I just bought 3 copies of this book to give to friends. It is a beautiful piece of art with powerfully organized advice about the important stuff that keeps all of us from living life to the fullest.

I was reading my copy of it in the gym this morning. The lady on the exercise machine behind me asked "what is that book you are reading?" I told her about it and she said "I have many friends who should read it." I have many friends who should read it too, but I'm not going to lend my copy to any of them without having a backup at home for myself and one to share with the members of my family.

I'm not going to say that this book has changed my life, but I do think that having read this book twice will help me change my life.

I'm a 22 year-old (Catholic) student about to embark upon the daunting "Real World," and my mom just gave me this book. I'm buying it for all my girlfriends as a graduation gift; I've found it entirely self-helpful in a witty, stop-complaining-and live-in-the-now, NOT-your-mom's-advice pocket-sized book. And with each page's creative graphic eye-candy, and laugh-out-loud quotable counsel (I have) it's just incredibly difficult to put down. I'd like to shake Ms. Salmansohn's hand.

I can't say enough about how much I love this book! I came across it in a bookstore when I was grieving the unexpected loss of a loved one in addition to a series of smaller tragedies. I was intrigued by the title, as I was extremely cynical and had no interest in wimpy "the world is a wonderful place" type self-help books. This book hit the spot! Karen Salmansohn speaks in a language that I completely relate to - very catchy, but with logical explanations for the information she provides. The bright pictures and catchy analogies made it very easy and pleasant to read. In some places the photos spoke almost as loudly as the words. I related so well to Ms. Salmansohn's style that I have since bought three of her other books and have not been disappointed. She is one of those gifted writers whose ability to express herself in so many new and fresh ways just blows me away! This book has literally been my lifeline for several months now, and I intend to buy copies for all my friends. I highly recommend this book for anyone who needs a pick-me-up, or a hopeful new perspective.

I love most of the books by Karen Salmansohn. And I agree that How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic's Guide to Spiritual Happiness, is one of her very best -- nice graphics, attractive book, with a funny and warmly helpful message. I have to add, with Valentine's Day coming (but good year round), she just published a new book, How to Speak Fluent Lovey Dovey in 11 Languages in 24 Hours, and I love it, too. Also attractively designed with a positive yet funny message.

This is a bright and entertaining guide (or stimulus) for people who are prone to cynicism and pessimism. The book design is itself a pleasure to behold -- bright, colorful graphics that are creatively designed and boldly executed. Perhaps the jaded and cynical among us can be more happy, especially spiritually happy (more than socially), without having to become people who use those yellow smiley face symbols all over the place. I like that premise and hope it works for a lot of people. Being an anti-smiley-face person myself, I love the cover of Barbara Held's book "Stop Smiling, Start Kvetching" which draws a red 'NO' circle and line through that ubiquitous yellow face. Now I have noticed among my circle of friends that different people like or dislike different ones of Karen Salmansohn's many books. So if "How To Be Happy -- Dammit" does not appeal to your taste in books, you might want to check out her newest 2003 book, "How To Change Your Entire Life By Doing Absolutely Nothing." Salmansohn has a fabulous sense of humor, and she also is very perceptive about what it is like to be an individual living in contemporary society, in a manner that can be helpful as well as entertaining. Great combination.

Matthew Firth has managed, in his bare bones approach, to define Everyman in urban Canada. His characters represent more of the masses than most people are willing to admit. His stripped down style of writing produces the desired effect of bold character definition with story details left to the imagination. It makes one wonder when the great Canadian novel will come.