Synopses & Reviews
Author and illustrator Lee Crutchley brings his lively interactive approach to a little-discussed but very common issue: the struggle with depression and anxiety.
Through a series of supportive, surprising, and engaging prompts, HOW TO BE HAPPY (OR AT LEAST LESS SAD) helps readers see things in a new light, and rediscover simple pleasures and everyday joy
or at least feel a little less sad. By turns a workbook, trusted friend, creative outlet, security blanket, and secret diary, the pages of this book will offer solace, distraction, engagement, a fresh perspective, and hopeful new beginningsfor readers of all ages and walks of life.
Review
"This book made me nervous when I first scanned through it because I knew it would work! This isn't a self-help book; it's more of a blue-collar, get-down-to-business friend with calloused hands who is ready to boogie when you are. This book is about action, but also acknowledgment. There are no platitudes and its author is no Pollyanna. It's an explicit map that leads to a place where you're going to feel measurably better, and better equipped to face life's vicissitudes."
— Rob Delaney, comedian
"This book does the work that I believe is most worthwhile - it does not hand you answers, it sets you up to find them yourself. One of the most accessible, relatable, unique and flawlessly crafted books that I have ever seen. A must have, a must read, a must do."
— Brianna Wiest, author of The Human Element
"Taking the small incremental steps toward conquering depression takes courage, and even then, it helps to have any compassionate guidance you can find. How To Be Happy (Or At Least Less Sad) comes from a knowing, forgiving place. Its intentions are sincere. When I first read it I thought: I could have used a book like this. And then I thought: I still can use a book like this."
— Jason Porter, author of Why Are You So Sad?
"This book (How To Be Happy) is the kind of friend I want around when I'm feeling sad. He lets me vent without judging me, gives me a little guidance, reminds me that I'm not alone, and lets me draw all over him with colored pencils."
— Lisa Currie, author of The Scribble Diary and Me, You, Us
“Whether you are just having a random sad day, or whether your bad days come a little bit more frequently than that, Lees book will help you shine a new light on your life. Filled with thoughtful, simple and heart-opening exercises, plus snippets and stories from the authors own struggles, this book will give you a new lens that will help you get through the rough patches, week-by-week, day-by-day or minute-by-minute if thats all you can handle. Fill out these pages. Youll laugh. Youll cry. And youll be blown away by what you discover about your own ability to feel happy. Or at least less sad.”
— Bernadette Noll, author of Slow Family Living
About the Author
Lee Crutchley is an illustrator and designer, and the author of The Art of Getting Started.