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The Happiness Passport: A world tour of joyful living in 50 words
Exploring the global dictionary, from common languages to obscure dialects, The Happiness Passport takes the reader on a joyful journey around the world seeking out the secrets of wellbeing.
The wonderfully evocative words in this collection resonate with universal emotions: the deep longing for home conjured up by the Welsh word hiraeth, or the transportive ability of good storytelling captured in the Urdu goya. Yet at the same time each is deeply ingrained in its place of origin: long, dark Danish days encourage the warmth and cosiness of hygge, while the satisfied chatter after a sun-soaked meal - sombremesa - resonates uniquely with Spanish hospitality. These words are simultaneously all-inclusive and peculiar to place; they are on the tip of our tongue and yet not in our vocabulary.
The Happiness Passport delves into this treasure trove of delights, examining the cultural context of each and the lessons that we can apply in our own lives to achieve greater contentment. A must-read for all those seeking a more balanced life, this beautiful guide features original illustrations that conjure up each elusive expression.
The wonderfully evocative words in this collection resonate with universal emotions: the deep longing for home conjured up by the Welsh word hiraeth, or the transportive ability of good storytelling captured in the Urdu goya. Yet at the same time each is deeply ingrained in its place of origin: long, dark Danish days encourage the warmth and cosiness of hygge, while the satisfied chatter after a sun-soaked meal - sombremesa - resonates uniquely with Spanish hospitality. These words are simultaneously all-inclusive and peculiar to place; they are on the tip of our tongue and yet not in our vocabulary.
The Happiness Passport delves into this treasure trove of delights, examining the cultural context of each and the lessons that we can apply in our own lives to achieve greater contentment. A must-read for all those seeking a more balanced life, this beautiful guide features original illustrations that conjure up each elusive expression.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published October 30, 2018
80 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 3, 2018
Have you ever seen the word Hygge bandied about but never knew what it meant? Hygge plus 49 other words that are sneaking into popular lexicon are here with some beautiful descriptions. It's a lovely book which dependent on size of actual hardback would make a great coffee table book. I really enjoyed it and have a few new owrds to add to my vocabulary.
December 30, 2018
Thank you Quatro Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion.
I loved this book. It follows on from all the recent books on Hygge, Lagon, Ikagai by going a step further and finding words that relate to happiness. Wellbeing, community, belonging and more from all around the world. The book is really well researched and introduced me to many many beautiful words that I will use to inspire the year ahead.
I appreciated the reference pages at the back of the book, leading to more in-depth reading of the words that interested me the most.
This is the perfect gift or a gorgeous book to treat yourself to and take daily inspiration from.
I loved this book. It follows on from all the recent books on Hygge, Lagon, Ikagai by going a step further and finding words that relate to happiness. Wellbeing, community, belonging and more from all around the world. The book is really well researched and introduced me to many many beautiful words that I will use to inspire the year ahead.
I appreciated the reference pages at the back of the book, leading to more in-depth reading of the words that interested me the most.
This is the perfect gift or a gorgeous book to treat yourself to and take daily inspiration from.
May 2, 2020
Megan Hayes´ Altlas of Happiness ist als Geschenk zu mir gekommen und ist eine wunderschön aufbereitete Sammlung der verschiedensten Deutungen des Wortes Glück. Dabei erstreckt sich die Deutung auf folgende Bereiche:
- vom Glück zu Hause und in der Natur zu sein
- vom Glück in einer Gemeinschaft zu sein
- vom Glück im innersten der eigenen Seele
- vom Glück eines freudvollen Charakters
- vom Glück der Ausgeglichenheit
In allen Kapiteln beleuchtet die Autorin die Bedeutung von Glück in verschiedenen Sprachen der Welt. Dabei zeigt sie auf, wie es sich den Menschen in diesen Ländern zeigt, wie sie mit dem Glücksgefühl umgehen und wie sie es in ihrem Leben lebendig werden lassen.
