I'd Rather Laugh: How to Be Happy Even When Life Has Other Plans for You

by Linda Richman

Book Overview

The self-described "typical Jewish girl from Long Island" and the most popular speaker at the world-renowned Canyon Ranch Spa presents a tears and laughter guidebook to help readers withstand life's hard knocks. Richman--the basis of the Saturday Night Live "Coffee Talk" character developed by her son-in-law, Mike Myers--makes it her mission to get everyone to shake off the blues and make their way back into the world.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446678074
• ISBN13: 9780446678070
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Find Contentment From The Inside...

Your Happiness Is There For Good. This is a powerful life altering book in the disguise of a humorous bitter sweet story of a Jewish woman from Queens. I loved it! Linda tells of how she works with many people who you would think are happy because of all their wealth, power and material possessions, but that is not necessarily the case. Wealth, power and material possessions are great to have but having satisfaction, loving relationships and fun is even more rewarding. I found her writing style to be easy to follow and not too philosophical where I could attain the self realization she writes of. I feel I have gained a friendship through reading Linda's book, one which I look forward to visiting with from time to time.I liked where Linda writes "Express all your feelings, sorrow and joy and everything in between. Repressing them makes you numb." To fight or to try and change them just doesn't work. Another wonderful book that came to mind for me is called "Working On Yourself Doesn't Work" by Ariel and Shya Kane. Linda and the Kanes both write of how simple non judgmental noticing of how you are will transform your life. Where you live life directly as a true expression of yourself.I also appreciated Linda's avocation of having lots of fun in your life. I rented two of the movies mentioned in her book and like reading Linda's book I cried, laughed and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I highly recommend buying and reading both "Working On Yourself Doesn't Work" by the Kanes and "I'd Rather Laugh" by Linda Richman.

I'm laughing too!

Like Linda I've experienced the loss of a child-two in fact, in a car accident. I've arrived at a point where I too can laugh but I am enjoying the journey much more with Linda. This book is the perfect reality check for just how well you're doing and how you can try a little harder. It's for everyone, not just those who have experienced a tragedy. My advice-"Get this book, Read this book, Share this book." Thank you Linda, it's been great reading your thoughts, advice, and sharing your humor.

This book saved my life

Linda Richman has been through so much. It's painful to read about some of the tragedies she's endured, but uplifting to see how they've made her a stronger person. Her advice is excellent, her writing is engaging, and the help she gives in dealing with adversity has made me a stronger person. I am now able to use the tools she writes about in her book in my own life. Before I read this book, I did not know how to deal with the pain of some of the things that have happened to me. Linda has shown me how to have courage, humor and strength, and I truly believe that reading her book saved me from going over the edge.

I'D RATHER LAUGH

I would recommend this book to anyone who has gone through (or is going through) the hardships of life and still has not found their way out. Linda has a wonderful and funny way of helping us with almost everything that life brings us. She has been to hell and back and she can still laugh. She had me in tears and also laughing so hard, I thought my sides would split. But most of all, she made me think about how I live my life and how I handle all the problems that come my way. It's more than just a self-help book, it's her life story and it's one very good read. Do yourself a big favor today. Buy the book. You will laugh and cry, but you will also learn so much about yourself too.

i'd rather laugh if i could

i just finished reading this and i'm exhausted from laughing and crying. lindas wit and wisdom have lifted my own spirits. i just loved this book.. shes funny, smart, witty and has lived through what most of us have lived through and much more. she seems to be able to talk to you as you would to a best friend.. i admire her strength, vulnerability and courage but most of all i loved her honestly. she exposes a heart that has been broken and repaired many times.. her life lessons are a real inspiration. i recommend this book to all of those who have suffered losses of any kind. people who have lost anyone can relate to this book. anyone who has lost a dream will relate to this.. we all hope our lives turn out a certain way and when it doesn't we're disappointed... this book shows us how to return to joy and laughter with some practical help.. nothing airy fairy here. i thank linda for writing this book .