Bad Childhood -- Good Life

January 2, 2006
Tis the season, right? For childhood issues to flare up just in time for the trip home for the holidays. Instead of resolving to lose those pesky 10 pounds, 2006 may be the perfect time to stop letting a bad childhood ruin another year, says Schlessinger, author of seven New York Times bestsellers and host of an internationally syndicated radio talk show. Schlessinger uses radio listeners' call-ins, her own stories and a little help from Carly Simon to help adults stuck in the past break free from destructive patterns and move peaceably forward. "The truth is that there is always a battle between the history and the present," she writes. Schlessinger tailors her advice staples (take charge, get tough, be positive, live for something other than yourself) toward securing victory over childhood traumas by admonishing readers against thinking emotionally about emotional subjects, advocating black and white reasoning (one listener's mother is deemed "evil") and proposing an amoeba-brainless and unthinking-constitutes a workable decision making model. Readers already of the Schlessinger school will find much here to appreciate, though it's doubtful this will win her any new fans.

December 1, 2005
According to controversial radio talk-show host Schlessinger, a.k.a. -Dr. Laura, - many people find themselves stuck in the role of -victim, - reliving dysfunctional childhoods and repeating damaging behavior. Using examples from her show's transcripts and postshow listener comments and sharing her own personal history, she offers conservative commonsense advice framed in maxims: victims should become not just survivors but conquerors; positive behavior and attitude changes should be made without expecting linear change and growth. Her suggestions for adult children who are reestablishing connections with formerly absent or nonbonded parents may appear extreme, but she makes a good case for proceeding cautiously and, if necessary, -kissing-off, - or breaking off contact, especially where grandchildren might be involved. For Dr. Laura, a good life is a combination of -what you do, what you mean to others, how you handle life's normal challenges, and how much you appreciate your blessings and opportunities. - This, like her other books, is sure to become a best seller. Highly recommended, especially for public libraries." -Lucille M. Boone, San Jose P.L., CA"

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2005
Schlessinger is, of course, a recognized name as an internationally syndicated radio talk-show host and author of seven previous best-sellers. Her latest book will no doubt hit the best-seller lists as well. And like its predecessors, this one is based on her research, in other words, the calls and letters that came into her radio show. Her point here is to guide readers in getting past any emotional damage they suffered at the hands of their parents so they may lead productive, happy lives. But, as Schlessinger admits, it "sounds obvious. So why isn't it that simple?" She starts with acknowledging that many people don't realize that childhood history can indeed have an impact on the way adults lead their lives. On the other hand--and this is the premise of her book--keeping yourself in a perpetual state of victimhood because of childhood pain ensures you will experience little or no movement toward a nondestructive, loving, secure adulthood. Schlessinger offers advice on the best steps to take to move in that direction and, truthfully, there is something in this book for everyone to benefit from.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)