A Short Guide to a Happy Life - Anna Quindlen

by Lauri Griffin | More from this Blogger

17 Jul 2008 07:34 PM

A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen really is short. It's a small book, and only around fifty pages. Quindlen starts the book by stating that she's not particularly qualified to give advice and counsel. She is after all a novelist and a columnist. But she does have some really good things to say.

Quindlen talks about the "life of your heart" and says that people don't talk much about the soul anymore, that it is "easier to write a resume than to craft a spirit." She advises "Don't ever confuse the two, your life and your work" and "....you are the only person alive who has sole custody of your life."

Throughout the book, black and white photos invite the reader to think about small moments, and quiet moments. The photos are of things like a small child swing high on a playground, swan wings illuminated by the sun, childhood friends, the ocean, and an ivy plant in the windowsill.

Quindlen takes pride in being a mother, a wife, and a friend. Her advice for all three roles is to show up, to listen, and to try to laugh. She says her best piece of advice is to get a life. She writes of a life where you notice smells, and sights, and pay attention, where you find people to love, and where you help others.

This little book is a great reminder to not take life for granted, to notice those moments and even to purposely make room for them. I like to give this book as a graduation present. And I like to leave my own copy lying around the house so that I often stumble across its words of wisdom.

Also See:

Love: Quotes and Passages From the Heart - B. C. Aronson

Post Secret - Frank Warren

StoryCorps - Podcast Review

Learn more about Lauri Griffin

Lauri lives in Colorado with her husband and three sons. Amidst all the laundry and packing of lunches, she tries to keep parenting fun.

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Dale Harcombe (10327) 18 Jul 2008 12:41 AM

Thanks Lauri. It prompted a blog about not taking life for granted, but finding the blessings http://christian.families.com/blog/not-taking-life-for-granted-but-finding-the-blessings. I've linked it to this blog. I hadn't heard of this Quindlen book but loved her other books , One True Thing and Black and Blue.

Lauri Griffin (2703) 18 Jul 2008 09:14 AM

Thanks for letting me know, Dale. I'm so glad you were inspired!