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The Geography of Bliss Paperback – January 5, 2009

by Eric Weiner (Author)

2,067 ratings

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Now a new series on Peacock with Rainn Wilson, THE GEOGRAPHY OF BLISS is part travel memoir, part humor, and part twisted self-help guide that takes the viewer across the globe to investigate not what happiness is, but WHERE it is.

Are people in Switzerland happier because it is the most democratic country in the world? Do citizens of Qatar, awash in petrodollars, find joy in all that cash? Is the King of Bhutan a visionary for his initiative to calculate Gross National Happiness? Why is Asheville, North Carolina so damn happy?

In a unique mix of travel, psychology, science and humor, Eric Weiner answers those questions and many others, offering travelers of all moods some interesting new ideas for sunnier destinations and dispositions.

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

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"With one single book, Eric Weiner has flushed Bill Bryson down a proverbial toilet, and I say that lovingly. By turns hilarious and profound, this is the kind of book that could change your life. The relationship between place and contentment is an ineffable one, and Weiner cuts through the fog with a big, powerful light. The Geography of Bliss is no smiley-face emoticon, it's a Winslow Homer."
―Henry Alford, author of Municipal Bondage and Big Kiss

"Part travelogue, part personal-discovery memoir and all sustained delight, this wise, witty ramble reads like Paul Theroux channeling David Sedaris on a particularly good day..... Fresh and beguiling."

―Kirkus Reviews

"Laugh. Think. Repeat. Repeatedly. If someone told me this book was this good, I wouldn't have believed them."―Po Bronson, author of What Should I Do With My Life?

"Think Don Quixote with a dark sense of humor and a taste for hashish and you begin to grasp Eric Weiner, the modern knight-errant of this mad, sad, wise, and witty quest across four continents. I won't spoil the fun by telling if his mission succeeds, except to say that happiness is reading a book as entertaining as this."―Tony Horwitz, author of Confederates in the Attic

About the Author

Eric Weiner is author of the New York Times bestseller The Geography of Bliss, which has been translated into eighteen languages. A former correspondent for NPR and the New York Times, Weiner has reported from more than three dozen countries. His work has appeared in the New Republic, Slate, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Foreign Policy, the New York Times Magazine, and the anthology, Best American Travel Writing. He divides his time between Starbucks and Caribou.

Read more about Eric Weiner at www.ericweinerbooks.com.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Twelve
Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 5, 2009
Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 345 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 044669889X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0446698894
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.92 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #56,256 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #51 in Travel Writing Reference
- #124 in Travelogues & Travel Essays
- #592 in Happiness Self-Help

Customer Reviews:
2,067 ratings

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Eric Weiner

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Eric Weiner is author of the New York Times bestsellers The Geography of Bliss and The Geography of Genius, as well as the critically acclaimed Man Seeks God and, his latest book, The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers. A former foreign correspondent for NPR, he has reported from more than three dozen countries. His work has appeared in the New Republic, The Atlantic, National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal, and the anthology "Best American Travel Writing." He lives in Silver Spring, MD with his wife and daughter. For more information, visit: www.ericweinerbooks.com

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Customers find the book engaging and entertaining, with one noting it serves as a great group reading/discussion book. Moreover, the writing quality is praised for its good blend of travel writing, and customers appreciate how it takes readers around the world while giving insights into various cultures. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its humor, with customers laughing out loud at its humorous twists, and its honest perspective on the countries visited. However, some customers find the book boring and depressing.

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Readability Thought provoking Humor Writing quality Travel value Perspective Authenticity Boredom

189 customers mention "Readability"189 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining to read, with one customer noting it makes a great group reading and discussion book.

"I absolutely LOVED this book. It is a profound, entertaining, and insightful book - and what a sense of humor...." Read more

"...It's a very enjoyable compilation of Eric's world happiness tour made even more enjoyable when read to you in the author's own voice...." Read more

"...'s Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner is a delightful and thought-provoking exploration of what makes people truly happy..." Read more

"...Weiner unfolds a richly enlightening and entertaining tapestry which is not to be missed and goes beyond anything which can be adequately..." Read more

172 customers mention "Thought provoking"170 positive2 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and insightful, providing fascinating experiences and new knowledge about obscure countries, while helping readers gain insights into a more fulfilling life.

"I absolutely LOVED this book. It is a profound, entertaining, and insightful book - and what a sense of humor...." Read more

"...It's a book that might seem jokey and lighthearted from its premise, but you'll be in for a surprise when emotion catches up to you in the end...." Read more

"...Places in the World by Eric Weiner is a delightful and thought-provoking exploration of what makes people truly happy across different cultures...." Read more

"...Along the way, he effortlessly draws on an impressive erudition as he seamlessly weaves in insights not only from the "science" of happiness, but..." Read more

136 customers mention "Humor"136 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, finding it witty and full of humorous twists that make them laugh out loud.

