You Do You- Sarah Knight

Adulting - Kelly Williams Brown

Brave enough - Cheryl Strayed

Big magic - Elizabeth Gilbert

The power of habit - Charles Duhigg

Brave enough - Cheryl Strayed

Summary: "From the best-selling author of Wild, a collection of quotes--drawn from the wide range of her writings--that capture her wisdom, courage, and outspoken humor, presented in a gift-sized package that's as irresistible to give as it is to receive. Around the world, thousands of people have found inspiration in the words of Cheryl Strayed, who in her three prior books and in her "Dear Sugar" columns has shared the twists and trials of her remarkable life. Her honesty, spirit, and ample supply of tough love have enabled many of us, even in the darkest hours, to somehow put one foot in front of the other--and be brave enough. This book gathers, each on a single page, more than 100 of Strayed's indelible quotes and thoughts--"mini instruction manuals for the soul" that urge us toward the incredible capacity for love, compassion, forgiveness, and endurance that is within us all. Be brave enough to break your own heart. You can't ride to the fair unless you get on the pony. Keep walking. Acceptance is a small, quiet room. Romantic love is not a competitive sport. Forward is the direction of real life. Ask yourself: What is the best I can do? And then do that"-- Provided by publisher.
"A book of inspirational quotes culled from the author's writings"-- Provided by publisher.


Kirkus Reviews

A lightweight collection of self-help snippets from the bestselling author. What makes a quote a quote? Does it have to be quoted by someone other than the original author? Apparently not, if we take Strayed's collection of truisms as an example. The well-known memoirist (Wild), novelist (Torch), and radio-show host ("Dear Sugar") pulls lines from her previous pages and delivers them one at a time in this small, gift-sized book. No excerpt exceeds one page in length, and some are only one line long. Strayed doesn't reference the books she's drawing from, so the quotes stand without context and are strung together without apparent attention to structure or narrative flow. Thus, we move back and forth from first-person tales from the Pacific Crest Trail to conversational tidbits to meditations on grief. Some are astoundingly simple, such as Strayed's declaration that "Love is the feeling we have for those we care deeply about and hold in high regard." Others call on the author' s unique observations—people who regret what they haven't done, she writes, end up "mingy, addled, shrink-wrapped versions" of themselves—and offer a reward for wading through obvious advice like "Trust your gut." Other quotes sound familiar—not necessarily because you've read Strayed's other work, but likely due to the influence of other authors on her writing. When she writes about blooming into your own authenticity, for instance, one is immediately reminded of Anaïs Nin: "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Strayed's true blossoming happens in her longer works; while this collection might brighten someone's day—and is sure to sell plenty of copies during the holidays—it's no substitute for the real thing. These platitudes need perspective; better to buy the books they came from. Copyright Kirkus 2015 Kirkus/BPI Communications.All rights reserved.

Check Availability

The obstacle is the way - Ryan Holiday

Summary: "A guide not just for overcoming the obstacles that hold us back-but for using them for great benefit The great Athenian orator Demosthenes was born with a crippling speech impediment and was robbed of his inheritance by cruel guardians. Samuel Zemurraywas a poor roadside fruit peddler pitted against the behemoth United Fruit Company. Ulysses S. Grant found himself stuck across the Mississippi river, desperately trying to break into the impenetrable fortress of Vicksburg. These icons and many others throughout history-from John D. Rockefeller to Amelia Earhart to Richard Wright to Steve Jobs-were often placed in nearly impossible situations that turned out to be the platforms for astounding triumphs. They were not exceptionally brilliant, lucky, or gifted. Their success in overcoming extreme obstacles was the result of a timeless set of philosophical principles that great men and women have always followed. Now Ryan Holiday unpacks those lessons and reframes them for today's world, building on the wisdom of the ancient Stoics and a rich trove of examples. He shows us how to turn obstacles into advantages, through controlling our perceptions, swift and energetic action, and true force of will"-- Provided by publisher.


