I don't usually read self-help books, probably because there are so many bad ones out there, and they are pretty easy to write if someone is just looking to make a quick buck. But living life is a constant process of working on ourselves and something that deserves our focus, not something to be embarrassed about. From what I've read of this book, it is one of the good ones. The tone is honest and direct (neither preachy nor sardonic, nor overly filled with data or spirituality). Deitch does drop in concepts from psychology, but they are helpful and enlightening--that is, they serve an immediate purpose, rather than adding important-sounding filler. So far, I really appreciate the dual focus on awareness and action for each topic discussed, and the early mention of bias and prejudice--if I'm reading about how to improve my awareness of myself and the world and work to make changes in my life, it is really important to me that the person helping me do that is addressing things that really matter. So, I'm pleasantly surprised so far and interested to read more.