Beginning with an amusing and concise foreword by F.G. (Sandy) Scott and an introduction by the writer, which is followed by fourteen chapters, the book uses acronyms to guide the reader on the journey to coping with stress. These chapters focus on the acronyms R.E.A.D.Y. and P.O.W.E.R. READY stands for relaxation, exercise, attitude, diet, and yielding, while POWER is a mnemonic for persistence, opportunity, wellness, energy, and roles. Resources are discussed in the final chapter, which is followed by a conclusion and an appendix. The author, professor emeritus at Purdue University, focused on "studying, lecturing, and conducting workshops" on stress management after his father had a heart attack. He presents a plan for transforming the worst periods of life into an effective part of life, rather than a predominantly destructive part.

In this well-written book of sixty-seven pages, Abbott takes a positive view of stress. While most of us see stress as something to be avoided, we often don't realize that stress can be used as a guide. Keying on the concepts embodied in READY and POWER, the book explains how to accept and enjoy stress rather than be overwhelmed by it. With numerous books written about stress, this slender volume is valuable for its simplicity and clarity of organization, yet it also has depth of insight. The chapter on resources is a useful bonus as it offers a number of website and book recommendations. This is an important little book that many people will enjoy for its basic, simple steps toward healing. In addition to being a book that is meaningful, it is also one that stands alone in the focused simplicity. The author doesn't only know this information on a professional basis, but the writing also comes from his own healing.

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