![]() | By: Eric Berne Binding: Paperback Publisher: Corgi Books ISBN: 055209806X ISBN-13: 9780552098069 Released: 30 Apr 1975 RRP: Average Rating: ![]() |


More than anything stated above, what Eric Berne’s book does so well is instil in the reader the fact that change can come from within, in fact this is where the metamorphosis will begin. A true catalyst for change, & contrary to other comments made above, completely accessible to those not familiar with psychoanalytical jargon.


In this book, he extends that theory (transactional analysis) towards human destiny that he says is predetermined by a 'script' people compose in early childhood before they have reached six years old. This script will determine whether that person is a winner, non-winner or a loser. Berne's theory is well founded, taking into genetic, prenatal & parental influences that make up a person's life script. The aim of the book is to act as guide for fellow psychiatrists in recognizing scripts & eliminating their more negative aspects in their patients.
According to Berne, a person's childhood-written script follows closely myths & fairy tales, & the differing roles (Hero, Victim, Villain, Ally, etc) than in simple common sense. People are capable of changing their scripts, but more often than not stick by them, as this is easier to do than to effect any real change in their lives.
Berne covers alll aspects of the script using popular fairy-tale analogies like Cinderella & Little Red Riding Hood to help illustrate his points. He also includes objections to the Script Theory & a Script Check List for patients.
This book should be a handbook for human psychologists & would appeal to anyone interested in psychology. Casual readers, if they can hack the terminology, might find it interesting as well.

The problem is not that I can't put it down , but that what he has to say is so thought provoking my brain tends to go off at a tangent every other paragraph. This makes for slow reading & I've found I can't read it in the quiet hours as it wakes me up!
Below are some of the current bestsellers - click them for a price comparison and find the cheapest place to buy!