One of the greatest books IMHO which gives very practical advice how to achieve and maintain happiness in life is Raymond Hull's old classic (1969) "How to get what you want". Interestingly enough (and although written by a Canadian) it is quite well known in Europe, not so much in the US: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-get-what-you-want-ray... the comment section on amazon is interesting to read as well: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0671783270/