No comments about The Marriage Prayer: A Prescription to Change the Direction of Your Marriage.

5 comments about Mars and Venus in the Bedroom: A Guide to Lasting Romance and Passion.

1. Mars and Venus in the Bedroom: A Guide to Lasting Romance and Passion I purchased this audio to hear what Dr. Gray's take was on the subject of intimacy between a man and a woman. I was surprised to know that this man was previously "a man of the cloth" with an accent on "a man". I was very impress with his expertise on how to tap into each others emotions and bodies to fulfill the God given gift of sexuality. I must say that the material was sexually explicit and therefore was packaged as such. Dr. Gray spoke with much candor and experience in his field of counseling of men and women and have given me a insight on those relationships relating in marriages. I will be entering into marriage soon and will be taking this information to help me to make my marriage work.



2. John Gray is such a delightful man, with such a correct
   insight into the sexual and emotional makeups, and needs of both
   husbands and wives. When you think. . . "he won't cover
   that subject", the next thing you know, he is completely covering it.
   After listening to this, I felt excited and energized when
   I thought of how more meaningful my marriage, in or out of the bedroom might be. I will write another review after I share this with my husband.
   I am getting another copy for my daughter and my son-in-law.
   THANK YOU JOHN GRAY!!!



3. If you have been married for over ten years you may not find very many new ideas from this book. However, even one or two unique ideas can infuse your relationship with new passion. "Mars and Venus in the Bedroom" is perfect for newlyweds or anyone who wants an exciting refresher course in sexuality.
   
   John Gray takes a realistic approach to sex as opposed to a romantic fantasy. He gives lots of practical ideas to enhance the sexual experience. It is helpful to know that this book has been written for couples in a committed monogamous relationship. The ideas are guaranteed to ignite or keep passion alive in a long-term relationship.
   
   This book addresses the emotional and physical needs of both partners. I felt like I agreed with most of the book. I did seem to question one item that stood out to me as important. John Gray explains how if a woman doesn't want sex then she should be open to a quickie. On the other side of the story, if a man doesn't want sex then it is "written in stone." A section is then dedicated to ways a woman can ignite passion by what she wears to bed. There are also some ideas on how to write erotic letters although the example is from the male perspective. A letter written by a woman would have been equally as interesting.
   
   In the section on romance John Gray states that potted plants are not romantic. Personally I prefer them to cut flowers since they last longer. So some of the advice won't always work and you have to personalize the romantic experience. Unfortunately I must say that all the potted plants my husband received from girlfriends in the past have had an untimely end.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



4. In the words of my husband, "This guy [John Gray] has an agenda. You've got to feel bad for his wife."
   
   After reading this book together, both my husband and I were very disappointed. My husband was really insulted that Gray made men out to be sex machines who require an orgasm in order to love and feel. I was upset that women were characterized as essentially sexless, needing our male counterparts to coax us into having intercourse. Even more annoying though, Gray devalues female orgasms almost completely, and at no time is it appropriate for a woman to decline sex. Of course women should make the attempt to pleasure their men (most will want to), but Gray has the idea that women should give it to their lovers anytime, anywhere. Seriously, I can picture Gray explaining that a woman in labor can just give her husband/boyfriend a quickie if he's feeling frisky and she's just not in the mood given that she's giving birth and all. On the other hand, according to Gray, it's hard for a man to say no to sex, so if he does, a woman should take care of things herself.
   
   Gray's views on a loving sexual relationship were too one-sided and extreme for my husband and I. We really don't think Gray should be giving bedroom advice, nor does he seem qualified to be. (FYI: Google Gray's educational background. It's a joke. The school he received his PhD from no longer exists. Too bad I didn't realize this until we had already bought and read the book).



5. This book was actually recommended to me by my doctor! And after reading the reviews I decided I dont need a book that basically focuses EVEN MORE on the man and pretty much ignores women's needs! So, no thanks...I think I will find a book that is a little less male chauvinistic and a little more pro women's needs.

5 comments about Moments Together for Couples.

1. I have seen complaints about how the book only seems geared towards parents....and many of the devotions really are. Before we had our daughter (that took a long time due to infertility) those days were kind of a downer for me....but to get around the topic I tried to view it as an "if I were a parent what would I want to do in this situation".
   Now that I am a parent it is a non-issue....and regardless I just enjoy anytime that is mean't to draw myself and my husband closer to the Lord.



2. Since we received this as a gift for our anniversary 5-6? years ago, we have given it as part of our wedding gift to LITERALLY EVERY MARRYING COUPLE we've known EVER SINCE. Our oldest of four daughters is 16 and she has begun reading it as a teaching tool for how to be a great mate and what to RIGHTFULLY expect from her mate as a Christian woman. I STILL READ THIS EVERY DAY, and I give it to friends of mine, men and women alike with a note in the front that encourages them to remember that Christ is to be first, our spouses second, and our children third.



3. This devotional is great for married couples trying to find some sort of devotional they can do together as a couple. It's great for couples with and without children, but it does have quite a few devotions based on a family with children. You'll really enjoy it; it gets us talking about things we wouldn't otherwise talk about. And this is the place I got the best deal on it also!



4. This book has helped my husband and I make time for a daily time of devotion and prayer. The devotions are short but they always make you think and are good conversation starters. Great book for busy married couples!



5. I rated this devotional very high for the following 5 reasons:
   1. It brings my wife and I together in so many ways.
   2. It accurately delves into the Word of God and allows my wife and I to get into the topic and express our intimate and personal thoughts and feelings.
   3. It challenges both of us as parents, as a huband and as a wife.
   4. It allows us to see how eachother thinks and I have an opportunity to hear the things on the heart of my wife.
   5. Dennis and Barbara keep it real.
   
   If you are looking for a good devotional for you are your wife, If you are looking to improve your listening and communication skills in your marriage then I encourage you to give this devotional a shot. However, I must warn you this devotional is not for the CHARISMATIC Christian. This devotional is for those that are daily LIVING FOR CHRIST!

5 comments about The Enlightened Stepmother: Revolutionizing the Role.

1. I was once engaged to a wonderful divorced man with a child until I panicked and called off the wedding. I really miss him and was hoping to find courage in taking on the stepmother role. But I cannot agree more with Ms. Dowdall's review below that this book is packed with information but is depressing. Reading it, I felt that perhaps I had been lucky to get out of the relationship in time. If I am judging solely the information contained in the book, I would give it 4 stars, but for the negative emotional impact, I would have to give it 2 stars, coming out to be an average of 3 stars.



2. For my situation, this did not apply until about the third to the last page. Until I got to that page of pertinence, I thought, "I wish I would have read this book several years ago."
   
   This is a good combination of common sense, good advice and interesting introspect. Some hard to hear but astute lessons are here. Reading this before marriage would have saved me a lot of headache and heartache. Simple, straightforward and easily applicable.
   
   The sample group of women that the author refers to as the people she interviewed for the writing of this book are as varied as there are women in the world. It was great to hear that some of the women interviewed were: younger, older, working, stay at home, resentful, dedicated, loyal, forgiving, and one ultimately was divorced. It makes it clear to the reader that not just one kind of stepmom is successful and that if you feel guilty, unloved, unloving or unmotivated, you aren't alone, aren't abnormal and aren't wrong. Women from any perspecive will find valuable information in this book.
   
   I was married for three years and went through hell and back before this was recommended to me. I wish I had found it sooner.
   
   (If you feel unsupported by your husband, you won't find anything that will make you feel better until almost the end of the book. Read the whole thing anyway...it is all pertinent. Either divorce him, don't marry him, or read this book to him.)



3. I ordered this book based off of all the positive reviews it included. While I did find some helpful tips, this was a difficult book to read. It was very matter of fact and a bit doom and gloom.
   The book seemed to focus on you having an "out" for your marriage too. It was a very tough read.
   It is also more helpful for those that have been married previously and have children from a previous marriage.



4. This is a book that gets right to the point and doesn't waste my time throwing fakey "hugs and support" icons my way. It treats me as an independent and highly competent adult. The facts are there, the likelihoods, probabilities and tendencies and indications are all spelled out as well. It was well-written and researched and held my attention.
   
   This book may have saved my marriage (time will tell.) The plain-spoken-ness of the text informed me and my husband more concisely than the $250/hr psychologist we had been seeing.
   
   If you are or about to become a stepmother, read it now. Let me repeat, read it now.



5. This is the best book about becoming a stepmother. I wish that I had it when I initially became one. It provides a great deal of clarity for the role and many helpful techniques to navigate a difficult path. Have your husband read it as well -- it will be a value resource for you both.

5 comments about Blue Truth: A Spiritual Guide to Life & Death and Love & Sex.

1. This is a truly amazing book. This is the second David Deida book I have read. Six months ago I started my first year of law school, in a new city where I knew nobody. I was really lost for a long time and hit a new low. I eventually took the initiative to do several things to improve my situation, and this book was one of them. It has really helped to change my life by realizing just how closed off I was/am to the world. Change is a slow process, of course, but this book really helped and continues to help. The advice is solid, true, and open. There are no false pretenses in this book; no ego; just insight and something that offers to help.
   
   Also, Deida's writing style is very beautiful and sincere, which makes the book that much more helpful.



2. What a delight to read a man's perspective on the feminine and have it resonate so clearly. This was recommended by one of my spiritual "brothers" and I found it to be a sensitive, aware portrayal of the masculine/feminine dynamic - at least as far as it goes. I'm sure he says other things elsewhere, and I'll be reading some of them. It's a book for women to better understand men, and vice versa. What a huge contribution that is!



3. David Deida is a God send,. Read any and all his books if you are ready to take your whole life to the next level. I am so grateful on many different levels for the wisdom, clarity, love and honor he passes on.



4. This book may change your life. I carried it around with me to read soundbites throughout the day for months at a time- after I'd read it cover to cover. I find myself quoting from this book for people who are needing some inspiration or to just give someone a little "medicine" where I think that they might need it. Beautiful and poignant.
   
   I'd like to respond to the only "one star" review given this book. If you notice, it is NOT a book review. It is a character assassination from someone who is obviously bitter about a teacher of David Deida's. I could care less where Deida learned and experienced the concepts of this book, the fact is that they work, they are beautiful- yes, controversial- but still beautiful. I've found my feminine essence where I didn't know it existed. In my lover, I now know what it feels like to be a woman. I did NOT know this before discovering the works of Deida. I hope that you read this book.



5. I cried through the first few chapters. I thought the book was concise and yet really powerful. I've read a lot of David Deida's books, and while the message is absolutely stunning, the writing is sometimes confusing. I feel this one is very clear, very much to the point and very deep. Blue Truth could very well be one of these books that I end up reading over and over again, until I feel it is embedded into my very being. The experience that I get reading it is really strong and life altering.

5 comments about Too Much of a Good Thing: Raising Children of Character in a Permissive Culture.

1. How to avoid spoiling kids is an important subject for parents of teenagers who have the means to provide their kids with a comfortable life. Unfortunately, this book doesn't really provide much insight into the situation. It's full of contradictions and doesn't help you understand how to walk the line between caring and indulging.

   Many of the excerpts from real interviews with teens seem manipulative, with quotes selected to prove the current point the author wants to prove (which changes according to the chapter). What's lacking is any real context or analysis of the quoted teen's situation.

   Ultimately the book provides some food for thought, and can be read in a few hours, but it's irritatingly simplistic.




2. Choosing character as the focal point of the book brings out an interesting perspective on raising kids. This book is not about developing smarts, physical or artistic ability, and not even about disciplining your children. Moreover, it goes as far as suggesting that getting your teenager into the right college may be a counterproductive goal (imagine that!) Refreshingly, it zooms in on what kids need to develop a personality, rather than on what, perhaps, parents want them to have, and that alone sets the book apart. Many of the book's findings are based on statistical analysis of focused studies, which again is both rare and welcomed.
   
   Being a parent is a demanding job, but many of us refuse to see it as such. We work enough at work, and at home we often seek some indulgence and fun with our kids. We want to be their friends rather than their guardians. At every moment, we want them to love us, and in any case not hate us. In short, oftentimes we are parenting for ourselves, rather than for our kids, for our convenience and pleasure. All this is not good news for our children. In fact, it betrays our rather passive role in their upbringing.
   
   Some of the findings stand out as less obvious. That eating disorders in most cases can be traced to early childhood. That early learning of self-control, of coping with delayed gratification and boredom lead to higher SAT scores. That most sexually active teens wish they had waited.
   
   The most thriving group of kids participating in the main study shared five characteristics. They had dinner with the family on a regular basis. Their parents were not divorced. Their room was clean. They engaged in community (even household) service. And they did not have a phone in their room.
   
   To summarize, the book's advice seems merely commonsensical: spend more time with your children, set limits, encourage their engagement in an absorbing challenging activity, let them fail so that they have opportunities to learn from their failures. In fact, the book is more than just regurgitation of self-evident truths. Its strength comes from two sources: hard data for its conclusions and practical advice for parents. Truths are often simple (as in dieting: forget the fads, just burn more calories than you take in). But living your daily life according to what you know is right for your children - now there's the rub.
   
   On the personal level, this book will probably help me say "no" to my 4 year-old more easily. And even though parents' "I'm doing it for your own good" argument never made much sense to me, just like ferberizing our child worked, I believe letting my son cope with manageable frustration is ultimately beneficial for him.
   
   I would recommend the book to all parents and, perhaps, to some interested teenagers as well.



3. I am frequently exposed to indulged children, and yes, they often have (or grow up to have) some serious problems as a result of being indulged. This book was right on the money. Aside from the parents who do the indulging, however, what person *doesn't* realize this fact? Unfortunately, those are the very people not likely to read this and benefit from it.
   
   I have no real issues with the book. It's full of truth. It's just that when I was finished, all I could think was, "No shock, Sherlock."



4. I liked the book and it makes you think about your behavior towards your kids. What kind of parential behavior will help the kids in the long run. I thought it was very well written and this book leans itself very good for review and discussion with a group of parents.



5. This well-written book covers the main concerns on the minds of parents nowadays. It's a thought-provoking and very useful volume, and the major research study it reports (conducted by the author and his team) is a kind of wake-up call about the troubling condition so many of our youth are in today. Kindlon's advice for parents is sensible and smart.
   
   Aaron Cooper, Ph.D., author of I Just Want My Kids To Be Happy! Why you shouldn't say it, why you shouldn't think it, what you should embrace instead.

5 comments about Rebuilding Workbook: When Your Relationship Ends (Rebuilding Books).

1. This is excellent for someone going through a divorce or in the beginning stages.



2. I ordered this for a friend, thinking it was the same Bruce Fisher book I bought when I divorced. It is ONLY the workbook and really needs a workshop (or maybe just a book) to go with it. It was a total waste of money and not what I expected when I ordered. Make sure you are ordering the book, not the workbook, when you order.



3. This book is an absolute must for anyone going through a relationship breakup. The book sets out all the different phases of breakup grief and gives you some logic and hope in a crazy, painful time.
   I first discovered this book in 1999 and have recommended it to everyone whom has been in the same situation since.



4. The book is very informative and insightful. The workbook, however, is really only good if you are taking one of their classes.



5. This produce was everything I expected and the service was fast and professional. I would always have confidence using amazon as the result of this purchase.

5 comments about The Other Woman: Twenty-one Wives, Lovers, and Others Talk Openly About Sex, Deception, Love, and Betrayal.

1. This is a fabulous book of personal essays. It gives every point of view on being the other woman, from being the betrayer to being betrayed, as well as offering interesting takes on the subject. One writer's story of incest and the reality of being the "other woman" to her aunt was incredibly poignant. Other stories are very funny, some quite sad. The range of writers, their writing styles, and their stories make this a great read on a timeless topic. I'm looking forward to seeing more collections like this one.



2. Though I usually go more for erotic-type fiction of this sort, such as Playtime, the title intrigued me. After reading these twenty-one beautifully writter and insightful essays/stories, I have to say I am so glad I did! It's really opended my eyes and really made me think about a few things. Don't pass this one up!!!!!



3. Sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and often times both, this terrific collection of essays is to be savored. Among my favorite reads here: Pam Houston's "Not Istanbul" (do read this is you need a good laugh!), Jane Smiley's "Iowa was Never Like This," and Lynn Freed's "Running the Smalls Through."



4. This is an amazing book I read it in a weekend I read the book because I was the other woman my husband was married and had two kids I was married and had 3 kids we meet feel in love and broke up 2 families my ex husband has moved on and has forgiven but his ex wife even though married to a doctor (my husband is a lawyer her ex husband) is extremly bitter and is hateful and everything imbetween. I got this book in order to read it and somehow get an idea of where she is coming from so we can stop the hate we have for each other. I often compare us to Mary Jo and Tori Spelling that is our story we meet and new we were soulmates from the second we saw each other. I have no regrets I love my husband and am glad we found each other but I can move on from hating her for not accepting responsibility for her part in the break up of her marriage This is AMAZING I would recommend it for anyone who is the other woman, thinking about being the other woman, or has another woman in their lives.



5. "The Other Woman" presents an eye-opening look at extra-marital affairs and the devastation such affairs can wreak on all parties involved.
   
   I don't usually gravitate towards non-fiction but I read an excerpt of Mary Jo Eustace's essay, "Palm Springs," in People Magazine and was completely hooked. I ordered the book the next day and found it to be a quick and enjoyable read that offered interesting and varied points of view. I expected to read the book and find myself disgusted with the "other" woman but instead found myself empathizing with each woman's feelings and conflicts.
   
   Of particular note is Dani Shapiro's essay "The Mistress" and Mary Jo Eustace's essay (which I mentioned above). Mary Jo's account is incredibly touching and full of strength and humor. I do hope she has been able to reclaim love since the Tori Spelling debacle!

5 comments about Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out.

1. I've been a Waldorf parent for 4 years and have been pleased with the education and life experience my kids are getting at school. But I haven't been able to describe to people who ask about the Waldorf school what makes it so different, so special. I've found most of Rudolf Steiner's (Waldorf education's original mastermind) work to be impenetrable; probably due to weak translations, but still. I've read a lot of dense stuff in my day, but Steiner's is unsloggable. This book by Jack Petrash, however, I loved. It's written so 21st century mortals can understand it and relate to it. Right from the first chapter, I understood it and felt it understood me. In the second chapter I thought, "Oh, now he's really captured it. He should have put this chapter first." I thought that again about the third, fourth, and fifth chapters and then decided he probably had the order okay in the first place.



2. This book does a fair job of conveying the Waldorf philosophy. It provided a useful forearming prior to the Waldorf School indoctrination pitch that I endured when seriously (a brief moment of insanity) considering Waldorf for our daughter. Having read the book, I was far better prepared to challenge the director's delusional utopian drivel on numerous levels. I think anyone who is considering Waldorf as an "education" option for their children SHOULD read this and read it carefully, but consider all the while how unequipped for the REALITY of life this approach will leave them. Read and be warned.



3. This is a great overview of the Waldorf education. It takes you thru the guiding philosophies, traditions and what the children do throughout the years of school. You will fall in love with the Waldorf approach to educating children.
   I read it while researching various educational systems for my child and set up a schhol visit as soon as I was finished with the book.



4. Wonderful and accessible introduction to Waldorf education. Petrash captures the essence of this beautiful pedagogical approach without burying it in the narrow lexicon often attached to Waldorf, AND without watering it down. He clearly articulates this nontraditional approach to educating children from nursery to grade 12.



5. I have not read this book yet (though it's been heavily recommended), but I would like to respond to the concerned parent comment, which is one I've come across many times. As a Waldorf alum I can tell you that while it seems very wishy washy from the outside, the reality of Waldorf education is about as close to perfection as one can get. I am a very well adjusted adult actively participating in the world around me, with a very realistic view of my place in the universe. Waldorf education gave me the resourcefulness and healthy sense of being that allows me to take advantage of opportunities, and create opportunities of my own. Before you reject a system that has been proven over and over (which is more than the public education system can claim) take some time to speak with people who have experienced the system. I guarantee you we are happier with our education than most people you will meet.
   
   I'm not really sure if I'm allowed to do this, but I'd like to open myself up as a resource to anyone who has questions. You can get in touch with me at robinmarie [@] soasadesigns [.] com.
   
   If I've broken any rules I sincerely apologize.

5 comments about Straight Up and Dirty: A Memoir.

1. I feel a little miffed at all the Stephanie hate going on in these reviews. Of course it's self-absorbed, it's a memoir! Who is she supposed to write about? I read this during my own divorce and there were times when I wanted to smack all my friends in the face and lock myself in my room and read this book. I found it funny, insightful (of course there's insecurity and self-doubt in a divorce, it's not generally an uplifting thing to go through!), and motivating. It was invaluable to me to be able to read this and feel normal.



2. I have read Stephanie's entire blog prior to reading the book and found that over half the content was already included on the blog (which was a bit dissapointing). This book isn't as riske as the title suggests so do not expect to be reading anything you could not read in the confessions section of Vogue or Glamour.
   
   Stephanie writes well but sometimes she forces metaphors and tries to make links to her childhood that seem very contrived (as though she had sat around for hours thinking of what little anacdote from her childhood could she apply to her current situation). Also she is very self-involved and sometimes can seem very stuck-up. Her standards for men seem to revolve around if they take her to the correct restaurant or if they order her the right wine but all in all, she does have some useful insights. I would recommend buying this book if you need some mindless reading for the beach or if you can come accross a copy at the library but I wouldn't rush out to get a copy.



3. On one end of the chick lit spectrum you have the likes of Wendy Wasserstein and Nora Ephron - on the other end you have this drivel. If I wasn't stuck on a plane with nothing else to read, I never would have finished it. Seriously thought of leaving it behind after the flight - but wouldn't that be littering? This is the written equivalent of those tone deaf attention hungry people who are on the gag reel for any reality show. No talent and boring to boot.
   
   Avoid - or you'll be sorry. Don't say you haven't been warned. Not even do-able as a fun beach read. Blech. I was actually angry after reading this, now I just wish I had gotten a latte and some magazines instead = a waste of $$$



4. "Straight Up and Dirty" surprised me a bit. From what I'd heard, I was expecting a sex-filled kiss and tell, more Samantha than Bridget Jones. A quote on the back, "Klein found herself 'divorced... firm, fashionable and let's face it, fetching,' " seemed to suggest that the author was confident and man-hungry.
   
   That kind of vanity may make a good tagline, but it is absent from the book overall. In fact I was surprised by both the author's low self-esteem and her lack of dating experience. She doesn't really do a lot of dating in the book, but instead recovers from a divorce, dates the wrong "right" guy, and gains insights through therapy. She was once fat, and has issues about her looks, ethnicity, and body. Although her lifestyle affords her access to posh places and people, she sees herself as an outsider.
   
   The writing at times strains to be clever. Klein's wordplay could use some polish. Describing a pretentious loser at a party: "I'm sorry, since when is Nevis in the same realm as South Beach, and who says insipid? This guy was awkwords." And describing a Southern friend, "She was Austinatious: big jewelry, big breasts, big heart." At other times Klein is nonsensical, with observations like this one, "If Dulce were a scratch and sniff sticker, she'd smell like a birthday cake."
   
   Despite these reservations, I really enjoyed the book. It's a peek into someone else's psyche and has that delicious appeal of window gazing. I don't know that I'm in any rush to read this author again, but I certainly enjoyed "Straight Up and Dirty."



5. What a terrible book. Klein's writing is flighty and at times very hard to follow. She tries so hard that she loses the reader. With her stupid abbreviations for words and wandering thoughts, I just couldn't stand it. Save your money.