HAPPY AT LAST The Thinking Person's Guide to Finding Joy

Narrator Rick Adamson captures the activist tone of this can-do mental health guide. Though his phrasing range seems narrow, his voice is steady, easy to hear, and true to the flow of ideas. Psychotherapist and mood disorder expert Richard O'Connor says science can teach us behaviors we can use to minimize unhappiness, anger, anxiety, and pessimism. He says that with steady attention and practice, happiness can be increased in three ways: increasing moments of happiness and joy, decreasing negative emotions, and becoming satisfied with the direction and meaning of our lives. Illustrated with fascinating social science research, O'Connor's insights and practical suggestions will be especially useful to anyone plagued with critical attitudes, needless worry, and self-defeating life patterns. T.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2009]