5 comments about The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism.

1. "Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships" Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism", by Temple Grandin & Sean Baron and Editor Veronica Zysk. Future Horizons, TX 2005. ISBN 1-932565-06-X. HC 383 pages, no illust., 3 pgs. Ref. 9 1/4" x 6 1/4".
   
   An intense, factual expose of the autistic mind-set interpreted through the minds of two published writers, both of whom worked successfully to overcome their ASD (autism spectrum disorder) disabilities, including AS (Asperger's) or Aspies. The book's format was uniquely addressed by having a skilled editor monitor major issues and allowing the authors to define & explicate personal experiences & varied techniques they used to overcome obstacles and deficiencies, nearly all of which involved social interaction with peers, parents & professionals (teachers or employers).
   
   Importantly the spectral divergence of afflictions were compared and categorized into basic subtypes as Imaging vs Logical (flat affect) vs Emotional types; noting need to become integrated in society through compensatory, modified behaviors, while stressing importance of obtaining early help through parenting, mentors, professionals and inherent need to gain motivation and self-esteem. Great emphasis is placed on the "Ten Unwritten Rules of Social Relationship", most of which are social skills & behaviors taught under generic term of manners, etc., and are discussed in a highly emphatic but coherent manner. Specific weak links in ASD include rigidity of thought & behavior, difficulty in multi-tasking, emotional absence or lability, lack of perspective thinking, and naiveté or guilelessness wherein unfair advantage is easily taken of them.
   
   The book, as a primer teaching tool, rightfully contains modest prolixity, which in and of itself is common to ASD. The mismatch of the sensory inputs (visual, auditory, touch, etc.) often requires environmental adjustments or elimination, at times the use of medications or special diets, and regular exercise is emphasized. Conclusions include some brief synopses of other ASDs having diverse problems, some undiagnosed until adulthood. Current era where societal integration is less tightly bonded, family units fragmented and a heightened if not frantic pace of living reigns in a culture of increasing acceptance of using drugs, alcohol, smoking, sex, video-games, C-Ps and self-importance causes authors to suggest current-day treatment is more difficult than during the 50's and 60's when B&W TV was monitored.
   
   This is a book that everyone, affected or not, would learn a great deal about successful societal integration.



2. This book if filled with great information about Temple and Sean growing up in and how their disorder effected all parts of their lives. This book is beneficial for other families and for professionals. I highly recommended this title!



3. The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of AutismAs the parent of 2 children and a husband with Asperger's, this book (I've read many)has many Aha moments. Very well written and very insightful. A must read for parents, teachers, etc. who work with children with Autism and Aspergers. I originally bought this book to help my now teenage boys with the social aspects of growing up but I have learned just as much if not more about how they look at life.



4. As a man in my 40's who recently discovered I have symptoms of Asperger's, this book was very helpful. It's a well written, easy read. The stories and advice of the two authors are interwoven in such a way to provide alternate perspectives. Grandin is logical. Barron is emotional. The authors offer practical advice in compensating for literal rigid thinking, anxiety by adjusting diet and increasing flexibility and learning social rules. Grandin speaks frankly. I learned much about myself and other people.



5. Very fabulous insight into the world of ASD and being a grandmother to an Aspie I welcome all the info I can gather. Such an interesting world and Temple Grandin and Sean Barron are heros to share their life experience and expertise. Thanks so much for your wisdom!!

5 comments about Getting the Love You Want Workbook: The New Couples' Study Guide.

1. I am only writing this to warn others you'll need the other book to be able to use this workbook. I don't have the other book so I have not been able to use any of the workbook.



2. Harville Hendricks has provided a clear and easily followed outline for couples to follow as they work on their marriage. It teaches effective communication which is the foundation of a successful marriage. I heartily endorse this book.



3. I have studied and practiced several models for couples counseling and this one by Hendrix is by far the best. Make sure to read the book as well.



4. The philosophy of relationships that Dr. Haskill has developed is well researched and eye opening. The excersizes in the workbook are useful tools for willing couples to use to find a deeper understanding of themselves and better communication.
   However, the workbook is not necessary if you buy the book "Getting the Love you want;" you can use your own notebook to do the sessions which comprise section 3 of the book, as well as the workbook.
   I do highly recommend this item, for anyone who believes that the answer to trouble in a love relationship is not to abandon the loved one but to first resolve the issues that have surfaced. The author has really hit on something.



5. I would recommend "Getting the Love You Want" and the companion workbook to any couple who wants to strengthen their relationship.
   Also I is a good match with the book I Love You. Now What?: Falling in Love is a Mystery, Keeping It Isn't

5 comments about The Story of a Lifetime: A Keepsake of Personal Memoirs.

1. My siblings and I bought this book for our mother who just turned 65 and is home alone often. She needs nothing material and so it is very hard to buy gifts for her.
   
   Because she is on her own, she enjoys quiet and sedentary activities such as reading, puzzles,etc. We thought this would be a good gift to keep her mentally alert and engaged in something meaningful. She has expressed delight in the book. We just now have to see her start to fill it out! The book contains so many different topic areas that we feel she will be kept busy if nothing else.



2. We gave this to my mother in law as a gift. It is a beautiful book, and seems to have an extensive amount of ideas to help prompt her in telling her story.



3. I bought this book years ago for my parents. My Mom is now 90 and in a dementia home, but my Dad is 88 and still going strong. He finally got time to start on the book. He took out all the pages, and 3 ring-punched them so he could put each page in his typewriter to respond to the questions and then I added old photos from his Dad's scrapbook and also ones from their old photo albums. Some of the questions are repetitious and those pages, we did not use. When he only had a short answer to type, I attached a photo that went with the answer. It's taken us months to complete but he loved working on it and everyone wants a copy. At the end, I added our own section where everyone in the family submitted their own question to him and included a photo of themselves for their personalized page in the book. I highly recommend getting all parents to make such a wonderful keepsake!



4. A great book. Thorough prompts for any writer or non-writer. A jumping off point to something truly wonderful or a stand-alone journal for keepsakes. Loved the book. Gave it to my mother on my wedding day. Thank You!



5. I bought this as a retirement gift for my mother-in-law. Much bigger book than I thought - it will take a lifetime to fill out, but it is a wonderful gift to leave for generations to come.

5 comments about Keeping The Love You Find: A Guide for Singles.

1. If you are really committed to personal growth and to not repeating the same old mistakes in your next relationship, then this is the book. it is not an easy read. I was recommended this book by my therapist and it's the most intense self help book I have ever worked through (and I have been doing this for some time).
   Doing the exercises in the book has helped me to bring all kinds of thoughts and habits that I wasn't aware of into consciousness where I stand a chance of healing them and doing things differently in the future. The process has been painful and uncomfortable at times and I had to take breaks and come back to it, but it has accelerated my personal growth dramatically. Really worth it.



2. This is another excellent book by Harville Hendrix in which you can learn a lot about what makes you do the things you do in a relationship, and why others do what they do. I found both this book and Hendrix's Guide for Couples extremely enlightening and I've read a lot of self-help books! (The Guide for Couples is fine for Singles, by the way)



3. This is a great self-help book. If you complete the exercises you will learn a lot about yourself.



4. I read this book and didn't really like a lot of the sections in it. Everybody is different though. It wasn't of value to me, but it could help you.



5. As a psychotherapy training supervisor, I highly recommend this book for singles, couples and those professionals open to a different slant on relationships.

5 comments about That's My Son: How Moms Can Influence Boys to Become Men of Character.

1. I was having a lot of trouble with my relationship with my 9 yr. old son, so I bought this book (as well as The Mommy Manual by Barbara Curtis), and although I've only just read the first chapter, I've already learned a few things about boys (and men) that I didn't understand before, and I can look at my son with a little more understanding now. I recommend this book to all moms who have sons (or a husband for that matter!) :)



2. I really enjoyed this book. Although it is written to speak to mothers who raise their children by them selves, as a stay at home mom of a 2yo, I found the information in the book helpful. My biggest take away is to have a conversation with boys while you are moving, it registers in their brains better if you are active with them. What a great tip to help me be a better mom.



3. I have read a lot of books about raising boys, most of them written especially for fathers. This is the first book I have come across especially for moms. As a single mother with a son to raise I have been looking for a book like this.



4. Being an only child with a father who was raised with a strong mother and 3 sisters, I was not ready for the differences in raising a son. This is straight forward and real life information. No scientific studies or wordiness. The real deal. Some things I never thought of facing or being an issue. Helped me "love" (v) my son again and lessen the frustration which dominated my mind.



5. Travelling for Thanksgiving last year, I picked this book up at a huge truck stop in Waco, TX. I literally couldn't put it down, & immediately went to the better dads website to order my husband the fathers book. For the first time, I finally felt more courageous & confident on how to raise a son to become a good man. In a society that no longer encourages raising boys to become men of character & integrity, I think this should be required reading to have a son! :) I can't recommend this great book enough.....I promise it is worth every penny to purchase it, & then some. Rick also does speaking events & is an amazing speaker. We were so touched by his books, we had him come to our church in Texas to do a few of his seminars, they were awesome! Truly such a blessing to our entire community. Thanks Rick!

5 comments about The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth.

1. I am preparing for the birth of my first child. My husband and I are both from academic research backgrounds, and do not give much weight to any "data" which does not have a legitimate scientific source. This book was exactly what I wanted in a birthing book: real facts from someone who knows how to review medical literature. I do not have access to all the medical journals and wanted someone to synthesize the information for us. Henci does this.
   Yes, she is admittedly biased against the hospital model of delivery. She states this openly in the introduction, and invites you to read on with that in mind. This book does not offer any advice on pain management, meditation, hypnosis, etc. But what it does do it is give you scientifically sound peer-reviewed research to support your decision to go natural. This helped me commit to natural delivery, and now I'm reading other books for help with the HOW. If you're like me and want someone to present you with the SCIENCE you need, read this book.



2. This is a wonderful book - a pleasant relief from the doom-and-gloom of what to expect books. It is well documented with references from medical literature. Birth can be wonderful if you are prepared!



3. I didn't enjoy this book at all. I thought it had great information, but it was conveyed in such a negative light. The medical profession was portrayed as evil bloodsucking beings who want nothing but to ruin your magical birthing experience and damage your baby. I stopped reading it because while I want to be informed, I also trust my doctor. I had a fabulous birth experience in a hospital anyway and my daughter is not a fire monster.



4. I was expecting this book to be not only informative, but empowering to women and positive. It is informative, but so so negative with it's scare tactics about what "really goes on" in a hospital it sounds like it was written by a man. I am choosing to have a natural birth, but I choose to for other reasons, not because I have been frightened into it by now knowing what goes on the medical way. At the end of the day, I have to be open to the possibility of cesarean if it is required and would like to remain positive about that. Reading this book left me disappointed if I was to have a C Section. Don't waste your money or time with this book. Ina May's Guide to a natural birth is not only extremely informative without the negativity, but SO SO wonderfully empowering. It left me looking forward to the labor experience and provided confidence to trust my body. Still the best pregnancy book I have read.



5. Thank goodness for A Thinking Woman's Guide. I mean really folks. Finally a book that talks about the science and keeps it in perspective with risk. I'm glad that Goer is the statistical researcher that she is. Great book. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Codependents' Guide to the Twelve Steps.

1. It was hard for me to keep interested. Lots of info, and I am sure it can help some people. But I lost interest in finishing it.



2. If you have read "Codependent No More" and though "Oh my gosh, that's me!" This is the book to get you on track to rid yourself of the pain and frustration in your life. Be ready to be honest with yourself, and answer some difficult questions...



3. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired - this is the book for you. I have struggled with people-pleasing, victimization, saying yes when I want to say no, etc. This book has taught me how to take care of myself, and life a happier life!



4. I was skeptical at first about reading a book on the steps. I wasn't sure if it could help me. I had attended a few meetings and thought I knew some of the concepts, but this book opened my eyes. I think that Melody Beattie is very personal and caring in the mind of a codependent. She made me feel like I wasn't a bad person and I could recover from the out of control way my life has been. I'm only on step three, but I feel like I understand more than I have my whole life about who I am and my own needs. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with codependency or with the addiction of a loved one. I never even knew I was a codependent, but the book has taught me that I am and its ok, I just need to start making changes.



5. After spending years in 12 step programs, I find this a unique, effective way to deal with and improve my emotional and spiritual standard of living. This book by Melody Beattie is eye-opening and right on the mark.
   This book helped change my life!Codependents' Guide to the Twelve Steps

5 comments about Buddhism for Mothers: A Calm Approach to Caring for Yourself and Your Children.

1. I loved this book, it was really beautifully written, Sarah has a lovely style of writing. Her own personal stories were my favourite parts of the book but this book is much more about how to enrich our everyday lives with buddhism. The principles are outlined simply and applied to the painfully banal trials of parenting with compassion and humour. Forget any religious leanings, I recommend this book to all mothers.



2. I am not a Buddhist, although there is much about the religion that I think can help us in everyday life. I picked up this book more for the tips on parenting than to learn more about Buddhism. For this reason I only skimmed through the initial and final chapters which are more about Buddhism, and concentrated on the segments in the middle.
   
   What I particularly like about this book is that is very upfront about how difficult and lonely parenting can sometimes feel. Sarah Napthali (and the other women whom she quotes) are very frank about the times when they've been angry with their children or partners, when they've felt depressed or anxious or when they just fail to enjoy parenting as much as they'd like to. It's clear that being a Buddhist doesn't mean that you never feel these difficult emotions, just that you work on not giving in to them. Because this book is written in such an unjudgemental and empathetic way, I found it very inspiring. I think this should be required reading for every mother!
   
   My only critique really is that the book is too topline. Although Napthali does give a handy list of techniques to help you parent in a more calm way, I found that some of them were more headlines than how to-s. The book also includes a chapters on topics like concerns about ageing and relationships with your partner and while these were interesting I would have preferred her to spend more time on parenting issues.
   
   Nevertheless, it's a fabulous book to keep on your bedside table. I liked to read a few pages and reflect back at the end of the day.



3. Buddism for Mothers is fantastic for keeping you grounded. Its honesty is refreshing as it feels like I am talking to a girlfriend. We can all relate to the bad days and not handling situations as well as we should have. Buddism for Mothers has lifted my spirit, given me courage to keep going when I thought I couldn't and confirmed that I am a good person doing the best I can in a difficult job. I have recommended this book to older women, friends with kids and to a friend that doesn't have children yet. The advice is practical, helpful,insightful and empowering.



4. Wow! At last! Someone finally has the guts to tell all. Being a foreigner in the USA, I often find that women are very socially conditioned, they too often do not speak their mind, but instead stick to revealing only that which is socially acceptable. Very frustrating! The minute I opened this book, I felt one with Sarah. In such a gentle yet wise way she is so open about her shortcomings, feelings and experiences - it was as if I myself were writing this book. Amazing! And for anyone looking to explore Buddhism, this is such an informative non-lecturing gentle approach. I would recommend this book to any mother, regardless of religion or faith. It is the most compelling motherhood and mothering book I have ever bought and am already ordering copies for others that I know!



5. This book is so wonderful and can be applied to all relationships in your life. I couldn't wait to put the principals into practice!! It really is a wonderful book for all religions. I am Christian and never learned any of this stuff. EVERYONE should have knowledge of this info. Absolutely by far the best self-help book I have read!

5 comments about Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day: Proven Secrets of the Potty Pro [toilet training].

1. I was so impressed with Teri Crane's book on how to "Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day" that I read it twice just to make sure I didn't miss anything. Her techniques work ! I highly recommend her method to anyone who has reached this milestone in his or her child's life. I hope Teri is in the process of writing another insightful book for us.
   
   Sincerely,
   M. P. Sullivan



2. Men's Health magazine wrote a 3 page article on this book in their Sept. '08 issue.
   
   I was so desperate to finally try a book that really worked! Too many of the potty training books out on the market today all rehash the same "old" tired toilet training tips. Teri Crane's book is unique in its ideas and a great read. Her secret is to throw a potty party. And if you think about it--what child doesn't love to play and pretend. With a few decorations that my son Nicolas loved, he became putty my instructional hands. And the best part--I didn't have to spend a lot of money. My son was having such a blast during our potty party--he didn't even realize he was being toilet trained.
   
   I read a few of the unfavorable reviews for this book and am really glad I kept an open mind. You can make this whole experience as lavish or economical as you wish. We probably spent about $40 on the entire party. Trust me, $40 is nothing compared to the $800 or more we were spending on disposables every year!
   
   The whole idea of making potty training "fun", is simply brilliant! As a Dad, I can honestly say I was dreading the whole idea of potty training. But this book actually made it a great bonding experience with me and my little guy.



3. I read 3 other potty training books by so called "experts" and none of them worked. This is hands down the best book I read, and more importantly, it worked. If you take the time to read and implement, you will get the results you desire.



4. This method really works. I bought several books to give away in my church to young mothers wanting to make money by offering potty training services.



5. The title of this book is what got my attention. I was very pregnant and extremely exhausted when I found it and I was not looking forward to potty training my very difficult 3 1/2 year old son. I picked up the book thinking I'd use it after the new baby had arrived and things had settled down, but that was not to be. My MIL called wanting to know how the potty training was going and that was it. We knew she wasn't going to let up.
   
   Soooo, I started planning our potty party, fully expecting to fail miserably. We couldn't find the peeing doll, improvised on the dolly underwear by cutting off the toes of my husband's old socks and snipping each corner off for the dolls legs to fit through and we weren't able to get everyone out of the house during the day, but other than that, we stuck to the book as closely as we could.
   
   The day came for my son's Lightning McQueen party and despite my husband's awesome decorating job that he pulled off BY HIMSELF while the rest of us were sleeping, things didn't start off too great. When it came time to pop the videos in, the first couple bombed and I was ready to give up. However it came time to try a video again, we slipped Potty Power - For Boys & Girls into the player and even though my son tried to resist, it was futile. He couldn't stop himself from singing along with the various potty songs which just happened to correspond quite nicely with Teri Crane's book.
   
   By the end of the day, my son was throwing away his diapers and putting forth a real effort to get to the potty on time. Within a week or two he was dry all day.
   
   He did continue to have accidents at night, but once we figured out he had a gluten intolerance and cut dairy, wheat, corn and peanut butter out of his diet, he stopped wetting the bed!
   
   I think this book and Potty Power were the perfect combination for my son's needs.

5 comments about Five Minutes to Orgasm Every Time You Make Love: Female Orgasm Made Simple.

1. I'm what you might call a late bloomer. I saved myself for marriage, and stayed a virgin until my wedding night. Naturally, I didn't have anything to compare it to, and I definitely did not reach an orgasm that night. I remained faithful and married to the same man for 20 years. During that time, I never learned to masturbate or pleasure myself in any way. I could count on one hand the number of times I reached orgasm through intercourse alone. And intercourse alone is pretty much the way we always had sex. My husband did not like to perform oral sex on me since he was very religious, and thought it was dirty. After our children were grown, I decided there had to be more to life than what I had experienced so far. I divorced him, and became quite promiscuous, searching for that elusive butterfly--the female orgasm. I never found it until I read this book. This book does not assume that a woman is sophisticated or experienced in sex. I assumes that a woman who is unable to have an orgasm with just intercourse either (a) lacks knowledge or (b) is inexperienced. I was both. I needed to start at the beginning and work forward, just as the author shows you how to do. Now that I am having the time of my life with my new, much younger, boyfriend, we have moved on to more sophisticated things. Here is the helpful book, which was co-authored by Ms. Hutchins, that has taken my new partner and I to higher levels of orgamic bliss: The Sensuous Couple's (Flip Over) Guide to Seismic Oral Sex. It's a flip over book that has Fellatio on one side and Cunnilingus on the other. Buy both books and start a library!



2. not as great as others have reviewed the book i could recommend female ejacualation and the g spot book which is much better read than this one



3. This book was really disappointing. Basically, it tells women: "just give up, you will always take too long to have an orgasm with your partner; just close your eyes, be on top, masturbate, and fantasize while you do it". Nothing wrong with doing any of this, but I couldn't help sensing a feeling of defeat while reading this book...on one hand, the book has its merits for translating to words what many women feel about orgasm, that it takes much longer with a partner than alone, that men have trouble learning the right speed and pressure a women need, that sometimes we are just lazy to go through the whole "process", how frustrated women get when the sex is over and the women hasn't come, etc. (and this why I gave it 2 starts instead of 1 - for its honesty!). However, the solution that the author points out (the so called "3 step") is basically: (1) be on top of your lover (we all know this is the best position for women); (ii) masturbate while you are on top; and (iii) have fantasies to help you have an orgasm quicker.
   Guess what the 5 min refer to? Women usually take 4 min to reach orgasm when masturbating themselves! So why not 5 min when doing te same on top of your lover?
   In the end, I felt she was talking more about 2 people masturbating on each other, than about a sexual experience you can only have as a couple. This is quite sad. Her honesty and good descriptions added to the "solution" she proposes translates to me as the following message: "just give up women, and masturbate!"
   I want to keep trytng to reach orgasm faster with my lover without having to masturbate. This I can do alone! Agree?



4. I would recommend this book to anyone really. It opened my mind and I got a big wake up call...Basically worrying about yourself and not the other person, or how or if he will make you; you know get off. You have to make it happen for yourself great insights. read it in a day. Happy reading out there.



5. I bought this and The Elusive Orgasm. This book has very good information for women who can orgasm by themselves but not during sex. If you have trouble orgasming at all then this won't be helpful, I recomend the Elusive Orgasm for these problems. The book is a really quick read (100 pages) and not by an expert, but has good information still. I think this book is good for the specific problem of not reaching orgasm fast enough during sex but not for any other problems.