Hands down, 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works--A True Story is one of the best self-help books I’ve ever read. It is possibly the first “self-help” book that has been as entertaining as it has been helpful.
I stumbled upon this book, not knowing anything about it. After I finished it, I realized that there had been a big media push for it, but again, I totally missed it. I only found it out, because as I began to tell everyone I knew about the book, they all had seen something about it, on this show or that show.
I won’t rehash the storyline because everyone seems to know it - the author suffered a major panic attack on the air, and was forced to take a good look at his life. With his dogged reporter style he looked into meditation. Covering it from every angle. Finding an angle that he could hold on to. Even going so far as to go on a 10 day meditation retreat.
Mixed in with the scientific evidence, is Harris’s clear and determined effort to figure out the ends and outs of meditation. It is all presented in a humorous, self-depreciating style. In addition to all of the meditation information, I found the sneak peeks into the fast pace world of television news reporting also interesting.
This book convinced me (unlike a lot of other books I've read to try and change something about my life), I am now on my second week of meditating and already telling everyone I meet that they need to try it.
Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: Amazon links are affiliate links and I earn a small percentage if you click through and buy. Believe me, it barely covers a smidgen of my cookbook addiction!
Kyle says
I only know about this book because you had it in your side bar. It was very popular at the library and I had to wait a month for it. Well worth the wait. As you said, it's entertaining. And he does cover every angle--I have been practicing for 3 years and he answered all the questions I've had in that time. I especially liked the part about, when you're super anxious or obsessing about something, or doing something for the 100th time, asking yourself, "is this useful?" I also liked "let it be" instead of "let it go". I've had huge success with "let it go" but I think I prefer the sentiment of "let it be".
Oh, and I googled the book and found that the author had been on the Colbert Report--it's a very entertaining interview.
Pam Greer says
I'll have to go look for the Colbert Report episode!
JessicaJ says
I'm like you, Pam. I've never heard of this book. But I do mind meditation beneficial, this book looks like an interesting read.