5 comments about Staying Connected to Your Teenager: How to Keep Them Talking to You and How to Hear What They're Really Saying.

1. I have recommended this book to every parent I know of a teen or preteen. It not only provides tips and "tricks" for setting up communication opportunities, but also really helps parents to not take certain teen behaviors personally. The rules change when our kids become teens. This book is a great resource for the "new" person you find living in your child's room. THANK YOU, Mr. Riera for writing this book and sharing your insight.



2. It really helps to be able to feel you are doing as much as you can. Reading a book that is detached from your situation helps you to look at a problem in a different way and see the obvious.....which was lost when in the heat of your own problems.



3. Anyone with a teenager(s)in the house should do whatever is neccessary to make the time to read this book! I am only a few pages from finishing this book and this is as close to an "OWNER'S MANUAL" about teenagers as you're going to get. It will help you to better understand what's going on inside your amazing teen and enable you to help him/her through a most awkward (not to mention dangerous) stage of life. I wouldn't make your teen aware that you're reading this though, because there's alot of great info that a parent needs to know but may not want the teen to know that you know, if you know what I mean. And if you remember being a teen and think that will help you dealing with your teen, guess again. The problem is that when we were teens we didn't know the reasons for all the things that went on in our bodies as well as our lives. This book makes it all crystal clear, and understanding is the key to safety and harmony for you and your teen. If you love them and would like to regain your sanity read this book ASAP!



4. I found this book to be very interesting although a bit hard to understand in some areas but I did receive some very good information with dealing with teenagers especially boys all in all a very good book for parents who have difficult teenagers.



5. The info in the book was good but it could have been condensed in 100 pages. Writers sometimes get winded; just state the info and forget the meaningless stories. I did realize from the book that my son and I do have a great relationship... thanks for reaffirming the relationship.

5 comments about A Child Is Born.

1. i was given a very worn copy of this book by a friend a few years ago and wanted a new, clean copy. i'm always amazed at the miracle of life when i page through this book, and i love seeing detailed pictures of the stages of my own pregnancy.



2. I absolutely LOVE this book!! The pictures are incredible! I have not seen anything else that compares. I received the order quickly, it was packaged well and in perfect condition. Love it!!



3. Product very good, just as described. Shipping quite slow, but was still within the time frame described.



4. Beautiful full color images of all parts the pregnancy. I was referred to get this book by another teacher who said she gave it as a gift at a baby shower and it was a big hit. Includes images from a 3-D ultrasound, progression of baby growth, and other cool pictures.



5. This is an amazing book. I bought the first edition when I was pregnant with my first child and thought it was awesome. Now it has been reprinted and updated with photographs of the fetus using modern technology. I got the new one for my daughter who is expecting her first child. I just can't believe the photos in the new book! She is enjoying viewing and learning about her baby's development. This book is a compilation of amazing photos of the development of a child from conception to birth.

5 comments about Why Marriages Succeed or Fail: And How You Can Make Yours Last.

1. John Gottman is a respected expert on relationships who has done extensive research with married couples over the past two decades to determine why couples stay together or part. Although Gottman's book is about marriage, it also has some excellent insights for understanding some of the important dynamics of long-term courting relationships. The book provides many exercises, quizzes, techniques and tips to understand and improve courting relationships.
   
   Gottman notes that his years of research show that a lasting marriage results from a couple's ability to resolve the conflicts that are inevitable in any relationship. He also notes that there are three different styles of conflict resolution that healthy couples usually adopt. They are: the validating marriage (couples compromise and calmly work out their problems attempting to satisfy both people), the conflict-avoiding marriage (couples agree to disagree and rarely confront issues head on), and the volatile marriage (couples conflict often and the results are passionate disputes).
   
   John Gottman also discusses what he calls "The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse." These are the dangerous ways of interacting that sabotage attempts to communicate. They are criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling.
   
   Well written and informative, Gottman's research has uncovered some worthwhile and thought provoking ideas on long-term relationships. Understanding these concepts can be helpful when trying to understand oneself and when exploring long-term compatibility with a companion.
   
   I found many useful concepts throughout the book. Overall a powerful work on strenthening relationships!
   
   The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking



2. I use this book in working with couples planning to marry or when couples struggle, and they ALWAYS find answers. Gottman's style is respectable and accessible for "everyman," while still maintaining heady content for professionals. I recommend it for couples looking to learn better fighting styles and communication patterns, for pastors and professionals who work with couples in trouble, and for people trying to set the rules before they actually play the game. Great text!



3. This book provides excellent advice that is laid out logically, and is easy to understand and implement. A few simple changes can improve how your interact with your spouse.



4. If you are wanting excellent and easy reading on marriage, commonications and relationships in general buy any and everything by John Gottman



5. Hands down one of the best books I've ever read about relationships. You don't have to be married to appreciate this book. You can be in a budding relationship or one that may eventually lead to marriage. Whatever the case, there is something in this book you can learn and implement right away - to improve your relationship and make it one that will make you and your partner happy for years to come.

5 comments about Itsy Bitsy Yoga: Poses to Help Your Baby Sleep Longer, Digest Better, and Grow Stronger.

1. I took the local Itsy Bitsy Yoga class and decided I wanted to create a home routine, so I bought this book. It has been very informative and helpful. I do Itsy Bitsy Yoga with my daughter every morning and she loves it!



2. I purchased this a few weeks ago and have been practising the poses for my daughter everyday since it arrived. My 4 mth old loves doing her daily yoga exercise and I have to say that the Magic poses do really work! If you are thinking of buying a yoga book for your baby - let it be this one . It's easy to follow and has different sets of yoga to do at different times of the day.



3. I bought this book when my daughter was about 8 months old and wish I bought it sooner. It is a fun and playful book that gives parents great ideas for age-appropriate activities for baby. It is perfect for working parents who want to have special, fun activities during their time together or stay at home parents looking for ways to engage their babies. There is always something new to try and everything is geared to your baby's developmental stage. It has also motivated me to become more enthusiastic toward my own yoga practice again. My baby loves these poses.



4. Okay, when I picked this book up, I rolled my eyes and thought, "oh brother." As if there aren't enough things for a baby to learn. But I was curious about the activities that the book would provide so I read through it anyway. I admit I was skeptical from the start. I'll tell you that this book is chock FULL of self promotion and I found that incredibly irritating. More than half of this book is just trying to convince the reader how wonderful yoga is, especially itsy bitsy yoga. Fine. I got it. Yoga is good. Itsy Bitsy Yoga is better. I do understand alot of yoga is the mind set (which is a topic beaten like a dead horse in this book), but I'm gonna tell you, I'm a mom of a toddler and a baby, and I just don't have time for the "tranquility" of yoga. I wish I did, but I don't. I have to be a pretty flexible lady. (no pun intended) I just want some activities I could personally do with my 9 month old and my 2 year old. When you get past all the cheerleading in the book, the activities are terrific. They are personal, and simple, and fun to do. And like the book states (over and over) you can spend as much time as you can afford with the "poses." The book itself is easy to follow and have some terrific tips to add along with the poses (like songs and variations, etc) They have plenty of photos, and the book is divided by major milestones instead of ages. At the end of each chapter is a quick reference of what poses work for whatever situation you are in. That is so handy. I really like this book as a reference guide. This book is meant for children from birth to 24 months, so I took a quick glance into the older tot chapters to see what they were like. When my oldest was between 1 and 2 years I don't think she would've copied what I did, nor would she have done any poses with encouragement, so I checked out how you were supposed to interact with the older set. Alot of the poses for the older kids still have parental interaction (which I think she would've liked) so I think this is a pretty realistic guide on what your child can and would want to do (since kids can be so different). There is nothing extreme (yoga-wise) in this book, and if you can't make your home have a nice tranquil atmosphere, alot of the poses can be done in a playful way. So as much as I don't like the writing in the book, I really liked the poses.



5. The divine drops, are true "magic" pose as the book suggests! This book is a must for parents of infants, especially if they have colic.

5 comments about You Are My I Love You.

1. This book is heart moving and precious because it is so real. I can't read it without tears in my eyes.



2. LOVE THIS BOOK! It's a great kid-friendly story about the relationship between a parent and child. The pictures are wonderful also. Gave it as a baby shower gift to a good friend but will absolutely get another copy when I have my own children!



3. This book really warms your heart. Perfect for anyone - parents and children. I give it to all of my friends who had a baby or are having a baby... It made me cry after my daughter was born because the book is so touching, yet so simple. It is one my 18 month old daughters favorite books. ENJOY!



4. I bought this book several years ago when Daniel Pinkwater reviewed it on Public Radio. It perfectly describes a relationship between parent and child, where the parent is the stable rock the child craves, the child the ingenuous spirit the adult has lost.
   
   I don't see it as being limited to adults and children. I have many of the same feelings about some of my adult friends.
   
   I do agree with the reviewer who suggested this is basically an adult book -- I don't think most children will understand what it's about.
   
   The "professional" reviewer who found it overly sentimental seems to have little understanding of human relationships. This book expresses a significant aspect of them in a way I have not seen elsewhere.



5. My wife bought this book to read to our foster children. It has turned out to be our favorite book of all time for our kids! The words and meaning are so touching and true, very heartfelt. And the drawings are the most precious and endearing. They are just as great as the storyline. The most precious book for the most precious children! Every child should have one!

5 comments about The Baby Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance.

1. A must for all guys. Reads like a car owner's manual - no typical flowery baby stuff.



2. If you like new age, emotional, heart touching baby books that tell you about how you should raise your kid to solve all the worlds problems this isn't the book for you. If you need straight forward, to the point answers when your kid is barfing all over you at 1 am and sleep deprivation is making you function like a deer staring into headlights and don't know what to do, get this book. It's set up like an owners manual for your car, TV, etc.; a basic engineering manual and easy to follow. I got tired of the baby books telling me that if I didn't hold my kid in the proper position while soothing during teething it could lead to a lack of brain development. No guilt tripping or wild opinions here; just needed info when you need it and easy to find. Some reviews say it's boring, but it's not set up for you to read through. It's reference material you quickly look up when you need it. Just like any owners manual, who reads the thing when you get it? You look up what you need when you need it. I get this book for every guy I know who is going to have kids.



3. Between this handbook and the 'Be Prepared' handbook for Dads, my husband really enjoyed reading this book to my belly every evening. It was funny yet useful at the same time. We also loved the different charts and pictures used.



4. The book is really informative, but the whole "baby as a product" gimmick, giving instructions about the baby as if it were a power mower or something, wears thin by the end of the first chapter. It's just too clever for its own good. I like the art and style, but if I had found a different book that didn't rely so heavily on a gimmick, I would have gotten that instead.



5. I very much enjoy this book because it's written exactly how it says - like a manual. It adds a bit of humor into a subject that can raise a lot of emotion and stress because of all those things you just don't know :)

5 comments about Squirms, Screams and Squirts: Going from Great Sex to Extraordinary Sex.

1. While there are things I would like to see expanded in this book and a poor choice of Wikipedia for some of the information, it is a good book that looks at sex as something far more than penis-vagina intercourse. The focus of this book is on making sexual intimacy primarily about female pleasure with the idea that penetration then may follow and indeed sexual encounters increase when the woman is very well pleased with her partner (male or female). The language of the book is more appealing for men I strongly suspect but then men are the target audience. As long as the reader does not see the book as a step by step list of activities he must do and considers the questions and underlining goals, he'll get good use of the book. Sadly as a scholar the use of Wikipedia instead of peer reviewed studies of human sexuality or anatomy automatically knocks off a star for me in the review.



2. An enlightening and expansive perspective for male or female readers. The sensativity and integrity of the writer are evident. The intention is to create a fun, relaxing and satisfying experience for both participants. The friends I have gifted with this book are thrilled and have shared it with their friends.
   Margaret



3. I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed in this and very pleased at the same time. When it arrived, with other books I should mention, my wife took the tried and true stance, similar to the past 20 years, of "not again". She did not want to even look at the books. However, this book is designed on how to please the woman only and directed entirely to her pleasure. Which I must say is 99% of the way it should be anyway. So, my wife thought I should read this book only and return the others. I read it and was disappointed a little. I got 75% of the way through before it began to teach me anything I did not already know and I realy don't know anything.
   
   I did like the chapter on shaving very much. In fact for the last few years I have been shaving my own face with the old shaving cream and brush and can attest to the closeness of the shave and it is best for sensitive skin, but I digress. I think only 2 of the 12 or 13 chapters had any information that was useful, but Oh how useful they were. I was able to try something new one evening and she said "did you get that from the book?" With a grin on her face and a shortness of breath not noticed in a few years.
   
   I of coarse gave all the credit to the book. She then thought we should read it together and look at the other books as well. So, even though I think only 2 chapters had anything new they have served both of us old married folk well and that would be why it gets 5 stars. Not because I learned stuff from start to end, but because the book in general did what I was hoping for, renewed some fire into a couple middle aged, slightly pudgy, people who needed a spark.



4. This is a great book if you're looking for the mechanics of producing pleasure in the female body. However, if you see people more holistically, as the union of body, mind, and spirit or heart, or a relationship as something more than a context for sex, this isn't the book for you. The author reduces sex to an almost clinical attempt to cause pleasure in the female body--almost as if it's a machine. For example, at one point he recommends the use of rubber gloves--a recommendable practice to avoid infection, to be sure, but what couple really wants to make their bedroom a doctor's office, unless it's only about physical sensations? Also, there's an obsessive emphasis placed on producing a bed-wetting female ejaculation--who cares about this subject if your sexual/personal relationship is otherwise complete? The author does talk some about relationships and romance, but their only purpose seems to be getting her in bed and ultimately getting the machine going, rather than being ends in themselves. He even discusses how to talk to a woman to get her to open up to more experimentation and expanded mechanics. It all depends on what you want.



5. This is a good read. What I appreciated is that it looks at sex in a way that "connects" mental, emotional, and physical. It's not just info like "touch her here" or anything.
   
   Got this book as I was reading up on the subject of female ejaculation. Combined with Player's Handbook Volume 3 - Make Her Squirt! A Quick and Dirty Guide to Female Ejaculation and Extended Orgasm, which is more "hands on" (no pun intended), I was able to put everything together and make things happen...if you know what I mean.
   
   What I love about both books is they're "real world" information, rather than just technical stuff by people with PhDs or something. Zzzzzzz...
   
   Bottom line-- this is a bargain for what you'll get out of it. Seriously, it's worth 1000x the price.

5 comments about When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads, Revised Edition: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy.

1. This book provides detailed information to any woman who is expecting super twins. The information available in this book is so unique that I could not find in any other general pregnancy book. I strongly recommend it for any woman expecting triplets or more!



2. This is THE ultimate in navigating the waters of a triplet or higher pregnancy. There is so little information on higher order multiples and this it IT! An easy read and it gives you the information you need to have a successful higher order multiples pregnancy. SO informative. I followed her eating plan, not to the dot, but as best I could.... basically eating all day anything/everything I could stand/keep down. My triplets were born at full term all weighting over 5lbs and roomed in with me like a singleton and we all came home together!!!!! I honestly do not think my pregnancy would have been so successful without this book. I can not recommend it enough. I bought and read all the multiples books on the market to date and if you can only buy one
   (even if you are just pregnant with twins) I would recommend it, but it is especially essential for triplet/quad and higher multiple order moms to be.



3. This book was one of the keys to my healthy twin pregnancy. True, it's hard to follow the nutritional advice to the letter, but you just do the best you can. I promise that if you're not a big fan of meat, you will get used to it when you know that you're helping your babies grow. The book also contains nutritional advice for vegetarians. I started out at a BMI of 18 and carried my twins to 38 weeks (scheduled c-section, never went into labor) with no complications and no bedrest. Both were born at about 6.5 pounds each, spent no time in the NICU, roomed in with us at the hospital, and came home with us. Doctors, nurses, etc were impressed at their size and health. The advice in this book drove me to make sure that my workweek did not exceed 40 hours (with a note from the doctor and a desk job which made it possible), and my husband handled literally all household chores starting around 30 weeks when I really needed to have my feet up after work. Dr. Luke says not to expect to work past 28 weeks but I think it's possible if your managers are supportive, if you can stay off your feet, and if you can limit stress on the job. I worked up to 37.5 weeks. Drink water, water, water! My only trip to L&D due to having more than 6 contractions/hour were due purely to dehydration. If you're expecting twins or supertwins, get this book! I was reluctant to buy any book on multiples until I passed my 12th week (didn't want to jinx myself with all the scare on vanishing twin syndrome), but this book has lots of info on maximizing the outcome of your pregnancy as soon as you know you're pregnant with twins/multiples so if you're not afraid of buying before 12 weeks, then this is a must read. Also contains helpful advice on surviving the first few weeks at home with your new babies.



4. This book was a great resource to providing information on how to have a healthy pregnancy with twins. I just wish my Doctor could have read it too!
   One thing it didn't help with so much was the means by which to get the babies out in the safest way. I ended up with a c-section and after lots and lots of research have come to the conclusion that it was unnecessary, especially after having my first singleton all naturally.



5. I am convinced that this book is responsible for my making it to 38 weeks and delivering such big, healthy twins (7.5 and 5.5 lbs!). The thing I loved most about the book is that it focuses on what YOU can do to impact your pregnancy and it kept me focused and positive throughout. It seems every time I left the doctor's office I was in tears due to all of the warnings about twin pregnancy, but Dr. Luke's advice was positive and calming without being scary or dwelling on those things that are out of one's control. Following Dr. Luke's advice on rest and diet enabled me to stay at home and enjoy a relatively uneventful pregnancy with my high risk identical twins. I felt as though the advice on twins in the other pregnancy books was way off and even my doctor's office seemed to miss the boat regarding nutrition, treating my twin pregnancy as a regular pregnancy plus five or ten pounds. I followed Dr. Luke's advice - not my doctor's - on nutrition and it was this book that opened my eyes to some potentially damaging medication interactions that my doctor's office didn't mention. With this book, I felt as if I had my own personal twin specialist guiding me through the pregnancy and I felt very validated for all of the things I was experiencing that weren't typical of a "normal" single pregnancy. Buy this book! I tell everyone I know about it. I even suggested that my OB get a copy for her practice! Thank you, thank you Dr. Luke, I will always be grateful that I came across this book when I did!!!

4 comments about Cosmo's Steamy Sex Games: All Sorts of Naughty Ways to Have Fun with Your Lover.

1. There are 12 different games like truth or dare and sexy scavanger hunt where your partner is blindfolded and you put three different foods of your choice on different parts of your body and he has to find them only using his month. Very fun cards and highly recommended.



2. This is a great idea for a bridal shower, bachlorette gift, Valentine's day - it doesn't matter the occasion! Get it for yourself, your significant other (male or female) you'll be hard pressed to find someone who's returned it!



3. My wife bought this as a surprise for our romantic weekend away. Most of the games are not very exciting and they don't tell you ahead of time that you'll need a lot of props. So we couldn't even try half the games on our weekend. The other games are mostly roll playing and questions. This is great if your a young couple who are still getting to know each other in the early stages of a relationsship and what to have some fun. If you've been married for a few years there is not much here unless your totally sexually repressed.



4. It is hard to find this type of item and not have it fall short. But these cards are entertaining and fun and made us laugh (on occasion) We are a gay couple so we just had to overlook the sexual orientation of the couples. However, the cards were so good it really did not matter. I would highly recomend them for anyone who is looking for a good old fashioned evening with their partner! Who does not take sex too seriously and wants to have fun!

5 comments about Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men.

1. I had heard about this book, and it is everything I had hoped for. Finally a little clarity in the world of the man-boy. Ladies, read this. Instead of excusing guys behavior, we can learn to sympathize with them and help them get better. End "Bromance" and watch them grow up!



2. As a 39 year old guy who quite consciously side-stepped "guyland" throughout my life I appreciated the thorough outline of what a lot of white middle-class guys go through in high school, college and beyond. I always walked by certain bars with the young binge drinkers Kimmel talks of and wondered what they hell they were up to.
   
   What I don't appreciate is the shaming tone of the writing and the antiquated definition of a grown man. Marriage and children are not the only barometers for maturity. And as much as the bullies need to be held responsible for the violence they cause, "guys" including said bullies also need more real-life, healthy role-models and real compassion. The violence that erupts in boys most likely has very long roots. Think about it. Most boys are steered clear out of their feeling at about age 5 with the classic statement, "big boys don't cry!" and goes on from there. Factor in that boys receive less quality attention in general than their girl counterparts and the messages in popular culture and it's no surprise they're acting out.
   
   I was also very disappointed that a little less than one-fifth of the book towards the end was dedicated to solutions. I've also got to believe that there are more stories of kids, like myself, who have led great alternative lives to "guyland" and who've never set foot on a sports team or a fraternity. I tried a number of times to enter these social groups in high school and college and simply found that their company was just not very entertaining.
   
   My one small solution for helping guys in guyland and mankind in general is attending Men's Groups in the style of Robert Bly. I discovered my Men's Group in college in 1991 and have been attending them ever since. It's amazing what kind of support, learning, and healing can happen when few men meet twice a month to just talk about what's going on in their lives. In these groups I've met men who became the role models I'd longed for in my youth. In these groups I exorcised the many fears I had about wether I was "man" enough.
   
   Principal among them was the desire to have more platonic affection with men, ie hugs. It took me a few years of groups to really let go of both the shame of desiring the warm embraces and fully letting in the pleasure it brought me. (For the record I am heterosexual)
   
   As a full grown adult I hope to bring this compassionate awareness to other young men and let them know that being a man is a whole lot more than being successful with money and women and avoiding acting "gay." Hopefully someone can write that book.



3. After I came across the book Guyland by Michael Kimmel, I could not stop reading it. This book is about male teenagers around the age of 16 to 26 transferring to adulthood and how the guys handle the changes. The author explains that "Guyland", is a stage in life where guys put away immature things and try to take up responsibilities. Becoming older and more mature has made it very complex for college students to focus on there work, and to concentrate on what will benefit there future. The author states that the average college guy can be found "hanging out, partying, playing with tech toys, or watching sports".
   
   What I enjoy about this book is that, the author can really relate to college students and typical guys in general. The author knows that guys are more interested in partying, watching sports, and hanging out with their friends. Studying usually happens after that in my perspective.
   
   The author is very concerned on why guys seem to be stuck between adolescence and adulthood, and why guys can't take school serious and pass all there courses and get a legit job with good money, but that isn't always easy for most guys. The author has interviewed hundreds of young men and most of them find themselves living with there parents after they graduate college, because finding a job is very difficult in the world today, guys also seem to be stuck in there own little world the author calls "Guyland". The author states that "the average young American man today is moving through a new stage of development, a buddy culture unfazed by the demands of parents, girlfriends, jobs, kids, and other nuisances of adult life".
   
   Guyland is a good book for women who have a hard time understanding men and what goes through there head, this book will answer a lot of questions that women are looking for. This book is also a good read for men in college or high school, the author interviews many students and the interviews will give people a laugh.



4. I found this to be an amazing book, full of deep insights, and a boatload of disturbing stories. Personally, I would consider it a "Must Read," particularly for parents of college guys. Having said that, it is anything but a "how to fix it" book.



5. I found this book to be extremely biased in the way it depicted guys in their mid-twenties. I believe the author knew which conclusion he wanted to reach and then did everything in his power to make the information he was provided with reach that conclusion. His thesis seems to be that every male who is single and in their twenties is a loser, alcoholic and rapist. This could not be further from the truth. I myself am a resident of Guyland and have been employed since I was sixteen. I graduated from University two years ago and have been employed full time since then. Furthermore,my friends who are also residents of Guyland all are educated and employed. One of them actually has a six figure salary. We all work hard, however, once the workday is done we are perfectly within our rights to spend our time any way we choose to as long as it falls within the limits of the law. The fact that we choose to party, travel and date during our twenties does not make us losers or bad guys, in fact many girls that are the same age as us have chosen the same lifestyle. Dr. Kimmel purposefully ignores this and just offers up crude stereotypes of frat boys. Personally, I feel that he is just projecting his own insecurities. Dr. Kimmel was probably one of the boys in elementary school who skipped rope instead of playing soccer and was picked on because of this. He thus has strong feelings of resentment and hatred towards any kind of masculinity and seems hellbent on turning all men into spineless automatons. Personally, I choose to keep my guy "edge" and no condescending sociologist or girl/woman will make me lose it.
   
   Peace