Happy

by Ferne Cotton

Advice on how to deal with Mental health issues

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Mental Health, Psychology

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Summer Lambert · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish it. Listened to this on Audio. I got one hour in and all I kept hearing with ‘you can find this in the accompanying pdf’ what pdf? There was nothing attached to my loan, had to return.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this and loved that it was Ferne narrating it. She comes across as such a warm and lovely person who becomes friends with everyone she meets. I realised that I share some of her personality traits and wonder if certain personalities are just more prone to feeling more deeply and being affected by the things around them. She mentioned how she was brought up in a clean house and that having everything in order and under control makes her feel safe so when things are untidy it makes her feel on edge; I definitely resonate with this and have always struggled living with other people because of it. I suppose the same is true for me in relation to noise as I grew up in such an idyllic and quiet environment I feel on edge around constant disturbing noises. I appreciated her discussion of gratitude and that actually it is only by feeling such black emotions that you develop great empathy for other people and make it your mission to try to make the world a more happy place. Ferne is a great advocate of talking to good friends about how you’re feeling but what she fails to consider is that we’re not all so lucky to have people who will listen to us when we need it. There is nothing more frustrating than knowing what will make you feel better and realising you cannot achieve it. I also didn’t get a copy of this PDF that is promised a million times throughout the book so I wasn’t happy about that!

[Jemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so useful and I would recommend it for anyone!

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pretty cover invites you to read, but truthfully the book itself lacks substance - while there were a few pages that really spoke to me, as a whole, there was nothing new in this book in terms of advice. The activity pages that have you relate it all to your own life felt awkwardly placed as they often cut off a sentence on the previous page, making you confused about how to read it. Had it not been a gift, I would not have bothered to finish it, but at least it was a quick read.

[Oscar Rhodes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a book I would've chosen out for myself, but Happy is a harmless wellbeing book by the lovely Fearne Cotton. Although this book was generally not for me, there are parts I could relate to and it helped to reinforce my feelings that I'm in a happy place in life right now. I can see why it would appeal to people who are more of that target audience, but for me it's 2.5/5

[Elsa Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wellbeing and self help books are amongst my favourites. However I don’t go for books written by ‘celebrities’. If I knew the author was the Fearne Cotton on TV and radio, I would not have read this book. I thought it was someone with the same name. I was pleasantly surprised how I enjoyed it. True that I don’t have anything common with the author, I’m much older and no children. I like the sharing of her life, story, and experience. Not you should do this, but rather this is what I do and you will have your own experience. Many snippets that are useful. Particularly like the Reflection Rainbow on the inside front cover.

[Cate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book with a lot of potential. Loved listening to Ferne reading the audiobook (particularly the guided mediation bit), but as others have said, the book constantly refers to an accompanying pdf.

If you (like me) borrowed the audiobook via a library app, it's likely you didn't have this pdf easily accessible. Unfortunately it feels like at least half of the book (including multiple interviews with Ferne's mum, MIND charity and Craig David, all the tips and exercises, and much more) is hidden away in the pdf rather than being included in the audiobook which is really quite disappointing and just makes it feel a bit like the audiobook is a commentary to a separate book rather than the other way around.

Thankfully you can Google the book title and pdf to find a copy of it (it's over 90 pages long!), but this doesn't help much for those who don't have a compatible device or those who might be visually impaired.

Having the interviews read out and the exercises described in the audiobook would improve it massively!

[Nieve Parkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was enjoyable and interesting as it incorporates and analyses happiness across various aspects of life and offers experiences and advice on keeping happiness inter-grated into them. It also offers activities to help us get more in touch with our own happiness and develop ways of thinking and being to maintain our own version of happiness ☺️

It is definitely a book I will dip back in and out of when I need advice to reconnect with happiness, as it highlights the importance of self love and acceptance, human connection and support networks, kindness, honestly and gratitude 🥰

It also highlighted the importance of a happy mind and body and the harmony of this connection, as well as celebrating the uniqueness of each individual.
It was really refreshing to look at happiness from different peoples perspectives as it grows and challenges your own 💗

Would absolutely recommend it’s worth a read!

[Korie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy by Ferne Cotton was a lovely read full of journal entries to complete, interviews, Ferne's perspectives and many other things. It is a sort of self-help guide but instead of telling the reader how to live their life, she gives advice and perspective on mental health and how to look within your self for your way of living.
It made me focus on my life as a whole and how I control my own world while also learning about other peoples struggles. It was a really interesting book and not my normal read. I love the idea that Happy has a companion journal to work through and learn from while focusing on what matters to you.
It made me feel a sense of calm while reading it and again I read it within 24 hours. Its such a short read and very fast paced.

