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Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to Happiness
Is there a knack to being happy? From paddle-boarding down the Thames in a Santa hat, to wild swimming in a glacial river and cooking sausages on a campfire, Bill revels in the exhilaration of the outdoors, as well as the quieter pleasures of letter-writing, or of simple reflection.
In this beautiful and uplifting book, Bill Bailey explores all this and more while delving into the nature of happiness, all in his own, remarkable, way.
Packed with wisdom and humour, and with delightful illustrations by the comedian himself, Bill Bailey aims for the heart of pure joy and contentment - and how we can all achieve it.
In this beautiful and uplifting book, Bill Bailey explores all this and more while delving into the nature of happiness, all in his own, remarkable, way.
Packed with wisdom and humour, and with delightful illustrations by the comedian himself, Bill Bailey aims for the heart of pure joy and contentment - and how we can all achieve it.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
December 16, 2020
Rather enjoyed this. Big fan of the talented Mr Bailey and can see through this that he is someone who has firmly grabbed hold of the opportunities presented to him and is thoroughly enjoying life.
Of course, much of this lifestyle isn’t available to us poor working folks putting in hours for the man, but his lessons learned in extracting happiness are well shared and a great read.
Of course, much of this lifestyle isn’t available to us poor working folks putting in hours for the man, but his lessons learned in extracting happiness are well shared and a great read.
February 16, 2021
Comedian, musician & Strictly Come Dancing winner Bill Bailey brings a welcome breath of fresh air to our troubled times.
Bailey admits he doesn't have the key to happiness, but in this book he does suggest plenty of ways to help you on the way. He covers topics as wide ranging as art, singing & playing crazy golf. The chapter in which he discusses a visit to an American zoo is hysterical, especially when he describes how difficult it is to refuse someone trying to give him something free when he buys his lunch.
As I read this cheerful & uplifting book the worldwide pandemic continues & here in England we are in the middle of our third & longest lockdown.
Bill Bailey may not have the answer to happiness, but his book certainly made me laugh. And when the lockdown finally ends my wife & I will definitely go out & play some crazy golf!
Bailey admits he doesn't have the key to happiness, but in this book he does suggest plenty of ways to help you on the way. He covers topics as wide ranging as art, singing & playing crazy golf. The chapter in which he discusses a visit to an American zoo is hysterical, especially when he describes how difficult it is to refuse someone trying to give him something free when he buys his lunch.
As I read this cheerful & uplifting book the worldwide pandemic continues & here in England we are in the middle of our third & longest lockdown.
Bill Bailey may not have the answer to happiness, but his book certainly made me laugh. And when the lockdown finally ends my wife & I will definitely go out & play some crazy golf!
May 1, 2021
I got a bit gebaited by this book. Scrolling idly on my relatively new Kindle, wondering what to read next, seeing a book by one of my favourite comedians and thinking "Why not!". One tap later and it was bought. Dangerous stuff, this...
Anyway, the book itself was quite sweet, with Bill Bailey's charming writing style helping you to reflect on nice things and share his outlook on life.
But it's kind of just a list of lots of lovely things Bill Bailey has done in his life, from expeditions in jungles to scuba diving, to arctic adventures. If I was being uncharitable I'd interpret his Guide to Happiness as being "be a successful comedian who can afford to do lots of lovely things". (To be fair, there was lots of more everyday stuff in there too, but the point still stands.)
My other criticism is it's very formulaic. He introduces the thing that makes you happy, he spends a couple of sentences (often in the historical present tense, which I happen to have an irrational hatred for) telling the story of him doing the happy-inducing thing, a paragraph or two vaguely mentioning a couple of studies that have shown that this thing is really good for you, and then a more in-depth discussion of why he likes it, the way in which he does it, and maybe a funny remark or two. Then it's onto the next chapter and the next thing that makes him happy. Maybe this would be a book to read alongside something else, just reading one (very short) chapter every day or two to spend your five minutes with Bill, rather than pumping the whole thing out in one week, experiencing the formula in all its glory...
