I listened to the audiobook version read by the author, so your mileage may vary. I found the book at the beginning pleasant and funny. The author definitely has a sort of self-deprecating humor that makes you understand just why he is searching for the happiest place on earth. Certain chapters shine better than others about the pursuit of happiness - I particularly liked the Swiss and Iceland chapters. Moldova's chapter felt tired and contrite, but after all, this isn't fact but the author's opinion of the country. But by the time I had reached the UK chapter I was tired of the author's grumpiness and snap judgments.