THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE’s World Spanish rights sold!

We are very happy to announce that Newton Compton Editores has acquired the World Spanish rights for Dr Jennifer De Paola’s The Happiness Puzzle! The deal was closed by Noora Al-Ani at Ahlbäck Agency in collaboration with our co-agent Anna Ascolies at IMC Agencias.

This is what Marina Sánchez from Newton Compton Editores had to say about this exciting nonfiction title:

Combining cutting-edge research, interviews with Finns and clinical practice, this book shows that happiness is not a fixed state but a flexible skill we can all cultivate. We are sure it will resonate strongly with readers in Spain and consider it an excellent fit for our non‑fiction list. “

Building on Finland’s paradoxical position in the World Happiness Report, this book reveals the limitations of defining happiness purely as life satisfaction (contentment). Adopting a fresh perspective, it suggests a fuller, more nuanced understanding of happiness — one that begins with how ordinary people define and experience it. By exploring how ordinary people in Finland describe their own happiness, the book paints a picture that goes beyond the simple contentment, highlighting the skills needed to navigate three essential dimensions of happiness: emotions, contentment and meaning.

DOWNLOAD MATERIALS FOR THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE HERE

8th year in the row – Finland is the happiest country in the world! Think of happiness as a kaleidoscope. When you shake it, the small colorful pieces get all mixed up, and the three mirrors inside it create beautiful patterns through multiple reflections. Now think of Emotions, Contentment and Meaning as those three mirrors.

✓  English book proposal with new chapter samples available! Original edition will be in English.

✓  An innovative and unique take on the happiness paradox by researcher Jennifer De Paola, PhD!

Finns are known for their quiet, reserved nature and their tendency to keep emotions in check, don’t exactly fit the traditional image of a “happy” nation. They don’t smile on command or express emotions as openly as people in other countries might. And yet, Finland continues to top the happiness rankings year after year.

Through a blend of cutting-edge happiness studies, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice drawn from reliable, science-backed therapeutic practices, The Happiness Puzzle is both a framework and a practical guide. This book introduces a simple yet profound framework for understanding happiness based on three aspects:

  • Emotions: signal what brings joy into our lives and alert us to what may harm our well-being
  • Contentment: provides a sense of calm and satisfaction with what we have, helping us appreciate the present moment
  • Meaning: gives our lives purpose and direction

Happiness isn’t a goal or destination — it’s a skill.

Rights sold:
ITALY: Newton Compton Editori s.r.l.
WORLD SPANISH: Newton Compton Spain

Reading materials:
English book proposal, Sample chapters.

About author


Jennifer De Paola

Jennifer De Paola, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and researcher with a fascination for how ordinary people understand life’s biggest questions. Her research on happiness—particularly its cultural aspect in Finland—has been published in top social sciences journals like Public Understanding of Science, Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, and Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science. Along the way, her research has sparked conversations on international platforms, including interviews on BBC TV and Business Insider.

Jennifer divides her time between research at the University of Eastern Finland and clinical practice in the private sector. But what truly drives her is listening to people’s stories—whether in the therapy room, in an interview, or over a cup of coffee. Currently, her work focuses on immigrants in Finland and how they imagine their futures, a topic that resonates deeply with her as an immigrant herself. In Helsinki, she also provides psychological support to the English-speaking community drawing from evidence-based and scientifically supported therapeutic approaches such as Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Despite having lived in Finland for 15 years, a part of her is still the child from rural southern Italy. Her happiest moments? Passing on little pieces of that heritage to her two-year-old Finnish-Italian son—through museums, library visits, and long hikes where she teaches him Italian words and he sneaks in Finnish and English ones.

Bibliography


2026, Personal Growth & Lifestyle

The Happiness Puzzle

Jennifer De Paola