Book Review: Everything You Wanted to Know About Happiness and Wellbeing (But Were Too Miserable to Ask) by A.R. Arnold

Hey everyone, welcome back to another book review! If you're new here, I focus on books that tackle happiness, midlife challenges, and overall wellbeing—because let’s face it, getting older isn’t always smooth sailing. Got a book you’d like me to review? Drop your recommendations in the comments!

Now, let’s dive into Everything You Wanted to Know About Happiness and Wellbeing (But Were Too Miserable to Ask) by A.R. Arnold.

Not Your Typical Self-Help Book

Most books on happiness tend to be either overly simplistic ("just think positive!") or packed with so much science that they feel like a psychology textbook. Arnold manages to strike a balance—delivering a mix of science, personal reflection, and practical advice in a way that’s both engaging and humorous. From the very first page, the book reassures readers that it won’t promise instant happiness but instead offers realistic, actionable steps to cultivate long-term wellbeing.

What’s Inside?

The book is divided into three parts:
✔ Part One: Beyond Billboard Happiness – This section explores why so many of us feel unfulfilled despite having everything we think should make us happy. Arnold dissects how society sells us a dream version of life—one that often leaves us chasing temporary highs rather than true wellbeing. He introduces the concept of the WEALTH mindset (Will, Experience, Action, Learning, Time, and Habits) as the foundation for real, lasting happiness.

✔ Part Two: Recipe for Wellbeing – Here, Arnold lays out 19 essential "ingredients" for a meaningful life. Topics include gratitude, mindfulness, exercise, social connection, and even how avoiding overthinking can improve your overall happiness. What’s great about this section is that it acknowledges that not every strategy will work for everyone—you get to choose the "recipe" that best suits your life.

✔ Part Three: From Well Now to Well Always – This is where things get practical. Arnold dives into why we struggle with motivation, how to overcome procrastination, and how to build good habits that stick. If you’re someone who starts a self-improvement journey only to give up after a few weeks, this section is gold.

Why It Works

One of the book’s biggest strengths is its realism. Arnold doesn’t sugarcoat things. He acknowledges that life is hard, brains are wired for survival (not happiness), and most of us are stuck in cycles of comparison and self-sabotage. But instead of leaving you feeling hopeless, he offers clear, practical ways to break those cycles.

The tone is casual and humourous, which makes it an easy read. If you’re sick of self-help books that feel like lectures, you’ll appreciate Arnold’s conversational style—think of it as getting life advice from a brutally honest but well-meaning friend.

Who Should Read It?

This book is perfect for anyone who:
✔ Feels stuck in a midlife rut and wants practical advice on how to feel better
✔ Is tired of chasing temporary "happiness hacks" that don’t last
✔ Wants to better understand the science behind wellbeing without drowning in jargon
✔ Needs a push to start making meaningful changes in their life

Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Anyone Who Wants to Feel Happier (Without the BS)

A.R. Arnold delivers a no-nonsense, insightful, and entertaining guide to happiness and wellbeing. Rather than promising quick fixes, the book encourages readers to shift their mindset and build habits that actually lead to long-term fulfillment. If you’re looking for a book that will challenge the way you think about happiness and give you tools to improve your life, this one is a must-read.

⭐ Rating: 5/5

Get your copy from Amazon.

What do you think? Have you read this book? Let me know in the comments—and don’t forget to send in your book recommendations!