Interessant und gleichzeitig auch erschreckend, dass wir mit der deutschen Sprache nur einmal, mit dem Wort „Waldeinsamkeit“, vertreten sind. Was soll mir dies für mich und mein Glücksempfinden sagen?
Ich denke diese Antwort muss sich jeder Leser selbst geben.
Allerdings, und das beruhigte mich dann doch wieder sehr, kannte ich sehr viele dieser Umgangsweisen und Empfindungen bezüglich des Glücks auch in meinem Leben, selbst wenn ich manchen genauen Namen hierfür erst durch die Zuordnung zum Wort und dessen Herkunft erfahren habe. Ohne es immer genau zu wissen, beherzige ich viele dieser Aspekte bereits mehr oder weniger ritualisiert und daher kann ich dem zustimmen, was Megan Hayes hier zusammengetragen hat.
Ich finde dies ein wundervolles und sehr bereicherndes Buch, um sich mal wieder Zeit für sich und seine Seele, seine Achtsamkeit und sein ganz persönliches Glück zu nehmen. Das Buch bietet nicht nur inhaltlich, sondern auch optisch einen Genuss, der besonderen Art.
Was mir besonders gut gefallen hat, sind die am Ende eines jeden Wortes vermerkten *Glücksmomente für jeden Tag*. Hierin erhält der Leser eine kleine Anregung, wie er das, auf der Seite beschrieben Wort, für sich in seinem Alltag entdecken kann.
Ich schätze, dass auch ich dieses Buch sicherlich des Öfteren verschenken werde.
- vom Glück zu Hause und in der Natur zu sein
- vom Glück in einer Gemeinschaft zu sein
- vom Glück im innersten der eigenen Seele
- vom Glück eines freudvollen Charakters
- vom Glück der Ausgeglichenheit
In allen Kapiteln beleuchtet die Autorin die Bedeutung von Glück in verschiedenen Sprachen der Welt. Dabei zeigt sie auf, wie es sich den Menschen in diesen Ländern zeigt, wie sie mit dem Glücksgefühl umgehen und wie sie es in ihrem Leben lebendig werden lassen.
Interessant und gleichzeitig auch erschreckend, dass wir mit der deutschen Sprache nur einmal, mit dem Wort „Waldeinsamkeit“, vertreten sind. Was soll mir dies für mich und mein Glücksempfinden sagen?
Ich denke diese Antwort muss sich jeder Leser selbst geben.
Allerdings, und das beruhigte mich dann doch wieder sehr, kannte ich sehr viele dieser Umgangsweisen und Empfindungen bezüglich des Glücks auch in meinem Leben, selbst wenn ich manchen genauen Namen hierfür erst durch die Zuordnung zum Wort und dessen Herkunft erfahren habe. Ohne es immer genau zu wissen, beherzige ich viele dieser Aspekte bereits mehr oder weniger ritualisiert und daher kann ich dem zustimmen, was Megan Hayes hier zusammengetragen hat.
Ich finde dies ein wundervolles und sehr bereicherndes Buch, um sich mal wieder Zeit für sich und seine Seele, seine Achtsamkeit und sein ganz persönliches Glück zu nehmen. Das Buch bietet nicht nur inhaltlich, sondern auch optisch einen Genuss, der besonderen Art.
Was mir besonders gut gefallen hat, sind die am Ende eines jeden Wortes vermerkten *Glücksmomente für jeden Tag*. Hierin erhält der Leser eine kleine Anregung, wie er das, auf der Seite beschrieben Wort, für sich in seinem Alltag entdecken kann.
Ich schätze, dass auch ich dieses Buch sicherlich des Öfteren verschenken werde.
February 7, 2021
did it say in the information about the book that it's just basically definitions of words? It's a dictionary of pleasant thoughts and actions. a dictionary. I tried to read a dictionary.
