cover image Dare to Take Charge: How to Live Your Life on Purpose

Dare to Take Charge: How to Live Your Life on Purpose

Judge Glenda A. Hatchett, Hachette/Center Street, $23.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-59995-330-4

Judge Hatchett is an accomplished woman: in addition to her successful syndicated show, she has been a corporate litigator and manager of international media relations, as well as a chief presiding judge of Fulton County, Ga.'s juvenile court. Sharing her own story and the experiences of those who have appeared in her courtroom, Hatchett challenges readers to take charge of their lives, to define their dreams and dare to achieve them, to try new things, and to start every day with a clear idea of what they can accomplish to move toward their goal.But she simply strings together self-help clichés as she urges readers to spend more time doing what they're good at, to expect more of themselves, to keep a Joy Journal to reflect on what has brought them pleasure, and to pursue activities they feel passionate about. The self-help advice offered is generic, and while fans of Hatchett's TV show might enjoy the book, she won't be attracting many newcomers. (Sept.)