Additional information
| Author | Bernard Basset |
|---|
We neurotics
By Bernard Basset (1962)
What the internet says
Aggregated insights from reviews and discussions across the web.
Overall reception: Mostly positive
Bernard Basset's 'We Neurotics: A Handbook for the Half-Mad' (1962) receives generally positive reception from readers who appreciate its unique blend of humor, spiritual guidance, and practical advice on managing everyday neuroses. The book has a modest but devoted following, with a 3.77 average rating on Goodreads from 13 ratings. Readers consistently praise Basset's engaging writing style, his use of charming fictional characters to illustrate spiritual lessons, and his central teaching about lying on the floor as a form of therapeutic relaxation and prayer. The book appears to resonate particularly with those seeking spiritual direction that doesn't take itself too seriously, with reviewers noting its accessibility to both religious and non-religious readers.
What readers loved
- Charming and memorable characters, especially 'The Little Nun' who teaches practical relaxation techniques
- Humorous and engaging writing style that makes spiritual concepts accessible and entertaining
- Practical focus on progressive muscle relaxation and lying on the floor as a form of prayer and stress relief
- Addresses the connection between physical tension and spiritual life in a novel way
- Explores self-knowledge through the metaphor of peeling back layers of the self (public persona, private self, innermost desires)
- Frank discussion of neurosis as a starting point for spiritual growth rather than something to be ashamed of
- Resonates with readers at exactly the right time in their lives, providing comfort and practical guidance
Common critiques
- The Little Nun character dies at the end, which some readers found emotionally difficult
- Dated language and concepts from 1962 (references to 'backward children' and other period-specific terminology)
- Limited availability - difficult to find in print, with some readers resorting to photocopied versions
- May be too religiously focused for some readers despite its broader appeal
Reviews
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