No comments about Rebellious Spirit: Gisela Konopka.

No comments about Who Am I Really?.

1 comments about Melanie Klein: Her Work in Context.

1. Meira Likierman provides an excellent companion book to anybody interested in the work and life of Melanie Klein. Likierman provides a lucid overeview of Klein's main theoretical views and concepts. More importantly, she puts Klein in perspective by providing the context within which Klein conceived her views and elaborated on them. Specifically, Likierman provides insights on Klein's life, as well as on how Klein was influenced by her mentors Ferenczi and Abrahams, how she differed to both Sigmund and Anna Freud and how her thought evolved over the years. Indispensable to anyone attempting to grasp Kleinian thought.

5 comments about In The Shadow of Fame: A Memoir by the Daughter of Erik H. Erikson.

1. The fine balance of the writing is the first thing that impresses. The author is not into throwing stones and appears to have precisely caught the mid-point between unsentimental description and emotional reality. One cannot emerge unsympathetic either to her or her subjects. Then she decribes quite fairly the great irony of how one of modern history's most influential thinkers fell victim to forces that he himself so accurately described. It was Erikson after all who, in his study of Ghandi, described charismatic leaders as attempting to solve for others some problem they have been unable to solve for themselves. Lastly there is the dark warning implicit in the book: none of us are safe, for none of us can tell what decisions made long ago, perhaps in crisis or even calmly and rationally, with the very best of intentions, may return with disastrous unintended consequences to ruin our lives. The best book I've read in five years.



2. Admittedly, I'm unfamiliar with the work of Erik Erikson. I didn't know he was *that* famous. Ok, I'm ignorant. Unfortunately for the main premise of the book, there are far worse narcissistic parents than hers. I kept thinking, "Gee, her parents were actually pretty nice." I'm sure they were neglectful and self-absorbed but they weren't the worst parents on earth, except in one case: the family tragedy was the birth and utter abandonment of a Down's Syndrome baby because at the time, families often didn't "keep" these babies, and it would have held back Erikson's career. I was fairly shocked by the apparent fact that the parents never even visited this child. The problem I had is, Bloland's life isn't that exciting to read about. She brought in the life of Laurence Olivier and other famous people to pad the book. Then it segued into a discussion about narcissistic parents that is pretty widely known information, and began to read like a class paper. I wonder how her brothers felt about her book; they were barely mentioned.



3. This very moving and fascinating book is a must read on several different levels. On one level, Sue Bloland is addressing an issue we are all so familiar with - fame and the human fascination with either achieving it or connecting with someone who has achieved it. Certainly, as she explains so simply and clearly, it is very human to idealize, envy and project many of our own fantasies (and power)onto the most successful people in whatever field they excel. As an analyst, the story she tells about her life with her father, Erik Erikson, expands and illuminates why some people are driven relentlessly to seek fame; what many issues the famous struggle with internally and silently, and what it is like to be the child in their shadow. She succeeds without jargon or over-intellectualizing in bringing to light the complexities of all these issues and in inspiring compassion for both the admired and the admiring.
   On another level, she weaves a fascinating and very colorful tapestry that brings together her parents' histories and experiences, showing us what helped to create the very talented, charismatic and insecure people they were. In the process, we can all identify as we see so clearly the impact of past generations on who we become. These descriptions clarify so beautifully how nature and nurture shape us and our destinies. Thus, in describing her own childhood experiences in the light of her parents very complicated and often fascinating stories she takes us all far beyond anger or blame and leaves us feeling much compassion for everyone involved. This, I feel is the amazing gift tht she has given us in this poignant and beautiful book



4. In the final stage of ego development, Erikson suggests that an acceptance of one's life is an indication of conflict resolution and maturity leading to end-life satisfaction. Having purchased the book because I knew and admired Harland Bloland prior to his recent death,I was eager to explore how this marriage and associations might have influenced this brilliant, humble and patient man who lived so generously in the shadow of others. Many of my questions have been answered about Harland, and my admiration for him has grown. While I did not have the opportunity to know Harland better, it is clear that he was, perhaps, the most centered member of the Erkison clan while he was with them.
   
   That said, at times I found Ms. Bloland's work to be surprisingly elementary, her prose style erratic and seemingly unedited. The dishonesty and trauma surrounding the birth of Neil with Down Syndrome, the facade created by fame and her need to appear perfect, her emotional abadonment--most readers can identify with these issues. Ms. Bloland appears to suffer from hyperinsulation: at times her issues appear to have less to do with the the dark shadow of fame than with living an encapsulated life where she is drowining in psychoanalysis in a Woody Allen world. But there are clear signs of redemption and she appears to be moving toward end-life satisfaction.
   
