5 comments about 1001 Ways to Be Romantic: Now Completely Revised and More Romantic Than Ever.

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 Intimate Communion: Awakening Your Sexual Essence.

1. This book gives us so much to think about, but there is still something missing. After each chapter I closed my eyes and thought through the lessons and how I could apply them to my own relationships. It really is insightful



2. This is a great book because it simply lays out the structure in men and women. The book helps the awareness of men and women change from confusion to understanding. Its appearent to me that in our culture both sexes has a misunderstanding in dealing with each other and even themselves. Me as a young man, this book has helped me to better understand myself and my counter parts.



3. Great philosophy here: an excellent guide to gender motivation and energy polarities. David Deida is brilliant, with a visual style of interpreting the realms of transpersonal psychology.
   
   I've given this book 4 stars only due to poor editing - it becomes redundant after the first few chapters.
   
   Saturate your mind with Deida's work at his `Blue Truth' site, or visit `Integral Naked', where you can watch some of his workshop videos and interviews for free!



4. Wow. I ran across this book about a year ago when I accidentally went to a "tantra" workshop by a woman who taught Deida stuff and this was the "prerequisite" to read before the class (although I didn't know this before showing up for the class and had never heard of David Deida). I had arrived the night before the workshop, borrowed the book and spent most of the night drowning myself in David Deida. A light immediately went on and I knew the truth of what he was saying.
   I tried out one of the concepts the next week at a desert campout where 2 guys were building a big structure. Normally, I'd have jumped in and helped the construction. But his teachings stopped me and instead, I just unobtrusively brought them snacks and water throughout the day and made sure they were not dying in the desert heat. To this day those 2 guys will get a big grin and introduce me as the one who saved their lives in the desert.
   From there, I found out about an ongoing group that taught Deida work and continued in active practices, reading and listening to his work. Fast forward 1 year to today and I'm now with my soul mate that I met almost exactly a year after I discovered Deida's work. He naturally has male essence and just looovvveees how I deal with him. He feels bigger and stronger when he's around me and he even attributes his long sought after weight gain, to his body literally filling out to be the bigger man that he's become since he's met me!!! In a way, I feel like Deida's training teaches women how to be muses to their men.
   Something about your whole energy changes when you start doing this work and I'm a very different person now than I was a year ago. I'm more tolerant towards men, easier to get along with, enjoy sex more, find it easier to "let go" of slights that I wouldn't in the past and I'm more creative about solutions to relationship issues. I don't seem to expect as much from a partner, but always get way more than I could have hoped for. Rather than "needing" something and him giving it to me by obligation, I can create a "space" for him to step into, give me what I want and get what he wants at the same time- all without him knowing that I've even done anything at all. It's almost magical.
   I can't recommend Deida enough. His teachings definately fly in the face of what society would consider appropriate. Some of it feels downright insulting and disgusting until you try it and find that your man responds in ways that you always thought only guys in romance novels respond to women. I now have the lover that I always wanted, but never thought really existed. I'm totally living a romance novel life and its incredible. Thanks again David Deida!



5. Deida is a unique teacher that any couple grappling with the pursuit of god and love concurrently will appreciate. He is right on point.

5 comments about Growing Up.

1. My three favorite books about growing up, "My Dog Skip", "The Old Man and the Boy", and this book, "Growing Up" by Russell Baker, were all written by newspaper and magazine journalists with Southern roots. There must be some southern storytelling tradition that turns out writers of great memoirs. This is a charming book, full of love of family, humor, and growing up during the difficult history of the depression. I have read and re-read this book, and always find something to laugh about or something that touches me deeply. I expected the reviews of this book to be all five-star accolades, and I am shocked and alarmed by the several reviewers who found the book "boring" and "repetitive". I can't help but wonder what comprises excitement in such readers' lives.



2. WHen I first encountered "Growing Up" in 1983, I thought it was dull. Once I allowed myself to be patient, I realized how wrong I had been. When I allowed myself the time to read, "Growing Up" became a pleasure and a classic I have since read several times. Baker spent his early years in Virginia, in a time before modern communication. People in that time and place took their time telling a story, but good storytellers always get to a point. Those of us born after WWII have to learn not to expect instant gratification. A book like "Growing Up" teaches you that if you will let the storyteller tell his story, you will be caught up in his magic. Take the time to read "Growing Up" and I bet you will be sorry when you get to the end, hungering for more about Russell Baker and his family. Like all families, there is pain and anger, conflict and crisis, but at the core, in "Growing Up" and in the Baker family, there is deep love.



3. Wanting to have a little more insight into the life of someone living through the Great Depression (besides my father) I found this book "filled the bill". The book isn't exciting and doesn't really have a plot, but is more like a "day in the life" of a young man living in hard circumstances and being too young to understand the depth of the hardships. The author has an engaging writing style that kept me from putting the book down. I found I felt like I knew him and could feel his fears, embarassments,and his insecurities.



4. Note: Some immature Mormon has been slamming my reviews because I wrote some negative reviews of books attempting to defend the Book of Mormon.
   
   So your "helpful" votes are greatly appreciated. A shorter review is not necessarily a bad review if it leads you to a great book. I've just noted the general theme. Thanks
   
   Inside my paperback copy of Russell Baker's book, I wrote "Great Book!"
   This was in 1985, and I would rank this memoir as one of the best I have ever read.
   
   From his youth in rural Virginia through the Depression in Baltimore, the very best of America shines though in this charming autobiography. I laughed till I cried at Baker's description of living above his uncle's funeral parlor. Whenever families gathered, he provided shrimp, and so whenever the young Russell smelled shrimp, he knew there was a funeral.
   
   Mrs. Baker's determination to raise a good family after her husband's death was inspiring. My own father died when I was fifteen, so I could see my mother in her--even though my story was set in the 1960s, not the 1930s.
   
   Highly recommended. I would also highly recommend the "Autobiography of Malcolm X." A very powerful account of Malcolm X's life. I do not agree with his religion, but I was inspired at how he turned away from a life of crime and made a better man of himself. In the last few years of his life, he turned away from the racism against whites that he had earlier believed.
   
   The Autobiography of Malcolm X : As Told to Alex Haley
   The Autobiography of Malcom X



5. too long, boring, pointless.....if i wrote a book about coming of age, i would definitely have more action to report.

5 comments about Be a People Person: Effective Leadership Through Effective Relationships.

1. This is a very short, yet very comprehensive book on how to improve your view on life, people around you, improve their view of you, the art of persuasion, the art of bringing the best out if yourself and others around you. best short self-improvement book i've ever read.



2. Maxwell has written an excellent title on how to get along better with people, whether at home, work, church, neighborhood, community involvement, etc.

   Among the points covered include:

   1. Helping people to solve their problems.
   2. Establish your worth according to God's value system.
   3. Effective leaders are leaders who are disciplined in their daily lives.
   4. How to become a person who people trust.
   5. Characteristics of winning teams.
   6. Tips for taking criticism.
   7. Putting yourself in other people's shoes.
   8. Loving difficult people.

   Read and be encouraged to have better interpersonal relationships!




3. Pro: It gives helpful advice on how to deal with difficult people from a Christian perspective.
   Con: A lot of the advice is just a re-inerating of what is said in Dale Carnegie's book, "How To Win Friends And Influence People."



4. I realize this is not the very latest from the genius of John Maxwell, but it the latest one I read. If I see Maxwell's name on it I will buy it and read it immediately. I could not but notice one review in particular that express disapproval of Maxwell writing a "religious" book in disguise. I wonder if this person ever thought that many of the social graces and principles of success are "religious" in origin?
   
   All that aside this little book plainly, and smartly reminds people that if they are to be a successful leader and reach goals in whatever endeavor they choose within OR outside the church being a people person will bring you success as a leader. Basically Maxwell encourages readers to be other-centered and not self-centered. He shows us that when we help others to become better we all become better and we can achieve great things together.
   
   When it comes to learning leadership principles John Maxwell stands head and shoulders above the rest... He is the real deal



5. The book is full of practical advice and thought-provoking quotes and ideas. It may make you want to go out and strike up a conversation with a stranger on the street and apply the concepts. If you recognize that people are importnat and are seeking ideas of how to help them and be helped by them to produce better results, this book is a reliable reference. It is taught through a highly biblical tone as the Bible is quoted often and biblical stories drawn upon to illustrate concepts. If you prefer biblical illustration this book is great, if not you may get a bit frustrated with the constant references.

5 comments about Sahara Special.

1. I liked it, but a kids book shouldn't have any of those words in it. MAYBE one, but not, like, 10. I asked my mom what one meant, and she got kinda upset about it. A kids book shouldn't have those kinds of words in it. It was also kinda boring.



2. This book helped me see the school from another angle. Sometimes the language was not what I prefer, but it was authentic to the characters presented. Anyone who would like to develop a deeper sense of compassion for all students might take a moment to read this book.



3. "Sahara Special" is a novel of deep meaning and life lessons of hope. The time period is current day and takes place at a public school on the west side of Chicago. The story tells of triumph over tragedy. Sahara grieves constantly over the fact that her father has left never to return. She does poorly in school and has a file in the school office loaded with negative information. Although her mother knows she reads book after book, no one else really knows that she also writes beautifully. Sahara is failed and repeats fifth grade. In the fall a new teacher arrives who is most unusual. Her name is Miss Pointy and she is a little wierd. She insists that they write in their journal every day. Darrell, a special needs child, gives Miss Pointy a hard time, but she continues to work and encourage him as well as the entire class. Sahara wants to believe in herself but feels very discouraged. I cannot tell how the story ends, but the messages are deep and life changing. Some parts of the story made me cry because of the sweet and kind ways that Miss Pointy gave of herself without being obvious. Yes, I would recommend this book because it is uplifting and hopeful. We all benefit from each other's giving and caring ways.



4. The genre of this book overall would be realistic fiction. The book was amazing in the aspects of being realistic and a story you could relate to. I imagine that someone, or more than one person, for that matter, has gone through what Sahara has! It is fiction, all the while, but remains very realistic and interesting to read. The theme of this book was about Sahara, a girl who has, no doubt, had to endure many difficulties. She is not exactly popular, and may be taunted by quite a few peers. She was not a perfect example to anyone, but she was a realistic one. The setting was in Chicago, Illinois. It was in a little school, just like many others, where the students seemed to be entertained by anything out of the ordinary. (This was quite a few things, it was a very dull place.) One day, in walks a new 5th grade teacher. She is wildly dressed and has a french name. I imagine, after everything they had seen in the school, the students were bewildered, Sahara included. I think that the teacher, Madame Poitier liked to stand out from the crowd and help people find themselves over all they are trying to be. She tried helping Sahara, which carries her through a magical, inventive journey. Does Sahara want to be an author or not? She must search within herself to find out. I do not think I did not enjoy any of it. It was a laugh a little, cry a little kind of book. I enjoyed it thoroughly.



5. I am an avid reader and I originally picked this one up at the library under "new releases". After growing up with "Ramona" as well as "Harriet the Spy" I thoroughly enjoyed "Saharah Special". I could easily relate to her (having had troubles in school when I was her age,) and being a writer myself.
   
   I loved her new teacher, who just had a way with kids. I found myself drawn into this story and into Saharah's life so well, I was actually disappointed to have it end.
   
   Bravo to Esme, I hope you write more about Saharah!

5 comments about Different Loving: The World of Sexual Dominance and Submission.

1. I really, really love this book! There are a ton of books out there on technique, and books on what to do in the metaphorical bedroom, but this isn't one of them. It isn't a titillating erotic read. It's a book about the psychology, sociology, and philosophy of BDSM. Multiple viewpoints about multiple parts of the lifestyle are presented. The authors draw from interviews with all different kinds of BDSMers. It explains a lot about WHY and not a lot about HOW this lifestyle occurs. I literally can't put this book down, and I already have three friends in line to read it!



2. This book really delves into the psychology of BDSM, and touches subjects that many other books don't. While leaning more towards the "why" of BDSM, it still gives alot of "how to" as well. This book is great for experienced Domme's who want to delve into the mindset of the lifestyle. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.



3. This book is one of the very few ethnographies existing about people who live in intentional power exchange relationships as a significant facet of their personal lives. It was groundbreaking when it came out, and to my knowledge no work has since come close to sharing D/s relationships through the participants' eyes in quite this manner, It is a stellar work of sociology for the bdsm community, and well worth reading for anyone who wants to gain some insights into why people choose to do D/s and erotic power relationships.



4. I've bought several books on the subject and read others that have been loaned from friends. This is by far the best. Clear, concise and not cluttered with a bunch of information that one doesn't need. If you buy one book on the subject, this is the one to get.



5. totally surprised at what others have said about this book. this is the first review i have made but felt it needed to be done. this book was boring to say the least.i didnt even finish it nor try to. i started with first chapter, yawned and went to next, yawned. then i just started flipping through it. maybe i just didnt read the description about the book well enough before i bought it.... there was little short stories(if you can call them that, 'me and my wife had wild sex', whoopi!)in the book but nothing really detailed. there was nothing detailed about things to do, bdsm roles, acting, nothing! it just stated things like; be comfortable with yourself, dress sexy, wear leather, its okay to get freaky, different types of body fluids that people do or like. um hello!!!! duh! it was more of a glorified birds and the bees talk, how to understand bdsm. NOTHING on how to set the stage, how to determine what to do, what type of partner you have(sub or dom) and wht to do to them.nothing sexy nothing worth while at all! it was plain ol vanilla boring.i know nothing really about bdsm, but the stuff in this book is in magazines that you pick up in the grocery store or on your tv. i guess if you live in a cave this would be a book for you. but even then, i think you would be so bored in the cave you would come up with better stuff than this.

3 comments about Teach Your Baby to Sign: An Illustrated Guide to Simple Sign Language for Babies.

1. I liked the layout of this book far better then most of the top rated books. It has a good blend of baby sign language background and easy to follow, commonly used signs. The book is also good as a quick reference if you forget the exact way to do a sign. Overall, a great guide for first time parents looking for relevent material that your baby can use. The only thing that would make this book even better is if it were spiral bound, so it could be layed flat for easier viewing for parents and their babies.



2. This book is great. I was looking for something with easy to understand signs and easy to find in the book!
   My husband and I already have the basics down and have started introducing them to our child. The signs are easy and large so I can print them and take them to daycare so they know what she wants as well. I searched all over for books and this is by far the best I have found.



3. This is an absolutely wonderful book! Exactly what I was looking for. It has a lot of pictures and instructions on how to do each sign. I have three kids and I don't have the time to just sit down to read. It's so great with this book to be able to just look up the word, view the picture and/or instructions, and I'm done.

5 comments about The Love Languages of God: How to Feel and Reflect Divine Love (Chapman, Gary).

1. An excellent resouce for discovering your child's motiovational code. I would highly recommend it to any parent or grandparent who is passionate about the emotional and social development of their child.



2. Chapman starts off saying the book is not meant to be a religious book, so I believe some of the comments are unfair. Some readers may have gone in with expectations too high. I do think the book starts off great and then in the last few chapters gets a bit boring. I found myself skimming the last few chapters. I do feel that Chapman is effective in describing how different people express their love for God differently, but that doesn't mean someone loves God more or less because their expression is different from yours. He also was effective in showing that even though God speaks all five love languages fluently, you hear Him most in your primary love language. In my personal life, I find that God responds to my prayers most in my primary language. He also used biblical examples to show how different people worshipped God different (e.g., Martha and Mary) and how God used the five love languages to speak to us through His word. Good read and I think it will make you appreciate the differences in the body of Christ more.



3. The Love Languages of God: How to Feel and Reflect Divine Love (Chapman, Gary) Truly an inspiring book, who knew there was different ways of showing love for God and also receiving.



4. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoyed Dr. Chapman's The Five Love Languages book. It goes in depth with different stories about how God speaks to us through our love languages. It made me look at my experiences in life and I see how it is God speaking His love for me in a HUGE way. I recommend this to anyone who wants to be amazed at God's love and how personal He is. It is a great gift too!



5. This was a great read! I originally purchased the book because of a book club at my church. This was our first book reading and we all enjoyed reading it. When we came together to talk about it, we realized how much we all loved GOD but we just showed it in a different way.
   It also helped us to be open to how others worship. I've been talking about this book ever since! GOD's love is the first love,and it dictates how we love others...

5 comments about Don't Call That Man!: A Survival Guide to Letting Go.

1. This is the best book I have ever read on the topic of getting over a wrenching breakup, and I have read a bunch. I cringe every time I see the cover, but I have read and re-read the section on The Ambivalent Man which described my own situation perfectly and have determined is profound. Seriously, if you're just about to die from heartache and can't seem to move on even though your ex is, this book will really help make the edge of that pain a little less sharp. Don't let the outside fool you--this book is full of excellent information and makes me wish I had found it sooner.



2. The cover is aweful but the contents are well written with excellent journal questions. It is an easy read and is a good pre read to Women Who Love Too Much, which is excellent but more meaty and dense. The two can go together with this one making Norwood's book more accessible.



3. Ok. So I did all the "don'ts". Oh....well.....great book. To the point. Fun & easy reading.



4. This book is a waste of time. Every chapter is the same. Every chapter recommends that you seek professional help. Otherwise, call your support group. This book has zero original ideas on how to not call your ex, neither on how to move on. Good thing is, the book is very short, so if you did read it, you didnt waste much time.



5. Author & psychotherapist Rhonda Findling hits the nail on the head with this book. It's like talking to a girlfriend who completely understands you, acknowledges your pain, and gives you excellent advice for moving on. Seriously, this book is pure gold!
   
   The best chapter in the book deals with the Ambivalent Man. That is, someone who gives you mixed signals-- being enthralled with you one minute, and then indifferent & rejecting the next. Women tend to run after the Ambivalent Man, assuming that we've done something to turn him off. Ms. Findling assures us that it's not our fault, and most of the time has nothing to do with us. The Ambivalent Man has unresolved emotional issues. He is "emotionally infantile, and has not progressed to the point of being psychosexually mature." (Hmmm, it's insights like this that give women their power back! I say, bring it on!)
   
   The Ambivalent Man is also afraid of intimacy. He is afraid of opening up, for fear of getting hurt. Obviously, he is not going to admit to this. That's ok, because his insecurity screams louder than words. A fear of intimacy shows up as busyness (no time for you), his tendency to act superior, displaying anger or hostility to keep you away, pointing accusatory fingers at you, judging you instead of looking within, etc.
   
   Wow, what an eye opener! It's information like this that will empower women everywhere. As Ms. Findling suggests, "real women don't settle for crumbs!" Instead, set a higher standard for yourself. The Ambivalent Man isn't worth your time and energy.
   
   "Don't Call that Man" is supported with case histories & personal stories to bring the message home. Ms. Findling's writing style is chatty, engaging and fun. She makes you laugh at times, catching you off-guard with the phrase, "Don't call that man!" Thumbs up for this excellent book!

5 comments about Joint Custody with a Jerk: Raising a Child with an Uncooperative Ex, A Hands on, practical guide to coping with custody issues that arise with an uncooperative ex-spouse.

1. Each piece of advice worked the first time. I think it was because I was breaking the old patterns when I responded and she was caught off guard. By the next time we communicated she had a new way to shut me down. I stuck to the plan for a month, then gave it up. I would have needed to go to counseling after every confrontation. She has the ability to mutate faster than a super virus. I was amused but not helped by Joint Custody With a Jerk.



2. Once I saw this book at my x-wife's apartment it became clear she was working a new program. I bought and read it and understood what she was trying to accomplish. What I found amusing was that, I always felt she was the jerk. It would have been easier on both of us if she had just been straight with me. This book would be valid if both parents had a copy. So it should only be sold in sets so both parents are headed in the same direction. Aggravating information on lying, blocking and refusing to be flexible should be removed from the text. A professional mediator could correct the problems with this book and make it really helpful. For now, it does not rate much consideration. Not recommended.



3. This book will help you learn to deal effectively with difficult spouses or any other antagonistic people in your life.
   
   If you are going through a divorce, I highly recomend this book



4. They attempted to put a positive spin on the book by being cute. It did not work. It starts in the right direction but sometimes becomes more game playing. Take the good parts and ignore the rest.



5. This book is terrible. They bend so far over backwards not to insult men that they insult women. It tells you basically, yes he is a jerk but YOU must bend over backwards to accomodate his jerkiness. It adds to the current family court system that says that you can do whatever you want and the person pooped on must be the one to give in to the selfish one, the one who is morally wrong. That is right. We live in the west. Morals are relative.
   
   Don't buy this book unless you want more frustration.