The Mother-in-Law Book.

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Ah, the lure of the advice column. Isn’t it comforting to believe that there’s an expert employed by the media who, after reading only a short note from us, can zero in on the cause of our problems and give us great advice? Knowledge of our personality or the people in our lives not required.

Dickson, with a background in journalism, is an internet advice columnist with more than 10 years experience in dispensing advice related to in-law conflicts. The book is a collection of 50 letters to Dickson in her role as “Great-Granny,” and her responses. There are letters from mothers-in-law who are too involved in their sons’ marriages, and those who are too aloof. Differences of opinion on caring for children, the line between too much or not enough contact with the kids, and personality differences of every stripe get an airing. Overall, the work presents a picture of people struggling with anger, insecurity, jealousy, and stress.

The advice dispensed is predictable: all parties need to show respect for the other’s point of view, strive for open communication, take responsibility for their own actions and attitudes, and try to adjust to one another’s needs. Never take sides in other people’s arguments, Dickson counsels. “Forgive and forget … get on with your life.”

Some of the scenarios sound rather artificial and the responses are predictable, yet readers who enjoy skimming newspaper advice columns are certain to be drawn to this compilation.