ACCOLADES ABOUT THE BOOK:
"Peter, I think it’s brilliant that you’re writing this book because people are so down and they do need to think about happiness." - Allan Fotheringham, Author, Columnist, Humorist, Toronto
"I am overwhelmed by worldwide requests to give interviews, lectures, advice, etc. But your project seems to be such an interesting one and I am glad to participate. Thank you for this fine interview. Well done." - Leo Bormans, Author: The World Book of Happiness, Belgium
"That's so lovely, Peter. Wonderful. Thank you so much -- I'm honored. Your book sounds great." - Dr. Christine Carter, Sociologist and Happiness Expert, UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, California
"Peter does an effective job of capturing the reasons why some people are happier than others. In his comfortable and entertaining writing style he delivers a wide perspective of what makes happy people tick. You will be entertained by a broad cross section of people and attitudes that will encourage you to think about how you deal with life's challenges and how you allow them to impact your quality of living. Should be a real thought provoker." - JRM, Alliston
"I really like the idea of the book. This is lovely. I look forward to reading all the interviews you have done." - Fatema Freya Rehman, Writer, Marketing Consultant, India
"As usual, you hit it out of the ballpark. This book is an excellent read, so much valuable information there. Great stories in the book." - Ric Bratton, Host, This Week in America
"Peter, translating your book is making me happier, you know? Really, it is really inspiring." - Alessandra Martins, Brazil (translating "Why Being Happy Matters" into Portuguese)
"I think it is a wonderful idea and will help people out there tremendously to overcome depression and other forms of unhappiness." - Jessica Bacon, Nurse-in-Training, Port Sydney
"The writing style and the text lay-out is very engaging and holds one's attention. The absence of intrusive notes and references really helps to keep attention on the storyline without causing distraction. Each of your 'case studies' shares elements in common - like self-responsibility and having a sense of directing one's own future in some way. It's noteworthy how many people spoke about the power and place of Nature. Similarly, disaster or misfortune or other negative experiences seem to promote a sense of 'inner directedness' which builds happiness in those whom you interviewed. A vital aspect of the stories you gathered together at the end of the volume and the 'guidelines' you detailed provide a distilled aide memoire to come back to in the future (we certainly will). So in summary, a beautifully crafted book, talking with fascinating people who help us all see how we might take back control over our own ability to be happy." - Chris & Gill, England
Man, you're good at this. The book is natural. It's nicely paced. It has a variety of touchstones, principally because you had thoughtful questions. And I think it's a good read. - Ted Barris, Author, Broadcaster, Educator, Toronto
"A few months ago, I purchased a digital copy of your book 'Why Being Happy Matters' and I have read it. I was impressed about the honesty of the interviewees, when they described very personal trials & tribulations, the challenges and joys in their lives and how they overcame hard obstacles and managed to move themselves into a state of happiness. There is admittance that being happy cannot be sustained at all times. It is a gift we need to safeguard through on-going effort and deep understanding of ourselves. This is the kind of book that we need to keep close, so we can read certain passages over again when we get discouraged, misunderstood and can’t see the forest for the trees. Thank you for writing and publishing it. Good work." - AV, Bracebridge
"You're a greatly creative writer, and this book has 'success' written all over it." - Deborah Bishop, CHT, Medical Researcher, Oregon
"One of those 'transformational' reads that will resonate for a long time to come. It's evident that a great deal of thought and effort was put into selecting the insightful interviewees of 'Being Happy'. Peter has asked all the right questions and beautifully pieced together the happiness puzzle for us all. 'Why Being Happy Matters' resonates with reality – these are real people with real lives and real stories. It makes you pause, reflect and take account. Last year I was fortunate enough to visit the Republic of Fiji. A beautiful island nation with a vastly impoverished population. People who I personally witnessed to be the friendliest, perhaps happiest inhabitants on the planet. I've asked myself time and again how can those who have so little be so happy? The answer to this and many more questions lie within 'Why Being Happy Matters'. Once in awhile something comes along at the exact time you need it most. 'Being Happy' is one of those things, at one of those times. I was comforted by this book and thoroughly enjoyed each of the participant’s stories and the conversational way they were presented. I highly recommend this work of inspiration to everyone, no matter how happy you think you are. - Carrie Trip, Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
"I read the first few pages including the first chapter and feel an internal strong prompting to write to you about that short but powerful experience. The concept of choosing to be Happy in spite of challenging and sometimes painful external circumstances is not new to me. However... the way you presented it in the short part I read shifted something deep within me. It resonated and has truly given me a gift that I will always have with me. Our life journey often presents us with difficult and sad situations. I am now more conscious of honouring my feelings but to let them go and choosing to be Happy....some days I must remember to choose over and over again....to Practice being Happy!! Thank you for writing Why Being Happy Matters: it is a gift to me and to all who's path it will cross. grateful!" - Claudette Chartrand, Muskoka
"This exceptional book shares the amazing stories of people all around the world. I don't know how Peter was able to interview all of the people around the world, but he did an incredible job. This book will make you feel better about looking about yourself, makes you want to take a better look at your own life and everything you do on a daily basis. A must read!"
