Jon Kabat-Zinn is one of the leading authorities on alternative medicine in America. I've rummaged a bit and read a few review articles and white papers on the field and his work demonstrating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based meditation is widely-regarded as the gold standard by the medical establishment (aka, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or ARQH, a government funding agency). Thus, I approach his work for the public with utmost respect. I've studied mindfulness-based meditation as part of my treatment for my own medical problems and it has been as effective or more effective than medication or other therapies. Dr. Kabat-Zinn's descriptions of meditation practice, benefits and accompanying philosophical approach are important and of great benefit to people like me. However, I do wish he had a better editor. Without being circumlocutory, rambling, or verbose, nevertheless, his writing is horribly un-concise. Like a great apple tree, his writing needs some careful pruning. I find myself fighting the words to absorb the meaning. Nevertheless, once I get past the verbiage, there is wisdom in this book.

As another reviewer has noted, this book is about four books in one. As a person who is very aware of the wonderful books on meditation available today, of which Kabat-Zinn's Wherever You Go There You Are is one, I recommend that you not waste your time and energy on this one.

This is a fantastic read and a book that I will keep for decades to come as a reference. I also have Wherever You Go There You Are and they both serve a different purpose and compliment eachother well.

At 600-plus pages, this deeply philosophical book may challenge some readers. But Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, an accomplished scientist, thinker and author, imparts his wisdom in short, easily digestible chapters. He says you can have a more peaceful, contented life if you are open to exploring the spiritual realm and the practice of mindful meditation. Kabat-Zinn, who cites studies and personal experiences, presents convincing evidence that meditation reduces everyday stress, and can help treat depression and fear, chronic pain, cancer and other serious illnesses. We believe that everyone can benefit from reading this mindful treatise - even those who are already healthy, wealthy and wise. Highly recommended.

I love Jon Kabat-Zinn's work.....and this book is certainly worth getting and reading. However, it is quite long and some of the sections didn't seem to add anything useful. On the other hand, some of the sections were amazing and worth reading more than once. If you like Jon Kabat-Zinn's other writings (e.g., wherever you go there you are, full catastrophe living) you will probably be happy with this book as well.