CHOOSING TRUTH

Author and magazine editor Cole guides readers on an introspective "quest for the answers to life's fundamental questions" via the simple but often laborious process of living truthfully. Cole imparts wisdom without self-righteousness when describing her current successes as well as the transformation she underwent following a failed marriage, abortion, miscarriage and years of drug and alcohol abuse. In an intelligent, confessional writing style, she methodically presents her information, which covers an extensive range: from rediscovering spirituality and honoring the physical body, to assessing one's work environment and developing healthy friendships. To emphasize the need for an ongoing dialogue with one's self, she prescribes journal writing; and each chapter ends with thought-provoking questions as well as tips for meditation and prayer. Cole underscores her theme of living an authentic, empowered life by way of anecdotes; exercises to analyze and overcome fears, release grudges, and understand the impact and importance of one's words; as well as inspirational quotes from the likes of Thoreau, Nelson Mandela and Bertrand Russell. Readers may be put off by her tendency for platitudes, such as "before you can truly love another, you have to love yourself" and "what we say speaks volumes," but the strength and wisdom of her message still make it through (29). (Feb.)