Publishers Weekly
04/06/2020
Clinical psychologist Paquette (The Happiness Toolbox) takes a two-fold look at the science and practices of the emotional experience of awe in this illuminating analysis. In the first part, Paquette breaks down the history and scientific discoveries around being awestruck, or “the feeling that comes when we encounter something so vast or profound that we struggle to fully comprehend it.” He argues that feeling awe can help “boost our mood, improve our work performance, reduce the stress response in our body, and even decrease cellular inflammation.” The book’s second part then maps out mindfulness practices intended to help readers see all the beauty and wonder the world has to offer. Paquette lists 60 practices, including writing prompts, walking meditations, and encouragement to explore new interests. He also points out strategies for finding awe in nature, art, and the accomplishments of others. While he mostly champions health benefits, in the final chapters Paquette argues that finding a state of awe is, most importantly, a way for individuals to feel connected to others and find meaning in life. This smart work will appeal to any self-help reader. (June)
From the Publisher
Writing with grace and heart, Jonah Paquette brings together fascinating science and practical suggestions to help readers enjoy the benefits of awe in everyday life.”—Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Resilient
“An awesome book! It will elevate your experience of day-to-day events and help live the ordinary as extraordinary.”—Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD, author of Happier
“The emotional experiences of transcendence and vastness are absolutely essential to a rich and fulfilling life. Jonah Paquette teaches us why they’re so important and how to find more awe in our lives.”—Tim Desmond, author of How to Stay Human in a F*cked Up World
“As our lives become more hurried and hectic, it’s so easy to get lost in all the doing and miss out on the magic of being—being in awe of so many small and huge, ordinary and extraordinary moments, sights, and experiences of life. Jonah Paquette’s book is both a call to action and an inspiring guide to help you live with more awareness, gratitude, awe, and joy.”—Nataly Kogan, author of Happier Now
“An eloquent call to restore more awe and wonder to our lives, and a powerful reminder of the potential for ourselves and our species when we give ourselves over to something larger.”—Christopher Willard, PsyD, author of Breathing Makes It Better
“Jonah Paquette’s wonderful book on the profound experience of awe brings together a rich blend of ‘awestruck’ stories with cutting-edge research. This book not only entertains but is also full of great insights from the new science of positive psychology.”—John Arden, PhD, author of Rewire Your Brain and Mind-Brain-Gene
“Awestruck is an inspiring invitation to cultivate experiences of wonder as gateways to less stress and time pressure, and more gratitude, meaning, satisfaction, and well-being in our daily lives. The suggested practices are immediately useful; the effects are life-changing and lifelong.”—Linda Graham, MFT, author of Resilience
“Jonah Paquette provides a map for us to cultivate the awe that is possible in our lives. He helps us understand it and keeps us wanting more. Awestruck is a true gift to us all.”—David Kessler, author of Finding Meaning
“This smart work will appeal to any self-help reader.”—Publishers Weekly
“A clinical psychologist makes the case for why—and how—experiencing awe can improve nearly every aspect of daily life.”—Shelf Awareness
DECEMBER 2020 - AudioFile
With gusto and clarity, narrator Nan McNamara conveys every awe-inspiring story in Jonah Paquette's exploration of wonder and its positive benefits. Each of Paquette's personal accounts with wonderment is entertainingly told, and his positive message continuously encouraged. His stories and research provide understanding on the subject of awe and how to recognize and seize each special moment in daily life. McNamara captures the author's intent while speaking of all the ways listeners can be awestruck, whether in recognizing and being grateful in the present moment, finding awe in creativity, or having compassion towards oneself and others. McNamara enthusiastically encourages Paquette's suggested practices, making AWESTRUCK a positive guide to achieving happiness and satisfaction by encompassing and appreciating life's alluring marvels. D.Z. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
