4 comments about Guys Like Girls Who . . . (Revolve Books).

1. This book is SO good... I recommend this boook to any girl who is dating or going to in the future.... it has lots of useful information, and it keeps you attention... he uses some really good and funny examples!!! Its just all around amazing you will enjoy this book... and you will learn alot about guys that you didnt know before!!!! Enjoy!!! i know i did...



2. Chad does it again!
   
   Speaking from experience, research, and incredible insight, Mr. Eastham brings his young audience back to where every teen girl should start: Being okay with who they are.
   
   This is a great followup to his first book, The Truth About Guys. Rather than being a reference for young ladies to figure out what guys like and follow suit, Chad explains that the basis of every quality that HEALTHY guys find attractive about girls are all rooted in how the girl views herself.
   
   Guys like girls who like themselves!



3. This book definitely explains things in a way that are easy to grasp. With a lot of humor and serious heart to heart, he helps to reshape the way we see the world around us(girls)-- with light. Its always nice to hear a guy that could focus on the downfalls that most people see when they talk about girls, speak simply, constructively, and bright about the positives and negatives with the way we (girls) typically tend to see things. If you have ever heard him speak, he has a gift-- and he definitely knows how to talk about these subjects. I can't wait until his next book!! :)



4. Chad upholds the "higher road" for teen girls to respect themselves in their interactions with guys.

4 comments about For My Grandchild: A Grandmother's Gift of Memory (AARP).

1. A collection of questions and spaces for photos that act as a useful prompt for grandparents to record all those things that a grandchild might wonder about later in life.
   Nicely presented, but I worry about the paper sleeve over the hardcover getting torn. Also, it would be nice to provide pockets for photos rather than just spaces.
   The questions are good and far ranging however some are USA-specific, for example: 'who was president...'.
   All in all a worthwhile purchase.



2. This book, when filled out by "Grandma", will be a treasure. I have just started filling mine in and it is taking me to places I had not thought about for years. This will contain information my own children don't know about me. Give yourself a lot of time to do this, there are picture pages for which I will have to have copies made, etc. I might not want to give it away right after it is complete. I will want to enjoy it myself.



3. This is a well thought out book, which draws out answers from anyone who wants to share their history with their grandchildren but doesn't really know where to start. It sparks memories and has such a friendly format, both for the writer and the reader. We bought both of them-the one for Grandmas as well as the one for Grandpas-both very good.



4. My friend was very touched to receive this gift. Arrived on time and in good condition.

5 comments about The Good Good Pig: The Extraordinary Life of Christopher Hogwood.

1. The author being a self-described "naturalist," I thought this book would have some sort of insight into the nature of pigs. Nope. Mostly a lot of boring, self-indulgent tripe about how the author and her husband overfed this runt pig, whom they named Christopher Hogwood (how cute! -- NOT!), and Hogwood grew into something Montgomery calls "beautiful" but would more appropriately be called "grotesque." (She even admits letting him eat ice cream until he can barely move and becomes overweight). The author is what she calls "child free" (which one can fully support) but fails to see how her many animals are in fact substitute children. In one stunningly ignorant passage, she claims that the pig Hogwood is an "adult" and therefore her relationship to him is not one of adult to child. Hullo? It's a PIG for cryin' out loud. You can't converse with it, plan an event with it and (yes, just like a baby) you have to make sure all its poop is cleaned up and that it's taken care of.
   
   I lost count of the boring passages in the book about how Hogwood made the author closer to her neighbors and taught her how to "play with children" (gag). If you enjoy that type of sentimental fluff, this book is for you. Personally, I was very sad at the end. Not because Hogwood died, but at the waste of perfectly good meat! (they buried him...sob!)



2. I didn't expect to buy this book. I hadn't heard about it. I wasn't even familiar with the author. But after just a quick scan of the first chapter, I was fully engrossed in the story of Christopher Hogwood. I couldn't put it down. The author skillfully integrates personal details of her own life into the story which no good animal story would be without. It is listed as a "biography, non-fiction" book so if you are looking for specific information on pigs, this probably isn't the right reference book for you. This is the story not so much of a very lucky pig who was saved/adopted by a human couple but more the story of several lucky human beings who were inspired/enlightened/befriended by one very talented pig. Anyone who has been around pigs can test to their intelligence and Chris is no exception..yet his particular talent seems to be his ability to bring out the best in any human who meets him. An entertaining quick read..perfect for a longer plane ride or a rainy day on the couch!