July 2, 2024
"Atlas of Happiness: 50 Glücksgeheimnisse aus aller Welt" von Megan Hayes ist ein wunderschön illustriertes Buch, das zeigt, wie verschiedene Kulturen/Nationen weltweit Glück definieren und erleben. Die Autorin stellt 50 Konzepte und Praktiken vor, die Menschen auf der ganzen Welt anwenden, um ein glücklicheres und erfüllteres Leben zu führen. Einige der Glücksgeheimnisse bzw. Glücksbegriffe, die im Buch behandelt werden, sind zum Beispiel:
1. Hygge (Dänemark): Darunter versteht man das dänische Konzept der Gemütlichkeit, das durch warme Umgebungen und intime Zusammenkünfte gefördert wird.
2. Lagom (Schweden): Hinter diesem schwedischen Begriff steckt ein Prinzip, das "genau richtig" bedeutet und ein ausgewogenes Leben ohne Übermaß oder Mangel beschreibt.
3. Ikigai (Japan): Ikigai bedeutet frei übersetzt "das, wofür es sich zu leben lohnt" und uns daher morgens gerne und voller Vorfreude auf den Tag aufstehen lässt. Ikigai stellt eine Lebensphilosophie der Zweckmäßigkeit und Zufriedenheit dar.
4. Ubuntu (Südafrika): Ubuntu ist ein afrikanisches Konzept, das die Verbundenheit aller Menschen betont und wörtlich "Ich bin, weil wir sind" bedeutet.
5. Friluftsliv (Norwegen): Hinter diesem Begriff verbirgt sich die norwegische Praxis, die Zeit im Freien zu schätzen und eine tiefe Verbundenheit zur Natur zu pflegen.
Die Herkunft und Bedeutung der insgesamt 50 Glücksbegriffe werden von der Autorin jeweils auf einer Doppelseite beschrieben, wobei sie auch praktische Tipps gibt, wie man diese Glückskonzepte in das eigene Leben integrieren kann. Die Autorin betont, dass Glück vielfältig ist und auf verschiedene Weise erreicht werden kann, je nach kulturellen und persönlichen Unterschieden. Das Ziel des Buches ist es, den Leser:innen zu helfen, neue Perspektiven auf Glück zu gewinnen und diese Erkenntnisse in ihren Alltag zu integrieren.
Ich habe es sehr genossen, in diesem "Glücksatlas" zu schmökern. Jeden Tag habe ich mich mit einem der 50 Glückskonzepte auseinandergesetzt und auch noch zusätzlich dazu im Internet recherchiert. Viele dieser Konzepte lassen sich recht leicht in den Alltag integrieren, aber wenn man sein Leben nachhaltig verändern möchte, muss man natürlich eine gewisse Disziplin aufbringen und sich täglich damit beschäftigen, bis man diese Glücksphilosophien auch verinnerlicht hat.
Jedenfalls habe ich viele neue Erkenntnisse gewonnen, die ich als sehr bereichernd für mein Leben empfinde. Daher gibt es von mir eine klare Leseempfehlung! 👍
1. Hygge (Dänemark): Darunter versteht man das dänische Konzept der Gemütlichkeit, das durch warme Umgebungen und intime Zusammenkünfte gefördert wird.
2. Lagom (Schweden): Hinter diesem schwedischen Begriff steckt ein Prinzip, das "genau richtig" bedeutet und ein ausgewogenes Leben ohne Übermaß oder Mangel beschreibt.
3. Ikigai (Japan): Ikigai bedeutet frei übersetzt "das, wofür es sich zu leben lohnt" und uns daher morgens gerne und voller Vorfreude auf den Tag aufstehen lässt. Ikigai stellt eine Lebensphilosophie der Zweckmäßigkeit und Zufriedenheit dar.
4. Ubuntu (Südafrika): Ubuntu ist ein afrikanisches Konzept, das die Verbundenheit aller Menschen betont und wörtlich "Ich bin, weil wir sind" bedeutet.
