Structure

Although many of the book's topics overlap, the book is loosely broken into three sections: the true nature of joy, obstacles to joy, and the eight pillars to joy. Describing the true nature of joy first allows the reader to begin with a framework for the rest of the conversation. The first section and ultimately the first day of the week's worth of conversation defines the type of deep, lasting joy that the men are discussing. Days two and three of the week-long trip confront some of the most difficult obstacles that stand in the way of this joy. Dissecting what most often stands in the way of joy allows the reader to begin to analyze ways to combat these obstacles. Finally, the conversation reaches its climax when the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu, with Abrams' help, converge and agree upon eight pillars of joy. The eight...