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The Geography of Bliss
The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World | Eric Weiner
56 posts | 57 read | 61 to read
Part foreign affairs discourse, part humor, and part twisted self-help guide, The Geography of Bliss takes the reader from America to Iceland to India in search of happiness, or, in the crabby author's case, moments of "un-unhappiness." The book uses a beguiling mixture of travel, psychology, science and humor to investigate not what happiness is, but where it is. Are people in Switzerland happier because it is the most democratic country in the world? Do citizens of Qatar, awash in petrodollars, find joy in all that cash? Is the King of Bhutan a visionary for his initiative to calculate Gross National Happiness? Why is Asheville, North Carolina so damn happy? With engaging wit and surprising insights, Eric Weiner answers those questions and many others, offering travelers of all moods some interesting new ideas for sunnier destinations and dispositions.
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Scochrane26
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Pickpick

I‘ve had this on my Litsy TBR for awhile, finally got around to the audiobook, narrated by author. Think I mainly wanted to read it because of the travel, & I definitely enjoyed hearing about different cultures, traditions, & lifestyles. A lot of the people interviewed by the author were interesting. I really liked the grandmother in Moldova. Amusing at times. The parts about happiness were good but not as interesting to me. 3.75⭐️

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booklover3258
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Pickpick

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/w_M3XZ8Tv1w

Enjoy!

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DebinHawaii
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#IdiomInsight

The idiom #IgnoranceIsBliss means that a lack of knowledge equals an absence of concern. The term developed from Ode On A Distant Prospect Of Eton College, a poem by Thomas Gray with the lines: “No more where ignorance is bliss / Tis folly to be wise.”

This book has been in my physical TBR for ages & so I don‘t know how or if ignorance or intelligence play into the author‘s findings on the most blissful places in the 🌎.

Eggs Well it sounds really good 💙🩵💙 14mo
39 likes1 comment
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DebinHawaii
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#BookBinge

Books in both my TBR & Read stacks that have a #SchoolSubjectInTitle

From the top left we have: History, Art, English, Spanish, Geometry, Writing, Chemistry, Geography & Drama.
🏫🖍️👩🏼‍🏫✏️📚🍎📝

dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 1y
Eggs Comprehensive!!! 1y
36 likes2 comments
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Coleen
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Pickpick

Eric Weiner sets off to explore “the happiest places on earth”. His travel itinerary was not what I would have expected. How do you measure a country‘s happiness quotient? Lots of factors — some expected, some not-so-expected. Somewhere between a pick and a so-so for me.

Graywacke I felt the same when i read this, but it‘s hung around in my head. 1y
27 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Traci1
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The weather today has been super yucky, so I spent a stormy hour in Barnes and Noble. Came away with these. I'm really excited about the top two. I love memoirs. Especially travel ones.

#RainyDayBookHaul

JenReadsAlot Jose Andres is so amazing! 2y
TEArificbooks Rainy days are the best to go the book store. A perfect pairing, like popcorn and movies. My kids love rainy days because we stop homeschooling and go to the bookstore or library. They get all excited for no school but Jokes on them though, because they are still learning 2y
Traci1 @JenReadsAlot I'd never heard of him, but I think from just reading a little of the book so far I'm going to agree with you. 2y
Traci1 @TEArificbooks I was with my older kids, and they both said we need to stay in here til it stops raining. We'd probably still be there if we'd done that, but we did give it a good try. 😄 2y
54 likes4 comments
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Ladygodiva7
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I‘m pretty happy, just visited St Croix last week, gorgeous island. Will find out if the author found the happiest place in the world.

#snowflake #snowflakes #papersnowflakes

steph_phanie Oh I am interested in your review! This was recommended by my former study abroad program this week and I thought about adding it to my TBR! 2y
Ladygodiva7 @steph_phanie I liked the book, there were very interesting observations how each country the author visited lived, behaved and interacted with each other. And of course finding out if they‘re happy living there or what makes them happy. You would probably learn a thing or two from this book. 2y
steph_phanie @Ladygodiva7 Thank you for sharing your thoughts!! 2y
48 likes3 comments
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MelindaOtt
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Entertaining writing, but still not sure what the point of this book was.

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dainarmb
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Pickpick

Finally finished my January #DoubleSpin book! @TheAromaofBooks

I think I would've appreciated this read more if we weren't in a global pandemic and I was able to travel (I miss it so much ?), but I liked his insights into different cultures and what made them "happy."

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
3 likes1 comment
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dainarmb
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I would be deluding myself if I continued to believe that I could finish this book before February. My attention span is nowhere to be found! Putting it back in the rotation for next month's Bookspin Bingo- here's my list! #4, #5 and #20 also apply to the Stronger Spine book club challenge. @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Sometimes it's just not the right time for a book!! 4y
2 likes1 comment
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dainarmb
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"Neuroscientists have discovered that the parts of the brain that control wanting and the parts that control liking are separate; they operate independently of one another and involve different chemicals."

Money can't buy happiness; just bc you want something, doesn't mean you'll physiologically register it as bringing you joy! TIL. #currentlyreading

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dainarmb
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In the chapter examining Swiss happiness, the author postures that our love for/connection to nature is innate, so why aren't we protecting it out of selfishness?

