I love this book! How Much Joy Can you Stand: How to Push Past Your Fears and Create Your Dreams is a rather small book absolutely filled with inspiration and encouragement. And it's more that that! There are exercises following each chapter, which tap into the pool of creativity inside just waiting to be explored. I found myself pulling out a novel I started in high school and started working on it again. It's been 20 years! "How Much Joy Can You Stand" is a must read for anyone who wants to dust off their dreams and create the life they really, really want!

There's a delightful little book on the market that everyone interested in personal change and growth should have in his/her library (actually, at the bedside would be better - maybe reading a chapter each night before retiring and doing the suggested exercise next day). It's "How Much Joy Can You Stand." Subtitled "How to push past your fears and create your dreams," this slim edition speaks volumes about life-changing behaviors, attitudes and beliefs. The author, Suzanne Falter-Barns, has been through it all, and she passes her wisdom along in an easy-to-read, conversational style. Read the reviews, listen to your heart, then order it!

I have read many "self-help" books over the years (e.g., Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity and "The Vein of Gold: A Journey to Your Creative Heart") which have inspired me and enriched my approach to life and tapping into my passions--what brings me joy.

But "How Much Joy..." is different.

I loved reading this book! I was quickly drawn in by Ms. Falter-Barns' engaging, humorous, and REAL perspective. And yet, she is able to deal with a diverse range of practical, psychological, emotional and other issues that keep us from truly knowing and doing something about our passions in life! The end-of-chapter exercises are provocative, fun and extremely fruitful.

Since reading this book, my approach to life has changed dramatically. I have been joy-stepping ever since--ideas flowing as never before, and most importantly, I am DOING despite all my busy life circumstances. I have found ways to reach out and problem-solve as never before despite the ever-present "lack of time". "How much Joy..." has also inspired me to read other books which have also been extremely helpful such as "The Everyday Work of Art: Awakening the Extraordinary in Your Daily Life" by Eric Booth.

"How Much Joy..." is a great investment in enriching your life and getting out of that everyday treadmill. Suzanne Falter-Barns is a power coach with depth and broadness of range that is not only inspiring but also down-to-earth.