5 comments about Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder.

1. This book is a MUST HAVE if you live with anyone who suffers from bipolar. It was like reading my life story.



2. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder almost 2 years ago and since that time I've found the proper medication and therapy to help me along. I stopped having major depressive and manic episodes but I still had so many behaviors and problems I couldn't explain. I had decided that they stemmed from a personality defect and unless I changed myself, as a person, I could never have a successful relationship.
   
   Upon reading this book it was nearly like reading a memoir of my life. Every unexplainable thing I do was here, things that I never found in any other readings about bipolar disorder. I was always lead to believe that bipolar disorder was so black and white, manic and depressive, and no in between. This book has lead me to be simultaneously relieved and afraid at knowing now why I do the things I do. I feel less ashamed knowing that I wasn't a bad person, and it was really just the disorder. I have the book to thank for that.
   
   The book has an amazing emphasis on not blaming the suffering for behaving the way they do and not thinking that you can talk them out of their symptoms. I appreciate this very much and am glad that there is a book circulating where this is said. I'm also very grateful for a book that says exactly how each individual symptom can be dealt with and is completely tailor made for this disorder, rather than empty, shallow comments about "communication" and "understanding". This book may very well save my relationship. I would recommend this reading for EVERY person suffering from bipolar disorder or those close to the ill.



3. I read this book and Caring: Home Caregiving For A Loved One With Emotional Illness by Dr. Fredric Neuman and now have a better understanding on how to treat a loved one with emotional illness. The way I look at it is that if I can gain at least a few useful tips from these books it just makes life easier and better.



4. I think some people are missing the point that this book is trying to make. If you are bipolar and take the book to mean you are not to be held accountable for your actions; you are looking for an excuse to act out anyway. This book is meant to be utilized when the patient is well, so that they can learn to avoid those triggers (which are different for everyone) that cause the BP to de-stabilize. It is also meant to help the spouse understand that some of our behaviors are not character flaws but are actually symptoms of the illness (such as attention problems).
   
   I bought this book for my wonderful, patient husband, who was my caretaker after a post-partem bipolar psychosis that lasted for 7 years and has left me disabled. He has not read the book yet; but I did; and the book opened my own eyes as to how my illness affects him on an everyday basis.
   
   We have had nearly every problem the book talks about, even though I am a model patient. I do what I am told in therapy, take the meds, have a strict routine that includes daily exercise and healthy diet. I am very aware of several of my triggers and do my best to avoid them. Yet I still have daily issues with Bipolar Disorder that are severe enough for me to be considered disabled. I am happy for those who have long periods of remission. But it is offensive to read a review that assumes if you aren't stable then you are not taking care of yourself and you should "try harder". (I question the people who go on meds after one depression or mania and never have another episode, I do not believe they have true bipolar disorder.) Bipolar Disorder is a spectrum disorder; there are varying degrees and symptoms. It is also only treatable, not curable, which means that if you are like me, you may have breakthrough episodes even though you take the meds and do everything the doctor says to do (or not do). The "Bipolar Conversation" was very interesting and enlightening for me, and I intend to work hard on awareness of the things I say and do and how they affect others, especially my husband and children.
   
   The only criticism I have is that there needed to be more discussion about medication. Many of us are severely overmedicated (polypharmacy is a big problem), psychiatrists are sometimes less than understanding about medication issues; and when we are medicated to the hilt we must rely on our loved ones to speak for us. Side effects of meds can sometimes be more disabling than the illness itself. Our spouses need to know that it is unacceptable for us to be so medicated we gain 80 pounds, sleep 16 hours a day, or become so restless we can't do anything but pace and mumble. Short-term, yes, but NOT long term. Our spouses need to know it's okay to argue on our behalf to have dosages lowered or discontinued if they are causing these problems after stabilization.
   
   All in all a very informative book.



5. this is definately a strong recommanded book to read. i used to react to my partner when his bipolar episode start. i couldnt recognize when the episode starts, i always end up letting the bipolar hurting me and him.
   with the help of this book, i now can recognise the sign of the bipolar and stop it from getting worse when it seems about to start. and we are leading to a healthier relation now.
   i strongly recommand to those whose partner is suffering from bipolar disorder. you will know what to do, how to handle ur emotion and at the same time you will be able to help him/her.

5 comments about All About Me.

1. I found this book in the bookstore and I thought it was quite interesting. I spent 15 minutes writing and I had to stop because I would cry, I would laugh, I would cry some more. I'm crying now writing this review. It's amazing and I suggest EVERYONE get this book to learn a little bit more about themselves. Every friend of mine will be getting this book as a gift. Thanks to Philip Keel for helping me learn 'All About Me'.



2. The book is ok. I thought it would be bigger and that it would ask really in-depth questions. Don't get me wrong, some questions may be a little personal, but overall, it's not what I expected. I'm only half way through, so hopefully I change my mind by the time I reach the end.



3. Hey, if you have some time and you're looking for a fun little personal project... one that will help you to (dare I say) think about your own thinking, this is a good start. It's short. It's theme driven and it's definitely to the point. In fact, many questions seem easy and superficial at first, but as you ponder them, you dive deeper within yourself. Thinking beyond the question will lead you into self discovery. Sure, there's only room to write a few lines here and there (which is why I rated it a 4) but that's really all it takes to "answer" the question. Many of the sections can be used as a jump start or as an outline for longer journaling, such as those involving family, friends, memories, wishes and dreams. Honestly. You'll be asked questions you may have never stopped to ask yourself. Searching for an answer will lead you into deeper self discovery AND help you to extend personal knowledge that will broaden your communication base later.
   About 10 years ago, a "friend" saw this book on my desk. We discussed a couple of sections, and our answers spawned conversation that lasted hours. Not more than three weeks later, I received the same All About Me book in the mail. It was his, written for me (about him-or- the person he use to be). An attached yellow post it read, "M- 20 years from now, I'd like to do this jointly - closing with the thought... 'And they lived happily ever after." I have it to this very day, and it's still pretty cool! Try the book. It's a morsel of a treat.



4. i haven't written a single thing in this book yet but i've read through the questions. i want to start on it when i have time. i really liked the questions about family and i liked the random yes/no questions, the section on fears, memories, etc. this book is just good. as others have said i think it would be a great way to disclose information about yourself and learn about your partner or even just friends. it's a great way to capture the essence of you as part of a legacy. if you ever wanted to write about your life for yourself or others this book would be a great exercise to do first. i think i'll buy these for friends on their birthday. i'm going to get all about us for later.



5. I've done several of these in the last 10 years.. its always fun to go back and compare how you've changed with in different years after different hurdles in life..

5 comments about From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life.

1. Only listen to a little but like what i heard, it makes you feel the fear and go for it. Because you can conquere your fears and be free.



2. This author was actually pretty screwed up before she wrote this, and she's better now. She tells about what she (and some support group members) did to overcome agoraphobia and anxiety. If it worked for her, it has to work for anyone. This is great in conjuction with Edmund J. Bourne's Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. The techniques she used are more detailed in his workbook. They actually work if you can master them.



3. I was literally ABUSED when I called for the "free cd" she does not really offer. After asking for it to be sent to me so I could make an informed decision I was told by her salespeople, "I've told you everything thats on the cd, you do not need to recieve it". And then I was literally BULLIED into ordering the extrememly expensive program with no chance to think it over. Even when I later became angry about the hard sell & tried to cancel the order, the person I spoke to literally tried to force,refused & even DEMANDED, that I not cancel my order! Only when I finally gave up on politeness & literally screamed at the salesperson, "I said CANCEL THE GD ORDER"!! & then threatened to change my credit card info with my bank, did the person finally cancel the order. This woman uses extreme bullying techniques to push a wayyyy over priced questionable product,taking advantage of people already weakened by mental distress. She & her infomercial need to be investigated by the BBB and consumer watch dog groups!! As far as all these supposedly good "reviews" this woman's "program" is getting, I have to wonder, after my own experience, how many of these she wrote herself (or had her toadies write for her). BUYER BEWARE!!!!



4. I ordered this book because it was recommended reading for her Attacking Anxiety and Depression Program. The book uses a lot of the techniques/ideas from the program. It's basically the program in condensed form. I would recommend this book to anyone who struggles with anxiety/panic attacks.



5. I started having panic attacks and anxiety back in 97. It was really scary stuff, and I though I was losing it. I really thought if was going crazy, but I was wrong. I went to about 10 doctors with my simptoms, and they all gave me Buspar or Xanax, some told me to sit down and breath deeply and realax, during the attack (and that helped too). But the real help came when I heard a radio commercial from Lucinda Basset advertising his tape program. I could not afford it back then, but I ordered the free intro tape. It was an inspiration to learn more about her.
   
   I looked on the internet and found her book (this one) and bought it. Never was the same again. I started living without fear again. I was getting to the poing were I didn't even want to leave the house.
   GET IT. GET IT. GET THIS BOOK.
   Lucinda is a gift from heaven.
   
   God bless her.

5 comments about Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting: The Astonishing Power of Feelings.

1. I read the book first,but I wanted to listin to the author also.Boy was I surprised at what I heard,this lady is very down to earth and tells her stories to where you can understand and apply them to your life very easly. She comes across very human and reachable, where her solutions and answers are not out there,they are easly applied. It's a shame she is no longer with us.



2. Lynn Grabhorn believes that the direction our lives are headed (for the better, or for the worse) is due to our emotional feelings, not our thoughts. I believe that's a very powerful, useful message that we all need to remember, especially when we're experiencing those dreaded "downward spirals" in life.
   The fact is that many of us wait for something good to happen to us in order for us to feel good. But that's getting things backwards, and if you take this approach, you may be waiting for a long time. Actually, if you make yourself feel good first and just be happy,you'll increase the chance of good things happening in your life. Ok, easier said than done; but that's the main message of the book.
   The problem is that the author doesn't provide a good, effective plan for changing the way you feel in an instant, or even over a longer period of time. In fact, to say that your "thoughts" are insignificant and it's "all about feelings" is misleading, because your thoughts determine your emotional feelings. The fact is, what you focus on determines how you feel emotionally. So you can change the way you feel in an instant, simply by changing your focus. You can also change the feeling of others around you by using the same strategy. For example, if you tell a joke to someone who is in a serious state and they laugh as a result, what has happened is that their emotional state has changed, because their focus has changed. Of course, even though this concept is simple, that doesn't mean it's always easy to use that strategy. But I've found that the more your use it(once you've become aware of it), the easier it becomes to use it effectively. Just change your focus to something that makes you feel good, and you WILL feel good.
   So in sum, I gave this book only three stars, not only because the author downplays the importance of thoughts in determing our feelings, but also because I believe the book lacks a powerful, organized plan for changing one's emotional state, either in an instant, or over the long term. Fortunately, Anthony Robbins has a good plan for that in his book "Awaken the Giant Within".



3. Lynn makes the connection between just visualizing a "want" and getting into the feeling place of actually having it - powerful information once you really get it.



4. I loved this book for many reasons One being it deals with ones well being. Yes many people I have recommended this to and even given as gifts, have found it difficult to put these good feelings into practice. I feel it is or was difficult as it proves the authors point that we have been taught backwards. No one person is to blame as it has been handed down for eons. We are what we attract as we are all magnetic energy fields encased in a body called human. I agree there are no victims in this life, victimization , like death , is an illusion. What we think about, we bring about regardless if you understand it or not. If you look around you will see how people do indeed create their own reality positive or negative and you are not "doomed" unless you believe/feel that you are and even those feelings can be changed. The reason why so many people get themselves into such tough or disasterous situations is the fact that they do not pay attention to what they are attracting, therefore focusing on. I feel and now know, Miss Grabhorn was into the law of attraction, an invisable powerfully magnetic force that we command regardless if we are aware of it or not. Just think of the law of gravity. You cannot see it but it is in full force 24/7 as is the law of attraction. For those skeptical regarding this work I wish to close with: Just because you don't believe in something does not cancel the reality of its existance. As you are focusing on your skepticism you are bringing about more skepticism.



5. I have found this to be probably the most exciting book on the Law of Attraction that I have read, and I have read a plethora of them, what I liked about it was the author's obvious ethusiasm in writing about a topic she so eagerly wants to share with others. Whilst many have been critical of her writing style I actually found that is what was so good about it, the fact she just allowed to her energy flow through in her writing and as she says herself we need to let go and stop being such "serious adults" and return to our fun loving nature of our inner child essence. I loved the way she goes fully into the way that it's our FEELINGS that magnetises our experiences into our reality, not just thought alone. The Univeres responds to our feelings (vibrations we're emitting)not thought alone. This why many people have done positive thinking and affirmations for years with little result. And the author keeps on reinforcing this message throughout the book - because they cold statements that lack the necessary emotional charge. As fantastic as this book is I am now working through her "Excuse me You're Life is Waiting Playbook" which follows on from this book and although I have never been drawn to exercise type books, this quite different and very inspiring also as she goes into great depth about the whole process of analysing our psyche to determine our feeling processes, and turn them around to lead a life of absolute Joy and abundance. Also she comes from the perspective of the Divine Spiritual Beings we are. So many books claim to be life-changing, often a trite line, I can say if you apply her techniques you will change your life around.

5 comments about The Compassionate Samurai: Being Extraordinary in an Ordinary World.

1. I am guided by the concepts of this book almost daily. I thought I was truthful, faithful, honest, etc. I learned the bar is higher than I was living by. I was living at a level of mediocrity I won't accept anymore. After reading this I gave a copy as a graduation present to a wonderful young friend because I think it will assist her in living the life of integrity and service that she wants. For Christians, it can shake us up in our self-assessment; for business people, it can strengthen business practices as we live according to the principles of this book; for the world, many will live better and more peaceful lives because of an increased number of compassionate samurai living to serve others.



2. The principles presented in this book are much needed in today's world. I highly recommend this book.



3. I found this book to be an excellent source of sound information. Interesting to read, clear and understandable. Puts eternal biblical principles in day to day reality. Yes, you can!



4. I encourage you to read this book and apply it to your life. Our team purchased hundreds of copies to share and pass along to those we care about. This book may well hold the key to your dreams and the life long changes you desire!



5. I enjoyed reading the Compassionate Samarai because it had many useful lessons on being the type of leader, or person, we need in today's world. As an educator, I highly recommend this book to counselors, parents and teens. It should be required reading for anyone interested in making a difference with those closest to you, within your community, as well as at a global level. It speaks to all ages and professions. A must read for today's world!

5 comments about In Sheep's Clothing: Understanding and Dealing with Manipulative People.

1. This book helps you deal with those people who make you feel bad at saying no. They manipulate you by making you feel like you are the bad guy. Its easier deal with someone who is overtly aggressive than covertly, because you can see their manipulations. That is why I highly recommend this book for everyone!



2. The book makes use of examples and has a chapter that describes the basic tools of a manipulator. I congratulate the author for rejecting the notion that manipulative behaviour stems from some sort of 'insecurity' or 'feelings of inadequacy'. All to often it's used as a rationalization for the behaviour of a manipulator. They are not insecure and they certainly do not consider themselves inadequate, far from it! He also suggests that manipulators do not need counselling - they need correction. I couldn't agree more!
   
