Out of nowhere, like a fresh breeze in a marketplace crowded with advice on what to believe, comes Byron Katie and what she calls “The Work.&...
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Jul 13, 2008
Virginia
rated it: 
This book about blew the top of my head off.
Numerous times I had to sit back and contemplate the book for a long long time before I felt prepared to continue.
I recommend this to EVERYBODY. It's another one of those books that would improve the world by major leaps and bounds if everybody read it.
Numerous times I had to sit back and contemplate the book for a long long time before I felt prepared to continue.
I recommend this to EVERYBODY. It's another one of those books that would improve the world by major leaps and bounds if everybody read it.
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Sep 08, 2011
Emily
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Hmmmm...need to digest this one before writing a review. Some things rang true, some were rather disturbing. I'll be back in a bit...
I'm back. Here we go:
**Update**
After a long discussion with a good friend who found The Work extremely helpful in dealing with some difficult issues in her life recently, I'm willing to acknowledge that when applied appropriately with greater guidance and/or better explanation, many of my concerns as outlined below can be alleviated More...
I'm back. Here we go:
**Update**
After a long discussion with a good friend who found The Work extremely helpful in dealing with some difficult issues in her life recently, I'm willing to acknowledge that when applied appropriately with greater guidance and/or better explanation, many of my concerns as outlined below can be alleviated More...
Nov 02, 2008
V
rated it: 
To start, let me say I generally loathe self-help books. I don't like reading them, and most generally end up throwing the book out, or keeping it as a source of laughter material.
I would not have read this book if I didn't have to for a book club, and when I first picked it up and started reading I was like "Oh come on.. really?"
But as I got further into the book, and really started to grasp exactly what she was trying to say, and trying to get people to implem More...
I would not have read this book if I didn't have to for a book club, and when I first picked it up and started reading I was like "Oh come on.. really?"
But as I got further into the book, and really started to grasp exactly what she was trying to say, and trying to get people to implem More...
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Aug 15, 2008
Ashley
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This book was recommended to me by a friend who said there was no need to read the book from cover to cover. She said that I could pick and choose my areas based on what I am facing on the days I pick up the book. I couldn't do it and I'm glad I didn't. In order for me to fully grasp Byron Katie's philosphy I needed to read the entire book before being able to fully understand her steps. Her dialogues were probably the most helpful in learining how to question myself.
I found t More...
I found t More...
Mar 27, 2008
Jimi
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I listened to this mostly while on a 4 hour drive and while walking my dog. I don't usually like to treat books as background noise but it worked in this case.
If you're not already familiar with Byron Katie's process of inquiry that she calls "the work" you should start with "Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life". Read that and then actually put her process of inquiry into practice a few times. This book will make much more sense if you have t More...
If you're not already familiar with Byron Katie's process of inquiry that she calls "the work" you should start with "Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life". Read that and then actually put her process of inquiry into practice a few times. This book will make much more sense if you have t More...
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Dec 16, 2009
Conner H.
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I recommend the audio as a supplement to the book. When Buddhists from the east say, "All you have to do to end suffering is get rid of desire," it generally results in a lot of confusion. Byron Katie's method of dispelling suffering is not Buddhist, but very close to the principles of Buddhism. More importantly, she's developed a system that is very practical and powerful based on analysis - which is, after all the cornerstone of the western mind. I felt hesitant at first because
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Feb 25, 2009
Bob
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This is a hard review. Her book (and her questions, but mostly her interviews-as-examples) have the potential to help a lot of people deal with interpersonal issues (that she boils down to inner-personal). The problem I have is the potentially dangerous way that she applies a universal logic to dealing with complex problems. The questions are general enough, and the answers are supposed to be generated by the people answering them. Still, she makes it quite clear from the numerous case studies i
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Jan 10, 2009
Despite some vile language in the transcripts used to illustrate the author's system and a slightly condescending tone found there, I found this book a wonderful little tool for dissecting embedded beliefs that do nothing but create grief. The author's basic premise is that most unhappiness and stress comes when we argue with reality. By answering four questions and turning what's bothering you into turnaround statements, you can identify what's really true about situation, discovering new opti
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Sep 09, 2011
Nikki
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I was recommended this by my counsellor. I was very unsure about it because a lot of reviews suggested it includes a lot of victim blaming -- and this is, in a sense, true: Byron Katie's theory is essentially that we are always the ones causing ourselves pain. She does tell a woman to figure out what part her nine year old self had in her own rape, what she did 'wrong'.
That sounds very discomforting, but I think I see why she does it. When you've had some kind of trauma, there's often More...
That sounds very discomforting, but I think I see why she does it. When you've had some kind of trauma, there's often More...
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Jan 25, 2011
Carolyn
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If you want a life-changing book, then you need to read this one today. It is so powerful.
Years ago, after months of dealing with post-partum depression after giving birth to my first child, my GP suggested I talk to a therapist to help me through the depression. I ended up seeing a cognitive therapist for a few months, which blew my mind. I actually got the tools necessary to help me deal with my emotional reactions to situations going on around me.
