BOOK REVIEW: THE UNHAPPINESS SYNDROME: 28 HABITS OF UNHAPPY PEOPLE (AND HOW TO CHANGE THEM)

THE UNHAPPINESS SYNDROME: 28 HABITS OF UNHAPPY PEOPLE (AND HOW TO CHANGE THEM)

by Ryuho Okawa

Published: April 15, 2017

Paperback

MY GOODREADS RATING 2.5/5 STARS

(Thanks to Netgalley & IRH Press, I received an eARC of this book to review)

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS:

WHAT IF we have fallen in love with unhappiness? Although we all wish to be happy, many of us fall into a set pattern of failures when we find ourselves in certain circumstances. On the conscious level, we think we are earnestly seeking happiness, but unconsciously, we may be choosing the patterns of thinking and action that will eventually lead us to unhappiness. According to the author, Ryuho okawa, surprisingly 80 to 90 percent of the people have had symptoms of the -Unhappiness Syndrome- which are patterns of thinking that invite unhappiness. In this book, Okawa diagnoses the 28 common habits of the Unhappiness Syndrome and offers prescriptions for changing them so that we can cure ourselves of this syndrome. The path to happiness begins with becoming aware of the negative patterns that we fall into. Find out whether you fall into any of the 28 patterns so that you can free yourself from worries, distress, and emotional pain. With the prescriptions offered in this book, you can start to think and act in a way that attracts happiness and open a path to a positive, bright, and happy future! Common Symptoms of the Unhappiness Syndrome are: – Envying Other people’s success – Struggling with weak enthusiasm – Living in constant fear of being hurt – Feeling trapped by the past – Never having enough time for yourself – Not getting along with your boss – Struggling financially – Fearing death – Constantly having family conflicts … and more Find the cures and free yourself from unhappiness today.

MY THOUGHTS:

Oddly enough I was hit with a bout of depression (diagnosed) while reading this book. I found that I have quite a few of the “habits” talked about in the book. I thought the advice given was very reasonable and given in a way so as not to make you feel worse than you already do. I didn’t get the vibe that the author was preaching but more so really wanted to help you change these habits if you really wanted to.

Then I got halfway through the book and felt like the whole tone of it changed. I felt like I was reading a completely different book. I felt blindsided. The section on getting married I completely disagreed with. I had a hard time even reading the whole section. Maybe some of the last third of the book I didn’t agree with because it didn’t pertain to me at all. I would recommend this book if you have an open mind and don’t mind feeling like reading a different book about halfway through.