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Summary: Warning to vulnerable readers!
Review: This information is harmful to readers who are at a vulnerable place in their lives and are seriously looking for caring assistance. Rather than encouraging the reader that things will get better, the author tells them that they have no hope and to just deal with it. Terrible - I came away from it very angry.
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Summary: A must read
Review: I first head of this book in a wonderful magazine review I read. I picked it up during a time of ambiguity and exploration in my life, and have found myself recommending the book to all of my friends and family. From the first chapter, I was completely captivated by Chodron's perspective on fear, groundlessness, and life in general--so much so that I typed out portions of the book to email to my friends. All of them responded wanting to know more. Here's one of the excerpts I sent:Letting there be room for not knowing is the most important thing of all. We try to do what we think is going to help. But we don't know. We never know if we're going to fall flat or sit up tall. When there's a big disappointment, we don't know if that's the end of the story. It may be just the beginning of a great adventure. Chodron is one of the most clear and accessible writers on Buddhism that I have read to date. The thoughts and ideas she presents are not intuitive--at least not for non-Buddhists like myself--but they are absolutely fascinating and inspire you to explore and learn more about this philosophy. Next to Sylvia Boorstein, Chodron's books are a must read for anyone interested in an invigoratingly "new" (for Westerners, anyway) perspective on life and death.
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Summary: a companion for when you're in a dark place
Review: this is one of my all time favorite books. the title says it all. this book could be called a lifesaver. i wouldn't recommend reading this if you're not experiencing hard times,because i think you may miss the message. but if/when you are,this will help to you to come out of it stronger and better. and it's a friend while you are 'there'.
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Summary: Directly to the point
Review: This author is the clearest I have read. I read a lot of Buddhist books, but she is directly to the point. And it is directed to when any philosophy or practice is needed -- when things go wrong, not when everything is fine and it's easy to be equanimous. This small book has helped me more than I can express. The one after this one, The Places that Scare You, is also tremendous.
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Summary: do not read this book if you are suicidal.
Review: This book asks the impossible of anyone who is clinically depressed: to find joy in despair. If you are a healthy, functioning adult, you may be able to "move into the fear" and "totally experience hopelessness, giving up all alternatives to the present moment," but if you are truly in despair, you may just take the final, obvious, inevitable step. I found this book self-satisfied, self-promoting, and pedantic.
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Summary: Changed my life
Review: I recommend this book to any and everyone. I had been depressed for years and years and been to a doctor that didn't help too much, when I just happened to start reading this book. I read the first chapter and knew right away that I was on to something new and exciting that could help me. Once I read more, this book completely changed the way I see life and the way I view myself and my suffering. It turned me on to meditation and zen study and I have been doing it ever since and it has changed me and singlehandedly gotten rid of the depression. So, go out and read this book, regardless of whether you're depressed or not, or whether you believe in buddhist beliefs or not. This beautiful book can be helpful to anyone. It's something I go back and read when I'm having problems and something I've recommended to lots of people. A truely wonderful book.
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Summary: Depressed/suicidal? Be joyful, there is no way out.
Review: Perhaps it is a bold statement, but after dealing with depression and anxiety caused by loneliness for longer than I am able to remember, this book is the first teaching to show me that abandoning hope of someday having it all together is the only way to deal with things. Your life is here, now, and that is the only way to live it. A brilliant way to follow up this book would be to read Pema's "The Wisdom of No Escape." Her words have effected me emontionally, spiritually, and personally. I don't think I am capable of expressing the sense of gratitude I feel towards Pema's explanation of extremely relevant teachings about the human condition.
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Summary: wonderful, soothing book
Review: I read this book on the plane on the way home to deal with a difficult situation. By the time I landed, I was grateful for the opportunity to grow through this particular challenge. As usual, Pema Chodron gives her soft "motherly" insights and dare I say, advice, on living a more fulfilled life.
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Summary: A Jewel!
Review: Everyone should have this book! It's amazing...every line is a little jewel. It's not just for difficult times, it's a good philosophy for life in general. We can learn from all our experiences as lessons for growth. I like to give this to friends growing through issues. It is a beautifully written, easy to read book. Treat yourself today...Peace.
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Summary: Deep Inspiration!
Review: This is a truly wonderful book for anyone, not just for those who feel that things are falling apart. But if things are falling apart or about to this also is the book for you! It offers great insight into accepting life just as it is, right now, in this very moment. This book was written with compassion about finding peace within the essential grounds of your life. I have read this book several times, and now I read some here and there for pick-me-up inspiration.
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