“Once upon a time there was a young psychiatrist called Hector who was not very satisfied with himself. . . . ” Hector is very good at treating patients in need of his help. But he can’t do much for those who are simply dissatisfied with life, and that is beginning to depress him. When a patient tells him he looks in need of a vacation, Hector takes a trip around the world to learn what makes people happy—and sad. As he travels from Paris to China to Africa to the United States, he lists his observations about the people he meets. Is there a secret to happiness, and will Hector find it? Combining the winsome appeal of The Little Prince with the inspiring philosophy of The Alchemist, Hector’s journey ventures around the globe and into the human soul. Lelord’s writing inspires us to consider life’s great questions. Uplifting, empowering, and optimistic, this is a fable for our times and all time.
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"This was cute, lighthearted. A very quick read, very simply yet thoughtfully written. It made me feel good. I highly reccommend it for a time when you want to read something short and uplifting - you can read it in one weekend. "
— Jessica (5 out of 5 stars)
" I couldn't even bring myself to finish this book. I don't know how it became a NY Times bestseller. You could basically flip through the pages to the italicized "lessons" in happiness that Hector learns and have read the book. The rest is just boring filler. "
— Lisa, 5/10/2011" Fun, charming, simple but inspiring story with some profound thoughts. It's written a little like a childhood fairytale which won't be for everyone. "
— Heather, 5/6/2011" LOVING this fabulous book. Lighthearted and fun but poignant. Like a fluffy/serious Alchemist. "
— Tracy, 4/30/2011" A nugget of wisdom for a dreary day "
— Korey, 4/27/2011" I enjoyed the list that Hector made of what happiness is and how he arrived at the items on the list. "
— Dawn, 4/26/2011" So far, a really cute story. :) Makes me appreciate things a lot more and understand the true meaning of happiness. "
— Ricquetta, 4/20/2011" A cute book with some good lessons or reminders! "
— Shelly, 4/12/2011" Enjoyable. If you need a lift, and wonder where happiness comes from grab this for an afternoon read. Worthwhile. "
— Jeff, 4/8/2011" inspiring. a quick-read. it says it's similar to the little prince and i agree. totally worth the day it took to read. "
— Erika, 4/6/2011" Sweet little warm- fuzzies book. Good reading for a little pick me up. "
— Rachel, 3/29/2011" Kind of trite, but much better than you might think. It's definitely better than The Alchemist. "
— Jason, 3/26/2011François Lelord studied medicine and psychology. After getting his doctoral degree in 1985, he was a post-doctorate researcher at UCLA. He then worked as an attending physician in Paris for two years. Since 2004, he has been working as a psychiatrist in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
James Clamp is an award-winning voice actor, earning his first AudioFile Earphones Award in 2011. Originally from London, he currently lives in New York.