- GDH, Muskoka
"Peter, I think it’s brilliant that you’re writing this book because people are so down and they do need to think about happiness." - Allan Fotheringham, Author, Columnist, Humorist, Toronto
"I am overwhelmed by worldwide requests to give interviews, lectures, advice, etc. But your project seems to be such an interesting one and I am glad to participate. Thank you for this fine interview. Well done." - Leo Bormans, Author: The World Book of Happiness, Belgium
"That's so lovely, Peter. Wonderful. Thank you so much -- I'm honored. Your book sounds great." - Dr. Christine Carter, Sociologist and Happiness Expert, UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, California
"Peter does an effective job of capturing the reasons why some people are happier than others. In his comfortable and entertaining writing style he delivers a wide perspective of what makes happy people tick. You will be entertained by a broad cross section of people and attitudes that will encourage you to think about how you deal with life's challenges and how you allow them to impact your quality of living. Should be a real thought provoker." - JRM, Alliston
"I really like the idea of the book. This is lovely. I look forward to reading all the interviews you have done." - Fatema Freya Rehman, Writer, Marketing Consultant, India
"As usual, you hit it out of the ballpark. This book is an excellent read, so much valuable information there. Great stories in the book." - Ric Bratton, Host, This Week in America
"Peter, translating your book is making me happier, you know? Really, it is really inspiring." - Alessandra Martins, Brazil (translating "Why Being Happy Matters" into Portuguese)
"I think it is a wonderful idea and will help people out there tremendously to overcome depression and other forms of unhappiness." - Jessica Bacon, Nurse-in-Training, Port Sydney
"The writing style and the text lay-out is very engaging and holds one's attention. The absence of intrusive notes and references really helps to keep attention on the storyline without causing distraction. Each of your 'case studies' shares elements in common - like self-responsibility and having a sense of directing one's own future in some way. It's noteworthy how many people spoke about the power and place of Nature. Similarly, disaster or misfortune or other negative experiences seem to promote a sense of 'inner directedness' which builds happiness in those whom you interviewed. A vital aspect of the stories you gathered together at the end of the volume and the 'guidelines' you detailed provide a distilled aide memoire to come back to in the future (we certainly will). So in summary, a beautifully crafted book, talking with fascinating people who help us all see how we might take back control over our own ability to be happy." - Chris & Gill, England
Man, you're good at this. The book is natural. It's nicely paced. It has a variety of touchstones, principally because you had thoughtful questions. And I think it's a good read. - Ted Barris, Author, Broadcaster, Educator, Toronto
"A few months ago, I purchased a digital copy of your book 'Why Being Happy Matters' and I have read it. I was impressed about the honesty of the interviewees, when they described very personal trials & tribulations, the challenges and joys in their lives and how they overcame hard obstacles and managed to move themselves into a state of happiness. There is admittance that being happy cannot be sustained at all times. It is a gift we need to safeguard through on-going effort and deep understanding of ourselves. This is the kind of book that we need to keep close, so we can read certain passages over again when we get discouraged, misunderstood and can’t see the forest for the trees. Thank you for writing and publishing it. Good work." - AV, Bracebridge
"You're a greatly creative writer, and this book has 'success' written all over it." - Deborah Bishop, CHT, Medical Researcher, Oregon
"One of those 'transformational' reads that will resonate for a long time to come. It's evident that a great deal of thought and effort was put into selecting the insightful interviewees of 'Being Happy'. Peter has asked all the right questions and beautifully pieced together the happiness puzzle for us all. 'Why Being Happy Matters' resonates with reality – these are real people with real lives and real stories. It makes you pause, reflect and take account. Last year I was fortunate enough to visit the Republic of Fiji. A beautiful island nation with a vastly impoverished population. People who I personally witnessed to be the friendliest, perhaps happiest inhabitants on the planet. I've asked myself time and again how can those who have so little be so happy? The answer to this and many more questions lie within 'Why Being Happy Matters'. Once in awhile something comes along at the exact time you need it most. 'Being Happy' is one of those things, at one of those times. I was comforted by this book and thoroughly enjoyed each of the participant’s stories and the conversational way they were presented. I highly recommend this work of inspiration to everyone, no matter how happy you think you are. - Carrie Trip, Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
"I read the first few pages including the first chapter and feel an internal strong prompting to write to you about that short but powerful experience. The concept of choosing to be Happy in spite of challenging and sometimes painful external circumstances is not new to me. However... the way you presented it in the short part I read shifted something deep within me. It resonated and has truly given me a gift that I will always have with me. Our life journey often presents us with difficult and sad situations. I am now more conscious of honouring my feelings but to let them go and choosing to be Happy....some days I must remember to choose over and over again....to Practice being Happy!! Thank you for writing Why Being Happy Matters: it is a gift to me and to all who's path it will cross. grateful!" - Claudette Chartrand, Muskoka
"This exceptional book shares the amazing stories of people all around the world. I don't know how Peter was able to interview all of the people around the world, but he did an incredible job. This book will make you feel better about looking about yourself, makes you want to take a better look at your own life and everything you do on a daily basis. A must read!"
- GDH, Muskoka
