The Happiness Code

by Amy Herrick

From the author of the acclaimed story collection "At the Sign of the Naked Waiter" comes a magical love story--set in a futuristic Brooklyn--that explores family, marriage, and destiny in a world... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670031976
• ISBN13: 9780670031979
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 310 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

I loved this book

This book was so enjoyable to read. This is a book that so easily allowed my mind to create and visualize each character and event, as if watching a movie. Between the covers, I read of so much emotion; pain, anger, happiness, sadness, hope. But what really held my attention were the MAGIC and MIRACLES that the author so perfectly included. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this gifted author.

Thought-provoking

You've seen the summary and plot-line of the book in other reviews, so I won't rehash. I will tell you, though, what makes this book a five-star read for me is the question that the book poses -- and ultimately answers. Is all-encompassing happiness truly that desirable? I don't want to spoil the plot points that spell out the answer (though it's never shoved down your throat), but I think we all know the answer anyway. Pain and suffering may very well be necessary in order to exist. This was an easy book to read, but a hard one to forget. I am a speed reader, and rarely remember fine points, or even the titles of some of the books I have read. But this one ... this one sticks in my mind, and comes up at odd times. I challenge you to read "The Happiness Code" and not do the same.

Entertaining read

I breezed through this one yesterday, and enjoyed every moment of it. This is not a book that will gather rewards, or one that will become a classic. I do predict that this is one of those books that you will pass around to friends and family, and suggest to someone looking for "just something to read" Fun characters, interesting sideways sort of perspective, generally good fun.

Another great one by Herrick-FINALLY

Over 10 years ago I read At the Sign of the Naked Waiter by Amy Herrick and absolutely LOVED it! (It's still one of my favorites.) I'd check every now and then and see if she'd written another, but always no. Now she's finally come out with another book. I wish it didn't take her so long, but boy is it worth it. A fantastic story, interesting characters, and riveting plot development. And lots of philosophy, specifically on the issue of the importance of happiness. Really gets you thinking. Ms. Herrick does an incredible job of writing about everyday life (granted a little in the future), with just enough whimiscal happenings to remind you that anything is possible.

Great yarn! Sci Fi meets neurotic family

This is a sweet and charming story about a pessimistic scientist, his upbeat wife, their aloof, aventurous cat and their bright but too serious 7 year old son. Into their life comes a mysterious and too happy baby who is eventually stolen by a mad scientist. The story is also populated by an interesting array of warm hearted friends and neighbors who are working through their own issues. The book is well-written, a real page turner and essentially upbeat but raises in novel ways many time-old morale questions. It is a thoughtful book and before it ends you will become attached to these characters -- how about a sequel, Ms. Herrick? I highly recommend this book!