Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing (Vol. I, No.1)
Ernest Dempsey with Victor Volkman
Loving Healing Press (2009)
ISBN 9781932690095
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/09)

I believe that the first edition of “Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing,” will be truly transformational for its readers. The journal consists of a variety of articles that address issues involving recovering from trauma, grief, forgiveness, health issues, and substance abuse. In addition to the essays, there are also a poetry, fiction, and reviews sections.

I truly enjoyed reading all of the articles. I found information that would benefit me both as a counselor and as a human being. Several of the articles were written by inspirational authors whose books have already had an impact on my life. I really enjoyed being able to read more of their thoughts. Something that I found that stood out in this journal is the human element that is
incorporated into each essay. In addition to imparting their knowledge to us, the writers also share their personal experiences with the topic at hand. This made what I read so much more meaningful to me.

I highly recommend a subscription to this journal, “Recovering the Self,” for professionals who are in the counseling profession or who deal with crisis situations. Readers involved with the healing process will also really enjoy this journal and feel inspired to continue on. The topics covered in the first journal alone, will motivate you to continue reading books on the subject matter presented. Guaranteed.

A Novel

Triumphant, uplifting story of love in the face of tragedy by an award-winning Pakastani-American Muslim writer.  Suko’s Notebook reviews Saffron Dreams by Shaila Abdullah.