Bo Lozoff, founder of the Human Kindness Foundation, has advised prisoners, been a carpenter, begun a "spiritual community," had a good marriage, and raised a son. He thinks he's had a pretty meaningful life--and in his new book he'll tell you how you can have one, too.

A combination of tips on how to meditate, "real-life" problem-solving and generic philosophizing, "It's a Meaningful Life" gives some decent, if obvious, advice--be skeptical of "self-esteem" lingo, avoid watching television, don't eat when you're not hungry. But much of the book is a spiritual grab-bag. One minute Lozoff cites Buddha, the next Jesus, then he's quoting the Talmud and Mother Teresa. Such eclecticism can be charming, but it makes Lozoff's tips seem trite and undisciplined. Combining the teachings of so many different traditions seems to deny the importance of being philosophically grounded in any particular one. Despite some appealing passages, this book isn't much use to anyone who doesn't already embrace Lozoff's throw-in-the-kitchen-sink approach to spirituality and meaningful living.