Notebook entries by the award-winning San Francisco poet

CAN A WOMAN BE SMART, EMPOWERED, AND HAPPY ? Happiness has become a serious business. Where twentiethcentury psychology focused on depression and illness, in the new millennium scientists have begun focusing on “positive psychology”—the study of happiness. Ariel Gore first became intrigued by this subject when she discovered that Positive Psychology was the most popular course on the Harvard campus. As she read deeper into the topic, she noticed something disturbing: everyone in this happy land was a man. Worse still, some of these new “experts” seemed hell-bent on proving that women with traditional values and breadwinning husbands—those who had made “an effort to expect less,” according to one sociologist—were more content than women with feminist values. The more she read the more she wondered: Can a woman be smart, empowered, and happy? Determined to find out, Gore began her own “study in living”— a journey into the feminine history, science, and experience of happiness. Her results, chronicled with humor and curiosity in Bluebird, are by turns fascinating and enriching. A woman’s happiness may not come easy, and it may not take the forms prescribed by popular culture. But, as Gore discovers, it is not only possible but necessary. Bluebird is a smart, no-nonsense, uplifting study of the real secret of joy, and whether it’s truly at odds with the goals of modern women.

The bluebird has long been considered a symbol of happiness and a messenger of joy and contentment. . . . It is my hope that this book, like the bluebird's song of happiness, will bring cheer and joy to your life. --Vicky Howard, introduction * Vicky Howard's collection of antique bird art--nearly all pieces over 100 years old--is used here to adorn her lovely message about what is really important in our pursuit of happiness. Vicky Howard is a successful and recognizable name in the gift market. Using art from her private collection of vintage postcards, Howard presents avian images alongside positive-minded quotes from the early 1900s. While the creative elements of this book recall an early era, the art remains vivid and the words decidedly relevant: * You cannot always have happiness, but you can give happiness. --Proverb * The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things. --Henry Ward Beecher

Copiously illustrated with maps, line drawings, and full-color photographs, this large format paperback book contains the essential information that backyard nature enthusiasts want and need -- to attract bluebirds to their yards.

Happiness is big business. Books, consultants, psychologists, organizations, and even governments tout happiness secrets that are backed by scientific findings. The problem is that all of this science is done by and for cis white men. And some of the most vocal of these happiness experts were announcing that women could become happier by espousing "traditional" values and eschewing feminism. Skeptical of this hypothesis, Ariel Gore took a deep dive into the optimism industrial complex, reading the history, combing the research, attending the conferences, interviewing the thought leaders, and exploring her own and her friends' personal experiences and desires. Fuck Happiness is a nuanced, thoughtful examination of what happiness means and to whom, how it's played a role in defining modern gender roles and power structures, and how we can all have a more empowered relationship with the pursuit of joy in our lives.

Inspired by the Russian storytelling tradition, this contemporary fairy tale about a relatable heroine’s inner transformation from materialism to gratefulness will captivate readers of all ages. The relevant message and stunning full color illustrations will make this a cherished gift during the holidays and throughout the year.