Simple Pleasures: Little Things That Make Life Worth Living

by Various

What are the little things that make life worth living? A walk in the countryside, perhaps; a log fire; a letter from a friend. In Simple Pleasures , some of the UK's best-loved writers and public figures ponder this conundrum and come up with their own answers, sharing their thoughts on, among other things, the joys of picking up litter, whittling sticks, reading aloud, and devouring a good cheese sandwich. With contributions from A. C. Grayling, Robert McCrum, Prue Leith, Sebastian Faulks and Ann Widdecombe, to name just a few, Simple Pleasures is perfect reading for anyone who appreciates - or aspires to - the finer, simpler things in life.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2010

About the author

Various is the correct author for any book with multiple unknown authors, and is acceptable for books with multiple known authors, especially if not all are known or the list is very long (over 50).

If an editor is known, however, Various is not necessary. List the name of the editor as the primary author (with role "editor"). Contributing authors' names follow it.

Note: WorldCat is an excellent resource for finding author information and contents of anthologies.

Reviews

[Mia-Sché Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice book to read to put life into perspective. Personally, the general feel is not to be able to relate to any of their experiences, but rather to grasp the essence of the Title & to delve into your own life - If you can not relate to anything, maybe start ruminating on what simple pleasures you enjoy in your life. If you have none, use this book as an inspirational guide.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little gem and some of the essays are delightfully written. Really life affirming and guaranteed to cheer one up when life's stresses crowd in and take over!

[Sally George · Rating 2 out of 5]

There wasn't much I could relate to in this book although I like the idea of it. "...the best way to happiness is to become immersed in activities with flow: activities we lose ourselves in, that stretch our abilities, that help us suspend the anxious sense of self that otherwise intrudes." Also on the subject of art "As Constable once told a lady surprised that he was painting a building she thought unattractive 'No, madam, there is nothing ugly; I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may - light, shade and perspective will always make it beautiful'" The very last chapter was entitled "The Gratitude Diaries". The idea here, is to write down 5 things every day that you can be grateful for. It pushes out resentment, fear, envy, self-pity and all the other ugly sentiments that bring you down, leaving room for serenity, contentment and optimism to take up residence!