"The Delicacy of the Other" is a book of poetry and lyric prose by well known psychologist, James M. McMahon, Ph.D. Here the author puts into touching and emotional form his 40 year sojourn of healing, love, and peacemaking, and mistakes described in his previous popular prose works. An Australian reader describes the book as "a beautifully written journey of a person striving for contact with others and himself - touching and profoundly awake."

The most influential relationship we will ever have is with mother. We would not be alive without it. We would not be who we are today without the years of constant engagement with her. Our relationship with Mom is typically filled with love and gratitude and safety. So we are hesitant and perhaps a bit frightened to develop our own ideas and feelings and values. But we must if we are to have a healthy and happy relationship with others. This book describes the process of letting go that quiets shame and results in more self love and joy.