Self-Help

Psychiatrist Brantley and holistic nutrition consultant Millstine invite readers in the latest volume of the "Five Good Minutes" series to step back from the busyness of everyday life and explore being mindful, or experiencing now. Presence, intention, and wholehearted action, they write, are what one needs to transform ordinary clock time into genuine living time full of possibility. Instead of suggesting psychological mind games, they offer exercises (e.g., listen compassionately) to help readers open the heart, dump the grudge, and share life fully with another. Breathing is key, and clear instructions are provided. Simple yet reflective and helpful in any situation; recommended for all libraries serving yogacentric self-helpers.

Cane (The Art of Kissing) has found a new angle to assist people in finding true love: using the 12 birth-order types (e.g., older brother of brothers, younger sister of sisters) to predict the most compatible match. He first discusses the personality traits correlating most directly to birth order, then profiles birth-order types in terms of these traits. Finally, he breaks it all down to help readers identify their ideal mates. While the information on birth order is interesting, it's a stretch to think of adding birth order to the list of traits deemed necessary for meeting Mr. or Ms. Right. For birth-order fanatics only.

Having rebuilt his life after an accident that left him a quadriplegic in his thirties, author and radio personality Gottlieb (Letters to Sam: A Grandfather's Lessons on Love, Loss, and the Gifts of Life) here shares his observations on what makes us human. Through storytelling, insight, and humor, he discusses both what divides us (e.g., family difficulties) and unites us (e.g., the longing for love). He acknowledges the people who helped him through difficult times to a place of peace and acceptance. Above all, he emphasizes the necessity of listening to others and being honest with one's feelings in order to participate fully in life. An uplifting book abounding with encouragement for daily living; recommended for public libraries.

While finding a mate can be challenging, learning to live happily with one can be even more so. The authors of these books share their personal experiences and insights on how to keep love alive. Lilo and Gerard Leeds, married for 56 years, team up with author Terrence Real (How Can I Get Through to You?: Reconnecting Men and Women) to put into writing what they consider to be the essential elements of a mutually satisfying relationship. They address issues that need to be agreed upon (e.g., money, religion) and offer simple, practical suggestions for increasing closeness (e.g., doing chores together, resolving disputes quickly).

Pastor and motivational speaker Gungor, himself married with two grown children and two grandchildren, attributes many relationship difficulties to miscommunication and explores the differences between male and female styles across eight dimensions, including thought processes and desires. He frequently draws from the Bible in relaying advice on commitment, sexuality, and forgiveness.

The Leedses' book, full of helpful ideas, is recommended for all public libraries. Gugor's meatier work, good for the Christian couple that would find biblical examples and quotations helpful, is recommended for libraries in high-density Christian communities.

Life coach, speaker, and author Hassler (20 Something, 20 Everything: A Quarter-Life Woman's Guide to Balance and Direction) has written this guidebook to help twentysomethings and their parents know they're not alone. She covers such territory as "expectation hangovers™" (i.e., when life does not turn out as expected) as well as features personal stories by various twentysomething contributors, grouping the entries into common problem areas and including expert advice and insights for dealing with these issues. Important information in an easy-to-digest format that targets an underserved (in the library world) population; highly recommended for public and academic libraries.

According to actor, editor, and writer Johnson (The Little Book of Big Excuses), focusing on what's good in life can help those who consistently see the dark side of things (the hole rather than the donut) live healthier and more successful lives. Here, she presents a delightful collection—or, as she calls it, a scrapbook—of events that have struck her or made her happy in some way (e.g., finding money she forgot she'd stashed away, watching a horse at full gallop). Though only some of Johnson's fondest moments will resonate with readers, the book will inspire them to think back on their own, which is entirely the point. Recommended for all libraries.

More of a plan to find a fiancé quickly than a guide to building up one's (single) sense of self, this book by twentysomething Newsday trend reporter Lewak serves as a "boot camp for brides-to-be." Lewak speaks to the bitterness many singles experience seeing happily married young couples and to their desperation at being still single. While she encourages the single female reader to enjoy her freedom, she devotes entire chapters to such topics as how to project hotness and desirability and when to start booking the caterers. The writing is sassy and humorous, and the quizzes and sidebars are fun. Still, while the book may be helpful to some single women, it reinforces negative stereotypes many are trying to outrun. Approach with caution. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/07.]

The authors, both active in Christian endeavors, have assembled a handbook encouraging women to see the "empty nest" period of their lives as an opportunity to spend more time with girlfriends or find a new purpose in life, even while dealing with the challenges of menopause, aging parents, and possibly a failed marriage. They address and provide coping tools for the usual concerns relating to career and extended family but hone in on the need for forgiveness in reestablishing ties with parents and siblings. Empty nesters, especially those with a Christian background, will find this book helpful. Recommended for libraries with a large Christian population.

Management consultant and former monk Sarma aims to help readers reduce stress, gain focus, and maintain clarity. Calling his approach to meditation "mental resilience training," he discusses everything related to its theory, practice, and application as well as provides step-by-step instructions for correctly executing postures, attaining deep calm, and acquiring insight. Sarma's presentation of meditation will appeal both to businesspeople (to whom he's been teaching these techniques for ten-odd years) as well as to those who would like to engage in the practice without the mysticism component. Recommended for all libraries.

Attorney and author Sherman ("How To Do Your Own Divorce" series) offers an insider's guide to making divorce go smoothly, quickly, painlessly, and inexpensively, revealing how the law works against divorcing couples and showing how to beat the system. In the Nolo Press-language librarians have come to appreciate, he discusses strategies for the difficult divorce as well as roadblocks to a decent one—e.g., ignorance, bad judgment, excessive spending, and hiding money. His no-nonsense guide to the legalities and practicalities of divorce is highly recommended for all public libraries.

New York City-based journalist Wilkinson consulted 60 experts—among them Andrew Weil, M.D. (on wellness), Nicole Miller (on clothing), Ina Garten (on the kitchen), Rabbi Harold Kushner (on the spirit)—to compile lists of all the top requirements for a healthy life. Here, she categorizes her findings into three handy sections: "Body" (e.g., exercise, nutrition), "Mind" (e.g., connection, acceptance), and "Spirit" (setting aside time for reflection, having a sense of purpose). Particularly suited to busy people who want to cover all bases of life improvement in the least amount of time; highly recommended for all libraries.