   The books falls down in that it does not discuss in detail how to combat the tools of a manipulator. Yes, it does give a few examples but the descriptions are shallow and do not tell the reader how and why they work. Mainly it seems to focus on offering 'win win' situations to manipulators - frankly this is something I would hesitate to use. It seems like 'feeding the beast' rather than correction - which is what the author states manipulators need in the first chapters. Overall the book is easy to read and provides a guide to identifying a manipulators - but it does not give you the tools to protect yourself....



3. After reading this book my manager's behavior makes perfect sense. I had never encountered someone as twisted as this person. And it took me quite a while to see his true colors. Now I know exactly where he's coming from, why he does what he does. It's sad that there are people out there that make life so much harder than it should have to be for the rest of us. But being able to identify such people in your life (both at home and at work) is very important and can be of invaluable help to:
   
   1) not go crazy oneself,
   2) take corrective action.
   
   Summarizing: the book is written with amazing clarity and exposure. Also the examples of life situations are excellent. If you read only 1 book this year, read this one.



4. Dr. Simon teaches the mechanics of popular tactics used by manipulators and how you can identify and thwart off these attacks so that you control the situation and outcome.
   
   Dr. Simon also challenges the popular tenet held sacred by most psychologists: "One who is a manipulator must have been a constant victim of manipulation themselves." Dr Simon teaches that many cruel manipulators were never victims, they just mastered the tactics because they believe hurting, embarrassing, insulting, or belittling others gets them what they want fast.
   
   How this book helped me: There is a person that I have no choice but to see around almost every day for the past few years. After the end of every "friendly" conversation I felt depressed or insulted but could not figure out how this person was doing it. This book helped me to understand what was really happening and by following Dr. Simon's guidelines exposed this person and took control. Because this person knows it can no longer control me, it does not even look at me when we pass. Not a perfect relationship but it is better than the alternative.



5. This will help you with all types of people but is really good if you are having problems with a child that is having trouble. It provides you with some workable tools to deal with the problem child.

5 comments about Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence.

1. The other reviewers have pretty much covered the content of this book. Admittedly I haven't used all of the ideas, however now I have become very aware of how I spend my money and how many hours I have to work to purchase the ever evasive 'thing I must have or die'. Totally amazing! I now realize how much stuff I really have that I really do not need. Keeping these things actually cost you more by using up your time and energy to maintain 'your stuff'
   Once you can get this change in your thinking, it's amazing how much more money you really have.
   
   Before I purchased this book, I found it referenced and recommended all over the place. That must mean something.
   
   If you're still not sure about it, get it from the library. (Yet another of their money saving ideas.)
   xox
   MEF



2. I have read over 50 books by all the most popular financial authors today, and I believe this classic from the early 90's is by far the best if your goal is to be financially independent from your job once and for all. The author himself actually became independent in his early thirties and remained so for over 20 years until his untimely death due to a critical illness. So this book is not about theories it is showing how some one achieved financial independence in real life.
   The philosophy of this book is that you earn money through sacrificing your precious life energy through work. It talks about how the majority of people have destroyed their quality of life in pursuit of a high standard of living. The end result being they lose their identity in the position they hold and no longer live, they just work on a treadmill of endless earning and spending with little enjoyment.
   The author proposed a nine step plan that will cause you to be mindful with your money. Track your spending, are you really getting the value out of what you have bought for the effort you gave to earn the money? He proposes a chart graph to track your monthly spending against your monthly income, with a third line of savings. When the interest on your savings surpasses your expenses you are completely financially free for the rest of your life. You have the rest of your life to enjoy and do what ever you please. Volunteer, work part time at something you truly love, of just sleep until noon until you are bored. The key to this program is:being frugal, aggressively eliminating all debt and cutting expenses in every way possible and saving diligently. I admit that this program is a little extreme for most people, but I am willing to follow it for the ultimate pay off, financial freedom to do as I please for the rest of my life. The new American dream.
   
   I would highly recommend also reading Dave Ramsey's :"Total Money Makeover" if you find this book to Spartan for your personal tastes. Dave has lead me to being debt free with a large net worth over the past 15 years, and I started with nothing.



3. I read this book many years ago, and while I really enjoyed it and got a lot out of it, I ignored its advice to invest in bonds instead of stocks. Of course, with the global economic meltdown that we are now witnessing, I now wish I had done that.
   
   This book was remarkably prescient.



4. There were some good concepts in this book, such as the ones about considering each purchase and weighing it against the time it takes to work for it. Living within your means and paying off your debts is also a timely lesson.
   
   However the author requires you to follow their prescriptions to get the full benefit of the book. This includes accounting for every single penny that comes in and out of your ownership. There is one category called "lost money", that in my case because of the stock market, way overwhelms any of the other nickels and dimes. Of course the authors don't recomend investing in stocks. They claim that inflation is not really a big problem, and that you should invest in laddered long term Treasury bonds. This way you get a steady income that is predictable, I guess 30 year bond, would last you the rest of your life. Now that you know the monthly income you have, you just make sure that your expenses are always kept below this income level, and you have reached Financial Independence! Only problem is that expenses grow with inflation, whereas long-bond interest does not. However no guidance was given to that other than to look for items whose price has dropped, like computers, and electronics to offset those whose price has increased.
   
   Unfortunately, price increases in basic necessities, like food, health care, and transportation pretty much wipeout decreases in electronic gadgets. This is the major weakness in their Financial Independence plan based on 30-year T-bills.
   
   That said, the concepts of living within your budget, careful spending, avoiding debt, frugality are useful, even if you don't follow their prescription exactly. But it's not like your grandma never told you that before!



5. It's been a few years since I read this, but you don't really forget its message. The title says it all, it really is that important.
   Tao Cycle Therapy: Natural Happiness via Self Directed Cure for Chronic Anxiety & Depression [Updated 2008 3nd Edition]

5 comments about The Home Energy Diet: How to Save Money by Making Your House Energy-Smart (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series).

1. The first third of the book is general information about energy, how it is made, how to count it, how to work the numbers. It should be a required class textbook for High School seniors. This background information is very well written and easy to understand. But, that is not why folks should buy this book.
   
   The real meat starts at about page 93 with some very important electrical power safety tips, followed by an appliance-by-appliance list of items that use energy in a typical North American home. It is alphabetical and organized like an index.
   
   Each item listed includes information about the amount of energy it uses and tips on how to save money using it. The "what to do" information is very specific and easy to put into practice. It starts with Air Cleaners and goes right through to Well Pumps.
   
   Some items get just a sentence or two and others get a whole chapter. The biggest energy users get the most page space. Hot water, heating and air conditioning get their own chapters, as they should.
   
   Like most grouchy old engineers, I read the book looking for details to disagree with. That approach was rewarded with frustration. In fact, there is so much good stuff in this book that I put it on the shelf next to my desk where it will be a handy reference.
   
   I am forever getting questions from folks wanting to know how much they save when they shut off the item in question. The book has a handy chart, as appendix C, which does a good job answering that question.
   
   More importantly, it provides focus for action by letting you identify the big energy users in your home. I get too many questions from people worried about the cost of running a computer when they should be focused on their heating, cooling and kitchen energy use.
   
   The book is targeted at folks who own a house, but renters should read it too. If you pay the energy bill at your home this book will pay back the cover price many times over.



2. This is the best book I've read on the subject of improving household energy efficiency. Many of the books I've read in the past go through the basic things that homeowners can do to improve efficience, but this book explains the hows AND the whys.
   
   The book surprised me when I first started reading it. I expected another "easy reader" on the subject. I was pleasantly surprised to find detailed explanations on why things should be done, situations where a particular improvement may not be the best, and how to approach the many different systems in a house - air heating and cooling, envelope, insulation, water heating, ventilation, etc. It was also refreshing to find different ways of examining the same system - for example, amount of fuel used for different heating systems, amount of heat generated for a particular type of fuel, and all the relationships between them.
   
   As you start reading, you will find a lot of sidebars and short stories to highlight the discussion in the chapter. One thing I found slightly annoying is the number of Math Boxes that interrupt the flow of the book early on. These are sidebars that present sample calculations for the various topics, e.g. efficiency, fuel used for different heating systems, etc. I'd prefer the Math Boxes to be contained in an appendix with references in the main body of the book, but that's just me. Other readers may not find this annoying, and it's certainly not enough for me to reduce my rating of the book.
   
   I highly recommend this book if you are serious about exploring ways to improve your house's efficiency. It's not an "easy reader", but it's well worth the time to read through it.



3. A thorough review of everything you can do to save money and make your home energy efficient. Helpful photos, illustrations and charts. Good resource for understanding and maintaining major systems of a house such as heating and cooling, electric and appliances.



4. Consider starting with "Insulate and Weatherize: Expert Advice from Start to Finish" by Bruce Harley instead which is a more practical "Go Do It" book with lots of photographs.



5. I was so happy with this book. I learned so much from it and the author is very good at explaining things to you in easy to understand terms.
   The author also did an excellent job of making good energy saving suggestions and ideas for home improvements.
   
   This is a book I would give to family and friends. Highly recommended. ++

5 comments about Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny.

1. Through this book, my 15-year-old and I have both learned tons-of-things about ourselves and each other. I even bought a copy for my 19-year-old niece. It's an excellent read for the young and young-at-heart. Thanks, Hill!



2. This book is an excellentt read for any race, or age. It gives you so much insight on so many topics. Whether never experienced before or not, this book gives you a reflective voice on so many things that concerns us. It is not only offered through the eyes of a male, but interspersed with reflections from Michelle Obama, Ciara, and even has a foreword from Grabielle Union. I would recommend everybody to read it and would also advise that you purchase a copy for a loved one also.



3. Every young woman growing up needs the unyielding support from family to usher them into adulthood. For some of us, family ties are either lacking or detrimental to a positive future this is where "big brothers" like Hill Harper come into the rescue! His latest treasured release, "Letters to a Young Sister" speaks to the hearts and minds of young ladies on their way to becoming women. In this book, he gives timeless lessons that females of all ages and paths can benefit from loving oneself to loving others and the power of God's love to the power of knowing who you are and who you want to be.
   
   This is a story about a journey of a young sister's growths, tribulations, epiphanies and love pains. The issue that was significant in this sister's life that is so frequent in other young sister's lives is the absence of father's in their lives that attributes to a lot of dissolution, heartache and missteps that some sisters unfortunately experience on their way to adulthood. This parallels my life because I grew up without my father in my life. I was fortunate, like this sister, to have a family of men and women who served as an example; for this young sister she had her mom that she could rely upon. Hill's presence in this sister's life showed her on a new path--to forgive her father. Her fears and unwillingness as well as her compelling need to forgive are real. Hill was a true leader--his presence emphasized the importance of forgiveness and strength of patience in this healing process.
   
   Throughout this book, Hill is brutally honest and dedicated to his commitment to being a friend. I commend him for his consistently and truthfulness! In essence, he mentored her into becoming more than a respectable female but he aided her into growing into a loving daughter, honorable friend and successful professional.
   
   His words of wisdom on empowerment, being financially savvy and living limitless are words to live by!



4. Mr. Hill Harper has struck gold twice! Letters to a Young Sister is a true diamond. I've read Letters to a Young Brother and was uplifted and encouraged, but this time, he was speaking to me; that younger me that still exists inside. I applaud the efforts of Mr. Harper. He is truly a blessing to the community. His respect and insight into the young female psyche should be replicated by all men. I especially was encouraged by his discussion of the young sister making a (paradigm) shift in her life (toward a more positive, progressive mode). Once again, this should be REQUIRED reading for all young ladies. I gave it to my niece for her 26 birthday and I have a host of other young ladies who will get it for upcoming birthdays and Christmas gifts. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. I eagerly look forward to future writings from Mr. Hill Harper!



