Choices

June 15, 2002
Beattie (Codependent No More, The Language of Letting Go) has a gift for mixing traditional 12-step thinking with subtle wisdom from her own life to inspire readers to think beyond mainstream consciousness. Here she relays brief, uplifting tales of people (including herself and Elisabeth K bler-Ross, the late expert on death and dying) who overcame great inner resistance to make major life-affirming decisions. The author's stock meditation passages appear at the end of each story, helping readers absorb the lesson to be learned. Fleetingly covered in prior publications, the theme of making positive life choices is better explored here, although a few trite expressions weaken the book. Beattie does a fine job of discussing the spiritual milieu that we often find ourselves in when faced with a dilemma. Grounded in practical spirituality, she shares what really matters: staying attentive to what is happening after making a hard choice, which helps us to grow as individuals and brings us the peace we have been seeking all of our lives. Recommended for psychology/self-help collections in public libraries. Lisa Liquori, MLS, Syracuse, NY

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.