Be happier in the new year, with Gretchen Rubin

In 'Better Than Before', Gretchen Rubin explores the science and practice of habit formation. She identifies 21 strategies for making and breaking habits, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge and tailoring habits to individual personalities. Rubin categorizes people into four tendencies—Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels—and explains how these tendencies influence habit formation. The book is filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and rigorous research, making it a comprehensive and engaging guide to building happier, stronger, and more productive lives.

In 'The Happiness Project', Gretchen Rubin chronicles her year-long journey to enhance her happiness. Despite having a fulfilling life, Rubin realized she wasn’t focusing enough on her own happiness. She divided her project into twelve months, each with a different area of focus and specific goals. From boosting energy and improving her marriage to enhancing her work life and leisure activities, Rubin tested various strategies, including those from Epicurus, Thoreau, and modern scientists. The book combines historical wisdom, scientific research, and personal anecdotes to provide practical advice on how to make life happier and more fulfilling.

In this novella, Claire Keegan tells the story of a young girl sent to live with foster parents, John and Edna Kinsella, on a farm in rural Ireland in the summer of 1981. The girl, who is unused to home comforts, finds affection and warmth in the Kinsellas' care and begins to blossom. However, the story is marked by an underlying tension and the eventual revelation of a secret that threatens her newfound happiness. The narrative explores themes of family, belonging, and the profound impact of kindness on a child's life. The book is praised for its sparse yet elegant prose and its ability to evoke powerful emotions through subtle storytelling.

Drawing from her long studies of happiness and personal challenges, Gretchen Rubin presents 'Secrets of Adulthood' as a guide to manage life's complexities. Using the ancient literary discipline of aphorisms, Rubin conveys large truths in few words, addressing issues such as indecision, change, temptation, and relationships. The book is filled with witty and thought-provoking reflections designed to inspire and help readers navigate various life situations.