The 7 Secrets of Happiness: A Reluctant Optimist's Journey

Gyles Brandreth

Dec 2013 · Open Road Media

About this ebook

DIVDIVLovable British comedian Gyles Brandreth’s look at the pursuit of happiness and why it matters—refreshingly free of wishy-washy, feel-good mumbo-jumbo and full of straightforward, down-to-earth guidance/divDIV
On June 17, 2013, Gyles Brandreth delivered the Baggs Memorial Lecture at the University of Birmingham—an annual conference on the theme of happiness and how it can be achieved. His speech was met with thunderous applause and a widespread demand to know more about the secrets of being happy, so he set about writing this poignant book of truths, sprinkled with British wit and humor throughout./divDIV
With extensive research backing him, Brandreth travels the world over and meets numerous luminary figures, asking the questions: What is happiness? Who gets to be happy? For the queen of Denmark, it is finding happiness in routine; for Sheikh Raschid al Maktoum, it is the certainty of being confident in yourself when others doubt you; for Rod Stewart, it is taking pleasure in the simple things./divDIV
Through fascinating anecdotes by the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Anthony Clare, Brandreth explains why you need to know the seven secrets of happiness and why you need them now./divDIV/div/div

Ratings and reviews

This book is awful. There is no interesting or new information here. It's the same old tired advice: live in the moment, act happy, stop talking about yourself, cultivate a passion. But this guy knows a lot of famous people, so he peppered the book with anecdotes about all the famous people he knows. Yawn! None of them had any real insights about happiness. I spent $2 on this book and regret it immensely. I think it made me dumber.

I love that this is not just another self-help gimmick. Gyles has a realist perspective in life. He just gets it. Anyone who is searching for something, anything to improve you it is a must read. I do warn it is short, but definitely worth it.

For anyone who wants it put plainly this book is amazing. Gyles paints a vivid picture of life experience. He makes you laugh and cry and think. Much appreciated words of wisdom. I will it read over and over.

About the author

DIVGyles Brandreth is a British writer, broadcaster, and former member of Parliament and government whip, best known these days as a reporter on BBC1’s The One Show. A veteran of British stage and TV, his previous works include six Victorian murder mysteries featuring Oscar Wilde as his detective, two volumes of diaries, and two royal biographies. He currently resides in the United Kingdom./div