5 comments about The Mastery Of Love: A Practical Guide To The Art Of Relationship (Toltec Wisdom).

1. Small colorful cards with uplifting messages. Good if you don't want to read the book and just get the jist of the author's overall message.



2. There is no doubt this is a worthwhile book, however, know that the narrators have a very different delivery from Don Miguel's previous books.
   I'm used to Peter Coyote narrating Don Miguel Ruiz's books. He takes his time, there are spaces between words and sentences so one can absorb what is being said. Unfortunately, the 2 narrators for this book do not have the same method, rather, it sounds like they are reading the book verbatim, no feeling, no thought... just reading text. The woman's voice is too light and too quick to give weight & depth to the text and there are no spaces for reflection. Perhaps the cards make it a good buy, I don't know as I purchased just the audio from audible.com.



3. great read or listen. really can open eyes to many ways to improve a relationship.



4. I loved this book and CD. It deals with how we deal with all realtionships in life. The book was great and the CD is nice to be able to down load or listen in my car especially when people are so crazy to keep me in check. It should be mandatory reading or listenting for all human beings. Also check out his other works.



5. This simple little tape holds the truth of the universe and human beings and human relationships.

5 comments about Driven to Distraction ( New on CD) : Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood.

1. This is one of the best books available on this subject and is particularly helpful for adults with the condition. The 2 follow up books are also brilliant.



2. The description stated that the book was in "Excellent Condition", but when the book arrived, the edges of the book were yellowed and something had spilled on the front of the book that I had to scrap off. I was very disappointed in my purchase!



3. This is the way to go for ADHD people who won't read thru the book. I found this lighthearted and very informational with information applying to school kids to adults. Highly recommended.



4. This is an intelligent, easy to understand book on ADD and ADD hyperactivity disorder--written by a professor who has it himself



5. I've had a few clients in my business coaching practice with ADD; people who couldn't stay focused from their desks to their file cabinets. This book really helped me with some good practical advice on how to more effectively deal with people with ADD. It also has a good section on the questions to ask to know whether someone should be professionally tested for ADD.

5 comments about Nonviolent Communication.

1. Rosenberg provides here a direct contribution to peace building, in our hearts, with the people around us and by reverberation, all around the world. It is an important work that has its roots in the universal wisdom that connects our human history sometimes with strong threads, sometimes with thinner ones. In a few words, it is a remarquable work, in spirit and in reality. The only thing missing is a booklet, a workbook that would support the practice and exploration suggested in the audio cd. I highly recommand it.



2. Im still listening to this but all I can say is wow. It will really put your mind, your thinking in a better place. It will definitley change your life positively if you let it. The author speaks eloquently and simply to get the message across very clearly..all i kept thinking was this should be required education in school. a real gem.



3. Life-changing. NVC is a wonderful approach! Highly, HIGHLY recommended!
   
   I grew up in an environment of critical, angry, blaming and disrespectful communication. So, that's what I knew how to do when my needs were not being met: blame others for not acting the 'right' way and 'making' me unhappy. Doesn't give much leverage for changing the situation, does it? I don't like treating people that way, they don't like it either, and those behaviors don't work very well for meeting my needs! I felt helpless, frustrated, guilty and angry, and learned to mostly withdraw and suffer in silence. Very unpleasant.
   
   Marshall's NVC approach shows me how to take responsibility for my emotions and reactions. When I'm unhappy, NVC tells me that my needs are not being met. NVC shows how to consciously figure out what I need, to distinguish which needs are my responsibility vs. needs that are reasonable to ask other people to help with, and how to connect with people in a respectful, loving and gentle way to get my and their needs met in a way that everyone is happy with.
   
   NVC also helps me handle people feeling angry at me: I work with them to understand and communicate their needs in a gentle, respectful way. Then I'm generally glad to help. Very win-win.
   
   I LOVE this approach! THANK you, Marshall!
   
   Also highly recommended: Pema Chodron's "Don't Bite the Hook".



4. When I am in a conflict, there are really just two things I need to do - listen to the person I am talking to, and make requests from him or her. Marshall's NVC provides a framework for both. You may ask "why would I need to have a framework for such simple actions?" The answer is simple - in the heat of a conflict I can easily fall into the trap of blaming or accusation or name-calling, none of which lead to resolution. If I use the NVC framework, I can keep a level head and focus on the solution. These CDs have really improved my interactions in my personal life and at work. The only downside is Marshall's soothing voice, which is too easy to tune out after 5 hours of listening. But if you can listen, the content is excellent.



5. A leaf falls. An ordinary event, and yet sometimes it appears not only beautiful but also deeply mysterious.
   
   Listening to Marshall Rosenberg's audio book is simmilar. The principles are simple, and yet I can't even fathom all the ways they could be used to improve life.

5 comments about Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love.

1. As a marriage and family therapist it is wonderful to finally have a reference for clients that will show them why they continue to fall into patterns of fighting and disappearing with each other. It unites us all in our need to be safely attached to our mates. It shows how any couple with the desire to live together with harmony and love can understand and improve their marriage. Thank you, Dr. Johnson, Sue. You are as great in print as you are in person. I could actually visualize and hear you as I read. Thanks, and keep it coming.



2. Dr. Sue Johnson's HOLD ME TIGHT: 7 CONVERSATIONS FOR A LIFETIME OF LOVE comes from the developer of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and provides a simple admonition: forget about learning how to argue better or analyzing the past, and recognize the underlying co-dependency that exists between partners. The way to enhance or save a relationship under such conditions is to be more responsible to the other, and to emphasize this emotional connection: her program, narrated by veteran audio reader Sandra Burr, tells how to achieve this underlying connection.



3. My wife and I have read more than a dozen books to improve our marriage. While I have finished reading it, my wife is only 10% through it. It feels right to me. The proof will be in my dear wife's response to it. I highly recommend reading it and doing the exercises with your spouse.



4. In clear language, Dr. Sue Johnson describes Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and gives hope to couples who want to improve their relationship. Hold Me Tight is a must read for psychotherapists who provide couple counseling. I certainly benefited from reading it. (Payam Ghassemlou MFT, Ph.D.)



5. This book was recommended to me by a friend at work (we are both men). I learned more about my past relationships than ever and know how to keep from making the same mistakes in my future relationships. This book has given me the tools I need to make a lasting bond. I can't say enough about how eye-opening this book was for me. I initially bought the CD's, but ordered the hardback so I could earmark and make notes in it.
   
   Generally, the process is pretty simple. It does not talk about communication techniques or anger management; it talks about repairing the wounds that make communication difficult. It talks about falling in love and staying in love. It obliterates the dated belief that love is only about being accustomed to somebody else. Above all, it made me realize that I'm not as different as I thought; I'm not broken. I'm normal.
   
   Read this book!

5 comments about The Vortex: Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships.

1. I came across this book by doing a search for books about soul mates in Amazon. I regret not reading all the customer reviews before purchasing this book. The authors' writting is nauseatingly repetitious and vague. Whenever they attempt to address the issue of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children and adults, it shows how misinformed the authors are.



2. I loved this book. It completely changed my understanding of Law of Attraction. I've been following Abraham's teachings for years, and I don't think I've ever understood their message as clearly as I do now after reading this book. Highly recommended!



3. I was impressed with the timely delivery of the book, which arrived in excellent condition as indicated in the product description. I would recommend this seller to anybody.



4. The CD included in this book is AWESOME - Listened to it 4 or 5 times already -
   BOOK is best ever - Ester (ABRAHAM) has really refined her communcative ability to get down to the "nitty gritty".
   Her responses resonate precisely with me and make so much sense - easy to understand. I really get it now!



5. Okay, I've read them all. It dawned on me that I have been reading the same message, repeated again and again, and none very well written, I might add. Hello-editor? Does anyone really believe that there is a "collection of disembodied entities" calling itself 'Abraham' who just happened to choose this particular couple to "speak" for it/him/them? I am ashamed of myself for buying into this genre for so long. Reading these books is like watching "The Secret"; lots of fancy jargon but, in the end, no "product". This is the new evangelism; granted less frightening than the television variety; but still a sort of "drug", to which weak-minded people are particularly drawn in the face of a bad economy, earth changes, and the growing consensus that we must rely on input from people who are persuasive enough to sell a product that we all already possess! Think 'Elmer Gantry'. There is one thing the authors manage to convey which I find to be truth-based and that is, happiness is found within each of us and that we should follow impulses from our higher selves (I am paraphrasing)and avoid, at all costs, allowing our thoughts and actions to be driven by this new religion or messages from a 'great beyond' which is not our own. It has all already been written. "As a Man Thinketh", for example. Read THAT. Why are we all pretending that the repackaging of universal principals relayed over a hundred years ago constitutes new material? Figure out what is blessed and healthy Truth for yourself, take action in that direction, and Voila; you will live a fulfilled and meaningful life. I hope I have just saved someone from wasting more of their precious time reading about how to live and what to think rather than on actually LIVING (and thinking for oneself). Wake up people---the emperor is not wearing any clothes!

5 comments about Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High.

1. This is a great book for those of us that consult with family businesses, although I have also often used it with my large, publically traded clients, too.
   
   I frequently ask that everyone on the management team read it, and then follow up by going through the key communications methods in a 1-2 hour session. This then becomes a foundation for - or a language for - how to communicate on sensitive issues going forward. Well written and useful.



2. Or what should you say...
   
   Great book for learning the art of conversation in business and other situations. Great reading.



3. Have you ever been in a situation where the right choice of words keeps everyone focused on solving the matter at hand whereas the wrong words results in unproductive feuding and irrelevancies? I certainly have. I went looking for a book like this the moment I realized the importance of this skill. How about you? Interested?
   
   If so, this book can help. It describes how to identify when you've stumbled into a crucial conversation - one where the choice of words is critical, and how to approach this situation.
   
   Essentially the skills centre around how to create a dialogue - the free sharing of relevant information. If you notice people are either forcing irrelevant information into the conversation, or else declining to participate in a productive way, there are strategies to helping them feel safe and thus get the conversation back on track.
   
   One of the first keys is to step back and re-define what you want from the conversation. From there you can define a mutual purpose. The goal is to get everyone focused on that conversation's shared purpose.
   
   To that end, there are several tricks to make people feel more comfortable to share information and stay on track:
   
   * Repeat the mutual purpose, including what you want out of the conversation and what you don't want.
   * Apologise when your emotions have caused you to say something you regret, or in a way that you regret.
   * Start by stating your facts. Share your interpretation only after the facts have been put on the table.
   * When you share your interpretation of the facts, be sure not to represent this opinion as a fact. Invite others to share their interpretations.
   * Paraphrase what people have said back to them, without agreeing, disagreeing, or judging the validity or accuracy of their statements.
   * Avoid the "Sucker's Choice" between being silent and speaking disrespectfully. Admit to yourself that there is always a way to speak the truth in a respectful way, and that you will find it.
   
   I consider the ability to handle crucial conversations as one of the most important career skills worth developing. I'm glad to have found a book to help me improve.



4. This is one of the best books I have read in learning new skills especially in communication. I loved these authors- before this book I read, " Influencer" which I highly recommend.
   There are many things I loved about this book:
   Let's start with the concept of conversations becoming crucial or heated. I never knew there was specific skills that could be use to make conversation better and not have heated conversation escalates. What I learned was to learn to look for when conversation become crucial and when the person you speaking to if not feeling safe and results in violence and/or silence. Awareness in a big part of it. And making sure that both parties are aware of their mutual purpose. They called it starting with the heart. What do you want from this dialogue and what do I want.
   Secondly, I love where they show you how to use it, not in an abstract concept but in practical terms. For example, they say take one chapter, re-read it and practice it for a week, then go on to another chapter and do the same. Also, they talked about teaching someone what you learn , in this way , it will reinforced what you learn. Too many books , give you the information and does not tell you how to use in a day to day situation. They even have a chapter on putting it all together. I loved that!
   I love the state my path chapter because it shows you how to handle delicate situations. The example they give for this chapter is of a wife thinking her husband is having an affair because of a motel bill. The acronym STATE is used. S share facts( this is the most unthreatening and is black and white) T Tell your story( this is basically your conclusion from facts) , A ask for their take on the facts and the stories) T talk tentatively, I was wondering why ... Do you see if differently ? and last is E encourage testing- can we check this out to see what is going on.
   I like the book because it gives you examples of questions you should be asking yourself all the time, like - how would I behave if I really wanted this, what would I do differently? Are we playing games or are we in dialogue?
   Use AMPP to get others people views, Ask, Mirror, Paraphrase and Prime. Those are very valuable techniques to use to get others to talk about issues and not things that won't contribute to resolving the crucial conversations.
   As you can see , I loved this book



5. THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE ( WORK,RELATIONSHIPS AT HOME,FRIENDS),IF YOU UNDERSTAND AND PRACTICE THE SKILLS DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK.IT CHANGED MY LIFE.MANY THANKS TO THE AUTHORS.

5 comments about Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus Low Price CD.

1. Now if you want to laugh all these comments are from men because men prefer CD's over books. There you go! Get the CD! Because we are from Mars. If you want to see womens comments get the book.



2. i've read the book a few times, and had the whole unabridged version on CD rom. both were wonderful to read and use.
   
   this was two discs long, and it seemed to miss the most important points of the unabridged version.
   
   i felt they should have put in the most important points of good communication between men and women, rather than just concentrate on a couple subjects. there is SO much to learn in the books!
   
   thus, i recommend someone purchase the entire book, not this shortened set.



3. It is like someone is watching over your shoulder and reading your very thoughts. I realized that I must not be the only one thinking and reacting the same way. I was not aware of the consequences of my actions and now see how it is not all that difficult to adjust how I present things and more specifically my expectations of the opposite sex. My husband and I listened to this on cassette years ago and have had great discussions with great results. I purchased the CD for my adult son as he ventures off into relationships with women. I would recommend this as a tool for all young adults.



4. I didn't really relate to all that it said women needed and felt, but my husband listened to the CD and thought that it completely discribed him. He had me listen to it again, to better understand where he was coming from on different things in life. It was nice to learn!



5. Product goes right along with the book. It is nice to just pop it in an listen while driving in the car.

5 comments about How to Talk so Kids Will Listen...And Listen So Kids Will Talk.

1. I have two kids, one of whom was challenging developmentally. This book gave me the language to work with him so that he could learn to help himself. He has grown into an extremely sensitive pre-teen, a joy to be around.
   
   When I was desperate with my children, a friend handed me this book. I'm the kind of person who tends to not like parenting books and I though the comics were stupid looking. Lo and behold, when I started reading this book, it literally changed my life. The telling incident came when I was stuck on the tarmac of an airport. My anxious and antsy child had already been sitting for three hours. The plane, now landed and waiting to taxi for deplaning, was getting hot in the Florida sun. He started to explode. Thanks to this book, I could "talk" to my almost pre-verbal kid. I handed him the barf bag from the seat in front of me and a pen and I said, "I can see you're uncomfortable. Draw me how you feel." And boy did he draw! He could finally express himself. The situation defused instantly and I really understood--and he felt understood.
   
   During the visit with his cousins, I used the techniques in the book to help him figure out strategy for dealing with group situation. Over time, I used every technique in the book.
   
   After asking permission of parents, I've bought this book and handed it to them, just as my friend handed the book to me.
   
   My challenging (and challenged LD child) has grown into a lovely pre-teen, gentle and understood, thanks to the techniques in this book.



2. Ah, the parents' condundrum: How to treat children respectfully and also get them to LISTEN? to Cooperate? They are not mini-adults, so they don't think about things the same way we do. It is not my goal to have my children "obey-without-question;" it is my goal to raise critical thinkers! But it is nonetheless essential that children obey without question at times -- with my very young children, 2 and 3 at the time of this review, safety issues in particular are hot buttons.
   
   I believe in modeling desired behavior. Being raised in a more authoritarian-styled household, I found myself searching for ways to get children to listen without becoming a spanker, a yeller or a nag, because I think all of those things model negative behavior. But on the flip side, I can't have kids who grab toys or who run in the parking lot or say "no" and run away when it's time to leave.
   
   I'd read Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason and liked the general philosophy, but needed actual tactics for real-life scenarios and that's what I found from this book! Simple, concise examples for how to present things objectively and help children learn to assess and make GOOD decisions! Great examples of how to correct without becoming critical or nagging!
   
   I constantly receive comments on my children's polite behavior when they interact with other people and other children. They are not perfect, but we continue to work/practice to treat others kindly and respectfully. In my experience, this type of approach yields individuals who are empathetic and compassionate and who are internally-motivated to treat others well instead of doing it because they fear punishment. I think the best way to teach others about respect is by demonstrating respect FOR them, especially in the parent-child relationship where one individual has so much authority over the other. If you agree with that philosophy, then this book has tools that you will use again and again.



3. Well written easy read about real communication between parent and child.
   Great for the novice and experienced communicator. Highly recommend.



4. This book gave me lots of new ways of dealing with my child. Before that I felt like I was sometimes beating my head against a wall. It gives you lots of different ways to deal with your child by showing him/her respect most of all & not just barking orders, which always backfires on me anyway. Not everything will work all the time but when it doesn't there's usually another strategy you can use.



5. I was told about this book as good and i can agree more. It has exercises to go over and use them in your personal situations with your kid.

5 comments about The Five Love Languages Audio CD.

1. Buyer beware. I thought I was ordering just one copy but was charged for 4. Didn't realize until I received them in the mail.



