Books on Happiness: Gift Ideas and Wish List

My quite recent personal project pursuing happiness had lead me to explore the possibilities of doing what I love to do, that is to read, learn and write about topics of interests to me, which is quite wide-ranging. From the standpoint of someone who is an introvert, emotionally detached and admittedly on the pessimistic side of the optimism scale, happiness, particularly the components of pleasure and relationships, does not come naturally. Thus, I need all the help I can get to teach myself to enhance these aspects of my life for a happier me.

Most information I obtained about happiness came from internet sources, scientific journals and very few from books and ebooks. As I think about what I wish for this holiday season, I came up with gift ideas (and at the same time my own wish list) of books for persons interested in the general topic of happiness (the whys, the how tos, and what are currently known about the topic from various fields of study). Based on my own understanding and opinions of persons I trust, here’s a list of books I recommend for someone like me must have to enjoy and devour during moments of solitude and reflection this holiday season.

Five of the six recommended books were written by scientist of various fields of specialization helpful in understanding happiness. This bias I must admit is brought about my own training as a researcher in the biological sciences, particularly animal behavior.

This book is said to be “the backbone of the most popular” and life-changing course at Harvard being taught by the author Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D.. Grounded on Positive Psychology, the book weaves together scientific results and spiritual enlightenment to produce a set of principles that can be followed by those who’d like to learn to be happier.

Also of the same author is a 52-week guided journal full of exercises to inspire happiness daily titled Even Happier: A Gratitude Journal for Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment (2009- Paperback). Looking at the Table of Contents though, I don’t think I can wait weeks to read them all. I might devour the whole content in one sitting!, which is most likely not the best way to utilize the book.

One of best known pioneer researchers on happiness, Ed Diener, Ph.D., teamed up with this son, Robert Biswas-Diener to provide a lay man’s version of what is currently known about the science of happiness. As expected of scientists, the objective treatment of the subject matter is refreshing for those who’d like to get both sides of an issue, but may not be appealing for those who’d prefer to hear an advocate. This is definitely a must-read for someone like me who value more the honest presentation of facts and patterns that might make something less definitive than be deluded with assertions that are not backed by solid research. Since Robert has traveled around extensively, the book incorporated examples and insights from different cultures.

Again grounded on researches on Positive Psychology, including her own groundbreaking studies involving thousands of individuals, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., came up with a proportion of 50-10-40%, respectively, pointing to the influence of genes, circumstances (both of which one cannot do much about) and those that can be worked on to improve individual happiness. It is in the above 40% that the twelve happiness-increasing strategies presented in the book can be applied to.

The first time I encountered Daniel Gilbert, Ph.D., is when I viewed his video presentations at TED Conference talking about “why are we happy?” and “exploring the frontiers of happiness research” online a few months ago. If his book is written half as interesting as his oral presentations were, it would be worth the buy. He posed interesting questions, came up with fascinating ways to investigate and even more surprising findings. I had lots of “aha! that’s why moments”. See for yourself in this video.

Yes, the author, Gretchen Rubin who is not worker in the broad field of happiness research, decided to take a year off trying out the principles and the how tos of happiness recommended by various leading personalities of the field and experience for her self which ones work. If you’re into reality shows or personal account books, this might appeal to you. I would be interested in what she went through and learn from someone who was serious enough to try them for one year. Based on reviews, the read would be enjoyable as the reader journeys with the author having fun while seeking out what strategies work best for her.

You can still give your loved ones the gift of their choice through Amazon Gift Cards. The advantage is they'll have a choice on what gift to buy using the amount you indicated (many of us love this option!) and of course, when you're running out of time, use Amazon Gift Cards and you can just

1) E-mail a personalized gift card for immediate delivery, or

2) Print a personalized gift card on your home or office printer.

Click on this link for your last chance!