5 comments about How to Survive the Loss of a Parent: A Guide For Adults.

1. This was the first book that I bought after my father died. At this writing, I'm a 28 year old female with a surviving mother and brother. My mother was the one to go to group councelling, but being a private person, I felt otherwise and sought solice in a book. Boy, did I end up in a "group" with this book. Basically, the book is pretty much written about a group going through "death therapy" and all of their different experiences and reactions. Granted, I could relate with some of them and discovered that some reactions of my own and my family was normal, but the frustrating thing was trying to understand how to handle them. I kept saying to myself: "Okay, I know that's happening, but what do I do?" In other words, I unfortunately did not find much comfort within this book as it really gave me no answers. Whereas the author claims to her group in the beginning: "You're coming into this group, but don't expect results" seems like a cop-out. Why on earth did I buy this book if I wasn't looking for answers? Isn't that the point? Unfortunately, it read like snippets of novels about these people's lives and really didn't give much more information than what they were going through. It was only until the last chapter (roughly 10 pages out of 236 to be precise, that the author gives 10 paragraphs on how to handle a loss. Then why did it take 226 to get to what I wanted?) I was uncomfortable with the book from the beginning. In fact, throughout most of the book I found it unbearable. Reading the tragic things these people went through really did nothing but depress me. Whether it was reading on how they were fighting, or sleepless nights crying or how family feuds got downright nasty over inheritance, it took me six months to get through the whole thing. I was seeking comfort -- not looking for people "just like me." It seemed more of a pity party than help. I wanted to make progress, not reflect on anger and sadness. I don't recommend this book if you've recently suffered a loss. I'm afraid that it didn't give much comfort to me and I will probably toss my copy. It's not very spiritual, and I found it more to tout how great the author was as a psychologist than a genuine benefit to the bereaved. I recommend you shop around or seek out councelling through your funeral home or church (either or usually know of support groups.) This book really didn't do much for me at all and I won't be recommending it.



2. I agree with the other reviewers, especially in that it does not spend a lot of time providing "answers"; the title is definitely misleading. A far better and more sensitive book is by Alexander Levy, "The Orphaned Adult". Please read it even if if you have a surviving parent.



3. I just finished reading this book. While it did not pertain too much to me being an only child, it did make me realize that a lot of my thoughts are normal. That alone helps some.



4. I was a bit disappointed as I read some of the other reviews. I believe the reviewers missed the point and by doing so, missed out on benefitting from the book. Grief is a process and there are no short cuts. I believe that's the author's main point when she tells her counselees that the group won't necessarily bring them relief. The point of the group, and the book about it, is that you are not alone. There are others out there who understand the kind of pain you're going through, because they're experiencing that kind of pain too. No book is going to take that process away. Every person grieves differently, as this book demonstrates, but we must all experience it in our own way. For some of us that means there WILL be long, sleepless nights of endless tears, days when you can't get motivated (or weeks, or months??) and you lose interest in things that once were important to you, or perhaps you're one who just goes numb and can't seem to snap out of it, etc. There will also be some family relationships that change either temporarily or, in many cases, permanently (see the other book recommended below which has a chapter about just this), and some families where feuds over wills and trusts may break out. Such is human nature. There are no quick fixes (This is why it's so important for us all to be wise and have our estate planning as complete, specific and in order as possible before we die, so our families don't have anything to fight about!). The benefit of a book like this which takes you through a group grief counseling session, is two-fold: 1) You can identify with some of the things that the people in the group have gone through and find comfort in knowing you're "normal" at a time when things, frankly, don't feel like they'll ever be "normal" again, and 2) If you're willing to do so, you can use the same exercises the author takes her counsellees through and do them for yourself. Though doing the exercises won't necessarily take away the pain of grieving, you may very well come to some deeper understanding and acceptance. This book was one on a list recommended to me by the hospice counselor recently when my mom died. It's the second from the list that I've read and I'm pleased to find that it's very different from the other (Also an excellent book which I would strongly recommend for a different approach: "When Parents Die" by Edward Myers). Just as we all grieve differently, we probably have different needs for comfort. I hope some who didn't find the help they were seeking here will give Mr. Myers' book a read.



5. This book is a good place to start. It makes one look at things in a different light. It gives many examples. The book has given direction to my greif. I wish it had more to it. That was the only reason I did not give it a 5 star rating.

1 comments about Barbie Doll Fashion 1975-1979: The Complete History of the Wardrobes of Barbie Doll, Her Friends, and Her Family (Barbie Doll Fashion).

1. I bought this book to use as a reference for my Barbie collecting. It's great, only now I'm kicking myself over all the little odds n ends I resold on eBay because I didn't know what they were. Sigh. I should've bought this book long ago. It's well-written and packed with information on dolls and outfits, variations, store exclusives, and foreign-issue items. It also includes information on Barbie-sized dolls such as Charlie's Angels, Chantal Goya, Donnie and Marie Osmond, and a few others. If you're collecting Barbie from this period, this is a must-have book (so you won't be letting go of all those little outfit pieces!!!). Since I've bought this book, I've also ordered the other two books in this series that cover Barbie's outfits from 1959-1967 and 1968-1974.

5 comments about Warman's Bottles Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides Bottles: Values & Identification).

1. This is a guide that you can take with you to antique shops, flea markets or yard sales as it will fit nicely in a large pocket or handbag. The book not only lists values of thousands of bottles, but also provides tips for bottle identification, advice on buying and selling and trademarks. This is an ideal book for beginners with great, detailed photographs.



2. Not very useful with superficial info. Not much value for the price.



3. This book was missing pages 65 to 96. Just noticed this when using it. Book itself was okay but the pages missing were of beer bottles of which I have a few and wanted to check know that I am retired and have the time to devote to this hobby.



4. Good general info about bottle basics & collecting. Lots of pics of bottles you will never see at fleas or garage sales & probably very rarely at antique shows or stores. Could do with more pricing examples and fewer full page pics.



5. I know bottles...I dig them and I sell them at all the bottle shows in NY,NJ,PA,CT area. I am a professional and am very knowlegable on bottle collecting and appraisals of all kinds. DON'T be fooled by the fancy pictures and the fact it is endorced by Antique Trader. They trusted that he knew what he was talking about when they printed 15,000 copies. They were wrong!
   THERE ARE SO MANY MISTAKEs IN THIS BOOK ON IDENTIFICATION AND PRICING THAT ANYONE IN THE BOTTLE COLLECTING SELLING BUSINESS WILL NOT BUY THE BOOK. I spoke with the author at a recent bottle show where he was selling his book and he refused to acknowlege his own blatent and foolist mistakes through the ENTIRE BOOK which is down right embarassing if you ask me. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!

2 comments about Quilting With Style: Principles for Great Pattern Design.

1. From one hand quilter to another, "Quilting With Style" by Gwen Marston and Joe Cunningham is fantastic! It's concise, down to earth, and LOTS of information on the actual hand quilting Designs! It's about time!! They emphasis the importance of the quilting being as beautiful as the piecing or applique of the top itself. What brings a quilt 'to life' and how to choose your designs to accent your quilt top. It's a MUST READ! Karen Bush, Professional Hand Quilter



2. From page one the reader is engaged in the creative process that brings us to the 'look' of quilts that has evaded us. Not only does Ms. Marston identify the character of quilting that has drawn so many of us to the art and, until now, been miising from our quilts.....she invites us into and through the process. Amazingly simple techniques are reviewed and once implemented, make 'nice' quilts.....'remarkable' quilts. This one is for any quilter out there who's quilts need "something" or is contemplating their first heirloom quilt. It has redefined my craft and creativity.

4 comments about Fifty Years of Collectible Fashion Jewelry 1925-1975.

1. This book was very informative. It gave the information I needed about some collectible jewelry I am accumulating. It gives a more in-depth history of the manufacturing of many collectible brands than other books I have seen. I would highly recommend this book for vintage jewelry collectors.



2. I started collecting vintage jewelry about five years ago and I had no idea what I was doing. This book really helped me identify a variety of items and their value. Pamela D. Blair, Author The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond



3. The value in this book is definitely for the beginner jewelry collector. Many jeweler names are mentioned, with colored pictures of some of their designs. This book is a good springboard for further detailed research by jeweler name recognition. The book also holds value for crafters, there are many excellent colored photographs, of unique designs. The book I purchased did have updated prices to 2001. I could not use this book to value any of my pieces except one, and that was worth the price of the book, because I undervalued the beads, shown in the piece.
   I would not overpay for this book, at a good deal, add this book to your order. Probably best as a library reference book. Quick read. Value is in jeweler name recognition, list, and for jeweler craft ideas.
   I have many vintage family pieces that I have no information on identifying from this book, and I don't think this book would aid me in collecting either. I think the prices shown are rather low.
   Mistreglo



4. I was really disappointed I spent the money on this book. All the price references are in the back, which means taking more time to find them when doing research. I rarely use it.

5 comments about Suzanne Somers' Get Skinny on Fabulous Food.

1. Whether or not you follow the somersize program, you will love the recipes from Suzanne Somers! They are very tasty! And for anyone looking to find delicious ways to include more vegetables in your diet you'll find lots of ways to incorporate them.



2. The work explores the positive and negative aspects of dieting.
   The author explores ways to reprogram the metabolism.
   The first important food group is pro/fats consisting of meats/
   poultry, fish and eggs. Next is the low starch veggie group
   followed by carbs which consist of pasta, cereal, bread and
   non-fat dairy. The author recommends eliminating all kinds of
   junk food; such as, sugars, starch, caffeine , alcohol and
   processed foods in general. She tells us to eat fruit on an
   empty stomach. Foods should be eaten in combinations.
   For instance fats are to be eaten with veggies or carbs
   should be combined with veggies. The objective is to promote
   hormonal balance. Meals should never be skipped. In fact,
   the protocol calls for 3 meals each day. Stage 1 aims at
   losing weight while the subsequent stages are weight
   maintenance. The author recommends utilizing generous portions
   of herbs; such as, ginger and extra virgin olive oil in place
   of heavier oils. Many sample recipes are supplied.
   Finally, the author speaks of a glycemic index and provides
   sample food statistics. For instance, high glycemic foods
   are in the 60-110 range. These foods consist of beer, white
   bread, potato, jam, popcorn, pasta and brown rice. These foods
   should be avoided or minimized. Dairy (non-fat), fresh fruit,
   soy and green vegetables are in the 15-35 or low glycemic
   category. This book is a good purchase. It will assist in
   formulating and maintaining a diet which is manageable over
   the long term.



3. I have just read this book as well as Marilu Henner's book. In some ways they are similar: both feature beautiful, healthy, glamourous, rich, 70s-sitcom-starring celebrities. Both claim to have discovered the secrets to health and vitality and slimness. Both are enjoyable to read and seem like someone you'd like to have as a friend. But the food...there's the big difference. Being an aficionado of the famous Eat Right 4 Your Type way of eating I have discovered that as a type O+ I feel much better on a protein/veggies/fruits regimen versus an almost vegetarian (fishaterian?) grains and veggies approach. I spent 6 years basically doing the Henner approach but found a much higher energy level and ability to maintain a healthy weight AFTER I quit eating so much starch and started eating meat again. As I read this book I couldn't help but notice that it is very close to what Dr. D'adamo recommends for Blood Type As in his book; lots of soy, grains and legumes, avoiding dairy and meat and keeping fat intake low. I am convinced that this is the best approach for some people, probably the Type As! Suzanne Somers' book which allows meats, dairy and fat (properly combined of course) works really well for me and probably other type Os who really do need protein to maintain their health and energy. Speaking strictly as a cook and an enthusiastic eater, the Somers book is much more fun. I found recipes in this book that I will definitely use. Therefore, my advice to these readers is: If you are a type O, then check out Suzanne's (and Peter D'adamo's ER4YT of course!) book and enjoy a tasty dinner!!! An aside--I saw Ms Sommers in person in Palm springs two years ago and she looks absolutely lovely. She must be doing something right!



4. Suzanne Somers is partial scam artist. She claims that if you follow the advice in her books, prepare her recipes, use her skin products, etc. you can look as good as she does for her age. She never mentions all the cosmetic surgery and lipo suction she has had done. I know a number of Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists, and they all claim that there is no way that her face and body can look as good as it does for her age without Cosmetic Surgery on her face and body and touch-ups along the way. However, her books with their beautiful pictures of her and her recipes are lovely to look at but she is giving women who are in their 50's and beyond false hope. She should really write a book about all the work she has had done, what it was like, the cost (which the average woman cannot afford), etc.



5. At 16 years old, I was gravely obese at 330 lbs. I was depressed and desperate, trying things from cutting portions to, at one point, eating nothing but bread and water for two weeks. I still gained weight no matter what I did.
   
   I visited my dad one summer, and he introduced me to Somersizing and gave me this book to read. Long story short, I lost 100 lbs in about 12 months without ANY excercise, ON AND OFF this plan, WITHOUT cutting any of my portions (NOTE: Author recommends regular excersize and committing to this plan). Even though I didn't go at it 100%, I STILL managed to lose weight. I say this to illustrate the potential Suzanne's plan has.
   
   The book itself is an easy and quick read. I couldn't put it down. Suzanne also does a great job of emphasizing the important points so you can't miss them. She even includes really handy quick reference pages in the back. I love how she includes technical stuff that is not necessary to understand in order to start her plan, but is helpful in explaining the science if you are interested.
   
   "I DONT HAVE WEIGHT PROBLEMS" you say? Suzanne recommends this plan for OVERALL WELL BEING. She discusses how skinny people may LOOK healthy, but can have damaged systems from starches and sugars. More particularly, how indigestion, brittle nails, thin hair, dry skin, liver problems, and other problems seemingly unrelated to weight can be caused by replacing fats/proteins that our body needs with unbeneficial sugars.
   
   Thanks to Suzanne, I am healthier, happier, more confident, and most importantly, more critical about mainstream information I come across.

No comments about Seeking Common Cause.

1 comments about Pushing 40 : A For Better or for Worse Collection.

1. "Pushing 40" was the eighth For Better or For Worse collection, and is made up of strips from approximately mid-1987 through mid-1988. While the present-day strip is the first thing I read when I turn to the comics page in the morning, I personally prefer the more humorous style Lynn Johnston employed in these early strips.

   There are so many great moments in this collection, like Michael using green food coloring on his face for Halloween, then having to go to school the next day with a green face because the food coloring won't wash off, the wedding of Elly's brother Phil (This was, unfortunately, pretty much the end of Phil as a regular in the strip), John's misadventure with a dumpster while on his way to the aforementioned wedding, Michael showing Elizabeth how she can get more money from the tooth fairy (Run for your life, Lizzie!), John salivating over a sports car (and trying to convince Elly that it's practical), Michael and Gordon's experiment involving a spider and a microwave oven (Elly rescues the spider, sort of), and the remodeling of the Patterson family kitchen.

   This collection also features my personal favorite FBOFW storyline: Michael, Gordon, Brian and one other boy are up in a tree, with a perfect view of Lawrence's stepsister's bedroom. They wrestle with their consciences until (to their utter disappointment) the shade goes down. Michael says, "Come on! Let's get outa here before somebody sees us!!," and starts to climb down the tree. Lawrence's stepsister is standing at the base of the tree, glaring up at him. Scrambling back up the tree, Michael asks his friends if any of them know the Lord's Prayer. Contemplating their punishments, one of the boys remarks, "It would all be worth it, guys...if only we'd SEEN something!" Absolutely priceless!

   This collection also has its serious side, as when it explores our own mortality, with the death of an elderly family friend, Mrs. Baird (The Pattersons acquired Farley from Mrs. Baird approximately one year into the strip.) It's a touching and poignant sequence.

No comments about Montgomery Ward & Co. Catalogue and Buyers' Guide 1895.

1 comments about Complicated Watches and Their Repair.

1. Not a very up to date book on watch repair. There are also very few pictures/diagrams available. For those wanting to buy a book about watch repair at a beginners level, I'd suggest you look elsewhere.