Romancing the Shadow: Illuminating the Dark Side of the Soul

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Summary: A deeply soulful guide on accepting all parts of yourself
Review: The authors of this book have done a wonderful job of demonstrating and guiding one on how to go about working with our shadow side, that side of us that we don't like, don't want to confront because we have been told that it's bad. They have made a distinction in that the idea is not to "integrate" the shadow as we're used to hearing, but to romance these things--feelings, characters--in the shadow, to give them their place. They have given many exercises to do and demonstrations on how to use the ideas. They have done a particularly good job of using sophisticated, scholarly ideas, while describing them in language that anyone interested in soul work can understand. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to understand themselves and their own actions, sometimes self-defeating actions, more fully.

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Summary: THE groundbreaking work on the soul's hidden face-the shadow
Review: The shadow, like an invisible twin, acts out in our rage, lies, addiction, & depression. Meeting the shadow is a first step; romancing it, or learning to live with it, is a lifelong challenge. With shadow-work we gain consciousness & substance.In fact, shadow-work is soul-work. It connects us to the depths of our imaginations

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Summary: A brilliant, practical and comprehensive guide to the shadow
Review: This is a classic work that begs to be savoured slowly chapter by chapter and to be read and reread as one opens to its depth. The author's expertise on the shadow is just the run-way to take off on a flight through Jung, modern application of the shadow, case examples and self-help methods. Don't read this book for light reading or if you want a strictly classic version of Jung. It's insightful, profound and current. The method for doing your own shadow process at the back of the book is original and gives startling insight into oneself. Great for dealing with compulsive habits and relationship problems.

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Summary: For couples interested in growing through their relationship
Review: This is an exceptional book for couples interested in developing finer communication skills and learning to be true lovers.

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Summary: Disappointing
Review: This is one of those books that you kick yourself for buying. It is strictly anecdotal and almost devoid of theory. Consequently, the "personal stories" presented by the authors have nothing to tie them together. You will not learn anything about Jung's theory of the Shadow from this book.

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Summary: Exciting, insightful, thought provoking.
Review: Zwieg and Wolf have given us a book to savor over and over. It begs to be read slowly, but I had to devour it the first time - and then reread it with pencil and journal in hand. They offer many insights into the Shadow: individual, family, relationship, cultural. The authors present the material with clarity and understanding in a non-judgmental way. They don't ask you to feel shame or guilt, simply to observe your own Shadow and seek to understand. I have had so many "aha's" while reading the book that surely I am now beginning to recognize the shadow when I see it in myself (and others). I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to see their own actions more clearly in an often confusing inner world context.