How to Get What You Want and Want What You Have

In this PBS-aired production, self-help relationship guru John Gray presents a shortened version of his best-selling "practical and spiritual guide to personal success." After a somewhat rambling, New Age-heavy, 22-minute-long introduction--which gives ample credence to his claim that he doesn't worry about preparing for lectures--he talks to a studio audience about recharging and discharging energy, understanding different love needs (God, romance, friends, community, etc.), and overcoming 12 blocks to personal success (blame, anxiety, procrastination, etc.). The soft-spoken, blue fleece-wearing former monk is personable and articulate, but I'm not convinced that this tape will single-handedly teach viewers to "promote confidence and permanently change self-defeating behavior" and "create outer success without sacrificing inner happiness." Offering glancing blows at a number of topics on the video, the 310-page book is likely to go into far more detail about the actual mechanics of achieving Gray's aims. Still, many people prefer the "highlights only" version, so this reasonably priced and sure to be popular tape should be considered a strong, optional purchase for most public library collections. Aud: P. (K. Glaser)