5 comments about Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools You Should Know About Even If You're Not a Straight-A Student.

1. Loren's book is a fantastic review of what lies beyond the Ivy League. As a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School, I utilized my education to author The Interview Survival Kit and I have nothing but praise for what my undergrad and graduate experiences provided me. However, college applicants should know that finding the right college is about much more than finding the right "name" - many schools will provide students with powerful, transformational experiences that encourage personal, academic and professional growth. A fantastic book.



2. I am a High School Counselor and I have used this book several times. It is good to have a book that is not for the Straight-A Student



3. if you know someone making a decision on where to go to college, please buy them this book. it's a critical decision and there's not a book on the market that will help more with that big decision. the focus is on liberal arts colleges around the country that do great work turning above average students into excellent, independent learners, citizens, contributors. if you are looking for a "name" college, something your identity can attach itself too, then this book may be a disappointment. but then again, it may change your life by having you think more carefully about what is really important about your development those 4-5 years after high school.



4. Why are there no entries for the West? Could the author seriously not find any California or Arizona institution that meets the criteria? Besides that, this revised edition like others have stated seems repetative. Let's have a new version, hmmm? This one is 7 years old now, I think it's time.
   
   On the positive side, it is great to know the truth about highly regarded institutions such as Harvard. Our children all aspire to Universities such as these because it's such a long standing myth that you will be among the best and be taught by the best and that a degree from such a place virtually guarantees your success. I would never have imagined my daughter might be taught by a teacher's assistant who barely speaks English or lectured to until she falls into a boredom induced coma. I hope we can find her a school with community spirit that will inspire her!



5. It is so difficult not to get trapped into the "name-dropping" college game. This book not only introduces you to 40 colleges you may not have heard of, it helps you realize that looking at any college with fresh eyes is the key to the application process. By discussing the salient points that make each listed college noteworthy, Pope helps to outline experiences we may have never considered that would make a college great.
   
   Each student has a unique learning style and personality. Pope futher delves into why these mostly smaller colleges can tap into what each student needs, to help them achieve their best during the college experience. With college costs escalating rapidly, choosing a college that will help each student flourish becomes even more critical. This book will help parents and students more effectively outline what they need to find in a college.
   
   Further, I was impressed that his list included many different types of colleges - from one whose courses consist only of classic books, to those that cater to the outdoor student - which helped me to see that any college bound student should be able to find a college that fits.
   
   I would highly recommend this book to any high school student and their parents.

3 comments about Love Talk Starters: 275 Questions to Get Your Conversations Going.

1. We keep this little book in the car and randomly thumb through it. It is a fun way to get some conversations going and to know a little more about your spouse.



2. It is just pages of questions, about one per page. Although they are good conversation starters, there are no follow up or game-type questions. But for a book of one liner questions, its ok.



3. My husband and I really enjoy this book. It is a companion piece to the Love Talks series. It is just a book of questions. And after 16 years of marriage, we were surprised to find out the things we didn't know about each other. There are questions about childhood experiences. Questions about how you feel about the relatioship. And questions about what you appreciate in your spouse etc.
   
   A few of the questions have sparked some "lively" conversation. Many have been just full of fun.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get to know their spouse better or just to enjoy the art of conversation in a relationship.

5 comments about Raising Children Who Think for Themselves.

1. Dr. Medhus has successfully communicated her great knowledge of raising strong, independent children. This experience is based on real life - with her family - as well as the more traditional doctor's observations.

   I reccomend it to every parent who is trying to raise stong and successful children in these difficult times.




2. The problmes that seem pervasive among youth today, from mindless consumerism and premature sex to school shootings and drug abuse, have raised an uproar on all sides, and the blame for these ills gets bounced around like a ping-pong ball!--TV, video games, lack of religion, rap music, and on and on. But Dr. Medhus, after hundreds of interviews with children from all kids of backgrounds, reaches the conclusion that the problems really all spring from a common source: personalities that react to outside forces rather than their own beliefs and morals. Laying out the difference between "externally directed" people who act according to impulses, peer pressure, and the fear of punishment, and "self-directed" people, who have been taught to think for themselves and follow their own consciences, she goes on to share parenting methods intended to encourage the introspection, empathy, and high self-esteem that gives self-directed children their ability to resist negative influences. The author discusses specific techniques for handling many kinds of situations, with rules and disciplinary measures that help kids understand why bad behavior is wrong, instead of shaming or scaring them into blind submission. Indispensible advice for parents seeking to inspire their kids to self-confidence, adventurousness, independence, competence, and the ability to make positive contributions to the world.--MZ



3. This is a wonderful guide for parents and educators who are searching for techniques to help children avoid the pitfalls of "following the crowd." The author provides many practical strategies and "real life" examples of how to interact with children to prevent inadvertent development of an external locus of control. The suggestions are powerful and helpful to all adults who want to help children become independent thinkers in a world filled with challenges. Following the author's advice will enhance student development and improve parenting skills simultaneously.



4. Page after page all made it clear that Dr. Medus really did her homework in putting together this great book on raising a confident and intrinsically successful child. Being a new father I find it a little daunting in being responsible (at least partially) for the behavioral molding of a human being. This book was a real eye opener is so many ways, from methods of dealing with conflict, to getting your child to accept his/her bedtime. In many instances I would finish reading a certain hypothetical scenario Dr. Medus had invented and think "wow that's exactly how I felt growing up!" Since my daughter is still only 6 months old I plan to reread this book many more times while she is growing up. I'd even recommend those without children to read it as it really hits home on how much our society is "externally directed" rather than internally.



5. This is a GREAT book for parents to help their children grow up with the right tools to help them in their lives. I recommend this book to ANY parents, stepparent, or anyone who is around children on a regular basis.

4 comments about 10 Great Dates Before You Say "I Do".

1. My fiance and I are currently reading through "10 Great Dates Before You Say 'I Do'" and we both are learning a lot about our communication styles and issues that need to be discussed before our wedding day. We are in a couple's bible study group and have used one of the dates as a group in order to have realistic expectations, hopes, and dreams. This book is a great way to share your ideas and realize some fun and interesting facts about your partner. The book set-up is great because it actually sets you up to go on a date. First you read the chapter (my fiance and I usually read it aloud together), then after the chapter it tells you to go to a specific location that is ideal for discussing the chapter (of course, this is optional but always fun!). At the back of the book are worksheets that both you and your significant other fill out and then together on the date you discuss your answers in regards to the topic and chaper that you read. A great way to open up communication... At the end there are bonus dates that encourage you to continue practicing what you have learned throughout the week. A great tool! One of my favorite things to do as I prepare for marriage...



2. I liked this book and it was good for my boyfriend and I to go through at different times during our relationship. The book brought up important topics that need to be discussed before you make the committment of marriage. The book brought up some very touchy subjects between us and also started some heated discussions but it ultimately brought us closer together which is what we needed. We don't have everything figured out of course but we are steps closer to having a good solid foundation to our relationship which will carry over to our marriage.



3. If you are thinking of or planning on getting married this book is fantastic. My husband and I got it about 6 months before we got engaged and went through the 10 dates. It is a great conversation starter and just plain fun to plan dates (especially dates that focus on your relationship rather than wedding planning which can be consuming!).



4. My husband and I met with Natelle and Curt twice in the fall of 2005 before we were married in summer 2006. We also used the 10 dates in the book. I am so glad that we took the time to answer all of the hard questions and to "lay it all our on the table". We discussed everything from sex and finances to religion and how to fight fair. I didn't think that we really needed to do premarital counseling because I assumed that we already knew each other well enough to get engaged. However, after we were married my husband lost his job (for a year!), we sold our house and moved to the 'burbs and had a baby. These are all stressful and exciting things to happen. We never would have made it through all of these events without the help of this book. Our marriage is stronger than ever. I credit this book with saving us.

5 comments about How to Behave So Your Children Will, Too!.

1. I have read a few different books on this subject, and they were all fairly similar, but this one is definitely my favorite. I read it in two days, it is so concise and well written. It is full of how-to's and great suggestions for a wide scope of issuses. It is not a hyped-up bribery system, as one poster stated. Just the opposite. The author shows you how to motivate your children externally, but more importantly, how to get them to want to be good for the sake of being good and feeling good about themselves. It is a very positive approach without being permissive. LOVE IT!!! My almost 4 year old is behaving better already- no joke!



2. Really helpful tips on getting your child to move in the most positive direction; on being consistent; on incentives and on discipline (which the author emphasizes is not so much about punishment as it is about teaching). I recommend this book to all parents.



3. This book is the single worst book on child-rearing I have ever read. And I've read alot of books about children's self-esteem, motivating them, having a peaceful family life, etc. This book is, by far, the most uninspiring, unmotivating, unreseached, and unhelpful book out there. It was so hard to follow the message that the author was trying to convey. He jumped around so much, I was getting so frustrated trying to read this sad excuse for a book. The author never finished a complete thought without moving on to another topic and then would jump back and try to reference previous chapters that had been left unexplained. The basic premise of the book seemed great, but definately fell flat. The author just could not adequately carry out his message and I was disappointed and wasted too much time on this book and didn't even reap any new knowledge from it.



4. This book offers several insights into children's behavior patterns and positive parental responses. Regrettably, the poor writing is an affront. Perhaps there was no editor? This poor presentation and scholarship would be unacceptable in any professional setting.
   The author offers no statistics; only anecdotes, including a sharp admonishment on the effects of divorce lacking any insight or erudition. Nowhere does he address single parenthood from birth.
   Most paragraphs contain 2 simple statements multiplied and manipulated to convey the same concept, chapter after chapter.
   This is an example of what you will encounter if you consider this book:
   
   It is repetitive. Is says the same thing over and over. The author repeats himself. Sometimes the author says the same thing more than once. Many times, the author uses different phrases to say the same thing in the same paragraph. The author offers the same phrase time and again in different formations.
   
   If you're up for more than 200 of the above example, then you should buy this book. What a blowhard.



5. I love this book and refer to it over and over. I keep buying copies because I lend it out and don't get it back. I am a behavior specialist in a school system and have found many of the chapters relevant to what I am trying to communicate to both teachers and parents. I am also a parent and when I discovered this book, I used it extensively to work on my own parenting skills. I wished I had read it several years earlier. I have also been impressed with How to Behave So Your Preschooler Will, Too!

5 comments about Overcoming Jealousy and Possessiveness.

1. This book actually helped me some in thinking about things differently. My husband has noticed a difference.



2. I purchased this book with the expectation that it would provide some useful insights into my mildly jealous behavior and obsessive thoughts. However, I found it to be written in an entirely judgemental, demeaning way toward the jealous person. It does not help the self-doubt and inferiority of the jealous person. Rather, it belittles him/her through Mr. Hauck's condescending and inconsiderate language.
   
   While I am not one to proclaim the virtues of political correctness, I found this self-help book to be judgemental in a way that self-help books should not be. Self-help books should treat its readers as respectful individuals with a problem that they earnestly want to change on their own or as a supplement to therapy.
   
   One striking example of how Mr. Hauck's book does the polar opposite to this is his statement about jealous persons' self-defeating behavior early on in the book. Jealous persons' behavior is described as "retarded": "One of the most amazing characteristics of jealous and possessive persons is that they are psychologically blind. Yet these people are often bright, sophisticated, and beautiful. They are capable and outstanding in many areas of their lives. But when it comes to their loved ones, the jealous individuals actually act as though they were retarded" (pp. 19-20). How can jealous persons achieve any headway in their regaining positive self-worth when they are described as "retarded"?
   
   Usually, self-help books have a positive disclaimer indicating that there is no right or wrong interpretation of a situation or a "correct" way of handling a situation. However, Hauck's book is actually dictatorial.
   
   If you do decide to purchase this book, please do so with a very large grain of salt. The language Mr. Hauck uses does not promote the process of achieving positive self-worth of jealous persons, which is ultimately one of the keys to overcoming jealousy.



3. This book points out many things to help one get over or get a basic understanding of jealousy and possessiveness, how to deal with it, recognize it, and tools for understanding how to get over it. GREAT READ and GREAT REFERENCE!



4. I just gave this book two stars becuase I didn't feel it didn't do much for me. Even more after I came back to read more reviews! If you are looking for a book that will actually give you solutions on how to change your mild Jelous behavior this is not it!
   
   I have had experiences that made me an insecure, semi-posesive jelous person. I started a new relationship in "not so good circumstances", everything seemed to be going well a few months into the r/ship until I found out that my honey " had an online profile" when we were supposed to be "exclusive". I never found evidence of "actual meetings", but the outcome was devastating as expected! The behavior made things only worse and got me emotioanlly weak and very depressed, but being that I came into the relationship with insecurities from the past I realized I was part of the problem too. My partner deleted the profile and has tried very hard to help me gain the trust back, make me feel comfortable and show me genuine love,understanding an compassion. Therefore, we decided to give it a chance, then another "yes you read it right" and even then I stayed!
   Now, this is the first book I read regarding my Jelous behavior and I can say that despite the efforts of; reading it over and over, trying to understand the core of the message it has done very little for me. That doesn't mean it wont work for you!
   I was looking for a book that gave me "alternatives" or some sort of insight on "How to change that behavior" not focus on why it happens or how the non-jelous mate should act. On a positive note,I did learn and actually had the courage to tell my partner to "avoid falling" for the questioning loop when I doubt. In my humble opinion OJ&P focuses on sample situations from the writers practice as a Therapist which "made me put myself in some of his patients' shoes" and ocassionally say: humm I could actually change that.
   The bottom line is that I expected more from the book, but that is my opinion.
   
   PS: I disagree with one of his statements in my own words: Your partner could be making love to someone else in front of you and YOU SHOULDN'T GET JELOUS". I interpret this as: Yes I am the owner of my emotions and noone else can control that but me. Nothing can affect how I feel right now unless I allow someone to do that. However, I feel that any human being with a heartbeat will react to seeing your loved one making love to someone else. Good luck and you make your own conclusions.
   
   Knowledge Seeker, NY



5. I'm giving this book 2 stars because I agree with the author's logic that in order to overcome jealousy, you need to stop hating yourself so much & stop feelings of inferiority. What turned me off was the feeling that the author had disdain for jealous people. He doesn't seem to empathize with how painful jealous feelings can be for the jealous person and instead shames them for it.
   The examples of jealous behavior in this book are quite extreme (people oppressing their mates by not letting them talk to anyone but them or becoming physically abusive). I consider myself a mildly jealous person. I don't fly into rages or become physically abusive. Instead, when I compare myself to someone who I think is better than me, it eats me up inside and I feel insecure. I was hoping I could relate in some way to these examples or gain some insight from them, but they were just too extreme.
   Also, I don't like how the author seems to suggest that you don't have the right to set any limits for your partner. If you do, you're reacting out of a "neurotic need for approval". I don't mind if my partner has female friends, as long as they act like friends. They can have lunch, dance, kiss each other on the cheek....but if they gaze into each other's eyes, caress each other, kiss each other, or have sex, then they are acting like lover's and not friends and I think it would be reasonable to set limits on that type of behavior. But the author seems to suggest that I would be neurotic if this upset me.
   Maybe I misinterpreted the author's intent and I hope I'm the only one because I wouldn't want someone else to read this and start second guessing themselves by thinking they are being neurotic or "retarded" (that's what the author calls jealous behavior), but are actually being quite reasonable.

5 comments about Your Self-Confident Baby: How to Encourage Your Child's Natural Abilities from the Very Start.

1. While the book has some great ideas and questions our assumptions about how we interact with babies, some ideas of this approach seem odd. Such as seeing the act of burping your baby as hitting? Or that rocking your baby is inappropriate? I very much agree with another reviewer who said this book is written in a "know-it-all" tone, too. I only tolerate that tone when there is research to back it up.



2. Very good to get a newer version on the child care examples for which our Center is based upon.



3. Recommended to me by my college Professor a Dr. of Child Development. It was a great way to pull all of the methods we learned in class about positive and developmentally facilitating group care for Infants and Toddlers into my home so I could care for my own child while still encouraging his learning and creating a well adjusted child. Although this book does not talk about the research done on her methods, my class certainly did, and the finding were quite telling. I recommend watching video footage of the infants who have been raised and taught with these methods, IT IS AMAZING to see what a child so small is capable of doing on their own. I am excited to see my own children excel with her methods.....



4. A great book for all parents! This book gives an in depth explanation of the RIE philosophies. It is well written and organized. I think it is better written than Magda Gerber's first book Dear Parent: Caring for Infants With Respect (2nd Edition). RIE offers parents a nice structure that helps promote a loving connected relationship between parent and child. Like any parenting philosophy, it is important that parents pick and choose what feels right for your particular family. I recommend this book to any parent that wants to raise a confident baby.
   Dr. Jenn Berman
   [...]
   Author of The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids



5. What a remarkable book! If you don't have time to read, you should still read this book, whether you're a first time parent or a veteran. We need this book to be an epidemic, so that RIE based child-care facilities open up all over the nation. There's only one educarer in the NJ/NY region! The only principle that I disagree with is holding your child - I have a 2 month old baby and I carry her all the time, practicing "baby-wearing". When I don't hold her, however, I enjoy the advice of the book - in essence, watch and wait. Seeing baby lie flat on her back (which is all a 2 month old can do) and look around, finding her hands, a stream of sunlight, shadows on the wall - this book has made observation a pleasure. Please read it! It states out loud the things your subconscious knows; tell the baby what you're about to do, don't tickle, don't spank, don't interrupt, stop rushing her training.... Please, please buy this book!

5 comments about Improving Schools from Within: Teachers, Parents, and Principals Can Make the Difference (Jossey-Bass Education Series).

1. In his book, Roland S. Barth offers insights into effectively running a school. He describes his ideal school and gives reasons why he would design the school in that format. For instance, his vision includes a community of learners where the principal is seen as the 'head learner' as opposed to a 'headmaster'. His ideal school is one in which adults and students are encouraged to take risks, and they will know there is a safety net to protect them. Collegiality and humor have a place in Barth's vision since, "the quality of adult relationships within a school has more to do with the quality and character of the school and with the accomplishments of students than any other factor". (p.163) Practitioners are encouraged to write about their craft for a variety of reasons including the fact that "written insights have a 'memory' and they can subsequently be drawn upon. Insights not recorded vanish." (p. 97) The vast array of ideas offered for different ways of looking at schools is refreshing. A very good read!



2. Wonderfully practical and relevant advice for making schools as effective as they can be. Written from the viewpoint of both principal and professor. Sensitive to the issues of both teacher and administrator.



3. The book was in excellent condition. The information was wonderful and the insight that it gave was excellent. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand the administration point of view. Anyone looking to develop their leadership skills or a better work environment should read this book.



4. In Improving schools from within, Roland S. Barth shares his ideas regarding educational reform. He offers insights into effectively running a school. He captured my interest immediately by discussing the need for collegiality among employees in a school. He explained that a collegial school will drive out incompetent staff and support the ones who are temporarily weak (1990). I thought this was insightful because it seems that few authors have addressed the importance of relationships between adults in a school. A school that is characterized by collegiality is ideal because teachers feel a sense of support and are more likely to take risks.
   Barth explored current feelings of school teachers about their profession and determined that they are often discontent, untrusting of administration, compartmentalized, powerless, and frustrated (p. 12). I am new to the teaching profession and I haven't seen these negative feelings to the extent that Barth describes. I would agree that the job is highly routinized but teachers typically have freedom to adjust their routine within the classroom. To illustrate his point about teachers being compartmentalized Barth used a great analogy comparing teachers to toddlers who engage in parallel play (p. 16). He says that we tend to observe each other tentatively and continue to engage in our own separate activities because we are unsure how to engage.
   Barth describes his ideal school and gives reasons why he would design the school in that manner. He discusses a community of learners where the principal is seen as the 'head learner' as opposed to a 'headmaster'. Interestingly, he states that some principals say they desire a community of learners in their school but they do little to create a community or learning opportunities for teachers (p. 103). His ideal school would have a collegial environment where the relationships are supportive. In an ideal school teachers and principals would write about their experiences with the hope that this journalizing would help them learn from past mistakes and document successes. He believes that insights that are not recorded tend to vanish (p. 97).
   One thing Barth emphasizes in his book is the importance for universities and secondary schools to form a collaborative relationship. While I agree that universities should create a preparation program that is responsive to the changing educational climate I do not agree that secondary schools should be closely tied into their local universities. Researchers are given access to secondary classrooms frequently by teachers who agree to the intrusion for a variety of reasons. I think this type of collaboration should continue but universities should not be expected to play a role in professional developed or ongoing teacher education without some type of paid tuition to the university.
   I enjoyed reading about the need for teachers to step outside of their expertise and responsibility to take on leadership responsibilities for the good of their school. I share his beliefs that teachers must have courage to step outside of their traditional responsibilities because they open themselves up to criticism (p. 131). Barth encourages principals to share leadership with teachers and to also share praise and knowledge.
   Two distinct images stood out for me in this book. One was that of a goat and a lamb. Barth said that on his farm he had a goat that was fun, affectionate, and mischievous. He said the goat gave a little but required a lot. He also discussed a lamb that lacked personality. He thought the lamb gave a little and expected little. This image made me ponder my teaching career and ask myself how much I gave in relationship to how much I required. Secondly, Barth shares a poem from Stomberg in which he theorizes that most people want to be an eagle but that we are more like geese that have a moment to lead but then must step aside and let another take over. Indeed, we are all part of a community in which we each have an important role to play. Sometimes we lead, sometimes we will follow.



5. After being an educator for many years I found Roland Barth's suggestions doable in any school setting. Is your team congenial? Than it is not enough. Teams that are collegial can make the biggest difference in a student's life. This text was also a very quick read and that was also a plus. I did find the chapter on what universities can offer schools a bit "soap-boxy" since not everyone has easy access to universities but other than that I would recommend this text to teachers and principals as a full staff read if you are trying to improve your school or team.

5 comments about Keys to Successful Stepfathering (Barron's Parenting Keys).

1. I'm about to marry a wonderful woman who has 3 daughters, the eldest is almost a teenager. After a particularly trying weekend, I went to Amazon and bought 3 books on being a stepfather. The other books were okay. Then I read this book. Carl Pickhardt is very careful and thoughtful when choosing his words. Every word was there for a reason and carried enormous weight. The book was insightful, meaningful and accurate. The advice is valuable, but it is the thoughtful, no-nonsense insight behind that advice that is priceless. It is easy to read, but better than that, it grabbed my attention from beginning to end. I've made a note to reread this book every year. Good job Carl!



2. This book is right on the mark. It validated a lot of the emotions felt in this situation and explains how to deal with them positively. I would reccomend this book to any stepfather.



3. Buy this if you are a Stepfather (or one to be)! I bought 3 books on the subject, but none came close to Pickhardt's book. He is on point. With loads of useful advice. I felt like he knew my exact family relationship with his examples. I wish I had bought this earlier in my relationship. Thanks to the author.



4. I bought this book as a tool as I am blending my family with my new partner. I bought it for him to read, but it has been just as informative to me! It really explains things from the "step" father's point of view, and has helped me to realize the things I can do to help. It has also made me realize that all of the things happening in my little family are pretty normal. I highly recommend this book for a new stepfather, stepmother or even the biological parent that is blending his/her family!



5. This book is well thought out...and that's the challenge.
   
   Step dads want to know what to do now...not sit and read a long drawn out theory about step fathering and step kids.
   
   I struggled through this book, because of the deep theory...like running in sand, struggling to get what I needed out of the book. Phrases like "...They may exploit this perceived unfairness to justify becoming more ruthless..."
   
   What? Lets just say after a divorce, the patterns are interrupted and deal with them. Too many words get in the way.
   
   There is a challenge to readers of this book to memorize statements and comments. That will make you appear fake...even if your intentions are right. Kids know. You job is to Connect! By being yourself.
   
   With that said, Let me recommend you read Chapter 10, Chapter 13 and Chapter 25. Other chapters in the book are too much sand...too much theory.
   
   Overall, if you want theory get this book. If you want something to use now, read chapters 10,13 and 25. Don't memorize it, be yourself and your kids will respond.

5 comments about 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue: What You Say (and Don't Say) Will Improve Your Relationships.

1. As I read each daily, it was something for me to think about and apply in my life every day. The little nuggets were so helpful and so true to life. Deborah was a blessing for sharing her everyday life stories with the world. So many of us think about writing them down but never have gotten around to actually doing it. Procrastinators, I believe, that's what we are called. And then to tell us how God would like us to control the way we say certain things, with tact, thanks. I love it, it is just so much power in such a small package. Thank you God and Thank you Deborah.
   
   Have a Blessed New Year,
   
   Teresa McMicael
   Antioch, TN
   Lord's Limousine, Inc.



2. I found this book to be rewarding and on time for me. I am going through a whole new transformaation and I am trying to learn how to curve my tongue. Our tongue can be as sharp as a knife. But I walk with this book at all time. Because old habits are hard to break. Especially if I walk around being the victim.



3. This book was... very okay. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a good book. There are better books on the topic.
   
   On one page, the author praised Joel Osteen, which I found very concerning.



4. The topic of this book is relavent and important for believers to apply to thier lives. The scripture is full of admonitions about controlling our tongues. This book, however, is not a good representative of that witness. The author's pentecostal background comes through in the very first lesson. The idea is portrayed that our lying will send us to hell. In addition, the author misuses and abuses scripture on a number of occasions. I doubt it was Jacob's commitment to titheing that assured God's blessing in his life. The topic is great. Find another book!!! Thanks, Pastor Ron



5. This book put a lot of things in my life into perspective. After reading it once and then revisiting chapters that were particular to a situation at a time, I would first think about what would come out of my mouth. No one can change over night but it gives you something to strive for.