The Happiness Myth

“Among the raft of happiness books published lately, this one is the obvious standout. I suggest climbing aboard.” —Cleveland Plain DealerIn this “eclectic and entertaining” book (Publishers Weekly), Jennifer Michael Hecht explodes myths both ancient and modern about how to be happy—liberating us from the message that there’s only one way to care for our hearts, minds, and bodies. The result is “a provocative, well-researched cultural history that will certainly make readers rethink their assumptions about what constitutes happiness” (Library Journal).“Hecht’s curiosity ranges widely, and the breadth of her learning is impressive . . . Fresh and daring analysis.” —The Washington Post“Deep and thoughtful.” —Scientific American“Exposing the half-baked fads of the present by illuminating the even less baked ones of the past can be a lot of fun, and Hecht, a historian and poet, entertains us with some classics.” —The New York Times“A pleasure not only to read but also to ponder.” —Booklist