Rating: 
Summary: I agree with the other negative reviews.
Review: This was a huge disappointment. Frankly, I wondered how the author allowed it to be published. It's nothing more than a longish greeting card with, as another reviewer here wrote, bad stock photos.I'm returning mine.
Rating:
Summary: This is a non-book
Review: This isn't a little book, this isn't a short book, it's a non-book. This is just a random string of thoughts off the top of someone's head, and not very good thoughts either. I have a hard time believing Anna wrote this herself. Totally unoriginal. No new material here you can't find in a get-well card, or on a mediocre TV talk show... Ricky Lake is more profound than this fluff. Save yourself the money! At least if you're foolish enough to buy it, you will finish reading it in less than 10 minutes (even if you're a slow reader) so the pain will be over soon.
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Summary: The full story behind this book, from someone who missed it.
Review: As a graduate of Villanova's class of 1999, it is a blessing to me that Anna Quindlen published "A Short Guide to a Happy Life," which was intended to be mine and my classmates' commencement address. As I entered my final semester at Villanova, I was excited by the announcement of Anna Quindlen as our commencement speaker. I had long respected her writing in the Times, and knew that my mother and sister would be very excited by her presence at my graduation as well. Little did I know that one of her many beliefs would lead some of my fellow graduates to react in a manner which led to Ms. Quindlen's withdrawal as our commencement speaker. Her position as a pro-choice advocate was widely known when her invitation to speak was extended; yet the reaction to this position was unpredictable. Villanova's pro-life group, the Villanovan's for Life, threatened protests and even a graduation walkout if Ms. Quindlen spoke. It so deeply saddened me when I learned that she would not be speaking that this is the first time I have quantified my emotions regarding this travesty, and I do so in support of the wonderful message that I was deprived of on my graduation day.... ...I have read a few reviews likening this book to "an inspirational quote a day calendar" and "an hour with Oprah," as well as knocks because of a lack of photo credits (the pictures are there to help one visualize the story, not find a photographer to help one decorate their office walls). Was anything else expected besides something short, sweet and inspirational? Did people honestly expect a great tome on the joys of life? What you got was exactly what was promised, a short guide to a happy life. I guess my main point is that there is always a story behind the story, and once this is known, I hope that people can view this piece in a different light knowing that there is a motivation and message in this story that goes beyond the published pages. I received the email containing this speech a few months after my graduation, and it has stuck with me ever since. Anna Quindlen has now offered that opportunity to all, and it is an opportunity that one, especially now knowing the stories background, would be unwise to pass up.
Rating:
Summary: A Short Guide to Getting Shortchanged
Review: If you've read Ms. Quindlen's columns, heard her speak, or know of her boilerplate commencement address, this booklet is not worth the money. While I've often enjoyed and admired her writing, and did hear her speak in college, this item is a real disappointment. I made the mistake of buying it impulsively at the checkout counter, and feel foolish for having done so. She's attained a status as someone who is trustworthy, and wouldn't necessarily stoop to a cheap marketing ploy to cash in on something like this "guide." It's a two minute read, spread out over a deceptively thicker booklet, with a lot of silly b/w photos unrelated to the work. Mea culpa for succumbing to the counter display, and I can't blame anyone for making a buck, but it won't happen again.
Rating: 
Summary: Is NOT Trite!
Review: I don't find this title trite at all. It is densly packed full of practical approaches to everyday stress. Slender? Yes. However, the auidince intended by Quindlen are those who rarely find time to pick up a book to read for pleasure. One of the reasons this title is such a phenominal sucess, indeed, is its small size. Another may be that, while reading, one thinks of five people who need to hear the advice given within. My only issue is this: Quindlen relies heavily on her own abrupt wakeup with the death of her mother. A horrible event, indeed. However, those of us who have lost loved ones will say not to wait until a tragety hits you in the face. Do not wait. Begin now to make the changes gently suggested by the softly powerful prose. Please give this book a try. Yes, it costs a lot for such a slim volume. However, as someone who frequently indulges in books, I can say--deal with it. Books cost money. Most libraries near me have bought this book because of its long stay on the best-seller's list. Take it out of the library if you can't afford it. But please, please read it.
