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Dear Stranger: Letters on the Subject of Happiness
Dear Stranger is a collection of inspirational, honest and heartfelt letters from authors and Mind ambassadors to an imagined stranger. Insightful and uplifting, Dear Stranger is a humbling insight into different interpretations of happiness, and how despite sometimes seeming unobtainable it can become and achievable goal. No one should face a mental health problem alone. Whether it's on a doorstep, on the end of a telephone or online, Mind are there for those struggling with a mental health problem. And now so is this book . . . **** Full list of contributors: Fiona Phillips; Martha Roberts; Francesca Martinez; Rachel Joyce; Donal Ryan; Matt Haig; Philippa Rice; Naomi Alderman; Yuval Noah Harari; Ilona Burton; Rowan Coleman; Ellen White; Abbie Ross; Giles Andreae; Conn Iggulden; Lisa Jewell; Seanseen Molloy-Vaughn; Genevieve Taylor; Thomas Harding; Jez Alborough; Caitlin Moran; Blake Morrison; Nicci French; Jo Elworthy; John Lewis-Stempel; Chris Riddell; Tessa Watt; Black Dog Runner; Helen Dunmore; Charlotte Walker; Alain de Botton; Deborah Levy; Kevin Bridges; Marian Keyes; Nicholas Allan; Nick Harkaway; Edward Stourton; Eoin Colfer; Shirley Hughes; Santham Sanghera; Alexandra Fuller; Daniel Levitin; Claire Greaves; Arianna Huffington; Richard Branson; Molly Pearce; Nicholas Pinnock; Tim Smit; Tony Parsons; David Chawner; @Sectioned__; Professor Lord Richard Layard;
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 2, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 26, 2016
Some amazing letters (think Caitlin Moran) but balanced with a fair few that made me want to throw the book against a wall, or thump myself with it, or both.
August 1, 2015
fantastic book lots of letters will stay with me for many reasons
Helen Dunmore letter really struck a cord amazing book
Helen Dunmore letter really struck a cord amazing book
January 28, 2021
I enjoyed this book as an easy read. I liked the variety of different contributors and I liked that there's a page dedicated to introducing the reader to the upcoming contributor, before their essay appears, as some people I hadn't previously heard of. There are some interesting points made and I found it a pretty accessible and relatively easy book to read - I also liked that not all 'essays'/contributions were text based essays, with drawings/comic strips etc. also present.
I did feel that perhaps there was a bit of cheesiness present at times - not everyone rang true for me but then I suppose it's unlikely that any specific one person would necessarily agree with what so many people say. It took me a good few years to get around to read this and the fact it is (well, the version I have anyway is) quite hefty looking, might put people off taking the plunge in sitting and going through each page but I felt that overall it was worth it, once I'd finished it. I like that there are websites mentioned and contact details at the end, for anyone who feels they could use the help they offer.
I think people may be more likely to sit and read through it if it were a smaller size format but then maybe there are different versions available. It's a good read overall though, so I would recommend it, yes.
I did feel that perhaps there was a bit of cheesiness present at times - not everyone rang true for me but then I suppose it's unlikely that any specific one person would necessarily agree with what so many people say. It took me a good few years to get around to read this and the fact it is (well, the version I have anyway is) quite hefty looking, might put people off taking the plunge in sitting and going through each page but I felt that overall it was worth it, once I'd finished it. I like that there are websites mentioned and contact details at the end, for anyone who feels they could use the help they offer.
I think people may be more likely to sit and read through it if it were a smaller size format but then maybe there are different versions available. It's a good read overall though, so I would recommend it, yes.
April 11, 2018
Really good book to make you think more about meaning or happiness and mental health. Each letter written by a different person, often by authors or other people in public domain. Some really resonated with me and I've marked and highlighted to flick back to in future, if I'm having a hard day. Others didn't do it for me, but that's the nature of it and different ones will work for different readers. You can easily just pop in and out, don't have to read it all at once. Can be quite uplifting at spots.
October 16, 2017
This was lovely to read. There were several letters I really connected with!
There were just a few grammatical errors that were distracting.
There were just a few grammatical errors that were distracting.
July 26, 2020
A book to hold onto
March 9, 2017
This book might just be in my survival kit. It acts like an instant friend - one that would instantly sit down with you and be on the same page (pun intended) the minute you need comfort. The letters written are heartfelt and genuine. I feel as though the writers were survivors themselves, given the precision and honesty in their writing. Great, great book.
If you feel a little too sad for a little too long, consider this book and consider reaching out for help. Mental health is important.
If you feel a little too sad for a little too long, consider this book and consider reaching out for help. Mental health is important.
December 20, 2019
Some letters made me tear up, some weren't as impactful. I think it depends wholly on the individual what reaction each letter gets, but this collection is definitely worth a read and was overall very uplifting.
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January 11, 2016Happiness & Depression are different sides of the same coin, opposite ends of the same spectrum - much like Absolute Zero is the opposite of (the theoretical) Absolute Hot.
In a sense this means that Depression has the upper hand. It's possible to reach the limit of sadness, and when you reach that limit, chances are you'll do something in an attempt to make that sadness go away permanently. Happiness doesn't have a limit, it's impossible to reach 'peak happiness', and it's nigh on impossible to measure or quantify. Whilst, ultimately, this is a very good thing it can also be dangerous. If you've set yourself the goal of 'being happy' where do you draw the line and accept that you are? It's always possible to be that extra bit happier - if you do X, or go to Y. Happiness will then end up as a fever dream that is uncatchable, always that little bit out of reach.
