Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com

Average Customer Rating:

A positive introduction to Positive Psychology

Customer Rating:

Dr. Boniwell's book is a brief and accessible introduction into the topics that Positive Psychology studies at present. Apart from being well-written and entertaining, this book also provides all the references necessary for an interested reader wanting to do a detailed study of existing literature in the field. A new chapter on interventions added in the second edition provides the most recent update on the empirical validation of interventions in Positive Psychology -- the information that was hard to find until now.

Short, and Poorly Written

Customer Rating:

At only 121 written pages Ms / Dr Boniwell's book IS VERY short. Reading as if it's a Masters, or PhD thesis which has been turned, rather unsuccessfully, into 'a book'. At the level of information provided it would probably suit a GCSE or A level psychology student, or a general reader, who knows nothing about psychology.This is NOT one I will be advising folk to add to their book shelf. A very disapointing buy

Excellent book

Customer Rating:

I'm not sure if I'm coining this or whether I read it somewhere else, but this is a real tardis of a book: it is a slim volume but covers the subject so thoroughly. I've bought other books on Positive Psychology, and you get the feeling some authors are just cashing in on its popularity, this book is by far the best introduction to the subject. I have all the weighty tomes to read for my dissertation, but feel a lot more informed having read this.

Short and easy to read, yet covers a lot of ground

Customer Rating:

This book maps out the field of positive psychology, summarising the contribution of this new science to important human issues like the search for happiness, the desire for good relationships and the quest for a satisfying life. In 132 pages of text it covers a surprising amount of ground, and I found it enjoyable to read. This book is a perfect introduction for someone new to this field, yet, as a teacher of positive psychology, I still had plenty to learn from it. The extensive reference section at the end is a great pointer to further reading. I think this is an excellent book and I'd strongly recommend it.

User friendly psychology for daily life

Customer Rating:

"If you were to say to your friends that you were going to see a psychologist, the most likely response would be `why, what's wrong with you?' How likely are you to hear something along the lines of `Great! Are you planning to concentrate on self-improvement?' " Which pretty much sums up why there is a need for positive psychology today. Instead of focusing on illness or problems, as psychology has traditionally done, it aims instead to advance well-being and satisfaction. Positive Psychology in a Nutshell provides the ideal introduction, taking in a wide range of issues from emotions and love to life goals, freedom of choice and positive ageing. Asking questions such as whether happiness is necessary for a good life and what makes us fulfilled, the book provides some interesting - and sometimes surprising - answers, as well as practical tools and tips for daily living. Written in a friendly, almost conversational style, this is an accessible, entertaining and thought-provoking book. The author writes in an engaging and at times quite familiar way that makes you feel she is talking to you personally. Writing one chapter, by chance, whilst watching the horrific events of the 7/7 London bombings unfold on TV, she describes her contradictory feelings at the time, a mix of pessimism and yet hope, which lends an immediacy (and relevance) to the book; but for all the serious issues discussed, the book is also generously laced with warmth and humour. If you want to know more about positive psychology and what it can do for you, this really is the ideal introduction, and there's a useful section on further reading.