Self Help Book Reviews

There are thousands of self help, self improvement, financial and personal success books out there. The market is flooded with them. And yet, if they weren't a successful business, people wouldn't continue to write them, would they? Everyone loves to hear about the American Dream come true, the real rags-to-riches stories. They inspire us and make us think that it's possible for us.

IT IS POSSIBLE! But you'll have to do more than just read a book. You'll have to take the advice it offers and apply it to your life.

One of the things I've discovered is that most of the self help books and programs follow the same basic premise based upon the theories derived from quantum physics. While the authors might start from the same premise, they each have their own unique perspective on how to apply the theories.

At this point, you might be asking, "Why should I keep on reading books on self improvement if they are all saying the same thing?" Two reasons:

1. Each author has his own style and application. Sometimes one author will be easier to understand (for you)or will bring up ideas another author did not.

2. Reinforcement and repetition. Reading the same premises reinforces that the theories are working. Repetition - sometimes you have to literally keep drilling the information into your head before it "sinks in". Reading different authors gives you a fresh perspective without having to read the same book over and over.

Some of the books are included in other programs the author offers. Some of the authors have their own websites. I'll include the links with explanations. Many times it is easier (and cheaper!) to buy the book first to see if you like what the author has to offer. Click on the book graphic if you'd like more information.

There are some great audio books available, too. Check them out at: Self Help Audio

Don't forget to check out the Freebies. They also have some audios.

Book reviews index

Self Help Stuff That Works

The Revolutionary Trauma Release Process - By David Berceli

Self Help Stuff That Works

Here is a gem I discovered recently. Written in 1999 by Adam Khan, it was derived from a collection of articles he wrote called "At Your Best". The articles were in an employee newsletter used by corporations. The book is a series of short, practical action steps you can use to improve almost any area of your life.

His style is very concise and no-nonsense. Although each chapter is short, the book is not meant to be read in one sitting. Rather it would be better to absorb and apply the principles in small doses. A good book to read over and over again. It's divided into three areas: Attitude, Work and People.

I'm scratching my head trying to figure out which one of these "truisms" I like the best to share with you. Tough call, but here is one: "When you talk to people, think of them as relatives." If the store clerk was your sister, would you treat her any differently?

Great little pearls of wisdom. You can get it here:
Self Help Stuff That Works Hey, maybe you should buy one for your "sister"!

The Street Kid's Guide to Having It All

I found this to be not only inspirational (his rags-to-riches story), but practical as well. He gives his own twist to the scientific theory.
I was fortunate enough recently to be able to hear John Assaraf speak at a "Live Right Now" seminar. He's a great speaker and has a wonderful enthusiam for life.
The book has practical exercises to do and forms to fill out. Warning! Thinking about what you want in life is required! He does give examples, so it's really not THAT hard --just take the time and do it! What attracted me to the book was his free newletter. He also has a free e-course from his famous program: The Cloning of Success Free E Course

Shut Up, Stop Whining & Get a Life

Here's one with a different approach. Larry Winget looks like an older biker dude and he doesn't really care what the heck YOU think. But he is funny and he's got some great "truisms" such as "Common sense is no longer common. Neither is common knowledge or common courtesy." He also makes a great point about reading (or lack of reading)when he tells about a success book he wrote that had 3 blank pages in it (by accident). He had sold 9,000 copies before someone brought it to his attention. I've also listened to some of his audio CD's, which made both my guy friend and I laugh.

Lucky You!

Here's a fun book I picked up recently at the bookstore, which is weird for me because I always order books online. The author, having lost his job and his marriage, happened to have started gambling at a casino and came into a run of "luck". He then began to explore what constitutes "luck". He has lots of stories to tell of lucky and unlucky people and his findings lead to a deeper discussion of the laws of attraction, the power of the mind, even dreams and psychic abilities. A lot of the theories I've read before (and you may have too) but it was interesting to see how they are tied together in explaining what "luck" is. I'm not much for gambling, but I was tempted after reading this book to go out and test my intuitive powers at a slot machine!

The Four Agreements

By Don Miguel Ruiz
A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

Small book - deep thoughts. Almost as interesting as this book is the story of the author and his family. Born into a family of healers and raised in rural Mexico, Miguel chose to attend medical school and become a surgeon.

A near-death experience changed his life and he dedicated his life to learning the ancient wisdom of his ancestors, the Toltecs. Today his son is continuing his teachings.

The four wisdoms are simple truths we've all heard before, but they're not always easy to follow. This little guidebook explains how to integrate these truths into your everyday life.

Although there are plenty of references to God, the book also acknowledges God to be the Universal Creator or the Universal Energy. I especially enjoyed the prayers at the end of the book because they can apply to anyone.

This book is small, easy to read with a colorful cover, yet it has a profound message. It would make a great gift.

Think and Grow Rich

Think & Grow Rich’ is the Grandfather of money making books. Inspired by the words of the great ‘rags to riches’ steel merchant Andrew Carnegie, Napoleon Hill made it his life times ambition to pass on the key factors one must harness in order to attain great wealth of any kind. Written in the 1960s T&GR is not as easily digestible as its market successors; however it is clear to see that the majority of modern day wealth enhancing books borrow many concepts from this legend. Your fullest attention is required for this read, regular intervals and some back tracking is also necessary to fully absorb the words of experience.

T&GR is wise, informed, blunt, frank and brutally honest. By constantly putting the reader to the test, questioning your desire, persistence and faith to pursue wealth, it soon establishes whether or not you really want to acquire great riches. Are you a doer or a dreamer?

Highly recommended for anyone seeking success.

The Revolutionary Trauma Release Process

David Berceli

The Revolutionary Trauma Release Process

By David Berceli

Emotional trauma is something everybody experiences in their life, trauma is relative and what may seem like a small happening to one person may deeply affect another. We all have our own individual ways of dealing with tough times, yet, what most of us do not realise is that the way we deal with stress, anxiety and trauma is very often detrimental to our health and future well being.

Some years ago I suffered from anxiety particularly before bedtime. Unknown to me this anxiety had been triggered by events of the past; these events had left a scar deep in my memory causing me post traumatic symptoms. In this marvellous book David Berceli simplifies the trauma process and explains why not dealing with trauma properly leaves us vulnerable to the next source of distress and potentially ill health. David explains how to move on from past traumatic experiences and how to tackle present traumas head on using our natural born instincts. This book doesn’t just help you understand trauma as a subject but offers you a complete healing routine. The revolutionary trauma release process comprises of a series of simple exercises that revisit the traumatic patterns endured by the body in a previous state of trauma, this enables the body to release the trauma and create a new state of consciousness. These exercises can be used to prevent anxiety attacks or release stress at any time.

TRTRP is a compelling and fascinating read that will positively enhance your life.