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A Short Guide to a Happy Life Audiobook
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(3.01) - 2,766 listener ratings
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Alternate Side, Anna Quindlen’s classic reflection on a meaningful life makes a perfect gift for any occasion. “Life is made of moments, small pieces of silver amidst long stretches of tedium. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won’t happen. We have to teach ourselves now to live, really live . . . to love the journey, not the destination.” In this treasure of a book, Anna Quindlen, the bestselling novelist and columnist, reflects on what it takes to “get a life”—to live deeply every day and from your own unique self, rather than merely to exist through your days. “Knowledge of our own mortality is the greatest gift God ever gives us,” Quindlen writes, “because unless you know the clock is ticking, it is so easy to waste our days, our lives.” Her mother died when Quindlen was nineteen: “It was the dividing line between seeing the world in black and white, and in Technicolor. The lights came on for the darkest possible reason. . . . I learned something enduring, in a very short period of time, about life. And that was that it was glorious, and that you had no business taking it for granted.” But how to live from that perspective, to fully engage in our days? In A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Quindlen guides us with an understanding that comes from knowing how to see the view, the richness in living.
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"There are lot of great life lessons througout this quick little read that really made me think about my life. It's a fast and simple read, and though many of us have thought of the things she talks about, Anna puts them all together into one book in a cohesive, enlightening way."
— Jessica (4 out of 5 stars)
A Short Guide to a Happy Life Listener Reviews
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" Good message, well written, and a nice edition. "
— Jenny, 2/20/2014 -
" A feel-good book, and pretty short too! However, it didn't really made me change my life! "
— Mady, 2/19/2014 -
" I don't own this book but at least once a year I try to read it in a bookstore. Concise and honest, it accomplishes what "Tuesdays with Morrie" was attempting. "
— Sondra, 2/13/2014 -
" Quick read...you know all that she says but it's a pleasant reminder. "
— Doreen, 2/11/2014 -
" A short, very quick read, but one that will resonate with you...very thought provoking! I love the photographs she included, too! This is one I think I need to purchase and reread over and over! "
— Amy, 2/11/2014 -
" 7 - This is a great book to read and re-read when you are going through a hard time. "
— Tori, 2/1/2014 -
" Good common sense. "
— Amber, 1/29/2014 -
" I read this book because it was available on my Kindle through the library and Real Simple Magazine recommended it. It was super short. Once I was barely getting into it, it was over. Now, just a couple days later, I can't remember anything worthwhile about it. I guess it wasn't that memorable or important. "
— Lauren, 1/29/2014 -
" Get ready everyone - you are getting this for Christmas this year. "
— Beth, 1/24/2014 -
" More like a long birthday card than a book. Lots of feel good photos. I guess I was hoping for more than 'life's short- carpe diem' but you can't argue with that! "
— Valerie, 1/20/2014 -
" I love Anna Quindlen and will miss her column in Newsweek. This is a quick read and an uplifting one. "
— Kristen, 1/13/2014 -
" A really quick read, but great. I will look for more of her books--this book had some great thoughts and ideas--totally enjoyed it. "
— Jen, 12/9/2013 -
" A very short book that can be read and reread in one sitting. It's a reminder to love this journey we're on, to smell the roses, to give something back. "
— Henrietta, 11/22/2013 -
" I enjoy reading these kind of poetically-written reminders to take time to smell the proverbial roses. this is a cutey little book with some sweet photos to make you smile while you're flipping through it. "
— Sacha, 11/13/2013 -
" Gentle reminder to live life! Would make for a nice gift book. "
— Tanya, 11/13/2013 -
" There is nothing earth-shattering in this little book, but it was a nice perk-me-up sort of read. Also, it was short - I think I finished it in a one-sitting. "
— cagey, 11/9/2013 -
" A quick read that puts life in perspective, succinctly. "
— Erica, 11/7/2013 -
" More like three and a half stars......and (too) super short "
— Bparker, 10/31/2013 -
" Very good. Don't take life for granted enjoy each moment! "
— Mary, 8/28/2013 -
" 30 minute read or less. Just a nice reality check to count our blessings. "
— Taunja, 8/15/2013 -
" Love Anna Quindlen. She's right on with this book--a quick (10 pgs.!) read to remember what's important in life. "
— Sara, 5/7/2013 -
" A short reaffirmation of all that's good (or should be good) in life. Worth a read. "
— Phyllis, 3/29/2013 -
" Loved this book. So darn adorable! "
— Connie, 7/13/2012 -
" It took me all of 15 minutes to read this book, however the messages inside are worth a great deal more than that 15 minutes might suggest. It is just a lovely read (with lovely pictures). "
— Courtney, 7/7/2012 -
" Just one essay, lots of pictures in a short book with big margins. It felt generic compared to some of her other writing. A couple nice thoughts, but nothing truly memorable to me. "
— Rachael, 5/18/2012 -
" I liked the pictures, but felt the book lacking in it's writing. Yes, life is simple, but it is definitely meatier. "
— Corrie, 10/9/2011 -
" Talk about Short. Short and to the point. Great quick read. Uplifting. Makes you think about what you already know, but don't do. "
— Maria, 8/16/2011 -
" Very short book with some good thoughts about how we burden ourselves with expectations instead of being our true selves. "
— Tessa, 5/26/2011 -
" Should be required reading for all high-achieving young women. "
— Phyllis, 4/28/2011 -
" This is a quick and entertaining read about not trying to be perfect all the time! "
— Marissa, 4/27/2011 -
" Read it in five minutes. Remember it forever. "
— Jennifer, 3/2/2011 -
" Ahem...I'm just sayin'...<br/><br/>I'm a recovering perfectionist. Been through the 13 Step Program (Note...12 would have been a perfect number! See how I've progressed!) "
— Julie, 2/17/2011 -
" Quite a sweet little book. I adore the black and white pictures throughout and the message is a good one to think over. "
— Jenny, 1/29/2011 -
" A wonderful, quick read. I love Anna Quindlen's concise prose. "
— Jennifer, 1/20/2011 -
" <br/> A little book of great wisdom which I need to add to my library. "WELL BEHAVED WOMEN DON"T MAKE HISTORY". "
— Andrea, 1/18/2011 -
" Basically a commencement address--but Quindlen is spot on as always. This was a good little pep talk to start the new year, get my head in order and set out to be my best self (Ok, that's Oprah, but it's all the same.) "
— Marcia, 1/11/2011 -
" Reads like a college graduation speech: dare to do your own thing. "
— Karen, 1/3/2011 -
" I loved this little book full of wisdom. "
— Linda, 12/14/2010 -
" I have a signed copy of this book - a gift from Brent a few years ago and one of my favorite all-time gifts. :) "
— Jen, 11/9/2010 -
" A short 48 page book that I did not find enlightening or inspiring...or whatever it was supposed to do for me. It sounded like a high school graduation speech. "
— Julie, 8/16/2010 -
" A quick read reminding you it is not being perfect that is important but to strive to be the person you want to be. "
— Kathie, 8/14/2010 -
" A case for NOT being perfect. Insightful, quick read and well worth the message. "
— Linda, 6/23/2010
About Anna Quindlen
Anna Quindlen is the author of many acclaimed books, including the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Rise and Shine and One True Thing, an Oprah Book Club Selection, among others.