Find the Words Review and Giveaway

November 4, 2009 by Karissa
Filed under Giveaways

Susan Halpern has been a social worker and psychotherapist for more than thirty years. Her first book, The Etiquette of Illness: What to Say When You Can’t Find the Words, continues to be an important go-to manual for difficult times.

Now in Finding the Words: Candid Conversations with Loved Ones, Halpern offers principles and practical suggestions for those moments in relationships when one want to be kind but also must discuss a sensitive matter. She explains how to communicate with care in order to strengthen and increase our loving connections – by speaking from the heart, stating intentions, and using deep listening – while enabling navigation of difficult encounters.

Finding the Words, drawn from Halpern’s years of experience as psychotherapist, wife, and mother, suggests possible, scripted solutions and positive outcomes for a wide range of situations:

a partner who needs to talk about the irritations of joint living
parents of an adult child who requires unexpected financial support
grandparents who don’t know how to intervene
siblings who disagree about politics or religion
and couples in times of crisis, illness, affairs, and divorce.

Presenting life situations along with the words that can be used to cope with them, Halpern offers honesty with a great deal of vitality and wisdom

Reading Finding the Words is like taking out an insurance policy on the most precious of our relationships. It will carry you through times of crisis and enable you to rebuild the relationships that are the foundation of your life, often making them stronger and better than before.” – Rachel Naomi Remen, MD

I have been in so many situations in my life where I had no idea what to say after a friend told me devastating news.

And I know I have certainly told people some stories, that left them speechless, but yet wanting to console me. It is an uncomfortable feeling for both parties. I have made great strides in becoming a better communicator, but I still have miles to go.

I was never a great communicator, but after a really horrible relationship, I had somehow taught myself to shut down. Not to say anything, just leave it. Letting things fester and fester. And by me not sharing, I stopped learning what lessons life and friends might have for me.

This book is so important, and would be a fantastic addition to anyone’s library. The pre-teen, teen, young adult and even Grandma can learn subtle, soothing ways to talk through difficult times. Although some of the book may not be quite right for young adolescents, the first half of the book is for anyone. I know I have learned so many lessons already, and I have only been skimming the parts I want to learn!

I have one copy of Finding the Words for one of you!