Reviews
The Easy Way to Mindfulness: Free Your Mind from Worry and Anxiety by Allen Carr, John Dicey
thenerdjournals's review
2.0
This is one of the few, maybe even the first, book I've read on mindfulness. I've been intrigued by the topic for quite a while but I've only done some light research on the Internet. When The Easy Way to Mindfulness became available on NetGalley I was very excited to give it a try, however, after finishing it I think I am more disappointed in this book despite it's few nuggets of wisdom and exercises it offers. I feel this way because the book was mostly aimed at heavy addictions. Despite this, there was some information that I can still use and implement in my life.
More than anything this book felt like an advertisement for Allen Carr and The Easyway to Stop Smoking. While how to quit smoking mindfully sounds like it may help some people with the mental part of their addiction, there is still a physical aspect to their addiction (nicotine, sugar, booze) that needs to be overcome. I think that needs to be acknowledged more in the book.
Also, even though I don't have an addiction I do consider Carr referring to addictions as "little crutches". I found it offensive and I don't even have a "little crutch". Methinks Carr should rethink how he speaks to people.
More than anything this book felt like an advertisement for Allen Carr and The Easyway to Stop Smoking. While how to quit smoking mindfully sounds like it may help some people with the mental part of their addiction, there is still a physical aspect to their addiction (nicotine, sugar, booze) that needs to be overcome. I think that needs to be acknowledged more in the book.
Also, even though I don't have an addiction I do consider Carr referring to addictions as "little crutches". I found it offensive and I don't even have a "little crutch". Methinks Carr should rethink how he speaks to people.
calypte's review
2.0
I have a huge interest in mindfulness and meditation, having experienced some benefits already from both. However, I'm still a beginner so all help is useful!
Sadly, this book promised far more than it delivered. While there are snippets of good information - the chapter on going with the flow of change, directing it rather than stressing out fighting it, for instance - it's written with very poor flow, jumping around concepts and intent on cramming in as much advertising as possible for the EasyWay anti-smoking clinics and the previous books.
As a lifelong non-smoker, I guess I wasn't the target audience for this, either, given that most of the examples given come back to smoking and other addictions. Overall, disappointing.
My full review is on my blog, as ever!
Sadly, this book promised far more than it delivered. While there are snippets of good information - the chapter on going with the flow of change, directing it rather than stressing out fighting it, for instance - it's written with very poor flow, jumping around concepts and intent on cramming in as much advertising as possible for the EasyWay anti-smoking clinics and the previous books.
As a lifelong non-smoker, I guess I wasn't the target audience for this, either, given that most of the examples given come back to smoking and other addictions. Overall, disappointing.
My full review is on my blog, as ever!
festivefun's review against another edition
2.0
Some little nuggets and an easy read.....but would recommend Derren Brown's Happy more.....more detail giving a better understanding.
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