My Mother's Rules: A Practical Guide to Becoming an Emotional Genius

Easy-reading prose and a no-nonsense approach will carry readers through this collection of anecdotes and rules for healthier living from first time author and Divorce Court star/judge Toler. As the title implies, Toler draws heavily on lessons learned from her mother, some of which, such as the revelation that Toler's mother ""lies, both often and well, if she feels the truth will get in someone's way,"" will surprise. And while the stories of Toler's upbringing have their merit, the book's strength lies in the sober, no-nonsense advice: ""The Peanut Gallery Rule"" asks whether ""you would still be doing what you're doing if other folks could see,"" while Toler's suggestion to ""Globalize Your Pain Quotient"" makes most quotidian frustrations seem petty. The rules, many of which are accompanied by their own mini-vignette, are explained at the end of each thematic chapter and are all re-listed at the end of the book for easy browsing. Readers looking for real-world direction could do much worse.