Customer Reviews

Way to Happiness: An Inspiring Guide to Peace, Hope and Contentment

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Home on leave from the Air Force in 1961, I was so arrogant, self impressed and (I now know) in the early stages of depression, that my Mother took me out in the back yard one summer evening an said that if I couldn't change the way I treated my family I could just go back to the Air Force base and never return. I was shattered (I knew, of course, that I was right...about everthing...and everyone else was screwed up). I left on a Greyhound bus the next morning, sadder and more despondant than I had ever been. At the first stop I went into the bus station, walked up to the book rack and saw Bishop Sheen's Way to Happiness. Out of desparation as much as anything else, I bought it and read it though several times. I'd like to tell you that it changed my life instantly. It didn't...but over the years that followed the effect of this wonderful book was magnificent. I did return home, many times over the years and my Mother and I developed a relationship that was beyond anything either of us could have expected. It ultimately lead to her conversion to Catholicism when she was in her mid sixties (I had converted at 18). One of the last things I ever did for this wonderful woman (who loved me enough to take the chance of possibily sending me away forever), was to bring her Holy Communion a short time before she died. Bishop Sheen's little book made all the difference in the world.

Years ago my mother gave me a copy of "Way to Happiness", but it wasn't until she passed away that I actually read it. And it blew my mind!

Although it was written in the early '50s, Fulton Sheen had his finger on the pulse of man's discontent. But more than pointing out our emptiness, Sheen offers sound solutions "Until the "For Sale" sign is hung on a soul emptied of preoccupation with self, the Divine Tenant cannot move in" Wisdom like that is timeless.

I have since given this book to freinds, who are also blessed. Some books are good reads, some are interesting, but few touch your soul, and call for action. "Way to Happiness" is one of those books.

I recently became a fan of Fulton Sheen after seeing an old broadcast from the 1960's. This book only enhanced my warm feelings toward this witty and hilarious archbishop.

If you have never read anything by, or even heard of this man, I would definitely recommend this as a first reading. It's short, but the message within these lines speak volumes.

Like others of the younger generation, I was unfamiliar with Fulton Sheen until the internet brought his fine lessons to light again.

The book is modest in length but is able to communicate a complex ideas in ways the average person can readily understand.

Although a great read for anyone, it would also be a timely gift for someone struggling with depression.

This book was originally published in 1953. The following excerpt demonstrates that it is as relevant today as it was then: "War is a symptom of the breakdown of civilization. There are only different degrees of guilt among the combatants. All is not black on one side, and all is not white on another . . . So the evil of our day is the evil not of the East or the West, but of the world." Bishop Sheen's study of a broad spectrum of knowledge and thought is reflected in his writing. We have benefit of his self-disciplined study. He was no doubt one of the most, if not the most, learned, articulate persons of the Twentieth Century. It is wonderful to see his books selling so well. This is one to keep close at hand and reread often.

Truly this phenomenal read was written by the Holy Spirit with the help of Bishop Fulton Sheen. Through a deep interior prayer life and a wholly intimate union with God, infused knowledge occurred in this man's soul.

We, us readers are the beneficiaries.

I will continue to purchase this book for my loved ones.

This is the type of book that will draw you back time after time. We all have doubts at some time in our life. Bishop Sheen helps to identify the reasons for some of our unhappiness and then outlines methods to overcome our barriers. It is simplistic in it's content and short in length. Everything he says seems to fit. Then again, his college degree was in philosophy. When you combine that with the spirituality gained in studying for the priesthood, you have a powerful tool to help with the everyday ups and downs. Once again, a religious base is necessary to really benefit but even people with no religious tradition can be helped.

This book is an excellent, quick spiritual read. Each short essay is pithy and pertinent to modern life. Bishop Sheen exhibits his usual charisma and his knowledge of the difficulties of everyday life.

This book by Fulton Sheen is great. Very interesting and spiritual. He is truly a great man and I am happy to have read this book.