If Dr. Bruce Derman offers therapy as well as he writes then he must be booked for months ahead! This book, THE HOLE, is a clever fable and as Derman obviously knows, people relate to fables well. The story has been excerpted many times on this review site and this reviewer will not repeat the fable as written. But the story behind the fable as presented by Derman, as well written and wise though it is, is not the same experience as reading for yourself. The concept of deciding to embrace the unknown rather than continue running from it in fear is in many ways the basis for therapy. Derman develops this concept by using a ‘perfect couple’ encountering a threatening other and eventually, together, accepting and actually jumping into that unknown mysterious and terrifying other and finding a better relationship and life because of their commitment shines a light on the path each of us must encounter if we are to grow.In Dr. Derman’s introduction, succinct and to the point and brief though it is, offers some of the warmest supportive and therapeutic advice yet published. If everyone would just simply add this book to their library and offer it as gifts to those about whom we have concern as they face emptiness then this chaotic world would begin to make sense, allowing us all to move on – enlightened. Highly recommended reading!

This book is a modern day fable written by a psychologist to teach the reader the importance of being one with yourself and not needing the acceptance of others to lead the life you enjoy. Dirk and Dawn are a couple that seem to lead the perfect life. They both have high paying jobs, they entertain friends regularly, wear the best clothes and have an expensively furnished house. As the fable goes along we wonder if their lives are so “perfect.” When a mysterious hole appears in their living room floor, their whole world seems to come apart.One can wonder why a hole could cause so much turmoil but as the two obsess over the hole and try fruitlessly to fix it, they get more dismayed emotionally and incredibly stressed. All attempts to fix the hole from hiring contractors to just covering it up are futile and in fact, the hole continues to grow.One day a strange little man appears who seems to know their issue and claims to be able to solve their problems. Dirk and Dawn are desperate and let the little man do his thing. However, to get to the solution will definately take them out of their comfort zone and make them realize that all they thought about the world was shallow and not really correct.This is a very quick and fun read and I greatly enjoyed it. Thank you Mr. Derman for sending me a copy of your wonderful book!