Thank You Power

Though overcoming the book's feel-good title is a tall order, Deborah Norville's empowering writing and straight-ahead reading make this audio a serious resource for anyone who has issues with negativity. Her research summaries and moving case narratives are paced for easy comprehension, and together they make the argument that gratitude and positive feelings are a cause, rather than a result, of the good life. The studies, mainly from the field of positive psychology, show how saying thanks improves thinking, emotional functioning, health, relationships, and resistance to stress--all by focusing on our blessings rather than on what's missing or wrong in our lives. Suggestions for cultivating thankfulness give the audio an activist tone that will appeal to people at all stages of personal growth. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine