Happier Thinking

by Lana Grace Riva

A short collection of simple tips to encourage happier thinking.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Ebooks, Personal Growth, Reference

58 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2018

About the author

Links for further detail, social media, and contact:
https://linktr.ee/lanagraceriva

Reviews

[Jessica (Odd and Bookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This is an interesting book to review because it is a very short (it’s only 50 pages) self help book.

Please note that this book is written by a regular person, not some fancy expert. Riva makes it very clear right away that she is not a trained professional or anything like that. The book is just tips that she herself has used to make her thinking “happier.”

When I started reading the book, I was struck at how much I liked the writing style. The book is written in a very conversational and easy going manner. Even though the book was short, I enjoyed the style and I am curious to see what else she will write in the future.

The tips in the book are not groundbreaking in any way, but they are helpful. Most of the tips consist of altering your point of view from the negative to the positive. In my view, this book is great to read when you need a a pick-me-up. If you’re going through a not so great time, this book serves as a reminder that you can change how you think, and thus have “happier thinking.”

Overall, this is a short book that you can read over and over again when times get tough.

For more book reviews, be sure to check out my blog: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/

[J.P. Willson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems like simple common sense to me.
A book is not needed to tell me this...or anyone else for that matter.

[Kara Bernard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me start out by saying that despite my 2 star review, this really wasn’t that bad of a book. It’s essentially a very short and sweet suggestion guide on thinking happier. It’s not exactly a how-to book, but it could help as a starter book to those who want — but just don’t know how — to go about changing their way of thinking.

It’s not written by a professional, which isn’t really a problem because Riva doesn’t claim to be a professional and makes it clear that she’s just another person who’s struggled with positive thinking and wants to share a few tips for others who are in similar boats. It’s a nice idea, and there were some things about it I did like, but I had some issues with the writing style.

Happier Thinking was written in a very converstational manner — which is totally fine and seemed to be what the author was going for — but it was a little too conversational for my taste. There were a lot of “er”s and “erm”s and “aargh”s scattered throughout the book, which kind of read like a Facebook post of someone who shares a lot of recipes and chain messages. And the ellipses. Ohhh, the ellipses. An unnecessary amount of them. I love ellipses as much as the next person, but I strongly feel that they should be used sparingly. Quite the opposite of commas, which were very few and far between in this book. It felt like someone was talking at me very fast with little to no breaks for breath. It was kind of exhausting to read.

Despite its flaws, Happier Thinking did have a very good message. I wasn’t much of a fan of the examples Riva uses to get her points across, but the points themselves are worth taking to heart. I’m particularly fond of Riva’s discussion about gratitude journals. She doesn’t use this term specifically, but she does put emphasis on remembering the good at the end of the day and taking time to write about it not only to have something to look back on later, but also because practicing focusing on the good will make it easier to be more aware of good things when they happen in the future. I’ve tried keeping a gratitude journal a few times, and it really is helpful.

Riva also talks about being kind not only to other but to yourself as well. Getting rid of all those unnecessary self-directed critical attacks is extremely important to living a healthier life, and I was glad to see Riva take some time to talk about that as well.

Overall, the message in this book was great and very important, but the writing brought the quality down quite a bit. I’m interested to see if Riva continues to write more books in the future and see how her writing style evolves. In the meantime, if you’re looking for books that can help with changing your way of thinking, I’d highly suggest picking up

I’d like to thank the author for contacting me about reviewing her book and for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Robin Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book via an Amazon-US KINDLE Unlimited download.
There are times when each one of us feel as if we’re down in the dumps regarding our lives and perhaps daily existence. And one of the best ways to remedy this situation is to think of happy thoughts.

The strange thing about happier thinking being able to make the somewhat impossible things actually happen is actually something practically we’ve already heard. The reason I’m saying this is that it’s what Peter Pan told Wendy and her siblings so they’d be able to fly to Neverland with him in the 1953 classic Disney animation. Here are some of the lyrics to that song:

“Think of a wonderful thought
Any merry little thought
Think of Christmas, think of snow
Think of sleigh bells
Off you go like reindeer in the sky
You can fly! You can fly!
You can fly!

Think of the happiest things
It's the same as having wings
Take the path that moonbeams make
If the moon is still awake
You'll see him wink his eye
You can fly, you can fly!
You can fly! …”

Another example of happy thoughts making things happen is seen in the song Happy Talk from the Broadway show and movie South Pacific.

While Ms. Riva gives her readers, advice based on her own life experiences; it’s something many of us can use in our own lives. This book is NOT a quick fix for what ails us in feeling sad, it’s a beginning which require patience and a dedication to following her advice and exercises; which is why I’ve given this book 5 STARS.

[Sophia Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book sent to me by the author for a review but all my opinions are my own. I will first say this book is very small so I think this is great as a pick me up for anybody. It is not written by a professional in healthcare (as per the book) however it still has very real scenarios that many of us have face.
I quite enjoyed that it delved into changing not only how we treat other but ourselves and some simple tasks to do to help build our own positive mindset. I’m a very holistic person by nature so most of the tips for me are things I already do. However, I know most people aren’t like this so it will be beneficial as a stepping stone for uplifting your mindset!
Other than wanting more details from the book, the main thing I didnt enjoy are generalizing terms for psychologists and what they mean. There’s one line where it states “psychologists will say thoughts are thoughts...” the truth is seeing more psychologists than I can count, I can attest this isn’t true. It is important that even with non-scientific writings (ie no cited facts etc) we still stay true and not put over arching comments on situations. But this is a very picky judgement and doesn’t take much away from the books relevance.

If you’re looking for a beginning to your spiritual journey this book is a good start. If you’re already there then you may not need this.

[Audra Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://audrasbookblabbing.wordpress....

Cleanliness: Very Clean (Topic to consider: depression.)

"Happier thinking involves acting productively rather than thinking destructively."

Happier Thinking is a really nice novella. It's super simplistic, yet something everyone needs to read. There is nothing revolutionary, but it is a wonderful reminder that life has an upside. This book is packed full of interesting and funny examples and tons and tons of ellipses!

The author's writing style is very casual and inviting. She pushes her points, but not in an off-putting way. The best way I can describe it is that it sounds like a blog post.

I enjoyed this book. It is super short and easy to read, yet it teaches really important things like how to think on the things that matter, or how to not be hard on yourself. If you are feeling down, Happier Thinking may be a good reminder that there is always a rainbow after a storm.

~I was sent a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review~

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a storybook, this is a book to help you try and re-wire the way you think. I must admit I suffer a bit from depression and anxiety and with the crap I have had in the last month or so I have fallen more into the negative way of thinking. This short book has helped me see that maybe things can be spun around to be positive. It reminds me of the Secret and my gratitude book so I think I am going to pick that up in the new year.

This book is not telling you anything new, however, it is trying to help you apply it in everyday life. It is like Lana is having a conversation with you rather than talking at you with this book and I did not feel in any way that this was a preachy kind of book telling you what to do and when. It is about thinking Happier!

This is a great book to keep with you and to take a moment to read when you feel the negative thoughts coming your way. It is currently free on Amazon if you wish to get a copy.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy Thinking is a self-help non-fiction book. At just fifty pages it is a quick and easy read. This is one woman’s thoughts drawn from her own battles with depression. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-bmF

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very short book which I finished reading in about 1 hour.
Even though it includes some key points to a "less complaining attitude" (I wouldn't call it "happier") life, It wasn't very groundbreaking for me as I had already adopted most, if not all, of the advises which is this book includes.
It also includes some "hard truths" so I'd recommend it for anyone who wants a fast-forward read about adopting a "less complaining" behaviour.

