The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In this nonfiction book, Eric Weiner is not a happy person. Despite the fact that he has several self-help titles on his bookshelf and has a successful career as a NPR correspondent, Weiner just does not feel happy. He ponders, where can one achieve happiness? Thus starts his global trek to countries known for their happy citizens and to countries known for their not so happy citizens. From Switzerland to Moldova, from India to the United States, Weiner's quest for happiness takes him to some unusual places and introduces some pretty happy people to the readers. Weiner's re-evaluation of his happiness at the end of the book will also make readers re-evaluate their own level of happiness.

I really enjoyed Weiner's sense of humor and adventure. Throughout the book, Weiner reveals a little bit about himself to the reader, including his strange obsession with bags (he apparently has a closet full of them at his home). However, what struck me the most about this book is the way everyone defines happiness differently. Weiner talks to some people who are living in poverty or are in poor health, thinking that their happiness levels compared to others in better circumstances would be lower, yet they are just as happy, if not happier. I wanted to read this book because it is a partial travelogue, and I love to travel vicariously through books; I was not disappointed with Weiner's adventures or with the message at the end of the book.

Reviewed by Jessica