The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking

"Zebras don't get ulcers" by Robert Sapolsky [ http://amzn.to/1kFszdH ] Great book on stress, it's evolutionary role and how it's screwing us up now, in the modern environment that's quite different from our evolutionary past. "Brain Rules" by John Medina [http://amzn.to/UCgCPG] John, a molecular biologist, looks at things such as health and cognitive development and performance of kids and adults from an evolutionary perspective. He highlights problems with our approaches to work and study, how these are at odds with the way our brains evolved to work and what we can do about it. Great collection of actionable advice backed up by current research. See more at http://brainrules.net/ "The world until yesterday" by Jared Diamond http://amzn.to/1AAJjNL Great book on how "traditional" societies handle trade, war and interpersonal conflicts. Lots of thing to consider taking on board in "modern" societies - such as restorative justice. "The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking" by Oliver Burkeman http://amzn.to/1rITiKX Great overview of pitfalls that "positive thinking" approach brings and how one can start employing alternative ways of attaining happiness.

I just finished this: http://www.amazon.com/The-Antidote-Happiness-Positive-Thinki... (http://www.amazon.com/The-Antidote-Happiness-Positive-Thinking/dp/0865478015) I think you will like it. It paints Buddhism and Stoicism in a very pragmatic light. I second the Discworld recomendation. The series is fantastic. Read everything Pratchett has written, it is worth it. Also: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn: the only book to truly explain the genesis scripture. The prophet by Khalil Gibran: One of the most beautiful books I've read. And please ignore Paulo Coelho books. Paulo Coelho is to Richard Bach what Dan Brown is to Humberto Eco.