"...It is a profound, entertaining, and insightful book - and what a sense of humor...." Read more

"...Narrative and Writing Style: Weiner’s writing is engaging, witty, and often humorous, making the book an enjoyable read from start to finish...." Read more

"...It has good reviews for the jokes included but I can't help but fill most of the sexual jokes just give off creepy or tone deaf vibes...." Read more

"...though he claims that he's unhappy and calls himself a grump, he's very likable, very witty, and VERY funny!..." Read more

75 customers mention "Writing quality"71 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, noting it is well-crafted with a good blend of travel writing, and one customer describes it as a great writer/journalist.

"...Narrative and Writing Style: Weiner’s writing is engaging, witty, and often humorous, making the book an enjoyable read from start to finish...." Read more

"...Eric Weiner is a spellbinding storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat as I listened to his tales of world travels in a quest to understand..." Read more

"...It's still an engaging effort though. Interesting read and definitely not your normal travel book...." Read more

"...Light-hearted and clever, while still being introspective and honest with himself, the author did a good job without being judgmental about the..." Read more

41 customers mention "Travel value"41 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's travel value, as it takes readers around the world and includes elements of psychology, making it a perfect guide for travelers.

"...Geography of Bliss is an insightful and enjoyable read that combines travel adventure with deep philosophical questions about happiness...." Read more

"...Interesting read and definitely not your normal travel book...." Read more

"...This book is perfect for people who like to travel, but often these people do not have the money or time to do it. I am one of them...." Read more

"...The writing is well paced and light, which makes it the perfect book to read on a plane or a train." Read more

30 customers mention "Perspective"27 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's perspective, particularly its interesting view of the countries visited and insight into various cultures. One customer notes that each chapter focuses on a different country.

"...Eric Weiner makes these ten countries sound so interesting...." Read more

"...What a great book. It's full of humor, it gives you an insight into many cultures, and many definitions of what 'happiness' is believed to be by..." Read more

"...I love the story and the perspective into which it puts geographical places on one man's quest to find a source or meaning of happiness...." Read more

"...of Bliss was much more interesting than I had imagined and covered dozens of countries...." Read more

9 customers mention "Authenticity"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book, finding it honest and true to life, with one customer particularly noting its appreciation of quirky individualism.

"...He manages to be funny, insightful and always real...." Read more

"I liked the book. I like the author's style of using journalistic elements of healthy scepticism mixed with a way to connect with readers through..." Read more

"...His personal reflections on his own life and life view was well done. Good sense of humor." Read more

"...isn't afraid to do some soul searching while keeping it humorous, yet honest...." Read more

14 customers mention "Boredom"0 positive14 negative

Customers find the book boring and depressing.

"This is easily the worst book I have read in the last five years...." Read more

"...Wiener's end result though, is disappointing and strangely depressing...." Read more

"...Such an ephemeral topic and most subjective. However, with that said, a very talented writer with a sense of humor...." Read more

"...What a sad, pathetic man! But would you expect anything less than this from a contributor to NPR?..." Read more

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Libbie Snyder
An absolute must-read! Highly recommend
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase

I absolutely LOVED this book. It is a profound, entertaining, and insightful book - and what a sense of humor. Rarely have I laughed out loud this much while reading a book - I could not get enough of his witty jokes. I loved every page of this book and did not want it to end. I drank it up like a good wine. It made me think, it taught me a new perspective, and it even made me happier.

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Andy Orrock
I recommend the Audio CD version - let Eric Weiner himself read his fine work to you
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2012
Verified Purchase
I listened to the Audio CD version of Eric Weiner's book. If this piece of work in any way intrigues you, take my advice and opt for the audio version. It's a very enjoyable compilation of Eric's world happiness tour made even more enjoyable when read to you in the author's own voice. Those familiar with his work on NPR know his friendly radio voice...a voice welcome even when reporting from the most inhospitable of places. In his self-narration, you get the full effect of the book's often deadpan humor. He makes his interactions come alive with nice impressions of the other parties. You can hear the hearty skepticism he imparts in places...as well as the enthusiasm with which he laces other tales.

Don't believe the 'Grump' part in the sub-title. No grumpy misanthrope would get out and meet such a surprising range of people the way Weiner does in these experiences. Despite the self-described grumpy persona, Weiner clearly likes people. That's important because - as he points out in the book's epilogue - one of his chief takeaways (culled from his Bhutan experience) is that happiness is 'relational,' not personal. It doesn't spring organically from within: it comes instead from your interaction with, support of, and acceptance by other people.

Another misleading part of the subtitle: "Search for the Happiest Places" would lead you to believe that Weiner went only to countries ranked high on Ruut Veenhoven's World Database of Happiness (the intriguing source that birthed Weiner's mission quest). Instead, he goes to some countries for contrast: UK, India and - most notably - Moldova, regarded by some as the world's _least_ happy country.

