5 comments about Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends.

1. If you are a Christian family, especially, with more than one child, you need this book! My kids are loving this one. I read it aloud to them and they never want me to stop. The book is written by the children, for the children, so it speaks to them in a way that I can't. Excellent information, well worth the money - good buy!



2. This book was really fun to read. The 16 yr old boy was really funny. It really made me think about the future. I mean, I'm not getting rid of my 3 brothers any time soon, so I probably need to learn how to deal with them. It might be helpful if we can live together for the next 5 yrs at least without always biting each others' heads off.



3. this is the BEST book. It has helped my children so much! we read several chapters every day and they really are trying to put it into practice. my five children range from 18-6 so itn really is great for all school age children. it is all kjv bible too! You cannot go wrong with this book



4. It is rare that I find a book that I keep going back to again and again, but Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends is one of those books! It was so well written, entertaining, encouraging, challenging, and full of great practical advice. My children and I have been gleaning nuggets of wisdom from the Malleys for years.
   
   What makes this book so terrific, is that each chapter is applicable to every relationship, not just the sibling relationship. In every chapter find myself thinking of ways I can apply the Malley's advice in my own life. There are sections on sensitivity, humility, praise, forgiveness plus lots more. My favorite chapter addressed why it's important to pursue positive and Godly relationships even if the effort is completely one-sided. Each chapter is broken down into several sections. Each sibling writes a section from his/her own perspective, then there is a bible story used to illustrate the point and a self-assessment quiz.
   
   Do yourself and your family a favor and buy this book!



5. I ordered this book thinking it would give ME some great parenting tips, but it has been invaluable to use during devotional time with the kids. It was written by kids, and our children really can relate to the way this is written and presented. Great!

5 comments about The New Six-Point Plan for Raising Happy, Healthy Children.

1. After reading this book, I realized all the other parenting books are useless. It all comes down to what many parents are NOT giving their children: discipline and consequences for everything they do wrong. My houshold of 2 small children (and I have a baby also) changed dramatically in 2 weeks. My life is unbelievably better and I am in complete control of my kids 100% of the time, at home and in public. This book made me realize, since I had my head in the sand, that my 4 year old was going to grow up to be a brat. Now I'm confident I'm going to raise her to be an important and helpful part of society. I taught middle school for 6 years and realize how many parents need to read this one and only book. It's life changing. Many kids have such unstructured homes and they live with parents who don't know what great harm they're doing to their kids by coddling them, making sure their self-esteem is good, uplifting them, feeling sorry for them, and bailing them out when what they really need is consistent discipline and consequences.



2. This is definitely one of the best books I have read. I would the information contained within both as a babysitter and as a parent



3. If you don't read another parenting book, please at least read this one! Dr. Rosemond points are thoroughly explained, one per chapter, with each chapter ending with Q&A's that help you understand how you can apply the principles. This is also a good read for grandparents, relatives, friends, anyone who interacts with children.



4. This book ignores all the known facts about children, and relies on old myths, phony "anecdotes" and the author's strange ideas. Spending more time alone with your spouse than time playing and talking with your child is not any guarantee for healthy children, quite the opposite. Neglecting children harms them. Shutting kids out when they are hurting and needing parental love only makes problems worse. The author knows this well, since his own father left the family and the author was raised by a demanding, cold-hearted single mother. The author admits he was a juvenile delinquent, yet he insists children be raised as he was: with little attention, and no friendship or playing with parents. What garbage! This book may appeal to parents who don't like their children and want to kid themselves about how children don't really need love and attention. But if you're a normal, caring parent skip this book. And have some fun playing with your child instead.



5. This book gave some good ideas to use with raising children. With three children always arguing I needed all the help I could get. This book was reccomended to me by a grandparent who had some of the same problems.

5 comments about Wake Up Now.

1. Like many people, I have often felt "stuck" in ego, with its painful patterns of reactivity. I still feel this way, but now with a significant difference. The following excerpt had a strange effect on me, as if without knowing it I'd always had a pair of eyes inside me that remained closed. When I read these words, the eyes opened. "The ego is not your enemy, it's a dedicated general in what it perceives to be the battle called life...You could say that the ego is the screenwriter, director, producer, and star in the movie called Life, but none of it has anything to do with you. When you step out of the film into the clear light of reality...the love that you are ultimately embraces the ego as a devoted servant that has mistakenly assumed the role of master. In reality, it's just a function or mechanism without any substantial or abiding reality." While I've read many books, this is the first amazon review I've written, as I feel this book stands out in the sometimes confusing spiritual marketplace of today. To me, it's worth its weight in gold.



2. In Wake Up Now, Stephan Bodian presents a wonderfully clear and true explanation of awakening and offers many exercises to facilitate the experience of one's true self. I highly recommend this book for those who are awakening or who have awakened and who want to understand that process better--because, as Stephan explains, for most people, awakening isn't an endpoint but is followed by a continual deepening and unwinding of conditioning. Stephan is a trustworthy guide in this and knows what he is talking about.
   
   Gina Lake, author of Radical Happiness: A Guide to Awakening



3. Stephan is a gifted writer that has managed to distill the essence of the spiritual 'pathless' path into this single book. He covers what happenes both before realization and after and sheds light on several false beliefs surrounding spiritual practice, covers what realization really is, offers numerous practical tips that do not over engage the mind, and much more. It is a wonderfully practical book as well as offering the theory in practical terms. And most importantly, the reader feels the vast consciousness with which the book was written in every sentence and the more we read, we begin to realize the book it helping to put us with that same consciousness within us. A valuable book for those on any spiritual path.



4. Having been a big fan of Adyashanti and Peter Fenner (Radiant Mind), I found this book by Stephan Bodian to be very easy to understand and follow. If you are on the path and exploring non-dualist practise, this book is a must! After putting into practise some of the suggestions in this book, I have felt a quantum change in my meditation practice. Highly recommend!



5. There is a new way of awakening that is happening to human beings outside the confines of traditional teachings and institutions, and there are few teachers skillful enough or experienced enough to guide seekers along this pathless path. Stephen Bodian is one of them. As far as this way of awakening can be described and mapped, Stephen does an excellent job. For those who are ernest about true awakening and post awakened life, "Wake Up Now" is an essential guide book.
   
   Stephen spent his life searching for the truth and finally found it where it always is. He studied and trained with great teachers in Zen, Advaita Vedanta, and Mahamudra. He is a trained and experienced psychotherapist. He spent a number of years as editor of Yoga Journal. Finally, his search ended with Adyashanti, a very skillful and iconoclastic Zen teacher. Adya asked Stephen to teach and this book is Stephen's teaching gift to us. I highly recommend it to those beginning the search, those half-way along the path to no-where, and those who are "done." Thank you, Stephen, for this gift of grace.

5 comments about The Man in the Mirror : Solving the 24 Problems Men Face.

1. This book is being used for a Men's group and although we are not even a quarter way through the book, it has been outstanding. It really causes us guys to examine ourselves.
   
   I was disappointed that the book itself was a small "pocket" paperback as the print is very small.



2. I don't like reviews like the one by Daniel L Edelen - sorry Daniel - which is the main review featured here. Not only does the phrase "been there, done that" sound naive and adolescent, it is reflective of the very thing Morley is condemning: Cultural Christianity. Which may explain why Mr. Edelen and his friends didn't like the book. He compares Man In The Mirror - which was one of the first Christian "Men's" books ever to be published (1992) - with later books, like John Eldredge's Wild At Heart, saying that if "you've read one, you've read them all." That just isn't true. His superficial understanding of the book gives me the impression that he never finished it. He at least admits that his group never finished discussing it. Well, mine did, and I can tell you that we all loved it.
   
   Mr. Edelen makes a comment about the "endpiece bio on Morley" (at least he did read that) that "Morley comes off as being your standard 'plastic and Brylcreme' Christian rather than as a real person." Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr. Edelen does Morley a great injustice. Man In The Mirror contains many, many nuggets of truth that will help anyone - CEO or average working stiff - in their walk with Christ. This book is a classic that has been quoted often by most Christian writers and speakers, so naturally the material is going to sound somewhat familiar. Shouldn't the man be credited for his original ideas, rather than written off because he has so many imitators?
   
   One quote - one - is worth the price of the book, because it defines the number one problem facing our age and ourselves individually, and has become one of my favorite quotes:
   
   "There is a God we want and there is a God who is, and they are not the same God. The turning point of our lives will come when we stop seeking the God we want, and start seeking the God who is." - Patrick Morley
   
   Now, does that sound like a "'plastic and Brylcreme' Christian?" I don't think so. This is practical Christianity - not feel-good philosophy, although there is a place for that as well. If you're a practical, thinking Christian, and you're interested in reading a Christian classic, you'll LOVE this book. I would also recommend Morley's The Seven Seasons Of A Man's Life - another wonderful classic.
   
   Waitsel Smith



3. Man in the Mirror, by Patrick Morley, is an excellent resource for men's groups with practical application to daily issues in life. It provides biblical principles for 24 problems men face as they search for meaning and purpose in life. A list of discussion questions in included following each chapter and additional resources are available at recommended web sites.



4. fit for the choir...nothing for a thinking rational person...fodder for sheep...self help book for those with an invisible friend..



5. This book really helped me as a young man just starting out in the professionaL world. It helped me to understand what is most important in life and how to face the big problems and issues that men face in our world today. I am going to keep a copy on my shelf and read it again in a year.

5 comments about Discipline Without Distress: 135 tools for raising caring, responsible children without time-out, spanking, punishment or bribery.