The drawings are pretty cute. I like the drawings :)
Anyway, the book itself was quite sweet, with Bill Bailey's charming writing style helping you to reflect on nice things and share his outlook on life.
But it's kind of just a list of lots of lovely things Bill Bailey has done in his life, from expeditions in jungles to scuba diving, to arctic adventures. If I was being uncharitable I'd interpret his Guide to Happiness as being "be a successful comedian who can afford to do lots of lovely things". (To be fair, there was lots of more everyday stuff in there too, but the point still stands.)
My other criticism is it's very formulaic. He introduces the thing that makes you happy, he spends a couple of sentences (often in the historical present tense, which I happen to have an irrational hatred for) telling the story of him doing the happy-inducing thing, a paragraph or two vaguely mentioning a couple of studies that have shown that this thing is really good for you, and then a more in-depth discussion of why he likes it, the way in which he does it, and maybe a funny remark or two. Then it's onto the next chapter and the next thing that makes him happy. Maybe this would be a book to read alongside something else, just reading one (very short) chapter every day or two to spend your five minutes with Bill, rather than pumping the whole thing out in one week, experiencing the formula in all its glory...
The drawings are pretty cute. I like the drawings :)
January 26, 2021
Bill Bailey is a very funny and clever man. I always love to watch his stand up and appearances on talk shows. But my favourite Bill Bailey role is absolutely Manny from Black Books. I can watch that show over and over and not get bored. He always manages to make me laugh.
So when I saw that he had written a book of stories, drawings and thoughts on happiness I had to get my hands on it. Written mostly during lockdown due to Covid, he talks about his personal experiences with different ways to that make you happy. From reading books, watching sport, swearing... whatever it is that lifts your mood.
It is funny and relatable and very Bill Bailey. Highly recommend
So when I saw that he had written a book of stories, drawings and thoughts on happiness I had to get my hands on it. Written mostly during lockdown due to Covid, he talks about his personal experiences with different ways to that make you happy. From reading books, watching sport, swearing... whatever it is that lifts your mood.
It is funny and relatable and very Bill Bailey. Highly recommend
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December 7, 2020Great, if you can afford sky diving or scuba gear or travelling to exotic places , or if you're fit and well enough to run or dance or cycle, or if you're happily married with kids - in which case I'm not sure you would need to read this book!
December 4, 2020
I'm getting a bit of a picture here. Comedians shoved back into their homes by lockdown, wondering what to do with their time. Their agent/editor says, "write a book! Oh, but it has to be done, dusted and released by mid-autumn so that Christmas shoppers will buy it. They're the ones who buy books by comedians." Having just read this book, and Richard Herring's book, I have the same issue with both of them. They both come across as short, hastily-written examinations of an idea, rather than a book that someone thought through properly. That's not really the writers' fault: They both say "I wrote this during lockdown" which means they started by March at the earliest, and definitely turned in a draft by early summer. That's a crazy fast turnaround. Too fast.
I thought this might have been a broader guide to happiness, examining things like how understanding of happiness varies from one society to the next, what works for different people, what psychologists and philosophers have said. You know. A guide to happiness. There have been other books in that vein.
It's actually just a fleshed-out list of things that cheer Bill Bailey up. Which is, again, probably all that he could manage to do in the time available. He's not a bad writer, and sometimes he's even quite insightful. And again: respect for the warpspeed turnaround on this thing. But a more accurate title would definitely have been "Things That Make Me Happy" and I don't think I would have bought that.
I thought this might have been a broader guide to happiness, examining things like how understanding of happiness varies from one society to the next, what works for different people, what psychologists and philosophers have said. You know. A guide to happiness. There have been other books in that vein.
It's actually just a fleshed-out list of things that cheer Bill Bailey up. Which is, again, probably all that he could manage to do in the time available. He's not a bad writer, and sometimes he's even quite insightful. And again: respect for the warpspeed turnaround on this thing. But a more accurate title would definitely have been "Things That Make Me Happy" and I don't think I would have bought that.
