From Publishers Weekly
Landon, stepdaughter of deceased Hollywood actor and producer Michael Landon, has overcome many traumas in life. She was abandoned by her mother to be raised by abusive relatives, suffered from drug addictions and suicide attempts and barely survived an automobile accident that nearly left her crippled. This book demonstrates Landon's commendable attitude, showing how she has chosen forgiveness, love and courage when bitterness would have been an easy route. What is very evident is that she passionately loves Michael Landon with rose-tinted glasses, as he was the one person in her life who unconditionally loved her and stood by her. What is not so clear, and at times leaves the reader befuddled, is how Landon explains her spiritual philosophy. She pegs herself as a born-again Christian, but also believes in reincarnation, follows the Church of Religious Science and embraces many New Age concepts. Landon's mission is to raise a healthy generation of children using seven keys: readers should trust in God, choose love over fear, believe that daily miracles can occur, take action now, believe in truth between people, build bridges and refrain from judging each other. In committing to follow these key behaviors, Landon feels that the world would further the message that her beloved stepfather espoused in his television shows and on his deathbed: "Love one another." While these sentiments are well-intended, much of the book is a muddle. (Feb.) Forecast: Landon's previous book, I Promised My Dad (S&S), sold over 600,000 copies. Hampton Roads plans a 200,000-copy first printing of this new title, and a national advertising and publicity campaign. Michael Landon remains a beloved figure; expect vigorous sales.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From the Inside Flap
We all face troubles in our lives. It is easy to think that our problems would go away if only we had...something. A better job. A better marriage. Better health. More money. Something. Many people lead lives of quiet desperation because they think they lack what they need to make them happy. And what is true for individuals is true for our society at large. Our children's future is at stake, and we as a society are losing ground. But it doesn't have to be this way. Your life can be filled with peace, growth, and joy - if you have certain keys. This book offers you those keys. They are simple, easy to understand, and effective. It's just a matter of trying them. Trust in God. Choose love over fear. Take action now. Believe in truth between people. Build bridges. Don't judge each other. Cheryl Landon knows they work. She learned the hard way. Her own life has had no shortage of suffering, including:
- abuse and loneliness in her first seven years, before her mother married Michael Landon
- a near-fatal car wreck at age ninteen that left her scarred and in pain, followed by addiction to painkillers, and a suicide attempt
- Michael Landon's very public divorce from her mother, and his remarriage
- his sudden illness and death within a few weeks
- ongoing struggles with illness, pain, and financial worry
- last-minute changes to his will that left Cheryl's mother and the children wondering if, in his last weeks, Michael Landon had ceased to love them
In "Michael Landon's Legacy," she uses stories from her life to show how discovering these keys and applying them led her to a deeper understanding of life, and helped her not only cope but to triumph. These keys helped her. They can help you. They can help us all to heal our society.
