BE WISE NOW

Name: BE WISE NOW
Author: Gael McCool
ISBN: 978-1-5445-0210-6

by Gael McCool ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 22, 2019

A reflective, calming look at different aspects of the self.

bookshelf

Awards & Accolades

Our Verdict

GET IT

McCool aims to show readers how to build themselves up by breaking themselves down—that is, by examining the parts of one’s identity, piece by piece.

The debut author draws on her experience as a life coach and inspirational guide as she presents her self-discovery plan. Each chapter focuses on one part of the reader’s identity, such as the “Embodied Self,” the “Survival Self,” and the “Emotional Self,” among others. By showing how each piece contributes to the whole, McCool offers insights into what one’s ambitions and pains are trying to convey. For example, she asserts that listening to your physical self—paying attention to what makes your body relax or tense up—can allow you to sense what path your life should take and thus help to reveal your purpose. The author brings in ideas from multiple religions and therapeutic practices as well as Native American teachings, ancient Greek ideals, and even famous leaders, such as the Dalai Lama. Interspersed are real-life anecdotes that feature the author’s friends or former clients, effectively showing how one can determine causes of stress and figure out what one needs to do to succeed. Each chapter ends with a quick summary and affirmation on which the reader can reflect while practicing mindfulness techniques. One can tell that McCool has been in practice for more than 30 years, as her writing style has the calm, even tone that one might look for in a therapist or yoga instructor. Some examples feel a bit far-fetched, as they seem to align with the author’s points a bit too perfectly at times. That said, McCool’s style will likely make one want to try out her strategies. She also provides extensive references for eager readers who might want to pursue further research.

A reflective, calming look at different aspects of the self.

Pub Date: April 22, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-5445-0210-6

Page Count: 442

Publisher: Feel Inc. Publishing

Review Posted Online: May 23, 2019

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

bookshelf

NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

bookshelf

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

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

bookshelf

TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

bookshelf

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.