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The Good Life (2013)

by Hugh Mackay(Favorite Author)

3.6 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

174261213X (ISBN13: 9781742612133)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Macmillian Australia

review 1: As I read this I found myself nodding in agreement with many of the author's points. However, as I read on it felt like he was just stating the obvious. After all, if we listen to the media or our own commonsense then we know that material possessions don't necessarily bring happiness and that good relationships are the key to a successful life. Or do we? Hugh Mackay seems to think that we don't and his book is like an overlong sermon that some of us don't want to hear. From the anecdotes in his book it seems that we need a life changing experience: poor health, an accident or some other loss, to make us realise the importance of family and friends. Unfortunately, I don't think this book will change many people's behaviour as those who probably need to read it w... moreon't.
review 2: this book made me think...a lot. Writing in his usual urbane, dispassionate manner, Mackay explores the concept of 'the good life' and looks as contemporary understanding through a long-term lens. I decided that on the whole I do live a good life as defined by Mackay and that I can do better. I decided, also, that I have had a life that has been good as the sum of its parts and that I must not be complacent, which I try hard not to be. I recommend the book as a gentle prod to some self-reflection and personal stock-taking no matter what stage of life you may be. less

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