Rating: 
Summary: Prager offers common sense guide to contentment
Review: Probably the most amusing anecdote in Dennis Prager's "Happiness Is a Serious Problem" concerns a Jewish rabbi who is unhappy because he can't find a suitable wife. When Prager asked the rabbi what qualities he was looking for in a woman, the rabbi's reply was: "A Playboy bunny who studies the Torah." You can probably guess what Prager's advice was, and what his worldview is regarding the relationship between happiness and expectations. Really, what this book is largely about is contentment -- finding ways to be satisfied with the status quo. Certainly he advocates doing what is intelligent and reasonable to change the circumstances if you so desire, but that most of our problems stem from dissatisfaction with situations that are perfectly acceptable, even though they fall short of our preferences. In any book that dispenses common-sense advice, the greatest risk is that of oversimplification. Inevitably, Prager falls into that trap at various points. Fortunately, he never makes the mistake of implying that the kinds of shifts in perspective he advocates are easy to make. Further, Prager suggests that a spiritual life -- with its implicit realization that there are some things we simply do not understand, but must nevertheless come to terms with -- is a desirable thing. This, too, mitigates the extent to which he might be perceived as understating the world's complexities. I purchased the audio cassette version of the book, primarily because I'm most familiar with Prager as a radio personality, and it seemed appropriate to have these observations conveyed to me in a similar way.
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Summary: Happiness that lasts
Review: The reviewers who have attacked Prager for his "hypocrisy" and "exclusivism" have definitely misread this book! In "Happiness" and his other books, Prager does not eschew materialism; he merely advocates prioritization and self-realization. Prager teaches that the key to "happiness" is not perpetual entertainment, but understanding our own values -- and making sure we choose high-quality, lasting values. Does he assert that certain values are higher than others? Sure! But in an era when moral relativism is rapidly overtaking common sense, Prager's approach is a cool breeze in the stifling room of Political Correctness. Even if I don't always agree with him -- as so many of his callers say, to his great amusement -- Prager is a clear thinker, and, illuminated by his biblical and practical perspective, this book is a much-needed discussion of the kind of happiness all of us need in our lives.
Rating: 
Summary: This book is a must
Review: This book show the reader the fundamental tools needed to become happy. In no way after reading the book will you be automatically happy. However, if you use the ideas that he is trying to get across your journey to happiness will be much easier. Its just like with anything YOU HAVE TO PRACTICE. Read this book not to be happy, but learn ways to acheive happiness
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Summary: Absolutely Tops! Excellent!
Review: This has been my all-time favorite book since this past spring when I found it. I read it totally cover to cover. (I don't always, even with books I like.) This book defined the problem and suggested understandings that were were clear, quite readable, and, in my opinion, quite on-target. I am giving it as a gift to a number of people.
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Summary: This book changed my life
Review: This was simply the best book I have ever read on this topic. It goes through every aspect of your life and explains exactly what happiness looks like. It does not go into extreme detail into each aspect but that is why it is awesome. You can read this and then if you need more help on any certain topic, go research that more deeply.
Rating:
Summary: This book changed my life
Review: This was simply the best book I have ever read on this topic. It goes through every aspect of your life and explains exactly what happiness looks like. It does not go into extreme detail into each aspect but that is why it is awesome. You can read this and then if you need more help on any certain topic, go research that more deeply.
Rating: 
Summary: A Maudlin Man Presumes To Offer The Keys To Happiness
Review: Though I can find general agreement with what are to my way of thinking fairly common sense precepts towards achieving and recognizing happiness, I consider the source of the advice and question the efficacy of the prescriptions offered. One only has to listen to Dennis' talk radio program to have a sense that this is a man for whom happiness is elusive. Often disparing of the direction in which his society has taken, Dennis routinely sounds resigned and frustrated.
Inhabiting a world of one-dimensional polemic caricatures, Mr. Prager is incapable of believing that happiness can be achieved without faith in divine retribution for evil doers. It is never made clear in Prager's treatise, exactly how and why the religionist remains faithful and happy knowing that his god will take action against evildoers in the afterlife, though sit mute and unmoving against evil acts commited in in the here and now.
Rather than maintaining that happiness is obtained only through application of his prefered philosphy, Prager might benefit himself by sincerely inquiring: "How is it that people that do not share my belief system maintain happiness?" Ultimately Prager is to happiness what the Titanic captain was to navigation.
Rating:
Summary: Good, lite reading
Review: Using his personal experiences and shaped by his religious background, Mr. Prager provides useful recommendations on pursuing the activities and pursuits which define happiness. Ironically, it is much easier to read about such things, than actually pursing them. This isn't an academic study, quotes no research or studies, merely reports his insights, which are often, well, insightful. The book is marketed for a mass audience (not a criticism), is not "explosive," or intellectually challenging, (unless you're intellectually challenged), but is in general, a Reader's Digest kind of reading.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, thought-provoking; a MUST read for everyone
Review: Whether or not you are a fan of Dennis Prager's talk shows, a half-hour with this book will prove to you that, not only can this man think, but he has an incomparable gift for elucidating one of life's key preoccupations: the trials and tribulations associated with one's quest for happiness. For me, this book is not so much of a "repair manual," as it is one of the most insightful, succinctly written books on how happiness is linked to human nature, philosophy, morals, temperament and values. Mr. Prager writes: "The greatest battle for happiness is with our own nature." If we can look inward and understand our drives and the intrinsic characteristics of what it means to be human, we then can use our intellect, spirituality and relationships with others to develop a stronger affinity for happiness. Or, perhaps, create in happiness an affinity for us. The author divides the book into three parts consisting of thirty-one chapters. If read from front to back, the book flows nicely from "Premises" to "Major Obstacles..." to "Attitudes and Behaviors That are Essential to Happiness." What I especially like is that the individual chapters stand alone, and are great for highlighting the author's views on very specific issues and problems. The most interesting ones deal with the dilemma between happiness and fun, the problems with expectations, and the preponderance of victimhood in today's world. Prager has some profound views on these, and many other topics. He makes you think. Overall, "Happiness..." turned out to be enlightening and quite easy to read (you won't need a dictionary by your side). I'd rank it at the top of my list (also check out "When Bad Things Happen to Good People") of books dealing with life's disappointments and successes, emotion and human nature.
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