THE GODDESS OF HAPPINESS: A Down-to-Earth Guide for Heavenly Balance and Bliss

Gisonni, founder of a company dedicated to "personal well-being, spiritual growth and business success," chose to cope with losing four family members within a four-year period by adopting a sunny optimism. Her book of 44 easily digestible essays encourages other women to do the same—whether they're dealing with the ho-hum round of everyday life or with unexpected stress. More than anything, she reminds readers of things they should already know, but have lost in the shuffle of life: live with integrity; indulge yourself once in a while; give up control, guilt and noise; rediscover joy. Gisonni follows each essay with an affirmation and gives readers room to create a few of their own. The handful of references to specific classic goddesses—Pele, Demeter, Isis, Quan Yin, Lakshmi—is far outweighed by allusions to pop icons such as Julia Child, Hillary Clinton, Goldie Hawn, Cyndi Lauper, Maria Shriver, Mother Teresa and Vanessa Williams. The subtle notion that women are all goddesses in their own right plays out a bit too subtly, as merely substituting the word "goddess" for "woman," "her," "she," or "you" fails to drive home the point in any original or lasting way. However, the short-attention-span format makes this a perfect gift for girlfriends on the go. (Apr.)