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Very good condition. Light wear. Does not come with CD DVD if applicable. Access code has been used if applicable. Does not come with any supplementary materials. Very good condition. Light wear. Does not come with CD DVD if applicable. Access code has been used if applicable. Does not come with any supplementary materials. See less
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The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World Hardcover – September 20, 2016

4.7 out of 5 stars 15,058 ratings

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An instant New York Times bestseller. Over 1 million copies sold!

Two spiritual giants. Five days. One timeless question.


Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have survived more than fifty years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships—or, as they would say, because of them—they are two of the most joyful people on the planet.

In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They looked back on their long lives to answer a single burning question: How do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering?

They traded intimate stories, teased each other continually, and shared their spiritual practices. By the end of a week filled with laughter and punctuated with tears, these two global heroes had stared into the abyss and despair of our time and revealed how to live a life brimming with joy.

This book offers us a rare opportunity to experience their astonishing and unprecedented week together, from the first embrace to the final good-bye.

We get to listen as they explore the Nature of True Joy and confront each of the Obstacles of Joy—from fear, stress, and anger to grief, illness, and death. They then offer us the Eight Pillars of Joy, which provide the foundation for lasting happiness. Throughout, they include stories, wisdom, and science. Finally, they share their daily Joy Practices that anchor their own emotional and spiritual lives.

The Archbishop has never claimed sainthood, and the Dalai Lama considers himself a simple monk. In this unique collaboration, they offer us the reflection of real lives filled with pain and turmoil in the midst of which they have been able to discover a level of peace, of courage, and of joy to which we can all aspire in our own lives.
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Popular Highlights in this book

From the Publisher

Discover a new level of Peace, Courage, and Joy

If you have an open heart and are filled with trust and friendship... you will never feel lonely.

It turns out that our perspective has a surprising amount of influence over the body's stress

There are going to be frustrations in life. The question is not: how can I escape it?

Editorial Reviews

Review

Winner of the 2016 Books for a Better Life Award in Spirituality

“The question may be timeless, but their answer has urgent significance.”
—Time Magazine

"[An] exquisite book...An intimate glimpse into the minds of two of the world's spiritual guides, and their foundation for an attainable and practical approach to experiencing a more enriching and sustainable life of abundant joy."
—Shelf Awareness

"This sparkling, wise, and immediately useful gift to readers from two remarkable spiritual masters offers hope that joy is possible for everyone even in the most difficult circumstances, and describes a clear path for attaining it."
Publishers Weekly

"The world needs joy and compassion more than ever before – and who better than Archbishop Tutu and the Dalai Lama to show us how it is done. This beautiful book takes us on the journey of their friendship and gives us the gift of their wisdom. A bright spot of hope and love in this world."
—Sir Richard Branson

"It's a book that transports you deep within the intimate friendship that binds these two incredible souls. And it’s a book that vividly probes the very nature of joy itself — the illusions that eclipse it, the obstacles that obscure it, the practices that cultivate it, and the pillars that sustain it."
—Rich Roll, The Rich Roll Podcast 

About the Author

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. He is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan People and of Tibetan Buddhism. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and the US Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. Born in 1935 to a poor farming family in northeastern Tibet he was recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of his predecessor, the 13th Dalai Lama. He has been a passionate advocate for a secular universal approach to cultivating fundamental human values. For over three decades the Dalai Lama has maintained an ongoing conversation and collaboration with scientists from a wide range of disciplines, especially through the Mind and Life Institute, an organization that he co-founded. The Dalai Lama travels extensively, promoting kindness and compassion, interfaith understanding, respect for the environment, and, above all, world peace. He lives in exile in Dharamsala, India. For more information, please visit www.dalailama.com.

Desmond Mpilo Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Southern Africa, became a prominent leader in the crusade for justice and racial reconciliation in South Africa. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. In 1994, Tutu was appointed chair of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission by Nelson Mandela, where he pioneered a new way for countries to move forward after experiencing civil conflict and oppression. He was the founding chair of The Elders, a group of global leaders working together for peace and human rights. Archbishop Tutu is regarded as a leading moral voice and an icon of hope. Throughout his life, he has cared deeply about the needs of people around the world, teaching love and compassion for all. For more information please visit tutu.org.za.

Douglas Abrams is an author, editor, and literary agent. He is the founder and president of Idea Architects, a creative book and media agency helping visionaries to create a wiser, healthier, and more just world. Doug has worked with Desmond Tutu as his cowriter and editor for over a decade, and before founding his own literary agency, he was a senior editor at HarperCollins and also served for nine years as the religion editor at the University of California Press. He believes strongly in the power of books and media to catalyze the next stage of global evolutionary culture. He lives in Santa Cruz, California. For more information, please visit ideaarchitects.com and humanjourney.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0399185046
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avery; Later prt. edition (September 20, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780399185045
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0399185045
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1.2 x 8.52 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 15,058 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
15,058 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a wonderful read filled with many gems of wisdom and practical guidelines for a joyful life. They appreciate the intimate conversation between friends, with one review highlighting how the authors weave their conversations together effectively. Customers describe the book as a gift to humanity, with one review noting how it brings laughter and tears, while others praise its compassionate gratitude and respect.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

951 customers mention "Readability"920 positive31 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a wonderful and meaningful read that is beautifully written.

"The Book of Joy exceeded all my expectations! Written as a beautiful conversation between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu,..." Read more

"A good read. Everyone could learn from these two friends and world respected spiritual leaders." Read more

"Seriously, hands down the best book I've ever read!! It's a life changer! I can't wait to read it again!" Read more

"...It’s a short, but delightful book and I hope you get to read it." Read more

713 customers mention "Inspirational content"709 positive4 negative

Customers find the book meaningful and enlightening, with one customer noting how the wisdom and love were multiplied exponentially, while another mentions how it provides a well-stated foundation for a joyful life.

"...The authors tackle some of life's biggest challenges, offering actionable insights on how to find joy amidst hardship, loss, and uncertainty...." Read more

"Seriously, hands down the best book I've ever read!! It's a life changer! I can't wait to read it again!" Read more

"...We do. Each day and each moment, we are able to create and re-create our lives and the very quality of human life on our planet...." Read more

"...Instead, I was listening to two well-worn, wise persons who have something to give me, whether or not I choose to accept it...." Read more

256 customers mention "Joy"247 positive9 negative

Customers describe the book as a deep well of joy that brings a fuller, more peaceful life, with one customer noting it made them both laugh and cry.

"...are engaging, and the tone is warm and conversational, often infused with humor (I caught myself smiling multiple times)...." Read more

"...between the two, the book has content that can be lingered over, meditated upon, read again and again and taken in small bites that really sink in...." Read more

"...You see, hear, and feel tears and hugs, joking and teasing, prayer and meditation, and deep insights into life’s most perplexing issues...." Read more

"...loved this book it gives insight and makes you think and its very peaceful to read" Read more

103 customers mention "Friendship"103 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the friendship portrayed in the book, describing it as a fantastic and intimate conversation between two wise men.

"...their agreements, their disagreements, and their obvious love and respect for each other...." Read more

"...The coauthor, Douglas Abrams, does a brilliant job of weaving together their conversations, asking probing questions and guiding the reader with..." Read more

"...experienced great suffering over the years, and they are the best of friends. The kind where respect is profound...." Read more

"...2 major leaders were difficult to understand, but the joy of their friendship was evident." Read more

65 customers mention "Simplicity"65 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the simplicity of the book's teachings, finding them practical and easy to understand, with one customer noting its extraordinarily simple approach to life.

"...They're profound yet simple prescription for how one achieves happiness in life and maintains joy despite the tragedies we face is uplifting and..." Read more

"...Douglas Carlton Abrams does an excellent job of drawing together the different elements of this weeklong meeting of the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu...." Read more

"This book is a joy to read. It is filled with humor, insights, guidance and a depth of humanity that is a privilege to encounter...." Read more

"...an easy book to read and the philosophy of the to gentlemen is easy to understand" Read more

52 customers mention "Compassion"52 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the compassion in the book, noting its compassionate gratitude and respect, with one customer highlighting how it demonstrates the interconnection between suffering and joy.

