Sibling Revelry: 8 Steps to Successful Adult Sibling Relationships [Paperback]

Joann Levitt (Author), Marjory Levitt (Author), Joel Levitt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 3, 2001

Experience the miracle of healing with a unique step-by-step program for enhancing adult sibling relationships — created by siblings for siblings

Much has been written about the relationships of parents and children. But the unsung chord in all of our adult relationships, professional and personal, is rooted in the sibling connection. In this extraordinary book based on their Sibling Revelry workshops, authors — and siblings — Jo Ann, Marjory, and Joel Levitt re-create the seminars that have helped many strengthen the bonds of their adult sibling relationships.

In eight clearly focused steps, with added material for home study, the authors show how to transform sibling rivalry into extraordinary, nurturing adult bonds that will enhance all other relationships in your life. Now you can regain the closeness you and your siblings once shared, heal old wounds, and pave the way to a happier, healthier future. Learn how to:

* Define your relationship — Unload the myths of your shared past...and discover who you are to each other now

* Witness the effect of old rivalries — And use them as a springboard to great adult relationships

* Envision a new future — Break the habits that hold your relationship firmly in place...and create a powerful new vision for yourself and your family

* Explore new modes of contact — Examine the "role" you play in your family and free yourself from damaging old patterns

* Heal wounds and misunderstandings — Resolve old conflicts as you sort through old issues of fear, anger, guilt, and hurt

* Invent new family legends — Uncover the myths and legends that have shaped your relationship...then create new ones

* Make room for differences — Clear out "sibling clutter" and accept your siblings exactly as they are

* Honor your strengths — Celebrate the positive qualities each sibling brings to the relationship...and set the stage for a lifelong connection

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

"Of all our relationships, the sibling relationship is often the most invisible, or the most taken for granted," write the Levitt siblings, who have researched adult sibling relationships and offered workshops on them. Jo Ann is an R.N. at Canyon Ranch health resort in Lennox, MA, Marjory has her Ph.D. and teaches psychology, and Joel is a management consultant. Their eight-step program to help readers strengthen sisterly and brotherly bonds combines stories, interviews, and assignments. Not for the unmotivated, it calls for a lot of work, with much soul-searching and journal-writing. For instance, readers are instructed how to "invent new family legends" (Step 6), no small task. Even if one has been hurt by a sibling, the authors believe that there is much to be gained by renewing connections. The bibliography, resources, and web sites provide additional help in following up on the provided exercises. A wise gift for families, this belongs in public and academic libraries as well as in counselors' offices. Susan Burdick, MLS, Reading, PA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap

Experience the miracle of healing with a unique step-by-step program for enhancing adult sibling relationships — created by siblings for siblings

Much has been written about the relationships of parents and children. But the unsung chord in all of our adult relationships, professional and personal, is rooted in the sibling connection. In this extraordinary book based on their Sibling Revelry workshops, authors — and siblings — Jo Ann, Marjory, and Joel Levitt re-create the seminars that have helped many strengthen the bonds of their adult sibling relationships.

In eight clearly focused steps, with added material for home study, the authors show how to transform sibling rivalry into extraordinary, nurturing adult bonds that will enhance all other relationships in your life. Now you can regain the closeness you and your siblings once shared, heal old wounds, and pave the way to a happier, healthier future. Learn how to:

* Define your relationship — Unload the myths of your shared past...and discover who you are to each other now

* Witness the effect of old rivalries — And use them as a springboard to great adult relationships

* Envision a new future — Break the habits that hold your relationship firmly in place...and create a powerful new vision for yourself and your family

* Explore new modes of contact — Examine the "role" you play in your family and free yourself from damaging old patterns

* Heal wounds and misunderstandings — Resolve old conflicts as you sort through old issues of fear, anger, guilt, and hurt

* Invent new family legends — Uncover the myths and legends that have shaped your relationship...then create new ones

* Make room for differences — Clear out "sibling clutter" and accept your siblings exactly as they are

* Honor your strengths — Celebrate the positive qualities each sibling brings to the relationship...and set the stage for a lifelong connection

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 291 pages
• Publisher: Dell Publishing (July 3, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440508967
• ISBN-13: 978-0440508960
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #377,930 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #97 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Family Relationships > Siblings

More About the Author

Joel Levitt is a leading trainer of maintenance professionals. He has trained over 15,000 maintenance leaders from 3000 organizations in 21 countries in over 500 sessions. Since 1980 he has been the President of Springfield Resources, a management consulting firm that services all sized clients on a wide range of maintenance issues.

He has almost 25 years experience in many facets of maintenance including as a process control designer, source equipment inspector, electrician, field service technician, merchant marine worker, manufacturing manager, and property manager. Prior to that Mr. Levitt worked for a CMMS vendor and in manufacturing management.

He is a frequent speaker at maintenance and engineering conferences and has written 6 popular maintenance management texts and chapters of 2 additional reference books. He has also published dozens of articles on the topic. Mr. Levitt has served on the safety board of ANSI, Small Business United, National Family Business Council and on the executive committee of the Miquon School.
He can be reached at [e-mail] or visit www.Maintrainer.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sibling Revelry: 8 Steps to a Successful Adult Sibling Relat, January 6, 2002

By 

Jonathan Harmon, ACSW, LSW (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sibling Revelry: 8 Steps to Successful Adult Sibling Relationships (Paperback)

Finally, a gentle and imaginative book about the vital, lifelong role we play in the lives of our brothers and sisters! The authors have succeeded in creating an exciting manual designed for both professionals and lay people. As a seasoned family therapist, I found the book packed with refreshing ideas and exercises presented with clarity, intelligence and humor. I felt as though the authors were personally supporting me as I sometimes struggled with the intensity of a concept and its applications to my work with a variety of clients; the authors anticipated my difficulties and, within a few pages, "guided" me through an impasse to the next level. In addition, I sent copies to my own siblings. This small act has already deepened our adult relations with each other and helped us communicate in more heartfelt ways across the miles. This guidebook is a joy to read (and implement) for anyone with a sibling who is beloved or despised, close or estranged. For family therapists, it's unquestionably a "must read."

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars sibling success!, July 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Sibling Revelry: 8 Steps to Successful Adult Sibling Relationships (Paperback)

A wonderful book on reconnecting with your adult siblings, by a team who oughta know--they're siblings themselves! I haven't seen any other books out there on the topic of grown-up siblings, and I found this to be a terrific resource as well as a good read and full of great tips and ideas.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars OK., November 15, 2010

By 

B. Ross (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sibling Revelry: 8 Steps to Successful Adult Sibling Relationships (Paperback)

This is a strategy that some siblings got together and decided on for themselves, and it may be helpful to other siblings. However, most of this book is geared to siblings who already get along well and can overcome difficulties in communication to begin with. It's an OK offering for sane families without much baggage.