5. Friluftsliv (Norwegen): Hinter diesem Begriff verbirgt sich die norwegische Praxis, die Zeit im Freien zu schätzen und eine tiefe Verbundenheit zur Natur zu pflegen.
Die Herkunft und Bedeutung der insgesamt 50 Glücksbegriffe werden von der Autorin jeweils auf einer Doppelseite beschrieben, wobei sie auch praktische Tipps gibt, wie man diese Glückskonzepte in das eigene Leben integrieren kann. Die Autorin betont, dass Glück vielfältig ist und auf verschiedene Weise erreicht werden kann, je nach kulturellen und persönlichen Unterschieden. Das Ziel des Buches ist es, den Leser:innen zu helfen, neue Perspektiven auf Glück zu gewinnen und diese Erkenntnisse in ihren Alltag zu integrieren.
Ich habe es sehr genossen, in diesem "Glücksatlas" zu schmökern. Jeden Tag habe ich mich mit einem der 50 Glückskonzepte auseinandergesetzt und auch noch zusätzlich dazu im Internet recherchiert. Viele dieser Konzepte lassen sich recht leicht in den Alltag integrieren, aber wenn man sein Leben nachhaltig verändern möchte, muss man natürlich eine gewisse Disziplin aufbringen und sich täglich damit beschäftigen, bis man diese Glücksphilosophien auch verinnerlicht hat.
Jedenfalls habe ich viele neue Erkenntnisse gewonnen, die ich als sehr bereichernd für mein Leben empfinde. Daher gibt es von mir eine klare Leseempfehlung! 👍
December 7, 2018
What a charming little book! I think this is one of the prettiest and most charming books I've read all year. And since we're so near the holidays, I think this is a perfect gift for a special someone in your life. It's definitely a great addition to any coffee table.
The Happiness Passport will take you on a journey around the world to discover words you don't know yet. Through all these pages, you will learn more about mindful living, about doing good, and about enjoying life and being happy. The author has done a great job summarizing what each word means in their own cultural context — which is a very hard task! But by weaving the meaning of these words with the way of life of the people who speak them and with tales from those countries, we get an amazing picture of what it's like being "other." As the author puts it, we practice verstehen!
I'm so happy to have requested this book for review. The illustrations done by Yelena Bryksenkova are absolutely stunning and deserve a lot of praise! They fit perfectly with the book. And the colors chosen! They were nothing short of perfect for the book...
The Happiness Passport will take you on a journey around the world to discover words you don't know yet. Through all these pages, you will learn more about mindful living, about doing good, and about enjoying life and being happy. The author has done a great job summarizing what each word means in their own cultural context — which is a very hard task! But by weaving the meaning of these words with the way of life of the people who speak them and with tales from those countries, we get an amazing picture of what it's like being "other." As the author puts it, we practice verstehen!
I'm so happy to have requested this book for review. The illustrations done by Yelena Bryksenkova are absolutely stunning and deserve a lot of praise! They fit perfectly with the book. And the colors chosen! They were nothing short of perfect for the book...
January 3, 2024
2024 bk 1. I was excited to see another book on happiness - one that seemed to have a broader age range in mind. I did enjoy the 50 different words - but I had anticipated the words would be the direct translations of the word happiness in all of the different language with examples of what happiness looks like for the people of the language. This is a vocabulary book of words that describe events, feelings, home that can result in happiness - in the opposite direction of what I thought the books would be. I did learn things, for instance, I had heard the word Sisu, and the book gave me a better definition that I had previously had. The illustrations were charming and the author did an excellent job of describing the events, etc. But I was disappointed that I didn't actually learn the word for happy or happiness in 50 different languages. Oh - yes, a world map might have helped with some of the languages. The 3 star is on me because the book wasn't what I expected, but if you want a cultural tour, this would be very good.
