5 comments about No More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-Of-Control Behavior.

1. What I liked about Dr. Baker's book is how sympathetic he sounds to those of us who deal daily with children with emotional and cognitive disorders or just plain difficulties. At the same time, he doesn't let us off the hook nor lull us into thinking that our responses to explosive situations, however understandable and legitimate, may not be the right ones. He clearly has the hands-on experience, both with kids and with those who care for and work with them. He gives just the right amount of personal anecdote to balance the more academic research data. He graciously recommends books and articles written by others working in the field, while synthesizing their many approaches. And importantly, he addresses teachers and parents both, which hopefully helps all of us to think of each other as teammates rather than assigners or bearers of blame. Plus, he gives lots of good, practical suggestions. Thanks for No More Meltdowns!



2. I found this book to be incredibly helpful because it gives specific information about how to manage my kids behavior. I have 3 kids ranging in age from 5-11 and I think that the specific examples of situations and how they were dealt with to be very informative. I have already implemented some of what I read with very good results. I've read many parenting books and have usually found them to be written in a complicated way. This book uses every day language with practical advice on how to have a more harmonious relationship with my kids. I highly recommend this book.



3. Parenting doesn't come with an instruction book, but thanks to Dr. Baker we can use No More Meltdowns. It's a practical, hands-on guide that helps you to understand WHY certain behaviors happen. I've struggled through so many of the scenarios he describes and I especially appreciate his Quick Reference Guides. This book has helped me (and my children) in so many ways that I've started giving it as a baby shower gift!!



4. Finally a book that is easy to read, easy to understand, easy to follow through with. A must have for all persons dealing with any kind of meltdowns. I will even recommend this for children without disabilities.
   
   Jed Baker gives us a true insight to what is happening befor,during, and after a meltdown. Real ways to figure out why they happen, what to do during and after, and how to stop them. I will be sharing this book with the school, friends and family. It is a must read for any one who works with children of all kinds. I have already begun using his strategies and have seen what they can do for a child.



5. Fab book used with a child in my classroom and had excellant results. It is a short and sweet book that gets right to the point. Not a lot of Goobley Gook professor lingo. Jed Baker is not afraid to tell you things that did not work for him and shares with you things that actually work.
   Michele

5 comments about 7 Keys to Comprehension: How to Help Your Kids Read It and Get It!.

1. This is an excellant resource for both parents and teacher in promoting comprehension strategies to improve their children's reading comprehension. It is very clearly set out and easy to read. The language used is not "teacher talk" and it sets out clear guidelines.
   I highly recommend it.



2. It is very clearly written and easy to understand the different concepts
   that they are presenting.



3. This book is classroom friendly from page one. Very good ideas that can be applied very easily and right away in your classroom (or your home). This text is very easy to understand with practical examples and clear explanations. I wish I had this to read when I was in college as my textbook. Makes teaching reading simplified not frustrating.



4. As an educator, many time parents want to know what to do while they read with their children. We all seem to revert back to the way WE were taught...."sound it out". But in this day and age, we have found that meaning in reading is very important and if children can use the context of their text along with phonics to figure out unknown words, their understanding of what they read, and what it means grows. This book was written for parents. It will help you understand what YOU can do and say to your child while reading with them to assist them in the reading process. It also helps you understand how to help children use specific strategies for greater comprehension. If you are an involved parents who wants to do everything you can to contribute to the reading ability of your child, this is the book for you.



5. Book did not give alot of guidance as to specific tasks that can be done to assist your child in comprehending; however it did provide good insight on how my child does process the material that she reads.

5 comments about Lies at the Altar: The Truth About Great Marriages.

1. I heard about this book from a relative who had read it. I didn't think that I would like it so I checked it out at the library. After reading through it over several weeks, I had to buy a copy of my own. There are some very helpful tips in this book. I have recommended it to several friends.



2. This is easy to read basic review of what ingredients need to be in a good, commited relationship. This book will not save a cracked relationship and will not prevent divorce. It is not about "how to" (speak to each other), but about "what" (the content of the conversations should be). I highly recommend it also to the people facing divorce, seeking for affirmation what the content of a relationship should be, what they have missed or couldn't get with the current partner they are splitting with.
   
   The excercises consist of a series of questions or better topics the partners need to discuss. As some questions might not be applicable to discuss or answer or you might find it completely uninteresting, most of suggestions are very interesting and important. The questions are not put up front to discuss who is right and who is wrong, but to make couples learn how to make compromises on important issues and accept each other's different points of view.
   
   In the ubiquitous gloryfing of the marriage ritual, many people have forgotten that the person they are marrying is more important than the color scale of your grand event. Havin second thoughts before the wedding? Read this! It will not destroy the relationship, but it will help you evaluate it. This book helps to prevent ignoring the right gut feelings. It is your companion and on your side. You don't need to consult a relative that probably wants to see you nicely dressed at your wedding and will not listen to your worries properly as the wedding preparations heaten up.
   
   Unfortunately, dr. Smith's writing contains some religious elements at times, which is not surprising given the fact she teaches as an adjunct professor at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. This might be disturbing to some, but my advise is to ignore it. Ironically, she is quoting Sartre (an atheist) at one occasion to support a bit of spiritualistic point of view. Referrals to God are, however, not the foundation of the book and can be overlooked if you posess a bit of a tolerance (and if you don't, better not get married). I believe dr. Smith's experiences from her practice are very valuable and the book is worth buying.
   
   I benefited from dr. Smith's positive encouragement to independent thinking for women. There is this gentle feministic touch that may empower women to look behind the farirytale role of stuffing themselves in a white dress for one single day, smiling for cameras until it hurts and then suffering entire life due to emotional or physical abuse just becase divorce is unacceptable.
   
   Apparently, we all bring some lies in front of the altar and the book helps you find yours as well.
   
   If you have a close friend who is getting married in a few months, consider this as a gift way in advance! I had some fun discussing the topics with my close friend (and at times bitching about men and life in general, hahaha).



3. I just finished reading the book and feel it provided some good lessons and a generally good read. I think the book is best suited for people who are not yet married or those who have had relationship trouble in the past that they would like to move on from.
   
   The book was a little long-winded in some ways but provided great scenarios from (what I assume to be) her clients from marriage counseling. That was what I liked most about the book. Instead of talking about imaginary scenarios and results, it provided real situations she had seen couples go through during conflict. This helped me visualize the situations of conflict in my own engagement and I felt able to relate to some of the people she mentioned, whom are people going through the typical things to cause conflict... Money, beliefs, past wounds, whether or not to have children..
   
   She discusses the reasons many conflicts arise, and how many conflicts are much deeper than the surface. For example, she writes about a couple who are fighting over how much the wife pampers her 23 year old son whom is out of the house (doing his laundry, stocking his fridge), and how the anger the husband felt was evoked by having it hard when he moved out and not having the support of his parents (as well as being raised to believe that a person should be able to take care of him/herself after moving out). The author also explains how to turn cycles of blame and anger into understanding, through use of mostly the technique of mirroring; repeating back what the other partner said to be sure that anger doesn't twist the other partner's words to cause misunderstanding or resentment.
   
   Honesty and maturity is a huge theme of this book. Looking past the flowery words and lovely dress, and thinking deeper about a marriage's future. Creating vows that really speak what you intend, instead of vows that have hidden intentions. (For example, saying that you will always 'be by your side' when you intend to go off on your own for days. Or perhaps saying that you will always be there for your partner, but only when they're considerate.)
   
   The intended audience for this book is women. This must be understood. Men can also benefit from this book but it is mostly an empowering book for women. It encourages women in bad relationships to have the courage to make change or realize that they deserve to be happy. It encourages people in good marriages to embrace each other and their current state of being, to look deeper into the disagreements that may arise so they can understand the background it is created by.
   
   Made me think more about how I feel about life and what creates my beliefs.
   
   The 'questions before marriage' weren't a big thing for me, because we already know almost everything listed about each other already. We were comfortable enough with each other that we discussed children, finances, religion, sexuality, politics, how to raise a kid, etc before we even got engaged. But it would be very valuable for most couples who may overlook important questions, or cringe at the thought of discussing deeply about beliefs (it's well worth doing).
   
   A good book for couples who want a healthy mature relationship free of the cycles of stress and blame that so many couples go through. Offers valuable advice.



4. was sent promply and the book was in VERy , well brand new shape. thanks



5. Simple stated, factual and sprinkled with personal anecdotes, this offers a great way to hold up a mirror to your present relationship and see if you are a good fit, both personally and together, before a trip to the altar, especially if you have any doubts.

5 comments about You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation.

1. This is a great book and a must read. I will be keeping it as a reference and I only keep about 1 of 10 books that I buy as such. Even though this book was first published a generation ago it still applies today. I no longer become upset by what I saw as mens lack of caring- though now I feel that its a little hopeless and a fight not worth figting. This book is very detailed- sometimes too much so. I am only half way through and have already learned alot (be warned that its the type of book you need to read in chunks in order to absorb the specifities of what is being stated) but have skipped about 1/4th of the pages because many pages are just filled with examples that support the same idea. Some of these examples also seem a little extreme- tilting towards one side of the pendulum- being I recognize the actions and reactions stated in the males I know today but to the extreme stated in some of these examples I would simply see these men as ******* yet this might well be a difference caused by varying generations. The men described in a book are atleast 1 generation above mine and I am of the generation born after the Womens Rights Era therefore since birth my generation of males has seen females in a much more leveled position and this probably affects their communication with these. Even with its deficits the insights found here is still worth a 5.



2. I definitely recommend reading Dr. Tannen's "You Just Don't Understand," even if you think you know all you want to know about the differences between men and women in communication. This is a thoughtful, well-written book analyzing men and women's styles of communication through various studies and anecdotes that not only serve to teach but to also entertain. There are good dialogue conversations in the dynamics of the book and interesting to note the insightful commentary from both perspectives. It is easy to stereotype and have gender bias based on the social norms of our culture, but Tannen provides a fairly balanced view of both subjects. She gives solid support of her findings, which we can often relate to in our relationships. I found myself more intrigued as I read on about the asymmetrical connections between the genders.
   For couples, this book may provide a lot of useful suggestions that could improve to open communication. I did not find this book to really skew personal bias favoring either gender. Instead, it reveals the reality that while men and women use different "conversational styles" of achieving the same means, each are important tactics to recognize. After finishing the reading, I feel much more enlightened about the importance of strategizing my listening and conversing skills.



3. I read this book several years ago and found it well researched, written and easy to understand.
   
   Deborah Tannen is a linguist who clearly addresses how and why women and men communicate differently. She explains that women communicate primarily to establish connections and negotiate relationships while men talk as a primary means to preserve independence and to negotiate and maintain status in a hierarchical social order. Tannen explains that although women also talk to preserve independence and achieve status, and men communicate to establish connections, it isn't the primary concern or focus of the majority of their conversations.
   
   You Just Don't Understand helps a person to gain a better understanding of his or her own individual communication techniques. A well written, researched, insightful and informative book, You Just Don't Understand, presents the gender difference material in a clear, non-subjective and positive manner. This low-bias approach enhances the quality of the material significantly.
   
   The author addresses a number of other issues besides gender differences that govern communication techniques. For example, boys and girls grow up in different worlds and this has a significant effect on how they communicate. Consequently, other issues besides gender differences need to be explored and understood to create an effective dialog between the sexes.
   
   Understanding of linguistic differences promotes better relationships. I recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about how men and women communicate.
   
   The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking



4. I love how psychologists like to explain behavior to people assuming that all men are alike and all women are alike which just isn't true. Don't buy this book and don't buy Men are From Venus by John Gray. Buy Socionics by Rod Novichkov, figure out what personality type you are and who your best match is then get that person in you life-only then will you see that communication problem has nothing to do with whether you're a woman or a man (another words, it's not your problem, it's that your relationship is THE problem).



5. Although filled with a wonderful examination of human/gender behavior and communication, the preface and first chapter could easily supplement the remaining portion of the book. Tannen is extremely repetitive in her ideas and her research, often veering into tangents obviously relatable to the main thesis of the book. A fascinating overview of relationships-- although only really evident in the first few dozen pages.

5 comments about The Orgasm Bible: The Latest Research and Techniques for Reaching More Powerful Climaxes More Often.

1. This book, along with Sex, Your Woman and You: How to Sexually Please Your Woman in the Bedroom and Beyond has been a godsend! It really shows you how to improve your sex life. It's definitely worth every penny I paid for it.



2. This book is packed with great info about orgams--how to get there, what they are and how to get more. A definite must read! I also liked Good Sex: A Woman's Guide to Losing Inhibition .



3. This book reminds me of a Cosmo article with illustrations. For example, page 70 is nothing more than a brief explanation of caressing, use of feathers, silk and stroking. The book is only 160 pages and much of that is pictures. That leaves very little room for actual instuction.
   
   Lacking is a detailed explanation of the orgasm and the anal component of the female orgasm. Anal sex receives only a few comments on pages, 122-125. I was fairly disappointed in the lack of information in this book.
   
   For a better explanation of orgasm, I recommend "The Technology of Orgasm" by Maines and "Anal Sex for Couples" by Strong.



4. I love the way she writes, so female sex postive. Because of this, I recommend that every woman who can have access to this book, should read it and make their own conclusions.



5. Great writer, great pictures--all-in-all a lovely book. Every woman should keep one in her personal library so that she can have it handy for reference. I say it is ALMOST the last word on orgasm, because another book specifically address women's difficulty having orgasms while engaging in intercourse. Five Minutes to Orgasm Every Time You Make Love: Female Orgasm Made Simple tackles this problem with a simple, easy-to-follow three step technique. And if you really want mind-blowing orgasms, have your lover learn the art of cunnilingus. Reciprocate by learning the art of fellatio yourself. How? By reading this great book: The Sensuous Couple's (Flip Over) Guide to Seismic Oral Sex. It's a flip over book with everything you need to know about cunnilingus on one side and everything you need to know about fellatio on the other. Buy all three, and you will really be in business!

4 comments about Just Girlfriends: More Than Just Chit-Chat & Chocolate.

1. I admit I am not fond of 'cute' books. But this one is nice simply because the author has chosen some wonderful quotes to accompany her photos.
   
   Like Helen Keller who notes 'So long as you can sweeten another's pain, life is not in vain'. Or John Sage who notes 'Best friends can practically speak with their eyes just a knowing glance speaks a thousand words'.
   
   Would make a lovely gift for someone who needs reminding that they matter to you.



2. "Girlfriends share two ageless elixirs:
   We laugh until we cry,
   and we cry until we laugh.
   Either one heals us from the inside out."
   ~Bonnie Louise Kuchler
   
   Bonnie Louise Kuchler has created a cozy read about friendship between women. This book would make a wonderful gift for the women in your life. The pictures of puppies, deer, kittens, baby elephants, seals, raccoons, ponies and bear cubs makes this book adorable. I loved all the quotes and the artistic way they are presented with the pictures. I can recommend this book to anyone who collects quotes or wants to give a gift to a girlfriend.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



3. 
   "A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside" (A.A. Milne)
   
   
   If you've never used your superior powers of deductive reasoning to determine that the effects of a fudge brownie à la mode can be counteracted by a diet drink at the same meal, then chances are that:
   
   1. You're not of the feminine persuasion
   2. You don't meet your girlfriends for lunch on a regular basis
   3. You may not appreciate this picture book.
   
   
   This is a compact and delightful gift book expressly created for those special women who know you better than you know yourself. It contains more than forty adorable, full color photographs of animals, each with a "girlfriend-appropriate" phrase, quote or saying, ranging from PMS to Winnie the Pooh (see above).
   
   Recommended as a "just because" gift for the ladies of your posse who know when it's better to tell you the truth up front, and when to hedge their bets a little. Better yet, send it with a personal note thanking them for always watching your back.
   
   "The friend who holds your hand and says the wrong thing is made of dearer stuff than the one who stays away" (Barbara Kingsolver)
   
   
   
   Amanda Richards, September 6, 2008



4. I belong to a group of women who get together each month for shopping, eating, travel, fun! This little book is delightful - wit and wisdom, clever pictures, and simple truths. I bought one for my Secret Sister, and liked it so much I bought another one for myself! It is the perfect gift for that special friend (or family member) in your life, to brighten her day. Think Christmas stocking stuffer, too!

5 comments about The Whole Lesbian Sex Book: A Passionate Guide for All of Us.

1. If you want to be more open with your partner about sex, this book will help. Men will also find plenty here to help them pleasure a woman.



2. Wanting to be the best ""Lover"" I can be, I was expecting to read something that I did not know. Anything new happenning Ladies?? Anyway, I was slightly dissapointed but still a good read with good instructions and has vlaue.



3. There were a lot of insights I didn't know. There were many myths that were cleared up with this book. Just knowing the female anatomy is priceless in itself. Understanding your body and getting the most out of your sexuality is the best way to begin to enhance your life.



4. I read the 2005 German edition of the 1999 US book. It is on the basics of lesbian sexuality and beyond. There are other books recommended for saving the bored done-it-all inner city sexpert from lesbian bed death. But let's face it: Most of us aren't that lucky. It depends on what book you are seeking. It is not the book's fault that a few already know most of its content. This book is also for those who lack imagination, knowledge and/or experience in lesbian sexuality. Meaning, you don't have to be a lesbian to find this book informative. Which can't really be said about many heterosexual sex books vice versa. In fact, one or the other information, many gay men should be aware of, as the author isn't squeamish about anal sexuality.
   
   You will find not only virtually everything from masturbation to sex parties, but also on safer sex. Especially this section is important for heterosexuals as well, as most of the latter hardly engage in it, when it comes to oral sex on females. Lately, I went into a classic straight sex shop to buy some dental dams and the sales person didn't even know what I was talking about, even though they offered them in some corner. This expensive, that I am glad that this book gives instructions to the public on how to make them yourself from cheaper and more readily available items. Again, recommendable information for everybody else in the anilingus version.
   
   I find it noteworthy that this book takes the pressure off political correctness, when it comes to sexual fantasies. And yes, there's a difference, when this lesbian sexpert does it or some creepy sexual release magazine.
   
   Be aware that the traditional hanky code has many variations. The meanings to the colors provided here are mostly shared. However, some may lead to misunderstandings. For example, white is decoded here as seeking/being a newbie. I know it rather as: "Leave me alone, today I am here just for the beer." It should also be noted that some colors look very similar in the usually softly lit places, where you find them.
   
   You may be interested in specialized topics, like Female Ejaculation and the G-Spot: Not Your Mother's Orgasm Book! (Positively Sexual).



5. Great book. Very informative, altho I'd say it is geared more towards women who are inexperienced, new to Lesbianism or are not too familiar with the female body. Wouldn't be on my top 5 to recommend if you're past all the basics and looking for something new or deeper.

5 comments about Your Four-Year-Old: Wild and Wonderful.

1. I was looking for a short, easy to read overview about 4 year olds. I felt like I had a pretty good grasp on 1-3, but when our daughter hit 4, all control and understanding was lost! Ames' book really put the age in perspective -- she does a great job describing what's normal for 4. As a result, my husband and I felt a bit less isolated, more secure, and confident as parents.



2. I remembered this series from its assitance in raising my "first litter" of kids, who are now in their mid and late twenties. I have just finished re-reading this title in honour of my four year old youngest.
   
   I gave the book four stars rather than five because, as other reviewers have noted, the book is 30 years old and in some places it's obvious that it hasn't been updated since then. I was occasionally really surprised at the flashbacks I got in reading what was once the "gold standard" in child development advice and realizing how odd it soudns today. There are places, especially in the second half of the book, where observation gives way to opinion and advice that is a relic of its time. (TV is good, kids 'need' to be ghettoized in schools 'for their own developmental good', and a goodly dose of "girls behave this way and boys behave that way, and you can predict behavior based on body type [whaaa?!?!].)
   
   But kids themselves don't change that much -- kids develop today much the same way they developed 30 years ago and 300 years ago. (Oh, their interests and our expectations have changed a lot, but kids and their development patterns haven't.)
   
   So if you're a reader who can sort observation from the opinions based on those observations, I would still recommend this book as a really good primer on what to expect from your child's physical, emotional, and intellectual development over the course of the fourth year. She pegs the changes in the developing child very accurately -- even if her ideas about what that means are sometimes a little wierd.



3. What can I say, I love reading parenting books from the 1970s. It's not just the nostalgic pictures of kids wearing loud plaid pants and boys in wide belts that remind me of my own childhood, there's more to it than that. Having a four-year-old myself, I'm trying to figure out why there seems to be such a generation gap in the parenting style of the 1970s when I was raised and the present style. I'm sure one could make a whole dissertation on the subject which isn't my intention to do here, but one thing I notice that is refreshing about these old-fashioned parenting books is that they aren't so full of guilt-inducing admonishments like many books of today are. Of course, you need to use your own good judgement and common sense when reading the advice given here. For example, the authors say that most four-year-olds can play alone outside unsupervised and can run "small errands" as long as crossing the street isn't involved. Can you imagine any book or child expert giving such advice today?
   
   As others have said, the real value of the book is that it describes the developmental behaviors that children at age four tend to go through. It's not exactly an advice book, and I wouldn't use it as such, especially as since many people have noted much of the advice is either out-of-date (rubber pants, for example) or objectionable to many people.
   
   So why am I giving it four stars? Besides the fact that I love the "historical" nostalgic aspect, even if I didn't agree with all of the content, it is an honest book on a child's development. And when you can understand more about why your child is doing certain behaviors, it's much easier to deal with those behaviors.



4. Developmental pediatrics in under 125 pages! Who could ask for more? This book explains where your child is developmentally and describes what is happening in the minds and bodies at a given age. You can incorporate this information in to how you parent. It has the power to change how you see parenting and your child in a very powerful way. Enjoy!



5. I recommend these books (Your ONE Year Old, Your TWO Year Old, Your THREE Year Old, Your FOUR Year Old, Your FIVE Year Old, Your SIX Year Old, Your SEVEN Year Old, Your EIGHT Year Old, Your NINE Year Old, Your TEN-to-FOURTEEN Year Old. These books were writtten by Louise Bates Ames, PhD, Fances L. Ilg, MD and Sidney M. Baker MD of the Gesell Institute of Human Development. They are NOT a "how to" book for parents -- but rather provide a perspective of life from the child's various ages. I found the books to be of such value that I purchase the entire series for new parents. Somehow I forgot to purchase these books for my niece when she started her family. She expressed some concerns about her seven year old son's behavior (that I knew from experience to be that typical of seven year olds). I purchased the books from the series that will help my niece from here on. She LOVES them! I have a feeling she will use them and pass them along to other parents. My original set are part of my permanent library. I highly recommend these books for your permanent library as well!

5 comments about Rekindling Desire: A Step by Step Program to Help Low-Sex and No-Sex Marriages.

1. The McCarthy's book is helpful to get the conversation started about low-sex marriage. However, it requires two willing or somewhat willing partners. Throughout the book he recommends getting a sexual therapist involved which is helpful if you live in a mdetropolitan area with that sort of resource. Their exercises are somewhat helpful but are not a menu of step by step. It is more of a conceptual exercise on how to assess where you are at and what the next steps might be to make things better between you both.
   
   Recommended



2. The insight revealed to me through this book was truly life changing. It is a guide to help couples change the way they view their expectations of long term, marital sexuality and put a new, healthy perspective into practice in order to renew and energize a most necessary and wonderful part of their marriage. With the knowledge I gained from this book, along with lots of prayer and a little relationship counseling, I was able to take what years of shame and social stigma had me convinced was the "normal" way to participate in a marriage and exchange it for a positive and loving character that encouraged me to love my husband emotionally, spiritually and physically without preconceived expectations or fear - including fear of rejection. Our once nearly dead marriage has taken a fresh new breath of life.



3. The idea of rekindling desire, especially sexual desire is a worthy goal but it is not accomplished by the techniques listed in this book. They have identified a problem, explained it to a fare-thee-well, and alas, have come up with no genuine permanent solutions.
   
   A word like "pleasuring" could only be concocted by an academic who lives
   to sell a how-to book, regardless of its merits. "Non-whatever pleasuring" is a tortured use of language and merely turns one further off. How many of us, when things were hopping, ever thought about it as "pleasuring"? Never in language like this.
   
   To 'rekindle' desire may be an impossible goal past a certain age. If it were possible to desire something once again, anything one valued in the past, it will take more than a read thru this tome. Take some real and greater pleasure in saving your money.
   
   Taking pleaasure of any kind, desiring something ardently, uncontrollably is likely a neuro-chemical reaction in the brain which has somehow short-circuited over time, amidst the daily grind of human endeavor and which could likely be 'rekindled' only with an effective aphrodisiac, a selective amnesia, and/or a return to an innocent state. I'd opt for the Aphrodisiac.
   
   Many eons ago a famous writer asked, "How does one get Love to stay?" My guess is what he really meant was how does one get Lust to recur throughout one's life.
   
   The only thing for sure is that this book provides no answer, but instead begs the question.
   



4. This book adressess a much ignored subject and provides a wealth of clinical material as well as a step by step guide for solving a very common and destructive problem.



5. Let's face it. If you've been married (and faithful) to the same person for 20 years, sex is going to get boring. And it probably didn't take 20 years either. Familiarity and excitement are not synonimous. On the other hand, sex can still be great and fun if you go by the instructions in this book. There is always a way to rekindle desire if the two involved parties are willing to make the effort. The key is willingness. It is assumed that the party who buys this book is willing, and hopefully has a willing partner. Another book that will guarantee that a couple's sex life is kicked into high gear is The Sensuous Couple's (Flip Over) Guide to Seismic Oral Sex. It's a flip over book, that comprises two-books-in-one. One side is practically an encyclopedia about fellatio. Flip it over and the othe rside is an encyclopedia about cunnilingus. Use both these books together, and you'll want to renew your vows all over again!

5 comments about Baby Laughs: The Naked Truth About the First Year of Mommyhood.

1. This was a fun read for a new mother! I liked Belly Laughs better, but this was still entertaining.



2. Her funny but not as great follow-up to Belly Laughs. I would have to say that the first book was the best but worth reading if you enjoy Jenny McCarthy.



3. We're expecting a baby in less than a month. The pregnancy has been normal and uneventful, but it's a difficult time for a couple and a little levity is in order. Another couple suggested we read the book "Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth" by Jenny McCarthy. It was a quick and easy read and provided a lot of insightful laughs. I reviewed the book and gave it five stars. Almost immediately, a second book appeared on my suggestion list: "Baby Laughs: The Naked Truth About the First Year of Mommyhood" , also by Jenny McCarthy. I couldn't resist.
   
   A major difference was immediately apparent. In the case of the first book, I had been through almost all of the experiences and could relate to McCarthy"s stories and laugh along with them. However, with the second book it was a series of things that I still have to look forward to. Hmmmm. I'm not sure I should have gone through with this. LOL. I suspect the book might have been funnier if I had been through it all and was looking back. Now, I'm feeling somewhat apprehensive.
   
   A second factor also unexpectedly entered in. Jenny has a brash "tell-it-like-it-is" sense of humor. I was continuously taken back and lightly shocked, but laughing all the way. It was as if you were reading the script of a somewhat irreverent stand-up comic. However, in reading the second book the shock value was largely gone and the book was not nearly as humorous. It's somewhat like with people who make heavy use of f*** bombs and other gimmicks in their spoken word. At first it has a certain humor because it just isn't expected. But after a while, the humor wears thin and you take a more critical look at the content of what is said. I'd say the content here was rather thin, and in looking back on the first book I'd say the content was equally thin. Oh well, I wasn't looking for a treatise on child bearing and raising. As a first-time father, a little humorous insight was all I was looking forward to and Jenny provided it.
   
   In reviewing the first book, I thought that Jenny's experiences were somewhat exaggerated over those of my wife. Now, this could just be her sense of humor and irreverent way of explaining things. I remarked that it also might mean that she was not in as good physical condition as my wife. Now, in the second book, I find out that she was a smoker up to the time of her first pregnancy and stopped for the sake of the unborn baby. First, I congratulate her. It was a wise thing to do. I totally agree with her decision, but I also realize, as a former smoker, that stopping smoking can be an exceedingly difficult task in itself and may well have contributed to some of the exaggerated difficulties experienced in her pregnancy. In my experience, I could still feel the negative effects of quitting smoking a year after I quit. Personally, I think she should have disclosed the smoking and smoking cessation in her first book.
   
   So what about my recommendation? Well, the book provides a light and humorous read. Take it only as that. Personally, I think the first book was much better and the second is riding on those coattails. I gave it four stars, but that's a bit of a stretch. I doubt that I'll be reading any of the further books in the series, however.
   
   Gary Peterson



4. This book is so funny and so true! A must for the days when you are feeling like the "only one who has ever gone through this".



5. I bought this book, thinking it would be a fun read - I was up for a few laughs, being a sleep-deprived brand-new mommy. I had previously read and absolutely loved Vicki Iovine's The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy, and thought this book might be in the same vein.
   
   Boy, was I wrong.
   
   Once I got it I was a bit surprised at how short it seemed and how big the font was (it reminded me of the juvenile novels I used to read in elementary school, by the looks of it). I opened it up and was a bit surprised at some of the chapter titles, which are on a fine line between funny and inappropriate.
   
   I was very disappointed in this book; as I read, she talked about how happy she was to be a mom and how she couldn't imagine a world without her sweet little baby (something I could definitely relate to). And then all of a sudden she threw in a few profanities, and I have to say I did not find it funny.
   
   I did not appreciate the bad language used in this book, and found it to be offensive and irreverent. There was nothing of great substance to this book, and I would not recommend it to anyone. Go with Iovine's Girlfriends' Guide books - they are much funnier and much cleaner.