5 comments about Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, and Happiness.

1. Help Yourself gave me the chance to do what I am doing right now; fixing computers. In this book, Dave talks about the pains of his childhood, but that didn't stop him from being alive. Just because you are in a negative environment does not mean that you will succeed. In this book, he helps you that only you can make a chance, and nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. He also credits people like Colin Powell from coming up from poverty to become the Secretary Of State (but he did not put the Secretary Of State, just the Joint Chief's of Staff because this book is kind of old). He also gives you the courage to live out your dreams, and to make yourself a better person. He writes in the book that if you can get rid of the negative crap out of your life, and try to look at the positive things, then you will be a much more happier person. The pain that he describes is real and very painful. No matter how hard he tried in school, his drunken mother always told him that he was stupid and she hated him and wished that he was dead. He survived and proved his mother wrong. The thing is that he does not hate his mother, or his father from turning a blind eye to the abuse. Dave wrote that no one should hate anybody no matter what they put you through. This is a very good book, and a real life saver.



2. A friend/co-worker actually gave me this book. She knew that I was stressed at work among other things going on in my life. What a wonderful gift to receive. I so enjoyed reading this book. No matter how stressed you are, how bad you think you have it or how anxious you are, there is a way to come out of it. In this book Dave points that out, he actually gives examples of his own life and what he did to overcome the obstacles in his life.
   Just knowing what this guy went through in his childhood and has the courage to share this with others. I have a great respect for him.
   If you think your life is bad, you have tons of problems you can't possibly overcome then read this book.



3. Dave Pelzer is a household name by now . His stories of the childhood abuse he suffered, and his struggle to overcome this have been the inspiration for thousands of readers. Now he in a sense refines what he has learned into a self- help book. The main chapters of the book are built around themes like 'Get rid of the Garbage of your life ' ' Free yourself' 'Suviving a Negative Enviornment' 'Know what you want out of your real life'
   'The price you pay' 'Celebrate who you are and what you have' 'Creating your own positive environment'
   Each chapter is a clearly written unit containing illustrative material of fundamental principles summarized at the end.
   
   Among some of these principles are:
   Settle your problems as promptly and thoroughly as you are able.
   Let go of a past you cannot change.
   In the midst of fighting life's battles, relax.
   Vent your frustrations in a controlled yet cleansing manner.
   Have the courage to purify yourself of whatever may be holding you back.
   Draw support from those you know and trust.
   Consistently keep yourself in check with the environment that you create.
   Don't leave your happiness to fate.
   There are no guarantees for tomorrow, so appreciate all that you have and do all that you can today.
   
   
   The advice seems to me by and large sound, although I would interject that it is far harder to put advice into practice than to hear it. I would also emphasize a point that Pelzer himself makes in this excellent work, 'There are no guarantees'
   Still almost of us have ways in which we can improve our own lives.
   I would only add from my own point- of- view that were I to write my own personal ' self- help work' it would have to include the religious dimension in a more prominent way.
   The greatest help of all is in being in real relation to God.



4. I couldn't believe what Dave went through as a child... I don't understand how he lived through his mother's brutal and deadly beatings.
   I was amazed at all the things he lived through and went through.
   This book actually made me cry several times. I didn't want to put this book down, I read both A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy in a period of two days. I cannot wait to read the remaing three books that he has writen!!!!



5. I originally got this book to skim through before giving it to a loved one who is going through a difficult time. I looked at several books written by people with a bunch of letters after their names, but ultimately selected this one since I was familiar with Dave Pelzer's childhood story. If HE can enjoy a happy, fulfilled life after everything he's been through, I figure, so can ANYONE with breath left in their body!
   
   There are a few heart-wrenching stories of the tortures he endured as a child, but mostly, Dave encourages us to make peace with the past (and tells us HOW!), and advises us to make the most of each day, each situation, and even each hardship-using each event as a stepping stone toward the fulfillment we all seek.
   
   Sure, there's a little rhetoric here and there in the book, but Dave is humble and admits he's not a professional writer or counselor-just a regular guy who's been there and done that. Personally, that makes me believe him even more than someone who paid their way through medical school to get all those letters behind their name.
   
   I find his writing style to be down-to-earth, comforting, and sincere-and I could relate to more than a few of the example situations he presents in the book.
   
   Even though I was looking for this as a help for someone else, I was finding myself highly interested, enriched, and feeling more positive about the few grim situations in my otherwise happy life! And I do think it could be a source of positive influence for anyone. No, he doesn't have all the answers-but he doesn't claim to! But he definitely steers us in the right logical direction with realistic ways to improve our situations every day.
   
   Dave Pelzer is a courageous, triumphant man who deserves every happiness life has to offer, and we should all be glad he is so willing to share his "secrets" with all of us. May God Bless him!

5 comments about The Power of Patience: How to Slow the Rush and Enjoy More Happiness, Success, and Peace of Mind Every Day.

1. This book is perfect for someone who's learning to assert patience in their daily lives. First off, the chapters are short and to the point, which is perfect for the readers of this particular book. Secondly, each chapter deals with a different aspect of life and how patience plays a role. So, if you're dealing with a specific situation, it's most likely covered in this book. Lastly, the author doesn't preach to you. Instead, she speaks of her own struggles with losing her patience and how, even now, she slips up from time to time. I'm very glad I read it.



2. Not a bad read. Full of anecdotes, quotes and the like of how patience has benefited peoples lives - or where its absence, has not. I was a little disappointed however by the lack of the subject matter which I bought the book for, which was - how to develop ones patience. If you are like me and are aiming higher than just a warm fuzzy feeling and want practical advice on what it takes to develop this competency, then look elsewhere.
   
   
   An addendum; If your looking for practical, workable advice see - "Patience Pays Off" by James Sherman PhD or "The practicing mind" by Thomas Sterner.



3. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw the advertisement at the top of the page for this book ("in under a minute" is bolded, naturally):
   
   "Start reading The Power of Patience on your Kindle in under a minute. Don't have a Kindle? Get yours here."
   
   All the more reason to read this book! I haven't completely finished it, but I am drawn to keep reading. Her style is quite comfortable and readable, almost conversant. Very inspiring book too!



4. (would have given it 3 and one half stars)
   
   In buying this book, I must admit I am biased against most "feel good"
   self help books in that they offer quick fixes- that occasionally work- with little depth, substance or lasting value. This being said I am a neurotic (very impatient) overly educated person living in arguably the brainiest, and the most positively multi-cultural, cities in the US, Cambridge MA where MIT and, in particular, Harvard rule. Nevertheless, patience has always been a major problem for me and my family.
   
   I searched on Amazon for a book on patience and there were surprisingly
   only a couple of responses (any other ideas): this and a classic book on Buddhism (I am a part time Masters Degree student at Harvard extension school who is very into Asian thought and spirituality- as well as a small business owner and a volunteer group therapist).
   
   The good: As many people have said, this is a very well written book.
   There a few nuggets of wisdom here; particularly the statements regarding
   patience's relation to a need to control and rage.These insights were
   "very helpful." I also liked her statements on the socio cultural effects
   of impatience, even though they were not particularly original.
   
   The not so good: the very short section format, which I found frustrating and, at times, superficial. Also, the author continuously bemoans the negative effects of the accelerating pace of modern life, yet these
   short sections feeds in to her own notion of people's inability to focus on any activity for an extended period of time. Also The lack of detailed techniques, or exercises, for improving patience- most books of this genre are better at giving solutions, even if they are sometimes a bit lames. The author seems to me to not have made a lot of progress in dealing with her patience (she is very aware though). However, her candor on these issues is quite refreshing.
   
   I realize I am not among the target audience for this type of self help book. However, I feel this genre should be subject to the same rigorous critique as other works that espouse life changing hypothesis, and in not doing so I feel that there is a small element of subtle "brainwashing" that permeates the mass media, and celebrates the "dumbed down" worldview that afflicts and paralyzes our culture (sorry to rain on your parade.) I know this may make me sound like an intellectual elitist, which I partially am. Nevertheless,this book is much better than nothing. Also, I am planning to take up life coaching and this gives me an additional insight into how a coach thinks and approaches problems, because that is somewhat the author's orientation. However, a very good book on this topic still needs to be written (like some of the books on procrastination), although the author makes a very sincere and valid attempt.



5. I really like this book. It offers great insight about different ways to be patient and when to think about it in different, everyday situations. The chapters are really short, so it is easy to read one or two chapters before bed or while waiting (patiently, hopefully!). I also find myself re-reading old chapters to remind myself! I also gave this to my mom as a gift and she loves it as well.

5 comments about The Carl Rogers Reader.

1. always a pleasure to read rogers. this book is a compilation of many wonderful pieces. rogers had a great ability to see beyond the surface and connect with people in a very real, personal, and therapeutic way. in an at times parental sort of way, rogers was able to see through to the heart of a patient and his issues and bring insight and hope. great read for those new to psychological theory/practice AND those who have been doing it for awhile.



2. The Carl Rogers Reader is an excellent, thought-provoking collection of articles by Carl Rogers from different stages in his career and covering many subjects linked to the person-centred approach to psychotherapy. I found this book fascinating, enlightening and occasionally surprising; for example, when I realised just how much he was against accreditation for therapists. At all times, the life-affirming nature of the man shines through. If you are preparing to be a therapist and are drawn to the person-centred way, or are simply interested in the life and work of Carl Rogers, you will find this book a treasure trove.



3. This book is an excellent synopsis of Carl Rogers life's work. Instead of researching several other volumes, this text provides an accurate and complete re-telling of the development of Rogerian Client-Centred Therapy. The authors have captured the essence of Carl Rogers and his voice is evident throughout the text. A worthwhile read for those new to Rogerian Therapy.



4. Though the book is lengthy, I enjoyed his tone more than other physchologists of his time



5. I needed this book for a paper I was writing. This book came in a timely manner and was filled with everything I needed to write a report on Carl Rogers and his theory.

5 comments about 8,789 Words of Wisdom.

1. I love this book! Daily I read just a few pages to inspire me and sets my mood for the day to do things more wisely. One sentence quotes from Proverbs, to saying heard you heard growing up. This is a fun book to keep in your car to read in traffic or in a bathroom setting. A great gift for those that might be feeling down.



2. It's a great book to pick up and scan through. I think it would be even better if the book was on a disk I could put in my Car CD player. With maybe some meditative music in the background I could just let the words of wisdon sink in on my way home from work. Could someone let me know if that is already a work in process?



3. I think Barbara Ann Kipfer is just awesome please go ahead and buy all her books, you won't regret it.



4. Trite and disappointing. Reads like a box of fortune cookies. Small thoughts masquerading as deep thoughts. The blurbs are so similar that it's nearly impossible to tell one page from the next.



5. An invaluable book... delve in anywhere; and if one quote doesn't "speak to your condition", you're bound to find a dozen others that do. It's witty; inspirational; kind; meditative - and I've bought so many copies as gifts that I reckon I'll soon be 'on commission' for sales! (That's a jest). It's my travelling companion on whatever part of the globe I may be.

5 comments about La voz del conocimiento: The Voice of Knowledge, Spanish-Language Edition.

1. Al igual que los anteriores de Miguel ruiz como los 4 acuerdos es super sencillo este libro, hay veces que de tan sencillo en mi caso hay que hacer paradas para recapitular, es de muy buena compania en tu buro y por supuesto de los que no hay que dejar de hojear y regalar a cualquier persona que uno estima



2. THE BEST LATINAMERICAN AUTHOR OF CENTURY 21TH
   MIGUEL RUIZ IS THE MASTER OF LOVE OF THIS NEW AGE!!!
   DO NOT MISS TO READ ALL HIS BOOKS!!!
   JUST THE BEST LOVE BOOKS EVER!!!!



3. Leer este libro fué como si alguien me dijera por primera vez con palabras claras algo que había yo intuído desde hace tiempo.
   Miguel Ruiz expone con extraordinaria claridad el funcionamiento de nuestro sistema de creencias, y el mecanismo mediante el cual este nos ata a vivir sufrimiento y miedo.
   Iniciando con la alegoría del arbol del conocimiento, la serpiente y Adán y Eva, Miguel Ruiz muestra como nuestras creencias nos son enseñadas mediante un sistema de premio/castigo, y como nuestras emociones responden a estas creencias.
   Este libro me ayudó enormemente a reconocer que puedo escojer mis pensamientos, y que puedo elegir dejar de pensar pensamientos que van en contra de mi mismo. Aprendí tambien a usar mis emociones como un sistema de alerta sobre el contenido de mi mente. Como resultado de la aplicación de este conocimiento vivo más tranquilo, amo más y disfruto más de mi camino en esta tierra. Tambien he observado que en la medida en la que he logrado hacer paz con migo mismo, ha aumentado mi fortuna y han mejorado mis relaciones con los otros.
   
   Definitivamente vale la pena leer este texto, y de paso "los 4 acuerdos (the four agreements)" y "la maestría del amor (the mastery of love)" del mismo autor.
   
   Otro buen libro que acabo de descubrir, que hace muy buena sinergia con este, es "The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent: Living the Art of Allowing"



4. In a search for the philosophies in the modern world, this book is an interesting theory. If You can try this model of working mind, You could feel a sensation of re-born in your life, because we needs a change in our behavior in the XXI century, Try to apply like an excercise and you will note a difference in your family, work, social group, Only one thing, it is really difficult try to explain to others in a religious group, because in theory of many religions a lot of acts and thinking form are a dogma. You could be tagged like a NEW AGE seeker.
   This book talk about an ancient tribe in Mexico and its way to take their life many years ago.



5. Este es un libro perfecto para el principiante que comienza a descubrir la verdadera edentidad y la verdad de nuestra vida. Este libro es muy bien recomendado.

5 comments about Complete Life's Little Instruction Book: 1,560 Suggestions, Observations, and Reminders on How to Live a Happy and Rewarding Life.

1. H. Jackson Brown, Jr. is among the best advice givers in today's world of literacy. This book is the best gift for anyone starting a whole new lifestyle. I recommend this book to all young adults, especially those who will soon go on to College. For the game of life is always a hard game to play for young and old alike, and we can ALWAYS use a little or a lot of motivation every now and then.



2. I first found this book on a bargain shelf at my local bookstore and picked it up for just 4 or 5 dollars. It really was a good buy.
   
   It really is not a book that one would want to pick up and read but rather a book that you would want to have lie on your desk at work or on your coffee table at home so that visitors (or clients) can pick it up and turn to a random page and find any assortment of good philosophical sayings.
   
   Each time I pick it up I find myself smiling at the fact that it gives something new each time you open it. With over 1500 entries, it really does give advice on everything. It gives advice on the things that we ethically know, but not necessarily are written down anywhere.
   
   I bought a second copy not long ago for a friend of mine for a Christmas gift. It's a simple little thing that can make a big reaction.



3. I purchased these books for a group of college students that worked together as a staff. Some graduating, some still studying. I can only hope they do take the time to read it (here and there - not all at once) and it helps each one of them be better people. I believe this book has the ability to create role models and help people to treat others with kindness.



4. I loved this little book! This is the result of a dad sitting down to write out a few words of wisdom and advice for his son who was going off to his freshman year at college. The first list was 511 entries, and then, he mailed his son a new collection every two years.
   
   There's some great advice all through this book! And no long stories attached either. Short and straight to the point, each numbered piece of advice is no more than a few lines long. The suggestions cover a broad range, some are serious while others are funny or trivial, but all are honest and good advice, and many are just interesting. Like #841: "When your dog dies, frame his collar and put it above a window facing west" -I've never heard of that before.
   
   I highly recommend this little book as a gifts for anybody in your life and for anything from birthdays to graduations or just because. Would also make a good coffe table or bathroom book too.



5. I enjoyed reading each and every single advice contained in this book. Some of them are quite simple, even obvious. Some are more complex and profound. Nonetheless, everyone deals with those little details, the small things that can be a huge problem, or a great blessing. Awesome choice for a gift...you can hand-pick some of them to make them more giftee oriented or even write a Hopscotch in the manner of Julio Cortázar famous novel. Hope this helps. Worked for me.

5 comments about Manual del Guerrero de la Luz.

1. I thought this was going to be like Coelho's other books but it's not. Instead it's something like a book of proverbs. Very much worth it's wieght...



2. This is a good one, but do not ever expect it to be like "The Alchemist". This one is something like a memo, a brief sequetial set of characteristics. This is uplifting, if you like this style, or waste of money, if you are expecting another "The Alchemist".



3. Este libro no vale la pena... se contradice mucho a lo largo de la obra. Es una decepción luego de haber leido EL ALQUIMISTA (el cual es muy buen libro). Si eres una persona que utiliza el análisis y la lógica será una pérdida de tiempo y dinero.



4. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was able to read the book in one day. Quite a page turner. I appreciate the simplicity of each point of wisdom.



5. Paulo Coelho's amazing ability to be articulate and insightful brings the reader to understand the powerful alchemical messages that will transform their lives if they allow it. Little yet powerful, this warrior's manual is a great addition to your metaphysical library. Go beyond, read Coelho's enlightenment work.

5 comments about Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul: Stories to Inspire Caregivers in the Home, the Community and the World (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. I received my copy of the Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul as one of the book's contributors, and read it cover to cover. LeAnn, Jack and Mark have really captured the heart and soul of the caregiving experience with this finely edited book. As founder of Today's Caregiver magazine and caregiver.com (as well as a family caregiver), I have been blessed to read many books and articles about caregiving over the past nine years, and I find this to be extremely inspirational, touching and true. I would recommend it not only to caregivers but also to all of their friends and family members. I am proud to be associated with this book.



2. Over 54 million people are involved with caregiving, yet everyone feels alone with their roller coaster of emotions. This inspirational book will give you a quick pick-me-up at any moment you feel that you could really use a hug. These lovely short stories are by real voices of courageous caregivers who share their triumphs and sorrows, helping you to have an easier journey. Your heart will be warmed as you smile and nod in recognition, and realize that you've gained valuable insight, solutions and hope.

   Jacqueline Marcell, author, 'Elder Rage', and host of the 'Coping with Caregiving' Internet Radio Program.
   I was honored to have my story included in this delightful book.




3. Caregiving can be a lonely, desperate job. Chicken Soup For the Caregiver's Soul helps to ease that loneliness and desperation. The laughter, tears, joy, and most of all, love expressed by the caregiving heroes in these inspiring stories will fill caregivers with a sense of hope. Regardless of the situation, Chicken Soup For the Caregiver's Soul is a must read for caregivers and those who care for caregivers.



4. "The word 'caregiver' encompasses a great deal: choices, responsibilities, emotions and even hidden joys. Chicken Soup for the Caregiver"s Soul embraces all of these, leaving you with the greatest emotion of all, laughter through tears," notes Lisa Copen of Rest Ministries. "You"ll find yourself giggling while choking back a sob, realizing that through any circumstance you can still find hope. A perfect gift for a friend or yourself."



5. Like all the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, this book gives the reader an option to read one story in a short time, or several if you have longer. They are great for people in a hurry who savor little bits of encouragement with a quick read of various stories. Good gift for a caregiver.

5 comments about The Science of Happiness: How Our Brains Make Us Happy-and What We Can Do to Get Happier.

1. As the title says, this books discusses the research of what happens in the brain when we experience different feelings (or runs amuck in depression or addiction) and what we can do to increase the positive feelings. I was surprised by a chapter discussing societal factors.
   
   It does not read like a translation, there are references to lots of American locations and icons. While I knew much of the advice (such as the good effects of exercise), I learned a good bit (such as income equality brings greater happiness). The book also refutes some 'common sense' adages. All in all, an enjoyable read that I found very interesting.



2. Last chapter spoiled the book by ambushing the reader with an inappropriate socialist political agenda. Klein is supposed to be a science journalist.



3. This is a great book. Everyone has an opinion, but science attempts to analyze the facts to determine the truth.
   
   This book is easy to read, but it cites many scientific studies to shows how our everyday behavior can alter our brain chemistry for the better or worse. It does not rely on dogmatic opinion unsupported by scientific data.
   
   The translation from German is superb. One would never know from reading this book that it was originally written in another language.
   
   The reader who objected to the last chapter just objects to the truth. Scientific research sometimes turns up facts that are not politically correct in some circles. A quick Goggle search of the Internet for "happiness nations" yields many web sites supporting the observations of the last chapter of this book.
   
   Again - If you are to read one book on this subject, this would be the one to read. There are several other good books on happiness. I have half a dozen. This is the best of the bunch.
   
   Jim Fuqua



4. I'm not a huge fan of this book, although I don't like saying mean things about other authors' books. My problem with it is that I think he's taking too much artistic license in his interpretation of scientific information. He's supposed to be a journalist, not an abstract painter. I understand that he's trying to write an entertaining page turner, but I'd rather have him stick to the facts a little more closely. Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health.



5. XXXXX
   
   Consider these questions:
   
   (1) Is happiness more than simply the opposite of unhappiness?
   (2) Is happiness genetic?
   (3) Does the feeling of anger pass if you vent it?
   (4) Is it possible to prolong the good moments in one's life?
   (5) Does money make people happy?
   (6) Can we stay in love with the same person all our life?
   (7) What is the greatest happiness?
   
   These are just some of the questions answered in this interesting, comprehensive, scientifically-based, and easy-to-read book, an "international bestseller," by German science and freelance writer Dr. Stefan Klein. This book was well translated from German by Stephen Lehmann.
   
   What is happiness? This question, as Klein tells us, was the "catalyst" for this book. Klein continues:
   
   "My own search for positive feelings...played a role in my hope that we could find happiness if we only knew where to look for it. I was also motivated by curiosity, which is an occupational disease of scientists and journalists--and I am both."
   
   The book itself mentions both current and historical happiness research as well as case studies. Klein also delves into literature resources on happiness.
   
   I feel that this book is strongest when it deals with the neuroscience of happiness. The reason for this is mentioned in the book's acknowledgements section:
   
   "I have been fortunate in getting to know many of the leading researchers in the study of the brain and emotions, and they have been generous with their time and insights."
   
   Finally, there are two things I question regarding this book:
   
   (1) Is the scientific measurement of positive or pleasurable feelings really an adequate basis for an understanding of happiness and how to attain it?
   
   (2) Klein presents a plethora of animal research and extrapolates the conclusions of this research to humans. Is this extrapolation really justified especially when dealing with the complex feeling of happiness?
   
   Despite these queries, I still learned much from this book.
   
   In conclusion, an anonymous person once said, "Much happiness is lost in the pursuit of it." Perhaps, but thanks to the discoveries of neuroscience presented in this book, we can all learn to be happy.
   
   (first published 2002; translation published 2006; introduction; 3 parts or 15 chapters; epilogue; main narrative 260 pages; notes; bibliography; acknowledgements; index)
   
   <>
   
   XXXXX

5 comments about Enough, Dammit: A Cynic's Guide to Finally Getting What You Want out of Life.

1. I loved this book. The lessons in it, are an owners manual for the success driven mind and a great gift for people of all ages. It's self help with the delight of a great kids book. If Tony Robbins and Pinnochio had a kid, this would be it.
   SMN



2. I always think I like self-help books until I read one. This book however is just enough hudspah? to make it a worthwile read. I kept it in the bathroom and when in need of a little dose of reality and get up and go, i would open it up. It tells it like it is and with beautiful digital photos. This book is a great read and a great gift for anyone in a bit of a wallow.



3. I bought this book for my 21 yr old son, who is stuck and searching for his path in life. The book presents so many great messages about thinking positive, changing your outlook to change your life, taking personal responsibility for choices, etc. He wouldn't be caught dead with any of the "real" self-help books, so I thought this was a good way to introduce some of the concepts. My one complaint is that it is really written for women; the personal relationship stuff all assumes the reader is female and trying to date men. I just hope that doesn't turn him off because the rest of the messages are gender-nuetral. It's upbeat, catchy, a 10-minute read.



4. Karen Salmenson has her finger on the pulse of what readers not only want but may need to read.
   
   Enough, Dammit: A Cynic's Guide is a fun but meaningful read for people who need to get past the roadblocks of past experiences that programmed them for negativity and failure that they now impose on themselves.
   
   If you recognize yourself in this, you must buy this book. It's one of the best gifts you'll ever get.



5. I keep this book as sort of a reference for "how to stop whining and get on with it." It's funny, insightful, honest, and it has lots of pretty pictures. I have sent this book to friends that are feeling defeated. How To Be Happy Dammit is in my library too. Karen's writing and wit is perfect for the smart*** cynic in all of us (ok, some of us).