How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic's Guide to Spiritual Happiness

The last few months have been very "challenging" for me...so a friend gave me this book. I was skeptical at first that any book get me to shift my emtoional state...but I gotta say this book definitely did! I laughed as I read it...which helped me to kinda feel better right away...BUT... mostly (and surprisingly) I found its insights and advice very VERY helpful to get me to a stronger emotional place to make the changes I need to make..and make them I did. I totally recommend this book to anyone out there who is in that "challenging" place in their life. I also loved Ms. Salmansohn's THE 8-MINUTE GUTS BUILDER...which also motivated me to make some needed changes in my life. Thank you Ms. Salmansohn! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Not being an optimist by nature or upbringing, my life is all about the struggle between negativity and positivity -- so I was pleased to discover Karen Salmansohn's 'Cynic's Guide to Spiritual Happiness.' It is a truly wonderful book. Right now, facing 2003, I rely on my 3 favorite books to keep me sane. The other 2 are 'Stop Smiling, Start Kvetching' and 'The Positive Power of Negative Thinking' -- all 3 help me to harness the positive energy of negativity. These 3 books make up my personal triple play for dealing constructively with anxiety, worry, irritation, and cynicism/pessimism. So my new year's resolution is to make the most of who I am and how I deal with the world around me. And Karen Salmansohn is a great author to have on your team -- she has new books coming out this year, and I'd keep an eye out for them too.

This is a bright and entertaining guide (or stimulus) for people who are prone to cynicism and pessimism. The book design is itself a pleasure to behold -- bright, colorful graphics that are creatively designed and boldly executed. Perhaps the jaded and cynical among us can be more happy, especially spiritually happy (more than socially), without having to become people who use those yellow smiley face symbols all over the place. I like that premise and hope it works for a lot of people. Being an anti-smiley-face person myself, I love the cover of Barbara Held's book "Stop Smiling, Start Kvetching" which draws a red 'NO' circle and line through that ubiquitous yellow face. Now I have noticed among my circle of friends that different people like or dislike different ones of Karen Salmansohn's many books. So if "How To Be Happy -- Dammit" does not appeal to your taste in books, you might want to check out her newest 2003 book, "How To Change Your Entire Life By Doing Absolutely Nothing." Salmansohn has a fabulous sense of humor, and she also is very perceptive about what it is like to be an individual living in contemporary society, in a manner that can be helpful as well as entertaining. Great combination.

I can't say enough about how much I love this book! I came across it in a bookstore when I was grieving the unexpected loss of a loved one in addition to a series of smaller tragedies. I was intrigued by the title, as I was extremely cynical and had no interest in wimpy "the world is a wonderful place" type self-help books. This book hit the spot! Karen Salmansohn speaks in a language that I completely relate to - very catchy, but with logical explanations for the information she provides. The bright pictures and catchy analogies made it very easy and pleasant to read. In some places the photos spoke almost as loudly as the words. I related so well to Ms. Salmansohn's style that I have since bought three of her other books and have not been disappointed. She is one of those gifted writers whose ability to express herself in so many new and fresh ways just blows me away! This book has literally been my lifeline for several months now, and I intend to buy copies for all my friends. I highly recommend this book for anyone who needs a pick-me-up, or a hopeful new perspective.

I found it at a local bookstore and skimmed through it. Flipping through the pages, though the nice graphics and typefaces caught my attention, the text itself didn't make much sense. I picked up the book anyways because I really am a cynic looking for spiritual happiness. When I finally got around to reading it, I discovered why flipping through the book didn't make much sense. This is not a coffee table book. It must be read from beginning to end, otherwise it won't make much sense. It's a quick read, it only took me an hour or so and I'm a slow reader. It's very catchy, witty, to the point, and perfect for cynics alike. I bought the book for a couple of friends and they really liked it as well. I'm not exactly happier, but it did give me a better perspective on life as a whole. If you're skeptical, pick it up anyways. It's inexpensive, a quick read, entertaining even if you don't like the entire book, and you really have nothing to lose. If it doesn't jive you well, give it to a friend.