Daniel Gottlieb, a practicing psychologist and family therapist, serves as the host of Voices in the Family, an award-winning mental health call-in show on Philadelphia's much-respected public radio station, WHYY. He is the author of three previous books, including Letters to Sam and Voices in the Family. He lectures locally and nationally on a variety of topics affecting the well-being of people, families, and the larger community.
You have to love a self-help book that extols doing nothing: "The truth is," says Gottlieb, "if we become comfortable with who we are rather than who we think we should be, then we will be less insecure." As a therapist, Gottlieb frequently sees people who are convinced that changing themselves or their circumstances would lead to happiness. Gottlieb disagrees. A columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer and author of Letters to Sam (addressed to his autistic grandson), Gottlieb also happens to be quadriplegic, which makes him somewhat of an expert in self-acceptance. And while he says his condition has taught him to listen, learn and care deeply, one senses Gottlieb is a born mensch and a man with a big heart. Warm, wise, compassionate, humble and often funny, he displays not a shred of self-pity or false modesty. Best of all, his message has the unmistakable ring of truth to it: love rather than change yourself or anyone else. "Trying to change others is about intolerance, which is at the core of so much enmity. We cannot find peace unless we are trying to help others find peace also." (Mar.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
Having rebuilt his life after an accident that left him a quadriplegic in his thirties, author and radio personality Gottlieb (Letters to Sam: A Grandfather's Lessons on Love, Loss, and the Gifts of Life) here shares his observations on what makes us human. Through storytelling, insight, and humor, he discusses both what divides us (e.g., family difficulties) and unites us (e.g., the longing for love). He acknowledges the people who helped him through difficult times to a place of peace and acceptance. Above all, he emphasizes the necessity of listening to others and being honest with one's feelings in order to participate fully in life. An uplifting book abounding with encouragement for daily living; recommended for public libraries. Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
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