cover image THE PENNINGTON PLAN: 5 Simple Steps to Vibrant Health, Emotional Well-Being and Spiritual Growth

THE PENNINGTON PLAN: 5 Simple Steps to Vibrant Health, Emotional Well-Being and Spiritual Growth

Andrea Pennington, with Abigail Pennington. . Avery, $22.95 (208pp) ISBN 978-1-58333-193-4

Unflaggingly positive, this book promises a roadmap to wellness. For Pennington, who, with her mother, Abigail, cofounded a preventative medicine and holistic health services institute in Maryland, wellness goes far beyond physical health. In this hazily spiritual guide, she addresses states of mind, body and spirit—all of which, she says, must be in balance for optimal well-being. Pennington's advice, while sometimes New Agey, is broad enough for most readers and applicable to almost any goal, whether it's eating more healthfully, overcoming an addiction or finding a more meaningful career. For example, Pennington ends each chapter with a list of "affirmations," which range from "I will access my spirit regularly for guidance and peace" to "I will use the vision of myself enjoying my motivating factors to keep me on course." (Pennington also suggests quieting the mind by "practicing yoga or chanting at least two or three times each week.") Detailed stories from the author's patients help enforce the value of her advice, and her concrete, five-step plan, with its in-depth information on defining goals, devising a strategy and getting started, charting progress and celebrating success, ensures that readers will come away from this book closer to a state of holistic wellness. (Jan.)

Forecast: Pennington has appeared on Oprah and The Jane Pauley Show. Her extensive Web site will soon be selling products, and if that move is matched by an aggressive marketing campaign, book sales should soar.