Consumer Critique: The Way of the Happy Woman

I recently had the chance to review The Way of the Happy Woman: Living the Best Year of Your Life by Sara Avant Stover. The title of the book sure sounds like it would be a good book to start the new year off right, and it's organized to do just that. The premise of the book is that in modern society we've gotten out of touch with the natural cycles that exist within us, and if we get back into these cycles, we will feel more fulfilled.

I was originally intrigued just because of the title. Who doesn't want to be happy and have a wonderful year? I was a little concerned after reading the description that it would be impractical to apply to the average person's life, but it really isn't. It is influenced by Asian philosophy (the author moved to Thailand following a health scare and conducted a healing and spiritual journey) but it doesn't go overboard. It doesn't come across as preachy, just familiar - like a friend giving advice.

I haven't finished the book yet, but I'm really excited about the rest of it. There's a lot of great nuggets that I'm already applying to my life, and will continue to do so throughout the following year.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of "The Way of the Happy Woman" to facilitate this review.