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

Martha Beck (Author)

Book Description

Release 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: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (76 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #46,792 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 Central California with her family.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 86 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Transformational Journey April 27, 2008

By O. Brown HALL OF FAMETOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

*****
This latest book from Martha Beck was more of a journey for me than just a book to read. The author advises you in the very beginning that for you to really have this book change your life, you have to do the exercises. So I did, and I was glad. They really helped me to be able to apply the concepts and ideas in a way that benefited me personally and not just theoretically.

The purpose of the book is to change your life so that you get your "right life", not by thinking or feeling your way TO it, but by "dissolving" the thoughts and feelings that are OBSTACLES to it. The difference may seem just semantic, but it isn't---it's profound! I was a life coach for several years in the past, and I can say that Martha Beck's concepts here are right on, effective, and truly transformational when really applied.

The author's writing style is hilarious and makes the journey fun. For me reading this book and working my way through it seemed like a series of chiropractic adjustments to my life, helping me to indeed figure out where I was missing my "right life" and what is standing in its way. Working through the book helped me to develop useful skills that I can use each day to stay on course and to make life more meaningful, just because I know I'm going in the direction that's right for me.

It's an awful lot to get just from a book; I think this work truly earned all five stars. Highly recommended.
*****

61 of 65 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

Format: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. Read more ›

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful

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

By Kimba Livesay

Format: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.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is the best self-help book ever. September 12, 2008

By Knick

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am in the midst of the most turbulent changes of my life. As I had been nearing some options for decisions, my body would become tight, pained, or just plain anxious. My mind wanted to go one way, and my spirit another. It just left me plain confused about what the heck was going on. I never watch Oprah anymore, but in looking at the schedule I decided to record one on the laws of attraction. This positive thinking has always bugged me because it seemed to cast blame if challenge happened in life like if a person got cancer, it must be something they thought of or did to create it. Martha Beck was on that show talking about Steering by Starlight. She is the first person who I have found who basically has had challenge in life and then reflected on ways to think to go through the process so that a person can see the value in the challenge. She embraces emotion and shows how to work with it. Steering by Starlight is amazing and has been heaven sent to me. It has been my user's manual for life challenge. She explains the dreams, coincidences, feelings, and conflicts that happen when a person is in the midst of their life falling apart. It is like advice from the really wise friend you have always wanted. I bought the CD and listen to it all the time as I drive. I have bought the book for four different friends. I cannot recommend this book enough.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful

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

By Grandma Sue

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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!