The Happy Homebody
A Field Guide to the Great Indoors
Elizabeth Gray’s The Happy Homebody embraces the at-home lifestyle, delivering tips and inspiration for others to do the same.
Staying in has been the recent reality for many people, making Gray’s field guide to enjoying being at home all the more appealing. In it, she explores different facets of the good life that can be found without leaving one’s house. These include dreaming about an ideal day, savoring small moments, embracing the spirit of play, learning new things and exploring creative hobbies, and reading and relaxing.
Prompts delve into one’s own preferences for time at home, such as reflection on activities enjoyed as a child, encouraging learning about something that sparks one’s curiosity, or imagining the home as divided into places to have different kinds of fun. These thought-starters mix with illustrations, essays, tips, recipes, and games, encouraging excitement about the comforts of home. Fun extras are included, like a window cling sun catcher, bookmarks, a downloadable morning coffee playlist, and nail art stickers; these reinforce the book’s sense of whimsy and delight.
In addition to embracing the homebody lifestyle, the book acts as a manifesto of mindfulness. It issues calls to rest and relish quiet moments spent with a good book, or in the adult equivalent of a blanket fort. It’s as much about connection to one’s self, reflection on priorities, and engaging in activities that bring one joy as it is about the location where those things happen. Its cozy hodgepodge of advice, encouragement, and reflection space complement its overall tone.
For those who love staying in, The Happy Homebody is the perfect starter kit for maximizing time inside.
Reviewed by
Sarah White
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
