Title: Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to Happiness
Publisher: 13th October 2020 by Hachette Australia
Pages: 213 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: contemporary, nonfiction
My Rating: 4 cups
Synopsis:
What makes us happy? Is there a knack to it? Is it the joy of playing a round of crazy golf, or of just being in a forest?
In this beautiful and uplifting book, Bill Bailey explores all this and more while delving into the nature of happiness, all in his own, remarkable, way.
From paddle-boarding down the Thames in a Santa hat, to wild swimming in a glacial river and cooking sausages on a campfire, Bill revels in the exhilaration of the outdoors, as well as the quieter pleasures of letter-writing, or of simple reflection.
Packed with wisdom and humour, and with delightful illustrations by the comedian himself, Bill Bailey aims for the heart of pure joy and contentment - and how we can all achieve it.
My Thoughts
‘We ve all been forced to spend more time with ourselves, in the company of our own thoughts. And I’m thinking that maybe a little more self-awareness and personal reflection is something that we could retain when we come through this. It won’t necessarily lead to InstaMag happiness, but it’s good training for long term contentment.’
Our pandemic world 2020 has seen many places around the world in isolation/lockdown and a complete rethinking of what makes us happy. I was therefore totally onboard with funny man Bill Bailey offering his take on what this might look like in these COVID days. Here you will find a most relatable compilation of obviously funny, yet personal and somewhat reflective thoughts on what makes us happy.
‘As I write this on a late May evening, trees are featuring heavily in my lockdown sensory enjoyment. In so-called normal times, there would be many more layers to my neighbourhood soundtrack, a deal more cars’ engines roaring, television chatter, dogs barking, and the evening burble of conversation and laughter from outside the pub on the corner. Tonight, I’ve heard nothing except the sound of the wind in the trees.’
Firstly I have to comment on the book itself. A sensational little hard back that just looks (front cover mugshot and all) inviting. All the sketches (very cute) included are by Bill himself and add that relatable touch to it. Touch ... the paper (so earthy and tactile) and the layout make it so readable ... just what we are after to regain that sense of normality.
The book itself is divided into short chapters or essays covering topics from nature and simplicity, to golf and paddle boarding. His manner is easy going, not preachy at all but rather telling a story that then ties in beautifully with his theme of happiness. Whether it be the relationship with your pet or cycling through a forest, Bill gives a most achievable guide to happiness in this crazy COVID world.
‘In my dealings with happiness, I find it helps to be easily pleased, I am a simple soul for whom simple pleasures bring ample rewards. Removing the peel from a satsuma in one piece, making the perfect cup of tea and finding one last oatcake in the packet will elicit from me a clenched fist pump of victory.’
The key here is in its simplicity, that in the face of this massive worldwide wellness industry, Bill offers respite and moments of contentment that, in truth, result in happiness from the everyday. I recommend a moment of respite as you delve into Bill Bailey’s remarkable guide to happiness.
‘In this book, I am not telling you how to live your life. I just want to share with you a few accounts of fortuitous moments and remarkable times when I experienced something which felt to me like happiness. They might strike a chord; they might just make you smile.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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