The Next Happy

Starred review from January 26, 2015
As this book persuasively argues, there’s nothing wrong with giving up on a dream that proves unattainable. In fact, sometimes it’s necessary for wellness. Therapist and La Belette Rouge blogger Cleantis writes from a place of understanding: when fertility treatments completely bankrupted her, both emotionally and financially, and still did not provide her with a child, she decided it was time to quit. Readers should appreciate her well-grounded suggestions, particularly those about getting support from loved ones and professionals. As well as explaining how to accept and work through the loss of a dream, she also shows how to find a new goal by salvaging obtainable elements of the old one. Best of all, Cleantis comes across as funny and real, helping readers see they’re not alone by providing relevant stories, like that of Lance Armstrong, and “prescribing” movies, such as Silver Linings Playbook and The Wrestler. The result is a must-read for anyone who’s had enough of platitudes and is ready for a self-help manual with a dose of reality. Agent: Don Fehr, Trident Media Group.

February 1, 2015

Marriage and family counselor Cleantis has found through her research and practice that there are many situations in which the never-give-up strategy incurs huge psychological, physical, financial, and relational costs. She moves readers through the process of assessing their life goals, grieving the loss of the dream, and building a healthier, more productive way of living. Cleantis counsels readers to acknowledge feelings and then directs them through experiencing the emotions of fear, sadness, rage, and more. Each chapter includes personal examples and concludes with questions for self-examination. VERDICT Cleantis does a thorough and effective job of providing a pathway to a more fulfilling, positive way of life.

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