This book is a study of four regions where people tend to be long-lived and happier: 1) Denmark, where people are permissive and tolerant but law-abiding and pay high taxes to enjoy economic equality and not having to work as hard; 2) Singapore, where people trade significant freedoms for safety, high employment, and harmony on a densely populated and highly diverse island state; 3) Mexico, where people don't have a trustworthy government or fair economy but do have lots of sunlight, close family ties, strong faith, and just enough money to get by; and 4) San Luis Obispo, a town on the central coast of California that was transformed from a vulgar, corporatist Anytown USA to a progressive paradise.

I especially enjoyed reading about Singapore and San Luis Obispo because the author got to interview the government leaders who turned them into two of the best places in the world to live. ( )

This is a good book. I wish I could do his type of research. If you are pressed for time start with Chapter 6 and read the lessons and how he recommends using them in your own life. ( )

Dear Dan,

In your book you say "Take 6 weeks of vacation, no matter what."
My boss would fire me if I did. Which probably wouldn't contribute too much to my happiness.

However, that being said, I thought you touched on many things that really do contribute to thriving during your life. I particularly was interested in a point you didn't cover-- the differing medical philosophies of those in Denmark and the US. That wasn't quite the point of your book. I did find it to be a potentially relevant point, though.

Your stats were intriguing and your interviews also. In sum, I thought it was an above average book that just missed a couple of points(see first paragraph).

Keep up the interesting work,

Me
( )

There were so many eye-opening examples of what other cultures value and how it makes each of them happy in their own way. This National Geographic journalist visits (and then highlights) 4 cities where people are ranked the happiest in the world and then uses those examples to give the reader suggestions of implementation.

If you enjoy reading about different cultures, it's a must! ( )

Heard the author on NPR, thought the book sounded interesting. It turned out pretty shallow but kinda interesting. He talks briefly about various studies on happiness, details, again briefly, interviews with experts on the topic, then looks at several places that studies have shown have the happiest residents. Copenhagen, Singapore, Mexico, and San Luis Obispo in California. It was a fast read. Nothing earthshaking or startling to learn. Don't think I'd especially recommend it to a library patron. ( )