February 6, 2023
Sehr schönes Buch für Menschen, die gerne reisen und sich für unübersetzbare Wörter und kulturelle Unterschiede begeistern :)
Die deutsche Übersetzung liest sich leider manchmal etwas holprig, der Tipp für den Alltag ist meist nicht besonders kreativ und es hat schon einen Fokus auf europäische Sprachen aber es ist ein schönes Buch mit tollen Illustrationen
Hier meine Lieblingswörter:
Gökotta - Schwedisch: bei Morgendämmerung aufstehen, um in der Natur dem ersten Vogelgesang zu lauschen
Cwtch - Walisisch: Küchenschrank oder Kämmerchen; eine Liebkosung oder Umarmung
Friluftsliv - Norwegisch/Schwedisch/Dänisch: Campen; Leben im Freien
Gigil - Tagalog (Philippinen): ein überwältigendes Gefühl, oft in Zusammenhang mit dem Wunsch, ein süßes Baby zu kneifen
Sisu - Finnisch: Willensstärke, Mut, Entschlossenheit
Meraki - Griechisch: mit Leib und Seele oder mit dem ganzen Herzen bei der Sache sein
Die deutsche Übersetzung liest sich leider manchmal etwas holprig, der Tipp für den Alltag ist meist nicht besonders kreativ und es hat schon einen Fokus auf europäische Sprachen aber es ist ein schönes Buch mit tollen Illustrationen
Hier meine Lieblingswörter:
Gökotta - Schwedisch: bei Morgendämmerung aufstehen, um in der Natur dem ersten Vogelgesang zu lauschen
Cwtch - Walisisch: Küchenschrank oder Kämmerchen; eine Liebkosung oder Umarmung
Friluftsliv - Norwegisch/Schwedisch/Dänisch: Campen; Leben im Freien
Gigil - Tagalog (Philippinen): ein überwältigendes Gefühl, oft in Zusammenhang mit dem Wunsch, ein süßes Baby zu kneifen
Sisu - Finnisch: Willensstärke, Mut, Entschlossenheit
Meraki - Griechisch: mit Leib und Seele oder mit dem ganzen Herzen bei der Sache sein
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2022
I liked the concepts of
1. Hygge- Danish: the practice of creating cozy spaces and congenial environments that promote emotional well being.
2. Sisu- Finnish: strength of will, courage or grit.
3. Joie de Vivre- French: an exicberant enjoyment of life.
4. Cwtch- Welsh: a cuddle or a hug, a cubbyhole, a safe space.
5. Meraki- Greek: to do something with soul or from the heart.
and
6. Duyen Phan- Vietnamese: fate in love.
1. Hygge- Danish: the practice of creating cozy spaces and congenial environments that promote emotional well being.
2. Sisu- Finnish: strength of will, courage or grit.
3. Joie de Vivre- French: an exicberant enjoyment of life.
4. Cwtch- Welsh: a cuddle or a hug, a cubbyhole, a safe space.
5. Meraki- Greek: to do something with soul or from the heart.
and
6. Duyen Phan- Vietnamese: fate in love.
January 3, 2022
Ce n’est pas mauvais, il s’agit d’un livre qui regroupe 50 mots dans différentes langues qui représente une vision du bonheur. Les illustrations sont belles, mais aucune magie n’a opéré chez moi, mais il faut avouer que ce n’est pas du tout mon genre de livres…
December 22, 2018
I am fascinated with languages and trying to learn as many as I can. Learning languages is like getting a new life, with a completely new world of meanings and feelings opening up in the front of your eyes and mind. As a translator myself, I know that there are so many words hard to translate and finding locals equivalents is rather an approximation of the meaning than a reproduction of the word.
Therefore, I approached The Happiness Passport by Megan C. Hayes with a lot of curiosity, but also keen to learn new words. Although it makes the world tour in just 50 words, there are enough new insights into languages to win you more than a life. The words chosen are mostly words of yearning, expressing familiarity, intimacy and happiness. Words deeply rooted into the culture telling in just a few letters unique ancient stories full of hidden meanings to the non-native speaker. Take, for instance the Russian prostor which means yearning for wide plains. Or the Innuit unikkaagatigunniq, which reflects 'the power of storytelling and the role of stories in the communal ways of being'. I've also learned on this occasion two English words: petrichor - 'a noun that describes the pleasantly earthy smell of rain after a long period of dry, warm weather' and psithurism - 'the sound of wind whispering through the trees'. And I was reminded of an old Hungarian expression: 'Ugy szép az élet, hazajlik', meaning approximatively: 'Life is beautiful if it is happening'.
Of course there are many more than 50 words to catch the spirit of the world, as the number of spoken languages and dialects in the world is impressively high, but this small level approach open up your eyes to search in your own native language(s) about those words that are impossible to substitute.
The illustrations, the work of Yelena Bryksenova are nostalgic, romantic pastels that inspire to meditate about life, worlds and its making in words.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Therefore, I approached The Happiness Passport by Megan C. Hayes with a lot of curiosity, but also keen to learn new words. Although it makes the world tour in just 50 words, there are enough new insights into languages to win you more than a life. The words chosen are mostly words of yearning, expressing familiarity, intimacy and happiness. Words deeply rooted into the culture telling in just a few letters unique ancient stories full of hidden meanings to the non-native speaker. Take, for instance the Russian prostor which means yearning for wide plains. Or the Innuit unikkaagatigunniq, which reflects 'the power of storytelling and the role of stories in the communal ways of being'. I've also learned on this occasion two English words: petrichor - 'a noun that describes the pleasantly earthy smell of rain after a long period of dry, warm weather' and psithurism - 'the sound of wind whispering through the trees'. And I was reminded of an old Hungarian expression: 'Ugy szép az élet, hazajlik', meaning approximatively: 'Life is beautiful if it is happening'.
Of course there are many more than 50 words to catch the spirit of the world, as the number of spoken languages and dialects in the world is impressively high, but this small level approach open up your eyes to search in your own native language(s) about those words that are impossible to substitute.
The illustrations, the work of Yelena Bryksenova are nostalgic, romantic pastels that inspire to meditate about life, worlds and its making in words.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 27, 2018
Hmmm… This was a perfectly reasonable book, but one I don't think actually bears that much of a place on the shelves. Bear with me. I certainly started this with the idea of buying it for someone I know as a gift – both a linguist and a Buddhist, she would love the definitions of elusive exotic words and how they could inspire meditative connection to the world, or the search for pleasure, or define one of those mindful pauses the world needs. But I soon dissuaded myself of the idea – she gets pleasure because she is a linguist, amongst other things, and this book then, in feeding the inquisitive with the results of the author's inquisitiveness, is just preaching to the converted. Surely happiness goes hand in hand with curiosity, and as she easily demonstrated one, why would I doubt she had the other?
At the same time, I could see the definite merits in this book. The format is fine; fifty concepts get full-page definitions and discussion, and a full artwork each, and all of those look wonderful. We also get a few box-outs of different relevant topics. It would work as an ideal gift book, then, for the worldly wise, and those seeking a bit of calm and advice, but for the simple reason that the search for pleasure is a pleasure itself. The readers of this book will be intelligent, knowing, globally astute, ergo they'll be happy. The miserable and inward won't care a monkeys what the Tagalog language has to say about that.
Those people who perhaps are happiest with these pages may well be sociologists. I'm sure dissertations have already been published regarding the global spread of 'hygge', but this book also reminds me of the decades when we scoffed at the Spanish for their siesta-heavy, 'manana' attitude. And boy haven't we changed our judgement about that?! This then can raise academic debate (or a 'sobremesa', at least), and is perfectly pleasant, but I think many of those who are on board with it won't actually need it.