[Bucks, Books & Beyond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting, it is a very short read at only 52 pages and took me less than an hour to finish. This is not necessarily a book I would have chosen for myself as I generally consider myself to be a happy person. However, do not let the title fool you. I honestly believe however happy you may perceive yourself to be, everyone can learn something from this book.
I was pleasantly surprised at the little tips and tricks offered throughout the book and found myself thinking ‘i’m going to try that’. Although whilst reading it might seem very obvious some of the things the author suggests, I also realised that whilst obvious, it’s very easy to forget sometimes that overall happier thinking promotes happiness in general.
The book has no complicated jargon and the author clearly makes it known in the beginning chapter that she is no expert on the subject and doesn’t profess to be. I actually think it was this beginning chapter that hooked me and made me want to read more. The fact that it is written by another everyday person like you or I and not some fancy doctor made the whole book and the advice given within it more relatable.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to anyone, no matter how happy you think you are. This book has a place on everyone’s shelf.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful

I’ve read many self help books, this was a short read (39 pages) but it expanded quite well to add a few aspects I haven’t seen before. This little book short and sweet hits on many of the right concepts for a more positive outlook on life.

It’s short enough and not over complicated to benefit anyone who is looking at changing their life and how they perceive their world. Sound and true advice. I’m glad I stumbled upon this very short book.

[Pippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A succinct and uplifting read: I liked that it was informative and to the point, yet not too 'preachy' or directional. A nice introduction to somebody who may be unfamiliar with yet interested in mindfulness practices!

[Betsy Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book via Goodreads First Reads. This was a lot of information packed into a relatively small space, making it so much easier for me to read. I took copious notes with the intention of not only helping shift my way of thinking, but to have these tools available to suggest to others.

[Huong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

A quick reads with ready to practice tips. Might not good for ones who are looking to why they have this and that unhappy thinking.

[Julia Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised to find this a most helpful read. Straight forward, simple and short there are 12 major points and all are doable. I think this would be a great read for anyone over 12.

[Beth Roper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in return for an honest review by the author and, I will admit, that, I began the book feeling very sceptical of its informal tone and structure. However, the book’s introduction excellently explains Riva’s deliberate use of informality: she is not a scientist, nor is she a psychologist, and this is not a typical ‘self-help’ book. Instead, the book is intended to be a series of tips and tried-and-tested solutions to feelings of unhappiness, written from one sufferer to another, as a friend. And as a unique piece of non-fiction, I feel that the books succeeds in its aims.


Once Riva establishes her aims, the informal tone makes perfect sense. As the book develops, in fact, it begins to feel more and more appropriate. Unlike other ‘self-help’ books, the lack of science or formal research makes the text accessible and more likely to have an impact on its reader, and the content is similarly straightforward. Riva accepts that unhappiness often generates from small incidents, and as such does not seek to ‘fix’ life’s big problems. Instead of dealing with life-altering issues, such as grieving or mortality, she uses everyday examples that can cause unhappiness (such as, how do you stop yourself writing off a whole day as ‘bad’ when you’ve had a bad morning? How do you stop unhappiness at its root after waking up late or being stuck in traffic?). She then suggests realistic alternate reactions that a reader could practice. Her solutions are simple, and wonderful in their simplicity. In this way, her book bypasses the over-complicated and scientific approach of most ‘self-help’ books and looks at the minutia of happier thinking.

My favourite section of the book was her chapter on ‘kindness’, in which she acknowledges that being kind to others will not ‘change the world’ but can change ‘our immediate world’. Most importantly, she reminds the reader to be kind ‘to ourselves’, and to treat ourselves with the same sympathy we would give to a friend in a hard time:

‘You are your own friend so remind yourself of that in such situations… Happier thinking goes hand in hand with kindness. Kindness to all including yourself’

She suggests that small changes to everyday thinking is the solution to most unhappy thoughts, and nicely rounds off each chapter with a philosophical ‘summing up’ quote that could easily become a book of their own.

The physical book is beautifully appropriate to its content; it is a calming, soothing colour and is small enough to make it portable. It could easily be kept on your person and pulled out when you feel the day beginning to unravel.

The one thing that I think could have improved the book would be the inclusion of more active suggested techniques. For example, the suggestion that an ‘unhappy thinker’ might keep a journal, and write each day 5 things that have been good about the day despite its difficulties, was brilliant. If each chapter had a section like this, with a physical technique opposed to a consideration, I think it would more easily be suitable to a ‘self-help’ genre.

Overall, I think that the book is a perfect guide to combatting low-levels of unhappy thinking. Whether these techniques work I will have to leave to other reviewers/readers who can more closely relate to the content of the book. However, for me, the inclusion of the introduction (where Riva outlines her aims) perfectly justifies her informal and unique form and structure. This book could be the friendly ‘self-help’ guide that the market didn’t know that it needed.

For this reason, I have awarded it 4/5*.

[Abi Pellinor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent this tiny book for review by the author. When she sent her request to me I was intrigued, I suffer from mental health issues myself and wanted to see how she covered this topic and what advice she gave. I will say right now that all thoughts are my own, and if I felt that this book was not good I would most definitely tell you guys. I was incredibly pleased to read her say, right at the beginning of the book, that this is not intended to cure someone of depression etc. These are simply ways to recognise, re-evaluate and attempt to correct unnecessary negative thinking which is having an impact on how you live your life. Each chapter has a title that could be the advice in itself, but Lana expands on these basic concepts to give you examples of how to change your thinking and the reasons this could be beneficial. 

So let's get into the different bits of advice we're given. The first chapter is titled Don't write off the day. So often, when something negative happens at the beginning of the day, we're quick to say that the whole day is wasted and nothing will go right. This type of thinking, Lana points out, will lead us to focus on the most negative parts of the day and almost block out those positive experiences. Therefore, leading us to believe that the day was indeed negative and us being unhappy as a result. If we can manage to separate the negative event from the day as a whole, and still look for positive experiences, then we are much more likely to find happiness within the days' events.

Some other pieces of advice given can be summarised to Don't compare your life to imagined others, journal good things, accept changed plans and many more besides. I won't go into them all or you won't go and read the book for yourself! Within all these different chapters, Lana describes negative thinking that you might be engaging in, how to recognise this within yourself and how to then go about attempting to change these thought patterns. These may seem like very simple, common sense ideas, but for those who struggle with negative thinking, it can be difficult to come to these conclusions without someone pointing them out and providing a way of thinking differently. 

Lana emphasises at multiple points in the book that this is not a cure for depression, however, I believe that this can be a great accompaniment to other treatments. Simply taking anti-depressants will not cure ingrained negative thoughts, although they are incredibly helpful and in some cases life-saving. Changing the pattern of your thinking is what will, in the end, leave you feeling happier and able to live life to the full.

I look forward to applying the advice given in my daily life, as I am a negative thinker and feel like these steps could help me on the way to being a more positive person. I definitely recommend this little book, it doesn't take long to read and could really help you start to take the steps to change how you think, for the better.

From my blog: autumnofpellinor.wordpress.com

[Fraser's Fun House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written from personal experience Happier Thinking shares author Lana Grace Riva’s insights, tips and advice about how you can retrain your brain to think in a more positive way. Lana’s easy style of writing immediately makes her advice relatable as it feels like having a chat with a good friend as opposed to the complicated jargon filled self-help books I have read in the past. At only 50 pages long the book’s short, concise chapters are quick and easy to read and fantastic to dip in and out of after the initial read through.

Lana isn’t a medical professional, however having suffered bouts of depression and attended therapy herself writes from a well-informed perspective making her insights valid. When I was reading, it seemed almost like common sense as it discusses things that I know I SHOULD do, but like many people it can be hard when your thoughts are blinkered, and your automatic response is a negative one. By using real every day examples Lana shows how simple it is to start changing your thought process.

