New Release Spotlight: The Geography of Bliss

The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner

Are you happy?

This is the question Eric Weiner, a self-described “unhappy” reporter, travels the world asking people in his humorous, philosophical travel-memoir, The Geography of Bliss. Weiner visits ten different countries, from Bhutan to Iceland, to discover if happiness is indeed a location.

The results?

“I am no philosopher, so here goes: Money matters but less than we think and not in the way that we think. Family is important. So are friends. Envy is toxic. So is excessive thinking. Beaches are optional. Trust is not. Neither is gratitude.”

This list is a paltry substitution for Weiner’s travels, which is what makes this book worthy of a full reading—statistics only tell so much. Weiner’s book is the story behind the studies. For example: “Happiness is more than animal pleasure.” Duh. But couch this line in a story comparing Swiss rats to middle-aged foreign men living in Bangkok and you’ve got something interesting.

Reading this book is like traveling the world, one country per chapter, meeting people and immediately getting beyond the small talk. Conversational and informed, Weiner is also an expert at creating inside jokes for his readers. (One gem is about the fruits and vegetables in Moldova. They’re very fresh.)

Each person—and each country—presents a new part of the happiness equation. For the Swiss, it’s related to clean toilets. In Iceland, happiness is a choice (according to Weiner, Icelanders choose to be drunk and happy, whereas the Russians choose drunk and miserable.) For Thais, it’s the mai pen lai attitude, or the ability to “let it go.” In the end, Weiner concludes, “All miserable countries are alike; happy ones are happy in their own way.” Learning about all those different ways makes reading this book…well, blissful.

Review by Mel Wells, Indigo Editing, LLC

ISBN-13: 978-0446580267
Publisher: Twelve
Pub Date: January 2008
Hardcover: $25.99

Portland Literary Events

Monday, January 14
World-class speed golfer Christopher Smith talks about his new book I’ve Got 99 Swing Thoughts but “Hit the Ball” Ain’t One
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Monday, January 14
Chuck Thompson discusses his new book Smile When You’re Lying: Confessions of a Rogue Travel Writer
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Tuesday, January 15
Colson Whitehead discusses his new book Apex Hides the Hurt
Where: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: $10-$26
For more info: www.pcpa.com/events

Tuesday, January 15
Eric Weiner talks about his new book The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Wednesday, January 16
Beth Lisick, author of Everybody in the Pool, discusses her new offering Helping Me Help Myself
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Thursday, January 17
Tim Josephs reads from A Camouflaged Fragrance of Decency, his new book of humorous short fiction
Where: Twenty-Third Avenue Books, 1015 NW 23rd Ave
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.timjosephs.com

Friday, January 18
James A. Owen talks about The Search for the Red Dragon, his follow-up to Here, There Be Dragons
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Saturday, January 19
Lisa Schroder discusses her new book I Heart You, You Haunt Me
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 1:00
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

This week the Portland Fiction Project continues it’s “Relatively Forced Laughter” theme with “flatter” inspired stories. Flatter yourself by reading some excellent fiction at www.portlandfiction.net.