A Friend in Need: How to Help When Times Are Tough [Paperback]

Sol Gordon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2000

Is one of your friends in trouble, depressed, seriously ill, grieving, or a substance abuser? When our friends are going through difficult times, they need us most, but it's at just such times that many people are at a loss about what to say or do. Psychologist Sol Gordon has written this sensitive, insightful book to help us become better friends and to teach us how to deal with the serious problems of those we care most about. Beginning with the nature of friendship and its responsibilities and rewards, Gordon then looks at a variety of challenging situations: violent or abusive relationships, friends with problem children, addiction, depression, suicidal tendencies, bereavement, and terminal illness. Offering specific advice, moving real-life stories, and practical resources, Gordon shows us how to nurture our friendships and understand the problems our friends face in order to give them the help they need. He offers suggestions on how to respond appropriately to delicate situations, from the use of compassion to the gentle reminder that we are always ready to listen when our friends need to talk. Everyone will find this book useful at some point in their lives when they need to show support for a troubled friend. But, in the end, it is a book about how to be a thoughtful, caring, and compassionate friend.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School-This is "a primer/workbook for friendship, using anecdotal evidence as much as hands-on advice to convey the meaning and responsibilities of these relationships." Writing in a warm, informal tone, the author uses personal experiences and related anecdotes to illustrate behaviors conducive to strong friendships. The book is primarily about "When Not to Mind Your Own Business." Gordon explores how to be a good friend to someone who is involved in violent or abusive situations, has an addiction, has a family member who is disabled, is suffering from depression and suicidal behaviors, loses a loved one, or is facing a terminal illness. He writes of the most difficult situation of all-when a suffering friend does things that are alienating. He repeatedly stresses the importance of becoming as informed as possible about a friend's medical or psychological condition. A section of general resources includes publications as well as helpful organizations. A valuable book.-Cynthia J. Rieben, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Sol Gordon, Ph.D., is a lecturer, educator, professor emeritus of child and family studies at Syracuse University, and the founding director of the university's Institute for Family Research and Education. He is also the author of many critically acclaimed children's books, including ALL FAMILIES ARE DIFFERENT and FACTS ABOUT SEX FOR TODAY'S YOUTH.

Product Details

• Paperback: 238 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573927929
• ISBN-13: 978-1573927925
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,242,008 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, insightful, and very well written., September 8, 2000

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Friend in Need: How to Help When Times Are Tough (Paperback)

The theme of this book - how to help a friend when they're going through hard times - is important. Gordon describes the nature of friendship and support groups, responsibilities and rewards of being a friend, and barriers which confront even the best of friendships. The meat lies in chapters which present a variety of challenging situations, from abusive relationships to terminal illness and death, describing how friends can overcome obstacles and help.