"...I loved the emphasis on gratitude, forgiveness, and connection, which resonated deeply with me...." Read more

"...of each other, each free to laugh at his own expense, their generosity of spirit, their temperate complaints about everything from the infirmities..." Read more

"What a wonderful read. Such profound examples of grace, mercy, and kindness. Reminders that we are all connected. We all have darkness and light...." Read more

"...This book is no academic dialogue. You see, hear, and feel tears and hugs, joking and teasing, prayer and meditation, and deep insights into life’s..." Read more

52 customers mention "Story quality"52 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the stories in the book, describing them as great and inspiring, with one customer highlighting the fascinating account of the meeting between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

"...The chapters are engaging, and the tone is warm and conversational, often infused with humor (I caught myself smiling multiple times)...." Read more

"...It’s great. Very interesting, relaxing to read. Not a preaching/evangelism type read, but spiritual and satisfying." Read more

"...Helps to look at the humorous side of things; relates to every day, real events that are common to a human being." Read more

"...I love their stories, individually, and their journey, together, in friendship. This book inspires! A great read for you or gift for loved ones." Read more

27 customers mention "Gift value"27 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful gift, with one mentioning it's particularly great for philosophers.

"...This book inspires! A great read for you or gift for loved ones." Read more

"...The title says it all! Would make a great gift 🎁..." Read more

"This book is the perfect gift, especially to yourself. The Dalai Lama and Bishop TUTU have an amazing, loving relationship...." Read more

"...You can't. This book is a gift, and will probably have creased pages when I give it. I can't put it down...." Read more

A book to cherish for years.
5 out of 5 stars
A book to cherish for years.
I don't know why I didn't read this when it first came out, as I respect both of these men.It is one of the most influential books I've read, and it simply brings you joy as you move through the pages. The stories they share of the challenges they've faced in their lives and yet still find space for joy are breathtaking. The book now lives within my heart, and I will carry it forever.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2024
    The Book of Joy exceeded all my expectations! Written as a beautiful conversation between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, this book feels like sitting down with two wise friends who generously share their wisdom, humor, and compassion.

    The authors tackle some of life's biggest challenges, offering actionable insights on how to find joy amidst hardship, loss, and uncertainty. I particularly appreciated the balance between personal anecdotes, spiritual reflections, and scientific studies. The blend makes the book accessible to anyone, regardless of background or beliefs.

    The chapters are engaging, and the tone is warm and conversational, often infused with humor (I caught myself smiling multiple times). I loved the emphasis on gratitude, forgiveness, and connection, which resonated deeply with me.

    If you're looking for a book to inspire, comfort, and remind you of the resilience of the human spirit, this is it. I already know I’ll be revisiting it often! Highly recommend for anyone on a journey to cultivate lasting happiness.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2025
    A good read. Everyone could learn from these two friends and world respected spiritual leaders.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2025
    Seriously, hands down the best book I've ever read!! It's a life changer! I can't wait to read it again!
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2023
    Favorite Quote: No dark fate determines the future. We do. Each day and each moment, we are able to create and re-create our lives and the very quality of human life on our planet. This is the power we wield.

    Synopsis: The Book of Joy covers a week-long summit between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. First published in 2016, the ability to get these two leaders together was unpredictable until the moment they actually met. Given the Archbishop’s health condition at the time and the potential visa issues with the Dalai Lama (and his age), this meeting was recorded for posterity. The wisdom of these two renowned men fills the pages. Not only do they discuss joy, but also how to find joy no matter the circumstances, how to flip negative experiences to less negative ones, and how to build compassion and empathy into your daily life.

