Reviews for The Book Of Joy

by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams

Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This narrative recounts a multiday meeting of two highly regarded spiritual leaders and dear friends-the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu-during which they discussed living a life filled with joy. Despite coming from two different spiritual traditions, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu approach the cultivation of joy in similar ways. Both believe that suffering is inevitable and serves as an obstacle to experiencing joy. In addition, they recognize the interconnectedness of human beings, and how a compassionate approach helps us to alleviate pain not only for others but also for ourselves. Joy, for them, is manifested internally and transcends happiness, which is often dependent upon external circumstances. Cowriter Douglas Abrams (God's Dream) weaves scientific findings related to emotions and the brain throughout the work. Several joy practices are included for those who are seeking a practical complement to the anecdotal, philosophical, and scientific perspectives presented. VERDICT Not just for fans of the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu but for anyone seeking to cultivate compassion and joy in the face of daily reminders of divisiveness around the world.-Amanda Folk, Univ. of Pittsburgh Lib., Greensburg © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.


Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Imagine being in the room for a conversation between two of the most recognizable spiritual leaders of modern times, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Thanks to this book, readers can do more than imagine. The two deeply spiritual and surprisingly jovial friends came together for several days to discuss a range of topics compassion, suffering, loneliness, gratitude but always ultimately came back to their primary theme, joy. Over the course of their protracted conversation, the duo provides insight into their faiths' guiding principles, gently disagreeing at times but more frequently finding common ground and spending some time teasing each other in the process. For all of their protestations that they are both just regular men, there is no doubt that each is something special. Readers will come away with great hope and gratitude for being welcomed into the conversation.--Engel, Christine Copyright 2016 Booklist