A 16-step program for overcoming addiction and dependency that speaks to the special needs of women and minorities; by a self-described ``feminist, Quaker, psychologist, healer, peace and social justice activist and a woman on [her] own spiritual journey.'' While acknowledging that AA's 12-step recovery program works for some, Kasl (Women, Sex, and Addiction, 1989) found that its allegedly upper-middle-class, white, male, Christian value system did not meet her own needs. The reaction from hundreds of women to a revised 12-step program that she published in Ms. in 1990 has led to the present book. After analyzing AA, which she sees as too dogmatic and reflective of the patriarchal nature of our society, Kasl examines the approaches of other programs and methods, such as Women for Sobriety, Secular Organization for Sobriety/Save Our Selves, Rational Recovery, and aversion therapy. Taking a holistic approach and adopting a special vocabulary (to Kasl, ``faith'' is a verb, and since ``recovery'' implies ``covering over,'' she prefers ``dis-covery''), the author offers a program designed to build a sense of self and to empower one to take charge of one's life. Those disturbed by references to chakras, mandalas, the sacred spirit, and life- force energy, however, may be made uneasy. And the unity of the book is marred by a curious chapter on chronic yeast infections and diet that reveals Kasl's cynicism about mainstream institutions and her credulity about unscientific claims; in it, she faults the medical profession for failing to acknowledge the significance of Candida albicans and recommends Harvey and Marilyn Diamond's controversial Fit for Life (1985), a questionable source for nutrition advice. Likely to offend those committed to orthodoxy, but offering a strong case for flexibility and diversity in programs for recovery from substance abuse. (Illustrations—not seen.)
Pub Date: June 3, 1992
ISBN: 0-06-055263-8
Page Count: 448
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1992
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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