I read this book a few weeks ago and have really been working hard to put her advice to the test and I have noticed myself stopping to think about my reactions and thoughts when faced with challenging circumstances that would usually have me running to (metaphorically) hide under the duvet. Reading this book has made me much more aware of my thoughts and the impact they have on my happiness and well-being, prompting me to make some subtle changes.

This book isn’t a quick fix, so if that is what you are looking for it’s not going to be for you, but I can see that adopting some of these mindsets can make a difference over time. It’s also important to note that this book isn’t just for those who struggle with their mental health or consider themselves unhappy, there is something for everyone to take away about being more self-aware and in tune with your thoughts.

This book isn’t suitable for those with severe mental health issues and I urge anyone who feels they need help to seek it from a medical professional. Personally, having spent a long time working with a therapist I feel this book is a useful tool in reinforcing some of the things I have already learnt on my journey and will serve as a fantastic resource for me to pick up when I need a reminder on how to deal with my negative thoughts.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

couple of weeks ago Lana Grace Riva reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing a copy of her book "Happier Thinking" as I have been going through a rather... not great time recently I thought I would give her book a try.

It is only a short book of 50 pages so it can be read in one short sitting, but it's also a good size to leave in your bag and if you are having a bad day then you can flip it open and find a way to help prompt you to think of something positive as a way to prevent your mindset from spiralling downwards.

The book is split into 12 small chapters:

Don't write the day off

Turn negatives into positives

Journal good things

Much you can't control but your reactions you can

Be Kind

Dwell on the good

Act on what you can change

Don't compare yourself to imagined others

Accept changed plans

Change path when it stops looking appealing

Don't make assumptions

Question your thoughts.

I will be very honest, when I was reading these I found that I was guilty of SO many of them, if something bad happens in the morning then it does seem that the rest of my day does "go to shit" and I ignore anything positive that happens.

If I manage to mess something up then no doubt I will sit there and mentally beat myself up about it for hours after it.

I am convinced that certain friends want nothing to do with me, even though a logical explanation would be that they have their own lives to live and they might be going through a tough time themselves, but my brain is insisting that they aren't actually my friend- so now anytime they do contact me, instead of being happy to hear from them, I find myself initially questioning WHY they are suddenly messaging me when they hadn't for so long.

This book has opened my eyes a little and I'm hoping that if I start to put these tips into practice then I will start to notice a change in the future.

I did notice that Lana has actually written this in the style of just talking to a friend, which to me made it easier to read and absorb, I didn't feel like I was being forced into thinking or behaving a certain way.

Obviously this book might not work for everyone, and it may not be my holy grail book for sorting my life out and finding a way to cope with my anxiety and depression but I do hope it helps even if just a little bit.

[Liz W · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

I waited to read this book at a period in the year when many people's happiness is at rock bottom and life feels difficult. January is often a trying time, financially and mentally, so there is no better time of year to read a book entitled Happier Thinking. I think it is fair to say we could all benefit from Happier Thinking, and I say that as someone who considers themselves to be an optimistic person.

The first word that comes into mind when I read this was: OBVIOUS. I don't mean that in a patronising way, or as a criticism, but Lana's message is a very simple one - acceptance and reaction. Let's be honest, if we were to sit down and list some reminders to living a happier life, many of the things would be those listed in this book, so why if this is obvious does it take reading them to make you think about it?

Lana has brilliantly written a simplistic version of the gobble-de-gook and scientific babble many of us have seen online. She doesn't stray into the spiritual. She simply states issues and how changing the perception of these will change the way you view the world and lead to - you guessed it - Happier Thinking. See: OBVIOUS. The chapter titles allow you to hone in on the areas that apply for you, and provide both the thought processes and scenario examples on how you can turn negative/judgemental/assumptive/non-realistic thought processes on their heads to base them in reality, acceptance, and positivity.