At the same time, I could see the definite merits in this book. The format is fine; fifty concepts get full-page definitions and discussion, and a full artwork each, and all of those look wonderful. We also get a few box-outs of different relevant topics. It would work as an ideal gift book, then, for the worldly wise, and those seeking a bit of calm and advice, but for the simple reason that the search for pleasure is a pleasure itself. The readers of this book will be intelligent, knowing, globally astute, ergo they'll be happy. The miserable and inward won't care a monkeys what the Tagalog language has to say about that.
Those people who perhaps are happiest with these pages may well be sociologists. I'm sure dissertations have already been published regarding the global spread of 'hygge', but this book also reminds me of the decades when we scoffed at the Spanish for their siesta-heavy, 'manana' attitude. And boy haven't we changed our judgement about that?! This then can raise academic debate (or a 'sobremesa', at least), and is perfectly pleasant, but I think many of those who are on board with it won't actually need it.
January 15, 2021
"...What is particularly striking is how many words and expressions we have around the world for yearning and longing....These include the Welsh hireath--a nostalgic ache for an ideal home, perhaps one we have never really known--and the very similar saudade in Portuguese, loosely meaning the desire for something that does not exist." ~ Megan C Hayes, PhD, The Happiness Passport
The Happiness Passport introduces 50 words that define an aspect of happiness, contentment and well-being from cultures all over the world. Author Megan C Hayes PhD does a great job of explaining how each term promotes a sense of well being, even when the terms are foreign to an American cultural view. Some of my favorites were Arejdsglaede which is the Danish idea of enjoyment of one’s work, Yugen, the Japanese value for the mysterious beauty of the universe, and Turandawaewae, The Maori sense of power and security we feel at home. Illustrations by Yelena Bryksenkova.
This is a great read for those who enjoyed The Atlas of Happiness by Helen Russell, and The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking, and want to learn more about worldwide concepts of happiness and well-being.
Hardcover 144 pages (No audiobook available)
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November 11, 2018
Phenomenal!
This book is beautiful. Unfortunately, the arc was a digital copy. The artwork is beautiful, there literally is no other word (haha) to describe it. I wanted to bottle up the illustrations and keep them with me forever.
The words were well chosen and the explanations were good. My favorite word from the book is Duyên Phận which is Vietnamese for 'fate in love', a concept similar to soulmates (not just the romantic kind)
Special mention to the Swedish word Lagom which means 'just the right amount'. Yes, yes, yes. My life is lived in either an excess or a lack. I want to lagom the sh*t out of my life. This is my one word answer for 'the middle path'.
Honestly, I can't move over the illustrations. Can I please, pretty please, keep them with me forever? I definitely want to go ahead and buy a hardcover.
I received a free digital copy of the book from NetGalley.
This book is beautiful. Unfortunately, the arc was a digital copy. The artwork is beautiful, there literally is no other word (haha) to describe it. I wanted to bottle up the illustrations and keep them with me forever.
The words were well chosen and the explanations were good. My favorite word from the book is Duyên Phận which is Vietnamese for 'fate in love', a concept similar to soulmates (not just the romantic kind)
Special mention to the Swedish word Lagom which means 'just the right amount'. Yes, yes, yes. My life is lived in either an excess or a lack. I want to lagom the sh*t out of my life. This is my one word answer for 'the middle path'.
Honestly, I can't move over the illustrations. Can I please, pretty please, keep them with me forever? I definitely want to go ahead and buy a hardcover.
I received a free digital copy of the book from NetGalley.
January 5, 2019
Charmingly illustrated, this book is like a warm hug. We've all become aware of the recent buzzwords Hygge and Lagom, which to Nordic people mean a lifestyle of cosy, calm living. This book expands on that idea, with similar words from many languages, divided into five themed chapters. As a language teacher I found it particularly fascinating. The illustrations are gorgeous, and this would make a great gift for those who are stressed and overworked. In fact I don't know anyone who wouldn't benefit from it! The only niggle for me was a couple of grammatical errors which should have been edited out.
