cover image Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play

Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play

Kimberly Wilson. New World Library, $14.95 (185pp) ISBN 978-1-57731-672-5

In this pithy, would-be full-service self help, Wilson seeks to motivate women to be their best selves, without losing sight of what makes us human. Helpful and humorous, Wilson's friendly style is welcoming, if occasionally cringe-inducing (cutesy internet vernacular, like substituting ""heart"" for ""like,"" is sure to wear on certain readers). Attempting to cover a broad range of women's lifestyle topics-eating better, exercising, going green, finding inner peace, entrepreneurship-Wilson's guide is occasionally scanty on details, and heavily lopsided toward the aspiring businesswoman: eating suggestions span little more than a page, while nearly half the text is devoted to small business growth. As an accomplished entrepreneur (founder of a women's advocacy group and her own ""eco-fashion"" line), Wilson's business advice is valuable and well-considered, but would served better in a more narrow, career-focused volume, rather than as part of a holistic guide to life.