Official Review: The Rational Emotive Train

[greatbexpectations]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Rational Emotive Train" by Joseph L. Gill.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Finding happiness in life is central to the collective human experience, but getting on the right track can seem overwhelming. As Joseph L. Gill states in his book, The Rational Emotive Train, by choosing “a path of balance between all opposing forces,” achieving happiness is an attainable goal (pg. 9). By blending metaphysical ideas with research-based evidence, this self-help guide explains why balancing emotion and rational thinking can assist readers through new, psychological territory.

As the title suggests, readers pass through chapters that resemble train cars aboard the “RET” while exploring a multitude of topics along the way: some of these include happiness, balance, self-reliance, and trust in a higher power, referred to as the “Great Creator.” The author covers these topics by analyzing how the internal conflict between emotion and rational thought can manifest externally.

Moreover, every chapter incorporates analogies to help introduce these abstract concepts, making this book a convenient starting point for additional exploration. The combination of theistic principles and scientific analysis provides a distinct perspective to the discourse around the cultivation of internal harmony. With fewer than sixty pages and an illustration of the “dream train” interior on every other page, this book is both brief and visually appealing. These points come together to foster a sensation of speeding along through the chapters, making this handbook easy to finish in a single day.

Despite providing an alternate outlook, this book discusses many profound topics at only a surface level and seems to over-simplify the complicated issues surrounding mental health. The need to incorporate a code of ethics into everyday life is also frequently highlighted, but practical advice on implementing change is generally minimal. The coping strategies and emotional regulation tactics mentioned feel outdated and are impractical for individuals with immediate or more serious concerns. In theory, the combination of differing ideologies and structural concepts possess a wealth of potential, but the execution ultimately falls short. Along with irregular shifts in the general tone, these inconsistencies disrupt what would otherwise be an exceptionally smooth progression of topics.

Although I did not find this book particularly helpful, organized, or well-edited, other readers may benefit from its unique perspectives. As the author introduces an assortment of topics, this could be a convenient resource for those seeking a starting point for their self-reflective journeys. For these reasons, I give The Rational Emotive Train by Joseph L. Gill a rating of 2 out of 4 stars.

While this book is a quick and thought-provoking read, those looking for more definitive assistance might prefer to explore other options. I would recommend this book to otherwise mentally and emotionally healthy adults who are seeking supplemental reference material. I believe it would be most useful as a gateway to explore topics that resonate with each specific reader.

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The Rational Emotive Train
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[MsH2k]

It would be interesting to learn ways to better balance emotion and rational thinking, but I do not find this book’s brevity and lack of organization appealing. Thank you for your thorough review.