“201 Positive Psychology Applications by Fredrike Bannink offers so many pos­itive ideas, concepts, and applications that readers will soon find themselves in a positive mindset. In this 303-page book, I was only on page 38 when realized that the author, had written so many positive things I believe in, that it would be im­possible to remember them all. And not only are there many positive applications, but Bannink wisely includes studies that affirm the importance of positive ap­proaches and a positive mindset.

This book contains seven chapters, an index, references, helpful websites, ap­plications, and a page about the author. Chapter 1 not only provides the definition of positive psychology, but stresses its influence and impact on people's lives, which is to enhance, extend, and make life meaningful.

Chapter 2 on positive emotion suggests not asking ourselves: "What do I want?" but rather, "What would bring me joy?" This is just one example of power of this book.

Chapter 3, Engagement, lists three types of narratives: 1) those that progress toward a goal, 2} those that are stable, and 3) those that digress. To appreciate how simple and profound these narratives are, compare this to the 34 plotlines the au­thor alludes to that are supposed to encompass all stories ever written. This is part ofwhat I like about this book. The author doesn't actually say what these 34 plot­lines are; instead she elegantly offers facts; application 62 shows how to change a negative narrative into a positive one.

Chapter 4 is about relationships. The author points out that having positive re­lationships with people who can share in our success helps us to live longer. This chapter includes Application 103: Use Honeymoon Talk. The idea is that we should talk with our partners about the positive start of the relationship, and about the things that have gone right. This chapter also includes a section about lessons we can learn from geese!

Chapter 5 is about meaning. The author states what most of us intuitively know: that finding meaning and purpose is important to living a life of happiness. Appli­cation 142 is about how to find meaning in the best, worst, and most ordinary events in life.

Chapter 6 deals with accomplishments, and how those contribute to self-es­teem, and feelings of purpose and meaning. In Chapter 7, the applications of the book are condensed, and there are notes about places where one can go to get tools to help with things like cognitive bias modification.

I especially appreciated all the results of studies in this book. It is powerful for us as people and therapists to know that new ways of thinking are empirically val­idated. One I particularly liked was The Nun Study of Aging and Alzheimer's. It discovered the relationship between positive stories of early life and living a long life.

I recommend this book as a resource book of inspiration to revive positive emotions and mindset. ”