Those passages about Moldova reminded me of Tony Hawks' sublime work, Playing the Moldovans at Tennis. It's a book that might seem jokey and lighthearted from its premise, but you'll be in for a surprise when emotion catches up to you in the end. It's one of my favorite all-time books.

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11 people found this helpful

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Elisa Papala
Great read
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner is a delightful and thought-provoking exploration of what makes people truly happy across different cultures.

Narrative and Writing Style: Weiner’s writing is engaging, witty, and often humorous, making the book an enjoyable read from start to finish. His storytelling is rich with personal anecdotes, cultural observations, and sharp insights that keep you hooked throughout the journey.

Content and Themes: The book takes readers on a global tour, examining the factors contributing to happiness in various countries. Weiner visits places known for their high levels of reported happiness, such as Bhutan, Iceland, and Switzerland, and contrasts these with locations where happiness seems more elusive. The blend of travelogue and psychology offers a comprehensive look at the concept of happiness from multiple perspectives.

Personal Insights: Weiner’s exploration is both entertaining and enlightening. His candid reflections on his own quest for happiness, combined with his observations of different cultures, provide a nuanced understanding of what contributes to a joyful life. The book encourages readers to consider their own definitions of happiness and how cultural contexts influence our pursuit of it.

Overall Experience: The Geography of Bliss is an insightful and enjoyable read that combines travel adventure with deep philosophical questions about happiness. It offers a refreshing perspective on how different cultures approach the concept of joy and satisfaction.

In summary, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the science of happiness, cultural studies, or simply seeking an entertaining and reflective journey. Eric Weiner’s blend of humor, insight, and personal experience makes The Geography of Bliss a memorable and impactful read.

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2 people found this helpful

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Fish
Are all the sexual jokes nessacary?
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I'm reading this because it's required for a class. It has good reviews for the jokes included but I can't help but fill most of the sexual jokes just give off creepy or tone deaf vibes. Don't get me wrong, I can enjoy a sexual joke but these are in every chapter and don't feel to add anything significant. It was shipped to me pretty fast though, so I can't complain about the customer service.

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5 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer
The book provides perspective!
Reviewed in the Netherlands on March 15, 2024
Verified Purchase

Loved the writing style and the content of the book. Eric manages to communicate serious conversations in a humorous way and I feel instantly feel clicked with the ironies but end up smiling about it. I find the content of the book extremely relatable, to my own life as a researcher, traveler and as a yoga instructor. The book is written with a practical yet explorative mind-set and delusional advices are not thrown at the readers.

I received a copy this morning and have already read a good portion of it. Definitely recommend for others to read this book.

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recommended
Reviewed in Spain on June 12, 2015
Verified Purchase
Great book, an easy read. It provides an interesting perspective and incorporates research combined with subjective views which I enjoyed.

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Marcelo
Abordagem original
Reviewed in Brazil on September 6, 2016
Verified Purchase
Excelente abordagem sobre o tema da felicidade. Nunca havia visto alguém tentar explicar a mesma pelo viés geográfico e cultural. Muisots insights interessantes.

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Rebecca Wemyss
Must read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2019
Verified Purchase
Absolutely loved this book, it made me fall in love with non-fiction and also inspired me to travel to Bhutan. The premise of researching happiness is fascinating and the author writes extremely well balancing facts and opinions in an entertaining way. Highly reccommend for anyone who loves travel, psychology or culture.

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Gregory S.
Great for the Armchair Traveller -- A Travelogue about the Search for Happy Places
Reviewed in Canada on October 4, 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a delightful book, in turns, witty, very entertaining, and yet thoughtful. I have bought several copies over the last few years, to give it to friends. Weiner explores ideas like the country happiness index, and through a series of observations about different places -- including Bhutan, Iceland, India, and Slough, England, and interviews with locals, and with experts, comes to a series of conclusions about what makes the people in a place happy. His answers are surprising, for it's not only the obvious things such as prosperity, but a sense of connectedness. He rates people in Iceland as very happy, for example, because despite its often inhospitable climate, and long dark winter nights, everyone in the country feels related, a relative of someone in the government, or of someone famous. Also, many Icelanders have hobbies, such as playing music, and they don't feel that they must be the best, but only that they should enjoy these past-times. Everyone who has received a copy from me loved it. A friend two weeks ago, thanked me for it and said it gave him the travel bug!

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5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute must-read! Highly recommend

4.0 out of 5 stars I recommend the Audio CD version - let Eric Weiner himself read his fine work to you

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read

3.0 out of 5 stars Are all the sexual jokes nessacary?

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars The book provides perspective!

4.0 out of 5 stars recommended

5.0 out of 5 stars Abordagem original

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the Armchair Traveller -- A Travelogue about the Search for Happy Places

An absolute must-read! Highly recommend

I recommend the Audio CD version - let Eric Weiner himself read his fine work to you

Great read

Are all the sexual jokes nessacary?

The book provides perspective!

recommended

Abordagem original

Must read

Great for the Armchair Traveller -- A Travelogue about the Search for Happy Places