5 comments about Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship.

1. My thoughts where changed after reading IKDG and am wholy convinced that it was God who used this book to do what the bible teaches in Romans 12:2. Needless to say I have had alot of bad relationships that have left alot of scars. I can now say my focus is on Gods plan for my life, a message clearly stated in this book on dating. There are things God wants to do first. He wants you to see His plan first. He may have a Million dollar plan for your life!
   Although I have not read this book, yet, I commend Joshua for the efforts he is making to turn the hearts of those God has chosen through Josh's ministry.
   My message to anyone who reads these books is to ask God to reveal those things you need to see and teach you based on Josh's courageous ground breaking attempts to turn this big ship around.
   Read Josh's books with a open mind in lieu of one that is set upon a tradition.
   I challange this same mindset to search what your heart will say so that you to can reach out and touch the hearts of the hurting.



2. Great book! Provides a solid alternative to the world's system, and a far better one at that, since it puts Christ first.
   
   This book is more for those in their early 20's, whereas Harris' first book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" is more for teenagers.



3. I read his first book "I kissed dating goodbye". I finally decided it was about time I read the second book for when/if I decide to date anyone. This book helped me so much and I really think everyone should read it! If you're thinking about getting it, def do.



4. my boyfriend and i are reading this book and we are really growing and learning a lot from it. we take the time to talk about each chapter individually and ask what each other thought about it. Also, because its our first relationship, this book definitely helps serve as some guidelines... of course alongside with the bible. =)



5. I am a sophmore in college and I read this book with my boyfriend and most of it was very helpful and encouraging. However, I do not remember when this was written but today I feel like some of what is said is a little bit unrealistic. I would recommend this to anyone who is in a relationship and questioning where it is going or just looking for guidance. It has made me even more in awe of how amazing God is and how he just wants the best for us.

5 comments about The Myth of Multitasking: How "Doing It All" Gets Nothing Done.

1. 
   "The Myth of Multi-tasking" is another business novel. This time about multi-tasking. My first response to this book was excitement. Finally, a new book on the subject of multi-tasking. I bet it will state all latest research, describe experiments done, check on the brain activity to physically prove multi-tasking is a myth etc etc. I was disappointed. None of the above is included in this book (ok, some quotes taken out of research) and instead it's an average story about a consultant helping a CEO.
   
   The book describes the story of Phil who is called in my Helen for some reason. He convinces her that multi-tasking is not efficient (as she seemed to believe) and teaches her different ways of organizing her work so that she does not need to "switchtask" and becomes more effective. Of course, she believes the consultant, changes all her habits and her company and a happy end.
   
   The book is easy to read. It's also small, you can read it in about an hour!! There is not much more than the above story in the book and some quotes from different research (of which some are actually interesting). One thing that annoyed me is that the author decided to rename "multi-tasking" to "switchtasking". I kept wondering why he couldn't call it simple "task switching" which is the common term for this.
   
   The book didn't bother me. I got a couple of useful research quotes out of it and one interesting game to "prove" multitasking is inefficient. The book is small and therefore it might be easy to read. Don't expect much though. 3 stars.



2. This is a fabulous book that everyone should read at least once. It takes an hour or two at the most.
   
   It's written in story form (like "E-Myth" or "The One Minute Manager"). "Phil" is a business coach who is helping "Helen" regain control and organization in her business. He takes her through a series of exercises (included in the back of the book) to show how multitasking takes MORE time than focusing on one thing at a time, and that it damages productivity and-- worse--relationships. Then he gives her some exercises to help her out of her "multitasking".
   
   The gist of the book is: there is no such thing as multitasking. Since our brain can only focus on one thing at a time, we either switch-task (switch our focus between two or more things rapidly) or background task (focus on one task while doing another that does not require focus--like talking on the phone while sweeping the floor). Background tasking is okay at appropriate times, but most of us fall prey to switch-tasking too often.
   
   I'm a stay-at-home mom, and I still found this book very applicable. I sat down the same day I finished it and did some of the suggested exercises. I'm into my second week of living according to these ideas, and I can tell already that I get more done. Even better--I feel much more satisfied at the end of the day because I know all of my relationships have gotten the attention I intended for them to get.



3. All I can say is what a snoozer. Yet another book to add to the dozens of cookie cutter, "you're-doing-everything-wrong-and-here's-how-to-fix-it" business, self-help, I know-something-you-don't books that come out every other week. Not to mention the cute little story to get the point across, what a novel approach. Honestly do we need yet another book like this? We'll give it a few months until "The Myth About Not Multitasking" comes out and tells us again, everything we are doing wrong and how "switchtasking" doesn't really exist. The author follows the "lot-a-fluff-and-little-meat" concept of his idol, Mr. Gerber. I just tire of people who get their ego stroked with a few inside accomplishments and then in the style of a certain president-elect proceed to write a book about their genius insights and concepts. No where can I find anything that would suggest the author possesses any unique or impressive credentials outside the E-Myth crowd. In fact, reading the other reviews would strongly suggest the authors' petition of friends, neighbors and relatives in writing reviews lauding the book as a precious nugget of wisdom. My final thought is this...I, myself, would be considered by society financially, academically and socially successful, I as well know many people who would also fall under this category...They and I have one thing in common, we did not gain our success as a result of reading self-help, business concept books as is the case with the majority of successful people.



4. This is a great book to bring things back to basics. I already knew that multi-tasking was not something that would really help me get more done and this book helped me realize why. Following this process and using the helpful worksheets brings focus back to your work and personal life. Easy to read and easy to understand why it is important to change.



5. Your brain does one thing at a time. Period. Doing more than one thing on the CPU is simply stopping and starting quickly. OK.
   
   Suspect you already know this, or you wouldn't have been attracted to the title. So you're looking for validation. Useful additional words: switchtasking, and background tasking. Background tasking is talking to someone while you knit. (Debate exists as to which task is happening in the background.)
   
   I picked up the book because I do a tremendous amount of what the author calls "background tasking" and I have some doubts about whether I should be focussing more/better/else. Not to worry. Perhaps the zen camp is right and I could try true single-point focus (I am washing the cup now...). Maybe. For today, I'll take the western-business-model and change my language: I'm background tasking, not multi-tasking.
   
   I like the little spelling-and-numbering exercise.
   
   I don't think I will change very much of anything as a result of reading the book, but what I really learned is a better word for what I already do an awful lot of.

2 comments about Love and Peaches.

1. If you enjoyed the first 2 you will definitely love this one!
   
   This was a great end to the Peaches series. I have enjoyed all 3 of the Peaches books and hated to see them end, but was very satisfied with the way it ended. There was some surprises and some things that I saw coming...my favorite was how Leeda's story was wrapped up...her finding herself. Murphy's story wrapped up with a happy surprise and offered a new side of her. Birdie's, while probably the saddest of the 3, still ended well. And I loved the new characters that were introduced and also the back-story on Leeda's gradmom.
   
   Super book...I would recommend!!



2. When I first started reading these books, I'll admit I thought of them as Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants light. Now that I've reached the end, I've come to respect the trilogy for standing on its own two feet--or six feet, as the case may be.
   
   The three girls brought together in Book One by a peach orchard are back: Murphy, a free spirit who can't admit to herself her own longings for stability; Birdie, whose love of the orchard first elevated her but now begins to get in her way; and wealthy, perfect Leeda, whose desire to please her high-pressure family has slowly begun to crack through her association with the other two girls.
   
   In this book, each of the threesome continues to deal with love and yes, peaches. It sounds soap opera-ish to ask, Will Murphy go back to Rex? Who is her father? Will Birdie marry Enrico? Will Leeda keep pleasing her mother? But in Jodi Lynn Anderson's hands, these potentially hackneyed questions become something fresh and lovely. As a reader, it's easy to think you can predict the outcomes, but you will be wrong about a few, if not all, of them. It's nice to be surprised by a book.
   
   Anderson also plays with some interesting ideas. Leeda sees her tendency to be uncertain as a failing: "Murphy says not having a niche is my niche," she explains apologetically. But the new, less-polished guy she meets while caring for her late grandmother's surprising bequest has this to say: "Maybe figuring it out is...I don't know, what it's all about. Constantly deciding. And you're true enough not to decide anything before you're ready, and you don't want to lock yourself into a box. Maybe it's the sure people who are missing out."
   
   Murphy, for her part, gives a whole new meaning to fear of commitment. Truly--she makes you reenvision that fear as she thrashes about, trying to deal with what she does and does not know, feels and does not feel.
   
   In fact, none of the girls are sure what they want in this book. I like how the author brings up the possibility that much of life may be about finding questions rather than answers.
   
   Jodi Lynn Anderson's language is beautifully wrought, more so than that of most writers working in the field. She also weaves symbols gracefully through the book, from large images like the peach orchard to smaller images like kissing chickens.
   
   Which reminds me: moments of humor mixed with tenderness further enrich the story. My favorite line is about Miss Piggy, though the white pants are a close second.
   
   It's difficult for writers to convey life lessons without being offputting or didactic, but the characters in Love and Peaches are so real, yet unexpected, that you may just feel like you're growing right along with Birdie, Murphy, and Leeda. Ripening like a perfect peach.

5 comments about Baby Minds: Brain-Building Games Your Baby Will Love.

1. ..most of the practical advice is stuff anyone who keeps up with the popular press is already aware of -- e.g. reading to your child is good, etc...the underlying purpose of the book, I suspect, shows up in chapter five where the authors excitedly announce "Parents wowed by babies' sign language"...of course, the authors started "Baby Signs" and sell "baby Signs" stuff by the truckload...but I guess that doesn't affect their opinion...



2. I loved Baby Minds. While browsing for "games" books for my future first child, I stumbled upon this one and decided to buy it. Although there aren't many brain-building games, there are quite enough for a great start. What I especially liked are the explanations before the activities. I really felt like the authors researched a lot for this book and they made me understand that babies have a lot of potential we can help them reach with simple activities. Most people keep saying that babies don't do anything for months and I now realize that maybe they're the ones not doing anything. Well worth my time and money!



3. This book is amazing, showing us, the parents, just what our babies really can do! The authors empasize on the importance of the childs emotions, how to connect with your baby in a way that will not only teach your baby but give them a loving relationship to bond with their parents. This book is an excellant choice for anyone who wants to look beyond their childs outerbeing and really understand so much more.
   
   Mother of 4



4. One of the other reviewers noted that this book has a deceptive title, and I completely agree. There are very few games in this book, and most of them aren't really games--they're more like tricks. The book is about how babies learn and how their brains develop, not about games that you can play to help them grow.
   
   If you want to know about child development, then it's a fine book. But if you want a book with ideas for games to play with your baby, you don't want this book.



5. Wow what a page turner! The beging starts out slow but then it gets really good. This book does a good job of explaining why to do certain things backed up by good research. I'd call this an importent book for parents to read. Wish the author would add to this a toddler book. Worth every penny!

5 comments about The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Asperger's.

1. While I find Grandin's writing/speaking on the topic of Asperger's and Autism compelling in general, I found this book especially interesting for the very concrete way in which it addresses coping with these conditions. Suffice it to say that if someone in your life has either Asperger's or Autism, you're bound to find some very useful material in this book.



2. First let me warn you - this is not really a "book." It is a compilation of short articles and stories written by Temple Grandin.
   
   My favorite book by Temple is Animals in Translation, which is awesome if you are dealing with autism and it is awesome if you are an animal lover. You walk away from that book with a better understand of how the human mind and the animal mind work.
   
   This book is lighter and easier to read. As a series of short articles, many aspects of autism and autism treatment are covered in short, easy-to-digest portions that still have lots of meat and valuable information in them.
   
   You certainly don't have to be involved with an autistic or aspergers diagnosed person to appreciate the writing either. I find it fascinating on many different levels, and if you are a fan of psychology or the human mind, then these articles can shed light on how the mind functions and by looking at autistic minds, it reveals many things about the typical human mind and how it works as well.



3. I've seen Temple speak in person and I have an Aspie spouse. I enjoyed the book a lot but had hoped for more insight on the adult side of life. So much of books on Asperger's focus on kids. Today's adults didn't have the child study teams etc so they had to muddle through on their own. The book is a little lean on the adult experience but I did enjoy it overall.



4. Skimming through this book, I found Dr. Temple Grandin explained each chapter lucidly and separated it into many, many segments so the readers can absorb each part quite easily. Simply put, this book is reader-friendly! On top of that, there is no complicated sentence at all! If you ask me, you can pick up any chapter that interests or applies to you quite a lot if you find it so hard to read it all through. The main reason is that not all the people with autism and Asperger syndrome(a/A) have the exactly same symptoms. For instance, one person with a/A hates fluorescent lights, while the other doesn't. Some with a/A suffer self-injuries, whereas others have different kinds of the symptoms. So I can highly recommend this book even to those who don't know so much about a/A as well. And I hope fewer people will misunderstand a/A and other developmental challenges by reading this easy-read book.
   
   And for further information, why don't you browse Dr. Grandin's lectures on You Tube? I really got quite impressed by her way of speaking first time I saw her lecture. "Does she really have a/A?" - That was my first impression on her! I mean, she spoke so confidently that I felt I couldn't beat her in front of the audience. How did she overcome her a/A traits? I guess nobody can imagine she herself has a/A. I couldn't make such an intriguing speech like her.



5. I have a nephew that is autistic and I really didn't know that much about the disorder so I picked up this book which particularly interested me since the author herself is autistic. While much of what is in this book is intended to help guide parents in raising autistic children, I found it very interesting and an easy read as an introduction to autism and Asperger's and some of the issues that face such individuals. I definitely feel it helps me understand my nephew better and some of his behavior, as well as gives me some insight into my entire family in terms of some of us (myself in particular) being on the "spectrum" of individuals with traits of autism and asperger's. I've always been frustrated by my own issues in terms of social interaction, and after reading this book, I feel like I might understand that a bit better. I think this is a book anyone that would like a more personal look at autism would enjoy, even if they might not agree 100% with everything in it.

5 comments about How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less.

1. This book help me to change some patterns in talking to people and reading the people. It is well written, no 'water' and up to the point with good examples.



2. Nicholas is a genius. This book is outstanding and the information is easy to follow. I work in sales and I can tell you that I have tried many of his methods. They work and I am making more money. This should be a required read for all politicians, salespeople, management and entrepreneurs. Buy it, you won't be disappointed.
   
   Chuck
   Denver, CO



3. When you meet someone, look 'em in the eye and give 'em a firm handshake because everyone knows that making a good first impression is important. Former fashion photographer Nicholas Boothman explains why - and a whole lot more - in this fascinating look at how people make connections. Like most people, you probably establish immediate rapport with certain individuals and don't seem to have anything in common with others. If you've wondered why, the author explains the components of communication and offers specific techniques you can employ to create connections quickly. The fun part is that after you've finished the book, you can try your newly acquired skills on just about anyone in any situation. Though some people are naturals, for most becoming a skilled conversationalist takes a lot of practice. getAbstract believes that almost everyone will find useful information and practical advice in Boothman's book. At the very least, he gives you plenty to discuss.



4. Great manuel for those who make their living selling but not excluded to everyone who just wants to interact in their daily lives. I found that I did many things naturally but this is a great refresher and a great way to hone my people skills....A MUST BUY!!!!!
   
   Bill-Ft. Worth,TX.



5. How To Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less is an excellent guide to establishing fast rapport with people. In a common sense, but not always obvious approach, the author spells out in simple terms the body language and meeting acknowledgment that will engage new acquaintances. This is a fast read. It gives the reader the potential to leverage a first impression with positive power.
   The author was recently interviewed on television. Expect a big demand for this book, of great help to salespeople, job interviewees, and anyone who needs to make a good impression, fast.

5 comments about What I Love About You.

1. I got this to give to my boyfriend and filling it out was so much fun. There are still many pages to go but, I let him read it. He said it was a very touching gift and he was so greatful that I thought enough of him to do something like this book.



2. My husband is deploying to Iraq soon for 12 months and while he's away I'm going to complete this and ship it to him at the half-way mark. It will remind him that while he's gone things haven't changed about how I love him, and will make him feel a little closer to home at the same time. It will be the little things like this that will help us out.



3. This was a fun little work book. I used it as a wedding gift to my husband. He has really enjoyed reading through it--and all of my little comments. Basically, its a series of fun, serious, and quirky questions about how you feel towards your significant other. It makes a fun gift...but it isn't anything that would qualify as a marriage fixer or relationship rescue.



4. This is an adorable "fill in the blank" book - where you can record the memories that are in your heart when it is the fullest! A must have for any bride!



5. I saw this book, and am interested in buying it for a Christmas gift. However, on the cover it said nothing about the book being romantic relationship exclusive, and I thought it would be something my mother would adore. It doesn't seem like anyone else has written it for anyone other than their significant other! There's no way for me to look at all of the questions (except maybe hopping over to the book store), but so far they all seem okay for mom-daughter love! For those of you who have seen and/or filled out the book, am I wrong? Are their passages that would rule out non-romantic relationships??
   
   Thank you so much!
   I'm sorry this isn't an actual "review", but perhaps the answer will help someone else looking for the same info. :)

5 comments about Words Are Not for Hurting (Ages 4-7) (Best Behavior Series).

1. This book (and the entire series) is a great teaching tool for little ones. Often times, when my daughter needs a "reminder" about choosing her words carefully, we put this in our bedtime story rotation.



2. I bought this book for my son's collection of best behavior books but it is not the same board book collection that he has, they have 2 different collections of books with the same name, so I had to return it and order the right one.



3. My five year old loved the pictures in this book. The illustrations are great and it is easy for a toddler to follow and understand.



4. Very simple, cute book that gets the message across quite well. Straight and to the point, as the other books in this series are.



5. This book really helped me teach my kids how words can affect others. They are 6 years old and they gained a good understanding about how their words not only can hurt each other but also their friends. They were also able to tell me how when I get angry I make them feel. I would recommend this book.

5 comments about The Grief Recovery Handbook : The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death Divorce, and Other Losses.

1. The Grief Recovery Handbook: A Step-By-Step Program for Moving Beyond Loss The service from the provider was excellent. I wanted only the original because I have my own copy. This is helping numerous people 3000 miles across trhe country, thanks to you.



2. This is a hopeful book that can help you work through your grief even if it is a death, divorce, job loss, or other major loss. If you are over 40 there is a 1 in 3 chance someone close to you will have died during that year. Our society celebrates life, and de-emphasizes grief and the death of our loved ones. Well meaning people say things like this was meant to be, they are out of pain now, and you will find someone else.
   
   Your situation is unique. Even if you find someone with what is on the surface a similar loss, for example, the loss of a child, your situation is dramatically different than their situation and your recovery will be equally as unique. This book offers ideas different than keep yourself busy, and life goes on, it addresses how you feel and how to work through your feelings. I would recommend this book those who have lost.



3. I have received many books on grief since the sudden death (by suicide) of my 23 year old son in 2007. THIS BOOK IS EXCELLENT and has been the most helpful book to me!
   
   Please consider getting this book - if not for yourself, than for someone you may know who is dealing with grief as a result of ANY loss. My mom died when I was 12 years old, and my father's way of "handling" his grief was to become engaged one month later to a woman that he only knew for five days. He thought that he had to find a new mom for my younger sisters and me. We were never allowed to speak of our mother! My father became an alcoholic, and later became estranged from all of us. These actions still impact my sisters and me - decades later.
   
   Through this book, I have learned not to "rush" through my grief. It has literally been a life-saver to me.



4. The death of my loved one only happened 12 days ago. My heart is broken and I feel like I'm walking around with a figurative wound and all my insides figuratively bleeding out of me at every moment, the emotional pain is so great. But I know intellectually that I could not be frozen in time and sadness for the rest of my life. Easier said than done - - but this book is helping me in the process of separating saying goodbye to my loved one and completing my grieving - from still loving and remembering my loved one all the time. All while being able to still take comfort in my religious belief that we will be together again someday. This book is very respectful of that no matter what your beliefs or non-beliefs, etc.. It's not an easy fix - but this will give you the tools to use and remember the rest of your life when you do have sad moments and other losses. I still have to put things away and have been avoiding washing certain things - and that will be very painful - but I at least know what I am going through is normal and not something to be hidden or ignored or suffered in silence.
   
   I only wish I could have read this book when I went off to college - it would have prepared me to handle so many things in life better - what a disservice we do to young people by only teaching them about acquiring things in life - not the inevitable losses that will occur as well - excellent point by the authors.



5. This is a fabulous book. I have recommended it to many during their time of grief, not only from death but also from divorce and loss.

5 comments about Rumors: A Luxe Novel (The Luxe).

1. this is a great sequal to THE LUXE novel! it makes me want to read the third one right away! it was a quick read even though its 423 pages, when you get into this book you will not be able to put it down!



2. in a sentence or two: the lives of new york's most luscious characters are still as deliciously intriguing as ever. Elizabeth found Will in california on the brink of oil-wealth, Diana and Henry's love is burning hotter than ever, Lina is trying to make a name for herself as a former housemaid turned society girl, and Penelope is still the raging bee-yotch she's always been.
   
   romance and intrigue really do fuel the fires of this book. the elizabeth and will storyline is too sweet to handle (but you do handle it, of course). you can almost forgive the fact that she abandoned her mother and their horrible financial situation by faking her death in order to make her own personal quaint little existence happen. a fact that has almost killed Mrs. Holland (elizabeth's mom) makes you re-think that assessment. when it comes to diana (little sis) and henry (former fiance of elizabeth), his adoration for diana must be kept in check so as not to appear as if he's rushing past the death of elizabeth just to be with her sister - scandalous! and a bit creepy really. lina, the former housemaid of the family, is trying desperately to make a name for herself as a society girl with some help from penelope (former best friend/social rival of elizabeth). penelope is all too consumed with trying to woo henry back, or force him back, or do whatever it takes to get him back.
   
   if it sounds complicated to follow or very much like a soap opera...it is! and that is what makes it so delicious. godbersen is thankfully gratuitous with details such as what their gowns are made of, how the lighting plays on their shoulders, and even down to the subtle public gestures like fluttering eyelashes or restrained smiles that make the society ladies what they are. she is also gratuitous with the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters, being careful to use equally lush phrasing to complete the overall feel of the book.
   
   as others have noted, i had a bit of a hard time feeling like i was going to be interested in the rest of the series. it felt predictable to a point, and while i was loving the richness of detail and scandal that oozed from the pages...i thought i could take or leave it overall. THEN the twist in the last few pages shocked me from placidity and made me yearn for envy!
   
   godbersen carefully weaves the 5 different stories into one complete volume. she takes the time to provide enough character analysis for the major players to keep you in check, while making sure the story moves along. she really is quite crafty! the introduction of new characters is for sure a good sign of more twists and turns to come, and i am all aboard the 1900 turning point - sure to be bursting with even more cattiness, scandal, romance, secrets, girlish squeals (from me), and lush detail - in the series!



3. The book Rumors by Anna Godbersen is a great insight into Manhattan's most popular social scene, in 1899, during the turn of the century. Each of the characters Ms. Godbersen writes about has their own unique personality. Elizabeth was always seen as Manhattan's "good girl", but what is she really hiding? Everyone knows Henry and Penelope were going to get engaged, but what happens now that he proposed to Elizabeth? What about Elizabeth's sister, Diana? She has always been rebellious to traditional ways, but how far will she take it? Each of the characters are about to make decisions that will change the rest of their lives.
   After the first chapter of Rumors, the reader is swept into all of the drama. Although at times it can be hard to keep up with which character is preparing to back stab her best friend or tell a new lie, the plot is very interesting. The author does an amazing job of setting up the scene and gives a great description of what is happening in the plot.
   While the book is obviously a romantic fiction novel, it does contain some historical information about the end of the nineteenth century. Before I read this book, I had no idea what the wealthy people were treated like at the turn of the twentieth century. Even if a young lady was just going on a shopping trip, she was treated like a goddess. Rumors also shows what the poor people used to live like. They had to work as maids or servants to wealthier people and had to wear hand-me-down clothes. Sometimes the poorer people would do anything to get money, like Lina who sold out her old boss who used to be her good friend.
   At a time when everyone is changing, how will they survive? All of the characters are keeping their own secrets, but rumor has it that soon these secrets will all come spilling out.



4. VERY GOOD BOOK AND A FOLLOW-UP OF "THE LUXE" WHICH I READ BEFORE THIS ONE AND I ENJOYED BOTH.



5. After reading "The Luxe", I couldn't wait to go out and buy the sequel, "Rumors". I love historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. I found it captivating, and the facts it contained were quite factual.
   
   While I feel very connected to some of the characters, I believe others were not created quite as well. Elizabeth, for example, is the one of the main characters in the previous book. After reading both books, I still feel no connection with her. The other characters are mentioned less, but I can almost understand and relate to them better than Elizabeth! After two books, she still has absolutely no personality! This is very disappointing.
   
   Diana, on the otherhand, is quite a different story. She is by far my favorite character and her carefree and rebellious manner makes her more appealing because not everyone is as 'perfect' as the debutantees in upper class New York. Diana feels no need to go along with the way things are supposed to be and does things her own way.
   
   Overall, the are very elegant, scandalous, and captivating books. Set in one of my favorite time periods, they do not disappoint. Both interesting and factually accurate, "Rumors" is a must read and I would most definately recommend it as well as it's preceeding novel, "The Luxe".