How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic's Guide to Spiritual Happiness (Paperback)

by Karen Salmansohn (Author), Don Zinzell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“Life Lesson #21: You must remember: You are here now . . . no, no, now . . . NO, NOW! You are a human being and not a human was or a human will be. So you try to spend more time being present—and less time being busy. Though, granted, things have gotten a heck more hectic since you were born. You now even have an answering machine. (You now even have people to avoid on this answering machine.) You also know that sometimes you can get so outrageously busy that you could pass by a troll standing on the street corner waving a million bucks at you . . . and you might not even notice. Meaning . . . Life Lesson #22: It doesn't matter how fast you get there if you're heading in the wrong direction.” —From HOW TO BE HAPPY, DAMMIT"Offers tasty mood food. . . .a fascinating read." —The Toronto Star Week

Product Description
Guaranteed to perk up even the most cynical spirit, HOW TO BE HAPPY, DAMMIT is the first and only self-help book that merges psychology, biology, eastern and western philosophies, quantum physics, and the Zen of Bazooka Joe. Think love and happiness have passed you by? Think no schmaltzy book can help you capture the life-joy you’re looking for? This book is different, promises author Karen Salmansohn. Peek within its colorful, uniquely designed pages, and you really will find pearls of wisdom to help you discover more satisfaction every day. And you’ll find no saccharine sweetness here. This book tells it like it is, exploring the ups and downs of life in a straightforward, thought-provoking, and humorous way. HOW TO BE HAPPY, DAMMIT is the self-help book for people who don’t buy self-help books. It may not change your life (unless you let it), but it will certainly brighten your day, even if you are a die-hard cynic.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Celestial Arts (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587611198
• ISBN-13: 978-1587611193
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #118,819 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great gift book, March 1, 2003

By	Dr Cathy Goodwin (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

A friend gave me this book for Christmas, recognizing my innate cynicism, especially relating to the self-improvement, New Age, traditional coaching world. And ...I liked it!

Author Salmonsohn presents some basic truths that we've all heard before. ("Relax." "Let go.") But she presents these sayings in a context of sophisticated graphics and down-to-earth realism. I especially like her warning, which I paraphrase as, "Don't seek career advice from people who don't have careers, or relationship advice from people who don't have relationships." It's not completely accurate: some people can "teach" better than they can "do." But it's worth considering.
And her warning that every year has a "winter phase" is right on.

Like most readers, I'm absorbing Salmonsohn's words after reading dozens of self-help books, so none of these ideas are really new. I'm wondering if this book would really melt the heart of a cynic or someone who is truly resistant to change -- or if they'd respond like an atheist who is urged to try a contemporary hip "new" religious service.

My hunch is that this book makes a great gift and recipients, like me, will appreciate the sender's thought and intention, regardless of the book's actual content. It's nice when someone says, "I know you're a cynic but I like you anyway." Hmm...that's a sentiment right out of the book!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MY LIFESAVER, July 24, 2002

By	Melissa (Charlotte, NC United States) - See all my reviews

I can't say enough about how much I love this book! I came across it in a bookstore when I was grieving the unexpected loss of a loved one in addition to a series of smaller tragedies. I was intrigued by the title, as I was extremely cynical and had no interest in wimpy "the world is a wonderful place" type self-help books. This book hit the spot! Karen Salmansohn speaks in a language that I completely relate to - very catchy, but with logical explanations for the information she provides. The bright pictures and catchy analogies made it very easy and pleasant to read. In some places the photos spoke almost as loudly as the words. I related so well to Ms. Salmansohn's style that I have since bought three of her other books and have not been disappointed. She is one of those gifted writers whose ability to express herself in so many new and fresh ways just blows me away! This book has literally been my lifeline for several months now, and I intend to buy copies for all my friends. I highly recommend this book for anyone who needs a pick-me-up, or a hopeful new perspective.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's good dammit!, May 25, 2002

By	"jerjer96" (Hayward, CA USA) - See all my reviews

I found it at a local bookstore and skimmed through it. Flipping through the pages, though the nice graphics and typefaces caught my attention, the text itself didn't make much sense. I picked up the book anyways because I really am a cynic looking for spiritual happiness. When I finally got around to reading it, I discovered why flipping through the book didn't make much sense. This is not a coffee table book. It must be read from beginning to end, otherwise it won't make much sense. It's a quick read, it only took me an hour or so and I'm a slow reader. It's very catchy, witty, to the point, and perfect for cynics alike. I bought the book for a couple of friends and they really liked it as well. I'm not exactly happier, but it did give me a better perspective on life as a whole. If you're skeptical, pick it up anyways. It's inexpensive, a quick read, entertaining even if you don't like the entire book, and you really have nothing to lose. If it doesn't jive you well, give it to a friend.