Jennifer Dukes Lee, a former reporter with the Omaha World Herald and the Des Moines Register turned New York Times best-selling author, was born and raised in the very small town of Marathon in northwest Iowa. She says part of the inspiration for her second book “The Happiness Dare,” sprang from remembering her small-town, family- and faith- oriented childhood.
She said what she got out of that experience was a feeling that God was daring her to find out how much He really does care about happiness. Dukes Lee said she took that message and attacked it, just like any topic she went after as a reporter. She delved into what science says about happiness, what makes different types of people happy and where we need to go to find happiness. The journey has led Dukes Lee around the country to share what she has learned so far. She will be hosting an event at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10 at Central Church in Carroll to give people a chance to break away from some of the stresses of daily life and find some time to smile a little.
She said both of her books, “The Happiness Dare” and “Love Idol,” have common messages of getting free, getting happy and living as the fullest versions of ourselves. She says they point to the fact that there is something deep within us, and through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we can find true happiness. “The Happiness Dare,” is filled with stories and examples and calls to action, according to Dukes Lee.
Prior to the event, Dukes Lee urges everyone to log on to www.happinessdare.com and take a quick quiz to find out what truly makes them happy and to learn about their happiness style. She adds that Friday’s presentation is for everyone, no matter where they are at in their lives right now.
Full answers to questions about Dukes Lee and her new book can be found below. The Central Church Women’s Ministry is sponsoring Friday’s presentation at Central Church of Carroll, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and are available at Good News Book Store and Wilkie Clothiers.
Jennifer Dukes Lee Questions and Answer:
What is your background and your connection to Carroll?
What was the inspiration for “The Happiness Dare?
Please explain the national and global reach of the book.
Is there a common thread between “The Happiness Dare” and your first book, “Love Idol?”
Can you tell us about the theory that sadness actually has a role in enhancing our happiness?
Do you have any calls to action in your book and/or presentation?
What can attendees at Friday’s event expect?
What do you want everyone to know about Friday’s event?
What do you want people to take away from your presentation?