   Perhaps a good prescription for her latent ennui would be for her to read "Turn Me Into Zeus' Daughter" by Barbara Robinette Moss. Ms. Moss tells her powerful tale of distortion and resileince with remarkably beautiful prose and follows it with a second memoir, "Fierce." Ms. Moss demonstrates the possibility of moving through Erikson's eight stages of development using creativity, determination, and ferocity.



5. 
   This is a beautifully written and insightful memoir about the author's experience as the daughter of the famous psychoanalyst Erik H. Erikson. Bloland's personal struggle resonated deeply with me, even though I have no familial connection with fame. She writes so candidly about her most painful (as well as her most affirming) experiences growing up that the reader is able to identify with her on many different levels. One of the most compelling books I've read in a long time.

5 comments about Another Way Home: A Family's Journey Through Mental Illness.

1. I met Janir a few months ago. He is an amazing man and I hope to someday meet his father, John. They have had a challenging life together and have prevailed with support from each other. I was emotionally involved in this book, but even if you do not know either of these men you will find this book hard to put down. I cried through the entire book and after reading the last sentence broke down myself. I was overwhelmed with lonliness and felt honored to be a part of Janir's life. This story is powerful, emotional, and REAL.



2. I read this book several years ago, after meeting Janir at summer camp. Knowing little of his background, I was overcome by the emotion in the story.
   A fantastic (if heart-wrenching) read.



3. This book is very well written, it gives a very honest depiction of the problems associated with being a single parent. I know John Thorndike's son personally as his summer camp counselor. Janir, now in his twenties, is enthusiastic, considerate, creative and full of energy. A tribute to John meeting the challenges presented to him in his life.



4. When I cracked open my copy of Another Way Home, I didn't have any idea what I was in for. Once I was reading, I couldn't put it down. I read for hours, crying and wishing I could reach out and hold Janir and John. The prose is smooth and emotional, darkly textured with passion. I feel like I know every character, like I know John. The imagery and characters are vivid, the style is clear and beautiful. And how badly I wanted to be in Athens, Ohio. I could feel the timelessness of the place: The brick house, the lawn, the boy and his father playing ball. The fields, that's what drew me in: John was creating life-- he was planting seeds and farming and tending his garden as well as tending his son, raising Janir. I can't imagine anyone *not* loving this book. The quote on the back of the book says not only fathers and sons, but mothers and grandmothers will love this book. But look at me. I'm a young woman, a daughter, and nothing could have affected me so proufoundly as hearing his stories: About affairs, trials with Clarisa, his schizophrenic ex-wife, about raising his boy. It pulled heart strings within me. I was raised, I know how it is to have parents cheat on each other, how it is to have crazy relatives, how it is to be lonely. I know you will love it. It contains some very valuable information, and if you pass this one up, you'll be missing out. I promise you that much.



5. I recommend this book highly! John Thorndike deserves critical praise and your money! Another Way Home is moving, truthful and YOU should read it! You hear me! Tell your friends!

3 comments about A Wolf in the Attic: The Legacy of a Hidden Child of the Holocaust.

1. "Memoirs, the signature literary form of the 21st century, speak to us
   privately of the most intimate aspects of life. The fact that Sophia Richman is a
   child survivor of the Holocaust as well as a psychoanalyst and applies both of these vantage points to her life narrative, takes this memoir into new territory.
   She writes of the realms of childhood, adolescence and adulthood through the
   prism of someone whose very existence once depended on keeping a
   secret. This is an engaging and very special book in the memoir literature and one that will inspire
   readers as well as writers who have difficulty formulating and then articulating their
   own story."



2. I thought the book was excellent! I have read dozens of books about the Holocaust and this document certainly offers a different and vital perspective that has not previously been covered in the literature. As you progress through the book, it is quite clear that the after-effects for Holocaust survivors are persistent and nagging, and greatly affect them for the rest of their lives. Sophia Richman's experience demonstrates that tragic events that surround young children can stalk in their minds like "A Wolf in the Attic".



3. "A Wolf in the Attic", a memoir by Dr. Sophia Richman adds a valuable perspective to the literature of the Holocaust. Dr. Richman was a hidden child in Poland who survived to tell her story of what it meant to transcend such an ordeal and then go on to try to strive for and fit in with normal life. This work is a unique exposition of a journey to overcome a traumatic past and to engage fully in life under renewed circumstances yet with the past just under the surface. The process of coming to terms with this dicotomy is at the heart of the work and is very moving. Dr. Richman has created a compelling narrative which reveals the two faceted experience of a life of achievement and momentum amidst unconscious symbols of tragedy. The fact that the author was successful in so many ways in overcoming her trauma is an inspiration. Her story is a special one amongst Holocaust memoirs. Dr. Richman's work is highly recommended for its humanity, complexity and poignancy.

5 comments about Freud's Requiem: Mourning, Memory, and the Invisible History of a Summer Walk.

