How many times have you heard someone say, "I just want to be happy?"

In the introduction to Simple Acts, Gregory E. Lang describes himself as "deliriously happy," though he acknowledges that has not always been the case. Everyone wants to live a happy life, but how does one go about it? Simple Acts is all about creating happiness for oneself and one's loved ones. According to Lang, happiness isn't found, it is made. For those who aren't sure where to start, he suggests hundreds of ways to creatively pursue happiness.

"Find a pastry shop and have some baklava. Pick some wildflowers and take them home. Play a card game with friends. Search until you find the good in someone who irritates you."

Happiness is also about spreading laughter-and a good practical joke is a surefire way to do just that. Lang suggests that you "cheat on one of those free internet IQ tests and leave your score on the screen for others to walk past and see." Or "tell someone you want to walk in their shoes and then insist they give you a pair."

Not too profound, not too intellectual, not too esoteric, Simple Acts is a collection of thoughts and suggestions that will make readers laugh and smile again and again. And who knows, maybe they'll even be happy.