Nina Nordstrom writes a handy guide for anyone who is unsure about boundaries or bedeviled by toxic relationships. I'm tempted to say, "You know who you are," but that may not be true! Children of alcoholics or those who grew up in abusive households may have trouble recognizing "normal." No problem -- author Nordstrom's low-key approach is valuable to not only spotting emotional aberrations (and learning to identify an unhealthy interaction with someone) but also to setting a healthier course.

She doesn't pretend that it's easy: "Don't think there's a quick fix!" she cautions. "Emotional wellness is a lifetime process." At the same time, she offers bite-sized exercises and tasks that are geared toward building confidence and boosting self-esteem. "Taking the necessary steps to get to a healthy level of emotional wellness should not be a chore or bring on frustration," she counsels.

She is clear about why she's a good guide, given that found herself in the grip of toxic emotions and feelings that put her "captive in a dark place for many years." She learned that love can replace hate, joy supplant pain, and resilience root out depression.

The book is well organized. Readers can go directly to the sections they most need, whether it be dealing with toxic people in the workplace or potential violence in the teenage dating world. This is not just a book; it's also a useful workbook.

"The formula for self-esteem equates to successes measured by failures."

Self-love is a difficult thing to obtain by yourself. This book is a great start to getting rid of the negatives and gaining positives about yourself. As you read the chapters, there are spaces you can write in what self-love means to you.

Once you start this book, you will be on an amazing journey to learning how to start "Living Healthy, Thinking Healthy, Being Healthy".

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