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10% Happier

How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-help That Actually Works-- a True Story
Oct 31, 2014danielestes rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I've read a fair share of self-help books, most of them underwhelming, and I can tell you this is not the case with Dan Harris' 10% Happier. First off, it's not self-help in the categorical sense; it's a memoir. And it's a side-splitting, hilarious one at that. Also, spoiler alert, the 'Self-Help That Actually Works' from the subtitle refers to meditation. Harris is an established news correspondent for ABC. Maybe you know him from TV? I don't watch ABC News nor had I heard of Dan Harris before reading this book. His road from budding career journalist to writing 10% Happier evolved out of a reporter's curiosity as much as out of personal necessity. A decade ago, after years of career stagnation and a sprawling drug habit that eventually led to an on-air panic attack, Harris began a journey of introspection. Meditation wasn't even on his radar right away either. That discovery didn't happen until after some time spent covering the religion beat for ABC. Even then there was no magic light bulb, no grand ah-ha moment for Harris. He poo-pooed meditation long before sincerely giving it a try himself. Three things stand out that makes this book a winner: (1) Harris' transformation from meditation skeptic to daily practitioner is humbling and genuine. Of special note, the section on his first meditation retreat is possibly the crown jewel of the entire book. (2) Harris' writing style and humor. What can I say? I like edgy, ironic, occasionally vulgar humor. Win-win. ("Flophouse in Duluth!") And (3), if you're interested in trying meditation, as I was and still am, then 10% Happier is the ideal introduction without feeling like a how-to manual. Instructional manuals often lack emotional context. This is real life.