Secrets to a Happy Life by Bill Giovannetti (book review)

Secrets to a Happy Life: Finding Satisfaction in Any Situation

From the back cover:

Can you really be happy in ANY situation? YES!

Contrary to popular belief, happy people aren't born happy. And they face difficulties as we all do. But they have discovered something the rest of us can learn--how to tap into a deep happiness that flows no matter the circumstance.

Filled with practical advice and biblical wisdom, Secrets to a Happy Life shows how true satisfaction is anchored to the soul, safe from the disappointments and stresses at the surface of life. Drawing lessons from the remarkable life of Joseph, who was sold into slavery at a young age and endured much hardship, you will discover how to:

· See all the ways God is working for your joy
· Get beyond the negative emotions that hold you back
· Find rest in God's goodness and control
· View your life from heaven's perspective
· Create--and tap into--your own deep well of happiness

Life will always have its ups and downs, but with the life-changing secrets in this book, you can amplify and sustain the joy already inside you.

My thoughts:

Giovannetti argues that there are 11 secrets to living a happy life. He incorporates the story of Joseph from the Bible to illustrate these secrets. Quite honestly I have heard all of Giovannetti's secrets before and so probably have you. However, he presents them in a way that allows for them to sink in to your life, while at the same time using historical and biblical references to show you why they are important for your own happiness.  He allows you to see that short term happiness, while it may seem good at the time, really may not lead to long term happiness and the joy that his secrets will show you.

I thought that this book was okay. I didn't really feel like I learned anything new, only learned how to apply what I knew in a different manner and to look at things in a different way. I liked the fact that each chapter ended with discussion questions that would make me think on that secret even more.

If you or someone you know struggles with happiness, then this book may be for you.

Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.