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Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, co-authored by the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams, explores joy through a week-long dialogue in Dharamsala. It identifies eight pillars of joy, combining personal anecdotes of overcoming adversity with practical advice for cultivating happiness. Their conversations interlace Buddhist and Christian perspectives, emphasizing the transformative power of compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, and generosity. Topics include suffering, adversity, illness, and the fear of death.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu has been praised for its heartfelt dialogue and profound insights into finding happiness amidst adversity. The personal anecdotes and wisdom of the two spiritual leaders offer inspiration and comfort. Some readers found the format repetitive, but overall, the book is celebrated for its uplifting message and practical guidance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Book of Joy?

Ideal readers of The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu cherish wisdom, spirituality, and personal growth. Comparable to fans of The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, they seek profound insights on cultivating joy, resilience, and inner peace amidst life's challenges.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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