5 comments about Adult Children of Parental Alienation Syndrome: Breaking the Ties that Bind (Norton Professional Book).

1. Dr. Baker's work is becoming a solid seminal reference, helping children and families around the globe. This is the first study with solid statistics to give families warring with alienation, validation, hope and resources. If you or someone you know are at all affected by Parental Alienation, this is an absolute must read. The 40 case studies Dr. Baker describes, helps us understand the effects of grown up children that were alienated by a parent. In addition to describing the behaviors of how these actual parents alienated their children, Baker conveys the process these 40 grown children went through, realizing the alienation and the effect on their lives and perception of themselves. This is a real life look at 40 lives that were willing to share their story, so we might benefit. This is the first in what is sure to become a long line of research and statistical study for abused children and their families. Thank you Dr. Baker for your work of integrity and care. Know your research provides an integral base for connecting children, who have had part of their soul stolen, to tangible resources, help and healing. I look forward to the future research and study your work is instigating and inspiring.



2. This book described my situation perfectly, as far as what PAS is. I am not and my kids are not adults yet, but it was good to know there is info on this "Syndrome".



3. This is such a helpful book, I even purchased copies for my kids. This is a topic that needs to be talked about and exposed and this book is a great way to educate others on the topic of Parental Alienation Syndrome. It should be required reading for all involved in family court law. If I would have had this book ten years ago, my family may have been saved from the horrendous effects of PAS.



4. Being a "targeted" parent as described in the book made this book quite helpful for me to understand exactly what I and my kids have and are going through. Dr. Baker's research and descriptions from those interviewed posted incredible similarities to my own experiences and gave me a new sense of hope.
   If you are in fact a parent that has been alienated from your kids by another, this book is a must read. If you were alienated as a child from one of your parents, this book is no less an important read. If you are a therapist that counsels people in this position, it will prove to be an invaluable referance tool.



5. As a targeted parent whose daughter has not spoken with him for the last 5 years, Amy Baker's book, "Adult Children of Parental Alienation Syndrome: Breaking the Ties that Bind" has been the most informational and encouraging book I've read on the P.A.S. topic so far.
   
   The reason is simple: This book is comprised of interviews of the KIDS (now adults) who were poisoned, not the parents who were either the alienator or target.
   
   It was astonishing to read what these people, who as children were manipulated into hating one of their parents, had to say once they "woke up".
   
   Without going into all of the results, let me mention the two most important lessons I learned from these kids:
   
   1. The average length of time it took these kids to "wake up" was 20 years. Yikes! But, at least they woke up.
   2. The overwhelming majority had wished the targeted parent tried harder to re-develop the relationship, regardless of how much they were "hated".
   
   These two revelations are telling me: "Don't ever give up. Don't ever stop trying".
   
   Thanks to Amy for doing this study and writing this book. It could prove to be the most important document I will see until I eventually reunite with my daughter.

5 comments about No Regrets.

1. A guilt-ridden former Delta Force operator, still mourning the savage torture and death of his wife, is snared back into his former life when a brilliant female cryptologist becomes the newest target of the vile group responsible. Forced into hiding, the two fight their growing attraction almost as hard as they fight the enemy. Newcomer Butcher does a great job creating a credible, suspenseful story around this premise. Good character development, good dialog, good plot. Butcher doesn't fall prey to the cliched writing you often see in this genre, which is refreshing. (Was also happy to find so few typographical/grammar errors. With publishers having joined the outsourcing trend, you never know what mess you'll find between the covers of any given book. Thankfully, that isn't a concern with this one.) I can't wait to read the next 2 books in this series.



2. About purchasing this book and its follow up (No Control - which I cant bring myself to read). The concept of this book sounded intruiging. David loses his wife to crazy terrorist, now these terrorist are after Noelle and he has to protect her at all costs. I love Suzanne Brockmann. But now I realize that its not the area of writing that SB writes that gets me, its the tight, strong writing.
   
   This author tends to explain every action or thought over and over again. I felt like beating my head against the wall. I dont care why she didnt want to answer the phone. I dont care where she got her notebook from. Readers are smart enough to figure out that she is supposed to a smart heroine. Plus it can be dealt with in dialogue a lot quicker than racing through all of her thought processes.
   
   There are also major inconsistencies in the thoughts and dialogue. She says she needs a distraction, he says no you dont lets go for a walk. Isnt that a distraction? And as a side note, if you create a baby with a woman, its your baby. An adoption is really not necessary. I would think a guy whose smart enough to be in special forces would know that. And another thing, do I need to read 3 pages about women's feminine products between seemingly adult males?
   
   Seriously, dont waste your time or money on this one.



3. This book was loooong and boring. Noelle a supposedly extremely smart woman spends her time doing suprisingly stupid things. Just another wimp chick with a sad lack of self preservation.



4. STORY BRIEF:
   Information about hidden nuclear weapons has been encoded in a document. No cryptologist has been able to decode it. The Swarm is a group of bad guys who plan to kidnap Noelle and force her to decode it for them. Noelle is an Assistant Professor of Applied Mathematical Linguistics. She does cryptology as a hobby. The US military has repeatedly asked Noelle to work for them, but she refuses because she hates violence. David is a former Special Forces agent who left the military after the Swarm tortured and killed his wife. Because David was able to kill a number of Swarm members in the past, the military has asked him to protect Noelle.
   
   REVIEWER'S OPINION:
   What a talent! Excellent concepts, ideas and writing style. I'm impressed! The characters and plot were similar to those in typical romance novels, but what makes this book special is the writing style and many of the phrases. I was surprised and chuckling many times throughout the book. These weren't profound ideas, but gently unexpected and enjoyable thoughts. One example is in Spoilers below. The love scenes were well done, heated and strongly sensual. I liked Noelle's open honesty when she was physically attracted to David, when others might have been too shy to say what she said. Warning for sensitive readers: the story includes some unsettling torture scenes.
   
   CAUTION SPOILERS:
   Below is an excerpt as an example of the interesting writing style.
   
   Page 64: Noelle is at a safe house with US military people. Col. Monroe wants information from her and she has her own questions. He asks her a question, she says "No. First you tell me where I am." "Monroe looked over his shoulder to where David was lounging against the wall, looking bored. The older man's expression was written clearly with a this-is-all-your-fault look. As he turned back to Noelle, a faint, indulgent smile tugged at Monroe's mouth. "Okay. You're in southern Colorado at a CIA safe house." Noelle felt a surge of victory, but tried to keep it from showing on her face. "Who were those men who broke into my house?" Monroe shook his head. "First you answer my question. How far had you gotten in your development?" "More than halfway." It seemed like a vague enough answer. Truthful, but holding no real information. Oh yeah, she could play this game. "How long would it take you to complete the work?" Monroe asked. "Who were those men?" she countered. "They were members of a terrorist group called the Swarm," he answered with a knowing grin, matching her vagueness and raising her an ounce of frustration."
   
   I did have one complaint about the story. I wanted to know how Owen was able to follow David and Noelle to the cabin. The author did not explain. My best guess is some sort of tracking device, but I doubt it was on David's car because Owen didn't know beforehand that David would be rescuing Noelle. If a tracking device was with Noelle, it could have been in her laptop, because she didn't take her purse or phone. I suppose someone could have put it in her laptop while she was teaching a class - I don't know. I wish I did.
   
   ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
   The back of the book has a paragraph about Shannon learning to write from her husband who is a bestselling author. She lives "with her husband and son, where conversations at the dinner table are more often about things someone made up than about anything that's actually happened." I'd love to be at the dinner table with them hearing them brainstorm and discuss book ideas. There were a lot of good ideas in this book, which I can easily imagine coming from that dinner table.
   
   DATA:
   Story length: 332 pages. Sexual language: moderate/strong. Number of sex scenes: 4. Length of sex scenes: 1/2, 4, 10,and 10 pages. Setting: current day Kansas, Colorado and other US locations plus Russia. Copyright; 2007. Genre: romantic suspense.
   
   OTHER BOOKS:
   To date, I've read the following Shannon K. Butcher books.
   5 stars. No Regrets. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 10/13/08.
   3 stars. No Control. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 10/16/08.
   3.5 stars. No Escape. Copyrt 2008. My review was posted under 3 stars on 10/23/08.



5. It's the first time I've read this author and for me personally, I loved it.
   I couldn't put this book down once I started, it was that good. The story grabs your attention from the start and draws you into it.
   All 3 books were excellent, No Control, No Escape and this book.
   But No Regret is my favourite. I like the premise of a shy, nerdy girl meeting the force of nature, David Wolfe a totally alpha guy. And with her life in danger, what more can one ask for in a romantic suspense?
   
   The heroine, Noelle Blanche, is a renowned cryptologist who is wanted by a terrorist group. She would rather die then harm the innocents, which is what would happen if the Swarm gets their hands on her.
   Enters the hero, David, who is sent to keep her safe and who takes her into hiding after a botched kidnapping.
   David, unfortunately, is everything Noelle detests, she sees him as a ruthless killer. But she later realizes he is the only one she can trust enough to keep her safe.
   A former Delta Force leader, David is a man tortured by the death of his wife at the hands of the Swarm who had brutally tortured her, before killing her. All he wants is revenge and to annihilate the Swarm. What he never expects is to fall for this brilliant woman.
   Despite his iron will and the hard exterior he conceals himself in, Noelle sees the inner man and starts to care for him.
   The chemistry between H/H was wonderful. How David and Noelle fall in love is very believable. The love scenes are very sensual and hot. Really enjoyed it.
   
   For a first effort, it was an excellent book.

5 comments about The Co-Parenting Survival Guide: Letting Go of Conflict after a Difficult Divorce.

1. when i divorced two years ago, reasonably contentiously and with a four year old daughter, the best advice i got was to read this book. i did, with highlighter in hand, and found it absolutely invaluable. i continue to this day to consider it absolutely invaluable! such that, i just ordered a gift copy for my brother and his new wife, to help them with my niece and her co-parent. that gift brings the total i've purchased for others up to five. its an unfortunate reality that there will probably be more in the future, but the book helps immensely and so there will be gifts.



2. I am a play therapist, author of "The Successful Divorce, In The Eyes of the Child" course and have taught parenting divorced for nine years. This is the book that says it all. The authors teach in clear logical manner how to co parent your children. They are sensitive to the pain both parents and children feel post divorce and teach how to proceed in parenting. I frequently use sections of their book in teaching to remind parents that they must still work together enough to meet children's needs. This is a concise book, no long drawn out narratives or tales of others pain... just the facts and how to avoid the pitfalls. I and the children of divorce, owe these authors a huge thank you. Their new book is also great,



3. THE BOOK: THE CO-PARENTING SURVIVAL GUIDE: LETTING GO OF CONFLICT AFTER A DIFFICULT DIVORCE...
   BY ELIZABETH THAYER, PH.D.
   IN THIS ERA OF SPOILED BRATS (THE PARENTS), THIS BOOK WILL HELP WITH THE CONFLICTS OF TODAY!! WE ARE NOT LOOKING AT THE REAL MEANING OF TWO PEOPLE MAKING THE COMMITTMENT OF MARRIAGE!!! SOCIETY HAS PROGRESSED TO THE SIZE OF THE WEDDING, THE DREAM OF THE PERFECT WEDDING, NOT THE COMMITTMENT OF REALLY LOVING THE PERSON YOUR MARRYING. CONSEQUENTLY, PEOPLE MARRY AND HAVE CHILDREN, THEN WHEN THE STRAIN OF MAKING A MARRIAGE WORK BECOMES TOO HARD......THEN DIVORCE IS INEVITALBLE. THEN THE GAMES.... BEGIN, ONE OR BOTH PARENTS DECIDE THAT THEIR FORMER PARTNER IS NOT WHO THEY WANT THEIR CHILDREN AROUND.....SO, POISION THE CHILDREN'S MINDS AGAINST THE OTHER PARENT. THIS BOOK HELPS BOTH PARTIES REALIZE HOW TO WORK WITH THEIR OWN CONSCIENCE....AS WELL AS HELP MAKE THE CHILDREN AS COMFORTABLE WITH THE SITUATION (WHICH MUST BE FIRST IN THE PARENTS MINDS). DRAGING EACHOTHER THROUGH THE COURTS IS NOT THE ANSWER, COURTS JUST DEAL WITH WHICH SIDE AS MORE LEVERAGE, EVEN THE PSYCHOLOGISTS JUST PLAY WITH THE SITUATIONS. WE NEED MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS, AGAIN DISPLAYED IN EVERY LIBRARY IN THE UNITED STATES.



4. The book was a bit simplistic, much of the same information was covered in the New Hampshire Mandatory co parenting class. But it was still some very good advice.
   
   Nothing ground breaking here but it's a good collection of what you probably should know.



5. Even though it's titled, THE CO-PARENTING SURVIVAL GUIDE: LETTING GO OF CONFLICT AFTER A DIFFICULT DIVORCE, I wish that I had read this book BEFORE the divorce was final because of all the outstanding ideas about co-parenting, that you, your former spouse, your lawyer(s) or even the court, may not address. BUT, if you are an open minded parent and willing to do what is in the best interest of your child/children (and isn't that the reason you are looking at this book to begin with), it offers some really outstanding suggestions.
   
   I especially love the Co-Parenting Contract. It goes beyond the divorce decree, and really sets-up some workable guidelines for parents and children.
   
