Review by jov13 -- Happiness is All We Want!

[jov13]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Happiness is All We Want!" by Ashutosh Mishra.]

---

2 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The Inspirational book, Happiness Is All We Want, by Ashutosh Mishra is an informative and eye opening book about the ways to achieve happiness via Indian culture and or Buddhism.

My first impression of the book was quite different from what I actually came to read. When I read the summary, I was left with the impression that the author was an Indian/American of high society who has used his experience in the working world to guide him to the keys to true peace and happiness. Though the latter is true, the author is actually an Indian Native, heavily affiliated with Buddhism and many other things stemming specifically from his Indian background and culture.

I liked several things about the book, such as how informative it was to Indian culture and certain practices associated with Buddhism. As well the simplicity of his English, his explanations of Indian terms and phrases, as well as the more complex sentences or things relating to Happiness and his Indian culture. More than any other feature in the book, I enjoyed most of all those sections of “Happiness Moments” and tips, which were quite interesting to read. These also doubled as examples for the points or tips he listed along in the book. It showed us personal experiences and made the book more relatable and realistic to readers. The book was found to be factual as he gave statistics and information gathered from other sources and people. He spoke objectively when mentioning facts about the process to happiness, as well as how specific conditions and people work/are. I also liked the fact that some of his methods to happiness were flexible, those that weren’t born from Buddhism/Indian culture.

However, despite all the good things mentioned prior, there are many things I did not like about the book. First and foremost, personally, the book conflicted with many of my own beliefs and practices. I felt slightly as though I was being converted to Buddhism. I would have appreciated a bold disclaimer, stating the book’s heavy involvement/affiliation with Indian culture and or Buddhism. The book was meant to be inclusive and applicable to just anyone trying to attain happiness, however his method of speaking was not so. The author would begin a point, being inclusive, but would then go into deep explanation using methods and points based on his Indian culture/ Buddhism. This was not found to be very inclusive or effective, and seemed somewhat like an attempt at converting his audience, despite stating several times throughout the book that this was not his intention. There were also several grammatical errors throughout the book, inclusive of constant avoidance of the word “the” in many sentences. I also found some sentences to be hard to understand based on how they were constructed. I had to re-read several times to actually comprehend what was being said.

This book seems more fitting to those persons who are of, have an interest in, or are open minded to Indian culture and or Buddhism. Those who do not have the same beliefs as those stated in the book may find it upsetting or a little exclusive. However, it is still applicable to many persons as an informative book in Indian culture/Buddhism. It can be read by people ranging from ages 15 and over.

I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. Though I found the book to be very informative, I also found it to be quite off putting since it was so heavily based on the author’s specific culture and beliefs, without prior warning being given to the audience of this fact. . It also had several grammatical errors and a few sentences that had not been constructed to the best of ones comprehension.

******
Happiness is All We Want!
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like jov13's review? Post a comment saying so!