Feeling Great: Creating a Life of Optimism, Enthusiasm and Contentment

This upbeat self-help book, a pep talk on paper, draws its insights from the teachings of Dadi Janki, leader of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement. Janki and her co-authors write in an energetic, optimistic tone about their belief that applying certain methods can allow anyoneto "feel great" and achieve a harmonious state. Most of the advice here is fairly rudimentary%E2%80%94be honest, learn to laugh, etc.%E2%80%94and some raises the question of which came first, happiness or its component parts? For instance, it may be true, as the authors note, that happy people don't have minds full of negative thoughts. But the authors' conclusion, that cultivating positive thoughts is therefore the path to happiness, is problematic. Parables, along with thoughtful interpretations, deepen the somewhat simplistic, short chapters, and practical exercises encourage the reader to move beyond the uplifting but basic text. (Apr.)