Book Review: Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee

by Irene Roth, Bog Editor/Writer

This book explores how tangible elements in our environment can evoke joy. Lee, a designer with a background in aesthetics and psychology, delves into how everyday surroundings influence our emotional well-being. The book discusses how the physical elements around us, such as color, shape, nature, playfulness—can lift us up.

The book is divided into ten themes, or “aesthetics of joy,” including color, abundance, energy, freedom, and celebration. For instance, Lee discusses how color can affect mood, citing studies on how vibrant hues boost energy and create positive associations. Lee uses accessible language and everyday examples, like playgrounds or balloons, to illustrate her points, making the research feel relevant to daily life.

Lee also brings in scientific findings and interviews with psychologists, designers, and artists, highlighting the importance of small, joyful adjustments. For example, she describes how urban spaces can be made more joyful by adding splashes of color, greenery, or unexpected shapes. She gives practical advice, like how to rearrange your home or add playful elements to your wardrobe to evoke a sense of joy.

One of the many strengths of Joyful is its visual and engaging writing style. Lee’s background in design clearly influences her writing, making abstract psychological concepts feel tangible and actionable. However, some readers may feel that the advice can be somewhat general or simplistic, as it doesn’t deeply address complex psychological conditions or the nuances of cultural perceptions of joy.

Overall, the book is an uplifting read that challenges the conventional view of happiness as solely an internal journey. Instead, Lee demonstrates that joy can often be cultivated by intentionally designing our surroundings to be more vibrant, playful, and welcoming. It’s a recommended read for anyone looking to add more color to their lives.

I chose this book to include this month on simple pleasures because it has helped me cultivate simple joys in the ordinary things in our lives. We don’t need things to be more complex. We just need to cultivate the cozy comforts of home and hearth. This is especially the case during the holidays when sitting beside a Christmas tree can add so much comfort and joy to our lives.

Happy Holidays Everyone!