IMPROVING YOURSELF

by Gary D. & Jack White Yanker ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 1, 1974

The authors recount their personal experiences in a stew of self-improvement ""courses"": speed reading, memory training, Dale Carnegie, encounter groups, yoga, physical training, mind control and Cayce. Their portrayals of the classes, the instructors and the devotees have the distinct ring of objectivity; but their reactions are very idiosyncratic. They range from condemnation (encounter groups, mind control, Cayce) to limited censure (Evelyn Wood) to unbridled enthusiasm (Dale Carnegie -- although they acknowledge that the course neglects the pressures of competition and the necessities of harsh criticism). The authors offer useful advice to fellow self-improvers: don't sign away your rights to compensation; avoid high-pressure salesmen; be suspicious of those who promise unusual powers but refuse to demonstrate them. Yet they conclude that some of the programs are fun and ""a good way to meet a variety of people."" Agreeable enough.

Pub Date: Dec. 1, 1974

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Dodd, Mead

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1974

Categories: NONFICTION