Publishers Weekly Reviews

Since Jiang Zemin's state visit to Africa in 1996 and his subsequent call to Chinese businesses to "go out" in search of opportunities abroad, China's trade with Africa has grown dramatically, today surpassing its trade with either Europe or the U.S. But China's investments, including massive building projects, are less significant for this rapidly evolving relationship, according to this 15-country survey by veteran African correspondent French (A Continent for the Taking), than the significant flow of new Chinese immigrants—often pushed out by the pressure and oppression back home as much as lured by opportunity. In vivid first-person reportage, French explores this momentous phenomenon, while challenging assumptions about China and Chinese immigrants. Lively interviews with Chinese entrepreneurs, African workers, politicians, and others reveal an already advanced socioeconomic and political landscape. Casual racism, strife between Chinese employers and native African workers, grassroots protests against Chinese inroads into markets, and political demagoguery exist side by side. Contrary to China's official disclaimers, this relationship—based on acquisition of resources but also the securing of new markets for Chinese goods—bears a striking resemblance to Western colonialism. The book will appeal to students of China and Africa, and anyone interested in the shifting contours of the global economy and its geopolitical consequences. (May)

Check Availability

The comfort trap - Judith Sills

The comfort trap, or, what if you're riding a dead horse - Sills, Judith

Summary: Explains how to escape from the comfort zones that trap us and introduces a seven-step program designed to help achieve a happier, more meaningful, and more fulfilling life. - (Baker & Taylor)

BookPage Reviews

Getting outside yourself and back into the world

Languishing in a cynical "poor me" mode and unable to move forward after a painful relationship meltdown, I was looking forward to my latest book review assignment: self-help books for the new year. When a package from BookPage arrived on my doorstep, I had to laugh when I pulled the first book out of the box and read its title: If the Horse Is Dead, Get Off! This just might be the jump-start I needed.

I soon discovered that Judith Sills' new book, If the Horse is Dead, Get Off!: Creating Change When You're Stuck in Your Comfort Zone is a must-have motivational tool for anyone striving for personal change. As Sills points out, your comfort zone may be anything but comfortable, but because it is so familiar, even if it contains negative or destructive elements, it feels safe and secure and is therefore difficult to move beyond. Sills identifies seven steps that are necessary to "stretch across your fear" and "reach your desire": Face What Hurts, Create a Vision, Make a Decision, Identify Your Pattern, Let Go, Face Your Fear and Take Action.

Chapters detail how to take these important steps, and there is plenty of additional sage advice on topics like ambivalence and eliminating blame.

Check Availability

Better than before - Gretchen Rubin

Better than before - Rubin, Gretchen

Summary: "Habits are the invisible architecture of our lives. Rubin provides an analytical and scientific framework from which to understand these habits--as well as change them for good. Infused with her compelling voice and funny stories, she illustrates the core principles of habit formation with dozens of strategies that she uses herself and tests out on others. Rubin provides tools to help readers better understand themselves, and presents a clear, practical menu of strategies so readers can take an individualized approach. She tackles each strategy herself and in doing so shows us the importance of knowing ourselves and our own habit tendencies. Armed with self-knowledge, we can pursue habits in ways that will truly work for us, not against us. Going to the gym can be as easy, effortless, and automatic as putting on a seatbelt. We can file expense reports, take time for fun, or pass up that piece of carrot cake without having to decide. With a foundation of good habits, we can build a life that reflects our values and goals"-- Provided by publisher.

Library Journal Reviews
Author Rubin (The Happiness Project) believes that through altering habits people change their lives and that there is no one-size-fits-all method to making desired alterations. Habit change is more successful, says Rubin, if individuals choose strategies that coincide with their tendencies to respond negatively or positively to outer and inner expectations. The author then explains approaches for the upholder, the rebel, the questioner, and the obliger, by which each type can best tackle foundation habits (e.g., sleeping, moving, uncluttering, and eating/drinking healthfully). VERDICT This is a fascinating study of the human mind and the process of change, interspersed with psychological facts and real-life examples. One of the best books available on the subject.

Check Availability

The 7 habits of highly effective people - Stephen R Covey

The 7 habits of highly effective people - Stephen R Covey

Summary: A holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach revolutionized the way people solve personal and professional problems and go on to lead extraordinary lives. With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, Covey revealed a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, service, and human dignity. Principles that give the security to adapt to change, and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.

Review
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change was a groundbreaker when it was first published in 1990, and it continues to be a business bestseller with more than 10 million copies sold. Stephen Covey, an internationally respected leadership authority, realizes that true success encompasses a balance of personal and professional effectiveness, so this book is a manual for performing better in both arenas. His anecdotes are as frequently from family situations as from business challenges.

Before you can adopt the seven habits, you'll need to accomplish what Covey calls a "paradigm shift"--a change in perception and interpretation of how the world works. Covey takes you through this change, which affects how you perceive and act regarding productivity, time management, positive thinking, developing your "proactive muscles" (acting with initiative rather than reacting), and much more.

