For centuries, philosophers and, later, self-help authors have debated how best to live “the good life”: Some prize happiness; others prioritize meaning. In The Art of Interesting, philosopher and Middlebury professor Besser argues that a critical element has been missing from this centuries-old conversation: the pursuit of “the interesting,” or psychological richness. We need all three—happiness, meaning, and psychological richness—to lead a truly good life.

Besser’s argument is compelling. She stresses that feelings of happiness and fulfillment are both critical to a good life, but they’re not sufficient. We also need to embrace interesting experiences: experiences that engage us cognitively, tap our curiosity and imagination, and challenge us. Her suggestions for tapping the interesting (try new things, experience new perspectives vicariously through books and television, follow your passions, etc.) aren’t particularly novel—many self-help books give similar recommendations. What does feel fresh is Besser’s insistence that we should treat life as an adventure rather than an obstacle course of challenges separating us from the things we desire. For those of us burnt out from an endless striving toward happiness and purpose, it’s refreshing to be reminded that there’s a third option, and that this option may offer the excitement and satisfaction that’s eluded us in our pursuit of the good life.

As are most things philosophical, most answers to pursuing the good life are not clear cut. Dr. Besser approaches the topic with a pragmatic course of study of the self, from embracing curiosity, novelty and challenges to applying perspective to experiences and what is gained from all experiences, good and bad. I found it it be a helpful guide to living more authentically.

I love this. I am always seeking new experiences but also it is hard in today's world. I guess that is why I read and start new hobbies so often. Anyway we should also be seeking new interesting things.

Dr Besser examines what it means to live an interesting life that includes psychological richness, meaning, and happiness. Are you most determined to have a life that is fulfilling, interesting, or pleasurable?

Each choice we make leads in the direction of our future. Each choice brings consequences, some known but most not even on our radar. This book explores how our decisions, our goals, and our lifestyles determine how satisfying and purposeful our lives will be to us and others.

Worth reading. The quizzes and worksheet at the end are thought-provoking and will help you read the direction you have chosen in life. If it's time for a shift or an evaluation, get a copy of this book.

I was lucky enough to win an e-ARC of THE ART OF THE INTERESTING by Lorraine Besser from PW’s Grab a Galley promotion. Thank you for the early look, and enjoy the rest of your summer!

In seeking the good life, most of us look for happiness and/or fulfillment, but Lorraine Besser encourages us to also consider the interesting. While the interesting can be pleasurable or meaningful, it doesn't have to be either of those things to contribute to the good life. In a conversational style that makes you feel like you are just hanging out with the author, The Art of the Interesting explores our ideas of what makes a good life and also encourages the reader to make room for the interesting.

This book was not my cup of tea. There were some tidbits of information that were more interesting or useful, but most of it did not catch my attention. I lost interest in the book and skipped some parts. I honestly thought the book would be more about "the interesting" but it seemed like it talked more about the good life than the interesting. The book mentioned many other concepts: creativity, curiosity, pleasure, passion, happiness. I understand that all of these things (the interesting included) play a role in the good life and are intertwined with each other, but I felt like I wanted more about the interesting.

Although it wasn't quite what I was hoping for, I'm thankful I got a chance to read this book. Thank you to the author, the publisher, NetGalley, and Publisher's Weekly for giving me a chance to read about the interesting and the good life.

A refreshing self help book. The author argues that to have a good life, try being open to the “interesting”. Good chapters against pursuing and for being ioen and curious to be more satisfied in life.

Ms Beaser takes the reader on her own journey but also encourages the reader to reflect on their own life, activities, values, and interests. This is a thought-provoking and worthwhile read as life is meant to be examined and a challenge.

I decided to stop reading at about the 15% mark — ultimately, this book was very hard to read and understand. The author’s concepts and language felt very jumbled; there was a lot to say but it was just not organized in an accessible order or structure. For example, I wish the explanation the author gives for the term “Good Life” in Part 1 had actually occurred in the introduction (where it is mentioned numerous times, but not defined until the next section). Some portions felt too conversational while others felt so academic that I couldn’t follow—felt like drafts trying to figure out what tone the book should take.

I think this book would be better suited for someone already familiar with either the author’s previous work or the field/theories of philosophy in general.