In Pursuit of Peace

August 16, 2004
Meyer, author of more than 50 books and host of widely distributed television and radio programs, revisits themes from previous books as she expounds on what it means to live at peace. The book is broken up into three sections, walking readers through being at peace with God, with themselves and with others. Meyer states that she now "enjoy a life of peace that often passes understanding"—a remarkable feat for one who grew up in an abusive home and struggled through a difficult first marriage. However, exactly how Meyer arrived at this emotional highland remains a mystery; her journey is not recounted here, with the exception of small, often insignificant incidents (frustration over losing a parking place, dealing with children who spill things, arguing with her husband). While there are many helpful principles (trust God, don't overschedule, learn to overlook small offenses), Meyer's writing is shallow and her approach to scripture simplistic. Her "health and wealth" biblical approach becomes apparent in the chapter on avoiding financial pressure, where she states, "God wants us to prosper, but not out of proportion to our spiritual growth.... God will release more and more to us as we grow spiritually." (Sept.)

Forecast:
Warner Faith has sold more than 1.4 million copies of Meyer's titles in just the last year.

October 4, 2004
In her introduction to this candid and passionate, if at times preachy, offering, prolific author Meyer (How to Hear from God; Seven Things that Steal Your Joy) admits that the first 40 years of her life were miserable. "I lived without the blessing and benefit of peace," she writes, asserting that without peace, "we live in turmoil--always worried, anxious, and upset about something." Drawing on the lessons she learned through personal experience and from the Bible, Meyer supplies readers with 21 "peacekeeper" tips--some more practical than others--such as "Trust the Lord of Peace," "Stay Supernaturally Relaxed," "Avoid Financial Pressure" and "Beware of Idle Talk." Above all else, however, she emphasizes that peace can be found by staying in good standing with God, accepting oneself and making peace with others. In her usual can-do style, Meyer challenges her fellow Christians to be courageous, confident and discerning, and she invokes Bible passages to drive home her message. She's also brutally honest about her own weaknesses, which lends further credence to her teachings. While Meyer doesn't offer much advice that hasn't been covered by countless other self-help books, her tale of personal growth should inspire her countless fans.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.