Seven Pleasures: Essays on Ordinary Happiness

What does it mean to be happy? Ever since the Founding Fathers invited every citizen to join the pursuit of happiness, Americans have been studying and pining for that elusive state of mind.  But rather than explaining happiness, in Seven Pleasures Willard Spiegelman demonstrates it: he immerses using the joyful, illuminating practice of seven simple pleasures —dancing, reading, walking, looking, listening, swimming, and writing—and evokes all the satisfactions they offer. Lighthearted, insightful, and deeply felt, Seven Pleasures is a portrait of pure enjoyment. Publishers Weekly Some books are easy companions, and this essay collection, in which Spiegelman speaks affectionately of them, can join their ranks. His top seven picks for happiness are reading, walking, looking, dancing, listening, swimming and writing-activities that are free and accessible to anyone with a library card and a pair of comfortable shoes.