Another great book from Dean Burnett.

Dean takes you on an entertaining, and at times funny, look at brain function and the key to human happiest. As with all things human nothing is that simple.

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Another great book by Burnett!

I’ve listened to the Idiot Brain and Psycho-logical by Dean Burnett before and although I liked them more than this one, this is still a great read. The conclusion of a book about happiness is apparent from the beginning no matter which secret the book claims to have reached: you can’t quantify happiness and everyone is made happy by different things. Of course, Burnett does not claim to have any secret the share in reaching happiness. He talks about general things that make people happy and does not reach a conclusion. Even so, I didn’t think this book was a futile attempt in trying to cover a subject so elusive. It’s quite informative and well researched. And better in not reaching a conclusion or claiming a secret to happiness in my opinion.

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1 person found this helpful

Brilliant book - loved every minute

Fascinating and informative. Dean brings more than a touch of humour to what could be a stuffy subject and I was promoted to laugh out loud at many points.

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Riveting and Educational

Learnt so much I am going to listen again to help me remember as much as I can. It is likely if you meet me over the next few week I will share with you a nugget of insight from this book. Happiness is complex, and this book does not try to simplify it, it really does a fantastic job of explaining what and why things are happening in our brains on a neurologic level, hormones, neurotransmitters, receptors, happiness saturation and apathy, it's all in here and is so well read I thought it was the author reading his own book! Never checked, it caught my eye in the sale and I thought there looks an interesting book, and it was.

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Very interesting with humour sprinkled through

I got this book after getting the first book the idiot brain. Dean Burnett keeps it interesting whilst sprinkling some humour throughout making it a good read.

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very good, won't tell you how to be happy,

won't tell you how to be happy, but examines different aspects of happiness in an entertaing and enjoyable way. worth the listen. gives you answers to questions you didn't think of.

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A neuro adventure, facts, honesty and fun

The Happy Brain tickled my dopamine neurons and made my brain happy. The book is superbly written by Dean Burnett with his mix of high quality science writing, making complex ideas easier to understand, punctuated with sharp yet good natured humour. Matt Addis deserves great credit for his narration too, his perfect pace, rhythm and tone bring the words to life. Most impressive is how both Dean & Matt move between the science and the humour so effortlessly, there is a cheeky grin behind both the writing and delivery I'm sure. Writing and narration in perfect harmony.

The book is a real adventure into the multiple complex causes of happiness and just how different we all are. The book journeys through the whole range of life experiences from childhood, to home, work & fame, money, sex, drugs, social connection, the darker sides of happiness, health and ultimately mortality. The overriding message is that we have find out what makes us happy, there is as far as science knows, no one single answer.

The book added to my understanding of the current neuroscience and there are a number of studies referenced that were new to me. What Dean adds is his ability to make all that science so human with real world stories, his own sometimes painful emotional experiences which he then breaks up with some unexpected humorous twist, some skill that.

For me, The Happy Brain accords with the better science-based books on positive psychology that suggest many ways people have found meaning and happiness in their lives. Just like the best of those books the conclusion is that you have to try the ideas for yourself and see what works for you. Even then the happiness may be fleeting and will almost certainly change over time. The one theme that remains constant across all the work I've seen to date is our need for social connection and to be part of something.

A fact filled, honest, truthful and balanced book that can help us understand that most human search for happiness and just how individual a journey it is for each of us to find it.

More simply, I flippin loved it, thanks lads.

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14 people found this helpful

Fabulous!

It’s incredibly interesting and exciting book.. with fantastic narrative.. 👌I would recommend to everyone to better understand yourself

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What a wonderful read

Dean took me through an exploration of myself whilst also giving me insight into everybody else.

Fantastic book and a great follow up to the Idiot Brain which I also found to be superb.

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A good summary of how the brain works and how Happiness is affected

This was a close call between a 4* and 5*. I opted for 4* as I felt it was a little too much on the analysis rather than the mechanisms to achieve happiness, it was more geared towards the breakdown of what goes on in the brain.
Having said that, I would recommend it as there is plenty to keep you interested. Plus the narration was very good. I would even put it on my list to read again.

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