Happiness Is a Choice (Paperback)

by Barry Neil Kaufman (Author) "For twenty years, my wife and I have devoted ourselves single-mindedly to a very focused, yet simple pursuits, so simple as to seem unworthy..." (more)
Key Phrases: attitudinal advantage, happiness option, teaching center, The Option Institute, United States

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Kaufman, director of the Option Institute and author of A Land Beyond Tears ( LJ 4/1/82), contends that if you change a belief or attitude you can change your life. A decision to pursue happiness, he claims, can improve relations with others: "We can engineer our own responses, choosing love over hate, peace over conflict and happiness over depression." The first five sections relate Kaufman's philosophy and offer stories of clients' successful changes while in therapy. Section six has short chapters detailing shortcuts to happiness. The book has a four-page bibliography and two pages of additional readings. A cut above most self-help books; recommended.
- Del Cain, V.A. Medical Ctr. Lib., Bedford, Mass.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"A great gift to anyone who reads it! I have personally benefited tremendously, and I recommend Happiness Is A Choice highly." -- O. Carl Simonton, M.D., Co-Author of Getting Well Again

"A superb book written with the greatest of compassion and sensitivity." -- Gerald Jampolsky, M.D., Author of Love Is Letting Go Of Fear

"Barry Neil Kaufman has written a moving exploration of the healing power of compassion and caring. Happiness Is A Choice affirms the unlimited potential of the human spirit and offers hope to those who have been challenged by adversity." -- Coretta Scott King, President/CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

"For those who sincerely want to follow the supreme law of love, Barry Kaufman's book provides an unexpected blueprint to selfless living." -- Father John Catoir, Director, The Christophers

"I have long admired the work of Barry and Samahria Kaufman. Happiness Is a Choice is an excellent book, simple and effective for all." -- Bernie Siegel, M.D., Author. Love, Medicine and Miracles

"Not only a wise book, but a liberating one." -- Harold S. Kushner, Author, When Bad Things Happen to Good People

"This book really delivers! A not-to-be-missed resource and guide for anyone who wants a happier life." -- Ken Dychtwald, Ph. D., Author of Bodymind

"We are all players in the game of life...and this book shows how to be a winner. Barry Neil Kaufman's new book champions making the choice to believe in ourselves, to have a positive attitude, to be hopeful and to seize the power of loving ourselves and others." -- Lou Holtz, Head Football Coach, University of Notre Dame

"Within these pages Kaufman unfolds a precious secret for attaining happiness and leading a more meaningful, joyful life...A wonderfully wise, warm and insightful book that is sure to reward those who read it with a richer, more balanced life." -- Jesse Stoff, M.D., Author of The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (January 3, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0449907996
• ISBN-13: 978-0449907993
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #39,882 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Contains the most valuable chapter ever written!, September 18, 1999

By	Lollie McLain [e-mail] (Crockett, TX) - See all my reviews

I'm an expert in happiness. My web site on the subject draws 7 to 15 thousand hits a day because it's all about happiness. I tell them this:

Buy Happiness is a Choice. Don't read it at first. Just turn straight to the chapter called "Shortcuts." There are six shortcuts. Practice one shortcut a week for six weeks. When you have done that the quality of every day of your life that follows will surpass the happiness you've experienced prior to following this recipe. You'll never be able to be as unhappy as you have been and you'll never be able to be unhappy as long as you have been in the past. Every day will be happier.

That's why I say it's the most valuable chapter ever written. The one thing every one of us wants is more happiness. That one chapter, practiced, delivers.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb book you'll want to share with others, January 1, 2000

By	"pageh" (CA USA) - See all my reviews

This superb book is one to read and buy for family and friends. Barry Neil Kaufman, therapist, author, motivational speaker, and co-founder of the Option Institute, has observed that despite disappointments, illnesses, and physical and emotional problems, people who are most successful in finding happiness share certain traits. He shows us how to use these traits to change our lives quickly, easily, and without pain.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars JUST WHAT THE (BOOK) DOCTOR ORDERED!, September 30, 2000

By	BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This self affirming, positive and encouraging book is an excellent Rx for a happier life. I, too, took heart AND learned from the "Shortcuts" chapter. I have found that Barry Neil Kaufman has consistently been a source of comfort and encouragement. This is a book I certainly hope everyone will read. This is exceptionally high caliber and will only serve to make one's life richer and more empowered.