December 28, 2020
Love Bill, a great reminder that happiness is found in the discovery of things that are freely available to us and that we have control of. Now for some practice!
August 25, 2022
Some of the chapters were a bit boring but overall it was pretty good
February 1, 2021
Whimsical, light-hearted, and reflective. Bailey’s ability to find happiness in such simple pleasures is infectious, and I liked that this book didn’t profess to be anything bigger than what it is :)
May 1, 2023
Bill Bailey has this knack of writing a down to earth book on the simple things that bring him happiness. It’s got an honesty about it that you can’t beat. I feel sad that it’s all over but so glad I read it. From the everyday to the slightly crazy I was really hooked.
December 12, 2020
The feelgood book of the year? Hardly.
Anyone unfortunate enough to get this in their Christmas stocking has my deepest sympathy.
I've just sold my last copy and - not being the sort of cynical bookseller who knowingly duds his customers - won't be reordering
Not having a copy to refer to now, I'll have to give broad impressions rather than actual quotes:
1) it's boring.
2) it has the feeling of a book cynically brought out to make money rather than to do anyone anywhere any good.
3) the illustrations by Bill Bailey are so bad that even the most incompetent Year 12 art student could manage better, and so charmless that absolutely everyone under the age of 10 could manage more charming.
4) and yet they're presented as a sort of value-adding feature, which, given the dreadfulness of the text, they perhaps are.
Anyone unfortunate enough to get this in their Christmas stocking has my deepest sympathy.
I've just sold my last copy and - not being the sort of cynical bookseller who knowingly duds his customers - won't be reordering
Not having a copy to refer to now, I'll have to give broad impressions rather than actual quotes:
1) it's boring.
2) it has the feeling of a book cynically brought out to make money rather than to do anyone anywhere any good.
3) the illustrations by Bill Bailey are so bad that even the most incompetent Year 12 art student could manage better, and so charmless that absolutely everyone under the age of 10 could manage more charming.
4) and yet they're presented as a sort of value-adding feature, which, given the dreadfulness of the text, they perhaps are.
March 14, 2021
This is a lovely book to read a year into lockdown, which is also when he wrote it. It’s not a self help book, despite the title, but a book of musings on some of the things that can make you happy. There is a bit of a misty eyed reflection on his life as an exotic globetrotter, but given the times I didn’t find it too annoying (I tend to think this is a lazy device writers use to set the scene). The pictures are cute and the advice is moderate, sensible, and incredibly British. A nice, lighthearted read in a really tough year.
March 15, 2021
This book was recommended to me by someone I volunteer with and at first, I did feel a little bit sceptical whether Bill Bailey’s writing was for me or not. I didn’t have to worry. There were plenty of moments to have a good giggle at some of his life experiences. Definitely a non-fiction uplifting read for your collection!
January 17, 2021
Bill Bailey was apparently much more productive than most of us have been during this pandemic, having used our first UK lockdown to write this Remarkable Guide to Happiness
.
Despite the title, this isn’t exactly a self-help book and Bailey hasn’t swallowed the Little Book of Calm (aah, Black Books. I am definitely due a re-watch) This is a very good thing, as I think I’m actually allergic to that genre, so was glad to find this is actually a gently lovely tour through the things that make Bailey happy.
By and large, his philosophy revolves around enjoying the little things – good coffee, listening to and playing music, being in nature – even if the circumstances of his enjoyment are wildly different to mine. Not many of us have the budget to travel to the Gold Coast to go scuba diving, to Finland for a spot of wild swimming, or to Tibet to learn how to play the gamelan, but Bailey’s charm helped to offset the eye-rolling that would have abounded had I read this sort of thing from a different celebrity and the principle is an easy one to put into practice.
