There's simple, and then there's simplistic. Bestselling author Siegel (Love, Medicine and Miracles
), a retired doctor who pioneered alternative cancer therapies in the 1970s, offers a wellness manual for mind, body and spirit. This book combines 20 short "coaching tips," suggesting the vocabulary of life coaching, providing principles ("do what you fear," "flex your creative muscles") that are learned through workout-type "exercises" that don't require a whole lot of work: pet a furry animal, take a relaxing bath. What's not to like about a doctor who prescribes chocolate as a body-and-soul refresher? (Though he does say not to overdo it.) The concept is clear; unfortunately, a self-help formula is showing through. Siegel's years of experience with undoubtedly extraordinary people and stories don't come through in these bromides. He offers a laundry list of undeniably good things to do, but many readers may already be spending time in nature, gardening or volunteering in their community, as he suggests. There's nothing fresh. Siegel fans may welcome the return of the good doctor's humorous, reassuring, distinctive voice. Those who don't know him should start elsewhere in his helpful body of work. This book provides a really low-impact workout for self-help beginners. (Sept.)
