Happier at Home

Really it's a tiny death to preface a review with “it's not terrible”. How can you not be wary of a book that embarks on a quest to be happier at home? It could have easily been a tired sort of humble brag novella like Eat, Pray, Love so I'm grateful for small ideas presented as small ideas. Nothing earth shattering, but it's ok to point out the little things, that in hindsight are painfully obvious, that can make people happier.

It just felt a bit formulaic to help the medicine go down. Reveal small idea like “go on adventures”. Back with several pithy quotes from appropriate authors and poets. Insert coincidental conversation with friend/party guest/hairdresser that teases out opposing viewpoints. Admit to fumbling but making progress and finish with a “just be you” pat on the head.

Nothing wrong with that but I'd no sooner closed the book than I had completely forgotten everything within.