Conscientious, literate help for the ``millions of Americans'' who suffer from money-centered addictions. ``Like food and sex,'' says therapist Boundy, ``money is a powerful psychic symbol'' as well as a common focus of cravings. Through case studies and analysis, she demonstrates here how money- -or access to it—can come to represent love, nourishment, sexual potency, unresolved childhood longings, or even ``filth.'' It can also lend itself to behavior associated with obsession, repetition, denial, moodiness, increased tolerance for bizarre outcomes, distorted thinking, lies, secrecy, and self-destruction—all the earmarks of an addictive disorder. Like food addicts, says Boundy, money addicts fall into two broad categories—overusers and self- deprivers. But variations abound, and the causes and symptoms of each variation make for fascinating reading. The compulsive ``image shopper,'' for example, is ``trying to be seen.'' The compulsive bargainer is making a power play. Some compulsive spenders are ``getting rid of their money'' the way a bulimic gets rid of food; others are consuming to the verge of unconsciousness, like gluttons. Hoarders excessively fear dependency; underearners excessively fear loss. All these sufferers, the author claims, can find help by following a 12-step program of recovery and by learning to focus on the ``right use of money'' and on ``true wealth,'' which she delineates against the backdrop of ``a money- obsessed culture.'' Credible—and potentially useful to many.
Pub Date: May 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-06-250212-3
Page Count: 256
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1993
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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