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Why Am I So DAMN Unhappy?: And what to do about it

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When I first started Chapter One, I thought "Oh, this insight is perfect for my husband." He happens to be a great guy, but he lets his "inner critic" bring him down. As I read more, questions started to come up: how do I try to prove myself to others? How do I make them prove themselves to me? Finally, I decided it would work better to read the book for myself instead of my husband. What's all that got to do with happiness? Dr. Bob, with his curly white hair and his amazing insight, says we can choose how happy we want to be. And it's not ha-ha happiness (although it can be), but mostly it's that feeling that you're not too small or too large, but just right in your world and that if you need to change, you can. The book is full of freeing thoughts like that; the biggest one is that we have options. The book is structured to be little sessions with Dr. Bob's clients who have problems; we learn along with them. Characters (Humphrey Bogart, Lao-tzu and more!) drop by to illustrate some points. I was glad to be reminded that we make up stories about ourselves and our lives and then we believe them. Instead of that, we can work on our own happiness --in fact,that's our job. I like that the book is small, with challenging messages to chew on. Dr. Bob has something to teach us all.

Jim Downton's book is hilarious, just the opposite of unhappiness. It is easy to read and use. In this one little book is a world of wisdom summed up in his final chapter with ten commitments. It is honest, especially when Dr. Bob realizes he may not always be following his own prescription for living a happy life. We are not perfect and to see an expert examine his own weaknesses while giving advice is a terrific lesson in humility and professionalism. I found myself in every chapter, sometimes realizing a hurdle I'd overcome, other times recognizing I had a distance to go yet; always learning along the journey.

Propective readers should know that Jim Downton/Dr. Bob is dedicated to helping people find happiness in his real life. The royalties from the sale of his book are donated to organizations serving the needs of children.

James Downton, a.k.a. Dr. Bob the Happiness Coach provides entertaining and humorous stories in dialog form in his new book "Why Am I So Damn Unhappy?" He uses imaginary characters to tell about people he has coached, people he has helped increase their happiness, creativity, and the wisdom to apply the principles talked about in the book. These principles deal with developing wholeness and creativity, cultivating wisdom, inner peace, and happiness.

Each chapter consists of a story, dialog and valuable coaching tips. The chapters show the reader how to discover their own inner critic, how to practice self acceptance, and the power of creating new choices. Downton put emphasis on the importance of developing the gift of inventing positive stories and creating positive thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Dr. Bob offers ideas on learning to laugh at yourself, on evaluating fear, reducing guilt, ways to elevate happiness, and to change your thinking patterns from "poor me" to "lucky me." He shows the reader how to handle anger and lying, creating balance, developing a life purpose, learning how to handle resistance to what we cannot change. I was personally challenged by the results revealed about myself when I took the "Vampire Test." Downton's analogy of the four chambers of a generous heart became especially meaningful to me.

I also enjoyed the feature "Creative Side Tracts." These summary statements offered help in shaping thoughts, enabling the reader the benefit of creating hope, adapting pointers on living with the romance of unhealthy foods. Downton provided a consumer truth test, which helps the readers learn to like themselves, and how to appreciate being alive.

Jim Downton instills inspiration, encourages imagination, and spontaneity in his new book "Why Am I So Damn Unhappy?" This is life coaching at a new level and will help the reader increase their awareness while unlocking a bold and free spirit within. James inspires creativity and transforms attitudes. His writing is humorous, entertaining, and life changing.

This guy needs meds. Seriously, the book fails on every possible front. It isn't funny, though he claims to be a comedian. It has no new insight, no theories that are anything more than you would read if you bought a bag of fortune cookies. Further, he tries to be a combination of Rich Little and Freud, and I can't tell if he really thinks that the ghosts of celebrities actually come out to counsel his patients (in which case, he would owe them a commission) or if HE is taking on those characters, in which case he needs to do some homework. No matter how you slice it, this is one god awful waste of time. I only spent a couple of bucks on it, but it wasted a couple of hours of my life that I could have spent doing something more useful or productive or entertaining...like watching "Gigli" or even paint drying. Don't waste your money on this drivel. In fact, if a friend gives you this? Change friends.