Looking around at some of my friends and how we have dealt differently with lockdown, I can’t help but think that the reason I’ve not struggled as much is because I’m genuinely happier not living large. The social butterflies in my group who live to shop and party have been struggling to find anything but stress in this situation, whereas I’ve been luxuriating in all the extra time in which I can take long baths, sketch, read, or just chill with my cats.
Like Bill, it’s an approach I’m going to try to continue when life gets back to normal (if it ever does).
**Also posted at Cannonball Read 13**
.
Despite the title, this isn’t exactly a self-help book and Bailey hasn’t swallowed the Little Book of Calm (aah, Black Books. I am definitely due a re-watch) This is a very good thing, as I think I’m actually allergic to that genre, so was glad to find this is actually a gently lovely tour through the things that make Bailey happy.
By and large, his philosophy revolves around enjoying the little things – good coffee, listening to and playing music, being in nature – even if the circumstances of his enjoyment are wildly different to mine. Not many of us have the budget to travel to the Gold Coast to go scuba diving, to Finland for a spot of wild swimming, or to Tibet to learn how to play the gamelan, but Bailey’s charm helped to offset the eye-rolling that would have abounded had I read this sort of thing from a different celebrity and the principle is an easy one to put into practice.
Looking around at some of my friends and how we have dealt differently with lockdown, I can’t help but think that the reason I’ve not struggled as much is because I’m genuinely happier not living large. The social butterflies in my group who live to shop and party have been struggling to find anything but stress in this situation, whereas I’ve been luxuriating in all the extra time in which I can take long baths, sketch, read, or just chill with my cats.
Like Bill, it’s an approach I’m going to try to continue when life gets back to normal (if it ever does).
**Also posted at Cannonball Read 13**
November 8, 2020
Thank you so much to Hachette Australia for providing me with a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review!
What makes us happy? Often it’s the small things and Bill Bailey is here to share them in the most relatable way. From Dinosaur Mini Golf to plants to dancing and more, Bill and his funny illustrations had me laughing out loud at times and nodding along in agreement in others.
Bill has managed to put together a reflective book for the current times, when many places have come out of, or are still in, lockdown due to Covid19. I enjoyed the short chapters, that moved through each subject without dragging, it added to the overall feeling of simplicity of the book. A couple of the chapters didn’t really speak to me because they weren’t things I particularly enjoy doing, or have any interest in, but short chapters meant the book quickly moved on to the next subjects and kept my interest.
Part comedy, part glimpse into Bill Bailey’s life, this book would make a wonderful gift for those who have enjoyed his comedy before or anyone feeling like they need a reminder of the joy that can be found in the simple things in life!
What makes us happy? Often it’s the small things and Bill Bailey is here to share them in the most relatable way. From Dinosaur Mini Golf to plants to dancing and more, Bill and his funny illustrations had me laughing out loud at times and nodding along in agreement in others.
Bill has managed to put together a reflective book for the current times, when many places have come out of, or are still in, lockdown due to Covid19. I enjoyed the short chapters, that moved through each subject without dragging, it added to the overall feeling of simplicity of the book. A couple of the chapters didn’t really speak to me because they weren’t things I particularly enjoy doing, or have any interest in, but short chapters meant the book quickly moved on to the next subjects and kept my interest.
Part comedy, part glimpse into Bill Bailey’s life, this book would make a wonderful gift for those who have enjoyed his comedy before or anyone feeling like they need a reminder of the joy that can be found in the simple things in life!
October 25, 2021
Possibly the most chilled out book I've ever read. Perfect for dipping in and out of for a chapter or two at a time. The highlights for me were Bill's illustrations which are all weird and fun. And obviously bill is very funny, which makes his happiness research flow so much better than it would coming from anyone else.
May 29, 2024
Gently funny collection of essays, each about an activity which has been linked to happiness. Reminded me of Bill Bryson's essay collections, such as Notes from a Big Country, in that they often begin with Bill in the middle of his happiness-inducing activity (e.g. Stand up paddleboarding, Rocking out at a Metallica concert, walking with friends) and wrap up nicely with a characteristic punchline. Peppered throughout with his trademark brand of surreal yet spot-on synonyms, tangential trains of thought and general magnified bewilderment and fascination at the world, this collection pleased me no end, given my near-lifelong admiration for the man.
