10% Happier – Book Review
If you have ever been haunted by the ever-critical voices in your head… if you have ever feared public speaking or public humiliation… if you have ever experienced a panic attack or tried to self-medicate your pain… I think you will appreciate this story.
On the morning of June 7, 2004 – while filling in on the set of Good Morning with luminaries Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer – one budding on-air personality’s worst nightmare unfolded.
News journalist Dan Harris had a full blown panic attack on the air in front of 5 million people.
One moment Dan was reading the news prompter… The next, he was “being stabbed in the brain with raw animal fear” and fighting down a “paralytic wave of panic”.
His mouth turned to mush.
Stopped in his tracks by this unanticipated onslaught, Dan found himself unable to continue reading the news and cut his portion of the morning news short.
As you might imagine, Dan describes June 7, 2004 as the most humiliating day in his life.
But – in retrospect – June 7, 2004 was also the day that turned his life around.
In his compelling memoir, 10% Happier, Dan Harris reveals the events that led to this infamous on-air day – the surprising spiritual journey he finds himself on when Peter Jennings assigns him to the faith beat – and the solution that changes his life.
Dan is a top-notch writer who knows how to tell an engaging story. I found his candor and irreverence compelling. 10% Happier drew me in from the start and kept me wanting to know what happened next all along the way. In a nutshell – I thoroughly enjoyed his book.
If you’re interested in what goes on in the cut-throat world of journalism – if you want to know what religion and spirituality looks like from an outsider’s point of view – if you want a first-hand look at how PTSD and casual drug use can affect even the most high-achieving among us – don’t miss 10% Happier by Dan Harris.
Have you learned how to turn off the voices inside of your head?
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Note: This book contains some profanity.
The Long Journey To Becoming “10% Happier”
About Dan Harris
Dan Harris is the co-anchor of Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America. He regularly reports for 20/20, World News with Diane Sawyer, and the weekday editions of Good Morning America.
Before joining ABC News fourteen years ago, Dan worked for local news outlets in Boston and Maine.
Dan lives with his wife, Bianca, in New York City. This is his first book.
For More Information
- Visit the 10% Happier Blog Tour Page.
- Connect with Dan on Facebook and Twitter.
- 10% Happier is available on Amazon.
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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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Interesting! I like the way Dan describes meditation… sit, breath, when your thoughts stray refocus on your breath. Seems very doable.
I was very impressed with Dan Harris being able to “fess up to his most embarrassing ” moment. I was just recently released from the hospital due to a suspected heart attack. But it was, you guessed, a panic attack. I’m going to give meditation a try in the hopes of finding a positive strategy for dealing with the stress in my life. I can see other uses for meditation as well; dealing with my chronic pain from a lower back problem. Thanks for being so timely in your review. Blessing……Kelly
I’m so glad that you are okay Kelly and so glad that you found the review!
Isn’t it scary how a panic attack can emulate a heart attack?
Best of luck in your endeavors to alleviate stress and to deal with your chronic pain!
I am so glad you gave this book such high praise. I really like Dan Harris.
I know this is a difficult topic for any person to make public, especially someone who already has a very public presence.
There have been times in my life when I have had these symptoms. I wish I had had someone to turn to and discover either their cause or how to deal with them.
I am a strong believer in meditation. That does not mean I am good at it.
It takes a lot of courage to face one’s fears and foibles in such a public setting.
Dan’s story is interesting, and I learned some things about panic attacks and drugs that I did not know before reading his book.
Interesting story. I pinned to our linky board and my personal books to read board. Thanks for sharing with #SmallVictoriesSunday linky.
Thanks for sharing Tanya – would love to hear your thoughts once you read this book! 🙂
Interesting story; I always like back stories because they give you more knowledge of a given situation. Thanks for linking up at #smallvictoriessunday!
This is so interesting. I had not heard of this book, but it definitely sounds like something up my alley. Thanks for sharing and I will check out his book!
So glad you stopped by Elizabeth!
I hope you enjoy the Dan’s story!
What an interesting story! I’m sure there is much to learn from this book. Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday! Looking forward to seeing you again this week!
Tina