Bright-Sided

Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America by Barbara Ehrenreich
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An in-depth look at the "power" of positive thinking, and what it's done to America, by the author of Nickel & Dimed.

First thoughts: While I appreciate all the work Ehrenreich clearly did for this book, I got a bit lost in all the referenced studies and histories of positive psychologists. I agree with her basic points, so that kept me with the book, but sometimes it felt like it took her a while to get to those points.

Favorite quote: "A vigilant realism does not foreclose the pursuit of happiness; in fact, it makes it possible."

Recommended for: People wondering why their positive outlook isn't working, realists, and those who think they can attract wealth by thinking about it.

Final thoughts: Ehrenreich's send off is essentially to make heaven on Earth - instead of drawing into ourselves to think our way to happiness, we should work to make the world around us a better place. This seems like such a simple solution, but one that many people (myself included) don't come to on their own. I wish this sentiment had been introduced earlier in the book, and then reinforced in each chapter. It's a beautiful idea, and one that I think most happiness seekers can get behind.


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