February 20, 2022
Some interesting little nuggets and a sweet book but didn't glean anything new from this really. It's just a simple little breather with some ideas it's nice to be reminded off every once in a while.
January 3, 2025
Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to Happiness is a rambling, confused, self-serving insult, devoid of any sort of benefit, that is neither funny nor educational. This is highly disappointing coming from Bill Bailey, a man previously thought of as being insightful, a man whose blend of humour has come to be accepted as intelligent, weird and... funny.
A large gripe with the book is that it has very little to do with the topic of happiness. It is rather a collection of very short chapters on quite random topics (e.g. jogging, music, letter writing, speaking another language) from Bill's travels around the world that follow a seemingly set and highly irritable formula: introduce a usually extravagant holiday or travel experience, list some benefits of the experience (not a link to happiness), reinforce the benefits of the thing with a single - usually obscure - scientific article with a very serious tone and no counter argument, and then repeat sometimes many times over a very brief chapter. It's as if the sole purpose of the book is an attempt by Bill to convince the reader of how well-travelled and intelligent he is. He even frequently mentions - and in a serious tone - how many of experiences require a certain level of fitness, that he has of course. Bill - who are you kidding?
Philosophy is briefly mentioned and these parts were particularly painful. Bill demonstrates either a surface level understanding or a total misunderstanding of these subjects. These mentions are very brief and seem misplaced, as if name-dropping an ancient Greek will give him some street cred.
Surprisingly and at odds with his persona on live shows or TV, Bill comes across as very normal and thus boring. He runs, jogs, listens to mainstream music and reads mainstream books. He travels a lot and yet he does things that would be at home on many people's bucket lists.
By the end, it actually becomes quite sad that such a well-travelled and previously liked man that is our 'guide' has such a superficial idea of happiness, the topic he is meant to be guiding the reader through.
A large gripe with the book is that it has very little to do with the topic of happiness. It is rather a collection of very short chapters on quite random topics (e.g. jogging, music, letter writing, speaking another language) from Bill's travels around the world that follow a seemingly set and highly irritable formula: introduce a usually extravagant holiday or travel experience, list some benefits of the experience (not a link to happiness), reinforce the benefits of the thing with a single - usually obscure - scientific article with a very serious tone and no counter argument, and then repeat sometimes many times over a very brief chapter. It's as if the sole purpose of the book is an attempt by Bill to convince the reader of how well-travelled and intelligent he is. He even frequently mentions - and in a serious tone - how many of experiences require a certain level of fitness, that he has of course. Bill - who are you kidding?
Philosophy is briefly mentioned and these parts were particularly painful. Bill demonstrates either a surface level understanding or a total misunderstanding of these subjects. These mentions are very brief and seem misplaced, as if name-dropping an ancient Greek will give him some street cred.
Surprisingly and at odds with his persona on live shows or TV, Bill comes across as very normal and thus boring. He runs, jogs, listens to mainstream music and reads mainstream books. He travels a lot and yet he does things that would be at home on many people's bucket lists.
By the end, it actually becomes quite sad that such a well-travelled and previously liked man that is our 'guide' has such a superficial idea of happiness, the topic he is meant to be guiding the reader through.
December 16, 2020
This is a fun uplifting guide to the concept of happiness, throughout this book Bill has composed an incredible collection of funny, personal, and reflective essays about what happiness is to him, the topics are relatable and I found myself often thinking of similar experiences I have had which I have loved and enjoyed.
The book had me feeling quite warm and fuzzy inside, I have always been a big fan of Bill’s from his role as Manny in Black Books to his stage shows. I have been very fortunate to have seen him on stage a few times over the years when he has made the trip down under and has visited Tasmania as part of his tour.
