70 pages • 2 hours read
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
368
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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.
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
73,979 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
73,979 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
A renowned advocate for human rights and racial equality, whose experiences with apartheid inform his perspectives on forgiveness and social justice, providing a Christian viewpoint on finding joy and overcoming adversity.
Douglas Abrams
Douglas Abrams
The co-author who facilitates and narrates the dialogues between the Dalai Lama and Tutu, offering a blend of spiritual wisdom and scientific insights to make their teachings accessible and relevant.
368
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.