Recovery is often thought of as linear, marked by daily improvements. In reality, it's often more like two steps forward, one step back. Ryan, the author of several mind-body health and wellness books, has revised her earlier The Fine Art of Recuperation to reflect changes in our understanding of the mind's influence on the healing process. Whether you're postsurgical or living with a chronic debilitating condition, stress and the conflicting emotions generated by pain, physical limitations, and even guilt can slow or inhibit recuperation. Ryan outlines useful ways to approach and defuse the negative aspects of illness, with techniques ranging from guided imagery to therapeutic silent screams. She also addresses the emotional and spiritual changes wrought by surgery or illness. The result is worthwhile reading, even for the well in body and spirit. An excellent resource; recommended for consumer health collections.