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When Things Don’t Go Your Way
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  • Published: 23 April 2024
  • ISBN: 9780241457290
  • Imprint: Penguin Life
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 296
  • RRP: $29.99

When Things Don’t Go Your Way

Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

Formats & editions
Paperback
29 Apr 2025
Hardback
23 Apr 2024
Audiobook
28 Mar 2024
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The million-copy bestselling monk returns with this essential book of Zen wisdom for modern living

Modern life doesn't always go our way. Loss, rejection, uncertainty and loneliness are unavoidable parts of the human experience -- but there is solace to be found.

In When Things Don't Go Your Way, Zen Buddhist teacher Haemin Sunim provides simple but powerful wisdom for navigating life's challenges. Through his trademark combination of beautiful illustrations, insightful stories, and contemplative aphorisms, Sunim helps us reframe our mindsets and develop emotional agility.

Whether you're in the midst of a crisis or simply seeking to improve your mental and emotional wellbeing, When Things Don't Go Your Way is a soothing balm that helps us all find courage and comfort when we need it most.
  • Published: 23 April 2024
  • ISBN: 9780241457290
  • Imprint: Penguin Life
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 296
  • RRP: $29.99
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About the author

Haemin Sunim

Haemin Sunim is a globally respected Buddhist teacher and author from South Korea. He is known for his clear, compassionate voice and practical teachings on mindfulness, emotional well being, and finding joy and balance in the midst of a busy modern life. His work speaks to everyday challenges with warmth, simplicity, and depth.

His books have sold over six million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than thirty-eight languages. In the Netherlands, one of his books set a national record as the longest running nonfiction bestseller and in South Korea it became the bestselling book of the decade. His work has been featured by The New York Times, The Guardian, NPR, and the BBC.

Haemin received Zen monastic training in South Korea and studied religion at the University of California, Berkeley, Harvard University, and Princeton University, where he earned his doctorate. He later taught Asian religions for seven years at Hampshire College in Massachusetts, bringing together monastic practice, academic depth, and lived experience. He is regularly invited to give talks internationally and to lead meditation retreats across North America, Europe, and Asia.

portrait photo of Haemin Sunim

Also by Haemin Sunim

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down
Love for Imperfect Things
See all

Praise for When Things Don’t Go Your Way

In When Things Don’t Go Your Way, Haemin Sunim offers readers a warm and reassuring path through the most challenging moments of our lives. By sharing his hard-won wisdom, he guides us from hardship to self-discovery, helping us to stay centered and feel whole.

Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

Imagine receiving a warm hug from a book - that's exactly what you'll experience with this one. Sunim skillfully offers comforting wisdom in an accessible and gentle manner, while also embracing profound vulnerability, just as he has done with his previous books.

Vex King

Haemin Sunim is one of the wisest, most honest and authentic teachers I know. Drawn from his own lived experience, When Things Don’t Go Your Way offers the kind of guidance we most need when life doesn’t cooperate and we’re painfully, emotionally stuck. It shows us how our challenges themselves can become powerful fuel for spiritual awakening

Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance

Imagine receiving a warm hug from a book - that's exactly what you'll experience with this one. Sunim skillfully offers comforting wisdom in an accessible and gentle manner, while also embracing profound vulnerability, just as he has done with his previous books.

Vex King
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