In the Meantime

In the cadences of a woman who is familiar with the pulpit, Iyanla Vanzant presents her recommendations for finding love and joy. Vanzant suggests that by setting aside unrealistic expectations about the future that cloud the present, her listeners can live "in the meantime" and be much happier. She is articulate, and her deep, rich voice is easy to listen to. She approaches her subject with clarity and humor and offers practical suggestions for ways in which the listener can put these ideas to work. The abridgment is smooth and flows well. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine

December 29, 1997
A prolific writer in the self-help field whose spiritual guidance is frequently aimed at African American women (Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color) outlines a program for those unsuccessfully searching for a relationship. Vanzant's main point is that before looking for a partner, it is necessary to find completion within yourself. She offers useful, though hardly original, advice on how to achieve this through learning to love yourself, acknowledging and expressing your feelings and not expecting others to provide you with happiness. Vanzant's program for self-improvement is presented through a house-cleaning analogy that occasionally grows strained whereby one progresses from basement to attic in a series of steps that begin with becoming aware of personal problems and learning how to solve them. When the "attic" is finally reached after a lot of hard work, according to the author, you will be able to love God, yourself and others unconditionally, and only then will you be ready for a deep relationship with another person.