This isn't a quick-tips-start-tomorrow kind of book. The concepts are sometimes intricate, and you'll want to study this book, not skim it. When you finish, you'll probably have Post-it notes or hand-written annotations in every chapter, and you'll feel like you've taken a powerful seminar by Covey. --Joan Price --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. amazon.com

Check Availability

The second half of life - Angeles Arrien

The second half of life: opening the eight gates of wisdom - Arrien, Angeles

Summary: When you find the courage to change at midlife," Angeles Arrien teaches, "a miracle happens." Your character is opened, deepened, strengthened, softened. You return to your soul's highest values. You are now prepared to create your legacy: an imprint of your dream for our world-a dream that can fully come true in The Second Half of Life. Working with images, poetry, metaphors, and other forms of symbolic language from diverse world cultures, Dr. Arrien introduces us to the Eight Gates of Initiation. By mastering their lessons and gifts, you harvest the meaning and purpose of your life, and come into spiritual maturity. With The Second Half of Life, she takes you step-by-step through each gate to deepen your most valuable relationships, reclaim your untended creative talents, and shift your focus from ambition to meaning to grow into the exceptional elder you've always imagined you would one day become. Book jacket. - (Soundstrue)

Check Availability

Adulting - Kelly Williams-Brown

Adulting: how to be a grown-up in 468 easy(ish) steps - Williams-Brown, Kelly

Summary: Presents humorous advice for young women about the transition into adulthood, covering such topics as jobs, living arrangements, money, friends, family, and dating. - (Baker & Taylor)



Publishers Weekly Reviews
A young journo mines a brief life and years of advice from friends and professionals—counselors, social workers, her car mechanic Shane—in order to create this how-to guide to becoming (or simply being) a "grown-up." The 468 steps are more like tips than items on a checklist, and clearly labeled chapters allow readers to pick and choose their entry point. The "Domesticity" section explains, among other things, how to choose, decorate, and clean an apartment; "Get a Job" covers networking, job-specific resume-editing, techniques for salary negotiations, and includes a flowchart to determine how many drinks you should have at a company event; and "Money" walks readers through creating a budget and sticking to it, and illuminates the intricacies of 401(k)s, IRAs, and compound interest (all accompanied by Brown's illustrative sketches of animals—e.g., Pension Panda). Also provided are kitchen tips and simple recipes, thoughts on meeting new friends, tricks for doing laundry, and Shane the mechanic's advice on picking out a used car. Fun, chatty, and surprisingly informative, Brown's guide—already optioned for a TV adaptation, to be backed by Fox and produced by J.J. Abrams—is perfect for the wayward 20-something, or 30-something, or... Agent: Brandi Bowles, Foundry Literary + Media. (May 7)

Check Availability

This is how - Augusten Burroughs

This is how: proven aid in overcoming shyness, molestation, fatness, spinsterhood, grief, disease, lushery, decrepitude, & more-- for young and old alike - Augusten Burroughs

Summary: Draws on the author's roller-coaster experiences with limited opportunities, successes and failures while offering darkly whimsical, no-holds-barred advice on surviving everything from riding elevators and gaining weight to finishing drinks and finding love. By the author of Running With Scissors. 350,000 first printing. - (Baker & Taylor)

Booklist Reviews
*Starred Review* Burroughs, whose best-selling memoir, Running with Scissors (2002), documented horrific childhood abuse, is uniquely qualified to write a self-help book. He is a survivor, with intimate knowledge of many of the topics addressed in the genre. His advice here, whether about addiction, aggression, self-loathing, or denial, can be summed up in three words: get over yourself. Life is too short, he says, to do anything but live in the moment and focus on the good. Burroughs is bracingly honest, offering remedies for the world-weary, from teenage girls molested by their fathers to adults coming to terms with the death of a life partner. Burroughs, whose struggles with alcohol were documented in Dry (2003), doesn't believe in Alcoholics Anonymous, which requires members to admit powerlessness. A person needs power, he says, to abolish alcohol from his or her life. With his trademark blend of black humor and heart, Burroughs serves up tough love and reasons for hope: "If you hate life, you haven't seen enough of it," he writes in a chapter about suicide. "If you hate your life, it's because your life is too small and doesn't fit you. However big you think your life is, it's nothing compared to what's out there." HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: With a first printing of 350,000 copies and extensive promotion in print and online, Burroughs' one-of-a-kind take on the how-to book will have his fans standing in line for advice. Copyright 2012 Booklist Reviews.

