I've read a lot of books about positive thinking. I live with cancer, and it's one of the things you are supposed to do: be positive. I don't know how many people have told me that. It's a present day mantra. I've read a lot about happiness, and I've read my share of self help books. In fact, my husband has been known to ask me why I'm not perfect yet...

Anyhow, this isn't really one of those books. It's much better than that. It's about joy - that fizzing, bubbling, golden feeling that we get from time to time. It's about what makes us feel joyful, the science behind it, and how to create more moments of joy - but not by changing your inner self, by changing your environment.

It was one of those books that beautifully combines the feeling of "oh, yes, I recognise that..." with "aha! that's why!". I found it immensely satisfying. And inspiring. Somehow, I've never grasped the idea that I should be actively making my world joyful, and that it doesn't take much.

This sounds really pathetic, but I've already had one great "joy" experience from reading this book. I bought a skirt. It's bright blue and white stripes, with a biggish bow at the waist. It looks like it could have been designed by Helen Dryden. I loved it in the shop, but when I got it home, decided it was "too theatrical". Thanks to Ingrid, I wore it to work. I had so many comments on it, and since then every time I've worn it, somebody has told me how much they like it. And each time, I've had a little boost, and they've had a little burst of pleasure (I presume) - and between us we've made the world a happier place.

So, yes, I loved this book, and I'm going to be buying copies for friends, and I'm going to look for joy, and create it, too.

The author explores the theme of joy and how we can achieve it through our surroundings. Lots of ideas based around design and lots of detail which sometimes felt a bit too much. There's some interesting ideas in here but I would say some of the advice is plain common sense. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

I really liked the concept of this book and felt that there were some topics that were helpful. However I did struggle with the amount of detail especially around design was a bit too much. I find the concept of finding joy in the every day things a great one but feel almost like analysing it in such detail sucked a bit of that joy out of it?

This book really tells us what we already know, at great length! (We get it, OK?) Surely everyone knows that your surroundings affect your mood and that celebrations are good for you; round and colourful things are fun; etc. etc. If we had the time and money that this author has, we could all whizz off around the world to experience joy looking at the Northern Lights, etc. but as it is we can only follow some of her more banal advice, such as keep a ball on your desk in your windowless office (bad), and bounce it when you get stressed!!!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Interesting read for those who struggle with various issues and there is a lot that can be applied to various life aspects.