OCTOBER 2019 - AudioFile
The Danish happiness investigator and author of THE LITTLE BOOK OF HYGGE and THE LITTLE BOOK OF LYKKE is back, this time with a look at the mechanisms of memory. In a chatty, friendly tone and with lots of self-deprecating jokes, Wiking urges us to ask ourselves how we will remember the good times in our lives and offers ways we can create experiences that are worth remembering. Some of his suggestions: Try new things, celebrate milestones, and surround yourself with objects that evoke happy memories. Wiking’s research and stories are bound to have listeners recalling some of their own happy memories and inspire them to safeguard those memories for the future—and work on making new ones. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
★ 11/04/2019
Wiking, who explored the Danish concept of cozy contentment in The Little Book of Hygge, returns to the well of happiness in this fresh exploration of memories and memory making. Providing insight on the concept and history of nostalgia, the author offers guidance on how readers can use memories to find comfort or stave off loneliness. Wiking presents studies—some conducted by his own Happiness Research Institute—to support his theories on how what one remembers shapes one’s life and identity. In order to create happy memories, he recommends seeking out “first” experiences, making occasions “multisensory,” rehashing peaks and struggles afterward, and telling stories. Personal anecdotes and plenty of references to movies and literature (Proust’s madeleine makes an appearance) will also keep readers engaged. Then, turning from creating memories to remembering them, Meik’s advice includes many suggestions that can be easily incorporated into everyday life, such as wearing perfume, employing a soundtrack for certain months, and reconnecting with loved ones. The assertion that one has some agency in what one remembers will be an inspiration to those who have believed memory retention to be beyond their control. Wiking’s focus on the pleasure and solace created by happy memories will make this accessible book great for deep study and casual perusal alike. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
[A] fresh exploration of memories and memory making. . . . an inspiration to those who have believed memory retention to be beyond their control. Wiking’s focus on the pleasure and solace created by happy memories will make this accessible book great for deep study and casual perusal alike. — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
OCTOBER 2019 - AudioFile
The Danish happiness investigator and author of THE LITTLE BOOK OF HYGGE and THE LITTLE BOOK OF LYKKE is back, this time with a look at the mechanisms of memory. In a chatty, friendly tone and with lots of self-deprecating jokes, Wiking urges us to ask ourselves how we will remember the good times in our lives and offers ways we can create experiences that are worth remembering. Some of his suggestions: Try new things, celebrate milestones, and surround yourself with objects that evoke happy memories. Wiking’s research and stories are bound to have listeners recalling some of their own happy memories and inspire them to safeguard those memories for the future—and work on making new ones. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