Check Availability

Twelve steps to a compassionate life - Karen Armstrong

Twelve steps to a compassionate life - Armstrong, Karen

Summary: Taking as her starting point the teachings of the great world religions, Karen Armstrong demonstrates in twelve practical steps how we can bring compassion to the forefront of our lives. Armstrong argues that compassion is inseparable from humanity, and by transcending the limitations of selfishness on a daily basis we will not only make a difference in the world but also lead happier, more fulfilled, lives.


Booklist Reviews
*Starred Review* It takes courage for a religious historian and writer of Armstrong's stature to step out from behind the scrim of scholarship and analysis to offer guidelines for a spiritual practice designed to make humanity a kinder and saner species. With the boon of the prestigious TED Prize, Armstrong (The Case for God, 2009) worked with "leading thinkers from a variety of major faiths" to compose a Charter for Compassion, which calls for the restoration of "compassion to the heart of religious and moral life" in a "dangerously polarized" world. Not content with merely stating lofty goals, however, Armstrong, a revered genius of elucidation and synthesis, now tells the full and profound story of altruism throughout human history. She turns to neuroscience and tracks the evolution of our brains and our natural capacity for empathy, and performs her signature mode of beautifully clarifying interpretation in a mind-expanding discussion of the history of the Golden Rule ("Always treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself"), the essence of compassion and the kernel of every religious tradition. Exquisite and affecting explications of Buddhist, Confucian, Judaic, Christian, and Islamic commentary prepare the ground for meditation exercises meant to engender "open-mindedness" and the cultivation of compassion, making for the most sagacious and far-reaching 12-step program ever. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: A hefty print run is planned for renowned religious thinker Armstrong's bold approach to teaching the compassionate ethos. Copyright 2010 Booklist Reviews.

Check Availability

The biology of belief: unleashing the power of consciousness, matter, and miracles - Bruce H. Lipton

The biology of belief: unleashing the power of consciousness, matter, and miracles - Lipton, Bruce H.

Summary: Author Lipton is a former medical school professor and research scientist. His experiments, and those of other leading-edge scientists, have examined in great detail the processes by which cells receive information. The implications of this research radically change our understanding of life. It shows that genes and DNA do not control our biology; that instead DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell, including the energetic messages emanating from our positive and negative thoughts. Dr. Lipton's profoundly hopeful synthesis of the latest and best research in cell biology and quantum physics is being hailed as a breakthrough, showing that our bodies can be changed as we retrain our thinking.--From publisher description. - (Baker & Taylor)

No Review Available

Check Availability

When the past is present: healing the emotional wounds that sabotage our relationships - David Richo

When the past is present: healing the emotional wounds that sabotage our relationships - Richo, David

Summary: In this book, psychotherapist David Richo explores how we replay the past in our present-day relationships—and how we can free ourselves from this destructive pattern. We all have a tendency to transfer potent feelings, needs, expectations, and beliefs from childhood or from former relationships onto the people in our daily lives, whether they are our intimate partners, friends, or acquaintances. When the Past Is Present helps us to become more aware of the ways we slip into the past so that we can identify our emotional baggage and take steps to heal it.

Drawing on decades of experience as a psychotherapist, Richo helps readers to: Understand how the wounds of childhood become exposed in adult relationships—and why this is a gift; Identify and heal the emotional wounds we carry over from the past so that they won't sabotage present-day relationships; Recognize how strong attractions and aversions to people in the present can be signals of our own unfinished business; Use mindfulness to stay in the present moment and cultivate authentic intimacy - (Random House, Inc.)

No Review Available

Check Availability

Everyday Commitments - David Richo

Everyday Commitments - Richo, David

Summary: A guide for inspiration and contemplation containing fifty-two promises, such as "Cultivating Loving-Kindness" and "Being Authentic," to develop compassion, honesty, and integrity, and promote healthy relationships. - (Baker & Taylor)

Library Journal Reviews
In an effort to help individuals bring proper spiritual etiquette into a world full of greed, hate, and delusion, psychotherapist and author Richo (How To Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving) offers 52 ways to express kindness and compassion in everyday life. Daily readings open with a single commitment followed by a short commentary containing a practical exercise. For example, the commitment to avoid gossip includes an explanation of why the practice is tempting as well as an exercise for speaking directly to people whose behavior has been unwelcome. The page-long chapters are easy to digest and will undoubtedly assist in achieving positive change. Recommended for most libraries.
[Page 70]. Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Check Availability