Happy Wednesday, My Lovelies! On today's What I'm Reading Wednesday post I'm sharing The Happiness Crisis by Jonathan Eckert. Although this book is written with the younger generation in mind (a super read for parents and grandparents), I think it would pair nicely with the book I featured this past Monday entitled Emotional Endurance.
About The Happiness Crisis: How Adversity Can Build a Resilient and Joyful Next Generation
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication date: August 4, 2026
Chasing what feels easy is a human instinct—but it’s only when young people embrace challenges that they become stronger versions of themselves and lead more joyful, meaningful lives.
In our happiness-obsessed society, we can become isolated in comfort zones and overly focused on temporary pleasures. Kids naturally do the same. In our effort to protect and help them, we often shield them from discomfort. But are we unwittingly denying them experiences that will form them into strong, capable adults? Could it be that we’re training them to believe that challenges ought to be avoided, and that if they’re struggling, they’re not well?
In The Happiness Crisis, global educational leader Jon Eckert speaks from decades of experience, explaining how he has seen parents, teachers, and coaches nurture transformation in kids ages 9 to 22. With practical wisdom, humor, and real-world evidence, he’ll show you how to
- invite young people into challenges, risks, and adventures;
- prioritize real-life connections that show others they matter;
- resist living in echo chambers and chasing fleeting success; and
- welcome kids into lives that move beyond circumstantial happiness to lasting joy.
Decades from now, the most resilient adults will be the most joyful. They’ll know that joy isn’t freedom from struggle; it’s the fuel that allows them to struggle well.
Young people can begin living that way now—if we invite them to.
My Thoughts
I agree: children should be challenged and taught how to deal with life's difficulties and failures. Not everyone wins in spite of participation trophies. And our victimhood culture does not help children grow and flourish. From what I have read in this book, Jonathan Eckert does have some very good practical advice and strategies that have served young people well. He shares these strategies along with his experiences implementing them. My two favorite chapters are "Kids Grow Up by Doing Hard Thing" and "Stop Pushing Self-Care Culture on Kids." As a Christian, I do believe that joy should be prioritized over happiness (one of his biggest points in the book). I'm not sure that I agree with Eckert's belief on how "true joy" emerges.
Overall, this is an interesting book from a well-renowned educator. If you are interested in how to help children and young adults better cope with our complicated world, you will find helpful information in this book.
About the Author
Jonathan Eckert has spent his career helping students become more of who they are meant to be. Now the Copple Professor of Educational Leadership at Baylor University and executive director of the Baylor Center for School Leadership, he first taught and coached intermediate and middle grade students outside of Chicago and Nashville. After earning a doctorate at Vanderbilt University, he served in the U.S. Department of Education under both the Bush and Obama administrations and later prepared teachers at Wheaton College. Jon and his wife, Carolyn, raised three kids and are about to be empty nesters. They are embracing Texas even if Jon still hasn’t bought boots or a cowboy hat.
Disclosure: I received a softcover copy of The Happiness Crisis from the publisher via TLC Book Reviews in exchange for a fair and honest review.
TLC review tour schedule:
Wednesday, August 5th: @spaceonthebookcase (
Friday, August 7th: @charitys.book.escapes (
Monday, August 17th: @stumblingintobooks
Wednesday, August 19th: @fullybookedinkentucky
Friday, August 21st: @Mama_Coffee_Books_
Saturday, August 22nd: @spaceonthebookcase
Monday, August 24th: @teaandbookstoo and Read
Wednesday, August 26th: The Bookish Dilettante
Thursday, August 27th: @beckys_bookshelves
Friday, August 28th: @charitys.book.escapes
Sunday, August 30th: @webreakforbooks
Monday, August 31st: @oilycaffeinatedmama
Wednesday, September 2nd: @danamarielovestoread
Friday, September 4th: @charitys.book.escapes
Friday, September 4th: @kristens.reading.nook
Until next time...
Happy reading!
Ricki Jill
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