3 out of 5 star
I would like to thank Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds Press for providing me with a free – temporary – electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley. Although I’m auto-approved with them, the decision to read this book is my choice and any reviews given are obligation free.
This is another one of those books that is best not reviewed as a non-interactive electronic copy. 🙂
Basically, it is another sort of “mindfulness journal” best read, and interacted with, in paper form. It is filled with some great little snippets of positivity, pictures, and activities for the reader to undertake as part of their ME time.
Now I must apologise, as it’s been some months since actually last read ‘The Happiness Diary’ and so I freely admit my memory is a little sketchy, as are my notes taken at the time. But I do remember it as being very welcoming; with a fun and creative vibe that made me wish – many times – that I had a paper copy to be interacting with.
Books like ‘The Happiness Diary’ are made to help us all slow down a bit, read some positive things for once, focus on our thoughts, feelings, routines, and allow us to be creative. It may not sound like the sort of thing everyone would enjoy, but I find this sort of book as an excellent way to detach from the internet, remember who I am, and relax while being creative and still using my brain. To me, this form of relaxation is far better than sitting in front of a TV, laptop, phone, whatever. Just switch off, open a book, and let it help you find happiness again. Perfection.
Saying all that, the reason I only gave ‘The Happiness Diary’ 3 out of 5 stars is because I reviewed it as an electronic ARC, where the formatting wasn’t quite right, so it was a bit jumbled. And I feel reviewing such books as an electronic copy really does defeat the purpose. I am sure, if I was to buy myself a paper copy, and then do a review, it would receive a far greater rating.
Would I recommend this book to others?
Yes I would, but only as a paper copy. I’d tell them to get a nice pen or pencil and some colouring in pencils, grab this book and allow themselves AT LEAST 10 minutes a day just to read and interact with ‘The Happiness Diary’. Journaling, mindfulness, Me Time… as hippy as these things might sound to some; they are things we all REALLY need to keep in our lives. And books like ‘The Happiness Diary’ are perfect for this.
Would I buy this book for myself?
If I saw it in paper somewhere for a reasonable price, then yes I would. Now, I’m not saying it isn’t reasonably priced… I’m just saying I’m not about to spend a fortune on it as there are many other books like it out there that I would gain just as much relaxation and positivity from.
In summary: ‘The Happiness Diary’ is just what you need if you’re seeking some creative, positive me time in your life. The perfect companion for a peaceful Me Time moment in a café with hot beverage of your choice.
Until next time,
Janis.
Janis's Journal 