SELF-HELP

A Crisis Is a Terrible Thing To Waste: The Art of Transforming the Tragic into Magic

by Kelly Sullivan Walden

Beyond Words. Jan. 2023. 288p. ISBN 9781582708812. pap. $18. SELF-HELP

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In this volume, dream expert/hypnotherapist Walden (Luminous Humanness) shares her life stories and how she has learned from them. She offers her OGLE method to turn life’s situations into learning experiences. OGLE is an acronym that asks readers to identify the offending behavior or situation, figure out what good can be gleaned from the event, notice how you look at or self-examine yourself, and decide how to let this experience elevate you. In 30 chapters, Walden relates stories (her own and others’) of 12-step programs, dropping out of college, experiencing physical assault and near-rape situations, and contemplating suicide. After each account, she demonstrates her application of the OGLE method and shows readers how to apply this tactic to their own lives so they can learn from every experience.

CORRECTION: This review originally listed the wrong publisher; LJ regrets the error.

VERDICT Written in a highly engaging style, Walden’s book makes a good case that finding the lessons in even tragic events can lead to a happier and more fulfilled life. Best for general readership.

Reviewed by Jacqueline Parascandola , Jan 01, 2023

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