She acknowledges that these thought processes do not change you over a night, a week, and that they take time and effort. It shouldn't take the information being written down for us to pay attention, but the fact it is written down is almost a stark wake up call, and going into a difficult period, is exactly what I needed to focus on. This month is actually Mental Wellness Month. Taking time to address our mental frailties and help ourselves mentally is a really important aspect of self care, and I definitely see myself using the reminders at the back of this book (a simple reminder list detailing the main takeaways) on an almost daily basis.

Do yourself a favour, and those around you? Take a break from daily life to think about making your thought processes happier and read this little gem.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book is a game changer for anyone who battles with negative thinking and actively wants to become a happier person.

What I loved about this book was that the author brings in a raw, personal style in her writing. Even from page one, I could tell that I was going to get a lot of out this book. It's not like a textbook or a stiff read where you feel like all the jargon just rushes over your head. Instead, I felt like I was sitting down with a friend, face-to-face, and exploring the ways that I can improve my way of thinking.

The author realizes that she isn't a big-shot, deeply analytical psychologist who has the hard facts behind her work. No, this book is written with a calm, laid-back manner that will effectively speak to your soul rather than your brain.

This book contains various different strategies and easy-to-understand examples of how looking on a more positive side can not only turn your day around, but also leave you with feeling emotionally better about yourself.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. Even though this is a completely different style book than I normally read, I can't begin to tell you how this has changed the way I think. The author does an amazing job in telling it like it is and making sure that we understand the everyday implications these techniques need.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with negative thinking, routine bad days, or even self-esteem tendencies.

Now, this book isn't a quick fix to a positive thought process, and the author even explains that in the first few pages. You have to work with the strategies and figure out which ones work best for you.

Over the last few days, I put some of the strategies to the test in my everyday life, and I gladly share that they really worked for me. I am someone who struggles with positive thinking on a day-to-day basis, and reading this book has helped me in more ways than one. This is definitely a book that I will forever keep close by just to remind myself that a crappy morning doesn't mean that the rest of my day is ruined.

[Steph Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Happier Thinking is a slim, cheery little book, packed with tips and advice on how to think more positively and cast negativity out of your mind. Think of the #100daysofhappiness challenge but in bitesize advice format!

Lana Grace Riva addresses the reader directly in a friendly, informal style; you can clearly hear her personal voice as she dispenses clear and sensible advice whilst also occasionally getting sidetracked into her own thoughts on the subject in question.

None of the information in the book is ‘rocket science’. These are sensible and commonsense tips, and the joy is in the accessibility to all readers. Without patronising, Riva inspires a feeling of confidence that the happier mindset she describes is achievable, and she provides useful examples along the way of how her advice can be applied in everyday situations.

I personally plan on buying a few copies of this book for stocking fillers this year, as I found the tips useful myself (I am an habitual what-if-er) and can think of some friends and family that would both enjoy and find this handy for refocusing on the positive in life.

Why not spread a little happiness as the nights draw in?!



Bad things will still happen. I would love nothing more than to present you with ways to eliminate bad things in your life (annoying this book is not that I know – can someone please write that book?!). I can, however, provide suggestions for lessening the power of bad experiences on your mood.

– Lana Grace Riva, Happier Thinking

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[Rekha Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happier Thinking is a book about just that. This is a short 50 page book that guides the reader through the strategies that Riva herself has used over the years in dealing with poor mental health and the times when she has not been happy. Her aim is to help others who struggle with mental health issues by arming them with these techniques.

This book is an honest, clear cut description of strategies to deploy to bring yourself into a more positive frame of mind. The reasons this book is short is because Riva does not want to repeat herself or pad things out. She is genuinely trying to get across a message and doing it as succinctly as possible is actually what makes it so effective. It's easier to hold 50 pages worth of information in your head than 250 pages.