3. I really enjoyed this book - any one with a soft spot for animals would find it worth picking up. It only fell slightly short for me during a few self-indulgent passages and the promotion of others' books. Regardless, it is a heart-warming story that will make you want to run out and adopt a pet, or hug the one you have.



4. 
   Okay, I admit I am a sucker for animal books. I have had so many beloved animals of my own I just can't resist them. I read them all even though I know the animal is going to die and I am going to cry. And I did cry when Christopher went to the Big Sty in the Sky.
   
   This book was refreshingly well written and I have suffered through some clunkers. The wondrous thing was that an animal so seemingly unattractive as a hog can become endearing to those close to him. This should teach us the importance of inner beauty!



5. Author would have done better to write more about her pig and less of herself. Probably the most narcissistic book I've ever read. Perhaps it's a sign of the times. The book made far too many references to all her other books and those of her husband's as well. Almost like commercials. UG!

5 comments about Widow To Widow: Thoughtful, Practical Ideas For Rebuilding Your Life.

1. This book is very helpful to me. It validates all the range of emotions I'm experiencing. Being a widow can feel very lonely at times, and this book is helping me feel less alone, seeing that other women are going through a very similar process. I continue to read and re-read parts of it. I would highly recommend this book.



2. When a dear friend recently lost her husband in an accident, I did not have personal experience to relate. I searched Amazon and picked four of the highly rated books to send her hoping at least one would be helpful to her. She enjoyed them all, but called me especially thanking me for this one. She said that, out of all the books, this one was the most practical, helpful book. She said it made her feel that her feelings were "normally abnormal" - meaning that they were very normal feelings for an abnormal, unplanned situation - she said it helped her feel that the immense emotions associated with her loss were not hers alone but were "normal" for such a very difficult situation and that others had survived the grieving process. I told her I would put her thoughts here so others who want to reach out to a friend in a similar situation would feel comfortable purchasing this book. God bless all who have lost their dear companions. Our prayers and thoughts reach out to you.



3. I found this book after my husband died eight years ago. It was the most helpful of anything I read. I don't recommend reading it cover-to-cover if you are newly widowed. There are chapters you just won't be ready to hear. But if you just look up the questions you have as they occur, you will eventually read it all and will find the answers you need when you are ready for them. The best example I can remember is when I wondered what to do about wearing my wedding rings. This isn't something you can go and ask your children or your friends. It's very personal. The author gives a thoughtful array of solutions, and all you have to do is pick the one that works best for you - or use the suggestions to form your own solution. It was also very helpful to me in getting through those famous "firsts" -- the first anniversary, the first Christmas, the first everything - without him. I believe every widow will find some helpful answers from this book that will make the going a little easier.



4. I bought this book to help me get through my own recent widowhood. I'm glad to know that all my conflicting emotions are to be expected. I also appreciate having practical advice to follow.



5. This is a great little book for the recently widowed. It answers those questions no one around you seems to be able to. We are not familiar with grief and its affect so dealing with it is so hard. Nice tips for dealing with people, making decisions, grieving. Easy to read and understand.

5 comments about The BOOK OF VIRTUES.

1. This book was well received for Christmas by our daughter and son-in-law. May they enjoy it for years to come, now that they have a new little family...Excellent service, by the way, from PAM, at EQUALITYBOOKS. I'll do business there again in the future.



2. I am 54 years old and was raised in a way that the poetry and stories mean something to me because of the era in which I was raised. Purity was prized, discipline by spanking was administered and appreciated in time because the alternative was much worse, which created self-discipline in most things. Honesty, responsibility, compassion, courage and faith have been lost in the last twenty years with the "me" generations getting everything they want with instant gratification. The children of today are about to come crashing down hard with the realities of life without virtues. It isn't easy. Nothing is free, and Bennett has compiled a tasteful way of learning some of the lessons without experiencing them personally, which I can tell you, my generation has experienced in spades. Sure, he could have put other stories in that could have expressed it differently, but these were the stories that moved him most, and when we write our "Book of Virtues" we can add the stories that mean the most to us. Reading the "American Book of Poetry" is where it started. Keep up the reading. Keep up the digging and striving for the virtues listed in the book. America needs people of virtue, people of honesty, even people of faith, because right now, the selfish "Gen-X" generation and their children are about to get our nation blown up by the very arrogance the British had that said we know better because of who we are and what we know. Sadly, they know nothing. They have no true hardship or challenges that forge the steel in their spines. Most can't even throw a punch, because violence has been bred out of them. Well, wake up, people, the world is violent, the world is harsh and tough, and without the virtues of self-discipline, faith and courage, they won't have the perseverance to survive.



3. Every parent and grandparent, every mentor, every Sunday school teacher, every educator should a copy of this book. This should be taught to our children.



4. The Book of Virtues by Wm J Bennentt is a collection of fiction and non-fiction stories, each with a moral attached. Before you run back to the crime flicks and sexy, steamy fare on TV, take another look. You know how good it feels to take a cool shower on a hot day? Well .....Virtues by Bennett is a mini-bath for the soul. I like the fact that these tales are not just for children; after all, we big kids need reminders to love our neighbors,do good. do the RIGHT thing, etc. And don't let the author's rather conservative views scare you off! These stories just hold timeless truths you've known since you were little. You've just forgotten.
   
   Diane A Schute New to New Jersey



5. This book makes the point that virtue in both public and private affairs is becoming rare today. Vice does seem to be in its ascendancy. "Old fashioned" virtues such as faithfulness, loyalty and purity are mocked today, but vices like greed and selfishness seem to be promoted everywhere.
   
   Maybe we have taken Aquinas' deadly sins and turned them into our virtues. We all know the old list: sloth, gluttony, envy, and so on. For example, modern advertising has institutionalized the sin of covetousness.
   
   Therefore, it is very refreshing to find a book that unashamedly promotes virtue. William Bennett has put together a plethora of stories, poems, and adages that promote virtue. Many of the stories that the over-50s would have grown up with, but that many young people today would never have heard of, are put together in this great collection.
   
   10 virtues are covered: self-discipline; responsibility; compassion; friendship; work; courage; perseverance; loyalty; honesty; and faith. For each one there are a number of stories, essays and poems included, and these hit home the moral of each particular virtue. In the section on courage, for example, one finds such classics as Jack and the Beanstalk, David and Goliath, Chicken Little, Ulysses and Cyclops, Hansel and Gretel, William Tell, and the "Liberty or Death" speech of Patrick Henry.
   
   This volume serves not just as a guide to great works of moral education, but also to the great works of literature. The range of authors and sources is very impressive: Plato, the Brothers Grimm, Shakespeare, Mark Twain, the Bible, Robert Frost, C.S. Lewis, Abraham Lincoln, Longfellow, and so on.
   
   When reading these great stories, we improve our cultural literacy, and we refine our moral senses. Having been exposed to great writers, to great literature, and to great moral truths is a powerful combination. Young people as well as old will be motivated and inspired to live a more virtuous life after reading or re-reading these moral stories. In this age that promotes vice and that mocks virtue, an anthology such as this serves as a needed corrective.

5 comments about The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love.

1. Fun take on life from a woman's perspective, great recipes and the straight skinny on how to get men to behave. If you haven't read the Sweet Potato Queens you are missing out on a good time and some great advice on men and life in general.



2. I have been meaning to read this book for years, because it sounded so funny. When I finally ordered a copy, I was a bit let down.
   I expected a funny take on being a southern woman, with a lot of teasing about being an improper southern belle ("fallen").
   What I found was a lot of cliches and stereotyping---not of the female southerner, but more sitcom-style. The author relies heavily on traits that we females supposedly tend toward, but I don't find most of them to be true. I also don't see the behavior of the Queens as very funny--mostly snarky to their aquaintances, rude to outsiders, condescending to men, and uncreative. I also don't get the heavy reliance on sexual jokes and innuendo. My friends and I don't talk like that, yet we are not prudes.
   It would be funny if the author didn't appear to belive in her own dogma, but she says she does, so I guess I'll have to take her at her word. No matter, I've got this one up for swap and won't finish it.



3. Jill, if you read your own reviews and I hope you do: this is for you.
   First, the world in general is right: you are hilarious You have a gift, sister. And I would have given you five stars just for that. But honestly Jill, you know darn well that when humor becomes degrading it is not really humor at all.
   There are a lot of us out here who may be "young and hip", but we're not stupid. Your mother and her friends were right: private bedroom experiences (whether right or wrong) do not need to be publicly hashed over and laughed at.
   Apparently this sort of thing used to be referred to as "trash". Now it's "what's for dinner"-everywhere...
   You seem to have a whole lot more to offer. Skip the trash, keep the hilarity. God gave you your gift for a reason. Use it with intelligence and you can change the world-for good.



