Further Along the Road Less Traveled: Self-Love Versus Self-Esteem

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Summary: Further Along the Road Less Traveled
Review: I listened to an abridged version of this book on a drive from Tampa back to Southern Illinois in February, 2000. Earlier on this same trip I had listened to a tape about St. Agustin as well as the Books on Tape edition of Kathleen Norris' "Amazing Grace," [as well as a book about the physicist Richard Feynman, for balance] so I was rather primed for the "experience" of the cental message of this book. I was nevertheless unprepared for the author's confession that he had been 'thunderstruck' by his discovery of the reality of the person of Jesus as revealed in the Gospels. He describes having turned to a reading of the New Testament after completing the first draft of his epochal The Road Less Travelled, to check some of his quotes and references to Jesus. The Evangelists were not, in Peck's word, PR people, but rather reporters. Just hours after returning from this trip I attended the funeral of Jeanne Hurley Simon, wife of former Senator and Presidential candidate Paul Simon. Although the local Catholic Church soon filled with celebrities and dignitaries, I found my attention was almost completely drawn to reading the selections of scripture available in a red book in the pew pocket in front of me. I was, just hours after finishing Peck's book, reading the familiar Biblical stories and teachings as if for the first time. Peck's book was, for me, a life-changing experience.

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Summary: what a disappointment
Review: I was hoping that Dr. Peck would talk about the differences between self love and self esteem, because this was the title of his lecture. But, in my opinion, he didn't even come close. The tape included stories of himself and others, but nothing that would help the listener understand even the simplest difference between self esteem and self love. As a psychologist, myself, I listened intently to find a connection between his stories and the meaning of his lecture, but I could find none. I have never written a review before but felt strongly enough about this one that I needed to write and tell others.... don't waste your money. I enjoy Dr. Peck's other writings, but not this one!