The Happiness Trap (Second Edition): How to Stop Struggling and Start Living Paperback – July 5, 2022

I am a middle-aged white male with a typical job, and I lead a typical life. I don't know if my opinion will persuade anyone to pick up this book. To be honest, I am not terribly concerned about that. I suppose I am writing this primarily as a thank you to the author. The book changed my life forever--in a good way. It brought together many things that have interested me for many years and made sense of them. It took the things I loved most about Zen Buddhism and framed them in a largely scientific context. In this scientific characterization, the power of these concepts is magnified and they are much more accessible to westerners. The writing seems compatible with ideas presented in formal epistemology. The recommended actions and ideas seem at home in the mind of an epistemic skeptic. More than just the book, ACT itself deserves much praise. To me, ACT seems a natural extension of evolutionary psychology. They fit together so seemlessly, at least in my opinion. For those in whom ACT is destined to resonate, the book is definitely a life changer. I thought he brilliantly and patiently encouraged the reader to participate in the many exercises presented in the text. The exercises are not embellishments or superficial ornaments. They are essential challenges to help one become immersed in the theory, help one reach competency in daily life. The exercises are extremely on target and extremely well balanced and measured. One of my favorite things is that when you finish the book, perhaps having left some of the exercises undone, it instantly becomes an incredible reference for the world view it describes. You can go back and finish the exercises. You can flip to a random page and study it. You can systematical refresh yourself on some pre-selected topic. In short, you can become and remain very, very familiar with the material. I am a little sheepish to admit this, but this is the best book I have ever read. I don't mean that it outdances the prose of Tolstoy (etc.). I mean in terms of pure impact on my life. I am sure the book would not effect everyone in this way. As we all know, life is a problem with many solutions (or something along those lines). Some of us might like an entirely different intellectual framework from which to view and interact with the world around us. For them, this book will probably seem ordinary, or worse. But, as for myself, I have found a magnificent text to aid me in the days ahead. My only betrayal of its role is that I know I will always be on the hunt, to some extent, for an even better formulation. Until I find one, I am set.

A very insightful and interesting book. Great for mental health clinicians and clients.

Great book overall. The author writes in a very understandable tone and it is easy to follow. Great examples and steps to overcome different sources of unhappiness. Do use the extra bits to make the best of it. It is easy to read and easy to follow. More difficult to implement, but I guess that's just change as a whole. I don't claim to be better, but I have more tools in my toolbox after reading this book.

Book is very informative and helps for finding inner peace.Since it doesn’t have plot , I wasn’t able to read smoothly. Felt like I’m taking classes. But of course it’s because of the type of this book, it’s normal.

Dr. Russ Harris has created a monumental work in the self-help and personal development field. If you only use one tenth of the tools and techniques in this book, you will have received many, many times more in value than you paid for this truly remarkable book.There is SO MUCH great content and practical advice here to enrich the lives of readers. The research and readability are exceptional. If this book was recommended to you, then I encourage you to pick it up today and begin reading. I am certain you will not be disappointed. Thank you, Dr. Harris, for this wonderful and enduring gift.

I don't know how to efficiently put words to the impact this book has had. Harris has a very personable way of presenting information that is both entertaining, but relatable and encouraging. He gives you the tools and makes you feel like the control is back in your hands. I would recommend this to anyone in any stage of their mental health journey. Thank you so much Dr. Harris!

This Amazon purchase was actually for a family member as a gift. I love this book and Russ Harris generally. I’ve incorporated these concepts heavily in my own therapy practice, both for myself and my clients.

Unfortunately, the book did not keep my interest however there were some really good practical tips (while you're reading, he has you try different techniques - DO THEM, don't just read them).