Steering by Starlight: The Science and Magic of Finding Your Destiny [Paperback]

Martha Beck PhD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 9, 2009

Martha Beck’s remarkable success in helping people to change their lives has won her accolades everywhere from National Public Radio to USA TODAY. She made multiple appearances on Oprah and Good Morning America for the hardcover edition of Steering by Starlight, which now offers readers a powerful set of new tools—fresh coping strategies based on cutting-edge research in psychiatry and neurology—that will help them overcome obstacles and set their lives on course. Dr. Beck’s trademark humor and empathy are at the heart of her gift for helping people who feel disconnected from their true sense of purpose: to locate meaning in their lives. Utilizing the same methods that have proven most effective with her private clients, Dr. Beck reconnects readers with their authentic needs and desires. Whether a person is seeking better relationships, more focused career direction, or a more harmonious lifestyle, Steering by Starlight’s hilarious and touching anecdotes, case studies, and practical exercises will point the way.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The best known life coach in America.” —Psychology Today

“Martha Beck has a rare ability to see the world with wisdom and heart. She is a teacher in the truest sense of the word.”—Harriet Lerner, author of The Dance of Anger and The Dance of Connection

“If you want to be like Oprah Winfrey—and who doesn’t—we have two words for you: Martha Beck.” —Boston Globe

About the Author

MARTHA BECK, PHD, is a life coach and monthly columnist for O: The Oprah Magazine. She has taught career development at the American Graduate School of International Management and was research assistant to Dr. John Kotter at Harvard Business School. The best-selling author of Finding Your Own North Star, Expecting Adam, and The Four-Day Win, she lives in Phoenix.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books; Original edition (June 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1605298646
• ISBN-13: 978-1605298641
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Martha Beck is a writer and "life coach" who specializes in helping people design satisfying and meaningful life experiences. She holds a bachelor's degree in East Asian Studies and master's and Ph.D. degrees in sociology, all from Harvard University.

She worked as a research associate at Harvard Business School, studying career paths and life-course changes in today's economic and social environment. Before becoming a life coach, Dr. Beck taught sociology, social psychology, organizational behaviour, and business management at Harvard and the American Graduate School of International Management. She has published academic books and articles on a variety of social science and business topics.

Her non-academic books include the New York Times bestsellers "Expecting Adam" and "Leaving the Saints", as well as "Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live", "Steering by Starlight", and her newest book, "Finding Your Way in a Wild New World: Reclaiming Your True Nature". Dr. Beck has also been a contributing editor for many popular magazines, including "Real Simple" and "Redbook", and is currently a columnist for "O, the Oprah Magazine".

More information can be found at marthabeck.com, including Dr. Beck's lively blog posts and video blogs, books, speaking appearances, and life coaching strategies and suggestions.

Dr. Beck lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her family.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grieving takes time and Steering opened the door to my future., March 3, 2010

By 

Ginger Sugar Blymyer "Ginger Sugar Blymyer" (203 N. Encinal AVe.Meiner's Oaks, Ojai, California 93023) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Steering by Starlight: The Science and Magic of Finding Your Destiny (Paperback)

[ASIN:0741443872 Flying Into the Sun]]
I heard the author of Steering by Starlight on MPR. When she said she had overcome fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, and now was capable of doing so much more, I wrote down the title and ordered it.
People on Facebook began to discuss it too.
I love reading it and the most amazing thing is happening and I believe it is due to this book.
I lost my husband a year ago. I know we need to take time to heal from such a sudden loss and I have done that. I have sort of been a lump, doing what I need to do, actually enjoying myself, but sort of or really lazy it seems. I have always been very good at visualizing but for the past few years done little of that. I did visualize my move to Ajijic Mexico in 2007 and then it seemed to end. I know I have had an amazing life. Hairdresser to the Stars, a book available on Amazon explains that. So I didn't think I even needed to make any plans. I am 75 and just figured I would go along for the rest of the ride. I would take what ever happened day by day.
Then I started reading this book. It all rings true, but now I am feeling the results of reading it. I am beginning to imagine my future in a different way. I am a social creature and although suffering pain and the loss of most of the sight in one eye, I seem to forget all that when I am at my art class, or engaged in conversation with interesting people.
I have filled out and answered questions and those questions have brought an aliveness back to my mind and heart. I am an avid reader and know so much but this book reminded me of what I need to do at this time of my life and I am so happy to have opened it and read it. Try it, you will be so happy you did. It will bring joy to your life and get you on the road to joy. I used to be there, but lost my way. Now I am back. Thanks Martha.

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Transformation & Information, July 20, 2009

By 

Kimba Livesay (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Steering by Starlight: The Science and Magic of Finding Your Destiny (Paperback)

I love this book! For me this book is magic. It reinforces the idea that we can live the life we want. If you feel stuck, afraid or just plain bored this book might just be your ticket.

It is not like other self-help books. Martha Beck is funny and sensitive about how truly get your life on! If you are not a self-help book fan then this might be the first self-help book you enjoy reading. One warning though, this book is written for those that believe in the magic of life.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Steering a New Path, November 1, 2009

By 

Grandma Sue "mygrandmasue" (Reno, NV USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Steering by Starlight: The Science and Magic of Finding Your Destiny (Paperback)

I've now read Steering by Starlight twice through, back to back this weekend. I am already feeling a difference in what is happening around me! I am going to do Martha's recommended month of journaling and we'll see what happens next! I love Martha's writing style - it is totally down to Earth and not "social-scientese" as she discusses within... I love the personal stories - both her own and some of her clients (their names are changed to protect them). I love her sense of humor! Can you tell I loved the book!?!

Martha was a wonderful speaker when I saw her at The Women's Conference 2009 last Tuesday, Oct 26. Her book is just as great!