The Comfort Queen's Guide to Life: Create All That You Need with Just What You've Got (Hardcover)

by Jennifer Louden (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Forget the life of perfect balance--according to the fairy godmother of self-nurturing, Jennifer Louden, it only exists in magazine articles. Instead of emphasizing balance in The Comfort Queen's Guide to Life, Louden shows readers how to get a life of meaning. In a flight of whimsy, Louden decided to write this book as if she were talking to her "inner feminine voice"--the wisecracking "Comfort Queen," who sounds like an honorary member of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. Each of the book's chapters--which have titles such as "Mindful Listening," "Glass Half Full," and "Fierce Desire"--include the Queen's tell-it-like-it-is lessons. When she's having a self-doubting spiritual crisis, Louden turns to the Comfort Queen, who helps Louden ask herself (and the readers) the right questions. Like the Sufi poet Rumi once said: it is not the answers that offer a life of meaning, it is living the questions. Louden's understanding of this truth has resulted in a humble, tea-cozy book of questions with just a few lumps of sugary advice. The only real downside to this book is that its integrity is weakened by the simultaneous launch of a complete line of cute "Comfort Queen" products. --Gail Hudson

From Publishers Weekly
Fans of Louden's immensely popular previous title, The Comfort Book, will undoubtedly flock to her cheery new tome, which she likens to a "spiritual life planner," though some may find it unoriginal and imitative of such books as Simple Abundance. Yet another voice urging women to find balance and to "listen, learn and surrender to where life wants to lead," Louden mixes observations about her own life with affecting vignettes shared by other women. Based on following one's inner voice, her philosophy is influenced by Buddhist concepts and the work of creativity gurus currently in vogue, such as Julia Cameron. Louden derives inspiration from her muse--an imposing, bejeweled apparition dubbed the Comfort Queen--and encourages the reader to find a similar entity within herself. Among her well-expressed, if not fresh, insights: discipline is grounded in self-nurture, not self-denial; addictions and certain substances provide "shadow comforts." Although the device of the sometimes humorous, advice-bearing Comfort Queen comes to feel contrived, as though she is straining to entertain, readers may find value in the gently posed, reflective questions aimed at helping women discern their true selves. The 85 two-color illustrations by Cleo Papanikolas make the book an appealing gift; these images, along with some of Louden's inspirations, will be marketed on stationery, journals and other merchandise by major companies, including American Greetings and Papel. Agent, Barbara Moulton. 7-city author tour.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harmony (May 16, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609605275
• ISBN-13: 978-0609605271
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #794,806 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars La Dolce Vita, July 13, 2000

By	Beth Wilson (Belmont, CA United States) - See all my reviews

In Jennifer Louden's latest book, The Comfort Queen's Guide to Life, Louden goes beyond the concept of balance straight to the heart of living the good life, La Dolce Vita, from the inside out. Although Louden gives suggestions for pampering the mind, body and spirit, and asks us to do away with self-imposed obstacles, she reaches down into the heart of the matter: building a quality life from the essence of who we are instead of externally "rearranging the furniture" in the hope that it will create genuine contentment. Louden adds sass, humor, wisdom and a dose of self-love for a wonderful dialogue on living in harmony with our essential Self! Enjoy!

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy a copy for yourself -- and then buy one to share!, July 11, 2000

By	The Pod "sharybear" (USA) - See all my reviews

I frankly bought this book because of the title. What true chick can resist a book with the phrase 'Comfort Queen' in it! I was delighted to discover that this book is what I needed at this point in my life. Struggling with the typical challenges of life (husband, child, job, home) I had forgotten the person I was in my early 20's. This book reminded me to honor myself, to nuture myself and to enjoy myself. It made me become my own girlfriend again.

After reading this book, I began to journal again. This book ends each chapter with an exercise that is perfect platform for one or more journal entries. When you buy this book, also buy some cool pens and a notebook so that you have a place for the thoughts, insights, feelings and memories that that will pour out of your as you read the text.

I love Jennifer Louden's style in this book. Her companion and muse is the Comfort Queen, a magical being who travels and comforts Louden on her journey. This book is rich with stories and and quotes that you can relate to. Make time for this book and in doing so you'll make time for yourself (you may end up like me and popping in a Scooby Doo tape for your 3-year-old so that you can read! Such is life.) And when you are through reading the book, buy a copy for your friend, sister and/or mother! (Keep your copy for yourself!)

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear cut ways to feel good and participate in your life!, May 18, 2000

By	"blot" (Chelsea, MI USA) - See all my reviews

Jennifer Louden has done it again. In my mind, this book isthree things in one: a story, a journal of a woman's search forself-understanding and a guide. The story is about this incredibly insightful "Comfort Queen" who knows how to walk the line between tough questions and nuturing support. The journal is of Jennifer's own experiences, told in short, well-written vignettes. You can feel yourself questioning the same issues and wanting the same cup of tea in the garden. But the guide is the key. We all can follow our lives. But how do you actively participate in life? How do you make decisions that are good for you when time is of such short supply? The Comfort Queen has "Living the Questions" sections scattered throughout. That's where you can stop to ask yourself, what do I really want and what action can I take. And, with lots of examples and suggestions, you can answer it. This book has been a real boost for my journey...