The Lessons of Love: Rediscovering Our Passion for Life When It All Seems Too Hard to Take

In a series of reflective essays, the author explains how to find the true joy in life and a passion for living during times of tragedy and despair

Beattie ( Codependent No More ) here chronicles her grief over the death of her son Shane in a skiing accident in 1991; for two years she found herself unable to work. But with the help of family, friends and her own inner resources, she was finally able to put her life back together. Then, however, she was faced with another test: her daughter Nichole's alcoholism. But this time, from her reserves of spiritual strength, Beattie met the problem head-on. Convincing her daughter to enter a treatment center, she was able to forge a closer relationship between them. Beattie's inspiring message should bring hope to those who think that they "just can't take it any more." 200,000 first printing; author tour.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This is a book about what trendy therapist types like to call "grief work." It's the story of how Beattie, the most popular writer on the controversial new-psychotherapy phenomenon, codependency, got through the experience of her 12-year-old son's fatal skiing accident and its aftermath. Like so many others who've endured the loss of a loved one, she drifted and obsessed, became a trial for her friends to be with and a prey for hucksters taking advantage of her distraction. She got through it all by reconnecting with her capacity to love--much needed because her daughter, drinking and drugging, was in the throes of midteen meltdown. That she's led a generally more melodramatic life than many certainly helps her account sustain reader interest. Those going through similar crises will find companionship and perhaps even solace in her report. Ray Olson