Listening for Clues to Happiness

YOU CAN BE HAPPY NO MATTER WHAT by Richard Carlson

New World Library, abridged nonfiction, two cassettes. Length: three hours. $17.95. Read by the author. Available in bookstores or by calling (800) 972-6657.

Richard Carlson, author of “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,” teaches five basic principles for maintaining consistent contentment. Carlson says we can be happy even before we solve all of our problems. This is done by understanding principles such as “The Principle of the Present Moment,” and then applying those theorems to everyday life. Although he quotes and cribs from many sources, including Henry David Thoreau, this is basically Buddhism 101.

It also is sensible and easy to understand. Carlson believes that while we may not have control over many aspects of our lives, we do have control over our reactions to those circumstances.

As a reader, the author matches his moderate approach to life with clear diction and even tones. His voice is well-modulated, and his timing, praiseworthy. He is also enthusiastic, not over the top, but lively and sincere, which are always selling points. Though this audio is abridged, little is lost, and hearing Carlson read his work compensates for those cuts.

THE PLEASURE ZONE by Stella Resnick

HighBridge Audio, abridged nonfiction; two cassettes. Length: three hours. $16.95. Read by the author. Available in bookstores or by calling (800) 755-8532.

If you want to learn to accept life and control your reactions to it, tune into Richard Carlson’s “You Can Be Happy No Matter What,” and ignore this confusing jumble. Author Stella Resnick presents a mountain of information, tossing it at us at such a fast pace, we can never process it all aurally. Perhaps, if we read the book several times, her mini chapters and snippets of information would do us some good. As it stands, this is psychobabble at its worst.

Resnick explores the connection between happiness and pleasure and how we can expand the boundaries of that pleasure. She speaks of mental, emotional and sensual joy; there is talk of love and learning to enjoy our bodies. Unfortunately, much of what she says can be found elsewhere in a more concise and, hence, more helpful format.

Part of the problem is that Resnick is not an able reader. Her delivery is often singsong. She is excessively enthusiastic in places, doesn’t sound comfortable and certainly is not polished. She tries to say so much so quickly that eventually all you can hear is her voice and not her meaning.