Wo geht's denn hier zum Glück? Meine Reise durch die 13 glücklichsten Länder der Welt und was wir von ihnen lernen können

by Maike van den Boom

***Eine Frau, 13 Länder und die Suche nach dem Glück***
Warum sind Menschen in anderen Ländern glücklicher als wir? Um das herauszufinden reist Maike van den Boom in die 13 glücklichsten Länder der Erde und spricht vor Ort mit Glücksforschern, Korrespondenten, Auslands-Deutschen und Menschen auf der Straße. Von Australien bis Island entdeckt sie ganz bestimmte Aspekte in der Lebenseinstellung, die dazu führen, dass Menschen mit ihrem Leben zufrieden sind. In einem sind sich alle Glücklich zu sein, ist das Wichtigste im Leben. Und dafür strengen sich diese Menschen täglich an. Von ihnen können wir lernen. Vielleicht einen anderen Umgang mit der Zeit, mehr Vertrauen, mehr Konsens, mehr Gelassenheit, einfach ein stärkeres Wir-Gefühl. Das sind einige der Zutaten zum Glücklichsein, und diese fügen sich zu einem Rezept zusammen, das wir glücksbringend in unserem Leben umsetzen können.
Zu Besuch bei den wahren Glücksexperten
Costa Rica
Dänemark
Island
Schweiz
Finnland
Mexiko
Norwegen
Kanada
Panama
Schweden
Australien
Kolumbien
Luxemburg

Genres: Nonfiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published April 20, 2015

About the author

Maike van den Boom ist eine "Glücksforscherin". Die studierte Kunsttherapeutin berät heute Unternehmen und tritt als Rednerin auf Veranstaltungen auf. Dafür fliegt sie regelmäßig und gerne von ihrer derzeitigen Wahlheimat Stockholm zurück nach Deutschland.

Reviews

[Spark · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, she really touched my heart with all the People she met. First I always thought I was the only Person in Germany who was thinking and Feeling like for example the scandinavian People. It feels good to know that there are lots of People outside who care lots about nature and inner Beauty. Felt so very happy to hear that there are People who are not only interested in Money or Job, but further more in joining the nature and creating companionship in wonderful new ways.

I had to smile, I was Little surprised about some things and it all gave me very warmhearting Feeling. To be honest, I do not read books for getting and literal orgasm. I do not Need "wonderful written" words, but what effects the words leave on my Feelings is more important to me. :-)

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. on the one hand the book is interesting and i found myself quite often drifting with my thoughts to my life evalutating it. so it does make you think. on the other hand the structure of the book is very confusing - jumping from person to person and country to country and then back again.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice and inspiring read about sources of happiness in different parts of the world. Nice mix between philosophical thinking and travel adventure. I enjoyed the informal, easy going writing style. Did get some inspirations out of it for my blog and life as well.

[Donnie Gonzalez · Rating 2 out of 5]

What stands out immediately is the lack of complexity in many of the book’s arguments. It feels as though countries with vastly different cultural, historical, and economic backgrounds are thrown together in a single pot without the analytical depth such comparisons require. Juxtaposing highly privileged welfare states with postcolonial societies, without seriously reflecting on their systemic disparities, is not only methodologically questionable but also politically naïve.

A recurring narrative throughout the book is the notion that one can achieve anything with enough hard work. While this might sound motivating at first glance, it quickly reveals itself as a neoliberal fairytale. In Germany, this idea is already hard to uphold; on a global scale, it becomes utterly detached from reality. The fact that social inequality, structural discrimination, and the weight of historical injustice cannot simply be wished away seems to have no meaningful place in the author’s account.

Particularly troubling are the author’s repeated, at times racist, side remarks. Even if they were not intended to offend, they lack the sensitivity and critical awareness one would expect especially from a book that claims to foster intercultural dialogue. Considering it was published in 2016, a greater degree of tact and reflection should be a given. Unfortunately, this is sorely missing.

On the positive side, a diverse range of people are given a voice. For readers who enjoy personal narratives, there are moments that resonate. But even these glimpses of humanity cannot redeem the book beyond what it ultimately is: well-intentioned, but poorly executed.

All in all, the book left a bitter aftertaste. Two stars—and even those feel generous, granted only because I believe the author’s desire for global openness was, at its core, sincere.

[Booklunatic · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 Sterne

Interessante Erkenntnisse, wenn auch die meisten nicht "neu" sind. Trotzdem war es interessant, die unterschiedlichen Mentalitäten und "Glücksrezepte" mal zu vergleichen. Was mich allerdings gestört hat, war, dass das Buch so unstrukturiert ist: Ständig wird zwischen Ländern und Begegnungen hin und her gesprungen, das hat für mich den Lesefluss leider gestört.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book teaches you so much about, happiness and it really brings you a different perspective on life. Just the structure of the book is a bit chaotic.

[Miki]

Japanese version

[Sabine Distler-Schuck]

Sehr schön

[Isabel Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eines der Bücher, die ich immer wieder zitiere und empfehle, weil es mich so inspiriert hat.

[Lone Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

bereichernd und lesenswert, bringt einen schon zum nachdenken, was wichtig ist, wie man selbst wirkt, und dass es eine aktive Entscheidung ist, ob man glücklich ist.

[studyflake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting book. Being happy does not mean you always have to smile. We all can learn a lot of these 13 countries - I think everybody should read this book, because we all need a bit more happiness and humour in life. I am so happy that I read this book, even though I needed such a long time to get through it. :)

[Isabelle Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nett geschrieben und spannend zu lesen, wie unterschiedlich die Menschen ihr Glück definieren.