   This book addresses several topics, offering up suggestions and examples.

5 comments about All I Want Is Everything (Gossip Girl, 3).

1. Blair Waldorf is having the worst time of her life. She has just completely flubbed her Yale interview, even going so far as to kiss her interviewer; she must contend with a dreadlock-bearing new stepbrother named Aaron, who seems to have some ulterior motives up his sleeve; her mother is marrying a loser whom she has known for hardly no time at all; and, to top it all off, Nate has ditched her for a chesty ten-year-old - well, she looks ten. Luckily, she and Serena van der Woodsen are back on speaking terms, and living it up as BFF's once more. But who knows how long that will last.
   
   The holidays are just around the corner, and with the Upper East Side absolutely freezing, everyone who's loaded is planning on ditching their Marc Jacobs coats, and slipping into their Missoni string bikinis for a Christmas in a tropical place. With Nate Archibald having called it quits with Blair in order to take up a romance with freshman Jenny Humphrey, Blair is anything but ready to say goodbye to the city, and head off to St. Bart's with Serena, where they can sunbathe topless, and, perhaps, have a winter fling. Unfortunately, Serena is being stalked by Flow, the hottest rock star on the planet - at least at the moment - and can't seem to shake him off, and Blair, armed with her iBook plans on holing up in the hotel room writing the essay for her Yale application. Looks like this vacation won't be as sizzling as originally planned. But with Blair's new stepbrother, Aaron, and his pal Miles in tow, you never know when the sparks will fly.
   
   Back in the city, Nate and Jenny are having the time of their life. But with Blair's sudden appearances at every turn, Nate finds himself more and more drawn to the girl he has known and loved for so many years. But then there's Jenny. Sweet, innocent, voluptuous Jenny. Maybe if Nate spent less time being baked, and more time being straight, he'd be able to decide who he's truly lusting over.
   
   Then there's Jenny's older brother, Dan. Since admitting their passion for one another, Dan and Vanessa have been having a whirlwind romance - albeit a dark one - filled with foreign films, cigarettes, strong instant coffee, and lots and lots of black. But since falling in love, Dan finds himself at a standstill regarding his poetry. Suddenly, he's experiencing writer's block firsthand, and it's not a pretty picture. But when Vanessa supposedly does something that betrays both him and Jenny, he wonders if this is the push he needs to get his writing back on track - and to get even.
   
   Three books down, and still Cecily von Ziegesar is going strong; creating intoxicating storylines that leave you craving more, and dying to find out what will happen to S, B, N, and the rest of the gang. Finally Blair and Serena are back to their old tricks, partying 'till the break of dawn, and hamming it up for the cameras. While their friendship is a beautiful thing, and it's wonderful to see them back on speaking terms, the fact that they're not at each other's throats any longer kind of makes the reader miss their feuding; however, their gossip fests about their friends, and their many shopping sprees certainly make up for their catfights. Jenny is still the sweet girl we all know and love from GOSSIP GIRL and YOU KNOW YOU LOVE ME; but in AS LONG AS WE'RE TOGETHER, she finally seems to be growing up a bit, and it's nice to see her stand up for herself for once, and not allow people to push her around. Her relationship with her brother, Dan, seems to have changed slightly. Suddenly, he's watching her every move, and not being as friend-like towards her. Instead, seeming more like a jail warden. But, no matter what, you can't help but love each and every one of them - even the slightly creepy Miles, who seems to be stalking Blair. Of course, the installment wouldn't be complete without Gossip Girl reporting straight from...wherever, giving us all the lowdown on what it takes to be a part of the In Crowd, and providing us with the status of every move all of our favorite characters take. As breathtaking as a first kiss.
   
   Erika Sorocco
   Freelance Reviewer



2. In this third installment in the GOSSIP GIRL series S & B have finally reconciled and the island of Manhattan will never be the same! Serena is being courted by a famous musician whose advances quickly become unwelcome and Blair is having trouble getting over her failed romance with Nate. Meanwhile, Dan and Vanessa are heating things up but how often does a romance between friends really work out? And Nate and Jenny have a good thing but will it survive Christmas break as thoughts of Blair and Christmases past come creeping back into Nate's head?
   
   I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series but I found this one to be a bit more filler than substance. Hopefully this is just a lead in for better things to come.



3. This novel is my first venture into the Gossip Girl series, and I found myself pleasantly surprised. While the wealthy, popular characters of Serena and Blair are supposedly the main draw, he "outsider" characters (Jenny and Aaron) are compassionately drawn and interesting to follow. The plot meanders without building up as much tension as I'd like, but I was willing to forgive the author for that thanks to her occasionally gorgeous turns of phrase and character insights. She also drops enough smart-chick references-- to artists, literary authors, and the like-- that I respected the mind behind the story. I'm looking forward to reading more books in the series.



4. So... I got this book after reading the prequel, gossip girl, and then reading You Know You Love Me. I think the Gossip Girl series is so addicting, you can't help but fall in love. Basically, in this book.... everyone is just getting finished with their essays and SATs and exams and getting worried about college. If that isn't bad enough, Blair has a whole new "extended" family and is being wisked off to some island with them. I personally like this book because Blair and Serena are done being catty and have actually grown to love each other again! Serena met a rock-star named Flow and hung out for one night. Now she has a professional STALKER! Serena, Blair, Aaron, Tyler, Mr and Mrs. Rose, Miles, Flow and many others are going to St. Barts and we soon discover Aarons secret longing for Blair. Jenny and Nate are caught fooling around in Central Park and a video of them is posted on the internet! (Now, I wonder who we know has a video camera strapped to their hip?) Nate flys off with his parents to Maine hoping to be able to light a few joints and get away from stalker Jenny ( who i have now grown to hate for being such a nate-obsessed, annoying.. JERK!) who is stuck at home and being watched closely by Rufus and Dan. This book altogether is starting to form bonds between characters you NEVER expected to be bonded and altogher it has been one of my favorites. I mainly just gave it four stars because of some minor typos and how much Jenny has grown to annoy me. =] Im not always this compulsive... dont worry! ;) I would recomend this book to anyone and this is a lot more appropriate for people under 15 than the last books have been! I hope you enjoyed my review! Go ahead and read it! The worst that will happen is that you wont like the book and will put it down early... right?
   
   Hope I didn't give TOO much away,
   <3 tAyLoR =]



5. I started buying these series of books for my 18 yr old daughter. She never really liked to read but I was hopeful she might take an interest in what Gossip Girl was about. Thank goodness she did! Believe it or not for the 1st time she thoroughly enjoys each book in the series and can't wait to tell me what is happening. Im guessing she relates to alot of what is going on, and Im thrilled she has taken such a huge interest.

5 comments about The Lemonade Club.

1. My daugher and I LOVE Patricia Polacco. This was another great book. We love the way she incorporates her own family members or friends into almost every one of her books. This book is a touching story about two best friends and how they deal with a devastating illness. It also describes a special bond the girls form with their teacher, who also is suffering with her own illness. My daughter and I went through several tissues reading this book. The ending was beautiful and I would strongly recommend this book to children (and their parents).



2. My daughter and I read this book cover to cover. She and I discussed many of our friends and family members who have had cancer and how this book relates. It was a wonderful story with a great ending. I have recommended this book to many people.
   
   Thanks for giving us a wonderful story to share with our children!!



3. This is the first children's book that ever made me cry. The next night it had my husband tearing up. It is a great story -- and even more amazing because it is a true story. My 7 year old is fascinated by it -- in part perhaps because of the strong reaction of her parents to it. And, of course, it prompts discussion of friends (adults and children) we know who are fighting cancer.



4. There are very few books by Polacco that aren't listed amongst my favorites...she writes with such feeling that most of her work tugs at my heartstrings. This book is no exception. She deals with a difficult subject with such a gentle, yet powerful way that you can't help but fall completely in love with her characters. You'll laugh when they do and cry right along with them. Another beautiful piece of writing not to be missed.



5. I bought this book for myself after I lost my father to leukemia last year. This year at school, I was in charge of doing a fundraiser for the Leukemia Society. To help my first graders understand what leukemia was, I read this book to them. I do admit that I ad libbed a bit, especially when they talked about breast cancer. But my little ones really got it. They understood what being that ill meant. I shared how the leukemia society helped my family out when my dad was in the hospital. The next day, I had students bring in the contents of their piggy banks and give up their snack money to contribute instead. The story is beautifully written, of course, and it was a welcome addition to my classroom library.

5 comments about Grandpa, Tell Me Your Memories.

1. This is a nice little Q&A book with lots of questions for mom to answer. The picture is misleading...it is spiral bound book the size a little bigger than 3x5 cards. Nice idea...not well planned.



2. I started by buying these books for my parents to fill out for me. I loved reading their responses. I learned many things about my parents that I didn't know before. It also sparked conversations with them about additional stories.
   
   Now that I have children, I'm buying these books for me and (the grandparent ones) for my parents to fill out for them. And buying them as gifts for new parents.
   
   Regarding the comments that there isn't a lot of room to write...The pages are small, but there are only a few pages that you would get that lengthy on your stories. You can always attach in an additional sheet of paper to continue your story.



3. This is a wonderful gift to give your father or grandfather. Basically, this book contains many questions and pages for Grandpa to answer and pass down to his grandkids. It's something the grandkids can read whenever and get a great understanding of the person their grandfather is. It might seem a little morbid at first, but having something written down is a great suppliment to all the great times the child will have with his grandfather. Please note, however, that in order to get hundreds of memories into one small spiral bound paperback book, it is not as substantial and sturdy as some of the other memory books. Though I think it is a good trade-off.



4. Grandpa, Tell Me Your Memories by Kathy Lashier
   Grandma, Tell Me Your Memories by Kathy Lashier
   These wonderful little books make great gifts for grandparents to complete for their grandchildren, as Christmas gifts, graduation gifts, birthday gifts - you get the picture!!! I first purchased one for my father, who is 80 years old, and when his 5 daughters are with him and mom, we ask him questions and have such fun writing in the answers! It has provided great family time, wonderful memories for the folks, and a great gift for me - his daughter!



5. I gave this to my dad as a gift from my daughter for his birthday and he began filling it out immediately. I teared (sp?) up this first time I read some of his entries because I learned things about him I never knew. This can be enjoyed by both his children and grandchildren for years to come. I'm so truly grateful I purchased this book.

5 comments about The First Anti-Coloring Book: Creative Activities for Ages 6 and Up (Anti-Coloring Book).

1. My son is 9 and absolutely loves this book. We've limited it to one activity a day so that he doesn't finish it too quickly (there are only about 35 or 40 in the book). I would recommend this book for any creative child - we will definately be buying more in this series.



2. I remember having one of these books when I was a kid. And now, twenty years later, I have another one. I love it.



3. I grew up with these books, and am thrilled they are still in print. The Anti-Coloring books are a wonderful alternative to mindlessly coloring between the lines. And at 9 years old, my oldest is not even close to outgrowing this series. Highly recommended!!!



4. I work with kids in K-6 and I bought this for them. The book is very cool and it has been fun seeing what the kids do with the different pages!



5. I ordered two of these for six year olds but ended up putting them aside for older children. I'd say eight or ten would be the youngest. Also, I was surprised that one page asks the children to draw what they think God looks like. I'm not totally comfortable giving that as a gift. I believe there was also a question about a crime and another about someone they hated. I hope most six year olds don't hate anyone yet. I'm not sure I even want them thinking about it. Anyway, just keep this in mind before you buy. The concept is great, but not sure about the product.

5 comments about Undefended Love.

1. If you're looking to unravel a twisted up, convoluted, complicated, and painful relationship this is the book for you. It saved my 25+ year old marriage and has enhanced many other relationships as well. My friends got so tired of hearing me rave about the book that they bought their own copies and found their lives transformed as well. It ain't easy work dismantling a lifetime of armour--and don't let anyone tell you it is. But it's welllll worth the effort!!! And really, if you get just ONE thang from the book it will be worth the purchase price...and there's LOTS of thangs to get from the book. This is one you can read over and over again over the years and get something new from it each time. If you're looking for ONE book that hits all the nails on their heads THIS is the one...I've read soooo many books about following your bliss, passionate pursuit of one's dreams, making the impossible possible etc etc and this book is at the core of all of them. You dive into the work of this book and you too will see your life transformed--it's truly amazing. Go for it! peace love & joy Coco



2. This is an insightful and thought-provoking book. Great for a therapist, but also very accessible to the layperson. Takes you through some self-review that gets to the root of what triggers us when we have conflict in a relationship, and how to move past those triggers to real "undefended" love.



3. I work as a marriage & family therapist, and only happened upon this book after a few colleagues recommended it. This isn't a clinical book, rather it's far more accessible to anyone who's wanting more than a typical self-help book. "Undefended Love" goes far beyond the helpful observations about how human personalities are based on attachment, security, protection, and strategies to compensate for wounds. It goes beyond healthy,non-reactive closeness between a couple. It shows a path for couples to find deeper resources within themselves individually that can create a truer foundation for growth and vitality in all their relationships. It's not a quick-fix or easy path, but it does feel quite true and in sync with the newest findings in neuroscience and other psycho-spiritual paradigms. This is a wonderful book I can easily recommend.



4. I consider myself someone who is fairly thoughtful and has already made an effort around being spiritually grounded, self-aware and having healthy relationships. This book, however, sets up a pretty profound framework around these things and asks deep questions. It helped me get to a new level of thought about my relationship with myself as well as my romantic relationships. I got an immense amount of good out of this book. It helps peel back the layers and digs deep! After reading it, I bought several copies and handed them out to my closeset friends.



5. I was impressed by this book- written well with incredible clarity and concepts that opened my mind to what it was about us that created the tensions, the disappointments and the frustrations in our love/romantic relationships. A couple of questions I am taking away from this book: What is my essence? What am I trying to hide or protect about myself from my partner that gets in the way of intimacy? What am I trying to get from my partner that I feel I'm not getting or have on my own and how is that getting in the way of transparency, love and intimacy with my partner? This is a must read for any one who wants to improve relationships with others---especially in the area of romantic love.

5 comments about The Taming of the Shrew (The New Folger Library Shakespeare).

1. Maybe it's because i read this through a class that it is not so good, but for some reason i didn't connect with this book. IT just didn't capture me like other Shakespeare books. King Lear was fantastic, Romeo and Juliet superb, Othello was fantastic, but the Shrew just didn't cut it for me. I think it's because it is a comedy. I enjoy the sirious Shakespeare better. OF course, besides all that the universal themes that shakespeare can recognize is amazing, so it still makes THe Shrew great. There are fantastic scenes of comedic wit, in which arguing scenes are taken to a whole new level of jabs and stabs with words. Overall, the story is weak, but does contain great writing.



2. First off let me say that this is my first and only Shakespeare play that I have read so I have nothing to compare it too, author wise. I had to read this for my 9th grade english class, and my first thoughts on the text were that it was hard to understand, it was boring and I hated it. Looking back, I was wrong. The plot is a little lacking (I won't bore you with the details, you have read them elsewere), but the dialouge is very clever if you can understand it. Also, this edition has scene summaries and word definitions to help you understand it. Once I let it sink in after I completed it, I relized the underlying messages, the quick witted dialouge and the absurd (although a little weak, as mentioned before) plot make this a pretty good read. If you are up for a challenge I would recommend The Taming Of The Shrew. If you are new to Shakespeare, this seems as good of a place as any to start with his works.



3. This play is one of Shakespeare's most ribald, but I enjoyed it just the same. It's lusty, earthy and somewhat farcical. It's a very popular play because it is funny and fast-moving. And Shakespeare's wordplay is at its best here. I defy anyone not to laugh out loud numerously as they read this play. It is wonderful!



4. This is a show piece for Shakespeare's ability to portray the human condition. It is about wanting what isn't what we think it is, not wanting what is as it seems, marrrying out of pragmatism and finding love, loving blindly and not finding love, the impact of social pressure on love, the impact of love on social pressure, some utterly blind fantasy about women, and some clear understanding of women. I enjoyed it immensely once I caught on to the sarcastism and irony of the depiction.
   
   This play is easily misunderstood, as irony always is (cinema fans will note that Paul Verhoeven swore off irony after people falsely accused him of glorifying a totalitarian society in "Starship Troopers"). Things aren't what they appear, people change, men in love (or lust) have a diminished capacity for rational thought, and women are not property or predictable.
   
   My favorite character was Bianca, the bookish but beautiful woman who had men falling overthemselves for her for all the wrong reasons. She deserved better than she got, and I suspect that this character was intended as an homage to Queen Elizabeth. Katharine was a little too shallow, swinging from all fire and venom to meek and subserviant all too quickly, but she was the core of the irony and sarcasm of the play.
   
   A great work from the Bard!
   
   E.M. Van Court



5. This is a must for Shakespeare buffs or even those who want to read more Shakespeare. The glossary on the left-hand page of the dialogue is extremely helpful.

5 comments about Mac's Law.

1. All I can say about this book is Oh My God! This has been the single most intense book I've ever read, they absolutely do not get any hotter than this one. I don't think I've ever blushed or squirmed in my seat as much as I did throughout this book and I LOVED IT!
   
   All of Sarah McCarty's books are out of this world and hotter than you know where.
   
   You absolutely do not want to miss out on this one!



2. I am not going to do a rendition, I see this has already been done. This book was great. Mac was a total alpha male. This book had passion, hot sex and an interesting story line. Kudos Sarah, I will be reading more of your books. I highly recommend this book.



3. WOW - I want to see this series continue with the brothers, uncles, cousins - just keep it going. I could not put this book down - the family was disgruntled with my read! Sarah is a hot author with hot characters and the sex is sooooo desireable with this totally alpha male. If you haven't ventured into this author and you just don't know if you can read a book with this type of hot, hot, hot sex - throw caution to the wind. You will be glad you did!



4. Round The Bend, Texas was a place that everyone knew everyone else's business. It was no secret that Mac Hollister had been looking for a cook to work on his ranch the Circle H. When JC Sterns answered his ad, he was relieved until a got a good look at her. He was expecting a big man that would fit in with his men, but what he got instead was a petite sexy woman. He was instantly attracted to her thus coming to the conclusion she had to go. Mac tried everything to get rid of her even stooping to some underhanded sneaky tricks that were beneath him. When he realized he was stuck with her, he decided to get her out of his system by seducing her.
   
   Jessie Sterns was finally starting to live her life. She took the job as cook as a first step in that direction. She had taken care of her ailing mother for the past decade, and when she finally succumbed to Alzheimer's, Jessie felt free for the first time in her life. She had so much to make up for, and she planned to start by dragging Mac into her bed. She had no experience with anything, and planned to try everything.
   
   What started out as a short-term mind blowing affair quickly escalated to an inferno that neither Jessie nor Mac could control. She was falling for him hard, but there was something he was holding back from her. She knew he cared for her, but there was a darkness that she couldn't touch or get near. Jessie knew he had some issues to deal with, and had to do it on his own, or they could never be together permanently.
   
   Jessie and Mac are characters full of heart that have chemistry chemistry chemistry! This book is sexy, erotic, and just plain hot. They both also have their own story to tell, and they are heartbreaking. There is a very good balance between the eroticism and story. Definite must read.



5. Jessi Sterns has always been the good girl. She's been taking care of her mother for so long and now that her mother has died, she's finally free of responsibility and she's determined to make up for lost time. Armed with the contract for a job opportunity, she steps off the bus in Round the Bend, Texas and is immediately thrust into the wild and crazy nightlife of this sleepy little town. Mac Hollister comes to her rescue from a slightly loco, wannabe Injun and he's pondering the possibility of an affair when she tells him that she's his newest cook. Mac takes one look at her and knows this manicured little honey blonde is the worst kind of distraction and he does his best to dissuade her from the ranch life. Jessi has been cooped up for so long and being out in the bright, wide open brings joy to her heart and she enjoys teasing this bad boy cowboy right out of his mind. Not one to beat around the bush, Mac and Jessi quickly fall into a red, hot love affair that is unbelievably spicy and naughty. Their scorching love play will set fire to your bed sheets and pretty soon you are going to create your own sexual to-do list based off this book alone!
   
   Ay Carumba! This was scorching. Whew! I haven't read very many Sarah McCarty books, but this was the most blush inducing. Silver bullet + Mac = HOLY %$#!@! I had to tell my husband about this scene and now he won't put his back to me. He's facing off against me like we're gunslingers or something. Geez.
   
   While Mac might be a walking, talking testament to the phrase, "They grow things bigger in Texas" this bad boy has a soft side and it's easily bruised. When Jessi is hurt on the ranch, Mac immediately lays down the law and tries to wrap her in cotton wool. Jessi isn't having any of that and demands that before he takes her heart, he needs to heal his own first.
   
   I have to say, I am not a member of PETA. But I was really squeamish about the whole chicken/axe scene. Mac is trying to push Jessi away and one of his plans is to make ranch life unbearably hard for her and he forces her to slaughter her own chickens. She's got the chicken and she's got the axe and I nearly stopped reading. I've read books where the heroine is horrifically abused. I've read scenes of unbearable torture (Heartsick, anyone?) and I've never felt as I did with that chicken. I'm sad to say if that axe had fallen by her hands, I would have had to have stopped reading. I was seriously bracing myself and I was gingerly turning the pages. I'm happy to say that the chicken lived but I also think I lost respect for myself. Oh, well.
   
   The ending of this book was a little abrupt. Especially after all the many sex scenes. (what did you expect?) But I thought it was also so poignant and sweet. Mac has some momma issues and Jessi demands that he deals with it and when he comes back for her and tells her about his therapy, I thought it was absolutely wonderful that Sarah McCarty included his feelings. It gave meaning to what is essentially just hot, steamy erotica, and I thought it was empowering. There are two close but no cigar menage scenes (though I would classify the second one as a menage) with Mac's friend, Zach, and I really, really hope that Sarah McCarty continues this series with his story. Jessi leads this poor guy on not once, but twice! I felt so bad for him!
   
   I highly recommend this book. It's really sexy and also really, really funny. Especially the first half of the book. Mac's Law will keep you panting and laughing and I really enjoyed it.