Think of it as one very large campus book club.

This year, President Taylor Randall is giving all first-year students copies of a unique self-help book: Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier.

During Plazapalooza on Aug. 27, 4,500 copies of the new book by University of Utah Impact Scholar Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor, and media megastar Oprah Winfrey will be available to students just starting at the university. The books will include a written message from the president.

“This book isn’t just an interesting read—it can serve as a toolkit for enhancing your college experience,” Randall said. “It illuminates a pathway to greater happiness. And it offers practical strategies for managing your emotions and shows that we have the power to shape how we react to life’s circumstances.”

A columnist for The Atlantic and social scientist, Brooks was named a U impact scholar in 2022. He spends three or four days each semester on campus participating in guest lectures and roundtables, and meeting with students and faculty. During the Fall 2024 Semester, Brooks will be at the David Eccles School of Business’ Eccles Scholar Convocation Sept. 12.

A bestselling author, Brooks is something of an expert on happiness, specializing in using science and philosophy to offer his readers actionable strategies to live their best lives.

Brooks says his latest book, released in 2023, isn’t “based on some ancient, esoteric, mystical formula…it comes from the most cutting-edge neuroscience and social science, conducted at the greatest universities in the world, related in terms non-scientists can understand and put into use.”

“As a professor, I see every day the profound influence that early experiences and guidance have in shaping students’ paths toward greater happiness,” Brooks said. “By distributing Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier to all first-year students, the University of Utah is making a critical investment in their students’ personal and academic development. This initiative is more than just a book recommendation; it’s a strategic move to empower young adults with the psychological tools and social insights necessary to build a life of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. The earlier we equip students with these skills, the more likely they are to succeed in navigating their futures.”

Chief Experience Officer Andrea Thomas notes that the book emphasizes a positive perspective—gratitude, laughter and compassion— as well as family and friends to build a fulfilling life.

“Arthur Brooks’ insights into living a meaningful life are not the simple stuff of typical self-help books,” Thomas added. “His unusual approach includes a deep understanding of human biology and psychology, paired with practical advice that capitalizes on that science. I hope students will find bits of truth in this book to guide them to success and achievement in their years at the University of Utah.”

Brooks’ team also has provided comprehensive range of resources to complement the book. Faculty and staff are free to incorporate them into class curriculum. The resources include a student reading guide that fosters thoughtful preparation before engaging with the material, as well as a series of aligned lesson plans that include a facilitator’s guide, seven in-depth lessons, video clips of Arthur and Oprah discussing key themes, assessments, and interactive activities.

For more information on how to access the resources, visit arthurbrooks.com/highered or email highered@arthurbrooks.com.