Publishers Weekly
Buettner, who reported on his study of health and longevity in his book, The Blue Zones, now applies his knowledge to happiness. In the global race for happiness, Denmark (along with Mexico and Singapore) come out ahead, perhaps due in part to the Danes' general distaste for the American work ethic. In Denmark, though work is an important part of one's identity, when the work is finished, people go home to their family and friends. Performance pressures are also much lower; even Danish prince Joseph was encouraged by his parents to pursue his dream of carpentry. Mutual trust and keeping one's word are other aspects that impact, in Buettner's view, the Danes' sense of happiness; deeper still is their ability to take on activities that interests and challenge them. Finally, Buettner offers helpful tips for choosing places to live and work happily. Even if some of these "clues" to happiness may seem frustratingly inaccessible to the average harried urbanite, the author offers a framework to strive for: seeking tradition, community, and calm as a starting point for happiness that lasts. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
"[Buettner] offers a framework to strive for: seeking tradition, community, and calm as a starting point for happiness that lasts." - Publishers Weekly
"A superbly produced, life-changing audio." - AudioFile Magazine
Library Journal
In this follow-up to his New York Times best-selling The Blue Zones (2008)—also available from Dreamscape Audio and read by Michael McConnohie (www.michaelmcconnohie.com)—Buettner (founder, Quest Network) draws on the latest research on longevity as well as on his own findings, offering colorful portraits of happy people across the globe and showing how climate, culture, government, and personal choice all contribute to personal well-being. McConnohie's narration could be a bit livelier, given the subject matter, but most libraries will still want a copy of this title owing to the high demand for Blue Zones, a chapter from which is included here. An alternate, wittier look at the link between geography and happiness is Eric Weiner's The Geography of Bliss.—Beth Farrell, Cleveland State Univ. Law Lib.
NOVEMBER 2010 - AudioFile
Michael McConnohie’s appealing resonance, consistency, and skill with dialogue help make this a captivating discussion. It’s a survey of why people in four communities across the world—which the author calls “Blue Zones”—are happier than most. Though his methods are rigorous and comprehensive, the author’s picturesque writing and empathetic approach to his subjects make his discoveries sound heartfelt and accessible. He shows how attending to one’s attitudes and life purpose can help, along with setting up environments that promote authentic enjoyment and good emotional connections with others. Such environments can involve minimizing TV and computer availability, creating peaceful rooms for resting, belonging to a social group, and having a pet or vegetable garden. A superbly produced, life-changing audio. T.W. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine