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dainarmb
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I've been feeling stunted creatively for a few weeks now and am struggling to delve into this one, which is a shame because I love the idea of it. May need to put it back on the TBR until my attention span returns. 😅😖 #currentlyreading

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dainarmb

I've always believed that happiness is just around the corner. The trick is finding the right corner.

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dainarmb
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Working on my fourth book of the year, keeping in pace to finish this challenge! #currentlyreading my #BookSpinBingo Double Spin book Geography of Bliss, which fulfills #36. Weiner was a foreign correspondent for NPR and has reported from over 30 countries! Looking forward to learning about his search for the happiest place on Earth 🙃

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KendallHershey
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Pickpick

What makes the happiest places in the world so happy? That‘s what this self-proclaimed grumpy author seeks to answer in his book. I very much enjoyed this read getting to know these destinations through the lens of happiness.

79 likes4 stack adds
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readtheworld
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Pickpick

I read this in print years ago, and just decided to revisit it on audio. Was looking for a light listen for a stressful week and this definitely fit the bill!

#audio #nonfiction #travel #happiness

45 likes1 stack add
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Librarybelle
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I read this one ages ago and liked it - Weinee, a self-proclaimed grump, decides to take a trek around the world and discover the happiest places. He muses on his findings, as well as discovers practices to make life more blissful. #EverybodysHappyNowadays #RedRoseSeptember

arlenefinnigan Oh this sounds great #stacked 5y
71 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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erinjohns
Mehso-so

An interesting take on how other countries view Happy and Happiness. It felt more like a research study than a journey about a grumpy guy.

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LeftyDv
Pickpick

Does where we live impact our happiness? This quick read thinks so, with a few caveats along the way. Highly recommended!

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Amiable
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Mehso-so

The writer's account of a year spent traveling the globe, looking for the "unheralded happy places" in an attempt to understand and define what happiness means to each of us. A pleasant-enough read. 3 stars

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N8ure
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The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness

rather_be_reading welcome to litsy!! 📚🎉📚 @LitsyWelcomeWagon 6y
LitsyWelcomeWagon Welcome to Litsy! Hope these #Litsytips by @RaimeyGallant http://bit.ly/litsytips and #LitsyHowTo videos: goo.gl/UrCpoU are helpful. There‘s so many fun things to do: book exchanges, buddy reads, photo challenges and more! Check out @LitsyHappenings for details. #LitsyWelcomeWagon 6y
RaimeyGallant Welcome! 6y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 😊🌸 6y
9 likes1 stack add4 comments
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karenna
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Mehso-so

Although author's humor and cultural generalizations did not always work for me, the book does provide some interesting ideas about how to increase happiness, both personal and societal.

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Ke633
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Book and nature : #EarthDay I have a lot of books and a lot of nature in my house. 😉
#AprilBookishMadness
@maich
Also a lot of blues and greens!! 😊
#AprilinBooks18
@bookisglee
#green #blue

Cinfhen Lovely photo😍 7y
BiblioLitten I love your photographs!!💜 @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego collects globes too, right? 6y
37 likes4 comments
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Morr_Books
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Pickpick

I thought this was a good mix of self-help (finding happiness) and travel rolled into one book. Also, I thought the author had quite a few humorous statements throughout that kept things fun and exciting. 4.5/5

RebelReader I loved this book! You are exactly right about the self help/travel aspects. 7y
Kaye Good book 7y
62 likes1 stack add2 comments
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StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego
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#joyfulbookgiveaway

Congratulations to @Christine11 on your milestone!! You guys are all so inspiring!!

This book brings me joy, because it's about "one grump's search for the happiest places in the world." Travel and books, my two loves!

Christine11 Thanks for entering - this book looks great 😊 7y
Kaye This was so good. I‘m always excited to find another NF reader here. 😁 7y
68 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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howjessicareads
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Pickpick

A great blend of light psychology and travelogue. #jesshowreads2018

75 likes2 stack adds
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howjessicareads
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“The Soviet Union did for architecture what Burger King did for gourmet food.” 😂😂

MallenNC I read this several years ago. I remember liking it, but not a lot of details, so maybe I should read it again, 7y
howjessicareads @MallenNC It‘s nothing groundbreaking, I can see why you‘d forget details, but it sure is fun! 7y
81 likes1 stack add2 comments
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howjessicareads
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Audiobook + book shirt + stocking books. Living the #booknerd dream. 😂

78 likes4 comments
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readtheworld
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I‘ve spent most of my #24in48 weekend packing for our upcoming move — my bookshelves are now empty. But I‘ve gotten in a lot of audiobook listening!

emilyhaldi Oh man, that's rough! Good luck with your move!!! 7y
LiteraryinPA When is the move? You look very prepared! 7y
readtheworld @emilyhaldi @LiteraryinLititz Thanks! We move on Saturday. 7y
93 likes1 stack add3 comments
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bookworm.krizia
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Mehso-so

