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51 pages 1 hour read

10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Dan Harris

10% Happier

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

237

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In 10% Happier, former ABC News correspondent Dan Harris recounts his journey toward improving his mental health after experiencing a panic attack on live television. This led him to investigate solutions for his anxiety, ultimately discovering Buddhist meditation's benefits. He integrates meditation into his life, becoming more focused and resilient, and shares his experience to help others. The book addresses mental health challenges, including anxiety and drug use.

Informative

Inspirational

Contemplative

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Dan Harris's 10% Happier is praised for its candid, humorous approach to mindfulness and meditation, making these practices accessible to skeptics. Readers appreciate the author's vulnerability and practical tips. Some critique its occasional self-centered tone and lack of depth in meditation techniques. Overall, it's seen as an engaging introduction for mindfulness newcomers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read 10% Happier?

Readers who appreciate 10% Happier by Dan Harris likely enjoy introspective, first-person narratives about self-improvement and mindfulness. Fans of The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle or Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics by Dan Harris would find this candid exploration of meditation’s practical benefits appealing.

Character List

Dan Harris

American journalist who worked for ABC News before leaving to focus on his meditation company, 10% Happier. He became well-known for his on-air panic attack and subsequent interest in meditation and mindfulness.

Esteemed Canadian American journalist and head anchor for ABC News until 2005. He served as a mentor to Harris, influencing his career and assignments.

American journalist who co-anchored with Gibson and witnessed Harris's panic attack on-air in 2004. She later approved Harris's meditation series for World News.

Evangelical pastor who had a noteworthy fall from grace. Harris interacted with him during his religion reporting beat, which sparked reflections on spirituality.

Author of spiritual books like The Power of Now, whose works influenced Harris's exploration of mind control, despite Harris finding some ideas pseudoscientific.

Noted figure in the New Age movement, known for promoting alternative medicine. Harris approached Chopra with skepticism, questioning the substance behind his spiritual guidance.

Renowned Buddhist spiritual leader who met with Harris, imparting wisdom on meditation and compassion. Harris featured him in his 10% Happier endeavors.

Psychiatrist and Harris's mentor, whose work integrates Buddhism and psychotherapy. He provided Harris guidance on meditation and personal challenges.

Psychologist and Buddhist meditator who initially frustrates Harris but eventually teaches him mindfulness techniques that he finds beneficial.

Meditation teacher recommended to Harris by Mark Epstein, who helped Harris through a meditation retreat and remains his meditation guide.

Book Details
Pages

237

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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