Happy Iceland: How Icelandic Strangers Taught a Miserable American the Secret to Lifelong Happiness
A simple question at Iceland's international airport—What are your happiest memories of Iceland?—sets off an unforgettable journey across the Land of Fire and Ice. Abandoning guidebooks and itineraries, a young woman on the precipice of turning thirty spends five weeks backpacking and hitchhiking to find the locations where Icelandic strangers' happiest memories took place. From childhood sports fields and family farms to hidden waterfalls and the remote Highlands, this intimate travel memoir explores Iceland far beyond what can be seen from a sightseeing bus tour. Part adventure, part meditation on connection and joy, Happy Iceland is a reminder that some of the best journeys begin when we shut up and listen.
As Icelandic journalist Reynir Traustason noted in Icelandic newspaper, Stundin, (now called Heimildin) “Leitaði hamingjunnar á Íslandi í ástarsorg”—the Icelandic people taught this lowly American the true meaning of happiness. Read the article now.
Listen to Anne Marie on KHOL Public Radio telling a story about Iceland that earned her first place in the Teton County Story Slam.
Advanced Praise for Happy Iceland
Laura Carney, author of My Father's List: How Living My Dad's Dreams Set Me Free
"Happy Iceland is a rare triumph—both for the writer's brain in Anne Marie Wells and for the health of her heart. It's a triple threat when an author can educate, entertain and embolden you all at once. And I suppose a quadruple threat, when they move you to change how you live. Wells accomplishes this and more in this unique, beautiful memoir, one you will not be able to put down. It should be called Happy Everywhere....as it helped me find joy no matter where I went after I read it."
þórlaug Sveinsdóttir, Icelandic Local and Tour Guide
"Anne Marie’s memoir is filled with adventure, spontaneity, humor, and bravery... [and] makes an instant connection to one’s heart. A wonderful story and a reminder that connecting with and loving other people is the essence of our existence."
Reynir Traustason, Icelandic journalist, writer, and publisher
"Anne Marie embarked on an incredible journey of uncertainty where she sought out Icelandic locals and their knowledge of happiness. I was instantly captivated by her optimism. Happy Iceland is the tale of a hero who conquers her sorrow and spreads hope."
Andrew Tawaststjerna, Founder and host of the One Off Travel Stories Podcast
"A beautifully written personal journey filled with perseverance, spontaneous friendships, and lovely Icelandic scenery (albeit some volatile weather). Happy Iceland is a reminder that some of the most memorable experiences often start with a simple ice breaker, some courage, and a little serendipity. By asking local Icelanders to recount their happiest memories, Anne Marie connects with a colorful cast of characters who act as guides and, at times, emotional supporters on her journey around the country. This book will make you ponder about the meaning of happiness and remind you to be kind to traveling strangers. This is a great read for anyone seeking inspiration to step out of their travel comfort zone."
Paul Puscas, Founder and host of Whereabouts Tales
"I recently hosted Anne Marie Wells on my podcast, and I was lucky to get an early look at her memoir. This isn't your typical travel book. Anne Marie travels with a diy plan, hitchhiking across the country by following the happy memories of the strangers she meets. The book is refreshingly real, showing everything from her blistered feet and broken rain jacket to the deep, honest conversations she has with the people who pick her up. You’ll meet amazing people like Rósi, who treats all his guests like stars, and Bjork, who welcomes a "drenched rat" of a traveler into her home for a meal of meatballs and a warm bed. Beyond the adventure, it’s a meditation on human connection and a reminder that some of the best journeys start when we just shut up and listen. She eventually learns what happiness is and isn’t. If you want a travel story that is vulnerable, funny, and incredibly honest, you really need to read this book. I’m so glad I got to hear her story first-hand and see it come to life in these pages!"
Julia Cole, Senior Copyeditor at Science Magazine
"This is not your average memoir! As she hitchhikes around Iceland chasing the secret to happiness, Wells exposes herself not only physically to the harsh elements and rugged landscape, but also emotionally to the cast of characters she meets along the way. Her poetic writing style transported me to a part of the world I’ve never seen (and the maps helped, too). At times witty and whimsical, at others frank and introspective, this is such a vulnerable, heartwarming adventure of a read. BRB, going in search of stracciatella skyr…"
Lauren P.
"Happy Iceland is for those with an adventurous heart. You're rooting for her from the beginning as she asks the big questions and takes chances with strangers over and over. Somehow, she truly is one of the luckiest travelers in the world. She has a knack for connecting with people and somehow miraculously finding them again throughout her journey. The book made me laugh, cry, and reflect on how these small moments of human connection can truly make your life whole. Absolutely a must-read!"