Byron Katie, whose book More...
Years ago, after months of dealing with post-partum depression after giving birth to my first child, my GP suggested I talk to a therapist to help me through the depression. I ended up seeing a cognitive therapist for a few months, which blew my mind. I actually got the tools necessary to help me deal with my emotional reactions to situations going on around me.
Byron Katie, whose book More...
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Jun 08, 2011
Chavonne
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This book is dangerous. I'd heard from somewhere I can't remember that this book was helpful in learning acceptance. I'm always looking to move forward in that so I thought I'd give this a try. I read about half of the introduction when I realized that this book was offering something I just cannot stomach: blaming the victim. Sure, there have been things that have happened in my life that I could take more responsibility, behaviors that I could have not made because I knew better and through ad
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Jul 07, 2011
Chérise
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One of my favorites. I love the way Katie cuts through the distortions of mind, enabling people to free themselves from their stressful thoughts and arrive at a place of love and acceptance for the very same.
There is everything you need to do 'The Work' for yourself however, I would recommend for those new to the work to have someone facilitate them through the process - the ego can put up quite a fight, deception of the self is easy.
When I first saw someone being led through the wor More...
There is everything you need to do 'The Work' for yourself however, I would recommend for those new to the work to have someone facilitate them through the process - the ego can put up quite a fight, deception of the self is easy.
When I first saw someone being led through the wor More...
Aug 02, 2010
Kate
rated it:
This book teaches the same thing that Bonds that Make us Free teaches, or Anatomy of Peace, yet it's more like "how to get out of the box in four steps" to put it in the language of Bonds. It's stated simply, yet very powerful if I can apply it. Encourages writing what your thoughts are as a way of working through to the truth of your thoughts. 20% of it is her message, the rest is dialogue between her and others doing "the work".
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Jul 14, 2011
Lori
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I listened to part of the audio version of this book, but I couldn't finish it. I first learned of this book from a smart, very successful woman who referenced it in a talk to 250 of my co-workers. She mentioned how life-changing it was to determine what was her business, someone else's business or God's business. That made sense, so I decided to check it out.
My first dumbfounded moment was in her conversation with a mother who was struggling with her young son not doing his chore More...
My first dumbfounded moment was in her conversation with a mother who was struggling with her young son not doing his chore More...
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Oct 26, 2011
Leah
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I dont disagree with the concept of what she is trying to get across; I agree that only we have control over our own reality and the thoughts that reinforce our way of feeling. I agree about projection and acceptance. I like some of the questions such as "who would you be without the thought..." On the other hand I think the method is a bit harsh and cannot be used with just anyone who is suffering. I think it puts blame on people which can further reinforce the victim role that people
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Nov 09, 2011
Joel
rated it:
This book actually delivered on what so many promise: it changed my life.
Katie, who I later met when she was giving a workshop nearby, is a most unusual teacher. With no background in spiritual work, she spontaneously "awoke" one day after a lot of stress in her life, and then spent years trying to integrate her new consciousness into her day to day life.
The book explains the way she put together her experiences in order to teach other people how to avoid the un More...
Katie, who I later met when she was giving a workshop nearby, is a most unusual teacher. With no background in spiritual work, she spontaneously "awoke" one day after a lot of stress in her life, and then spent years trying to integrate her new consciousness into her day to day life.
The book explains the way she put together her experiences in order to teach other people how to avoid the un More...
Jan 21, 2010
Anne
rated it:
My mom gave me this book about 4 years ago and I never got around to reading it until now. I thought it was very thought provoking. I have been trying her techniques and I think there is a lot of truth in this book and in what she says. (though of course not complete truth...)
I think I read it at the right time in my life, and I think it will be helpful to me. I am interested to see if I will be able to tell a difference in how I live my life, and how I feel about my thoughts etc. afte More...
I think I read it at the right time in my life, and I think it will be helpful to me. I am interested to see if I will be able to tell a difference in how I live my life, and how I feel about my thoughts etc. afte More...
Nov 20, 2008
Catherine
rated it:
She has a good message, yes, appreciate what is happening and the moment around you. Don't dwell on the past and the things that you don't have in your life. I believe in that. Part of the message also is that if someone bugs you, then you're taking it on as your problem. Is it really your problem?
I also commend her for what she's accomplished in her life. she seems to contradict herself, even in some other books I've read. I feel she's telling a person you don't have to be responsi More...
I also commend her for what she's accomplished in her life. she seems to contradict herself, even in some other books I've read. I feel she's telling a person you don't have to be responsi More...
Feb 16, 2010
David
rated it:
Good book with a process on how to accept and effectively deal with reality in your life. Good advice on how to sort problems in a way that lets you drop most of them (hint: they're not your problems to begin with). Also a way of looking at things that happen in life, which I feel most people will find helpful.
Nothing here that people into new age or self-development books probably haven't read other places, but it's said in ways which are unique and will be helpful in achieving a de More...
Nothing here that people into new age or self-development books probably haven't read other places, but it's said in ways which are unique and will be helpful in achieving a de More...