Riva has years of experience and research in this area. Some of her techniques I recognised from elsewhere. For example the chapter on controlling your reactions rather than trying to control everything else around you (which is impossible) is something I recognised from The Power of Now by Echart Tolle. A book which I recommend that everybody should read.

The beauty of Happier Thinking is that is a simple slice of good advice. The flip side of this is that it may feel too simplistic. To somebody whose mood is low, telling them to change their reaction to something might feel as though they are being asked to move a mountain. Riva concedes that these are techniques that you have to keep working at. There is no quick fix.

We all have a state of mental health, whether it is good or poor. Any of us might benefit from the techniques in this book from time to time. If you're looking for a quick go-to guide, Happier Thinking is just the ticket.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full Review can be found at http://www.thegraduatedbookworm.com

First I would like to thank Lana Grace Riva for sending me a copy in exchange for a review. I know most of you know that I don't tend to read books that would be considered "Self Help" But I've definitely been diving into more of these books lately, so I guess you could say my tastes have definitely changed and are more open to anything!

This is definitely a short read, something you could finish on your way to work or school really. It discusses different topics, however I found it to be more of an overview of each of them. I think because it was such a short read, there's not a whole lot of diving into each section, and I definitely would have loved to read more about certain topics.

What was great about this was that Lana actually is going through ways how we can make really stressful situations and turn them into less stressful ones, which I know we all tend to overthink and create even more stressful situations that don't have to be so bad.

Overall it was a good book. It's a short read, so there isn't a lot of depth to the sections in each part, however it does go through an overview of how we can make our lives less stressful and more happy. Lana talks about her own views and things that she's gone through which does help you connect in some way, however I felt like there just should have been more. I felt like if there was more to the novel, then a lot of people would be able to connect more, and gain even more knowledge into how we can "re-wire" our brains into turning the most shitty aspects of life better.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Pinky swear!

When Happier Thinking came in the mail, I was a little skeptical. I thought, “It’s a tiny book, how could this possibly be that useful.”

If you go into this book thinking you’re going to have loads and loads of information tossed at you so you can immediately change your life, you’ll be disappointed. The beauty of this book isn’t in the fact that it’s offering you tons of ways to help you think happier, but that it’s offering you concrete ways to do so. It almost made me feel like someone was giving me little reminders on good habits to adopt.

The thing with it being so short, too, is that the information is easily digestible. You can choose to read it all in one sitting, like I did, or to break it up by chapter and start with each piece of information. It makes the process of “change” a little less overwhelming, which I greatly appreciated. Sometimes self-help books are so gigantic I can’t even take them off the shelf for fear of failing.

If you like quick reads chalk full of quirky humour, a funny friend jumping off the page to offer you sage advice, and a fast pick-me-up when you’re feeling down, Happier Thinking is it. I find myself flipping through it randomly when I’m feeling down, just to bring a smile to my face for a minute or two. And it works.

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Happier thinking goes hand in hand with kindness. Kindness to all, including yourself." - Lana Grace Riva, Happier Thinking

Resetting the way we think, act, and react to situations can actually change our outlook on life. It can take the situations that may very well be overwhelming and give us the strength to keep it from crushing us. Happier thinking allows us to reduce the mountain back into a molehill. So why not try to dwell on the better things in life instead of the bad things?

Lana Grace Riva is no "expert" on psychology, and she doesn't claim to be, but her tips to Happier Thinking truly are groundbreaking for those who struggle with "stinking thinking". She writes as if she were just having a conversation with you and giving you advice from her own experiences, and I think that makes it easy to read and understand. She's not preachy or telling you what you're doing wrong, she is simply talking, and I like that a lot.

Her tips are super simple and easy to accomplish, though they may be more difficult to put into action, as is any exercise. The chapters are short and sweet, filled with examples to drive her points home, and easy to follow. I really enjoyed this quick read and give it 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it to anyone who wants to think happier throughout their day.

I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.

