O's Little Book of Happiness

by O, The Oprah Magazine, Alison Eliot (Narrator), Cynthia Hopkins (Narrator)

With a sprightly dose of insightful inspiration, a sprinkling of practical advice, and a bounty of exuberant stories by great writers, O's Little Book of Happiness features some of the best work ever to have appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine . Inside you'll find Elizabeth Gilbert's ode to the triumph of asking for what you want... Jane Smiley's tribute to the animal who taught her about lasting fulfilment... Shonda Rhimes's secret to trading stress for serenity... Brene Brown's celebration of the power of play... Neil de Grasse Tyson's take on our joyful participation in the universe... and much more. In revisiting fifteen years of the magazine's rich archives, O 's editors have assembled a collection as stunning as it is spirit-lifting.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Short Stories, Essays, Personal Development, Memoir

Audiobook

Published April 6, 2017

Reviews

[Nathaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

now before you say 'Nathaniel, why the heck did you read this?' just know that I received this on Christmas Eve as a joke gift from my sister, who knows I love yellow books. She told me that she didn't expect me to read it, so of course I took that as a challenge and read it.
And I'm glad I did.
This book doesn't hold a lot of substance, but there were a couple stories that settled on my heart. It's just experiences people finding joy. A light, quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes a conscious effort to remind myself that I'm never alone in my fears, anxieties, failures, ambitions, hopes, dreams...that I'm human and as humans we're all connected by our experiences and emotions. I liked this book because it reminded me, story after story.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

This little thin book that is put out by O Magazine is unfortunately not a Little Book of Happiness. I initially picked it up because I knew Jane Smiley had an essay in the anthology. The "essays" are really more like the Twitter form of an essay. That would have been okay had the stories had some form or substance...they were just a vignette of a happy moment. It reminded me of a dream sequence - no beginning or end just poof some stuff. I think this reflects more on the editors than the authors. I do like the cover so it does make a nice art on the ole coffee table.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

O's Little Book of Happiness is exactly what the title states: little stories about everyday happinesses. I swear that I could physically feel little jets of happiness enter my bloodstream as I read along in the pages of this book. It is quite delightful. Perfect little boosts of happiness in each story.

[Heidi Wiechert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. FTC guidelines: check!

Let's start with a confession: I am not a reader of magazines. I find them to be filled to the brim with advertisements for things I neither want nor need and, after I've dug through the pages of stuff for sale, I find the writing to be insipid. "Six new sex positions!" "Keep your romance alive!" blah, blah, blah... that being said, O's Little Book of Happiness was totally different from my expectations of what a magazine is and introduced to me the idea of what a magazine could be. (And there were no advertisements!)

This collection of essays from the pages of O are wonderful. Through memories and insights, the writers of each chapter have something uplifting and inspiring to share. My favorite was the chapter entitled "My Unplanned Adventure" by Catherine Price (pg 88-99). It's about an uptight traveler who planned every aspect of her trips around the world until she came to the conclusion that she was over thinking it. So, she walked up to a person, asked them where they would travel if they could go anywhere, and went there. I won't ruin the essay by relating all of it here, but it totally resonated with me. I also have to remind myself that going with the flow is always more desirable than white-knuckling intricate plans and time tables.

A couple of the essays felt too short (one page or one paragraph in some instances) but for the most part I enjoyed their length and the order that they are arranged in. There's something very powerful in reading back-to-back essays about happiness and accounts of people finding their path in life. I read this through in almost one sitting but it could also be savored slowly like a-chapter-a-day devotional guide. I enjoyed this very much.

If you like O's Little Book of Happiness, I would also recommend The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor and Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill by Matthieu Ricard.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this wasn't the best book to kick off my list this month of celebrating women in March, but it was readily available and short. I'm just not sold on the idea of happiness needing to be the goal all. the. time. Forcing happiness or reveling in misery deny the complexities of the human experience and the value of a broad range of emotions in our lives. Sometimes sadness is the appropriate response. Sometimes it is better to just laugh. But this collection of essays was a little too generically "inspirational". But it was made by O. So. Mildly entertaining and overflowing with positivity and quotable soundbites.

[Holley S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good collection of articles! I enjoyed a laugh here and there too! Can’t hurt to get perspective and dose of happiness through others stories.

[Gazala · Rating 5 out of 5]

O'S LITTLE BOOK OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
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REVIEW
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First of all - this cover ❤❤❤..how beautiful is the colourful classy cover of this gorgeous compilation of essays and anecdotes from The Oprah Magazine. As the title says ,it brings to its readers essays on love and friendship and the cover somehow conveys a warm fuzzy feeling that the book will leave you with. Thank you @panmacmillanindia for the book ☺...
The essays are picked over a period of a few years , written by different writers and each of them talk about how love has changed their lives. These are real stories of how people fell in love ,lost dear ones, found friendships in strange ways and how a little something has caused a drastic change in their lives. It is a beautiful reminder of how love keeps us all going ,and how heartbreak, loss and despair lead to beautiful things , just as discovering a beautiful blossoming relationship enhances our lives... There are some very beautiful lines that define these incidents that aren't a mere coincidence but all a part of the grand picture... though i could finish this book much quicker ,i took my time with it as there is so much to think about...the detailed review on www.merakipost.com will have some wonderful lines that caught my attention..
I really recommend all you guys who are just looking for reassurance that we'll be ok , need to read this...

[Nouran Gamal · Rating 3 out of 5]

i preferred the one on love more but this had some pretty good ones..
My Favs:
- A Slice of Summer by Abigail Thomas
- Varied Treasure by Lisa Congdon
- Horizons Expanded by Heather Greenwood Davis
- An Extraordinary Machine by Lila Keary
- My Unplanned Adventure by Catherine Price
- The Year of Saying Yes by Patricia Volk
- The Juan Show by Jessica Winter
- Pleasure 101 by Gretchen Reynolds
- Could you be Happier? by Dan Baker (the results were so true)
- Uncrumpling My Face by Catherine Newman (funny)
- Ask Away by Elizabeth Gilbert
- To Do List or Not To Do List by Martha Beck

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a breath of fresh air! This was a lovely book of short stories reminding us all to hold on to and actively look for the moments of happiness in our lives.

[Ashley Jane Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book of short essays about life and how to be happy. I love collections of essays because if one doesn't resonate with you, just read the next one! Many of these essays made me reflect on how I live my life and what changes I want to make within. This book really packs a punch! I would recommend it to all.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year I retired from teaching high school English, one of my students, Jacob, gifted me with this book and a touching personal note. I must admit, this circumstance was already steeped in my heart when I began reading this charming book - and stayed with me throughout. Some of the essays were poignant. Some were funny. Some were inspirational. All were relatable. A nice book to either tell the reader to 'keep the most important thing the most important thing'....or to remind people who have already figured this out - to continue to do so.

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this most pleasant and even how smart it was written and phrased. I'm a big fan of Oprah and have been for many years. The content was such that the several woman that were quoted during the playaway were very much appreciated due to their content. It is felt that some of the very best work is found in the magazine and the magazine. The individuals they quoted and told of their stories and experiences, were delightful examples of folks that could share good content of Oprah's Magazine.

[Noreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from goodreads. O's Little Book of Happiness is a compilation of inspirational stories and advice from the archives of The Oprah Magazine. Some of the stories will cause you to see life in a different light. I enjoyed the book very much and will be reading many of my favorite stories many times. I also enjoyed reading about the background and accomplishments of each writer.

[Shivangi Yadav · Rating 1 out of 5]

These are basically anecdotes about what makes people happy. And for the first few of them, you like the feeling that these shorts give you, but after a while, it gets tedious. There is no substance to the stories, no backstory and thus most just remain the kind of stories that friends tell each other to cheer each other up.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is mostly just a series of very short essays about the things that make these particular individuals especially happy. They're cute, but not all that special for me I guess. There were a couple that stood out to me though and I am happy I read. And it wasn't a large investment of time, so decent.

[Arpita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, cozy picker-upper. Some of the contributors are Brene Brown, Roxane Gay, Elizabeth Gilbert, Neil deGrasse Tyson. This should tell you what an eclectic collection of stories this little book has. It's a nice feeling to tuck yourself in with a cup of tea and some pages of pure joy from these shared experiences.

[Laura Parente · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I love Oprah, I purchased this little book for myself. While there were a few wonderful stories, I now feel that it probably wasn't worthy of buying. I would definitely get it from the library or borrow from a friend.

[Pearl Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful set of essays written by variety of contributors that range from the uplifting to the humbling. Some are relatable, some bring on the weeps and some will bring joy and make you laugh out loud.

[Ashley Tovar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite that absence of Oprah herself this book is filled with Oprah style wisdom & humor. Simple, enjoyable & simply class A stuff. It's a quick easy read that will put a smile on your face.

[Nicole Perry Kurilchick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice easy read. It reminded me of the "This I Believe" series.

[Jenan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one more than O's Little Book of Calm and Comfort.

[Kandice · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

[Amy Pitts Knous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to it on audible in two days; the last two of my spring break. What a great thing to provide prospective and positivity. Great for the Sunday scaries, or anytime you need a lift.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean....

meh.

It's fine for what it is. I certainly wouldn't consider it a collection of life-altering essays and quotes (not that it claims to be so). There a few pleasant ones, though some came across as out of touch to those unfamiliar with or unable to access the lifestyle/change addressed. Most sections encourage readers to "live their best life" outside of—sometimes in the embrace of—fear, whether in peaceful quiet away from the expanse you've always chased over or while diving headfirst into the unknown.

Some stood out more than the others, though none I'll remember in the long run. A fine collection, but ultimately a forgettable one for those who aren't regular O magazine readers.

[Gwendolyn Broadmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

O's Little Book of Happiness, assembled by the editors of O, The Oprah Magazine, is delightful. Perhaps close out this challenging 2024, with gentle kindness, and the uplifting escapism of this hopeful little book. The editors of O have combed through fifteen years of the magazine's rich archives, to produce this inspiration just for "you." Discover within its pages, Elizabeth Gilbert's ode to the triumph of asking for what you want, and Jane Smiley's tribute to the animal who taught her about lasting fulfillment, plus much/much more. Published in 2015, O's Little Book of Happiness is far from new, but it was a revelation to me, and now possibly to you too. Enjoy your reading, and Happy New Year! Gwendolyn Broadmore, author, Life Came to a Standstill.

[Alycia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uplifting. It includes dozens of short stories told by people from all different walks of life. Each of their stories depicts joy in a different light. It's a reminder to slow down and enjoy the mundane moments. I listened to the audiobook, would recommend it if you need a little pick me up!
One of the quotes that stuck with me throughout the read: "Joy is weightless".

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute read. It was giving Chicken Soup for the Soul, lite. I especially enjoyed Roxanne Gay and Brene Brown’s contributions. Some felt a but thin, and I know they are essays and not intended to go so far in depth, but one was even a quiz of sorts for happiness. I mostly enjoyed ones that were more playful and story driven.

[Alice L]

像生活手札的滿可愛的小書

[Abantika Saha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for Casual reading