Instead of focusing on 'being' happy, find people and activities that you love and let them consume you. Do more of what makes you happy. Give them the majority of your time and attention. Everyone, and everything else can get whatever is left of you. No one has your permission to make you feel bad about yourself, if they do cast them aside. Then, maybe one day, whilst eating a sandwich or holding someones hand, or walking the dog you'll realise that you're happy in that moment.
Or atleast, that's what I think.
In a sense this means that Depression has the upper hand. It's possible to reach the limit of sadness, and when you reach that limit, chances are you'll do something in an attempt to make that sadness go away permanently. Happiness doesn't have a limit, it's impossible to reach 'peak happiness', and it's nigh on impossible to measure or quantify. Whilst, ultimately, this is a very good thing it can also be dangerous. If you've set yourself the goal of 'being happy' where do you draw the line and accept that you are? It's always possible to be that extra bit happier - if you do X, or go to Y. Happiness will then end up as a fever dream that is uncatchable, always that little bit out of reach.
Instead of focusing on 'being' happy, find people and activities that you love and let them consume you. Do more of what makes you happy. Give them the majority of your time and attention. Everyone, and everything else can get whatever is left of you. No one has your permission to make you feel bad about yourself, if they do cast them aside. Then, maybe one day, whilst eating a sandwich or holding someones hand, or walking the dog you'll realise that you're happy in that moment.
Or atleast, that's what I think.
January 3, 2016
I picked this up and down throughout December and (now) January.
It was good to read a few of the letters here and there, but they didn't deeply effect me like other books on mental health have (looking at you, Reasons to Stay Alive).
In short, a good book to pick up when you can't be arsed committing to something longer, and a good mental pick me up when you're feeling a bit shit. Profound? No, not really. But that's the thing about depression, anxiety, BPD, and all the other mental disorders - when you have them, you're not profound, and full of lyrical genius because your sadness is a "muse" or stems any kind of creativity. You're more likely to be curled in a ball, wishing for death and would rather starve than move 5 feet to the fridge. Mental illness isn't profound, it isn't deep, it isn't romantic. It sucks, it's a killer, and that at least, the book gets spot on right.
It was good to read a few of the letters here and there, but they didn't deeply effect me like other books on mental health have (looking at you, Reasons to Stay Alive).
In short, a good book to pick up when you can't be arsed committing to something longer, and a good mental pick me up when you're feeling a bit shit. Profound? No, not really. But that's the thing about depression, anxiety, BPD, and all the other mental disorders - when you have them, you're not profound, and full of lyrical genius because your sadness is a "muse" or stems any kind of creativity. You're more likely to be curled in a ball, wishing for death and would rather starve than move 5 feet to the fridge. Mental illness isn't profound, it isn't deep, it isn't romantic. It sucks, it's a killer, and that at least, the book gets spot on right.
August 24, 2015
This is a worthwhile read to anyone who is frustrated with the elusive Happiness that seems to evade them. It highlights that Happiness as we are fed by society and the media and social conditioning is not the same as happiness. While not all the letters flow well in between each other they are all interesting and offer a variety of perspectives.
While I do suffer from depression and I've read this while I'm in an OK place, I would not be able to get through this or listen to any of the advice if I were down in 'that place'; the hole we can all sink to where the light doesn't reach. Some depressive types might be able to use it as a catalyst to push into an upswing but that it down to you to decide!
It is a book for anyone though, not just people who have suffered or are suffering from mental illness, as it is a great reminder that Hollywood Happiness is actually the thing that's destroying real happiness.
While I do suffer from depression and I've read this while I'm in an OK place, I would not be able to get through this or listen to any of the advice if I were down in 'that place'; the hole we can all sink to where the light doesn't reach. Some depressive types might be able to use it as a catalyst to push into an upswing but that it down to you to decide!
It is a book for anyone though, not just people who have suffered or are suffering from mental illness, as it is a great reminder that Hollywood Happiness is actually the thing that's destroying real happiness.
August 8, 2015
Think this is a brilliant book, flew through it and found myself nodding along. It is about happiness and the many ways it crops up in our lives in different forms. The differing views of the writers of the letters is interesting to see. It is highly thought provoking and really made me smile and feel less alone. This is one book I will be re-reading over and over.
July 22, 2015
The bit that will stay with me out of the whole book was Caitlin Moran: 'WE FEEL MORE OF THE WORLD THAN MOST PEOPLE. That's amazing. That is why we end up in the Dark Place - but it is also why we cry with joy when we listen to David Bowie, and are obsessed with the moon,.....'
September 18, 2015
I bought this book because I think a lot of the charity mind and thought it would help give me alternative views on happiness however I think it is important to bare in mind that this book was very triggering and I found it made me relive all the feelings of depression as appose to happiness.
October 8, 2015
five fucking stars. best book I'd read.
May 8, 2016
A collection of letters on happiness.
Some of them were very funny, a lot deals with mental health challenges and others felt a little trite. However, a nice book to dip in and out of.
Some of them were very funny, a lot deals with mental health challenges and others felt a little trite. However, a nice book to dip in and out of.
March 9, 2020
This is an amazing book, and I would recommend it to anyone who feels sad, depressed, happy, alone, or just wants to feel as though other people are going through the same thing as they are.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews