Book excerpt: Great Groups is a practical and inspirational guide that serves as a foundational text to creating and leading groups. Designed primarily for the beginning group worker from any of the helping professions, the book also acts as a valuable resource for those with more group experience. Grounded in theory, but with a strong focus on practice and skill development, David R. Hutchinson strives to connect directly with the reader with his personal and engaging writing style and "learn by doing" approach. Following a hypothetical group from start to finish, with a plethora of examples and reflection exercises in each chapter, the book has a threefold purpose: to provide the reader with specific tools for creating, understanding, and leading effective groups; to help the reader consider the application of theory to practice; and to spur the reader to seriously consider making group work a cornerstone of his or her professional practice.