Without a doubt 2020 hasn’t been a bit of a awful year for so many reading this book certainly gave me a much needed lift, and I just know it’ll be a book I will pick up from time to time and read again.
The book had me feeling quite warm and fuzzy inside, I have always been a big fan of Bill’s from his role as Manny in Black Books to his stage shows. I have been very fortunate to have seen him on stage a few times over the years when he has made the trip down under and has visited Tasmania as part of his tour.
Without a doubt 2020 hasn’t been a bit of a awful year for so many reading this book certainly gave me a much needed lift, and I just know it’ll be a book I will pick up from time to time and read again.
May 28, 2021
I found it difficult to relate to these essays on happiness that are so far removed from everyday experiences. Bill Bailey finds happiness in Swden, Iceland, Los Angeles Zoo, New Zealand, Amsterdam, Norther Bali, Colombia, Australia; to name but a few too many. As an occasional article in a magazine, these essays work; as a hardback book retailing at £20 they don't.
September 9, 2025
More like a series of mini essays, each themed around different happiness inspirations. Although it does repeat itself a bit towards the end, it's a good read with Bailey's trademark humour. One of the illustrations made me laugh out loud on the District Line.
May 21, 2021
Yep. this pretty much does what it says on the cover, and all of it written in Bill Bailey's dry, observational style of humour.
January 20, 2023
I love everything by Bill Bailey. He says it like it is. Lots of helpful tips about how to be happy and help depression, by getting outdoors. Lovely little book. Hope he writes another one soon.
May 3, 2023
Lighthearted and breezy. It's a nice relaxing read. If you're a fan of the comedian (like me), you'll probably read it with his voice bouncing around your head, making it all the more enjoyable.
July 26, 2023
A super nice, feel-good collection of entertaining and funny essays by Bill Bailey on different aspects of life that being us happiness. I really enjoyed his relatable stories and humour, and contemplating what brings me joy in our fast-paced lives where we’re taught to strive for more more more.
February 16, 2021
Really enjoyable and funny
September 14, 2025
A wonderful book is definitely full of happiness and made me smile and laugh reading it. Brilliant illustrations alongside the wit and humour of Bill Bailey
June 9, 2021
A lovey little book that made me chuckle throughout. Reads very much like Bill's standup, an effect with is amplified by his fun drawings and photographs throughout. Also love that Sonisphere 2011 was mentioned twice, i was there and it made me happy too 😊
February 8, 2023
This book is, in reality, not a guide to happiness. Bill himself freely admits this in the opening pages. What this book is is a collection of stories each focused on a certain activity that made Bill happy. The offshoot is that maybe you might have a happy experience doing them too.
Written during the Covid lockdowns we join Bill in reflective mood as he recounts tales of both adventure and day to day life in the life of Bill Bailey – Bill’s day to day is obviously a little bit different to the likes of me. One minute we are wild swimming in an Icelandic Lake, Paddleboarding on the Thames or being invited on stage at Sonisphere Festival, the next he is talking about having a clear out or going cycling. The connection between all the stories is simple – this is something that made him happy.
While, as I have said already, this is not a clear guide to happiness there are a few nuggets of wisdom that seemed to hit the right notes for me that I hope to revisit. I had a smile on my face throughout reading it, and even if that is all it brings me, at least it would be something I could list on my own guide to happiness one day. Recommended.
Written during the Covid lockdowns we join Bill in reflective mood as he recounts tales of both adventure and day to day life in the life of Bill Bailey – Bill’s day to day is obviously a little bit different to the likes of me. One minute we are wild swimming in an Icelandic Lake, Paddleboarding on the Thames or being invited on stage at Sonisphere Festival, the next he is talking about having a clear out or going cycling. The connection between all the stories is simple – this is something that made him happy.
While, as I have said already, this is not a clear guide to happiness there are a few nuggets of wisdom that seemed to hit the right notes for me that I hope to revisit. I had a smile on my face throughout reading it, and even if that is all it brings me, at least it would be something I could list on my own guide to happiness one day. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews