Article first published as Book Review: Defining Moments: Breaking Through Tough Times by Dorothea S. McArthur, PhD, ABPP on Blogcritics.
I have long believed that people, as well as books, come into your life for a reason. There were so many times when I was facing an issue, and by merely picking up a book I found exactly the right answer to my dilemma right there. So I really should not be surprised that “Defining Moments: Breaking Through Tough Times” by Dorothea S. McArthur, PhD, ABPP was one of those life changing books for me, Yet thinking back I would be hard pressed to think of another instance of such completely clear and direct answer to the question I’ve been posing myself.
This wonderful book carries an apt subtitle of “Breaking Through Tough Times,” and in its sixty-six chapters Dr. McArthur addresses an incredibly wide variety of issues, from more or less complex personal struggles to truly large societal issues which impact all of us. I was mesmerized by her writing from the very first page, and incredibly enough the story that touched me by far the most was the very first one. I sat spellbound for a very, very long time after finishing those powerful three pages, and felt so incredibly empowered. Sometimes it takes so very little to change the course of one's life, and I believe Dr. McArthur's writing has the power to change many lives.
Her approach to issues is very down to earth and very practical, and while she points out a way for an individual to try and obtain counseling even if they think they would not be able to afford it, I believe that the book alone would help many of us handle our individual struggles better and become much happier after doing so. You can pick and choose the stories, or read them in order. Both approaches would work well in my opinion, but I would encourage you to read them all, even the ones that you might think you would or could not relate to. If my experience is anything to go by, you might end up truly surprised. Relevant, current, and enlightening, “Defining Moments: Breaking Through Tough Times” by Dorothea S. McArthur, PhD, ABPP, is a self-help book that I would recommend without reservations.
Defining Moments: Breaking Through Tough Times
Dorothea S. McArthur, PhD, ABPP
Cove Press (2012)
ISBN 9780984773510
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (11/12)
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