Many thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
Many thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
January 8, 2019
Go on a world-tour of happiness. Exploring concepts of happiness and wellbeing from around the world, each new concept is accompanied by a beautiful illustration that encompasses its essence.
A beautiful coffee table book to dip in and out of, The Happiness Passport covers around 50 words from around the world, many of which don't have direct translations or counterparts in English. Split into easy to browse sections ranging from home and environment, community and relationships to character and soul, joy and spirituality, as well as balance and calm, each segment has something new and unique to capture your interest.
A beautiful coffee table book to dip in and out of, The Happiness Passport covers around 50 words from around the world, many of which don't have direct translations or counterparts in English. Split into easy to browse sections ranging from home and environment, community and relationships to character and soul, joy and spirituality, as well as balance and calm, each segment has something new and unique to capture your interest.
January 8, 2019
If you love travelling, discovering new cultures and languages, this book is for you. It highlights and points out words in many different languages, that often can't be translated, about happiness, well-being and being at peace with our environment. It is beautifully illustrated and a charming read. I learnt a lot and was inspired to discover some cultures I had not thought of before.
*This book was given to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review – all opinions are my own.*
*This book was given to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review – all opinions are my own.*
December 17, 2023
It was such a beautifully written little book but my rating would be 'just' 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
After reading almost everything about the term 'ikigai' in several places this was the first book that could perfectly conclude it without sounding too passionate or simply superficial yet grasping the very meaning of it.
After reading almost everything about the term 'ikigai' in several places this was the first book that could perfectly conclude it without sounding too passionate or simply superficial yet grasping the very meaning of it.
March 29, 2024
This was a really sweet book and it was gifted to me by SB and reminded me soo much of her so that was fun. It’s very earthy and feel good and I love that and also made me appreciate other cultures. Would definitely recommend and gives me vibes of like reading this to little kids before bed kind of book you know?
November 7, 2018
This book is like a little hug of niceness. I loved reading about the cultures and traditions of kindness from across the world and it was heartwarming to see there is still so much good in the world. Any book with a cwtch in it is fine with me.
January 23, 2020
A nice, short uplifting book about words in other languages that have meanings that refer to pleasant things. The illustrations are simple, but nicely illustrate the concepts explained in each chapter.
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February 12, 2020Un libro que puede hacer que tu vida sea más feliz.También hay palabra en español que es todo un concepto y gracias a eso pude entender como las personas de otros países acogen estas palabras concepto en su diario vivir.
September 22, 2022
Definitely worth a look if you love words and languages. I wish I had checked this out as a physical book rather than an electronic book as the pictures seem like they might help evoke feelings with each word.
November 6, 2022
Selesai membaca buku ini, aku merasakan semua jenis kebahagiaan si seluruh dunia. Paling berkesan dengan serendipity. Buku ini menarik bgt untuk dibaca saat sedang gundah gulana, karena rasa bahagianya nular banget 🤗
December 31, 2023
Theo thông lệ, mình dành tháng 12 để đọc những quyển sách về lifestyle có vibe cosy, light hearted và đây là một quyển sách có vibe vậy. Không phải là một quyển sách hàn lâm, nhưng đọc em nó và nhâm nhi một cốc hot chocolate bên cạnh trong tháng 12 - thời điểm đẹp nhất của năm. Thấy cũng hay lắm.
December 8, 2024
I loved reading this book. I felt like I drank a cool cup of water from a mountain stream every time I read about a different word from around the world describing happiness.
I shall read this one again. Soon.
I shall read this one again. Soon.
December 31, 2018
An interesting, short book that I could see using to enrich a language or creative writing class.
February 4, 2019
A must read for anyone looking to add joy in their lives. You may not remember every entry (guilty!), but you’ll smile the whole way through.
April 6, 2019
I adore this book! It’s surprisingly dense, so fulfilling to read. @angeladeutchman, I thought of you 🤓
July 21, 2019
Interesting words with lovely illustrations. I got it as a gift, read it, enjoyed it.
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