Having recently lost several family members I find myself dealing looking for ways to be happier so when I saw this title and read the summary I was eager to read more. I found the book quiet intriguing, thought-provoking and well-researched. I would recommend it to those looking to expand their knowledge of Japanese culture. The author, Scott Haas, touches on various aspects of the Japanese way of life as he shares his personal experience and observations honestly and vividly. Haas' analysis is fascinating and very easy to understand. I especially love chapter three. He writes about an idea of "waiting and observing" by showing us the Japanese way to serving tea, coffee, and cocktails. His observations are sensitive and thoughtful. While I picked this book for my personal journey it is relevant to us all now as we cope with the pandemic. Haas writes; "... when a crisis does occur, one in which the external structures are not enough to solve matters, what is the individual supposed to do?" He is not judgmental, but inquisitive which causes you to be the same in return. I highly recommend this book!

This is another book that incorporates addresses the way psychology is already present in various forms around the world. The concepts are well-explained, in digestible pieces.

A light and enjoyable book, Why Be Happy introduces Western readers to the Japanese concept of ukeireru, or acceptance. The book shows us how to reframe our expectations and instead embrace simplicity, appreciation, and commitments. Perhaps the most enjoyable parts of Hass's book are moments when the author shares information about his travels through Japan.

This was a really meaningful book. I've been going through a difficult time, and this gave me a new perspective on it.

I had hoped that this would be a more concrete type of self help book but it's more along the lines of essays about the author's experiences in Japan. Each chapter covers a different aspect of life that he thinks they do better, such as sleep and bathing. The book is mostly composed of anecdotes to show how helpful their ways of lives are around all different areas of life. It seems very generalized and I'm not so sure he's come to the right conclusions in many cases. Is it really better to grow up where all school children wear the exact same clothes and eat the exact same lunches? Maybe for some and in some ways, but there is also something to be said for living in a place where you can wear rainbow tights and eat vegetarian. Shrug. This will be a very interesting book for those interested in Japanese culture, but was not ultimately as interesting for me as I would have liked.

I really enjoyed this novel - I love learning about culture and words and this has both. Japanese culture is fascinating and the author shows this well.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book via netgalley!

This book had a lot of potential. I wrote down future reads that were quoted in it. I also found two places in japan that I never heard of and that I wanted to note for future travels. I also liked the parts of the boom that were actually related to what happiness means in japan. I felt like parts of this books were over descriptive but then cut short (beautiful description of the monks, but a quick brush of their actual conversation). This Left me disappointed and wanting more. Also, who quotes drake...!!! One thing is for sure, the author truly wants the reader to love japan as much as he does!

This is a wonderful book on practicing the Japanese art of acceptance. It will help you improve your life and your relationships overall. I would highly recommend this book.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

Though I have a preference for a more philosophical tone, I enjoyed what Scott Haas explores in "Why Be Happy?". The tone is one of self help and at times suffers from the oversimplification of whole cultural experiences to ideas that can be transferred across culture and applied in other contexts. That said, I think the ideas Haas explores do have enormous value especially in the mindset of the world in July 2020. I found a lot of relevant thought provoking concepts.

I loved this, a very enjoyable, thought-provoking read.

Normally I don't touch the genre of self-help, or anything that doesn't provide me with a fantastical escape. But I made an exception for this as I am a huge fan of Japanese culture and have a background in Asian Studies. And I am so happy I did.

There is nothing preachy or demanding about this book - it is genuine and honest and engaging. The chapter about using daily repetition and rituals to reduce fear about the passing of time - actually life changing for me as a person with severe anxiety. Because of this book, I have found pockets of peace in my day, making a cup of coffee, doing chores, enjoying rare silences. All of the real-world stories and interactions were super interesting and only make me want to visit Japan for myself even more! So glad I found this book!

Thank you to netgalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

The author wrote a great book on utilizing the Japanese technique of acceptance to gain a more relaxed view of life As an anxious person, I tend to react first and think later. The author stresses that this approach is wrong, as it contributes to further unhappiness. By taking in the situation first, you can come up with an appropriate course of action that doesn't cause further stress down the road. The author also applies this Japanese technique to relationships. This was a really interesting book. I am going to TRY to utilize these principles, but it may be difficult due to being someone that is typically anxious.

WHY BE HAPPY? by Scott Haas is all about the Japanese Way of Acceptance and a different way of seeing things. Do you know those people who make us feel calm and less stressed? Who help us to roll with uncertainty and challenges? This book contains many of their values – listening more than talking, appreciating rituals, being a part of a community, and even finding time for taking naps. Haas argues in the first chapter that "in Japan, happiness isn't a private experience. And happiness isn't really a goal. Acceptance is the goal. ... The individualism we prize in the West is supplemented by an awareness that life's greatest pleasures come from satisfying others." Hass uses numerous examples from his own travels and business dealings in Japan to clarify his point that "it's not about you. It's about you in relationship to others and your surroundings." Haas is a clinical psychologist and includes description of many Japanese terms and concepts (like ikigai) as well as footnotes, but his work is not overly scholarly or jargon-filled. In fact, WHY BE HAPPY? is under 300 pages and offers a relatively quick read at first - with much to contemplate.

I really enjoyed learning about the Japanese ides of helping you relax feel happy.From tea ceremonies to taking time to bathe.The book has many interesting ritual to learn about.An excellent guide especially bib pandemic times.#netgalley#hatchettebooks

I couldn't download it to my Kindle app, phone or computer. I suggest you let reviewers know in advance if this can be downloaded to their Kindle or not. I am only accepting books downloaded to the Kindle app. It sounds very interesting!

This is totally new information to me. Teachings from Japan were something I never even knew existed! I am sure they did but I only thought of Martial Arts when I thought of spirituality or ways of life from this beautiful part of the world. I loved this book!! Right now I am feeling the same thing many others are feeling deeling with this pandemic and the terrible struggles and tragedy it is bringing. I felt overwhelmed a few times. Sometimes with fear and others when someone I knew came down with Corona.So I really dove into this book to alleviate some of my fears and actually be happier. I am after reading this and putting it into practice. There are many examples and simple ways to put these teachings into practice. My favorite is the hot water bath. Not really all that hot but a warm bath . Mr Haas has the metaphor of landing in hot water as an example. All of us have probably landed in hot water so to speak at least once in our lives if we are honest. However taking a warm bath when you actually do and then thinking about it in the manner described gave the whole experience a happier and more grounding experience. Lots of ideas and ways to use them are given to make life more happy and a lot less stressful !!

Unfortunately, this was a very hard read for me. I am not sure why, as I enjoyed the content. I enjoyed learning about the practice of ukeireru and using it as a way for mental clarity and calmness. However, I struggled through reading the book itself. This was a good practical guide and hopefully others will have an easier time reading this than I did.

I was interested by the blurb, but the organization and the writing of this book dint live up to the promise of the description. I didn't finish this one.

Not able to open this book so i can’t read or rate it unfortunately. Won’t open no matter how I try.