Paul L. Gubany

Observer of human nature and self-taught psychologist Paul L. Gubany uses the myth of Diacrusos and the teachings of Carl Jung to explain the effect of money on individuals and society. Exercises focus on developing individual self-awareness for topics covered in each chapter. "Dream Journal" sections taken from Gubany's personal dream journal illustrates how behavioral decisions are reflected in the subconscious. The appendices offer practical money management worksheets, suggested readings, Greek names and pronunciations, a section of parable, and three money-saving soup recipes. A glossary and index are also included. There are nuggets of good information to be gleaned from the hodgepodge of ideas presented.… (more)

A Return to Abundance: Book 1 by Paul L. Gubany
Release Date: April 2nd, 2010
Publisher: Mindseight Publications (self-published)
Page Count: 151 (+ common appendices, glossary, and index)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author, via LibraryThing Member Giveaways, in exchange for an honest an unbiased review

A gripping read... A Return to Abundance begins with the gripping myth of Diacrusos, where you are taken into the world of story to illustrate the various destructive money patterns we all face. If you are tired of constantly worrying about finances, of equating your self worth with your income, of living in fear of financial ruin, or of spending more than you earn, this series of books is for you. With Paul Gubany's coaching in A Return to Abundance, you will be able to stop damaging behaviors and begin a prosperous financial future.

What Stephanie Thinks: While I do appreciate the well-organized smooth flow of A Return to Abundance, I'm not sure it's necessarily a 'life-changing' read on account of two factors: its rather mulling and archaic material, as well as its questionable credentials.

Yes, it is, according to the book's website, Ph.D.-, LPC-, and CSC/CPIA-endorsed, but please note that these are paid endorsers: professionals who would have praised and 'approved' of the book regardless of its content, because of the unmistakably large compensation the author provided. I'm not saying A Return to Abundance isn't worthy of professional endorsement, because for the most part, it's deep, and I can tell, very well-researched, but I'm just saying: don't let the raving reviews from the pros fool you.

I'm not sure where the five-star reviews are flowing from. Like I said, A Return to Abundance has some helpful lists and observations, but it's nothing 'gripping' or ground-breaking like I expected it to be. Gubany's style is easy to read, but the majority of this book doesn't seem scientific; a lot of it consists of the author's pondering and circular reasoning that I'm skeptical of. His works referenced are outdated too, which made me wonder if I readers could actually take this one for educational use. I mostly skimmed because of this.

Another thing I'm doubtful of is the author's own certifications. He does have an MBA in finance and has been a finance instructor, but he is self-taught in Jungian psychology, philosophy, mythology, and epic poetry, which are all important elements of this book that I would hope would be more trust-worthy. Considering this book is self-published as well, I'm not keen on relying on its professionalism. I have nothing against indies and self-pubs, as you know, but when it comes to non-fiction that uses references and is supposed to be instructional, I have the right to hesitate.

If you have a copy A Return to Abundance, it's definitely worth a read, but it's not something I would recommend off the top of my head; certainly not the kind of motivational finance self-help book I would have bought myself.

Radical Rating: 6 hearts — Satisfying for a first read, but I'm not going back.… (more)