Price claims the key to making that choice is to “stop blaming others [...] for our place in life,” and instead take responsibility for emotions and feelings, even though people are socialized to shift blame from the self to others. Unlearning blame-shifting behavior is difficult, Price acknowledges, and she offers myriad suggestions throughout her debut to help people make a fresh start, like engaging with nature, meditation, mindfulness, art, volunteering, and more. Following each chapter, the author includes journaling prompts, questionnaires, and thought experiments, along with a brief poem, to engage readers with her subject matter via multiple mediums.
Self-help readers may find Price’s ideas to be familiar, but the author’s ultimate goal with her book is to remind people that “you are a beautiful human full of the capability to love and be loved,” which is a noble quest. In its current state, Price’s self-help guide isn’t easily readable given that it is unproofed, but for those looking for an interactive, quick read full of actionable ideas for an improved quality of life, The Quest for Happiness delivers just that with compassionate encouragement.
Takeaway: Inviting self-help guide offering ideas on choosing happiness.
Comparable Titles: Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, Russ Harris’s The Happiness Trap.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A
I’ve read several self-help and inspirational books before. Sometimes, one feels like they’re hearing the same thing over and over. But Price’s book rings true and breathes a fresh breath of inspiration for the reader. I enjoyed the specific advice she gives and the inspirational poems that bookend each chapter. Easy, quick read with lasting impact. -Tessa Markle
