Positivity: Groundbreaking research reveals how to embrace the hidden strength of positive emotions, overcome negativity, and thrive, 2009, Barbara Fredrickson (reviewed by Aaron Jarden).
Positivity is an accessible to read, stunningly forceful book. Backed up by research, Frederickson lays out ten forms of positivity—joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, pride, amusement, inspiration, awe and love. A key asset of this book is that it supplies scientific evidence to illustrate her conclusions. For example, that a 3:1 positivity ratio of positive thoughts to negative emotions creates a tipping point between languishing and flourishing. Positivity includes case studies, personal stories, tangible suggestions, a Positivity Self Test, and a tool kit for decreasing negativity and raising the positivity ratio. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, comments that Positivity “provides a wonderful synthesis of what positive psychology has accomplished in the first decade of its existence. It is full of deep insights about human behavior as well as useful suggestions for how to apply them in everyday life” and I concur. This book has changed the way I understand postive emotion. Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness, comments regarding 'Positivity' - "read one or two chapters daily as needed or until grumpiness subsides".
Positive Psychology in a Nutshell: A Balanced Introduction to the Science of Optimal Functioning, 2006, Ilona Boniwell (reviewed by Aaron Jarden).
This very cheap (seven pounds from amazon.co.uk) and introductory book provides a breadth of information about positive psychology in just over 100 short pages. Published in May 2006, and written in an accessible, friendly, conversational, and engaging style with light-hearted illustrations, it also provides a smidgen of critical commentary. Topics covered include research findings and thinking on areas such as happiness, flow, optimism, motivation, character strengths, wisdom, positive aging, love and more. No other slim volume covers so much in so little, which makes it an ideal starting point to learn more. The extensive reference section at the end is also a great pointer to further reading.
Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth, 2008, Ed Diener and Robert Biswas–Diener (reviewed by Douglas Turner).
This new book (released September 16, 2008) answers questions such as: Can money buy happiness? (Ch. 6). Are happier people healthier? (Ch. 3). Do happier people get paid more? (Ch. 5). Are religious/spiritual people happier? (Ch. 7). Are some people just born happier? (Ch. 9). The Diener’s draw on the most current research in the field of Positive Psychology to answer these questions. Sometimes the answers are “yes,” sometimes the answers are “no,” and sometimes the best and most honest answer is “it depends.”. The Diener’s explore the research findings that are related to each of the components of psychological wealth: Life satisfaction, Spirituality and meaning in life, Positive attitudes and emotions, Loving social relationships, Engaging activities and work, Values and life goals to achieve them, Physical and mental health, and Material sufficiency to meet our needs. In doing so the book is divided into four parts. Part one focuses on understanding true wealth and the explanation of the concept of psychological wealth. Part two is focused on why happy people function better physically, socially, and at work. Part three digs deeper into the other components of psychological wealth including money, religion/spirituality, culture, and “the happiness set point.” Part four pulls everything together and provides a series of surveys and questionnaires for the reader to take to measure one’s own psychological wealth. If you think all this science and research results in a dull, dry book to read, think again. This book is absolutely a delight to read. The Diener’s have made the science very accessible and practical. You will love the stories they weave into the text – both the stories about themselves and the stories about the people they have studied. The Diener’s take us along on their adventures around the world. From Africa to the Arctic to the Amazon, we tag along as they unlock the mysteries of happiness. As you read the book you come to understand why Ed is known as the “Jedi Master of Happiness” and why Robert has been called the “Indiana Jones of Psychology.” Get the book, settle into a comfortable chair, buckle your seatbelt, and enjoy the ride. 
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