Hey, I’ve been reading a new book! It’s called The Real Rules of Life, by Ken Druck. The author is actually a Doctor, and he’s got a lot to say. After losing a 21-year-old daughter in a car accident in 1996, Dr. Druck began a journey that so many parents suffer. He lost pretty much everything: wife, home, pets, and then his other daughter moved out to pursue her own life.
As a result, and after a lot of suffering and learning, Dr. Druck set out to write this book. It’s intended to help people through tough times, and to manage life in general.
For example, Rule #7 is There Are No Quick Fixes: It Takes What It Takes To Mend. In that chapter, the author discusses how uncomfortable we can be if someone takes longer to grieve or process a situation than we’d like. Rather than allow that person the space they need, we tend to push for a quick fix. That’s not the best way to help a loved one who’s hurting.
There are 23 Real Rules in this book, which is intended not to be read through all at once. Rather, the chapters are stand-alone essays that can be read as needed.
As a person who thrives on reality and honesty, I find a lot to like about this book. Back when I was teaching special ed., I frequently was confronted by students who were angry about being placed in my class. Specifically, they were upset about being in special ed. in the first place. The thing was, they’d each been in special ed for years. My point was this: you’re here. You can spend a lot of energy being angry about what happened years ago, or you can DO something to change it. And hint: being mad about the past isn’t going to help you shape the future.
I like that this book lays things out as they really are in life. We all like to sugar coat and avoid reality…even me. But the truth is that life can be hard. This book aims to help people through difficult times by being honest about how hard it really is.
My only hesitation is that the author appears to operate from a non-faith standpoint. For me, trying to manage life without my faith would be…empty. And beyond difficult. I cannot imagine even attempting to function without that facet of my life. But that’s me. Even without that very important factor, the book is still valuable and a worthwhile read.
FTC disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book to read and review. I do recommend it, given the caveat that including God in the picture makes life better.