This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happier Thinking
Lana Grace Riva
(Review written 16th April 2020)

Happier Thinking is an inspiring little read. I have read it this morning whilst enjoying a coffee, in my back garden, in the glorious sunshine.
This a self-help book but is unique in the sense that it is the author’s own coping strategies with stress and anxiety. It is very reader friendly and almost made me feel like I was having an informal chat with the author, discussing how to turn negative thoughts in to positive ones in the hope of living a happier, less stressful, life. Much like the chats we might share with our partners, family, and friends. They always make us feel better, in general, and this book has that same feel good factor. We all need these chats sometimes as although the advice in this book might seem obvious, we do tend to forget it when things are not going our way. I will certainly be putting some of this advice into practice in the future.
I especially liked the ‘Be Kind’ chapter. It has an important message for us all. I quote, “Happier Thinking goes hand in hand with kindness. Kindness to all including yourself.” We all need to remember to be more kind to ourselves as well as each other.
I very much recommend this book to you if you suffer with stress and/or anxiety, or even if you don’t.
I think these words will in inspire you either way.
Many thanks to the author for my review copy.

https://chataboutbooks.blog/

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't often read self help books but the title of this one struck a chord with me as it's all too easy to become so immersed in what's happening in daily life that you don't take the time to stop and consider the bigger picture, and let's face it we could all do with some happier thinking from time to time.

The author deals with several subjects and even though this is only a little book, coming in at just 50 pages, it certainly packs a lot into those pages. Neatly and succinctly divided into appropriate chapters the book takes you on a nicely guided tour of how to make the best of situations so that they don't become problematic.

I think what comes across is that right from the get go, the author makes it perfectly clear that she is not a trained psychotherapist and that this book is her own interpretation of how she has dealt with certain issues and by reading about mental health awareness and mindfulness she has put together her own coping strategies which she wants to pass on to others.

Happier Thinking is an interesting little book and one that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading. I think my favourite chapter was the one about Being Kind. It's surprising how good a random act of kindness makes you feel, either giving or receiving.

[Lisa Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am generally a positive person. If things get me down, I will pull a proverbial Taylor Swift and I will shake things off. I will always try to find the positive in a bad situation. I know this can be annoying for some people and I can see how I would crack their corn but what can I say? This is me.

I was excited to get the chance to read Happier Thinking by Lana Grace Riva because it seemed to be the kind of book that I would see as a mirror to how I think about things. I was right. In this rather short book you find a treasure trove of helpful advice. Lana Grace Riva isn’t patronising or disregarding the negative thoughts that a person has but she is challenging you to rethink how you approach a negative situation.

In a similar ilk to The Power and The Secret, Lana Grace Riva’s book makes you think about what you put out in the world. However, the thing that makes Happier Thinking much more palatable is that the length of the book dictates that the same information or ethos isn’t repeated too much throughout.

Happier Thinking is definitely worth a read. If you don’t believe me then why don’t you go and have a rethink about that.

Happier Thinking by Lana Grace Riva is available now.

[Janell Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Happier Thinking” by Lana Grace Riva

“Happier Thinking” by Lana Grace Riva is a book that Lana has written to help people who are struggling with happiness. Lana is open about her own struggle with depression and she has written this book to try to help others by sharing things that have helped her along the way.

Lana tells readers that the things mentioned are not an overnight, easy fix and that the items she shares will require work and practice. The book is well written, practical, and a quick read. All essential for people who are busy, and who need some answers to the depression they may be facing. The table of contents lists each item by page to be able to read quick reminders as needed.

Also, by Lana Grace Riva, is “All About Amy”. It is a great book to read if you know someone who is struggling with anxiety, depression, or OCD.

Both books are so thoughtfully written!

“Happier Thinking” by Lana Grace Riva is well written, practical, and a quick read. All essential for people who are busy, and who need some answers to the depression they may be facing. 5 Stars-Green Gables Book Reviews

Print Length: 42 pages
Publication Date: December 31, 2017
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC