5 comments about Mr. Right Is out There: The Gay Man's Guide to Finding and Maintaining Love.

1. This was an insightful book worth reading and then rereading. Much of what I read the first time didn't sink in until I put to use some of the authors suggestions. Rereading it then gave more insight and moments of "oh...THAT'S what he meant."



2. Being a gay man, I found this book well written with insightful exercises, stern advice, and help. Yet, the one thing this book fails in setting forth is the myriad of gay men out there. Unless another gay guy is actually performing the same approaches as you in garnering a long-term relationship, the contents within this book are useless.

   Gay men, almost intrinsically by nature, are predominantly promiscuous, failing at ever attaining and nurturing something meaningful or ever-lasting. Gay relationships are not like their heterosexual counterparts of growth, success, stability, and true equal partnership. Instead, its based upon looks, financial opulence, and the hopes an open relatiopnship will definitely happen after the initial "romantic" spark has long flickered out . . .

   I commend the author for his analytical and structural prose. He makes a bold attempt at telling the reader what to do and what not to do -- such as accepting a guy with set attributes, like smoking, and not aiming for changing such characteristics. However, to assume and bestow credibility that other gay men out there yearn for a committed relationship (especially in this information age of "online gay bars" like personals and "chat"-rooms) and how to go about it is an actual disregard to a reader's integrity at best.




3. I threw this book away in annoyance after reading it. The reading level of this book is at the 4th grade level. The point shouldn't be to talk down to the reader. In addition, the wedding vows that the author and his significant other recited were really cloying: "I want to play in your sandbox". This book doesn't reflect very well on the field of psychology.



4. As a MFT in California I have found that the information contained in this book is the most encompassing collection of good useful advice that I have ever found. He touches on so many things that are important to gay male relationships. His advice is helpful and complete. I found the checklists and exercises easy and helpful. This book can really orient you to successful relationships.



5. Great book... who knew most gay men suffered from internalized homophobia??? It reinforces some of things from Joe Korts (Ten Smart Things Gay Men Can Do To Improve Their Life) It's definatley worth reading!

5 comments about Teach Only Love: The Twelve Principles of Attitudinal Healing.

1. This is a great hands on book,no religion needed,just add LOVE.



2. The first few chapters held great promise, but this book got pretty weird quick. Clinics that teach only love are a great idea, but I'd rather have their workbook filled with application and result oriented material than this "guru's" personal history..."man". To save yourself a read, imagine someone you respect and trust, possibly more than anyone you really know. And they say to you, "In the moment of choice, when you choose how your heart will deal with a situation--use only love." When walk away from them, believe them wholeheatedly for the rest of your life and take time to remember and apply their words daily. Then, spare yourself the read on this book--it get's weird fast... Writing about your 60s mind expanding experiences? Come on, the movie Ghandi teaches more about love than this. (I threw the book away.)



3. In this slim volume there are all the words that we need to convey the idea that if we teach only about and with love there is no need for anything else. We are love and when we teach with that expression, only good can result. Easy to reach and one to keep for your library. It is a classic.



4. Even though this book was written several years ago...I find that when I return to it, even now, it is truly like coming home, like the warmth of visiting an old friend. Filled with wisdom and spiritual insight, it inspires and creates inner peace by reminding us all that our essence is, indeed, love...which "doesn't care what you call it...love just is. It unfolds endlessly and beautifully upon itself." Thank you, Dr. J.



5. While reading this book, a particularly compelling passage jumped out at me. The gist of it is this: In every encounter we have with another human being, that person is either offering love to us or in need of love from us. In that instant, I became a better person.
   
   Not long after, I walked into my gym and saw Bill, a member I knew fairly well, doing standing calf raises with his back to me. Impulsively, I wrapped my weight belt around his forehead as a goofy way of saying hello. He was not pleased. He whipped around and, in so many words, most of which were unprintable, told me he would punch my face in if I ever did that again.
   
   Instead of reacting on the same level of consciousness--"Oh, yeah? Take your best shot, you jerk!"--I thought, Cool! Here's my chance to see if this love stuff really works! I immediately began radiating love from my heart and bathing Bill in its healing glow. I also tried to apologize, but he turned away, muttering angrily.
   
   After hanging up my jacket in the locker room, I headed to the pull-up bar and began my workout. I dropped down from the bar just in time to see Bill striding purposefully toward me from the other side of the gym. "I mean it, Phil," he fumed. "If you ever do that again, I'll take you out to the parking lot and pummel you." With that, he spun around and stormed away.
   
   This time, I followed him, pumping love instead of iron. "Bill," I called out, catching up to him. "I'm very sorry. I had no idea you would be so upset. It won't happen again." I continued apologizing until he turned to face me. "My sister used to do stuff like that to me," he sputtered. "And I hated it."
   
   Bingo. Bill's outburst had nothing to do with me; I had inadvertently triggered a painful childhood memory. What happened in the next moment was astonishing. The heavy, negative energy that had enveloped him, the almost palpable rage that had engulfed him, vanished. It was as if a magician had uttered "Abracadabra!" and had replaced a violent thunderstorm with sunny skies. Instantaneously.
   
   Bill cut me off in mid-apology. "Don't worry about it," he said calmly, dismissing the whole incident with a wave of his hand. "No big deal." An hour later, we were both in the locker room, preparing to leave. "So long, Phil," he called out. "Have a good day."
   
   Wow. If I had responded to Bill's anger in kind, the confrontation could have escalated out of control. From that day forward, the tension would have been thick between us. Even worse, my enjoyment of going to the gym every morning would have been tinged with dread. Instead, love healed the situation, it healed our relationship, and it very well might have healed the pain he had been carrying around all those years.
   
   May you choose love in every moment. It is a wonderful place to live. After all, divine intelligence does not keep score by how many possessions you accumulate but by how much love is in your heart. Why wait another minute to begin living that truth?

5 comments about Better Single Than Sorry: A No-Regrets Guide to Loving Yourself and Never Settling.

1. Life for single women today can be rough. It is very easy to cave into pressure to settle down quickly. Our friends, family, and society tell us that pairing up as soon as possible is a marker of success. No wonder there is such a huge divorce rate in the United States.
   
   The author points out two very big mistakes we make. First, we do not love ourselves and secondly, because of that we settle for guys that are less than ideal for us.
   
   She uses some hillarious anecdotes from her own personal life to illustrate some dating mistakes she has made and how it affected her. She points out that had she not tried to settle, she could have avoided having her heart broken so frequently.
   
   What makes it good, is that it is true to life. All of us girls can relate to dating the types of men mentioned in this book and the results. She also helps us to remember that the right man is worth waiting for regardless of the pressure exerted on us.
   
   The message is: Enjoy your life, do things you love, pamper yourself, and do not ever settle!
   
   I cannot however agree with all the advice offered in the book. She suggests that having a one-night-stand might be a good way to get over a broken heart. This seems to be dangerously bad advice.
   
   However I do recommend this book because the concepts of enjoying you life and implementing suggested tactics to avert pressure placed on you by others to marry the wrong person.



2. So, overall I really enjoyed this book. I am not a fan of self-help books usually, especially those about relationships. However, I remember Jen from 'The Bachelorette" and I admire her bravery for not settling. This book is great for single girls like me who see their friends getting married and having babies left and right. I'm only 25 and in no mood to settle down anytime soon. So, it was refreshing to hear that I'm normal and that is totally okay to be single and loving it. However, towards the end of the book it veered off into a book about relationships- how to meet and snag a man and how to keep the relationship going. Wait? I thought this book had the word 'Single' in the title. It was great advice, but belonged in a different book.
   But, overall I recommend this book for all those single girls out there who are seeing their friends "drop like flies", but refuse to settle themselves.



3. This girl has no idea what she's talking about and she's trying to give relationship advice? Her problem is that she doesn't know the difference between settling and compromise! See, in a real relationship, you need to make compromises. But to her, she'll call it settling. Don't waste your time or money on this book, this girl is just plain confused.



4. This book got me through some of the hardest single phases in my life. I would recommend it to every single female friend and family member I have. Definitely buy this; it's the best of its kind out there!



5. I just recently purchased "Better to Be Single Than Sorry" and I have to say I really enjoyed the book very much. I am 42 years old, single, no children, and not involved in a serious relationship (I chose my marital status by both choice and circumstance). In my twenties, I always thought about marriage, havng children with the "perfect man". I used to get jealous because all of my friends got married with kids and I was always the one left out. Now that I'm older and much wiser, I've come to realize that it's okay to be single and will never settle for less. Jen's book is truly an inspiration for me! This will help me and other single women all over the world avoid getting involved in a meaningless relationship/marriage.

5 comments about Healing A Broken Heart: A Guided Journal Through the Four Seasons of Relationship Recovery.

1. I gave my sister this book after watching her go through 4 major break ups in about as many years. It was a great tool to help her process the repeating patterns. The writing is thorough, but has a gentle tone. The overall design is beautiful and nice to spend time with.



2. This is one of the best self-help books I've seen. It actually takes you through a process by which you can understand what happened in your relationship and get your thoughts and feelings out so you can move on. It makes you dig deep and think hard as you go back to the root of the problems that interfered with your relationship. The poetry used is a nice touch and the exercises very effective in helping one get to the grief that's left when your heart is broken. The technique the authors use could be applied to healing other emotional pains as well.



3. When my nearly 3 year relationship ended, I was surprisingly relieved- it had been going nowhere for quite some time. But even in the midst of my newfound freedom and happiness, I knew that I still needed to grieve and learn from my mistakes. This journal was a godsend to me. I didn't want to read an advice book since that was not what I was looking for. This journal allowed me to reflect upon what had happened and then look toward the future. The various anecdotes and poems were extremely helpful as well. This journal also fit well into my life; I am often quite busy, and it really allows you to do as little or as much as you want/need to at a time. I can honestly say that I am completely healed and loving life more now than ever after completing this book.



4. I'm really glad I bought this. It provides many thought-provoking questions and prompts. The book consists mostly of pages with a question at the top followed by blank lines for you to write. There are some poems, quotations and words of guidance, but it's not about the reading, it's about the writing, which I liked a lot.



5. THIS BOOK IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND JUST SO GREAT EVERY PERSON SHOULD HAVE A COPY!

3 comments about So You're Getting Married.

1. This book is good for couples who are getting married. For first time marriage, the author provides wonderful insights into lives after marriage, expectations, how to communicate with your mate, and suggestions to handle touchy issues like in-laws, etc. For couples who have gone through unsuccessful marriage in the past, this book also explains the typical causes that make a marriage goes sour, and how you can free from your past and build a lasting relationship with your mate. Although this book is written from Christian perspectives, it can serve as a good resource for everyone who wants a lifelong marriage.



2. This book helped me and my fiance. As I was reading it I found that there were some things that we just never talked about and this opened the line of communication. Which made our relationship stronger.



3. Unlike many self help books, this book is written very concisely and gets to the point making it very easy, enjoyable, and quick to read. The biblical references and examples are very helpful too. This book has helped me tremendously. I think anyone getting married at any age for the first time should read this book.

5 comments about The Road Less Travelled: The New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth.

1. Read this book as it has the ability to allow you to transform your life.



2. I recommend this book on finding your identity and strengthening it. Very interesting the chapter about healthy separateness in marriage!The Art of Loving



3. I read this book back when I was 18 and besides all its other values, I was completely cured of procrastination after reading it!



4. Dr. Peck's landmark book "The Road Less Travelled" is a well-used book in our home library. With an open mind and the desire to help oneself, this
   book is of enormous assistance. It enlightens, examines, provides a
   plethora of goals and aims for one trying to find his/her way through a
   maze of psychic pain, emotional distress, and/or true depression.
   It was recommended to me by a physician who is board certified in
   Adult and Child Psychiatry. The book is a gem! Buy it, borrow it. . .
   but, read it again and again.



5. When I first read this book, I didn't have much experience in life and had a very short memory. As I grew in experience I realized that many of the positive changes in my thinking were seeded by ideas I gained reading this when I was relatively barren emotionally and intellectually. The person I was when I first read this book is now but a memory. But the amount and the kind of guidance I got along the way or continue to get from various sources is regulated by my own readiness to understand and eventually accept. I credit this work for giving me a place to start.

5 comments about Female Dominance: Rituals And Practices: Rituals and Practices.

1. This book is to the point and well written; I enjoyed reding it! In fact having read a lot of other DOM books I would rate this one in the best top 10! Great ideas and methods, great information and a real look inside the DOM mind!



2. Whether you are a frustrated wife with a man who can't stay away from her panties and stockings, or a much experienced Domme, the ideas and suggestions (not to mention explainations) of play and dress are absolutely fantastic.
   
   Ms Varrin presents SM activities in such a way that her enjoyment and pleasure simply ooze from the pages. I recommend this book to young and old, new and experienced hoping that like I did, they learn something.



3. A few years ago, I was caught off guard when my husband shared his fantasy of BDSM with me.
   
   I was flattered that he wanted to try new things with me, but I wasn't sure I'd be able to transform myself into a "Dominate Mistress".
   
   After a few feeble attempts, I threw my hands up and demanded that we try something else. Sure, I absolutely LOVED dressing up in Dom clothing and looking the part, but when it came down to it, I had NO CLUE what to do with the poor guy once it was time to deliver.
   
   Fast forward a few years later: The interest has been stirring again in both of us. And this time I've decided to research BDSM a lot more extensively than I did before. Which is how I came across this book.
   
   I've learned so much from the lovely Claudia Varrin. In addition to being very instructional, and chock full of techniques to try out, this book is really a delightful read within itself. I love the honesty and humour she injects throughout. Reading this has given me so much reassurance and confidence and now I feel ready to don the latex and give my darling husband a taste of having a Bitch bring him to his knees in loving humiliation.



4. Author assumes she knows all about the reader's attitudes. Only one point of view is given in the book - assumes 100% Dom 100% of the time. Bad language is used in the book - the points could have been put across without using bad language. However, the best part of the book was the chapter on tools used in the trade.
   
   If this was my first book on Dom, it would have been my last since this book would have removed any / all interest. I will not keep this book in my library.



5. This book is a great comprehensive guide to the world of Female Domination. It really would be beneficial to a person at any level of experience. However, if you are really starting at square one, I would recommend a nuts and bolts guide to accompany this book. I would also recommend reading "The Art of Sensual Female Domination" also by Claudia Varrin.

5 comments about The New Joy of Sex (The Joy of Sex Series).

1. seller had said that the book was almost new. but, it had a tear in the back cover. however, the transaction was good.



2. I picked up this highly priced book for my collection of "sexual techniques" books. I wont go as far as saying that its terrible, or that its wonderful.

   I thought that it had way to much writing in it, just random talking about history of sex and other stuff like that. It needs to have more about how to go about doing the possisions etc.

   The pictures are all drawings, other than a few in the beginning, but the drawings are old looking and a little dull.

   One good thing that I found about the book is the slang that they used in it though. It is hard to find a book that uses slang terms rather than the correct way. I have quite a few sex books, and this is the only one that goes far enough to use [modern phrases], rather than, "vagina" and "penis". I mean, come on, we all know that most people in bed dont use the term "vagina".

   If you are looking for more of a history on sex, get it. If you want detail, pass it up.




3. As a forty-something year old guy, I'm just as interested in sex as much as the next guy (or woman), so naturally I do sometimes wander to the Relationships section at the local book emporium and check out the guides on lovemaking. Yes, there are many such books out there (Anne Hooper seems to have made a good career for herself with her own series of "how-to" guides!), but the late Alex Comfort's The New Joy of Sex is by far the best.

   Updating his 1972 bestseller for the 1990s as a result of the AIDS crisis, Comfort supplements his always helpful advice from the 1970s edition with new sections in which he discusses safe sex, the importance of sharing and respecting a partner's needs or fantasies. Even better, Comfort uses language that is both informative and pleasing to the ear. He also avoids being overly clinical; knowing how most people talk about sex, he doesn't shy away from using colloquial [phrases] when referring to genitalia. Best of all, Comfort advises his audience that sex is something very human and essential to any meaningful relationship, so it should indeed be a source of joy.

   Beautifully illustrated throughout with photos by Clare Park and drawings by John Raynes, The New Joy of Sex should be read at least once by any couple seeking to enhance their relationship.




4. This book filled me with smarts on the subjact matter of sex. I'm thrilled to have read this here book. my net book to read will be Battlestar Galactaka or the Return of the Kings.



5. I am a 40 year old guy who has Dr. Comfort to thank for his suggestions in "Joy of Sex" that women should not shave their armpits. Too many people who should know better have made the mistake of equating armpit hair with body odor and this simply is not the case. My partner of the last 15 years has never shaved any of her body hair and has always been attractive to me.
   She used to feel uncomfortable about it sometimes and was considering shaving for the first time in her life and then read "JoS". Combined with the text of that publication and fully realizing how much I appreciated her natural look made her much more comfortable and at ease with herself. This book was informative and entertaining in what may be called an "old fashioned" way but hey it was written in the early 70's. If there is a criticism it may be that some of the sexual intercourse positions may be unattainable for lesser endowed men which fortunatley I don't have to worry about but all in all was a wonderful read and I would advise anyone and everyone of legal age who has even the slightest interest in sex to read it and even for those of us who are vastly experienced, it could still provide some very interesting advice and ideas.

4 comments about Practice Random Acts of Kindness: Bring More Peace, Love, And Compassion into the World.

1. 
   "Try not. do or do not, there is no try."
   -- Yoda, in The Empire Strikes Back movie of the Star Wars trilogy
   
   Each special story starts with a quote. To me, this Yoda quote says it all. We should not talk or think about doing random acts of kindness--we should be doing them.
   
   People's stories are divided into six sections:
   
   Kindness Is An Attitude and an Action
   Kindness Begins at Home
   Kindness Ripples Out into the World
   Kindness Creates Happiness and Peace of Mind
   Kindness Generates Love and Compassion
   Kindness Feeds the Body and Soul
   
   In all areas of our life we can practice acts of kindness--and that is shown in these stories collected by the authors of Random Acts of Kindness.
   
   The Random Acts of Kindness series has sold over 1.5 million books since first published in 1996. This latest release provides readers with meditations, affirmations, and stories collected on kind deeds throughout the world. It gives readers the spiritual and psychological impetus to "pay it forward" in a meaningful way, understanding that their act may go unnoticed, but as Rabbi Kushner says "our reward is the knowledge that we have redeemed the world."
   
   At a time when readers are starved for heartfelt stories, good deeds, concerned neighbors, and all around compassion, Conari felt the time was right to reprint this book.
   
   Armchair Interview says: Now is the time to act. Acts of kindness are easy to do.



2. This book is a wonderful expression on what the world needs most. I just couldn't punish my 8 month old puppy when he ate the cover off the book. So, even there is a random act of kindness inspired by this book.
   I really enjoy Kushner's books.



3. The world would be a much better place if we all practiced random acts of kindness on a regular basis. It only takes a simple act, a kind word, or some small amount of kindness to change a person's whole day. Even the crankiest person, when given the chance, can actually show that their humanity. Moreover, kindness is highly contagious, so it is the gift that keeps giving. In return, we are able see people in a different light, feel more connected, and ultimately change the world just a little.
   
   Practice Random Acts of Kindness is truly awe-inspiring. From the title, I expected that this book would include very specific lists of things that I could do to practice random acts of kindness in my own life. I was fully ready to pour over several hundreds of pages of ideas until I found one or two acts that I could actually do.
   
   I was happily surprised. As I read though the pages, I came up with dozens of things that I could actually do in my daily life. Instead of long lists to peruse, this book examines important topics associated with helping others such as understanding what you expect to get out of being kind, how seemingly small acts go a long way, and most importantly that the best time to do an act of kindness is when you don't feel like it (for someone who might not be so appreciative). Each section includes an inspirational quote and stories of those who received or witnessed acts of kindness. This format allowed me to be creative and find ways to use my own talents, abilities, and circumstances to make the world just a little better.



4. Have you ever wondered what impact your daily encounters can have on those around you? Have you ever thought that good deeds go unnoticed?
   
   Taken from the stories of individuals that have been touched by kindness, this compilation explores the connections we have to one another, and shows us how to live fully from a place of gratitude for even the seemingly smallest acts.
   
   Practice Random Acts of Kindness is organized into themed sections, with short stories or meditations offered on kindness all relating back to thought provoking quotes.
   
   "The attitude we have toward the world affects everyone around us. ... When we are able to move through our lives radiating happiness, we are like mobile suns, bathing everyone in the warmth of our rays."

1 comments about The Spirit of a Man: A Vision of Transformation for Black Men and the Women Who Love Them.

1. I am a 21 year old black man, who for so long knew that there was more to life but could not figure out what it was. Months of searching lead me to realize that I had to become more spiritual. I went on to read numerous books on spirituality and self-improvement, but after learning these principles I had no way of applying them. This book showed me how to apply what i had learnt and also taught me a lot more things about life and my relationship with the Creator. This book is a must for every black man or woman who is at the entrance of the tunnel, sees the light at the end, but does not know how to walk through. Iyanla took my hand and I'm sure she'll take yours. After she has lead you to the light, you learn the ultimate lesson: you have been and will always be able to lead others through this tunnel.