One of my favorite books from last year was Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project, in which Gretchen tried out a bunch of different old and new techniques for becoming happier and reported on the results. The book was a huge hit, and her web site based on the book has taken on a life of its own.

Today, the paperback edition of The Happiness Project came out, and I asked Gretchen if she could tell me a bit about the new material, as well as what she’s learned since the hardback came out:

The paperback has additional material — among other things, a call-out to email me for a starter-kit, for people doing happiness-projects together, in a group.It has really surprised me — and been very gratifying — to hear how many people have started their own happiness projects after reading the book. Even more surprising is the fact that so many people want to start or join a group in which they work on their happiness projects, together. I myself didn’t do this, but I think it’s a great idea! Just being part of a group helps make people happier, and being in a group helps give people the accountability necessary to make change. Groups like Weight Watchers or AA are examples of how helpful the support of a group can be.

Often these groups already know each other; for instance, I heard about a group of nurses doing it together, and a Bible study group that wanted to do it, and a family that was going to do it. Sometimes, people start these groups with strangers — say, on Meetup or through other ways.

I also included a book group guide. I love books group and am in four book groups myself (excessive, I know!) so it has been thrilling to think that my book is being discussed in book groups!

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