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ALPHABET ADVICE FOR ADULTS

Name: ALPHABET ADVICE FOR ADULTS
Author: R. R. Hayman
ISBN: 978-0692027622

FROM THE LETTERS A TO Z, INTROSPECTIVE WORDS COME INTO BEING- CREATING A COLLECTION OF INSPIRATIONAL WRITINGS

by R. R. Hayman ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 2, 2014

Expressive exercises that provide an array of motivational pointers.

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The 26 characters of the English language serve as springboards for life advice and reflection in this debut self-help guide.

In a brief introduction, Hayman sets forth this collection’s mission: “Each letter of the alphabet has words of wisdom to share, assembled in diverse writing styles designed to give you, the reader, a morale boost and an extra dose of motivation to take steps toward improving your quality of life.” The contemplations that follow have headings ranging from “Awareness” to “To Zenith and Beyond,” with essays, poetry and what the author terms “visual guided imagery” to offer insights into a more mindful, fulfilling existence. Sometimes a letter stands for a key word within the title; “Coming Home,” for example, stands for “H” in this alphabetically organized book, with a four-paragraph essay on remaining grounded. Some letters merit repeating, with “O,” for example, inspiring two entries: “Overcoming Obstacles,” offering the advice to “[s]earch deep within yourself to find those abilities that will serve you well in the future,” and “Obligation means Commitment,” a two-and-a-half page musing that concludes, “To be kind to others is not a choice, it’s a must.” Although Hayman refers to “clients” in this collection, her background as a licensed clinical social worker isn’t fully revealed in the text. It’s unfortunate that Hayman doesn’t bring more of her professional experience into her book; as a result, the content comes off as rather generic at times. More specifics on how her ideas have helped actual clients would have lent this collection more punch. Nevertheless, Hayman has created a charming “concept album” of a book that offers gentle, encouraging prompts for a proactive approach to self-improvement.

Expressive exercises that provide an array of motivational pointers.

Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2014

ISBN: 978-0692027622

Page Count: 78

Publisher: R. R. Hayman

Review Posted Online: Oct. 9, 2014

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

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

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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

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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

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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.