A rabbi and a psychiatrist, Twerski has an interesting stereoscopic view of the human condition. Author of dozens of books (Waking Up Just in Time
), many of his former works could be shelved in self-help. This new volume has that flavor also, especially with its concluding “Ten Steps to Happiness.” This, however, is a spirituality/inspiration title because Twerski asserts that “to be truly happy, we need to live as spiritual beings.” This path calls for humans to be the best they can be, thereby avoiding “Spiritual Deficiency Syndrome.” His core program includes self-awareness, humility, choice, patience, making the most of things, improvement, compassion, perspective, purpose, truth and change. Twerski repeatedly compares and contrasts humans and the animal world to good effect, and his anecdotes make this an easy read. Although potentially useful to believers and nonbelievers of every stripe, Twerski's Jewish perspective comes through in his emphasis on deeds. Along the way many wise maxims crop up, e.g., “No one has control over outcome, only over process.” Readers comfortable with working a plan, such as a 12-step program, will find especially useful material, particularly in the last workbook-style pages. (Oct.)
