BOOK REVIEWS
by John Calabrese

Breaking Free of the Co-dependency Trap
by Drs. Barry K. Weinhold
& Janae B. Weinhold
New World Library, 2008
www.newworldlibrary.com
The opposite of co-dependency is freedom and, as the authors emphasize, “True freedom comes from within, not from without.” Co-dependency is probably the most misunderstood yet prevalent social addiction, all too often unknowingly utilized as a substitute for healthy relating. The content is thorough, understandable and engaging, explicitly outlining how co-dependency arises and perpetuates from unknown and unresolved fears and traumas. The authors expand on all aspects of co-dependency, from developmental factors to adult relationships (including friendships), showing how self-awareness is essential to recovery, as well as setting and maintaining boundaries or, if necessary, breaking free completely. With a foreword by John Bradshaw, Breaking Free of the Co-dependency Trap is a wonderful resource for guiding individuals from feeling trapped to a sense of independence in, or from, any troubled relationship in their lives.


Farm Sanctuary:
Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food
by Gene Baur
Touchstone, a Division of
Simon & Schuster, Inc.
www.simonsays.com
Farm Sanctuary is comprised of two sanctuaries, in New York and California, for animals rescued from the abuses of factory farming. Offsetting some of the more disturbing realities, Baur includes heartwarming profiles such as Henry the cow. If you want to understand how meat arrives on your table (including dairy and eggs), without being made to feel guilty or even beaten up, then this is the book for you. An outstanding feature is the inclusive resources section for groups supporting animal welfare, organic farming, and vegetarian/vegan lifestyles. Clearly, and devoid of lecturing, Baur helps us to appreciate the benefits of a plant-based diet, especially the deep sense of satisfaction from knowing we aren’t blindly contributing to more suffering on this planet. “…many visitors to Farm Sanctuary weep when they see the condition of the [recently acquired] animals…they suddenly realize their food has a face.” And, perhaps most importantly, those visitors stop making distinctions between farm animals and their own pets.


Partners In Healing:
Simple Ways to Offer Support, Comfort, and Care to a Loved One Facing Illness
by William Collinge, Ph.D.
Trumpeter Books/Shambhala Publications, Inc.
www.shambhala.com
Most of us will be tapped as caregivers at some point in our lives, whether for a short time or indefinitely, be it for a parent, spouse, sibling or friend. Because it fosters life itself, the role of caregiver is sacred, yet can eventually wear down even the strongest and most dedicated. Collinge’s suggestions are succinct yet comprehensive, thankfully including the spiritual along with all the traditional elements necessary for providing sustained care to both those in need as well as those doing the giving. Collinge’s book is based on years of counseling experience in caregiving, as well as his ongoing research for the National Institutes of Health. It is a guide for those already called to serve, and an insurance policy for those who may eventually be needed by someone they love or work for. The information is priceless, and having it in advance eliminates much unnecessary anxiety about what to do and how to do it well.


The Big Questions
by Lama Surya Das
Rodale, Inc.
www.rodalestore.com
Unanswered or partially answered questions seem to account for a fair portion of our thinking, causing us to spend much time wondering, worrying and doubting. What if one book could quell a significant portion of this mental havoc– this fuel for anxiety? Lama Surya Das, a native Long Islander who has become one of the most well-known American Buddhists, delves into some of the biggest mysteries of all time, including God, karma, death, our true nature, and practical spirituality, among others. Succinctly, in a small, friendly book, Surya Das unveils new, reassuring ways of directing our thinking on the “big issues.” The Big Questions is like having a conversation with a wise, humorous and accessible elder. Take advantage of this wisdom and create more peace of mind for yourself.

John Calabrese is the Editor-at-Large at Creations Magazine.