Examines what the phenomenon of self-help reading reveals about gender relations in contemporary American culture. She interviews women readers and editors of self-help books, and looks at bestsellers since 1963 -- those offering advice about managing relationships, enhancing sexuality, developing self-esteem, becoming assertive, and improving spiritual life. Drawing on feminist theory and critical cultural studies, she explores the appeal of self-help books and asks what readers are making of them. She includes discussions of readers¹ assessments of the meaning and effectiveness of self-help reading, and creators¹ views of their work.