The Power of Positive Living - Softcover

Norman Vincent Peale's books, most notably The Power of Positive Thinking, have sold millions of copies around the world. He founded The Positive Thinking Foundation, which promotes his theories on positive thinking.

Still bursting with enthusiasm at 92, Peale ( The Power of Positive Thinking, LJ 10/1/52) agains jumps on the bandwagon of the you-can-do-it-if-you-think-you-can approach. Here Peale strings together dozens of personal success stories ("success" is always materialistic) that make readers feel good. Believing (in yourself, others, values, God) is all-important, and the stories of wealthy business executives who made it on their own grab center stage. Peale even takes credit for the healing approaches of Norman Cousins and Bernie Siegel by claiming that their ideas were his all along. The writing and editing are careless; in one chapter Peale presents 11 components of the Happiness Mix, but only six are listed in the chapter summary. There's too much name-dropping, e.g., "philosopher A.B. Zu Tavern" (who's he?). Peale devotees will love it.
- Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, Pa.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.