An affirming self-care journey.
A multistep self-help process for letting go of family-related emotional baggage.
Washington (7 Simple Steps to Beat Emotional Baggage, 2017) draws on personal stories of unsupportive and abusive family relationships in a book that aims to “move people to take action to heal from their pasts and live their futures in peace and joy.” Throughout the text, she provides examples to back up her main theme that “Childhood trauma turns into…adult dysfunctional behavior.” For example, she writes that her brother’s physical attacks when she was younger normalized her habit of taking late-night walks, which she originally started taking to escape her sibling. Washington’s tone is warm, conversational, and encouraging, actively urging the reader to cut dysfunctional ties and make space for personal growth. The works centers on a seven-step process that starts with mapping one’s life journey, moves through understanding the reasons for problematic self-talk, and concludes with a celebration of the good things in one’s life. Each step consists of a short affirmation, such as “Having boundaries shows I want self-respect”; a practical technique to employ when experiencing trouble; and an activity that channels general thoughts into concrete actions. Throughout, Washington’s storytelling is vivid, and she’s quick to cite the blessings of her Catholic faith, extended family, and educators when she couldn’t connect with her nuclear “bio-fam.” She refers readers to her website for work sheet templates to complete suggested activities, which keeps the book brief and concise. Some elements are repeated often, such as her the positive belief that mindfully addressing one’s behaviors can help one get closure. However, her often lighthearted attitude toward life’s frustrations demonstrates that she practices what she preaches.
An affirming self-care journey.Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-9986972-3-9
Page Count: 216
Publisher: That Anita Live
Review Posted Online: May 10, 2019
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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