[Cris · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is nothing new in this book that I haven't heard elsewhere. I feel like many of the readers will have heard these ideas in podcasts or read them in books already. I really wanted to learn something new from this book but sadly I didn't. I would have liked to understand more about Ferne's depression and how this manifested itself but the book is too simple and lacks any reference to studies or source materials for the advice that is being given. I'm sure some readers would find value if they have never come across some of the ideas being discussed in the book but for me it was just a regurgitation of theories from elsewhere and general feelings.

[Gaby Vázquez | Gabbyshappyplace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Es la primera vez que me vuelo partes de un libro porque literalmente no hay nada que me genere interés. Soy el tipo de persona que si empiezo un libro siento que le debo al autor el respeto de terminarlo. Tristemente con este libro me costó muchísimo trabajo porque aunque lo que comparte son consejos prácticos, en mi caso lo sentí como más un workbook que un libro para lectura y al tenerlo digital para mi simplemente no funcionó. Me gustaría volver a leerlo en el futuro y darle otra oportunidad teniendo el libro en físico. Mientras tanto… ⭐️⭐️

[Joanne Caine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very easy and quick read. I love the layout of the book and how it focuses on different parts of your life / body / mind, which all inevitably come together to create happiness.
My favourite chapter being the final one 'happy heart'.
I would recommend to anyone who feels they need a boost in life or to read soenthing which gives you that 'feel good' feeling.
I'm going to make my own #whatmakesmehappy list that I can refer back to or add too whenever I need.

[hollyisodd · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not the target audience for this book.
It was incredibly hard to finish and was so repetitive, Cotton talks about taking care of your mental state and health for beginners - it was all basic stuff I know and didn't provide me with any new insight.
It did address her mental health journey however not enough for me to read it because it spoke about her experience - the information was there more to set up her ideas.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely reading a book about depression written by someone that’s suffered not a doctor who knows about it all, but really doesn’t know how it feels to be depressed. Enjoyable activities to do throughout the book to get you thinking. Luckily I’m in a better stage of my life where I’m not actively depressed but rather looking at ways to keep depression away and this book is just the ticket.

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did quite enjoy this.. It's like a workbook at the same time. It gives you things to do.. activities and prompts and routines and stuff.. really, really good book.. might have to reread it again to know how it goes though because I only really remember how it made me feel.. not what is actually in the book.. but definitely a good book and a good read.
Also helps if you read it in her voice, too! haha

[Alli Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book that you can easily dip in and out of. It consists of journal type entries with lots of hints and tips on improving your mental wellbeing. I was particularly struck by Fearne Cotton’s honesty when she talked about her experiences of depression. Very brave, and very important to share such experiences to normalise negative mental health. A very uplifting book.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having discovered happy place on podcasts during this lockdown I then looked for books by Fearne! Whilst I didn’t makes notes like the book suggests I still felt deeply attached to it and felt myself accepting myself if that makes sense. A lot of what Fearne has written resonates with me deeply. I can not wait to read more of her books.

[Jenny Farrar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can see how this would be useful for some people, and having a book like this written by a popular figure certainly brings it to the masses, but I felt like it lacked scientific information and regurgitated a watered down version of therapy.
Again, great to bring mental health to light and some exercises sounded like a good idea. Not enough real depth for my liking.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️
This was another fantastic book by Fearne Cotton and her positive outlook on mental health. It was empowering that she shared her struggles particularly with depression and at the same time offered a solution. The audiobook is narrated to be listened to at the same time as doing the journal which I didn’t realise beforehand.

[Sam Bolger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the way that ferne writes and this makes it an easy read. I can't wait to read her other books. Currently, I am using the Calm Journal that she wrote, it has helped as she has put in little guides one each page. For me this is great! Recommended to friends and family.

[Sarah Caine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and will read this book again so many times!! I have tried some of the exercises and bookmarked some of the exercises to do! Well written and very personal, it’s a great account of Ferne’s own struggles alongside tasks and things for you to think about and try!!

[Laura-Jane & Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't hook me as much as I thought it would. Lots of activities to do which make you think about your life and ways to improve your happiness. Love all the little pictures in the book. Can't wait to read calm.

[Stacy Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like this book, some good tips to improve mental well being. Easy to read, not too preachy and good personal insight/reflections that are relatable.

[nicola lavender · Rating 5 out of 5]

a well written and thoughtful book with lots of little exercises to complete really enjoyed this book.

[Gemma Dart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great tips and ideas to help when the grey cloud descend.

[Katie Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Due to the vast mentions of her children and motherhood, this book is perhaps better suited to parents who can relate.

[Staci Brierley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book. Repetitive though in lots of places. I also didn't like that a sentence would be split halfway by a random 'activity' to do... The layout was a bit strange. Still it was interesting.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this and each little task had my mind wondering off blissfully

[Clodagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple of sweet, helpful insights and Fernes story is interesting but at times it was a bit much!

[Pippa Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing