Host of CBN's Parent Talk Radio, psychologist Leman (Were You Born for Each Other?, 1990, etc.) here offers a plan of action—``Reality Discipline''—for dealing with common family problems. The term ``Reality Discipline'' is based on child-rearing specialist Rudolf Dreikurs's work on the logical consequences of human behavior, which, in a nutshell, finds that certain actions and attitudes result in certain consequences. Here, Leman has revised and expanded the concept into a technique for managing ``your personal life, your marriage, and your children with love, respect, and effectiveness.'' The author is a master at simplifying and a whiz at thinking up catchy phrases. He's also fond of making lists (e.g., ``The Nine Ways Reality Discipline Can Strengthen Your Family'' and ``A Baker's Dozen Ways To Fill His Love Bank''). Every chapter ends with two lists, one designed to sum up the chapter and the other to get the reader started on applying its principles in real-life situations. Each also concludes with notes that are definitely not scholarly, including such references as Leman's other books and the Bible. But then Leman is not writing for the scholarly but, rather, for those who will either not notice or not mind his deliberate repetitiveness of key ideas. His advice is neither profound nor new, but it is sensible and clearly expressed, and the examples he provides from his own experiences are entertaining and believable. Sound advice delivered in sound bites.
Pub Date: March 3, 1992
ISBN: 0-385-29944-3
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Delacorte
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
An astute, measured look at the modern death-care industry.
An apprentice undertaker on the ins and outs of the hidden trade.
In this report on the modern funeral industry, Jokinen updates The American Way of Death, Jessica Mitford's classic 1963 treatise on the subject. The principal difference between then and now is the skyrocketing popularity of cremation among Baby Boomers, a trend that has had disastrous financial impact on traditional funeral homes. Caskets, plots and funeral services are sold at huge markups, and the relatively cheap option of cremation has hit funeral directors hard. Jokinen examines the strategies employed by the industry to generate new revenue streams, a process that calls into question the very purpose of “death care”—what functions did the old rituals serve, and how do the new ways of disposing of the dead address the spiritual and emotional needs of the living? The author explores these new options, including environmentally conscious “green” funerals, innovations in crematory urns, such as personalized sculptures and huggable teddy-bear receptacles, and chemically induced disintegration of corpses. The book abounds with sickening details about human putrefaction, embalming processes, the grim mechanics of cremation and sundry tricks of the trade—for example, the deceased's clothing is commonly cut down the back and tucked in around the body for a flattering fit. It's easy to feel outrage at the institutionalized venality that characterizes the funeral industry, as emotionally compromised survivors are cannily manipulated into spending thousands of dollars on what are, essentially, unnecessary accoutrements—a simple pine box can do the job as well as a luxurious mahogany casket—but Jokinen elicits a measure of respect for the thoughtful, dedicated funeral directors who place a premium on respect for the departed and the dignity of the final send-off.
An astute, measured look at the modern death-care industry.Pub Date: March 9, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-306-81891-2
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Da Capo
Review Posted Online: Feb. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2010
The bestselling mother-and-daughters team that told baby boomers in great detail what to expect when they were expecting (1984) and what to expect in the first year (not reviewed), now inundate parents again with this guide to years two and three. They cover medical check-ups, social development, and specific fears and concerns that all first-time parents have. Many are genuinely important (such as ``Strange Stools'' and ``Hitting Back''), but others are simply the day-to-day stuff of raising a child (do parents need advice on ``Fridge Opening''?). Information is sensible and down-to-earth, and comprehensive in chapters on toilet training and nutrition. But except for the final ``Ready Reference'' section on common illnesses and remedies, this massive compendium is almost impossible to use as a reference guide. Entries are not alphabetized, and anyway, who would think to look up ``Banging on Everything''? And what if your kid bangs in the 14th month instead of the 13h, where it's listed here? (First printing of 200,000; author tour)
Pub Date: Dec. 15, 1994
ISBN: 0-89480-994-6
Page Count: 928
Publisher: Workman
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1994
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