This is a great travel and self-help book. I don't know if its classified as a self-help book but it definitely helped me to be happier :). It is an inspiring, funny, quirky and happy read. I don't believe that Eric Weiner is a grump, he's actually very funny. However, some essays are a bit boring (Great Britain!) and some essays seem hurried (Great Britain!). I would also love pictures. Pictures make happy! :)

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MemoirsForMe
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Pickpick

Travel memoirs are few in my reading world, but this one swept me away from the start. What fun to tag along to such remote countries as Iceland, Bhutan and Qatar to uncover why residents are so deliriously happy living there...or are they? 😊The author's delightful candor and his quest to learn what makes us happy kept me smiling and enthralled. #readharder #LitsyAtoZ #LetterG @BookishMarginalia

Merethebookgal Iceland is amazing! I visited back in Nov 2013 and I can't wait to go back in the summertime someday. Definitely go if you ever get the chance 😃 8y
MemoirsForMe @Merethebookgal Wow! I didn't realize you were such a world traveler. How cool! It does sound like a fascinating place to visit. 8y
Merethebookgal @UwannaPublishme Well, outside of the U.S. I've only visited Iceland, England (specifically London), and a couple of islands in the Caribbean, so my lists of places to visit is still very long 😁 but I'm hoping to check off more places in the near future! So many amazing places in the world to see! 8y
27 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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MallenNC
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Here's a fun pick for #HappyReads for #MarchIntoReading. In this, an NPR reporter visits countries in the world that are known as happy countries for various reasons, and he attempts to determine if what makes them happy can be transferred to other places.

19 likes1 stack add
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ThePallaviMohan
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Beckys_Books I'm in awe of your nails! 💅 8y
ThePallaviMohan Thanks Becky! 8y
2 comments
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ThePallaviMohan
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Hot lemon tea, peanut butter toast and a delicious new book to spend the evening with.

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Reading_E
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Uh oh. I hope this does not prove true given current political ongoings.

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Reading_E
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And I'm moving to NYC this summer!😱😂

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Reading_E
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Even dogs can raise their eyebrows! #dogsoflitsy Banzai is a sceptic but #allisnotlost

britt_brooke Banzai is so darn cute!! 💚💚💚 8y
Reading_E @britt_brooke and he knows it too 😉 8y
Louise Oh, Banzai is utterly adorable! ❤🐾 8y
36 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Reading_E
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Danger, danger! 😂

Soubhiville 😂😂😂. Like what, artichokes? 8y
LauraBeth Those are the gateway veggies 8y
17 likes2 comments
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Amiable
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"You come home because this is where you live."

3 likes1 stack add
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Amiable
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The "books-to-shoes" ratio in my house would indicate that I should probably be living in Iceland.

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Reading_E
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LukkiAnn 😹 8y
18 likes1 comment
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Amiable
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Reading_E
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I completely agree. Starbucks does not compare.

LukkiAnn And the most greatest books have been written in these cafes ☝🏻️ 8y
MyNamesParadise When I was in Europe I loved that sense of lingering and feeling comfortable. In America it's rush rush rush and I find it irritating so I like going at off times if I can 8y
19 likes1 stack add2 comments
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LauraBeth
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When you realize that today is the last day of winter break and everyone goes back to school and work tomorrow (and I can go back to regularly scheduled reading 😀). This is happiness!

BookishMarginalia 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I go back to work Monday (and trust me, I'm not looking like that!) 8y
See All 9 Comments
jessdean 😂 My kids don't go back til the 9th😳 8y
vivastory Haha 🎊 👏 🍷 🍻 📚 8y
Cortg I feel the same way! 8y
LauraBeth @BookishMarginalia you have four more days to read! Enjoy 😀📚 8y
LauraBeth @jessdean you're almost there - only four more days left to not kill anyone 😂 8y
LauraBeth @CherylDeFranceschi, @Jenshootsweddings, @vivastory, @Cortg I think they were just as eager to leave me this morning 😂 8y
139 likes1 stack add9 comments
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Leelee08
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Pickpick

Today's #photoadaynov16, I love this book that is partially set in Eastern Europe. Wiener travels all over the world in the search to find the happiest places on Earth, and his search leads him to Moldova. This is probably my favorite travel memoir of all time, and I can't recommend it enough! 📚❤️🌏✈️#setineasterneurope

ReadingEnvy This is the book that started my obsession with Iceland. I have given away at least five copies of this! 8y
Leelee08 @ReadingEnvy I definitely agree! I hadn't read much about Iceland before but after this book, I fell in love! 😍 8y
teainthelibrary Such a good book! 8y
69 likes8 stack adds3 comments
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BookmarkTavern
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Somebody wants to play and not let me read. ❤️ #dogsoflitsy #Riley

CherylDeFranceschi What a cute face! 8y
12 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Amandajoy
Pickpick

This was an interesting look at what makes people happy around the world. It shows that there is more than one path to happiness. If you like books on happiness, this is a good one to add to your TBR.

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Amandajoy
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What goes with a best with a book in the morning? Coffee of course! Happy National Coffee Day! ☕️📚

Bookish_B Have that mug too! 👍🏼💗 8y
22 likes1 comment
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Amandajoy
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I can get behind this.