Minneapolis rock legend Mark Mallman woke at 3 a.m. with a crushing panic attack that wouldn't end. He responded by pouring songs into a happiness playlist and leaning on the wisdom of friends. This is the true story of a man beset by grief, healed by music, and learning to laugh through it all.

Praise:

"Mark Mallman is legitimately original, exclusively motivated by a desire to conquer the strange obstructions he builds inside his mind." — Chuck Klosterman, author of Fargo Rock City: A Heavy Metal Odyssey in Rural North Dakota.

"This brave and masterfully written book is a testament to the power of love and art. Read it and become obsessed." — Diablo Cody, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of Juno and creator of United States of Tara.

"The Happiness Playlist is funny, thought-provoking, and just plain helpful. It's the best book on grief that I've ever picked up. This examination of music-listening as a method to combat heartbreak is a joy to read. You need it." — Craig Finn, leader of the critically acclaimed American indie rock band The Hold Steady.

"You're going to love this book. It's beautiful, hopeful and personal. It will help you process grief with music that helps you through." — Sean Tillmann, singer-songwriter and actor, best known as Har Mar Superstar.

"I highly recommend Mallman's book about music, anxiety and happiness. It's wise, funny, raw, and heartfelt." — Jim Walsh, author of The Replacements: All Over But The Shouting and Gold Experience: Following Prince In The '90s.

"At its best, Mallman's style is reminiscent of Kerouac and Hemingway. He uses music to heal his wounds, but that summation is only part of it, and doesn't do the book the justice to which it's entitled. Mallman also leans on his 'tribe'—friends and fellow artists, girlfriends and colleagues, his father—as well as his own creativity and his tremendous ability to look with humor and detachment on his frozen environment and the healing possibilities in his own head. The result is an uplifting memoir that earns its wings honestly, with humor and perception." — Dave Eisenstark in IndieReader

"Observing Mallman fighting grief feels like watching a fishing bobber battling a strong current. This book should offer solace to anyone grappling with a similar situation." — Kirkus Reviews