One Book - Book Club
Leader - Barry Russell
Leader - Barry Russell
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams
Over the course of four sessions and through lively, friendly, and focused discussions, participants in the One Book - Book Club meet to discuss a single, carefully selected work known for its thematic richness. This activity may be of interest to individuals who would enjoy diving deep into one book, exploring its perspectives, and sharing reactions in a relaxed space where every interpretation is valued as part of the conversation.
In 2026 meeting dates are January 20th, February 10th, March 3rd, and March 24th. I typically host the One Book – Book Club meetings in my home in Comox. Each evening will begin at 7 PM and last 1 ½ to 2 hours. There is a cap of 8 participants.
This year’s One Book – Book Club selection is The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World. In this book we get to "listen in" as Nobel Peace Prize recipients, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, meets with the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, anti-apartheid and human rights activist. In this book we will read their insights on the Nature of True Joy, how to confront obstacles to joy, and learn about the Eight Pillars of Joy.
The Book of Joy is a very accessible and readable book and should serve as a springboard for many interesting discussions.
Before signing up for this year's One Book – Book Club, do some research to determine if this year's selection is one you would enjoy reading and discussing over the course of 4 meetings. There are on-line reviews of The Book of Joy as well as excerpts from the book.
If you think you would enjoy discussion topics such as…
In 2026 meeting dates are January 20th, February 10th, March 3rd, and March 24th. I typically host the One Book – Book Club meetings in my home in Comox. Each evening will begin at 7 PM and last 1 ½ to 2 hours. There is a cap of 8 participants.
This year’s One Book – Book Club selection is The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World. In this book we get to "listen in" as Nobel Peace Prize recipients, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, meets with the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, anti-apartheid and human rights activist. In this book we will read their insights on the Nature of True Joy, how to confront obstacles to joy, and learn about the Eight Pillars of Joy.
The Book of Joy is a very accessible and readable book and should serve as a springboard for many interesting discussions.
Before signing up for this year's One Book – Book Club, do some research to determine if this year's selection is one you would enjoy reading and discussing over the course of 4 meetings. There are on-line reviews of The Book of Joy as well as excerpts from the book.
If you think you would enjoy discussion topics such as…
- Should seeking joy play an important role in our lives?
- Does religion or any other spiritual practice have a critical role in creating a sense of joy?
- Should schools be a place where children are taught deeper human values? If so, what should those values be?
- Is forgiveness a pillar of joy?