2. I borrowed this book from a friend, and then bought two copies to pass on, one for a wedding gift, and one for a struggling couple.
   This book is for those who have had failed relationships in the past, are struggling in a current relationship, or just looking to get closer to your spouse. The book is very helpful in recognizing what is important to each spouse and how to give each spouse what they need to feel loved. There is a quiz at the end that prioritizes the five love languages for each spouse. It is helpful to recognize which expressions of love will be most valuable to each spouse. One may prefer actual gifts, expressions of affection, or a simple act like making up the bed. It is really simple, but an eye opener to understand which forms of affection are most valued. My husband and I get along in general, and when we took the quiz we realized we are aligned on most of the 5 languages. Probably the "secret" to our success. I think it would be even more valuable for those struggling with love, because the book also contains exercises to try for a week, and then re-evaluate your relationship. Helpful book for growing closer. Each love language is fully described in a chapter in the book. It seems like common sense, but sometimes you just don't understand what the other person needs, and this book will help you "get it."



3. This book was recommended to me by a counselor. I/we ( my husband and I) found it to be enlightening. We passed it on to others who also enjoyed the book. Glad I purchased it!



4. It came in good shape and on time and it was priced nicely. No complaints from this customer.



5. I enjoyed Gary Chapman's reading of his book, his voice brought the words alive. I had no problem staying interested or understanding the message of the book. I spend a lot of time in my car and as I listened to "The Five Love Languages" I easily started to recognize where I had not been speaking love to my husband nor was I realizing his efforts to speak love to me. I also learned how this applies to all our relationships children, family, friends, etc. I have listened to Gary Chapman's "The Five Love Languages" several times not being bored at all. I would diffidently and have recommended this audio book to others along with telling them it is all so available in print which ever they prefer just get it, I assure you you will start looking at life from a different perspective. Cyndi A., Snohomish WA

5 comments about How to Win Friends & Influence People.

1. I'll keep it simple. The book is told from a perspective that always believes that self is right. Sure it's got some truthful points, but it's all told from a perspective that treats all exterior forces as being in the wrong. This writer has no humility, and I'm afraid that anyone who reads this book will believe that the world is at fault, that self is always right, and that you have to be sly and manipulative in order to overcome the obstacles of all the dumb people out there. The truth is that everyone has a story. No one is trying to be malicious. This book would almost be good if it weren't told from the perspective of self-righteous know-it-all.



2. I love this book. It is a must-read for every salesperson. I'm not a salesperson, but I immensely enjoyed this book. I borrowed it so many times from the library, I decided to buy a copy. I loved all the old stories about Lincoln and other famous figures that may have been common knowledge when this book was written (in the 1930s) but I had never heard them. This book changed my son's life. In one day, he got the phone numbers of all the people who sit at his lunch table - just by following the advice in this book. It has certainly rocketed him to success in high school. (All this popularity didn't do much for his grades though.) I can't say enough good things about this book. Oh, one more thing - the guy who reads it has an excellent voice.



3. It's a great book, but 8 CD's is overkilled. Actually, 1 CD could do the job.



4. Wonderful book. I wish I had read it 50 years ago. It should be the textbook for a class in high school.



5. I rarely write reviews. But I felt a need to voice serious and strong objection to many of the stories used in this book, particularly in the Leadership section of the book. Many examples are rife with passive aggressive behavior in which the author suggests readers should prefix what essentially is a command or expectation with flowery praise somewhat related to the coming edict. The result is a passive aggressive slap in the face.
   
   As a manager or friend or family member or employee or what ever, you don't need to build someone up to ask them or tell them what you need. And you don't need to bury a request within a flowery suggestive praise in a passive aggressive manor. If someone used some of these tactics on me, I would react very badly and state "if I am not performing as required, just come out and tell me what to do better or differently, thank you."
   
   While the author says to never use a "but" in the sense of building someone up with praise before tearing them down, it is still a "yea, but" but any other name or wording. This is really terrible advice even if you stress not to use the "but". You will not earn friends nor influence people including coworkers and directs by using this "yea, but" type methodology and the afore mentioned passive aggressive approach.
   
   There are even a few occurrences in the book which suggest that telling a lie is acceptable. That you can tell a little white lie and win friends and influence people! The text does not out right say you should lie nor does it state that you should do so. But it is an obvious implication if you read the stories in a certain way. Essentially, read this book with a critical eye. The author provides sage advice but often follows that sage advice with examples of poor delivery which occasionally include deception!
   
   The author's best points are made early in the opening pages of the book. Urging readers to consider that every person always believes they are in the right, even if the entire world thinks that they are an evil person. The author also makes good points in that knowing and using names is important. The conversational tone of the book utilizes stories from people and the sums up the stories with a conclusion. The stories are likely rare hits and a world full of misses. Good points mostly but too drawn out and full of stories that don't hit home and seem unrealistic. Maybe they worked in a different time but many come across as phony 75 years later.