Is there a way to take the break you long for--the archaeological dig in Costa Rica, the film-making course in Los Angeles, the six-month hike along the coast of Newfoundland--without sacrificing your home, family, career, and savings? You bet. For every excuse you've ever harbored as to why you can't fulfill your heart's desires, the authors have a solution. This is a take-action, how-to book for any grown-up who still believes in summer vacations. From Library Journal Amid the profusion of career titles aimed at helping workers manage their time, improve their communication skills, land a better job, and so on comes a book that advocates taking time off. The idea is not as crazy as it may sound. The authors interviewed hundreds of workers who have taken leaves of absence and representatives of companies that encourage the practice. Dlugozima, James Scott, and David Shard, all journalists who themselves took time off to do the research for this book, make a strong argument for nonacademic sabbaticals: break-takers improve their mental health, pursue new personal and professional challenges, and "recharge their batteries" in preparation for their return to work. Companies can realize numerous benefits, including increased worker satisfaction and decreased attrition of valued employees. The authors cover many bases, including financing, negotiating, identifying sabbatical opportunities, "jump-starting a career," and "engineering a smooth landing" upon return to work. Writing informally, they provide a variety of intriguing notions and inspiring case studies. Those contemplating sabbaticals and human resource personnel considering the adoption of such opportunities will find this to be a delightful resource.?Alan J. Farber, Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.