Perspective: The Calm Within the Storm

Where Wicks's previous work, Bounce, aimed to teach readers tools and habits to weather bad events, his latest is a collection of personal accounts and moments from historical "wisdom literature." The purpose is to show readers how to maintain an optimistic "inner space" in order to appreciate their good days and better endure their bad ones. The "perspective" of the title is, for Wicks, inseparable from a more familiar concept%E2%80%94mindfulness. The book finds more success in exploring the cultural realm of quiet spaces through poetry and literature than it does at providing actual step-by-step guidance, but it features thorough end-of-chapter questions and exercises designed to both start a practice of mindfulness meditation while incorporating a more contemplative outlook in daily life. Exercises in gratitude as well as responsibility attempt to give readers a more complete picture of themselves%E2%80%94not one marked by over-optimism or self-condemnation, but by emotional "intrigue" and curiosity, compassion, and peace. Wicks's writing comes alive when he focuses on his patients and their experiences, and renders in intimate terms the warmth and faith he expresses towards his readers. (Mar.)