Why we become bored with our lives (and how to find joy again)

Set in New York City in 2000 and 2001, the novel follows an unnamed protagonist who, despite her privileged life as a young, beautiful, and wealthy Columbia graduate, feels deeply disconnected and depressed. She embarks on a year-long quest to 'reset' her life by extensively using sleeping pills prescribed by a lax psychiatrist. The narrative delves into her past, including childhood traumas, her job at an art gallery, and her complex relationships, particularly with her best friend Reva. The book explores themes of mental health, alienation, and the search for meaning in a world that seems devoid of it. The story culminates with the protagonist's awakening just before the 9/11 attacks, which serves as a jarring wake-up call to her new reality.

This book, based on decades of research in psychological and biological sciences, explores the phenomenon of habituation where people stop noticing significant aspects of their lives. Sharot and Sunstein provide insights on how to 'dishabituate' by disrupting routines, changing environments, and interacting with different people. This approach helps in reigniting joy, innovating, and recognizing areas that need improvement. The authors use various examples, including how people adapt to negative and positive stimuli, to illustrate how temporary changes can restore sensitivity and enhance appreciation for both the good and the bad in life.

Set in 1955, 'Revolutionary Road' by Richard Yates explores the lives of Frank and April Wheeler, a couple living in the suburban Revolutionary Hill Estates in Connecticut. The novel delves into themes of adultery, abortion, failed marriages, and the emptiness of suburban consumer culture. Frank and April, who see themselves as different from their neighbors, are trapped in a life that does not align with their aspirations. The story highlights their attempts to break free from their suburban rut, particularly through April's plan to move to Paris, and the devastating consequences of their self-deception. The novel is known for its vivid and metaphorical descriptions, its critique of the American Dream, and its exploration of the isolation and communication failures within relationships.