1. This is non-fiction but it reads like fiction. The prose is absolutely beautiful and don't let the fact that it's about Freud, Rainer Maria Rilke and Lou Andreas-Salome stop you from picking it up. He's written an interesting book about what might have taken place one summer between the three of them that led Freud to write his essay On Transience. I actually had to read this twice because I was too busy looking up stuff on Wikipedia. A thought-provoking meditation on grief, mortality, and the soul, through a reading of Freud's argument about creativity with poet Rainer Maria Rilke. He explores Freud's provocative ideas on the connections between creativity and mortality in this elegant literary musing



2. The book arrived ahead of promised delivery time in excellent condition. Amazon always lives up to its reputation as an excellen organisation.
   Many thanks



3. I think I expected this book to discuss the concept of mourning and memory more but it also discussed friendship with the inclusion of letters and poems. I cannot say that I disliked this book but its cover lead me to believe it was going to be a different focus.



4. As a reader familiar with the basic concepts of psychoanalysis, but
   who despaired in finding a text that explains the history and underpinings of Freud's theories, I found this book a godsend. Quite frankly, I need to have strong prose to bolster my interest and the author doesn't disappoint, beginning with a very literary conceit, the possibilities suggested by the meeting btw Freud and Rilke; his style consistently engages the reader and makes Freudian theory relevant by introducing it through the universal experiences of mourning and loss. He more than answers the question of Freud's continued importantance in the age of Wellbutrin and Prozac.



5. Matthew von Unwerth's precocious book rehashes (and often repeats two and three times) facts already well known about Freud, Rilke, and Lou Andreas-Salome. It relies on an admittedly charming ramble through various episodes in the lives of these major characters, and there isn't a single clumsy sentence in the whole. But FREUD'S REQUIEM lacks something one would think an editor would demand, namely a thesis. To claim that a probably fictional walk -- Rilke and Freud strolling along together -- has an "invisible history" is not a thesis, and in fact Von Unwerth quickly shows us that Freud incorporated several experiences into the story of the walk in his essay "On Transience." Von Unwerth rubs two sticks together -- Freud's notions of mourning (confrontation and acceptance of loss, as spelled out in his essay) in tension with Rilke's desire for a truth beyond mere existence. Von Unwerth seems uncertain about the very antitheses between Freud and Rilke he otherwise insists upon -- which, of course, might have yielded an original insight into the material if the author had the ability to find one. It is as if he is prodding the reader to synthesize material and provide critical thought in absence of his talent to do so. One of the overheated blurbs says the book is a "well-informed meditation." This is a euphemism for "factual drift" -- lots of facts, no insight. For insights into the contentious and complementary relationship between literature and psychoanalysis, read the stimulating, unsentimenalized essays of Adam Phillips. Von Unwerth loves an anecdote; why does he describe the last days of Freud in London, and how do these facts illuminate the thesis he fails to provide? His understanding of Rilke's poetry is so pedestrian as to serve only his simplistic (and boringly repeated) image of Rilke and Freud as polar opposites. The only glimmer of creativity comes toward the end of the book, as he suggests (tantalizingly, but alas, sputteringly) that Lou had seen the potential for a synthesis of the two men's positions on art and poetry. His final sentence: "In learning to give himself over to the symphony of life and death, he [Freud] rediscovers himself, and so realizes the potential inherent in all beings to love and work." Is that so? In all beings? I think not, and Von Unwerth gives at least one striking example where Freud thought otherwise, too. But Von Unwerth can't help himself, symphony and all. A fluent but sophomoric attempt.

No comments about Tribute To Freud: With Unpublished Letters By Freud.

1 comments about Winnicott: His Life And Work.

1. The finest book on DWW I have read. It is several books in one: a biography, an intellectual biography, and an account of the goings-on in London's PSa circles, weaving together the personal and the ideas which arose at the time. This book is an excellent elaboration of the earlier bio of DWW by Kahr.
   
   Nathan Szajnberg, MD
   Cl. Professor, UCSF
   Wallerstein Research Fellow in Psychoanalysis
   Member IPSR, UC Berkeley

1 comments about Jung: His Life & Work.

1. This book is a breakthrough in the category of books about Jung. Based on the careful notes of her analysis, handed to her daughter during the last of her life, Katy Cabot depicts a human, warm, gossipy side to the great psychologist. The result is an example of how he adapted himself to a young extraverted American ex-patriate socialite who sincerely wanted to grow. The plight of her young and only child [the author] is told with remarkable restraint, given the lack of concern of the mother, as she traveled from hotel to hotel and country to country. We get glimpses of that child's perception of Jung, as well and she grew up to become a Jungian analyst herself. Fascinating glimpses into Jung's opinions of his wife, Toni Wolf, and the many members of the Analytical Psychology Club in Zurich in the 30's and 40's! A super book.