Undaunted Spirits

From The Critics

Reviewer: Bruce Rybarczyk, PhD(Rush Medical College of Rush University)
Description: This book contains a set of journalistic accounts of how 16 individuals experienced positive self-transformations after a catastrophic event (e.g., injury, disease, death of a family member, criminal charges, imprisonment) . The featured individuals fell into three categories: those who were well known before their crisis (e.g., Mike Wallace), those who became public figures as a result of their crises (e.g., Rabbi Kushner), and those who are known only in their community. The author interviewed each person and uses quotes extensively. There is a brief introduction and summary of the author's view of the common themes that emerge in the lives of individuals who successfully cope with tragedy.
Purpose: The author points out that much of the emphasis in the academic literature on stress and trauma is on consequent psychopathology (e.g., depression, PTSD). Thus, the book's purpose is to provide case studies that show positive mental health changes that can result f rom trauma. As such, the author asserts that these stories serve as "blueprints" for individuals trying to overcome tragedy. As far as I know, it is the only book that addresses this important topic.
Audience: The writing is at level that would be interesting both for mental health professionals and their clients who are dealing with trauma. In fact, it would serve as a useful bibliotherapy aid.
Features: An attractive photograph on the cover adds to the book's appeal. It contains no references.
Assessment: This is a readable and inspiring book for both clinicians and the general public. For university instructors, it would also serve as a nice complement to more academic books on coping. Yet it should be cautioned that the individuals presented are exceptional, so they serve more as ideals to strive for than normative case studies.

Bruce Rybarczyk

This book contains a set of journalistic accounts of how 16 individuals experienced positive self-transformations after a catastrophic event (e.g., injury, disease, death of a family member, criminal charges, imprisonment) . The featured individuals fell into three categories: those who were well known before their crisis (e.g., Mike Wallace), those who became public figures as a result of their crises (e.g., Rabbi Kushner), and those who are known only in their community. The author interviewed each person and uses quotes extensively. There is a brief introduction and summary of the author's view of the common themes that emerge in the lives of individuals who successfully cope with tragedy. The author points out that much of the emphasis in the academic literature on stress and trauma is on consequent psychopathology (e.g., depression, PTSD). Thus, the book's purpose is to provide case studies that show positive mental health changes that can result f rom trauma. As such, the author asserts that these stories serve as "blueprints" for individuals trying to overcome tragedy. As far as I know, it is the only book that addresses this important topic. The writing is at level that would be interesting both for mental health professionals and their clients who are dealing with trauma. In fact, it would serve as a useful bibliotherapy aid. An attractive photograph on the cover adds to the book's appeal. It contains no references. This is a readable and inspiring book for both clinicians and the general public. For university instructors, it would also serve as a nice complement to more academic books on coping. Yet it should be cautioned that the individuals presented are exceptional, so theyserve more as ideals to strive for than normative case studies.

Library Journal

What separates those individuals whose lives are forever shattered by catastrophes from those who are able to discover meaning and purpose from such events? Psychotherapist Baures attempts to answer this question by detailing 16 examples of people who have experienced severe traumas that ultimately helped them transform their lives in positive ways. Those interviewed include well-known personalities (Mike Wallace, Elie Wiesel, Rabbi Harold Kushner) and those with unfamiliar names, such as Eleanor and Dick Grace, who founded The Brain Center following the death of their daughter. The work concludes with a list of ten methods of coping with tragedies that these "survivors" have employed during their journeys. This inspirational book would be a good addition to biography and psychology collections in larger public libraries.-January Adams, ODSI Research Lib., Raritan, N.J.

3 Stars from Doody