5 comments about The Saturday Wife.

1. I absolutely love Naomi Ragen and was very disappointed with this book. Delilah, her main character, was not only flawed; she had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. In Ragen's other books, she creates complex characters who have merits and flaws, so even if you don't like them, you can understand their motivations. I found Delilah to be one-dimensonally selfish and therefore not very interesting. Pass this one up; hopefully she'll do better on the next one.



2. Naomi Ragen is one of my favorite authors and having read most of her previous books I can relate to her latest, "The Saturday Wife". On the surface it is a light look at Orthodox Jewery and the very strict restrictions put on the individual. But read seriously--read deeply--and there are current issues to ponder. It is a layered story unraveling the lives of a young couple; he a brand-new Rabbi who thinks he will inherit his grandfather's congregation in New York, she, a beautiful and vivacious new wife who longs for more choices. I think it is a most enjoyable read.



3. Bleh! I feel worse for having read this book. Plot spoiler alert: if a character has blonde hair (male or female) they are BAD. If they have dark hair they are good. It's as simple as that in Ms. Ragen's book. I kept reading as bad as it was to see if there was a moment of enlightenment at the end. There is not.
   I have never read a book like this where there was not one character that was likeable. Even the nice ones (Mrs. holier than thou Rivkie) were not so nice after all.
   If you want dysfunction write a book about a condo association in Boca and make it funny. This was just mean spirited and sad.



4. This is a good fictional read but it is highly unreflective of real-life orthodox life. The events in this book would hardly ever happen and the book itself gives the wrong picture of what is a much more beautiful way of life where women aren't treated the way they are reflected in this book.



5. This is very different from Naomi Regan's other books. It's truly a novel but I loved it!! It was a very interesting picture of a girl that married someone she wasn't sure of and of her quest for a "rich" life, in every sense of the word. Naomi....you go girl!! Can't wait for your next book. Thank you, Judy Rock

5 comments about My Son...My Son: A Guide to Healing After Death, Loss, or Suicide.

1. After the 1977 suicide of her 20 year old musician son, Iris Bolton says, "to climb from that emotional abyss would force me to fight the hardest battle of my life." On top of that, she was faced with the stigma of a "failed parent", and, she felt like a "discredited counselor" as the director of a family therapy center. Suicide transmits a public ridicule and private humiliation, grief, guilt and anger.

   Bolton eloquently shares her experience with brilliant usage of metaphors to describe the tortured process from grief to survival.

   Again, this is HER story and we don't get to much information about the healing process of her other 3 sons and her husband.
   
   But the premise of this story and guide revolves around "a gift" promised by a friend and psychiatrist who said, that there is a gift for her in her son's death, hard to accept now, but it is there if she is willing to search for it if she chooses.

   What develops from her painful experience is the "gift"- the ability to truly help and guide others in similar situations. Her gift comes to play when she courageously assists a family whose 18-year old daughter commits suicide. Please read the talk she gave at the funeral in 1980. Another piece she offers is a compassionate message titled "Though We Meet as Strangers, By Our Love We Shall be Known"

   Included is a memorable and inspirational poem she wrote about her son, the consequences of suicide and regaining spirit. From there, she has prominently established herself to give hope to others that they, too, can survive and recover.

   Aside from Suicide Resources, what is especially important is a guide called "Beyond Survival" that simply lists steps to take. Only one who has healed and survived a tragedy can express this in words. And, crucial information is included called the "Do's and Don'ts." Not having gone through this experience, anyone and everyone giving comfort to those in need should examine this list! In our lifetime, we will encounter some form of comforting. This is an excellent book! Read it.....MzRizz




2. If you only buy or read one book about suicide, this is the book to get. An easy read, one you will read over and over and tell everyone else to read. It is sensible, caring and she puts it all in a way that is comforting and insightful.



3. My brother died by suicide 6 years ago and even though years have passed, this book has given me some freedom in areas I struggled with. Truly a cloud has been lifted from my life as I began to apply her message to my own broken heart. This book is difficult to read because of the emotions it stirs but well worth the journey for on the other side, there is healing.



4. For all of us who lost a loved one to suicide, we automatically feel guilty for not seeing it coming, or being able to stop it.
   Here is a book who's author is a thearpist and her son is in a treatment plan and he succeeds, in his suicide..
   Her book helps you see all aspects of suicide, and if possible see how with all our efforts, we couldn't stop it..
   It's excellent and my support group all found it extremely helpful..



5. Written by a mother and counselor, Iris Bolton is also a survivor and triumphant veteran of the most unimaginable grief there could be. Her son died of suicide. She used what she learned in her own grief to help others, especially in the case of the child of a suicide death. The book is an eloquent and well-rounded combination both of the sharing of a broken and questioning heart and the helpful information and resources for others trying to find any light of hope in the tunnel-vision of grief. Packed full of straight-forward honesty and truths, here are a few jewels from the author's troves of wisdom on the subject.
   
   An experienced grief counselor tells Ms. Bolton after her son's death, "There is a gift for you in your son's death. You may not believe it at this bitter moment, but it is authentic and it can be yours if you are willing to search for it. To other eyes it may remain hidden. The gift is real and precious and you can find it if you choose."
   
   Reference to the insensitivity of others at a time of a mourner's greatest sensitivity: "To my amazement, I jerked my arms free. `I'm not ready yet!' Such assertiveness was foreign to my nature but now it was the product of a growing awareness that many others were assuming that they knew what was best for me." And this: "Many loving people who want to help will be giving you advice about what to do. Some will say snap out of it; some will urge you to take it easy; some will say it's God's will. At a time like this, everybody becomes an instant expert. But you do what you want to do. You do what feels right for you. Even if nobody else approves and you still decide for it, you do it."
   
   Regarding the usage of pills and the detrimental effects of numbing the pain that must ultimately be gone through to get through to the other side: "Normal grief is not an emotional illness. It is a process that must be experienced. Sorrow must be accepted and allowed to mature and then, hopefully, be laid aside."
   
   A sample of instructions for ultimate healing: "Cry wherever you are. It is natural and healing. Grief is not something you can bottle up and screw on the cap. That way guarantees future pain and disaster. Instead, throw the cap away, and one day your bottle of pain will be emptied and you may know peace. You will never be the same, you will be different, but you can know joy again."
   
   For those whose beloved died in any way, this book is an excellent help.

5 comments about Having an Affair?: A Handbook for the "Other Woman".

1. Regardless if whether you are thinking about doing it, in the middle of doing it or have ended one... you need to read this book. Ms Symonds uses wit, humor, common sense and an extremely tender heart to counsel those of us who have been through the roller coaster of being the other woman. She uses a no judgement approach to illustrate the pros and cons of this type of relationship. For anyone who is going through this - you'll feel better after reading this book!!



2. I would recommend this book to not only the intended audience (the other women/mistresses) but to married men (MM). They should get a clear picture of the treachery and manipulations that "other women" will stoop to, the same women who say they are happy with the few crumbs they receive from their MM, but in truth want what almost every woman wants- a committed relationship, where her needs and his needs are met exclusively.
   
   I also think that every wife should read this book, so that they can apply some of the tips and tricks for mistresses in this book to their own marriage in order to keep things exciting. Some helpful mistress tips that could easily become marital tips are- Always look your best, when you call him always ask "can you talk", don't just start "yabbering," greet him at the door in sexy outfits. All good ideas for a better marriage, right?
   
   I thought Sarah was harsh in her description of wives in general; generalizing that all wives are indifferent, uncaring, money hungry people (was the author projecting?) and her description of being married (she has never been) which seemed akin to living in a dungeon in some mid-evil castle.
   
   What I did like was a glimpse into a world that shows you how many-a-mistress thinks. How they justify their actions and absolve themselves from any blame or guilt associated with the affair.
   
   Finally, a spreadsheet of deceit that lists Sarah's perceived pros and cons of having sexual relations with a married man, a few top pros? "Feeling completely relaxed in your ancient ugly pajamas (which you never let you MM see)." "Not having to have sex if you don't feel like it." Is that really true? I suppose a mistress will just tell her MM - I have a headache? So book contradictions aside - get this book and read it, hopefully it will save you pain, but regardless it will teach you a lot about people!



3. The author did make many good points about a woman's involvement with married men. However, it is clear she is under the impression women only use men for money and gifts. Not all women involved with a married man expect to be spoiled with gifts. If I wanted to have sex for money, I would simply be a prostitute, which is more or less what the other women this book would really relate to are! Some "other women" or having affairs because they are using the man for sex, or simply enjoy his company and do not expect to be financially compensated for sharing themselves with their "MM."



4. What about 2 individuals, both married risking the same thing? Both with children, both with spouses they love but in need of something more. 2 people who want to feel alive again and who have spouses who no longer want intimacy. This book is mainly for single woman and married men.



5. I loved this book. I really learned alot. I finally realized what really goes on when their is an affair going on. All women should read this book even if they never had an affair. Great Book!

5 comments about Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Bible.

1. You already respect Jay Adams. This little book should be a brief but required course of study for any Bible-believing church leader or pastor. Too much damage is being caused in Christ's church by well-meaning but misinformed leaders. Read, study and even repent where necessary. Go after those branded second-class Christians who have been turned off and shelved. Reflect the Glory of a just and merciful Savior.



2. In this book Jay Adams addresses a topic that could not be more practical in the Church. Marriage, divorce, and remarriage are topics that have been debated and quarreled over since the inception of the Church, but especially so in the last 50 years with Feminism becoming what it has and postmodernity influencing the moral framework by which people examine what is right and true.
   
   Dr. Adams does a faithful job of presenting a Biblical perspective on these issues; mind that Biblical does not always line up with what is stereotypical of Christianity in some conservative circles, it means the view is drawn directly from scripture as best as Adams knows how with the presupposition that it is scripture itself which contains the truth by which we are to live and pursue godliness.
   
   Essentially it is Biblical, but it might be surprising for some. It surprised me, but upon examining the text, it true to a biblical worldview.



3. I have read Jay Adams book and will make a full review later (I want to read John Murray's book first), but came across a review that I agree with. I will have more to critique than this reviewer does, but it is a good start.
   
   Book Title: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage In the Bible
   Book Author: Dr. Jay E. Adams
   Our Rating: Poor
   Book Theme
   
   Taking a concept-by-concept approach, Dr. Adams examines the fundamentals of marriage, then divorce, and ultimately, remarriage. Relying heavily on the Scriptures, Dr. Adams avoids using traditions as a basis for establishing the doctrines of matrimony and marriage dissolution.
   
   Analysis of the Book
   Reading this book and writing this review was a personal disappointment. Dr. Adams is one of my personal spiritual role models whom I hold in the highest regard. Sadly, this book fails to achieve a proper understanding of the nature of divorce and remarriage based upon a faulty interpretation of Scripture.
   
   Dr. Adams does a genuinely thorough biblical evaluation of the question, "what is a marriage?" The principles of marriage as outlined by God in His Word are well documented. Additionally, the concept of engaged men and women in both the Old and New Testament being called "husbands" and "wives" is convincingly extracted and described from the Bible by Dr. Adams.
   Even the bulk of Dr. Adams' treatment of the subject of divorce is keenly derived from the Scriptures. God certainly hates divorce and has established considerable warnings to men from initiating such proceedings. While controversial, this reviewer found that much of the chapter dealing with the "exception clauses" was consistently and properly handled.
   
   With so much of the book being biblically acceptable, why is such a harsh disapproval applied to this book by the reviewer? Primarily because of a simple misinterpretation of one passage: 1Corinthians 7:25-28. Dr. Adams commits a fundamental exegetical fallacy (to borrow a term from D.A. Carson) by taking verses 27 and 28 out of context, interpreting them as stand alone verses, and then issuing sweeping doctrinal statements that contradict uncounted passages of scripture that state the opposite.
   
   Simply stated, 1Corinthians 7:25-28 refers to virgins who are engaged to be married. Engaged virgins are properly referred to as "husbands and wives" in the New and Old Testaments. Verses 25-28 state that virgins may end their engagements and remain single, may marry each other as planned, or may end their engagements and marry other people--and all without sinning or without their actions being labeled "adultery".
   If one were to remove verses 27 and 28 from their context of verses 25-28 and then interpret them, one might be tempted to believe that this was a blanket permission for all married people to get a divorce, then remarry other people, and be free of having committed any sins, including adultery. Such an outcome would directly contradict many Bible passages, but none so blatantly as Jesus' own words, "whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery" (Matthew 5:32b).
   
   Having made a doctrinal left turn, the good work done earlier in the book is systematically dismantled by the author. Since the out-of-context interpretation of 1Corinthians 7:27,28 seemingly permits everyone who gets a divorce for any reason at all to be remarried without it being called a sin: all people can be divorced (without sin), all divorced people can be remarried to others (without sin), divorce loses all stigma, and Jesus was mistaken to teach that one who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. The outcome then, is that a divorce ends a marriage, all obligations of the marriage, and the person can claim to be free to remarry whomever they wish just as if they were a virgin.
   
   Scripturally this is not appropriate. Jesus' words still stand, divorced people who remarry others are committing adultery, and it is engaged virgins who may break their commitments to marry without it being considered a sin. Proper biblical interpretation is critical to the development of sound doctrine, and regrettably this book does not meet that standard.
   As a result of this error, the book becomes all but incomprehensible, lost in a maze of discussion about legitimate divorces and illegitimate divorces, all divorces ending a marriage thereby releasing all parties from all obligations of marriage-but maybe not all, reconciliation being preferred albeit optional as is remarriage, and so on. It becomes nearly impossible to determine who would ever be guilty of committing adultery by the act of remarriage, if in fact, anyone would be using this text. Such a conclusion to this study makes a complex subject even more difficult.
   Conclusion
   
   In spite of his track record of writing truly outstanding biblical treatises, this book is not up to the typical quality of Dr. Adams' other works. Though much of the book is indeed well developed from the Scriptures, a poor interpretation of one key passage causes Dr. Adams to draw numerous incorrect conclusions about the permanence of marriage and the permissibility of divorced persons to be remarried without incurring a label of adultery.
   As a definitive work on divorce and remarriage, this book is best left on the shelf. If one were to read only for the sections on marriage there would be some benefit. Using this book as a basis for marital counseling would not be wise.



4. Finally somebody has dealt with this issue on exegetical grounds rather than on emotional grounds. There has been done so much harm to the church by a totally wrong understanding of what marriage is. This wrong view of marriage leads to a false understanding of divorce and remarriage. How much pain and absurd situations, broken marriages and shunned church members has been caused by pastors (even by men like John Piper and John MacArthur), elders and church members who rush to conclusions caused by the Greaco-Roman-Hollywood understanding of marriage rather than a biblical view of marriage. Sola Scriptura - not Solo Emotio!!



5. This is the best book on divorce and remarriage from a Biblical perspective that I have ever read.
   
   It is neither to legalistic or to liberal. It gives good balance to encourage marriage for a lifetime and to give hope to those who have experienced divorce.
   
   This is a good read for pastors trying to form an opinion for themselves and also wanting to be the most helpful to the hurting.

5 comments about The Spiritual Rules of Engagement: How Kabbalah Can Help Your Soul Mate Find You.

1. Simply AWESOME! --- Such a VALUABLE Book!
   I didnt even know much about Kabbalah, wasnt really interested neither, although I've heard of it, I thought that it was just another religion. When I first bought this book on Amazon there were only 2 reviews (one with 5 stars and one with 1 star) I usually buy a book based on the number of good reviews however, I need to thank the negative review entitiled "Rubbish" because after reading it I knew that the person writting that review was a christain "fundie" -- you know how that goes...we are all born sinners so you NEED to be born again (because you NEED to be forgiven first) to reach heaven with a God who is separated from you and resides in the sky, and if you dont do this through Jesus,(because this is THE ONLY WAY to get to heaven) you go straight to hell when you die...for ETERNITY!...Oh, yeah, and God loves you unconditionally even though he allows you to go to that flaming Hell for chosing to not be saved and somehow his hands are tied now, he cant help you at this point..even though he's God with all the power that created everything from the very beginning!..and this is Christianities version of UNCONDITIONAL LOVE??!..I laughed when that review said: "This book is dangerous because it will draw you away from the truth to set you truly free." hee hee hee..Yep, I guess according to the "fundie's" we all better live in fear,huh? I often hear Christians ask: are you a GOD FEARING person?! funny! I usually reply--NO, I dont fear god at all I'd rather LOVE God.--Fear only creates more fear and more chaos in this world..havent we learned yet? I just need to say THANK YOU to that christian "fear based" negative review. After reading it I knew this book would be a good read but I was wrong; This book IS BETTER THAN GOOD it's LIFE CHANGING and gives you great powerful insight into Spiritual (not dogmatic) relationships between men and women implementing both the physical and non-physical. (Women will especially LOVE this book!)to make it even better Yehuda Berg is EXCELLENT in his practical, easy to understand, entertaining way of writting...I couldnt put the book down! If you are a person who likes reading books to give you more insight on improving your relationships and it doesnt matter if you are single or married because his book addresses both issues, infact it doesnt even matter if you are a Kabbahlist or not you are definitely in for an enlightening and eye opening treat! This book is a gold mine for those wanting to improve not only their relationships but their lives! Kabbalah even states..dont believe them, apply the universal principals and see for yourself! They encourage you to always question authority and dont just believe everything they tell you! This information is good for all religions, faiths & beliefs. If you like Quantum Physics you'll notice that the information in this book will blend right in. Kabbalah knew way back then what Quantum Physics are finding now. I've been ordering from Amazon for years and never wrote a review because I was never inspired to...this is my first, because I believe that this book deserves great reviews. I am now interested in purchasing Berg's other book: The Power of Kabbalah. I'm sharing this book with my friends and others too as I feel that it is highly needed in today's uncertain and confused society. I want to give my eternal gratitude to Yehuda for helping mankind by bringing this awareness to us in an entertaining,easy to understand book--Thank You my brother! I also want to thank that negative review by: "Rubbish" K.Zukowski "Whatever is Pure" -- not in a cocky or sarcastic way but in a deep appreciative way -- Thank You for motivating me to buy this book...we are all one -- may love shine on you!



2. this is what i needed to know to find out my soulmate. and i did it. Ok, actually he found me and i know what to do now. Thanks Yehuda and all your family.
   This book is not about religion, moral or ethics. Is only about practical things that helps you to understand what is this "soulmate thing". If anyone try to let you think something else... is only because you need to read this book for your self and take your own decision.
   Do it... you will not be disappointed!!!!



3. This book is the best companion a woman can have in helping her in the search for her soul mate. It is practical with lots of vital information on practical rules which can be easliy applied.The author eloquently explains the concepts of Kabbalah and how it can blend in women s lives. Every word, every phrase empower women and offer hope for attaining inner power and finding love.
   A must for women who are on their spiritual path and for those who yearn for love and spiritual growth.



4. The book is amazing, I couldn't stop reading it! Got even more impressed that Yehuda Berg could understand so much what women think and like!I recommend everyone to read it asap and see the changes in your way of seeing relationships!



5. This book is full of good information. Had I read it when I was younger and followed it, my life probably would have turned out different. Still good to know.

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 Fiance & Marriage Visas: A Couple's Guide to U.S. Immigration.

1. This book is very clear and concise in explaining everything I need to do in order to get my husband to the U.S. I was getting and hearing so many different "stories" so this is the most helpful thing I've found. Very highly recommend it! I especially love the fact that it is always up to date...



2. I am a foreinger citizen and needed help to adjust my status.After researching for hundreds of books and hours online i found this book to be the best thing you need and by far the best source of information. Depending on your case you may not even have to hire a lawyer, just like i didn't, and save hundreds of dollars. Just read it many times because the USCIS process is complex and sometimes confusing but after reading this book you will think you are a pro. Wish somebody had recommended me this book before i spent so much time searching. I could not afford a lawyer, had my case (adjustment of status) started in august and at the end of october i got my green card (all in less than 3 months - los angeles office). I am very happy, and thanx to the author of this book. Just buy it, and God bless your case.



3. This book was so helpful when my now husband and I were going through the process of getting a fiancé visa. It helps to explain each step that needs to be taken, which is a huge helps as the BCIS does not offer this information. It gives you tons of information and resources that is a huge help and gives you a sense of ease through the stressful, long and expensive process of immigration. I highly recommend this book- it is worth it for peace of mind! I also found a lot of help from contacting my local representative's immigration department, who helps with finding out the status of your case, has access to immigration phone numbers and also can answer any additional questions that this book doesn't answer.



4. My husband is from Germany and we 'discovered' one day that he would be in trouble if he married me without a fiance visa and going through the right channels. We were panicked and we found this reference online. With all of the good reviews, we decided to buy it, and it helped us unbelievably! We were able not only to find a better way to go about it, but it provides checklists for the option you choose, explains all of the possible scenarios that you may be in and which route would be right for you, and all the step by step instructions on how to fill out every single form. Do go onto the uscis.gov website for updates addresses for shipping your forms and the current fee information, but rely completely on this book for everything else!! We couldn't have made it without it! It kept us sane in our time of confusion and worry!



5. I used this book after marrying a foreign citizen who was in the U.S. on a student visa. I found it to have all of the information that I needed to do this on my own, without the help of an immigration attorney. You will also need to read the forms carefully, use common sense, and double-check everything before you send it in.

5 comments about Crossing Over: A Mexican Family on the Migrant Trail.

1. For anyone curious about the Mexican immigrant mentality, this is definately a book to read. I live near where the 3 brothers were killed, and have been to this spot on several occasions. For those who wonder why so many people are coming to this country to work, this book will answer many of those questions. It brings an understanding and a respect for those who risk their lives for a chance at the American dream, a dream that many of us take for granted.



2. As the U.S. Congress pushes forward with their plans to create a three layered fence across the entire length of the U.S.-Mexican Border, thousands of illegal migrants cross over each day through the porous border. Ruben Martinez's work, "Crossing Over", begins with a devastating account of the last moments of life for the Chavez brothers and other hopeful migrants. As he travels to the hometown of those migrants, Cheran, Michoacan, Martinez imagines his own family's immigration to the United States. With the skill of a master composer, Martinez weaves together a picture of life in Cheran after the tragic accident by living among the people and sharing their stories. He recounts time spent with the Chavez family and the local people of Cheran. Martinez uses this personal touch to bring the reader along on his journey that leaves him in St. Louis with the reuniting of a Cheran family.
   
   Martinez picks up the second half of the book at the border, where he spends an evening with the Border Patrol. He continues this journey through Texas to Warren, Arkansas to visit another family from Cheran, who have "hurtled into the middle class." From here his trail leads to Norwalk, Wisconsin, the site of a slaughterhouse where migrant laborers often put in 70 hours a week, day in and day out without seeing the sun. Then back to St. Louis where the stark difference between life in Mexico versus life stateside becomes as clear as day. Finally, Martinez ends up in Watsonville, California, where the Chavez brothers were traveling when tragedy struck, and the location of the two remaining Chavez brothers. Here in Watsonville the seeds of a new Chavez family are planted.
   
   "Crossing Over" shows us the real face of immigration: not criminals illegally crossing the border to steal American's jobs, but mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters crossing over to secure a better future for themselves and their families. As America's fear of immigration grows ever larger each year, this book reminds us that America was founded on immigration; and Mexico and America's future will depend on immigration and the migrant worker's story for many years to come.
   
   I read this book for a Latin American History class and I found it to be extremely relevant, even five years after it was published. Martinez's writing style is clear and descriptive; he makes you feel as if you are with him on his journey. After reading this book it is easy to see why, and how, many migrants risk their lives crossing the border each year. It would make an excellent source for studying the social, political, and economic aspects of migration, a certain hot topic among today's ongoing events. I would recommend this book to anyone who has sympathized with recent immigrants, but especially so for those who have not. This book should be required reading for policy makers along border states as well as for the U.S. Congress. "Crossing Over" will open your eyes and with clarity show you both sides of the battleground that is the U.S.-Mexican Border.



3. We got sick to death of Bush et all and left. Moved to Mexico and are having a house built here. Will never live back in the US again. So we were wondering why people of Mexico would want to risk death getting there - it's for the money. The earlier book "Coyote" is also very good.



4. In fact, Ruben Martinez argues that it's more of a legal fiction than a division that clearly separates one culture from another. The boundary between the U.S. and Mexico is better thought of as a permeable membrane which allows cross-over from both directions. North American culture passes south of the border to influence the values and lifestyles of Mexicans--even remote Indian ones such as the folks in the small southern town of Cheran whom Martinez tracks. Similarly, Mexican culture passes north of the border to influence the values and lifestyles of gringos. It's this reciprocal migration that's the real story of Crossing Over.
   
   One of the best features of this book is that Martinez takes us deep into Mexico to live in the village of Cheran so that we can get to know the families who will later cross the border in their own element. He helps us see them as people rather than stereotypes, complete with all their warts and blemishes but also with quite lovable traits: Wense, the young family man who seems to live in a state of constant indecision; Rosa, his wife, who shows surprising strength and independence; Anita, who has a vision of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Watsonville, California; the Chavez family, who cope with a migration tragedy that sets Martinez on the trip that ended in this book; and an assortment of tough-guy cholos who dress in oversized polyester and mystical brujas who combine paganism and Catholicism in colorful and unself-conscious ways.
   
   But even in their own element south of the border, the Mexicans Martinez comes to know have ingested gringo aspirations that are frequently in conflict with indigenous traditions, Likewise, once they migrate north, white bread commuities in West Virginia, Wisconsin, Missouri, and elsewhere find themselves acclimating and being influenced by the new brown presence. Borders are permeable. Borders are fictional. Especially in a global economy, cultures inevitably intermingle. At one point in the book, Martinez stands on the fictional line separating the U.S. and Mexico and gleefully hops back and forth across it. This is a nice encapsulation of Crossing Over's larger message.



5. A very sad story of just one of so many Mexican families struggling to survive between Mexico and America. This book will keep you reading until you finish. An incredible story of incredible people. Much of the book I read to my two teenage sons, for a better appreciation of their life as American born young men.

5 comments about The Family Manager Takes Charge: Getting on the Fast Track to a Happy, Organized Home.

1. Walks you thru the very basics to start each project. Simple and easy to do.



2. A lot of organizing books repeat the same old principles. Kathy's book applies an entirely different creed! Family managers become CEOs of the family which gives us a whole different perspective and value system. I highly recommend this book. Even after you get the concept down, there is a lot of information in the book you will want to have on the shelf as a reference.



3. I have been a housewife for 17 years and I still learned a lot of great time saving tips from this book. This is definately the kind fo book you have to buy, not borrow, so you can hilight and tag pages that jump out at you. It has columns for notes, budgets, etc. This is an absolutely perfect book for a shower gift or anniversary gift for a new bride--I am excited to give a copy to my daughters when they leave home.



4. I just got this book a few days ago, and have been reading it in my spare time, but already I've organized the office, my daughter's closet, and the kitchen cupboards with Kathy Peel's advice. This book not only gives great tips and advice, but gets you motivated to keep a clean, organized and orderly home. I'm only in the 4th or 5th chapter so far, and have gotten so many great ideas for keeping a more smooth-running home. My husband has really enjoyed coming home every day to a more organized, neater home. Our biggest problem is clutter, and she gives great advice for getting rid of clutter and controlling the influx. We have a lot to do yet, but I'm excited to take back our home with Kathy Peel's helpful instructions.



5. Upon leaving the corporate world to nurture our first born, I came across this book. It was a very helpful tool! It gave me help I needed to transition rolls from Corp Woman to Family Manager. It helped me see myself in a new light. The term HomeMaker is so matronly and out dated. With my new title as Home Manager and new job description I was ready to tackle the days ahead with confidence. This book gives sooo much practical advice. It's like having a granny sharing all her secretes and golden nuggets to keeping a house in order all the while balancing the delicate relationships of wife, mother and friend. Written well, organized chapters by subject, meaty & written in plain english with no unnecessary fluff. It is a wonderful book and I'm so glad I got my hands on it! More than a good read, it has templates and loads of suggestive advise to getting the job done efficiently and quickly. The Family Manager Takes Charge is a must have for those seeking more sanity while running the home.

5 comments about A.D.D. & Romance.

1. This book was informative about learning the basics of how ADD can affect relationships, from the perspective of both ADD and non-ADD partners. It was the first book I read on the subject, so I learned a fair amount.
   
   That said, there are some things I wish I had known about this book before I bought it. These may not be issues for many, but there are plenty of us out there who would like to know these things:
   
   1. This book is completely heteronormative. All relationships discussed are M/F.
   
   2. The book assumes the relationship in question is marriage or imminently headed in that direction
   
   3. The book assumes traditional monogamy as the only non-harmful form of relationship.
   
   4. As the book progresses there is more and more Christianity slipped in. First there are more and more references to God and praying for help. Then there is a recommendation of the Promise Keepers, and reading the Bible together.
   
   5. The book very strongly recommends medication for ADD partners, with no real discussion of options or strategies for people who may not be comfortable with being medicated. The implication is that if you care about your relationship, you will medicate.
   
   6. It is hard to understand how the three children of the book's "model couple" as a success story of an ADD relationship get taken care of, given all the things this couple do to keep their relationship strong. I read it thinking they must have a live-in nanny, which just isn't realistic for the vast majority of people.
   
   If any of these things are going to turn you off or irritate you, you may want to check out a different book on this topic.



2. If you are trying to figure out why your relationship doesn't work despite your best efforts (& your partner is not really a bad person) take a look at this. If there is someone you know who is continually exasperating it may offer you some needed relief. I can hold my own with the best of the psychoanalysts, however reading this little gem of a book brought me right back down to earth, to a place of reality.



3. This book very clearly and simply outlines the many problems ADD can cause in a relationship, without trying to make the partner diagnosed with ADD feel like the "bad guy". After all, it is a medical condition. However, like any medical condition, you need to manage it and this book gives wonderful advice on how to do that. Highly recommended for anyone who has or is with someone who has ADD.



4. one of my specialties is therapy w/ adult ADD folks, including myself. I'm unusually happily married this time. this book wld be very useful for folks who learn thru reading, both ADD folks & those who love them. the religious references can be ignored if not relevant to u. Dr Bob



5. This book offered less than what I had hoped. It's not a bad read. I picked up one or two pointers. I'm still waiting for the non-ADD spouse to write on the same topic!