Self-help Product Review Rating Scale (1=low 5=high)
Clarity: (4)
Practicality: (4)
Target-Audience:	Professionals, Persons Interested in the Therapeutic Relationship, Folks Who Need Their Faith Lifted

The Catalyst: A Life Devoted to Others. Now that is a pretty heady claim.To the surprise and delight of this reviewer, the man lives up to the title. Dr. Weider has, indeed, made a contribution to the world and wants others to know about it. His story is interesting, and even inspirational. Ultimately, it is a hopeful story about a generosity of spirit that has made a difference.

The Catalyst is presented in three clear segments:

1. personal history
2. altruism in action
3. clinical cases

Dr. Weider is a child of the Depression and a mother widowed when he was 10. So poverty and loss were early companions. The author's tenacity in overcoming these odds comes through in each of his stories; as does his dedication to helping others. In both his chosen career and his philanthropic work, Dr. Weider's determination to provide others the opportunity to overcome the odds is impressive.

Of particular note is his comprehensive and innovative drug abuse prevention program, called Kids for USA. The organization is a club for kids only, and is free to all kids between the ages of four and ten. The cornerstones of the program are:

1. achievement
2. accomplishment
3. awareness

Dr. Weider offers youngsters a culture of rewards, recognition, and respect, as an alternative to the drug culture.

Clinical vignettes in the final section of the book are presented in an easy-to-read style that allows a glimpse into the intricacies of the therapeutic relationship. Humor and poignancy are interwoven in an appealing way, and the reader begins to get a feel for the deep caring Dr. Weider brings to his work. This is an excellent choice for those disenchanted with professional helpers. Read this book, and you will understand his epitaph: "While he lived, he cared."

4/16/98

Susan Griffin, NCADC, CCS is a Nationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Clinical Supervisor.