Title: 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works
Author: Dan Harris
First published January 1, 2014
256 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062265425 (ISBN10: 0062265423)
Rating: 3.92
Overview
Dan Harris thought he had it all until he had a nationally televised panic attack. In his quest for change, he embarked on a journey that involved a disgraced pastor, a self-help guru, and brain scientists.
His biggest realization came when he discovered that the source of his problems was the voice in his head. This voice had always been his driving force, but it had also led him to make terrible decisions that eventually caused his on-air meltdown.
Harris found an unlikely solution to silence the voice – meditation. Research shows that meditation can help lower blood pressure and even rewire the brain.
“10% Happier” takes readers on a thrilling ride through neuroscience, network news, and America’s spiritual scene. The book offers readers a life-changing takeaway that will make them 10% happier than they are now.
About the Author
Meet Dan Harris, a seasoned journalist with over fourteen years of experience at ABC News. As coanchor of Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America, he’s a familiar face to millions of viewers.
You may have also caught his reporting on 20/20 or World News with Diane Sawyer. But before his career took off, Dan got his start at local news outlets in Boston and Maine.
Beyond his work in front of the camera, Dan is also an author. His first book, 10% Happier, explores his personal journey of finding inner peace and happiness through meditation.
When he’s not on the job, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, Bianca, in their home in New York City.
Editoral Review
“10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works” is a memoir written by Dan Harris, a television news anchor for ABC News. Published in January 2014, the book is a personal account of Harris’ journey towards finding inner peace and happiness through meditation.
The book is a blend of self-help and memoir, and it explores the challenges and benefits of meditation as a tool for reducing stress and improving mental health. Harris writes in a conversational tone, making the book accessible to readers who may be new to meditation and self-help literature.
The main character in the book is Harris himself, who shares his personal experiences with anxiety and panic attacks, which he attributes to his high-pressure job in the news industry. Harris also introduces readers to various experts in the field of meditation and mindfulness, and he shares their insights and advice on how to cultivate a daily meditation practice.
One of the strengths of the book is Harris’ ability to weave together personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical advice in a way that is both informative and engaging. The book is also well-structured, with each chapter building upon the previous one to create a coherent narrative.
However, one of the limitations of the book is that it may not be suitable for readers who are looking for a more in-depth exploration of meditation and mindfulness. While Harris provides a good introduction to the topic, readers who are already familiar with these practices may find the book to be too basic.
Overall, “10% Happier” is a well-written and engaging book that offers practical advice on how to reduce stress and find inner peace through meditation. It is recommended for readers who are new to meditation and self-help literature, as well as those who are interested in learning more about the benefits of mindfulness.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. While the book is not without its limitations, it is a valuable resource for anyone who is looking to improve their mental health through meditation.