4. The read was cute. I got a few chuckles out of the book. But when ordering I didnt notice that it was a miniature and was so very disappointed in that fact. Whether it was an over sight on my part or misleading by Amazon, I'm not sure. So as far as that is concerned, only a mid rating.
   I did enjoy the mini enough to order the "REAL" book and have started reading and enjoying that.



5. This book truly is a "miniature edition." It could serve as a coaster - BUT if you ever decide to use it as one, make sure you read the inside from cover to cover. The contents are hillarious. You could read this entire book from the time you start a load of laundry and finish it before the timer to the dryer goes off ... AND ... it would be one of the most enjoyable loads of laundry you'll ever remember doing. I ordered three of these books - one for myself, and one for each of my sister's (best friends)! Great gift idea for the girls!

5 comments about Raising Adopted Children, Revised Edition: Practical Reassuring Advice for Every Adoptive Parent.

1. Be fair. Social conventions have changed markedly in the 20-plus years since this book was first published. So it's natural that the author would not have written all her chapters in quite the same voice she might have used in a new book, issued in 2008.
   
   Despite its age and shortcomings, however, this book has numerous useful sections from which adoptive parents (and ultimately, their children) can benefit.
   
   The chapter on Attachment, for example, is quite interesting and helpful--particularly considering the medical community's lack of awareness on attachment disorder, which frequently affects adopted children. As noted here, "both learning disabilities and conduct disorders can be signs of an unattached child," as can short attention span and poor impulse control. To this day, many psychologists are unaware of these basic facts. This book can help bring them up to speed.
   
   Another beneficial chapter is "Talking with Children About Adoption." Citing adoption expert Betty Jean Lifton, the book notes, "instead of worrying about the right time to start talking about adoption, parents should be concerned about setting the right tone." Allow the adopted child to express his or her doubts, fears, questions and fantasies. Sympathize, listen, let the child express their grief, and redirect their fantasies when they are completely off track.
   
   If the child thinks their birth parent lived in a castle and rejected them for their looks, obviously they need more information about the true circumstances. Parents can say, (for example) "We don't know much. But we do know your birth parents were young, and could not keep you safe."
   
   There are also excellent details about medical histories, and what to do in the cases of suspected mental or genetic disorders in the biological families. These problems can be detected, and treated.



2. As an adoption specialist for 20 years, I always recommend reading this book before, during and after adoption. Not everything applies to everyone, but on a whole, it gives the best and most accurate information about the adoption process. Just like any "manual" on how to do something, there are parts that won't be for you or about you. Take what you can from the book. Keep it on your nightstand and in years to come you will want to refer to it. I call it the "Dr. Spock of Adoption". Not every scenario about adoptive children will happen to your child, but when one does, you will be more prepared. She must discuss all the potential issues. There have been many books written since Lois wrote that book, but it is still one of the best. Make it part of your adoption library, along with some others.



3. Deep into the adoption process we are hungry for information on what our adventure in child-rearing will be like because of going with an adopted child. If you are in that position this book is worth skimming but not worth reading. It is a very dry book which would work better as a website where key topics are identified and you can skip to the parts of interest to you. Or rewrite it as a simple list of topics with 2 sentences under each ("oh I wonder how my adopted kids will react to X").
   
   Reading this book from cover to cover, on the other hand, will leave you feeling like every aspect of life is a potential threat to the mental health of your child. It took all my strength not to throw the book in the trash when the authors talked about the issues the adopted child might have dealing with seeing the baby Jesus at Christmas time. There is a point where simply outlining every possible source of stress may not be helpful. This book likely reaches that point. It's not that these things can't possibly be stressful but it feels like this book may be giving equal weight to every possibility. In many cases it feels like what is being shared are merely anecdotes which feel as solid as if a coworker said, "I heard on the internet that...."
   
   The book is probably good to have around during stressful times when you might want to find, in writing, proof that others have had these issues, too. And for that reason I can't be too critical of the book. It's reference pages also are very good. But this is a text not a book- a collection of thoughts rather than a well thought out guide for parents.



4. Good practical advice to set teh worried adoptive parent at eae about a lot of things.



5. It is a good book but not really what I needed. It is geared mostly towards infant adoption, both internationally and domestically.

5 comments about Bad Dogs Have More Fun: Selected Writings on Family, Animals, and Life from The Philadelphia Inquirer.

1. This book is a compilation of Grogan's articles from the Philly Inquirer. It is a very enjoyable and quick read but it has little to do with dogs. If you're looking for a book about the bond between humans and their 4-legged friends, consider looking elsewhere. If you're looking for a series of lighhearted shortstories about Grogan's life and his observations about the world around him, pick it up.



2. The greedy, seedy editor and publisher of the Philadelphia Inquirer bypassed John Gorgan and put this book together without his knowledge or consent. They boldly capitalized on John's popularity and ability to sell books to pimp out his previous works for their sole monetary gain. Perhaps worse, they used Marley's name and a picture of a little puppy to pull in dog lover's around the world. How low is that? How can these sleazy people sleep at night? If they had done the courtesy of collaborating with John Grogan, they may have seen this book reach stratospheric success. Instead, they circumvented him. They cut Grogan out completely, yet marketed his name, so that they didn't have to share the royalties with him. Yes, they technically own rights to Grogan's columns, but it was the wrong and disrespectful thing to do, and they know it. I urge you not to compensate them any further. Do not put more money in their pockets. Refuse to buy this book!!!



3. I'm sure I was not the only one mislead by the title. I bought the book hoping for stories on dogs that would take me on a roller coaster ride. There are some valuable op-ed articles in this book, but it certainly wasn't what I expected when I bought it.



4. My husband gave me the audio book for Christmas and we just took it on vacation to listen to in the car. We were disappointed that we listened to it for over an hour without one dog story. I'm selling it off without finishing listening to it.



5. I'm a lover of all things dog related, but this is just too much. While this was written by Grogan, I'm pretty sure he isn't behind this book, and for that reason alone I won't buy it for anyone. Like another reviewer, I'm giving this away. I'm not even going to try and sell it.

No comments about Fortune-Telling Book of Names.

5 comments about Understanding Girls With AD/HD.

1. would have helped me understand my daughter, and myself, better. This book presents the research in a way any parent can understand. It also let me know what to expect for the future. Most of the books I've read ignore the differences between ADD in boys and girls-- not this one. This book should be handed to parents of ADD girls as soon as the diagnosis is made, if not sooner.



2. After being frustrated and watching my daughter start to fail I was finally able to convince teachers that she had a problem with add, just because your daughter is not bouncing off the walls doesn't meant there isn't a problem. This book help me to explain many painful experiences so that the staff was able to finally step in and help. My daughter is now in excelled classes, not on meds and yes we still have our interesting days but we are able to handle them better. Our social worker used this book to give an inservice during the summer. Teachers are often taught to identify boys who cause problems as add candidates. Girls who are day dreamers or chatty cathys are overlooked, and often highly intelligent children mimic add qualities, and are just 'hardwired' differenly, they can be seen as challenging authority and problems, too often used as tutors to their classmates, when they get home is when they have a melt down, but being people pleasers somehow hold it together all day at school and save it for mom. Get the book! It saved our family.



3. My daughter's pediatrician recommended this book. It is a look into my daughter's present struggle with an explanation of "why" & how to help. It gives insight into her future struggles & how to prepare & possibly even avoid some situations. It explains the DIFFERENT way ADHD affects girls than boys! Highly recommended!



4. This is the best book on ADHD that I have read! Sometimes the scenarios were so right on that I felt like the author must live in our house. I feel like I have a much better understanding of my daughter since reading the book. I put into practice some of the tips right away and noticed results immediately. Before reading this, I was still questioning my daughter's diagnosis but not anymore. This book may have saved my daughter's self-esteem as I now feel confident with how to help her get through her hard times.



5. I would highly recommend this book to parents and guardians of girls with ADHD. I saw many of my daughter's behaviors and symptoms very clearly at each stage of her life - how I wish I had had this book when she was younger! We were fortunate to have a pre-school teacher who was experienced enough to point out to us the "red flags" she was observing with our daughter's behavior in the classroom and how she related to other children, and she was professional enough not to diagnose her, but referred us to neurologist who made the diagnosis, so we caught her ADHD early, which made a huge difference. This is an eye-opening book, and will help prepare you for what may be coming as your child progresses through school and life stages. It has given me the information that I needed to understand how I can help my daughter succeed and grow and how to relate to her effectively now and in the future. Now I know why she's so tired when she comes home from school and this book makes it so obvious! The real-life examples are riveting and heart-breaking and will make any good parent want to do anything they can to help their daughter avoid those pitfalls that these women experienced throughout their lives. Bravo to the authors for recognizing that research done on boys with ADHD can only provide a piece of the puzzle - we all know that boys and girls are different and as a result, present ADHD symptoms and behaviors in different ways, as you will see when you read this book. Don't hesitate to buy this book - you will be glad you did and your daughter will be too!