Book Review: Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress

By Gary Sprouse. M.D.

New Outcomes LLC, 2023

ISBN: 979-8-9862093-2-6 (Softcover)

“Highway to Your Happy Place” is the work of Eastern Shore doctor Gary Sprouse. Starting in the introduction through to the appendix, he gives his motivation for developing the ideas in this book over the past 25 years. The stressful times in his life and the lives of his patients are used to explain both his theories and strategies to manage stress and lead to contentment, his happy place.

His premise is that stress is a side effect of those skills that are particularly human, such as our ability to envision the future or the ability to make decisions. In each chapter, he delves into one of six stressors he has identified: worry, guilt, regret, low self-esteem, boredom and overwhelmed [sic]. He posits the origins of each stressor, offers real life examples and ideas for management. The end of each chapter offers a helpful bulleted list summary.

The book will be helpful to those wishing to learn Dr. Sprouse’s theories. He introduced several vague concepts such as “perspective prisms” or “stratospheres.” His next book will explicate more about these concepts. He writes in a conversational style; however, at times this came across as patronizing. For example, on page 202 he writes, “You have lived your whole life so far without making – or even knowing how to make – the changes recommended in this book.”

This book is not a book for those who want a research-based discussion of stress, anxiety or depression; the majority of books listed in the bibliography are self help books. More careful editing would correct repetitions, misspellings or ideas not fully accredited. In the introduction when he lists his training, Reiki is spelled “Raki.” On page 101, he cites a study by “William and Bargh” about perception without title or mention in the bibliography. A quick internet search found an article from Science by L.E. Williams and John A. Bargh titled “Experiencing Physical Warmth Promotes Interpersonal Warmth.” This reader found several places where information was incorrect or questionable. When discussing use of medication for depression he inaccurately states that, “All studies on depression medication are conducted on rats.” (p. 168) And finally, I am concerned about his recommendation of judicious use of “sensory-altering chemicals.” (p. 161)

It is clear that Dr. Sprouse is enthusiastic about his desire for everyone to find their own contentment. He has spent many years helping patients and developing his ideas. Sparked by his summary of “The Book of Forgiving,” by Desmond and Mpho Tutu, I reread their deeply wise book. Dr. Sprouse welcomes interaction with his readers via his website. If you want to read an enthusiastic coach’s handbook, “Highway to Your Happy Place” is for you.

– Mary Barbera