Life and how to survive it (by John Cleese and Robin Skynner)

(Amazon UK link)

'Life and How to Survive it' is written in conversational form, by John Cleese (best known, perhaps, as Basil Fawlty in the old sit-com) and Robin Skynner, a family therapist.

The style is light, but the book takes some thought - it's not something to read at one sitting. The conversations delve into research about what makes the 'healthiest' people, in emotional terms, and also the 'healthiest' families, organisations and countries.

There are a few moments of humour and some slightly bizarre cartoons interspersed. But the subject-matter is deep, and I found some of the concepts very powerful when I finally got to grips with them.

I thought the section on 'religion' was particularly revealing and very interesting, even though some facets don't tie in at all with Christian belief. But there is a surprising emphasis given to some of Jesus' words as an indication of what it means to be truly healthy.

Definitely recommended - it's extremely thought-provoking.