A Monitor guide to the bestsellers

1. STUPID WHITE MEN

New Review

Last Week: 1

Weeks on List: 7

by Michael Moore

Regan Books, $24.95

Filmmaker and activist Michael Moore is no fan of George W. Bush. But the "stolen" election of 2000 is just one of the targets in his latest book, which also includes essays on why men are facing extinction and the "truth" about recycling. Moore offers plenty of suggestions for how Americans can get off the couch and make a difference. But his assessment of the state of the nation suffers for its lack of reference to the events of Sept. 11, which happened after the book was written. (304 pp.) By Kim Campbell

The Christian Science Monitor: Mixed review

The New York Times: No review noted

Kirkus Review of Books: No review noted

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Unfavorable review

2. SELF MATTERS

New Review

Weeks on List: 10

by Phillip C. McGraw

Free Press, $25

A perennial Oprah Winfrey guest, McGraw offers his latest self-helper: a mix of bumper-sticker simplicity ("Life is not a dress rehearsal") and thought-provoking exercises to encourage an awareness of unhealthy behaviors and a movement toward a more "authentic" self. In this workshop approach, readers define and examine the 10 most important moments, critical decisions, and influential people in their lives. While its style can be uneven, the book is readable and its authoritative voice empowering. (336 pp.) By Michele Babineau

The Christian Science Monitor: Mixed review

The New York Times: No review noted

Kirkus Review of Books: No review noted

Buffalo News: Mixed review

3. THE WISDOM OF MENOPAUSE

Weeks on List: 20

by Christiane Northrup

Bantam, $27.95

The author of the bestselling "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" tackles the dreaded "M" word. Northrop, who made her reputation as an out-of-the-box physician, treats menopause not as a problem, but as a second adolescence and rebirth. She uses personal experience candidly: "I vowed that I wouldn't write a book on this subject until I entered the process myself." Drawing on case histories and anecdotes, the book addresses issues from hormone replacement to relationship stress. (608 pp.) By Samar Farah

The Christian Science Monitor: Mixed review

The New York Times: No review noted

Kirkus Review of Books: No review noted

4. SACRED CONTRACTS

New Review

Weeks on List: 12

by Caroline Myss

Harmony, $25

This books attempts to help readers answer: Why am I here? The author claims that not knowing our spiritual purpose is at the core of poor health and relationships. But understanding your Sacred Contract to the Divine shapes direction. Readers are encouraged to decipher their Contract by using archetypes (Are you a Warrior? A Queen? An Athlete?). Heavy on dream interpretation, symbols, and mysticism, the book doesn't provide much "provable" evidence of why we are here. Prepare to scrutinize the "Self." (430 pp.) By Kendra Nordin

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