Review - 10% Happier

10% Happier
by Dan Harris
Publisher: It Books
Pub. Date: March 11, 2014
ISBN: 978-0062265425
Pages: 256
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/vOtHE
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/dharris

Review:

As many of my readers already know, I don't read very much non-fiction; mostly due to the fact that most true-to-life stories are depressing and I would rather read a fictional tale with a happy ending. However, I do occasionally read a self-help or spiritual book, which is one of the reasons why I signed up to review 10% Happier by Dan Harris, plus, the author is news anchor, which even further my interest in reading this.

Instead of giving a quick summary of the plot, like I do with my other reviews, I am going straight to my thoughts on the book. By the title and the cover jacket, you would think this would be a self-help novel, but it was far from it. Instead it is a semi-memoir, focusing on the author's entry into the ABC news world, which lead him to drugs and other addictions to help him keep his mind clear due to his heavy work load.

Dan Harris' life changed when he had an on-the-air meltdown on ABC's Good Morning America in 2004, eventually the incident lead him to seek out other healthier ways to reduce stress in his life; mostly medication.

I very seldom read other reviews before I write my own, but this wasn't the case here, as I did read a few reviews, which praised the author's debut book. I have to be honest, I don't see the appeal. The title and book jacket is misleading. The narrative throughout is a complete bore; I could barely get through one chapter, but I pushed myself to finish it. Not unless you are interested in reading about the ups and downs of news journalist, the book is pointless.

*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.


About the Author:

Dan Harris is the coanchor of Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America. He regularly reports for 20/20, World News with Diane Sawyer, and the weekday editions of Good Morning America. Before joining ABC News fourteen years ago, he worked for local news outlets in Boston and Maine. He lives with his wife, Bianca, in New York City. This is his first book.