we all eventually learn, true happiness comes not from comparison but from accepting who we are.
The role of her father, The Sea King, as patient, pragmatic, and loving, is so beautifully etched-letting anyone learn a lesson themselves is always the truest lesson learnt!
The rare simplicity of Murty's storytelling carries depth-the kind that both children and adults can read and take something different from. Every line feels like a truth distilled, told with warmth rather than instruction.
The soft and fluid illustrations by Shruti Hemani create a gentle rhythm within the narrative. They make this book not a simple read, but an experience that glows with colour and quiet understanding.
You don't review a Sudha Murty story, you receive it. How to Be Happy with Who You Are is not just for children, but for anyone who has ever wished to be someone else, anyone in need of remembering that peace begins where comparison ends.
September 27, 2025
This charming chapter book by Sudha Murty offers a gentle, thoughtful exploration of self-acceptance through the whimsical tale of the young Princess of the Sea. At its core, the story conveys a timeless lesson: true happiness arises not from comparison with others but from embracing one’s own unique qualities. The princess’s desire to emulate her friends—strong like a mountain, sweet like a river, vibrant like a tree—sets the stage for a journey of discovery that is both relatable and instructive for young readers.
The narrative unfolds with a rhythmic flow, mirroring the natural cycles of seasons and change. Each transformation the princess undergoes introduces surprises that are playful yet poignant, helping children understand that trying to be someone else often brings unforeseen challenges. Murty’s prose is simple yet evocative, making complex themes like identity, self-worth, and growth accessible to middle-grade readers without feeling didactic.
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
The narrative unfolds with a rhythmic flow, mirroring the natural cycles of seasons and change. Each transformation the princess undergoes introduces surprises that are playful yet poignant, helping children understand that trying to be someone else often brings unforeseen challenges. Murty’s prose is simple yet evocative, making complex themes like identity, self-worth, and growth accessible to middle-grade readers without feeling didactic.
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
January 6, 2026
#392 "Her father replied , ' My child our goal should be to be happy with whatever we have. Envy makes us ungrateful - and we have so much to be thankful for.' "
BOOK : How to be Happy with who you are
AUTHOR: @smtsudhamurty
GENRE : #childrensfiction #fiction #fantasy #childrensliterature
RATING: 5.0 ⭐
The book is a short story intended for children , but can also be ready by adults as a reminder about their own self and strength . The story is a fictional one , with a morale; to show us that when we are looking into other's life and thinking that we have something less , we are actually missing out on how great our life is and who we are ! This story revolves around the young princess of the sea and her father , the king .
Suggested to all those who would love a short read with deep meaning ! ❤️
BOOK : How to be Happy with who you are
AUTHOR: @smtsudhamurty
GENRE : #childrensfiction #fiction #fantasy #childrensliterature
RATING: 5.0 ⭐
The book is a short story intended for children , but can also be ready by adults as a reminder about their own self and strength . The story is a fictional one , with a morale; to show us that when we are looking into other's life and thinking that we have something less , we are actually missing out on how great our life is and who we are ! This story revolves around the young princess of the sea and her father , the king .
Suggested to all those who would love a short read with deep meaning ! ❤️
September 3, 2025
Come fall in love with yourself on this magical journey of a sea princess, where she learns to accept herself for who she is, embrace her individuality, and fall in love with a creation as unique as her creator—nature! Sprinkled with enchanting artworks by Shruti Hemani and written in Sudha Murty's ever-delightful style, 'How to Be Happy with Who You Are' is perfect for teaching children about the joys of simply being themselves.
August 26, 2025
A wonderful story about Princess Sea who compares with others, and what happens in the end? Good for young readers with illustrations.
November 22, 2025
It's a very short story with a message behind it. Loved the story. The story is for 5+ years but reading it won't be a bad decision.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews