The Deal

December 8, 2014
Taking a brief detour from his usual writing on esoteric spiritual topics, Smoley (Inner Christianity) offers a more psychological perspective in this short, superficial look at the power of forgiveness. Smoley’s proposed key to happiness is succinct enough that he explains the whole concept in his second chapter. This is the Deal: a nine-step process for forgiving all others and accepting forgiveness for yourself, which Smoley says will change you for the better. Instead of offering contemporary examples of ordinary people who have been helped by this exercise, or significant evidence that this sort of cognitive restructuring has proven effects, though, Smoley offers notes about karma, A Course in Miracles, and fairly mundane acts that are not difficult to forgive: examples include a broken pair of glasses and neighbors who play loud music. He saves more convincing historical examples, including Christ and Lincoln, for the second half of the book, where he also entertains questions in an engaging q&a format. Always provocative, Smoley asks important questions but offers an inadequate foundation for his answers. Agent: Laurie Fox, Linda Chester Literary Agency.

December 1, 2014

Forgiveness is a gift one gives oneself. That is the essence of both of these books. Among the many contributors to The Forgiveness Handbook are clergy, religious scholars, and retreat leaders who discuss letting go of resentments, opening oneself to God, embracing imperfections, and escaping the blame cycle. The Handbook includes loving-kindness meditations, prayers, and offerings that encourage readers to truly comprehend the freedom of forgiving and assist them along a journey of reconciliation with themselves and others.

The Deal, by Smoley (Inner Christianity, LJ 11/1/07), shoots straight to the heart of the matter. He guides readers through the process of forgiveness, focusing on understanding the pluses and drawbacks of holding onto grievances and recognizing one's own guilt in many of the incendiary issues in relationships. The author recommends both physical and cognitive healing practices. While Smoley's guidance is reminiscent of a 12-Step program, it is no replacement for one, as he admits. VERDICT The Forgiveness Handbook is valuable for those who have an inkling that they need to look at their own behaviors in terms of soured relationships with others, and The Deal is good for initiating the conversation.

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