    Why does this book beguile? I was skeptical going when beginning The Book of Joy because I didn’t want to read some topical nonsense about being happier. I was intrigued by the friendship and differences between these men. I was pleasantly surprised by how easily the book flowed and you can really appreciate the special bond these two men have. It’s a short, but delightful book and I hope you get to read it.
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2017
    My brother commended this book to me with a an irresistible endorsement: "It's like listening to two old geezers swap stories, pondering, laughing, and jostling each other." In tone, that pretty much captures the book's spirit. The title and subtitle of this book—while sure to sell more copies, which is a very good thing—is a bit misleading. It sounds like one of a thousand self-help books, crystallized in the mid-twentieth century with Dale Carnegie and Norman Vincent Peale, perpetuated in our day by every 60-second celebrity with a cable-channel program. "The Book of Joy" is really a book about the joy of two venerable (and venerated), elderly gentlemen in each other's company. Both just happen to be international leaders of two different religious traditions, who have endured unimaginable ugliness and tragedy across their long lives, who have come out at the other end at peace with themselves and with others, and who just happened to have received, among hundreds of other accolades, the Nobel Peace Prize. (Characteristically, neither author mentions that honor in their one-paragraph biographies on the book's dust-jacket.) It is such a delight to overhear these gentlemen's conversations: their gentle ribbing of each other, each free to laugh at his own expense, their generosity of spirit, their temperate complaints about everything from the infirmities of old age to social atrocities, their agreements, their disagreements, and their obvious love and respect for each other. Yes, there are life-lessons here on everything from anger, despair, illness, and grief, but in 354 pages I never heard an autocratic pronouncement, a false note, or a cliché. Instead, I was listening to two well-worn, wise persons who have something to give me, whether or not I choose to accept it.

    No age is ever settled and altogether happy, but, for me, this book arrived at just the right moment. Instead of despair, here is reason for hope; instead of fury, a reason to laugh; instead of fear, a reason for calm. To paraphrase one of the chapter's titles: by taking a much longer view than our 24/7 world of frenzy permits, we realize "we are fortunate to be alive." Highly recommended.
    16 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2024
    What a wonderful read. Such profound examples of grace, mercy, and kindness. Reminders that we are all connected. We all have darkness and light. To live with compassion can change the world. We must start within ourselves.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2022
    Reverend Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama share their love, humor and joy with the combined force of the wisdom both have gained dealing with trauma and suffering of their people. They have both been witness to humans inflicting terrible harm on others, and they've both gone through the healing process of what comes afterwards. They're profound yet simple prescription for how one achieves happiness in life and maintains joy despite the tragedies we face is uplifting and provides a path forward. I saw the documentary, MIssion Joy, that was made during this week-long conversation and I recommend it but between the two, the book has content that can be lingered over, meditated upon, read again and again and taken in small bites that really sink in. The coauthor, Douglas Abrams, does a brilliant job of weaving together their conversations, asking probing questions and guiding the reader with his own wisdom and interpretations. He really gave the world an amazing gift to have recorded the friendship and conversation of these spiritual leaders from such different background for the rest of us to be blessed by!
    6 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Neil Caller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read.
    Reviewed in Australia on July 18, 2024
    Possibly the best book I've read. Easy to read, non judgemental and doesn't push any religion.
    Open and honest. Loved it! A real feel good experience.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book about two amazing people
    Reviewed in Spain on November 10, 2021
    Reading this really helped me to solidify and understand some of the thoughts running around in my own head as my anxiety got worse. I'm still working on implementing the ideas taught in the book, but having them there as a guide or jumping off point for understanding myself and others has helped me to feel much better about myself and my place in this world.
  • anna
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book that should be in the scholastic syllabus.
    Reviewed in Italy on August 1, 2022
    A must for everyone to read.
  • Tatiane R. Lima
    5.0 out of 5 stars Everybody should read it
    Reviewed in Brazil on January 8, 2017
    Pure Love and inspiration from those two leaders. All we need to change our lives and this crazy world we live in.
  • Laëtitia Nguyen (Blog About L.)
    5.0 out of 5 stars Joyful & Peaceful reading!
    Reviewed in France on April 1, 2022
    Loved it! I'm so grateful for this beautiful book. So much wisdom and great advice about happiness. I highly recommend it to anyone willing to become a better self & to transform their life.