So my question to author Gretchen Rubin and anyone else who’s conducted their own happiness project is, Are you happier and if so, are you volunteering more?

I was happy to read this book as I was so curious about the project.  But, really, when I saw 12 different monthly goals and understood how Gretchen was going to find happiness, it almost turned me off.  Luckily, though, the book was so well written and engaging that it was a pleasure to read.  I really love the whole look and feel, from the thickness of the pages to the beautiful blue cover.  If I were judging the book by the cover, I’d give it a 5 on that alone.  

Gretchen’s project was very ambitious and overwhelming to me and it even seemed to get to her by the end of the year – especially in December when she was going to practice everything she’d learned in the previous 11 months.  To her credit, she admitted that not one single day in December did she succeed and comply.  Pluses – her experiences are interesting and do give the reader cause to think; liked the chapter organization which started out with some kind of research and background upon which that month’s pursuit of happiness is based, good length, held my attention.  Negatives – would have liked footnotes in order to pursue further study of the research Gretchen refers to.  One example, the statement is made  “…studies show that happier people are more likely to help other people.  They’re more interested in social problems.  They do more volunteer work and give more to charity.  … they are less preoccupied with  their personal problems.  So being happy actually makes you more likely to work for the environment or whatever.”  (pages 215 and top of 216)     Really?  I’d like to know more about that but unfortunately there’s nothing specific to back this up.  Also a negative in my opinion, the inclusion of her blog readers responses.  That’s not very interesting.  Maybe she could have generalized about them rather than giving the exact wording.  I mean, it’s like reading someone else’s email.  Not that interesting.  On the whole, I enjoyed the book and think it was a good casual read for anyone who enjoys gaining insight into someone else’s life.  I’m glad that the book seems to have inspired many people to find their happiness.  I applaud Gretchen’s candid self-analysis and self-criticisms.  I don’t know if I could be so open and objective.  That’s partly why the book was easy to read.  You end up liking Gretchen.  How can you hate a Type-A New Yorker/ex-lawyer cum writer who admits she can be impatient and nitpicky and needs to work on improving that?  I think if everyone were happy the world would be such a better place.  Because, after all, happy people are “less preoccupied with their personal problems” and are most interested in curing social problems.  Power to the happy people!