How to Stay Sane

October 22, 2012
Lumping the insane into two broad groups—those who “lurch from crisis to crisis” and those who “have got themselves into a rut and operate from a limited set of outdated, rigid responses—” Perry (Couch Fiction) explains how to “stay on the path between those two extremes.” Right off the bat, it’s clear her intention is not to transform the clinically crazy into functioning members of society; rather, this brief book is aimed at everyday folks struggling to “remain stable and yet flexible, coherent and yet able to embrace complexity.” Perry, a psychotherapist, explains that people who maintain sanity have changed in four areas: “self-observation,” relationships with others, coping with stress, and telling stories. The author addresses each in as many chapters, wherein she discusses related topics as diverse as biology, learning styles, the effects of exercise, and a Wagner opera, as well as illustrative case studies. Folks seeking further guidance will find more than 30 pages of practical “exercises” , as well as a list of suggested reading. Though Perry’s approach can sometimes be difficult to follow, her inviting tone (complemented by lighthearted illustrations throughout) and friendly prose make this an accessible addition to the School of Life publications. Illus. Agent: Caroline Dawnay, United Agents (U.K.).

November 1, 2012
A self-help book for combating the stress of today. Psychotherapist and member of the School of Life ("dedicated to exploring life's big questions"), Perry (Couch Fiction, 2010) offers practical tips on how to maintain a rational mind and attitude in today's hectic world. She believes that most people with personality disorders fall into one of two groups--either living in chaos, bouncing from crisis to crisis, or stuck in an outdated rut of unyielding responses--and that all of us fall somewhere in between the two extremes. Perry presents a methodology on "how to stay on the path between those two extremes, how to remain stable and yet flexible, coherent and yet able to embrace complexity." By analyzing "how" we experience ourselves and the world, rather than wondering "why" we experience things in a particular way, we are better able to make adjustments in our lives. Consequently, the first step is self-observation. Once we comprehend how we are feeling and what we are thinking in any given situation, we are able to move on to understanding how we relate to others, enabling us to choose healthy relationships. Keeping our brains fit through physical activity, mental exercises and stretching our comfort zones enables us to remain flexible, connected with others and able to adapt to unexpected, often stressful, changes. Optimism is another cornerstone to a well-balanced lifestyle; a positive outlook offers health benefits, decreases stress, increases longevity and provides for more satisfaction in relationships. Using stories from her therapy practice to illustrate her points as well as numerous exercises to conduct alone, with a loved one or within a group, Perry brings new light to a well-visited subject.

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December 1, 2012
It's a crazy world out there. Keeping it together is hard. Pressure, confusion, and conflicts abound, so one should find ways to not only cope but also thrive. In her pithy contribution to the School of Life series, Perry explores the components of a rational lifestyle on many levels. She suggests ways to enact objective and accurate self-assessments, hone healthy interpersonal skills, learn how to appreciate good stress and recognize bad, and, finally, create empowering self-narratives. Throughout her comprehensive analysis of the human psyche, Perry emphasizes behaviors and outlines conditions that work to one's benefit. Conscious self-observation, she advises, helps one escape emotional ruts, develop nurturing relationships, and reinvent mindsets. Concluding that there is no single right approach for every person or lifestyle, Perry helpfully supports her recommendations with practical exercises that, she posits, may preclude the need for external psychotherapeutic intervention. Throughout, Perry offers guidance that is both revelatory and achievable.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)