Book Review of The limits of resilience: Knowing when to persevere, when to change and when to quit

Michael Ungar’s “The Limits of Resilience: Knowing When to Persevere, When to Change, and When to Quit” offers a compelling critique and redefinition of the concept of resilience, extending its scope from individual fortitude to a multidimensional interplay of systems. Ungar interrogates the oversimplified ”bounce‑back” narratives and introduces a paradoxical view of resilience that balances perseverance with adaptability. Through interdisciplinary insights and case studies, such as the transformation of Drayton Valley from an oil‑dependent town to a diversified

community, Ungar challenges readers to reconsider resilience not as a static attribute but as a dynamic, context‑sensitive process. This book review evaluates Ungar’s contributions, methodological approach, and the broader implications of his “resilience paradox”.