5 comments about Living with the Passive-Aggressive Man.

1. Even though I have described my soon-to-be-ex husband passive aggressive many times, I didn't fully understand all of its complexity and manisfestation. I first learned about P-A in more details in Albert Bernstein's book 'Emotional Vampires', which led me to this book and Pattie Henry's 'The Emotionally Unavailable Man'. This book literally saved my sanity! I had so many Oh-my-god moments: the firm nice-guy persona, the fear of dependency, the denial of anger, the excuses and eventually outright lies. The list goes on. I am by no means perfect in the relationship, but I tried to re-examine myself according to all the rationalization he threw at me, which always implied that I was the reason why he couldn't do x, y, and z. The maddening thing was when I confronted him about how painful this was to me, he innocently and even lovingly explained that it was my trust issue, or misunderstanding--anything but him.
   
   After 7 years of maddening and confusing communication, I finally realized no amount of therapy will work if the P-A is not ready to be open, which is extremely difficult for them because the fear and control are at the heart of their denial. Setting bounary is the only healthy thing to do. In my case, it meant divorce. The way I see it is that it is sad to end a marriage, but having one's dignity and sanity is far more important. This book will give you the insight needed to make the best choice for you.



2. When purchasing a book I usual read reviews and try to read many of them to get a balance of opinions. I must say I was a little concerned with the negative remarks about how Wetzler blames the person with the passive aggressive man for his behavior. But after reading it with an open mind I have had a break through to see my own role much more clear. I am on a second marriage and both men are good men but very difficult to deal with on almost a daily basis. When it's good it good and then something happens and back at the power struggles. Almost like an oxymoron. One part is loving, ethical person and the other is just not available to the point of making everyday life difficult. Having 2 relationships similar says there is something about me that is choosing this type of person. For every good thing I can say about them there is the double edge sword. The most giving/selfish man I've ever met. Thank you for this book, I see my own role in both of these relationships much more clear and hopefully the current one may be salvaged. We should all take a bit more time looking at ourselves not to blame, but to grow. We are the only ones we truly have control to change. My only complaints are the examples are pretty extreme and I do think that sometimes passive aggressive behavior is more subtle. With extreme examples it's sometimes hard to believe it could be your situation.



3. I couldn't have written a better book myself that describes my husband exactly. It took me nearly twenty years to figure him out and thanks to this book, I am now enlightened!



4. I just finished reading this book and to say the least I was emotionally exhausted by the time I reached the last page. The book was incredibly helpful in identifying the behavioral patterns of the PA personality, how they manage to twist or avoid any emotional situation. The sneaky ways in which they are abusive and destructive toward building any meaningful connection toward the people who care for them. The book was incredibly helpful to me in identifing problem issues from a relationship with a PA man. Beyond identifying the PA patterns though I felt that the advice to those who must deal with them was inadequate or at best unreasonable. To quote another reviewer it was "walking on eggshells 101". There seemed to be very little constructive action indicated that we can take as the recipients of this kind of hostile behavior. So much of what was recommended was how to coddle the PA, and check your own needs or feelings at the door.



5. This book made a HUGE impact on my life. I had been in a 7+ year, live-in relationship with a man since High School. The descriptions in this book were DEAD ON. I would frequently jump up screaming after reading passages in the book because they were so accurate it was unbelievable. My favorite was the description of how they often "forget" their wallet in order to get someone else to pay their way. My ex used this one CONSTANTLY. I realized that not only was my ex passive-aggressive, but so was every other man I had ever been attracted to. I then realized that I was co-dependent.
   
   The next man I dated was obviously not passive-aggressive. I was not attracted to him but tried to break the cycle by dating him anyway. He turned out to be a psychopath, felon, registered sex offender, and stalker. So now I've given up, bought a house, and live alone. It's 100 times better than I could have ever imagined (I think I'm cured of my co-dependency now).

5 comments about 365 Manners Kids Should Know: Games, Activities, and Other Fun Ways to Help Children Learn Etiquette.

1. This book was practical and specific and covered many topics that parents may fail to address, but need to be reminded of for instilling manners in their chldren.



2. Great book, easy to follow format. There are plenty of good ideas to incorporate into every day situations and conversations with your children.



3. This is a fantastic book for teaching kids manners AND for helping them through tricky situations they may encounter.
   I stumbled across this book in the local library and had to buy it because it was packed with information. The kids enjoy the activities and learning 'new' manners.
   A must have!



4. This jewel has everything in it on manners and is easy to read with any child. While some may find things a bit old fashioned, good manners are never out of style! Any adult reading this along with a child will take note to address some missing manners in their own world. It is wise to remember that manners are such an asset to any child since we prepare them for most everything else in life! This book makes suggested good manners seem less like mom or dad preaching and more the way of our world. Ann Clarke, author of People Are So Different! based on tolerance and understanding of others.



5. I bought this for my 12 year daughter and she has learned much from this book already. Each days entry is short, sweet and to the point. Great for kids!

5 comments about The Body Sculpting Bible for Women, Revised Edition: The Way to Physical Perfection (Body Sculpting Bible).

1. I too was disappointed with the nutrition section. It would have been nice for the authors to give us some already laid out meal plans, as I found it very confusing and frustrating to create my own. Also, the 2 sample meal plans given have foods on them that conflict with the advice he gives about limiting your simple carbohydrates (skim milk specifically). However, their training section is good and well explained. It just scares me a little how many typos,careless mistakes, and bits of contradicting information were missed in the editing of this book. Good luck staying motivated with your diet after you read and attempt to follow the nutrition section.



2. I bought this book thinking it would help me out in my running by giving me a good supplemental weight training program. I was very disappointed. While the illustrations of the exercises are helpful, the nutritional and supplementation information is horrible ( not to mention downright dangerous). The nutrition section steers readers clear of fruits, bread products, red meat, and generally anything with taste (no salt allowed!). They suggest instead that you subsist on crystal light, boiled chicken, vegetables, and protein shakes. This is fine if you are training for a fitness competition, but this is definitely not for the average girl and should not be adhered to for an extended period of time. Further more, the language is condescending and defeating (the authors state that if you don't follow their method, "you will fail"). The dvd that was included reminded me of the "Hans and Franz" sketch from Saturday Night Live ( "We are going to pump *clap* you up!"). The authors appear as caricatures of fitness gurus showing you the proper way to execute the simplest exercises. Don't waste your money, just go to the gym and ask a personal trainer to help you out, I guarantee it will be a much more pleasant experience than reading this book.



3. This workout is worth trying. I committed myself to doing the exercises for three months. It has now been four months and I have lost 36 pounds. I don't follow the eating plan they have, but I do think some aspects of it are good. My husband has followed the man's version, and is now 50 pounds lighter and is showing some serious definition in his chest. I did not get bulky, and I have nice definition on my legs and arms. OH, and it KILLED the upper arm wiggle!! Think of this book as an investment in your future; it will pay off.



4. Unless you are a hard core, rigid, athletic person, don't bother. If you ordered the male version, don't bother ordering the female version, it's almost the same book and the few differences aren't worth the money or book shelf space.



5. Great book. Easy to read. The workout routines are plainly laid out and easy to follow. I just got this book to tone up after my second child and it has definitely helped. I don't follow the diet suggestions but the workouts are great just the same. There is a section in the book for women who are nursing while using this routine which is a great addition that I haven't seen in many other books. I highly reccomend this book.

5 comments about Grandloving: Making Memories with Your Grandchildren, 4th Edition.

1. The subtitle says it all: "Making Memories with Your Grandchildren: a world away...or next door."
   
   This book won the National Parenting Publications Gold Award, and was selected as "Outstanding" by the Parent Council.
   
   For anyone who has grandchildren living somewhere else (as I do--over 2000 miles away!), this is one terrific book!
   
   The authors quote: "Grandparenting is a gift between two people at opposite ends of their journey." Alex Haley said, "Grandparents...sprinkle stardust in our eyes." If your desire is to bridge the distance from your heart to your grandchild's, here's a book to help.
   
   It's full of ideas galore: how to keep in touch when they're out of reach; how to make their visit to your home enriching and memorable; how to make your visit to theirs restful and fun.
   
   Do you need ideas for crafts? Plenty here! Do you need creative ways to keep in touch by mail? Peek inside. Almost 300 pages of creative help, with extensive lists of books for children (and for grandparents!). A good index makes finding that gem you came across last week findable again.
   
   I like this book. It's motivating and it's practical.



2. If you really, truly care about your grandchildren (children of all ages and whether they live close to you or far from you), then this is the book for you!
   
   There are so many great activities in the book, your grandkids will be saying, "Grandma, I remember when you and I did. . . . That was really cool." As you do activities together, your life's wisdoms will be instilled automatically, which is something kids need especially in today's world.
   
   Hats off to the authors for their excellent suggestions for increasing love between the generations. Whether you are a brand new grandparent or an already established pro, this book contains ideas that will cause your grandchildren to say, "Grandma, I'm glad you're my grandma!"
   
   Margaret Rouse Shontz
   Is Your House Making You Overweight, Sick or Tired?



3. The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.



4. This is a great book, well worth every cent.... I know my grandkids are grateful I bought it also.



5. What a great book to share your love with your grandchildren. I have used so many of these ideas for my 2 1/2 year old grandson. We have had so much fun and have made many many memories.

5 comments about Is This Your Child.

1. I liked this book because it explains that allergies are so much more than sneezing and a runny nose. For children it can be fatigue, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, really just about anything. She shows amazing examples of how artwork and writing change after a child is exposed to an allergen. She tells incredible stories of how children's behaviors change as they get their allergies under control.
   
   I was pleased to hear from an expert that the scratch tests are wildly inaccurate, and that only the difficult, and sometimes traumatic p/n testing can be trusted.
   
   She talks about how babies that hiccup in the womb are allergic to something the mother is eating or drinking, and that toe-walking is a sure sign of allergies. She provides an immense amount of information about food allergies.



2. I read this book many years ago when my now 14 year old son was an infant. As a baby he exhibited odd behaviors, cried most of the time, and had horrible tantrums. He had frequent ear infections and I was reluctant to continue prescribing antibiotics for fear they would destroy his immune system. It was very difficult to parent him and I was left exhausted, lonely, and desperate to find the cause of his problems. I found this book and began reading it in the bookstore; I was very emotional because so much of what I read rung true for me and my son's condition. When we began to implement suggestions and diet changes outlined in the book, we saw dramatic results immediately. This book turned our lives around, honestly.
   I now buy this for friends when they are having a hard time with their children. It is ALWAYS worth checking out the allergy/behavior/health connection. Who knows, it could make all the difference for you as it did for me.



3. This book has long been considered the bible on allergies. Dr. Doris Rapp explains how allergies can present as ADD, learning disabilities, headaches, poor writing or writing backwards, hyperactivity, aggression, and many other health and behavioral issues, not just the traditional snotty nose.
   
   She tells you how to recognize unsuspected allergies such as:
   · Excessive ticklishness
   · Excessive perspiration
   · Unpleasant foot odor
   · Pale face, expressionless face
   · Red nose tip
   · Bags, dark circles, and wrinkles under the eyes
   · Red ears, recurrent ear infections
   · Bright red cheeks
   And those are just a few of the signs.
   
   She explains how to do an elimination diet so you can determine what foods your child is reacting to, and how to keep a detailed log of reactions. She covers allergy testing, the pros and cons, because it is an imperfect science. She talks about reducing exposure to allergens, the yeast connection, the rotation diet, and food drops.
   
   The book is overwhelming to some due to its 600+ page count, but if you or someone you love suffers from allergies, it is well worth the effort.
   
   For anyone with allergies I also recommend He's Not Autistic But...: How We Pulled Our Son From the Mouth of the Abyss. While the title may not sound like an allergy book, both the boy and the mother in this true story suffer from numerous environmental and food allergies and they both make a full recovery.



4. Back in 1993 my mother saw this book and skimmed through it. She found several symptoms that I had been exhibiting. She took me to that allergist and found I was allergic to Milk, Corn, and Sugar. My allergist was so impressed with the study that he bought several copies and lent them to his other patients.
   
   The book is easy to read and easy to understand. It shows that allergy symptoms can very greatly with every child. Even though the book was published in 1991, I still apply it to my diet to this very day.



5. This is the fourth time I have purchased this book. I have given away all three previous issues to parents struggling with their children's needs. We were able to pinpoint serious allergic reactions our son was having and keep him away from those foods/additives. I would highly recommend this book to anyone whether they think they have allergies or not. It gives one the chance to understand what can trigger adverse behavior in children and adults.

5 comments about Blue Truth.

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



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



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



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



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

5 comments about My Mother, Your Mother: Embracing "Slow Medicine," the Compassionate Approach to Caring for Your Aging Loved Ones.

1. I bought this book at the recommendation of someone else and was very disappointed in its superficiality. Anyone with a modicum of common sense could figure out on her own how to handle the problems raised in this book. I've been working through the process of aging with my own parents and found nothing new here to help me. I thought the author was, at times, quite patronizing. I'm not sure who his intended audience was, but it was not me. AKA Cooper



2. I found this book helpful and sensitive on a subject near to my heart. I learned some things I'm doing right and things I can do better. Also am better prepared for the future. I wish the author were my mother's doctor!



3. Highly recommend this book for anyone dealing with an aging parent. It is very comprehensive yet well organized into the different stages of "decline", and user friendly. I have found it to be a great comfort and a good resource in dealing with my 82 year old mother who is in the beginning stages of senile dementia and is having a difficult time understanding that she can no longer live safely in her own home.



4. This lovely book is a cross between a manual on caring for elderly loved ones and the gripping story of the author's mother as she went from the "Everything's fine" stage to health crises and decline to her death.
   
   McCollough's chapters on the ER, the hospital, and rehabilitation facilities are envaluable guides for navigating chaotic and dangerous waters. He is so balanced and has deep understanding of the layperson's challenges in dealing with the medical system and medical personel.
   
   I love the term he coined, "slow medicine" to show that time and kindness can serve old people better than rapid-response medical interventions. "Holistic" does not adequately describe alternatives to allopathic medicine. Perhaps "Slow Medicine," with its tip of the hat to the popular Slow Food movement in Europe, will become the medical approach of choice, for not just the elderly but for anyone with chronic or degenerative illnesses.
   
   Anyone caring for elderly people could benefit greatly from this sensible, wise, and compassionate book.
   
   Nancy Manahan, author of Living Consciously, Dying Gracefully: A Journey with Cancer and Beyond, www.nanbec.com



5. If you are dealing with an elderly parent with dementia (or other debilitating illness) this is a god-send. Just reading this reduced my stress level greatly and helped me be more patient and tolerant of my 93 yo parent who has mild dementia. Thank you for writing this. I have asked my daughter to read this so she can have these insights when I become old, feeble, etc.

5 comments about Family First: Your Step-by-Step Plan for Creating a Phenomenal Family.

1. I found Dr. Phil's advice to be very practical and reasonable. This book really helped me put my family first.



2. Dr Phil is inspiring as always. I really enjoyed this book and I think Dr. Phil is powerful and innovative. I also think his work is similar to the encouraging words of another doctor, Dr. Joan. Dr. Joan is just as good in my opinion. I would recommend her for more inspiration and positive words.
   
   Chris
   
   Check out Dr. Joan at:
   Make Your Life A Miracle



3. This book is on my mind because I recommended it yesterday while talking with a single mother. She clearly loved her kids but was at her wit's end with them not listening, not helping out at home and constantly arguing with her and each other. She said she had "tried everything" (which she later acknowledged she hadn't once she saw how she eventually gave in because the disciplinary tactics she used "weren't working"). This book immediately came to mind as one that is easy to read and will give her guidance on setting boundaries, sticking with them, being consistent and doing "what it takes" to get her family back on track.
   
   This book offers an assessment for parents to identify their parenting style and their child's personality style and provides strategies to best adapt their parenting accordingly. Make sure to measure each of your children separately - amazing how kids in the same family can be so different!
   
   This book is especially recommended for those who are (or quickly heading toward) parenting teens. Even if you feel like you've lost control of your teenage kids, this book's message that it's never too late to turn things around is reassuring and empowering. Some parents might need additional professional help but this book provides a solid start for all.
   
   Mollie Marti, Ph.D., J.D.
   Author, Selling: Powerful New Strategies for Sales Success



4. The CD set contains 6 CD's with a downloadable PDF file (75 pages) that replaces the workbook. The workbook is 200+ pages but is MUCH more broken down if you need that.
   
   The program is interactive, pausing now and then for you to read from the printout. However, the CDs are good to play in the background or in the car for refreshing or letting it sink in.
   
   The PDF file needs Adobe Reader (free online) to print. I had trouble doing this. I realized that after downloading Adobe Reader I had to go into my start-up menu and search for Adobe, right click it and create a shortcut for the desktop. Put in the cd, open Adobe Reader and go to File, select "open", and from the drop-down box at the top select the Drive the says "family First". The PDF file will appear and you can print it out.
   
   I have the book and find the CDs much easier to follow and find time for. I synced it to my Ipod and can knit/wash dishes etc while I listen. My kids can play and be loud without disrupting my "reading".



5. This is a highly recommend book by Dr. Phil. Gives excellent adise on raising a great family.

5 comments about Lady in Waiting: Developing Your Love Relationships.

1. I was a little worried that this was just another book about how to become the perfect date, girlfriend, or wife, but I was delightfully surprised to find that the authors focus on a woman as being already complete in Christ; marriage and a family are just the wonderful icing on the cake! So I bought a copy for each one of the high school and college-age girls in our group and we have been reading it together all summer--we can't put it down! The book does a wonderful job of warning women about the dangers of having our lives revolve around the pursuit of a man, and encourages us to trust the Lord with the desires of our heart and to use our single time to know Him better and to love others. I recommend this book for any woman, young or old, single, divorced, or married!



2. This book is an excellent resource for single women who are desiring God's best for them in regards to relationships. It encourages them to keep their focus on Jesus and remember He is to be their first husband. It also includes a great study guide using the book of Ruth and devotional, so it would be good for a group of ladies too!



3. This book is a must read for any single woman - not just Christian woman. Mrs. Kendall provides scriptural foundation that every woman should have whether dating or not dating, looking to marry or not looking to marry. She breaks down Proverbs 31 in a manner that everyone can understand and gives simple practical examples of how we can be better women. She makes you think about why we do the things we do in the name of love even when these things are obviously destructive. She helps us to love ourselves and understand how special we really are. She provides an outline and step by step guideline on how we can be properly prepared to receive our future husband (our Boaz) should that be part of God's plan for our life. Mrs. Kendall explains why patience is so important so that we do not delay God's blessings in our life. She explains that God has a plan for everyone's life and only by understanding His Love for us and by following his Word will that plan be revealed and begin to unfold. This book changed my life and gave me the answers that I was looking for all my adult life. You must follow this book with what I call the BOZO Book - Mrs. Kendall's A" Man Worth Waiting For - How to Avoid Dating a Bozo"!



4. We are using this book as a teaching tool in a group setting for single women at various stages in their Christian walk. They each have their own copy and do the homework & journaling. It's wonderful to see how the ladies are responding to the material and growing in their thought processes.



5. This book is great for a single woman at any point in life. Whether you are a young adult preparing to enter the dating world or a veteran single, the content of this book will change your mindset on singleness. This book has opened my eyes to the freedoms of being a strong, single woman of God, yet I feel prepared to appropriately handle any potential relationships that might come my way. This is not your average Christian dating book.

5 comments about Dateable: Are You? Are They?.

1. A a seventeen year old girl struggling to balance relationships and Christianity I found this book EXTREMELY helpful. Justin and Hayley are direct so if that isn't your style or you aren't ready for the truth then this book isn't for you. I have already bought a copy for my bestfriend and lent my copy to one of my other close friends and both of them loved it. I really liked that it is written for boys AND girls and found that they gave a lot of insight into a boys mind. No book is perfect and although I cant say I completely agreed with all their ideas I did find it to be a balanced take on how to be in a relationship as a Christian teenager. I would recomend it to anyone who is seeking the truth about relationships no matter their age!



2. Great book with valuable information that can save your teen's life! It has made an impact on my teens and their friends as well.



3. This book is perfect for those who are of dating age. It makes clear how each gender approaches the other and helps teenagers to find their way through the maze of emotion and hormone-filled pressures with wisdom and purity. I sent one to each of the teenagers in my family.



4. My friend gave me this book to read after both she and her 15 year old son read it. I got through three paragraphs and almost demanded my daughter return home from a date so she could read it. See, my daughter thinks she's going to be with this boy FOREVER, and chapter 1 bluntly states that it's going to end. Thank goodness someone else is telling her and I don't have to be the bad guy.
   
   I wish I would have had this book as a teenager. Hayley and Justin are RIGHT. I love the Christian approach, although it's not shoved down teens' throats. It makes the so-called 'lectures' we give as parents a lot more credible when they're in print by two trusted authors. My daughter is already taking a more realistic approach to this relationship.
   
   Let's make teens read this instead of Shakespeare!!!



5. I thought this book had smart ideas like how some people have trained their brain that they must breakup, even when things are going good, they must find something wrong. But it also seemed like the authors were trying to brainwash. My friends were getting mad at me and hiding this book from me. They make ridicuous claims that laying horizontal or having tickle fights are NONOs cuz they can lead to more (sex.) It is made obvious that the authors are christians who do not believe in sex before marriage. THE BOOK WAS ABOUT NOT HAVING SEX BASICALLY. Being dateable had nothing to do with it, except they imply noone wants a used car type of thing.