The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World Audiobook

" A travelogue. With an objective. Searching for reputedly happy spots in the world and one miserable one. I enjoy travelogues and the excuse for one, searching for the basis of happiness is as good an excuse as any. A common denominator for happiness?? Family, connectedness, some security, varies. Just avoid living in Moldavia. Easily done. "

" This book is Weiner's attempt to grapple with his (or should I say 'the') questions about what a person needs to be happy. His approach is interesting to me as an anthropologist: using some (pretty flawed) quantitative research that states that people from country X rank as Y on the 'happiness scale', Weiner travels to a number of countries to try to understand what these conditions are that foster people's happiness. I enjoy this approach because it recognises that there are cultural contexts that can inform a person's perspective on their life experiences: the way we interpret the world around us and view our relationships with friends, family, neighbours, strangers on the street (whether they be countrymen or 'others') and of course, the state. But this is also what drove me crazy about this book: he often makes facile generalizations for the sake of a witty quip and generally lacks the ability to make much in the way of anything near penetrating insights into the significance of pretty much any of the conditions that allow for or inhibit a person's happiness. Still, there is something about statistics that is seductive, everything is put neatly into its own little box. "

" This was a very enjoyable, insightful read. I would definitely recommend. Good book club discussion. "

" NPR curmudgeon seeks happiness...all over the world. "

" As a traveler and culture-observer, this book had given an information which I haven't know yet. Since it took my attention while I was at book shop a month ago, I realize that I should learn many things about people and their habits or culture. Apart from that, this book had opened my eyes and gave me food for though on how people out there define what is bliss about. "

" Menyenangkan. Kejutan yang tak ada habisnya. Petualang yang mungkin sejati. "

" Fabulous and funny, too. "

" A very interesting book written from a neat perspective. More of a travel memoir than a real dissection of the geography of happiness, but still quite the fun read. "

" After 3 weeks, I was only able to get halfway through the book, simply because I just couldn't get immersed in it. I finally decided my time was better spent on more interesting books. "

" Clever writing and entertaining travelogue. He visits Switzerland, Moldova, India, and Slough in England. I found it an easy amusing read. One interesting point was that trusting others is vital to happiness. Envy is toxic to happiness. "

" Amazing book. Highly recommend "

" I should probably give it an extra star simply for his play on inter-course. My issue is that I don't think he really spent enough time in each place to truly understand them. It would have been nice to have a non-grump as a co-writer... "

" 3.5 sih "

" Apparently mass culture really does effect people's perception of their happiness. "

" easy to pick up and put down and pick up again where you left off. Funny guy. "

" Interesting but be warned if you have wanderlust this will fuel it and unfortunately some of the happiest places in the world are difficult estimations in which to get. "

" The best travel book ever. I keep reading it over and over again. "

" This was more interesting than good! I skimmed some which is not a good sign! "

" Writing seems reportorial but fun premise. A sarcastic view of searching for happiness. Is informative about how happiness is viewed in many parts of the world. "

" Thoroughly enjoyable, a fun read. Definitely not life-changing, just an interesting way to look at how other cultures value happiness. "

" I enjoyed this book--very informative and thought-provoking. Now I really want to go to Thailand and Iceland. "

" Great book about happiness, what we think is happiness and how different cultures define it "

" Really interesting book so far. I am almost finished and I have enjoyed every second, laughing aloud as I go. It really makes you think about how you're living life and what makes you happy. "

" We had a great discussion about the different countries and the happiness factor. In fact 3 of the bookclubbers took a special deal and went to Iceland to see happiness for themselves. A very interesting approach and opinion. "

" LOVED this book. Funny, insightful, poignant, honest. Truly a pleasure ~ "

" Highly entertaining account of one man's search for happiness and the places it takes him. Love the author's wry sense of humor and straightforward style. "

" easy to pick up and put down and pick up again where you left off. Funny guy. "

" I think I'd like to settle in Bhutan. Or maybe Iceland. "

" My first book on tape - at first it was odd - but I loved it in the end. "Read" as I crossed the country by car. Great look at why countries / people are happy or not happy as the case may be. I recommend for a cultural entertaining read. "