The Book of Qualities
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Book Overview
From Beauty to Compassion, from Pleasure to Terror, from Resignation to Joy -- here is an insightful exploration of the rich diversity of human qualities. J. Ruth Gendler's evocative book has as its cast of familiar characters our own emotions, brought to life with a poet's wisdom and an artist's perceptive eye. In The Book of Qualities' magical community, Excitement wears orange socks, Faith lives in the same apartment building as Doubt, and Worry makes lists of everything that could go wrong while she is waiting for the train. In portraying the complexities of the psyche, Gendler uses the Qualities to bridge the distinctions between literature and psychology, and has created an original work that challenges us to look at our emotions in new and inspiring ways.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0060962526
ISBN13:9780060962524
Release Date:January 1988
Publisher:William Morrow & Company
Length:112 Pages
Weight:0.30 lbs.
Dimensions:0.5" x 5.3" x 8.0"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
a gift of a book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
what can i say? this is one of the most inspiring, empowering, revealing books i own. it is filled with deep "ah-hah" moments and carefully chosen words and fluid description. it is not preachy or light-hearted, but rather allows each person to find a lesson for themselves by giving depth and color to the words for emotions and feelings. every time i read it, i have new revelations and each time i share it with someone new, they love it as instantly as i did. buy two copies... you'll want to give one to someone as soon as you read the first few pages.
A Must have
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
This is such a wonderful book!! Her words bring you to the core of your being. The creativity, simplicity, yet complexity are what makes this one of my all time favorite books. I highly recommend this for every library.
Soul Food
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
A most lyrical, imaginative, and lovely book of vignettes depicting human emotion and expression. This book has inspired self-understanding, provided material to discuss and further intimacy in my relationships, comforted me in times of distress, and encouraged me toward creative expression. Ms. Gendler has a perceptive, wise soul; her book is a gift.
The best little book ever
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I truly adore this little book - I give it as a gift (bought 25 copies last year for all sorts of clients and friends), and I have read my own copy until it is as dog eared as a truly loved book can get. So lyrically draws the emotions and qualities that make us all up.
Gendler introduces the reader to several familiar friends...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Ever felt like your emotions have taken on a life of their own? Gendler in her Book of Qualities takes that feeling and bust it wide open. A friend gave me a photocopied copy to read and I ran out and bought my own copy. Gendler's ability to give each emotion (quality) their own breath is intriguing. I long to take a walk with Stillness by the ocean... and realize I have done so too little in my hectic life. So many books these days are nice little leasure empty entertaining snipets of fun. Gendler's book is one of those rare finds that will leave you longing for more and glad you took your brain out for the stretch. Enjoy.
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