Mar 02, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
Byron Katie ROCKS!
I know there's no shortage of new-agey feel-good pop-psych gurus out there, and I admit to having taken more than a few of them a little too seriously at times. Still, there are some who offer lasting value, something real, original (or at least presented in an original manner), and useful. Katie is one of them and this book is worth your time.
Willing to be guided by my evaluation? Great, read the book! Think I'm fulla compost? S'okay, read the book just t More...
I know there's no shortage of new-agey feel-good pop-psych gurus out there, and I admit to having taken more than a few of them a little too seriously at times. Still, there are some who offer lasting value, something real, original (or at least presented in an original manner), and useful. Katie is one of them and this book is worth your time.
Willing to be guided by my evaluation? Great, read the book! Think I'm fulla compost? S'okay, read the book just t More...
Feb 14, 2011
Sharon
rated it:
I chose this book because it was on a recommended reading list from a life coach whose work I respect. While I found it useful on many levels, I think that a person doing what Katie calls "The Work" may need to be careful and do so in a very loving environment . It seems that some situations (e.g., around issues of sexual assault or domestic violence) would be very triggering to try to review alone.
Byron Katie maintains that by examining the thoughts and beliefs behind th More...
Byron Katie maintains that by examining the thoughts and beliefs behind th More...
Dec 23, 2010
Ashley
rated it:
I give this book five stars because I think that it is a profound idea that Byron Katie is introducing- especially for those who are tormented with the weight of worry about those people and circumstances around them that they feel as though they have some power to control. It was a breakthrough for me, to have permission to let go of some worries that I felt duty-bound to carry with me throughout life. Often, these questions pop up in my daily trains of thought, and cause me to re examine wha
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Sep 19, 2010
Nancy
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She suggests that there are three kinds of "business": mine, yours, and "god's". Simple, not that radical, but I can see that living it is neither of those. (Or, rather, so simple it's radical.)
She proposes that you can ask specific questions (four!) of your misery. The questions kept slipping from me, though she is patient and I was listening. Still, I suppose it's like learning to tango or schottische slowly, and takes practice to dance in real time. I want it.
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She proposes that you can ask specific questions (four!) of your misery. The questions kept slipping from me, though she is patient and I was listening. Still, I suppose it's like learning to tango or schottische slowly, and takes practice to dance in real time. I want it.
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Sep 09, 2008
Suzanne
rated it:
I didn't realize how insane I was. Maybe you did. This book is embarrassing to read but man it is messing with my head, I think in a good way.
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Nov 09, 2011
Deb
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The author offers the reader an outline of 4 questions to reframe a situation in their life. These questions give you insight and a different viewpoint into the situation. The book is a series of examples of sessions the author had with clients with various issues. That was ok, but it seemed that these people have life changing epiphanies and all became right with the world in a matter of 5 minutes. I found that a bit daunting that I or many other people would change so quickly or matter of fact
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Jul 20, 2010
Cindy
rated it:
I will preface this by saying that Byron Katie's mystical guru language basically drives me nuts. I also have the occasional problem with her interpretation of God or her seeming lack of moral absolutes.
That said - I really did like this book. I felt it gave a better and more thorough explanation of how to go about inquiry than "I Need Your Love—Is That True?". It answered a lot more questions, with less that felt like "filler." If I was recommending one Byron Kat More...
That said - I really did like this book. I felt it gave a better and more thorough explanation of how to go about inquiry than "I Need Your Love—Is That True?". It answered a lot more questions, with less that felt like "filler." If I was recommending one Byron Kat More...
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Jun 13, 2009
Rhonda Rae
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OMGoodness...this is a very powerful book! I've read a ton of books about self-help and this one is one that has taken me the farthest! The knowledge is most eye-opening and liberating. Life is what it is...and the world is how we each perceive it to be. We have the power and control to let go and allow life to unfold as it will. Each day we have the opportunity to grow and learn...accept reality and savor the fact that you are who you are, you are a very special person, just the way you ar
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Oct 31, 2009
Clayton
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I read this book a few years ago after hearing an interview with Byron Katie on Dr. Wayne Dyer's radio show. I think it's a good practice to read this text every few years as a refresher course.
Over the past year I've come to believe that my own thoughts create my own suffering. It's never the person or situation that causes me grief; it's the story I *tell* myself *about* the person or situation that is the problem! Although I knew this intellectually I still fought the instinct More...
Over the past year I've come to believe that my own thoughts create my own suffering. It's never the person or situation that causes me grief; it's the story I *tell* myself *about* the person or situation that is the problem! Although I knew this intellectually I still fought the instinct More...
Dec 04, 2011
Marshall
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This book is about a self-help technique called "The Work." It's not a profoundly new technique by any means, but it is profound in its simplicity. It seems to borrow heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Buddhist psychology, but boils it all down to just a few simple steps. It's designed to expose our thoughts that argue with reality and the suffering this causes.
The technique is to write down on paper all your pain, without holding back, and then question everything More...
The technique is to write down on paper all your pain, without holding back, and then question everything More...