Rating:
Summary: Much To Think About In A Small Package !!
Review: I received this as a gift, and reading it made me pull myself up by the bootstraps and THINK. Is there anything here that you didn't know before? Probably not. But there's plenty to think about and re-think as we go about our daily lives. This book is a fast read with much food for thought, and the pictures are nice, too. It makes you realize how much in our lives we take for granted, and how much time we spend on the least important. We tend to ignore the stuff that really counts and spend most of our time complaining and then rehashing the irritating and the unimportant. That is, until some personal incident makes us realize how we or a friend or loved one comes to an end without enjoying the REALLY important fruits of life. Anna sums it all up for me with her well known statement "No man ever said on his deathbed I wish I had spent more time at the office." Need I say more? Read this book and pass it on to those you love.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I like Anna Quindlen, but this book was a dissapointment. I can't imagine why it sells so well other than brilliant marketing and the author's good name. Perhaps I simply expected too much, but there is not much more to this booklet than "you should get a life, and appreciate it." Over half the pages (literally) have no text but are filled with unoriginal b/w stock photos. You will finish what little there is to read in this book in a matter of minutes, and be left with little more to think about other than "I wish I hadn't spent ten bucks on that." Those who seek truly thought-provoking advice on living a happy life would do well to read the writings of Gary Zukav, the Dalai Lama, or newcomer Taro Gold.
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Summary: A message that bears repeating
Review: The self-help genre is full of books and tapes claiming to contain the one formula for spiritual, emotional, or physical well-being. From the likes of Anthony Robbins and Stephen Covey to Joan Lunden and Oprah Winfrey, it seems that everyone knows exactly what you need to do to be happy once and for all. Given the large volumes written on this subject, the size of Anna Quindlen's book is quite surprising, especially relative to its ambitious title. You're even more surprised when you notice all the pictures and large print. Can it be that Quindlen has crystallized in less than 50 pages what so many others have devoted dozens of chapters to? Yes and no. The true beauty of this book is not that it is complex and profound, for it's not. Instead, the writing is simple and clear and repeats what all of us already know: our lives are very short and every moment is a gift that should be cherished. Quindlen zeroes in on this theme in order to get the reader to focus on what is truly important in life. She does this through simple stories from her own experience that could easily apply to anyone's life. While this book is a very quick read, you'll find yourself picking it up over and over. It is a perfect inexpensive gift for anyone who is a little too caught up in everyday pressures to realize how quickly life is passing by. It, along with "The Precious Present" by Spencer Johnson, is one that I will continue to give as a gift while enjoying my own copy over and over again.
Rating:
Summary: Truth doesn't always have to be written in dark tomes
Review: I am so grateful to my husband for buying me this book for Christmas! It may be quick reading, but it is also quick to fly out! It was maybe in our house 24 hours before someone borrowed it! So she says things that others have said before. SO WHAT? No one has fit it so neatly into one very aesthetically pleasing book you can slip into your backpack or briefcase, and pull out any time you just want a "fix" of optimism and positivity! Consider this: you are on the plane and just ordered a nice glass of wine, or maybe you dashed into your favorite coffee house for a cafe' mocha on the way home from work. Or maybe you are just hanging out in your kitchen on an early morning. Or on the train to work. Reading a couple of pages is tremendously satisfying, thought-provoking not in a Dalai Lama way, but i bet he would approve, as it is really pretty zen! Anna Quindlan's appreciation for life, the really important stuff, and how she acquired that appreciation are everything. She is candid and confident and intelligent but not high-minded. Anyone who thinks this book is merely trite greeting card stuff, please think again!
Rating:
Summary: No there there.
Review: I, too, am a fan of most of Quindlen's work but this book was very disappointing. Vapid trite prose. No wonder she never gave the speech.
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