Thich Nhat Hanh make life sound simple. Every time I find myself struggling with life and turn to this book I end up with advice like “Sit. Smile. Breathe.”

It sounds so simplistic. How could this possibly make things work right in the modern world But in practice, I’ve found that this improves life in the modern world greatly. No matter what is going on, if I stop to sit (and be aware), if I breathe (consciously and deeply), if I let a smile curl itself up on my face – whatever the situation is, I am better prepared to handle it.

Hanh shares some beautiful poetry and Buddhist lore in the book. The book emphasizes positive mental/spiritual growth, not stern austerity. It is a gentle teaching from a gentle (but incredibly powerful) soul.

This book is for anybody, regardless of spiritual orientation, who feels any attraction to the title. It is best read in small pieces and then contemplated and practiced. This is a life changing book.