Living in the Comfort Zone

Rating:
Summary: Barely OK, should have been a 40-page booklet, never a book
Review: I have read about 50 books in the self-help genre, most of them contain important, valid, useful information. However, most of them could also be condensed to a booklet. Yet, a booklet wouldn't profit as well as a full-length paperback. Consequently, concepts relatively simple to comprehend are over explained, drawn out, and result in fluffing up the page numbers.

Living in the Comfort Zone is the worst example of this stuff-to-fluff type of self-help writing. Valid points, especially the bulleted lists were helpful and informative. But a whole book? No way.

Read it if no others are available and you need some general pointers, otherwise go directly to Better Boundaries (Black & Enns).

Rating:
Summary: the gift of boundaries
Review: Living in the Comfort Zone really meant a lot to me not only because she explained the importance of boundaries in relationships but because she explained very clearly WHY some of us don't have a very easy time with them. Some of us have virtually no experience with setting boundaries and others have them so rigid that nothing can penetrate.. not even the good things. She explains the patterns and how sometimes people are distancers and sometimes intruders of other's boundaries. It helps me to understand the dynamics behind a behavior or lack of it and THEN to get suggestions to work towards a more desired outcome. The author has done a wonderful job of explaining a very complex subject and offering really practical and helpful suggestions.