cover image A Bend in the Road is Not the End of the Road: 10 Positive Principles for Dealing with Change

A Bend in the Road is Not the End of the Road: 10 Positive Principles for Dealing with Change

Joan Lunden. William Morrow & Company, $25.95 (239pp) ISBN 978-0-688-16083-8

As perky and positive as ever, Lunden describes being ousted from her 20-year stint as cohost of Good Morning America. With an abundance of platitudes and clich s, many presented as chapter titles (""Take the High Road,"" ""Get Glowing, Get Going,"" etc.), she delivers a pep talk on prevailing through such changes as divorce or the loss of a job, both of which she experienced publicly. Lunden puts a happy face on nearly everything; her advice includes such expressions as ""Staying even is always better than getting even"" and ""If you want to get back at someone, kill 'em with kindness."" In between exhortations, however, she reveals herself to be a savvy businesswoman, carefully preparing for every meeting, planning strategies, working hard and always ""respond[ing] intelligently"" rather than ""reacting emotionally."" Lunden describes overcoming her fears, taking risks and pushing the envelope with her particular brand of journalism. Flying a U-2 plane, dancing with veteran Vegas showgirls and bungee jumping have all been part of her new role on a series of TV specials called Behind Closed Doors. These specials, fulfilling her ABC contract, along with commercials for Claritin allergy products, are part of Lunden's ""new life."" What's next for the TV star is not revealed, but ""what sometimes seems to be the end is often a new beginning.... We just have to be willing to venture around the bend."" 100 color and b&w photos. First serial to Good Housekeeping; major ad/promo; author tour. (Nov.)