Religion Update: What’s Inside

By Lynn Garrett -- Publishers Weekly, 6/30/2003

We Americans tend to be pragmatic in our approach to religion and spirituality. We want a faith that works, one that helps us navigate the day-to-day. That's why the subcategory of religious or spiritual self-help continues to be the backbone of so many publishing programs. Have a problem? If you are like many people, you’ll head to the bookstore for guidance before you talk to your priest, rabbi, imam or minister.

In this issue of Religion Update , we first tour the well-populated landscape of books on relationships, including titles on just about every imaginable combination of people—husbands and wives, parents (and step-parents) and children, courting couples, friends, grandparents, coworkers—who confront the fundamental task of figuring out how to get along. Included are useful sidebars on resources for special parenting needs and "Relationship Repair."

Then we look at books that deal with our relationship to ourselves. These include titles on emotional issues such as anger and the need to forgive, fear, stress, disappointment, alienation, addiction, worry—the full spectrum of human burdens. We also examine the interplay of Buddhism and psychology. Many psychologists agree the ancient faith has provided valuable insights for their profession, but has the pairing been good for Buddhism?

Finally, the perennial problems of grief, death and dying, and dealing with illness continue to produce books that may be small in number but are significant in impact. Once again we highlight the new crop and pinpoint some classics.

Profiles of four authors of new books illuminate the range of topics that can be called "self-help," from leadership in business and other organizations, to overcoming self-hatred and addiction, to facing mortality and mourning loss, to raising children (and letting them raise you).

From birth through old age, in every stage of life, as long as people struggle, publishers will offer books that counsel and comfort.

In This Issue:

Securing the Ties That Bind
Publishers find perennial success with faith-based relationship books

Tending Hungry Hearts and Unsettled Minds
A new crop of popular psychology titles keeps pace with the national malaise

In Profile
Tara Brach, Ari Goldman, Chris Lowney, and James Lucas demonstrate "self-help's" range

All Faiths Calendar
Selected Observances for July and August 2003