The Power of Fun by Catherine Price

THE POWER OF FUN by Catherine Price is subtitled “How to Feel Alive Again” and seems like a timely read as we transition from one year to the next in the midst of a pandemic.  Price writes in an engaging manner with a conversational tone; she begins by sharing personal stories involving her daughter and husband. The first part of her book defines “fun,” distinguishing “True Fun” – that is, a source of energy and invigoration. Price argues that we can all “create space by doing fewer things, so that you can take advantage of opportunities for True Fun in your life that already exist and spend your free time in more targeted ways.” In the second part of the book, Price guides readers through a Fun Audit, discusses pursuing passions, attracting Fun, and keeping at it. She says, “breaking fun down into playfulness, connection, and flow made me realize that there were still ways to incorporate microdoses of fun into my life… delights to notice … friends to call… interests, hobbies, and passions…”  Take a few moments and reflect, do you agree with Price that “we pay far more attention to correcting what’s wrong – and finding problems that need to be “fixed” – than we do to enjoying and nurturing what is going right?” Her book offers valuable insights into changing what we want to pay attention to in the moment.  THE POWER OF FUN received a starred review from Library Journal. Look for it on our shelves soon. Similar titles include Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans (referenced by Price), Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee, and works like  Super Better by Jane McGonigal.