Joy and Happiness

“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.”

― Guillaume Apollinaire

The current state of the world is filled with confusion, strife, war, and uncertainty. Amidst this turmoil, it can help to pause and reflect on the joy that surrounds us. We believe these six books will guide you towards rediscovering optimism, gratitude, and happiness in your everyday life.

Get Me Through the Next 5 Minutes by James Parker

From the vertiginously talented James Parker, a collection of uproarious odes that show how to find gratitude in unexpected places.

Somehow: Thoughts on Love by Anne Lamott

Somehow is Anne Lamott's twentieth book, and in it she draws from her own life and experience to delineate the intimate and elemental ways that love buttresses us in the face of despair as it galvanizes us to believe that tomorrow will be better than today.

If You Live to 100, You Might as Well be Happy by Rhee Kun Hoo

This endearing guidebook by Korean bestseller Dr. Rhee reflects on the wisdom he’s learned during his life: how to forgive, persevere, and stop the rat race, plus the joys of living simply and the power of ordinary happiness.

All That Happiness Is by Adam Gopnik

From New Yorker staff writer Adam Gopnik, a slim, elegant volume presenting a radical alternative to our culture of relentless striving.

Becoming Gandhi by Perry Garfinkel

The fascinating quest of a New York Times contributor to follow Mahatma Gandhi's code of ethics in modern times--and to discover what it actually takes to "Be the change you want to see in the world."

Practical Optimism by Sue Varma, MD

A practical program rooted in optimism to help you live fully and joyfully in an imperfect, turbulent world