5. Hill Harper has written a powerful follow-up to his first book, Letters to a Young Brother. By writing a book specifically for the young sister, LETTERS TO A YOUNG SISTER, which include relevant information that most sisters face as they mature to adulthood. Like a loving big brother, Hill has answered the many questions young women have asked him via email. He accents his letters with advice and information from successful and famous women. Letters from Michelle Obama, Eve, Gabrielle Union, Ruby Dee and so many others, answer the questions that are posed to Hill. Providing advice to help build self-esteem and to give confidence and assurance to teens, Hill has provided a handbook for teens to reference over and over.
   
   Issues such as love, handling family problems, and advice on what to look for in a date, are just a short list of topics that are addressed in his book. Hill Harper, and the women he handpicked, used their experiences to share with the sisters.
   
   Hill Harper writes books for teenagers to inspire change and instill a positive self-esteem in those who need help navigating through their difficult teenage years. Although much of the information provided is not new, the manner in which the questions are addressed is so refreshing that you are sure to find the spark to inspire and to uplift hurting souls.
   
   I recommend this book for teens, mothers and even young men based on the concept that when much information is given, much is learned and lives can be improved.
   
   Reviewed by RM Jackson
   for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

5 comments about A Guide to Rational Living.

1. This review is directed to anyone deciding whether to purchase this book and also read this book. Save your time and your money; there are books far better than this one. I don't agree with any of the 5 star ratings people gave this book. The authors are writing from an ego-centered perspective; they are critical of the patients they use in examples, and they are critical of readers in that they don't believe any of us are able to "self-help" correctly. If we are not able to self-help, it is because they do not explain how in this book.



2. I have never posted a review on this site before despite buying hundreds of books. I purchased this book about two months ago because of severe anxiety issues. I have recieved immediate benefits from it. The concept of awfulizing has truly changed my outlook on my entire thought process. While I know I have a long road to follow I believe this book has put me on the right track. I would highly recommend giving this book a try if you are dealing with depression or anxiety. Best of luck.



3. if i could make it a law that this book be read by everyone, i would. basically, ellis and harper teach us how to understand that it is up to us whether we want to be happy. it is all within our reach. all it depends upon is our thoughts and what we tell ourselves. you can be truly happy, enjoying your life, no matter where you have been, no matter what is going on!
   
   the authors use many examples via their clients' lives to show their readers how to live a happy, rational life.
   
   seamingly over-simplified! but truly amazing! liberating! and awesome! when you actually do live this way.



4. If you are going to read one self-help book in your life, this is it. Ellis has changed my life completely. No more anger, much less anxiety and depression, and a greater acceptance of myself and others. Nothing more to ask...



5. Ancient as it may be (orginally published in 1961) in a field where "current" almost always means "superior owing to more recent discovery," Ellis's -Guide...- is the bomb if you're going to -do- cognitive, evidence-based therapy, as either a therapist or a patient.
   
   His ten screwy ideas are nothing short of the unfortunate attitudinal watershed of the decline of Western culture. Identified, questioned, examined, uprooted and replaced with more realistic -- and functional -- notions, they can become the foundation for a belief and appraisal system by which anyone can cope with pretty much any curve ball life pitches at them.
   
   However radical, as well as grandiosely expressed some of his ideas may seem; Basco, Beck, Seligman, Wessler, Young and all who have ridden on his coattails owe a debt to Albert... not to mention the millions whose lives have been saved and/or greatly improved by disovering for themselves how things really -are-... as opposed to what they -think- they are.
   
   There are a lot of Ellis-authored books available, but having read several of them (as well as many of Aaron Beck's), it seems to me that this one stands out as the seminal piece for professional and lay readers alike. This is Ellis at his no-holds-barred, free-wheeling, no-nonsense best.