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The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary
- Narrated by: Catherine Gray
- Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins
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The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary
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Summary
From the Sunday Times best-selling author.
We're told that happiness is in the extraordinary. It's on a Caribbean sun lounger, in the driving seat of a luxury car, inside an expensive golden locket, watching sunrise from Machu Picchu. We strive, reach, push, shoot for more. 'Enough' is a moving target we never quite reach.
When we do brush our fingertips against the extraordinary a deeply inconvenient psychological phenomenon called the 'hedonic treadmill' means that, after a surge of joy, our happiness level returns to the baseline it was at before the 'extra' event.
So, what's the answer?
The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary theorises that the solution is rediscovering the joy in the ordinary that we so often now forget to feel. Because we now expect the pleasure of a croissant, a hot shower, a yoga class, someone delivering our shopping to our door, we no longer feel its buzz. The joy of it whips through us like a bullet train, without pause.
Catherine Gray was a grandmaster in the art of eye-rolling the ordinary and skilled in everlasting reaching. Until the black dog of depression forced her to rethink everything.
Along the way, she discovered some surprising realities about the extraordinaries among us: that influencers risk higher rates of anxiety and depression, high rollers are less happy and huge frothy weddings increase the likelihood of divorce.
Learning how to be exalted by the everyday is the most important lesson we can possibly learn. In Catherine Gray's hilarious, insightful, soulful (and very ordinary) next book, you may learn to do just that.
What listeners say about The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Richard Kennedy
- 11-11-21
Honest and humorous book on how to live happily
This is the first book I have listened to by the author and I found her style engaging. As an over 50 year old I recognised many of the modern life issues she discusses and would agree with her solutions. It is good to see them pulled together in one book. Although it is primarily targeted to the middle aged I think there are important life lessons for younger readers. I have encouraged my teenage daughter to read the last chapter (she doesn’t read much!) as it nicely summarises much of the content.
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- Miss A. M. Pinks
- 16-05-21
Absolutely loved this book
This book resonated with me in every way other than the drinking because I've never been that into it. It felt like it touched every subject that is important to me and echo'd my thoughts and feelings and gave them a nice spin. It gave me body positivity, evaporated my guilt over some things and made me realise what a great place I've got myself into and I really am seeing the joy in the ordinary, I shall be buying another book from this author, thank you for such a fantastic book!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- caroline Wishney
- 17-01-20
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this book, and it opens up a side to exploring gratitude that not skin deep but explains how to really appreciate the ordinary things in life.
It’s really funny at times and sometimes very sad but overall a very enjoyable read.
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- RHD
- 14-10-21
I loved this book
A lovely feel good listen that makes a serious point and will nudge you to re-appreciate your life.
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- Anon
- 08-02-23
Worth a listen
Lots of useful information and very down to earth author. Enjoyable listen with no bull.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 27-10-20
Beautiful listening and so thought provoking.
listening to Catherine Grays dulcet tones whilst running gave my brain the extra encouragement needed to leave the house. Her simple, non dramatic outlook on the ordinary things in life is enchanting. Like sitting on a mountain top absorbing the view. excellent
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1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 05-08-20
great book .
really enjoyed it much better narrated than the first book. full of great pearls of wisdom and very relaxing to listen to. very well researched and covers a wide range of issues .
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- Viktorija
- 10-04-20
Love everything about this book!
Absolutely love it! the voice that author is reading. so much information and funny joys!!!
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- Sophie Wells
- 17-09-21
Reassuring!
full of simple & reassuring truths. great book well worth a listen. worth it!
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- crystal1113
- 29-12-19
Amazing, absolutely loved this book!
Catherine reads so well and this book has been so refreshing to listen to. Has really helped me in my self healing journey. Catherine is realistic in her advice and isn't at all pushy or judgemental. She also shares her own journey which is endearing and relatable.
I'll be recommending this to all of my friends.
A must read!!
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2 people found this helpful