Peacock had a travel documentary series back in 2023 based on Eric Weiner's book. It followed actor Rainn Wilson as he visited places mentioned in the book like Bulgaria, Iceland, and more. You can probably find clips of it on YouTube.
So if you liked the series, you will probably like this book too. Eric Weiner has a witty personality and his dry humor shines throughout this book.
Eric was a foreign correspondent for NPR (National Pubic Radio) and traveled extensively and made keen observations. "The truth is that unhappy people, living in profoundly unhappy places made for good stories....They can also be a real bummer." So, for this book, Eric decides to seek out happy places. I love this quote - "The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness." That's one of those quotes we need to frame.
So Chapter One starts in The Netherlands followed by Switzerland in Chapter Two. After some long analysis, the author decides the people are content but not necessarily overly happy.
Chapter Three takes us to a country very few have ever heard of (including myself) - Bhutan - located on the edge of the Himalayas. Eric arrived in Bhutan at the time of "the big festival" or "tsechu". Every visitor, apparently, is assigned a guide which you must pay via a tour company. Interestingly, "Bhutan is the only country in the world with a dress code for men."
Chapter Four covers Qatar and the capital Doha. It's a very wealthy country so the analysis deals with whether money can buy happiness.
The next chapter, Eric goes to Iceland. The opening of the chapter is hilarious with discussion on the lack of sun and that the stores are closed on Sundays. Yet, he concedes, Iceland ranks as one of the happiest places in the world. There is analysis of how people that live in cold places rely on each other - cooperation. "Everyone must work together to ensure a good harvest or a hearty haul of cod. Or everyone dies. Together."
Chapter Six heads to Moldova, another country most people have never heard of. It's a small Eastern European country known for wine, especially red wine. It neighbors Romania and is a former Soviet republic. Interestingly, Eric points out how there are people who don't speak Moldovian language but only Russian and there isn't really any Moldovian culture. Despite the wine, the country is rather poor. So now there's an analysis that since this country is so poor and the people are pretty content, then money cannot buy happiness.
Chapter Seven focuses on Thailand. Ironically, in one passage, Eric drinks whiskey that was made in Bhutan. In the pursuit of happiness, there's a mention of a Thai tofu dish called "Double Happiness".
Chapter Eight goes to Great Britain then Chapter Nine goes to India. Both chapters provide eye-opening analysis that will twist any preconceived beliefs.
The last chapter is about America. Which, in my opinion, is a pretty happy place. :-)
Overall, a fun read and could give you some inspiration to visit one of these places, but not a travel guide. Better to look for it at your local library or used bookstore.
Title: The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World
Author: Eric Weiner
ISBN: 978-0446511070
Pages: 353
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