5 comments about Chicken Soup for the Soul: Empty Nesters: 101 Stories about Surviving and Thriving When the Kids Leave Home (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. Empty Nesters is a collection of poignant stories about parents dealing with a wide range of emotions when their children leave home--numbness, heartache, loneliness, and even exhilaration. The timing of its publication couldn't have been better for me because I'm coping with my own empty nest. I could relate to other parents who faced empty bedrooms, empty laundry baskets, empty cars. Wanda Quist wrote, "The house is so quiet I hear the ice maker drop cubes into its bin." Another mother sends so many care boxes to her son that they're stacked all the way to the ceiling in his dorm room. But the book is not just about mothers. Fathers, sons and daughters also tell their stories, which gives the reader a broader perspective.
   
   Empty Nesters is organized into sections with titles such as "First Flights," "Under Our Wings and in Our Hearts," "Out on a Limb," and "Ruffled Feathers." The stories are each just two or three pages. Sprinkled throughout are light poems and so-true cartoons. I laughed aloud at parents staring at a phone waiting for their child to call, kids who come home on weekends with tons of laundry for Mom to wash, and a father imagining turning an empty bedroom into a pool room while his wife laments that the child has grown up.
   
   For those parents who are anticipating their empty nest and those who are dreading it, Empty Nesters will help them realize they're not alone, that this time of life is just another inevitable stage that every parent survives. As Patricia Cena Evans wrote, "It was time for me to welcome this next season of life and move on." Yes, I thought. Me too!



2. Chicken Soup for the Emptynesters, tells of stories that our parents are going through and as I'm sure will soften our hearts to know just how difficult it maybe for them to let go... However, for those of us who still live between our own houses and their garages (our storage units) the emptynesting might not have set in yet:) Great read!!!



3. I really liked this book. The story "The Whiz Kid" by Beatrice Brown in the Ruffled Feathers section struck a particular chord and had me smiling big time. Without giving away the story, what parent among us has not felt this about our wonderful, brilliant, now adult child? Thanks to all who wrote stories for this book and a special thank you to Beatrice for my favorite story of the collection.



4. I remember well the lonlieness of those first few years of being an empty nester. Any empty nester will relate to many of the sweet and touching stories that parents share in this wonderful book. It is such a great read for any parent anticipating or having gone through this season of life since it is always so helpful to know you are not alone in your feelings and reactions. I truly believe in mentoring from your own experience, and that is what this wonderful book accomplishes. It would make a great gift for anyone you know who is either struggling or enjoying the inevitable time in every parent's life.
   
   And before we know it a new generation fills our home with grandchildren and the nest isn't empty anymore!
   
   Kudos to the authors that took the time to compile this precious book.
   Janet Thompson author of Praying For Your Prodigal Daughter.Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter: Hope, Help & Encouragement for Hurting Parents



5. I'd never thought of what it would be like to have the kids gone, off to college, and starting their lives on their own. Even though I had spent their entire lives preparing them for that day, I never had the thought of preparing me. After all, the house would stay "picked up," my wallet would have cash and my nights and weekends would no longer consists of ball games and/or youth activities, but mine to do as I wish.
   And then it happened. The kids went to college, the house was empty, and the silence was louder than any party our house held. While I counted the days for the school year to be over, I picked up my copy of Chicken Soup for the Empty Nesters Soul. There I discovered that I wasn't alone. There were other parents, other empty nesters, entering their second phase of life.
   As I began to read, I began to chuckle out loud. My life and parenting was not over, it was just going to be different. Through the Chicken Soup for the Empty Nesters Soul stories I realized that I would always be mom, my kids would always need me, and I would always be a parent--but just in a different way.

5 comments about Getting the Sex You Want: Shed Your Inhibitions and Reach New Heights of Passion Together.

1. Here is a book I'll recommend to any couple who feels ready to experience a more loving and passionate sexual relationship. Tammy Nelson is an Imago therapist and teacher with two decades of clinical practice. Her skills shine forth not only in the information she offers here, but also in the helpful way the book is organized, with step by step techniques for helping couples recharge their relationships in a variety of situations.
   
   Topics include help for stale-mated partners who "keep score" and for those who "fake it." She offers exercises to deal with the fear, anxiety, control, anger, and resentment that too many couples take to bed with them, and shows ways to express love, trust, appreciation, sensuality, and lusty desire. Other topics include explicit guidance for sexual intimacy that range from massage and genital stimulation to creating sexual rituals. The book concludes with a section on tolerating ecstasy and joy--a problem many people have in our fast-track culture.
   
   If you are a therapist who works with couples--you'll find this book a wonderful resource for you as well as your clients. It spans the divide between couple therapy and sex therapy in a way that guides and educates in a straightforward, collegial manner.



2. This book is unlike most other self-help books where they describe the problem, how the problem gets worse and usually a chapter (if you're lucky) on what to do about the problem.
   
   Tammy Nelson fills her book with exercises and action plans in each chapter from start to finish! If you are a couple wanting to "get the sex you want" and are looking for behavior changes, than this is the book for you.
   
   I highly recommend this book.



3. Tammy Nelson's book provides a clear strategy in a book category that is often notable for vague approaches. The text is friendly, well-written, and full of an infectious enthusiasm that is bound to inspire even a skeptical reader. Our culture's media messages are so conflicted--it is refreshing to read a book where the goal is to resolve conflicts, at least in the safety of our intimate relationships.



4. Tammy Nelson has created a space within her chapters where everyone, young and old, can feel comfortable in their own skin.....where they can enjoy intimacy without any feelings of guilt, incompetence or embarrassment. She has explained in full detail how to change our relationships, beginning with the most primal and private of all human needs.....
   ......and, she makes it a whole lot of fun!!
   
   I highly recommend Tammy Nelson's book to all my friends, colleagues and clients alike!
   
   Melanie Barnum, Certified Hypnotist and Intuitive Counselor



5. Sensitive and compassionate. . .Tammy Nelson has written a wonderful guide for couples who wish to deepen their erotic connection or rekindle their intimacy.

5 comments about Diaper Free: The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene.

1. My wife and I bought this book, which was recommended to us by a friend who has successfully used Natural Infant Hygiene with their child. I finished reading it the other day, and my wife and I are talking about trying it.
   
   Perhaps others have had different impressions after reading the book, but I think that only about 10-20% of the total text was actually helpful. The rest seemed more like marketing material. Over half the book is more focused on why you should practice Natural Infant Hygiene rather than how to actually do so.
   
   I'm not sure I would buy it again.



2. This is a fast, easy read about Natural Infant Hygiene. The information is very eye-opening, especially if the concept of not diapering a baby is new to you. Well-written and inspiring.



3. This book is a must read for any mom in Western culture. The current thought in America is that you cannot do anything at all with your children and a potty until they are two years old. This book helps us understand that this was not the case in the past and is still not the case in many cultures around the world. In fact, you can start putting your child on a potty the day they are born! This book helps you realize you have options other than waiting till your child is two. I began implementing elimination communication when my son was 8 months old (would have done it sooner if I had known about it). He just turned two and has been wearing underwear since he was 21 months old and hardly ever has accidents during the daytime(probably could have done it a lot sooner but it took me awhile to make that jump). We're about to have another baby, and I look forward to seeing how things work with elimination communication from birth this time.



4. No doubt this book has some good information, but it caters to the family that uses the attachment parenting style. It seems almost too judgmental that way, and I got the feeling that the author disagrees with anything other than the co-sleeping, no-diaper, stay-at-home methods of parenting. Some of us just don't have that luxury. If you want a non-judgmental, step-by-step guide on how to try EC at any age, check out The Diaper Free Baby by Christine Gross-Loh. It's not as much of an all or nothing approach, and addresses issues for both stay-at-home and working parents.



5. I haven't read the other infant hygiene books, but I must say, Ingrid's book is by far one of the best infant care books I have read. The reason is simple, honoring your infant's potty signals is about caring for them in a deep and loving way. Ingrid imbues her book with the essence of the highest and best care for the mother and baby. Well done!
   
   We do diaper free at home. At first there was pee going everywhere. Now we have a very high success rate, which means it is easier to care for our children.
   
   Review is by Ramiel Nagel author of Healing Our Children: Because Your New Baby Matters! Sacred Wisdom for Preconception, Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting (ages 0-6)

5 comments about Liberated Parents, Liberated Children: Your Guide to a Happier Family.

1. Although I enjoyed reading this book, I haven't been able to put these ideas into practice. I don't know if my daughter is simply to old to start or if her personality is just too forceful, but this happy home relationship is definitely something to shoot for even if we never truly reach it.



2. The book was to hard to follow and used words that the common person does not even know. It seemed more like a novel to me and didn't help me understand much at all. I would not suggest this book there are better ones out there



3. Greatly enjoyed this book, told in story form. Excellent writing style. Classic advice, totally current for everyday problems and solutions.



4. Liberated Parents is a great book on child rearing. It is the best parenting book I have ever read, except for the one written by the man the authors learned from, "Between Parent & Child" by Haim Ginott. Both books offer excellent advice on how to show respect for children in every day life to build a healthy self-esteem and good mental health. It explains how to show children by our example how to be kind and gentle, and yet powerful too. This book helps me parent my children and myself much more positively.



5. Liberated Parents, Liberated Children: Your Guide to a Happier Family
   Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish are parents who have learned the techniques outlined in their books. Initially, I thought this will never work with my Special Needs child but when I used their suggestions, the level of stress for our entire family was reduced.

5 comments about The Marriage Wager (Matchmakers).

1. I have been a fan of Candace Camp books since I was a senior in high school. I had never read a historical before, and I hadn't realized that it was a historical until I started reading it. It was amazing! That book was Mesmirized. Since then I have looked for other books by Ms. Camp. When The Marriage Wager came out last fall I wasn't too crazy about the storyline. (Honestly, the back cover could have been written better.) It wasn't until I bought The Bridal Quest last week that I decided to read it. I was still a little skeptical about a Cinderalla-type story, but I knew I should read the 1st book of the series before I started the second. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down unless I didn't have a choice. Indeed I read most of it in one day. No this was not a typical Candace Camp historical full of mystery and suspence, but it was just as fascinating as her others. Contance and Dominic where likable protagonists, and the chemistry between them was great. The one problem that I had with this book was the ending, which was rather contrived. (It seemed as if Ms. Camp couldn't think of a way to end it and wrote the first thing that came to mind.) I finished this book in one day, and started the 2nd book soon after. The funny thing is that this book was so much better than that one. I honsetly cannot wait until the last book (Francesca and Rochford's story) comes out next year.



2. This book is really good its a sort of Cinderella book. I do get tired of people using the same themes a lot but with this book it had just the right twist to it to add a little bit more excitement. The only real problem was that it did not have a hole lot of depth to it. At times it did get a little boring. And the guy in the book was much to noble I like them a little ruff around the edges. But really it was a nice uncomplicated read that leaves you happy at the end.



3. that is also unbelievable. Why would Lord Leighton be interested in Constance? Nothing truly sparkling about her.



4. Bravo!! What a great read!! I really enjoyed this first book in the Matchmakers series by Candace Camp. The witty dialogue had me laughing and Constance was so smart and spunky, unlike many women in novels set in this era. I loved all of the main characters in the book, especially Constance, Dominic, Francesca and Rochford. I've also read the second book, the Bridal Quest and I can't wait for the next one, the Wedding Challenge and the last one with Francesca and Rochford's story.



5. Candace Camp has written a witty fairy tale about a matrimonial bet between the impoverished high-born Lady Francesca Haughston and the enigmatic Duke of Rochford. The Duke bets Lady Francesca a sapphire bracelet against a horrid visit with his odious Aunt Odelia that she cannot get a girl of his choice engaged before the end of the Season.
   
   To Lady Francesca's surprise, the Duke chooses a lady's companion, Constance Woodley, to receive the Cinderella treatment. The orphaned Constance, living meagerly and miserably at the beck-and-call of her awful relations, soon finds out that she is the object of a wager. But she gamely goes forward with Francesca's schemes, and quickly attracts the attentions of the notorious rake, Viscount Dominic Leighton (who just happens to be Francesca's brother.)
   
   Some of the best fun in the novel are the scenes after Constance goes from drab to fab, and begins to anger her overbearing aunt and jealous unmarried cousin. I also liked the sexual tension between the fiesty Constance and the handsome Dominic. Although none of Camp's romances are overtly steamy, the sexual allusions come often, and there is a nice sexy pay-off at the end of this satisfying story. There is also the suggestion that something may be brewing between Francesca and that tall Duke.
   
   The second and third installments in this delightful series have already been released (see my reviews of The Bridal Quest and The Wedding Challenge (Matchmakers). Then the topper -- the story of Lady Francesca and her mysterious Duke -- will be released either late this fall or early next year. I can't wait.

5 comments about 1001 Ways to Be Romantic (PB): Author's Annotated Edition.

1. Great book and good ideas for anyone!! I got this book for my moms boyfriend to help with his romance uncapablities for christmas!! ive been reading a few pages and i know they will both enjoy it!!!!



2. Amazon's service was great, but I'm not really impressed with this book. Lots of way too obvious and trite ideas, and a lot of really expensive ones.



3. First off, it's important to realize this is a reference tome. You really don't sit down and read through the 1,001 suggestions one after another, like reading a novel! This book is nicely broken up into sections. If you need an idea for a romantic movie, you flip to that section. If it's ideas for a special night out, you go to that section. This is the perfect book to leave in the bathroom or by the bed, to skim through when you have a few minutes.
   
   In any list this large, there are going to be a number of ideas that some poeple say "That's obvious! Why put it into a book!" However, I have many lists like this on my website and I can prove from experience that every item one person says "everybody knows that!" to - another person writes to say "that idea was brilliant!" It is the way of the world. Everybody has somthing to learn.
   
   So, what do YOU stand to learn from this book? Every section will undoubtedly hold something new. There are tons of movie ideas. tons of song ideas for playlists. Tons of quotes for cards, sayings for toasts. Tons of websites to visit to buy flowers, chocolates, paintings, clothing, you name it. There are ideas to discuss with your romantic partner. Places for you to go. There are tons of ideas that cost money - but also tons of ideas that are completely free.
   
   Do I find some of the ideas silly? Sure. One of the tips talks about a guy bringing his wife a cup of tea every night in bed - *whether she wants one or not* (italics theirs). That doesn't sound romantic to me, it sounds controlling!
   
   Still, that was just one part of one tip. Unlike some books that count every single line as a separate tip, this one has a list of 128 items to know as "just one item". It even has a bonus section in the center with more items for you to read.
   
   So again, you come back to the "silly" idea. Who needs a giant book of romantic ideas? Well, if you are creative and spontaneous, and every day is full of romance, then you probably don't need this book. That's fine! But for many people, they do NOT have romantic ideas sprouting out of their ears. They honestly get stuck and need help. Those people are who this book was written for, and it is VERY helpful.
   
   Even for those people, will every single tip be meaningful? Probably not. Some tips appeal to planners, some appeal to those who want an idea "for right now". But again, with so many tips in here, that is both expected and quite fine.
   
   The best way to use this book is as a team. Get one color highlighter for one person, and a different color highlighter for the other. Go through the book at your leisure and highlight your favorite items. That way when you skim the book looking for inspiration, not only do you get ideas, but you get ideas you KNOW your partner really is interested in.
   
   This is one of those books that you use for years and years to add a spark into your life. Every relationship can grow and improve. Every relationship SHOULD be worked on daily to be its best. I really do feel this book can help you do it, if you're seeking ideas.
   
   Good luck!



4. There is really nothing new here. If you've seen one of his books, you have seen them all. Many ideas are quite dated.



5. If you're creative, you are probably not looking for this book. If you are not, this is an amazing resource chock full of ideas for keeping the romance alive in your marriage. Even if you are creative, I guarantee you will find ideas that you have yet to dream up. It's great for sparking creativity and fun - I highly recommend it!

5 comments about The Unlikely Lavender Queen: A Memoir of Unexpected Blossoming.

1. Having lived in New York City after college and subsequently spending too much time in Texas, I totally related to this book. I couldn't put it down and read it in two nights! It was a great read!



2. Let's face it- there alot of authors who proclaim to be great writers, but really stink. As a vigorous book lover, I read with all my friends in my book club and we tend to tear apart authors's that want to inspire women, but really put us to sleep.
   
   That's why, I have to share with everyone, the book that satisfies my hunger, so much, that I want more and more. The Unlikely Lavender Queen- a must read for women, that takes the reader on amazing adventures. So many of us, can't fathom, being like Elizabeth Gilbert, in Eat, Pray and Love and running away somewhere to find ourselves.
   
   That's why, YEAH, I loved indulging in Jeannie's adventures- you go girl! Books clubs, great conversation book over tea & chocolate, well at least, that's we have in my book club. Off for Unlikely Lavender Queen, www.jeannieralston.com - she rocks! Gotta tell all your girlfriends about this book.
   
   Laura Grivner



3. As I was reading this I felt there were so many echoes of what I've experienced as a woman--for instance, the really hard work of making necessary compromises within a marriage. Talking about this is an important aspect of understanding what relationships are about and I don't think people really give this enough thought. I know my parents didn't talk to me about it and how it's a part of making a marriage work. Plus, the message that comes out is that when you give something you get something and that's a fundamental element to growth.
   But beyond the message, the book is a great read, with a strong, compelling narrative. There are wonderful metaphors through out, and the best one is the overarching metaphor for the author's journey--taking a parched piece of land and creating a field of beautiful flowers. I think that any woman not living in a suburban bubble could completely identify.



4. If marriage is nothing else it is a series of compromises. Being another woman who has made major life changes for her husband, and wondered why at times, I could identify with the author. I loved this book and it is not a genre that I normally read. I can't really say I learned anything from the book because her story is a lesson I've recently been learning on my own. But it was so nice to empathize with someone.
   
   I'd recommend this book to anyone who is recently married. And I'd recommend having a lavender sachet nearby as you read so you can smell the fields as she talks about them.



5. The Unlikely Lavender Queen is just wonderful! I was not initially drawn to it, because I couldn't imagine wanting to read a book about rural Texas (I live in Austin). When I met Jeannie Ralston at a book reading, though, I was captivated by the sections she read. It was apparent she was a very good writer - and I decided to give it a read. She changed her life and the lives of those around her (the entire community) with her vision for something bigger and better. The book inspired me to look at my life and what impact I have made or plan on making in the future. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to make a change, or anyone looking for a very entertaining read.

5 comments about Discipline: The Brazelton Way.

1. The advice in this book sounds very nice and gentle and compassionate but the problem is that it works only on children who are obedient and fairly submissive by nature. Lots of kids figure out the game after a while. What if your child refuses to stay in "time out"? What happens when you have taken away all the privileges? (and little kids just don't have that many). What about older kids who just laugh at this kind of approach?You'd better go buy another book because Dr. Brazelton doesn't address real discipline problems.



2. This is the most useful book on parenting I've ever read. It is clear, straightforward, practical, and respectful of children and parents. Thank you.



3. Discipline teaches our children right from wrong and to care about doing right, to think of others before themselves. Too bad we can't raise the current generation of adults all over again. Hopefully today's parents, with the help of this book, will do better.



4. I read the book as soon as I got it home. We were having discipline problems with out almost 4 year old and with a new sibling in the mix we didn't want to make drastic changes again in his life. I often read the book when I'm frustrated by my childrens actions and it helps me to understand their way of thinking and how to make the correct discipline choices to fit the exact situation. Thanks Berry Brazelton!



5. I really liked this approach to discipline in theory, but it just dosen't cut it in the real world. I have a very headstrong toddler and he walked all over me with these approaches. I really like Is it a Big Problem or a Little Problem?, which I am currently reading. It has many more real-life solutions than the Discipline book did.

5 comments about Don't Bite Your Tongue: How to Foster Rewarding Relationships with your Adult Children.

1. This book is very accessible and covers almost any topic of concern one can think of, from handling money issues, to dealing with a child's divorce, to grandparenting in general, and there are lots of great pointers given, with no right or wrong pointed out. A sensible guide to adult parenting.



2. I hate needing this book. My daughter and I were very close as she was growing up, and now we hardly talk. It feels like I'm always saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing.
   
   Ruth reminds me that I don't have to stay with these feelings, and that the adult pair, mother - daughter, in this instance relies on two adults who used to have different roles with each other and now must find new ones with their complicated emotions and perhaps outdated ideas of each other. And, Rth reminds me that love is strong, and gives me a path to somehow finding a way.
   
   Even if my daughter never talks to me again, I will know I have tried to communicate honestly. Maybe I can lay the groundwork using Ruth's exercises at the end of each chapter.
   
   Wish me luck, my daughter luck and to yourself, of course. Thank goodness this book exists.



3. I read "Don't Bite Your Tongue" with great interest as I am the mother of three and stepmother of three adult children. I was skeptical that a 200-page book could relate to the diversity of questions and demands that are involved in mothering adults. But the gifts of Ruth Nemzoff's book include her acknowledgment of the complexity of the mothering process, and her empowering us mothers to acknowledge the ambiguities of these complicated relationships. I appreciate that she doesn't really give advice. Rather, her empathy regarding the difficulties of coping with the triangles and other challenges is reassuring. She made me feel that I am probably doing the best job that I can. Of course, she does offer some tips on communication, and I could relate to many of the examples of families dealing with particular issues. Her writing style flows nicely, and I am now re-reading the book in order to give special attention to some contemporary problem arenas. I recomment it highly!



4. We loved this book! It inspired great conversations in our book club. Many of us are beginning to face these issues and the book provided hlepful insights into ways to keep the communication channels open.



5. Dr. Nemzoff really understands our issues. I've taken several of her suggestions, and they have helped me to feel better and to understand the complexities involved in being a grandparent.

4 comments about My Family's Changing (A First Look At Series).

1. This book provides a wonderful explanation of how a family changes through divorce, especially for a very young child. It is one of the few books that does not discuss step families, which was not an issue at the time of our split, and supports the idea of a child spending significant time with both parents. Best of all, it's a pleasant read. More than a year after our move, my child still pulls this book off the shelf occassionally.



2. I bought this book for my 4 yr old nephew in the midst of his parents' divorce, and found it exceptionally helpful. It is sensitively written, yet direct and powerful. The illustrations are rich and expressive, and evoked a very strong response in my nephew, enabling him to express himself in ways he might otherwise not have. Due to his age, I read the book ahead of time and chose which sentences to focus on in order to account for his attention span. But as he grows and develops, we'll be able to read the entire book together. I agree with the other reviewer and also like that this book focuses entirely on the immediate changes, without focusing on step-families. I hope to find a book as good as this one about step families when that becomes a need. I highly recommend this book! Note: the cover shows a boy, and the boy is the primary character, however, many illustrations also include a girl/sister.



3. Children need books they can relate to particularly in stressful times and this is one of them. Children need more than one book, as the books are explaining different aspects. Adults, parents, G'parents, etc. should also read a good number of books to help the child and themselves.



4. A straight-forward book for young kids. Kids who want the facts on the ground and appreciate reading about what's happening to them will probably gain from this.
   My divorce was a year and a half ago and when I read this book to my 5 year old he was a little bit bored, but kids in the earlier stages of a family breakup may find it valuable.