1. I'm half way through the book, but starting incorporating the discipline tools as I went along...
   This book has literally changed my life!
   I'm less angry, less stressed, less frustrated, and so are my children!(ages 6 and 3). Respect works!
   I highly recommended this book!!



2. "I love, love, love this book. I love it so much I wrote to the editors of our local paper recommending it to everyone who is a parent, a teacher, a caregiver, anyone who works with children. I have worked with children; running children's programs, working in the school system, raising my own children and now working as a nanny for two school aged children, for over thirty years. I've taken many courses, read many books on working, raising and helping children and this book is the best, bar none. I have given it to all friends and family having children, recommended it to friends who are teachers who love it, even the family I work for has read it, and it's so great to have a resource that's respectful and helps you raise courteous and responsible children. I feel it should be in every parent's library. I can't recommend it enough. Theresa, Calgary, Alberta, Canada P.S. I will continue to buy more copies to give to others, I may set a record.



3. Excellent resourse for those parents who's children are strong willed. Helps you to disipline without loosing your temper. Recomend for all parents.



4. Okay, it is apparent that Judy, the author loves and adores kids. What better expert to write a book like this. Her book is PACKED with tools and information that will leave any parent feeling very confident. She is an advocate of positive parenting and is an incredible asset to the field of raising kids in a humane and loving way. Two cheers for Judy!
   
   Other books that you may find helpful are: Kids, Parents and Power Struggles, How To Talk So Kids Can Listen, Got the Baby Where's the Manual, Between Parent and Child,and Undconditional Parenting.
   
   
   Kimberley Clayton Blaine, MA, MFT
   Licensed Child Therapist
   Author, Mommy Confidence
   founder, www.TheGoToMom.TV



5. I ordered this book as my 18 month old starting act out more. Arnall presents great ideas, along with a handy chart at the end of the book for specific techniques for various age groups and problem behaviors.
   
   The techniques in the book very intuitive and what you instinctively know to be good parenting behavior but weren't totally sure how to implement. As she says in her book, the goal of raising a good child is to know that they will behave and do the right thing even when you're not around (and the risk of 'punishment' from you isn't there). In essence, she teaches you how to raise a child who is aware and makes the right decision because they have learned right and wrong from the behavior a parent should be modeling.
   
   Very good book, highly recommend it!

5 comments about Cracking the Communication Code: The Secret to Speaking Your Mate's Language.

1. "The key to motivating another person is meeting that person's deepest need - love for her and respect for him!" ~ pg. 134
   
   Whether you are in a fairly good marriage or in one that is falling apart, "Cracking the Communication Code" has a lot to offer. Dr. Emerson Eggerichs backs up his points with plenty of scripture references and gives advice based on wisdom gained from experience. He places an emphasis on listening, decoding, forgiveness, unconditional love and being thankful for your spouse. The main sections of the book include:
   
   A Summary of the "Love & Respect" book authored by Dr. Emerson
   Three Vital Truths for Better Communication
   The Crazy Cycle: A Relentless Enemy of Marital Communication
   The Energizing Cycle: To Better Communicate, Meet Your Spouse's Need
   The Rewarded Cycle: The Unconditional Dimension of Communication
   
   Dr. Emerson explains how couples get into cycles and shows how you can escape destructive patterns by showing respect and love. If you are fighting all the time then you are spending most of your time in the "Crazy Cycle." Couples who are giving love and respect are in the "Energizing Cycle." For those fighting to save their marriage through unconditional love, the "Rewarded Cycle" shows the way to conflict resolution and reconciliation.
   
   This book is filled with inspiring stories of couples who have used these teachings to their advantage. At the end of the book there is a special section for couples who want to improve their relationship by speaking to each other as Jesus would. Imagining Jesus standing next to your partner can be a way to monitor your speech.
   
   Most of the advice is for couples who want to learn to speak each other's language and who want to avoid fights. I did not feel that this book would be as useful in a very abusive relationship where someone is in danger. This is mostly for couples who are willing to work at their marriages together, although there is plenty of advice for anyone seeking to save their marriage on their own.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



2. This is an expansion of his book Love & Respect, so I recommend listening to/reading that one first, but if you don't he gives a recap. It seems redundant, but the principles are something we all need ingrained into us. My husband and I are a perfect match - we matched on [...] , but our relationship went to a new level while I was listening to these CDs. Eggerichs' principles are straight out of scripture so they work! He sets aside the myths and roles that society has created about men and women and gets back to how God created us to be and to interact. He amazingly does so without offending who we are as women but uplifting us.



3. It was a bit repetitive of his first book, so if you've read Love and Respect, it's a great review too.



4. The book has valid ideas & they work; only it is so wordy that it takes a long time to get to the point.



5. A great book for every man and woman to read. A great gift for couples getting married.

5 comments about Way of the Horse: Equine Archetypes for Self-Discovery - A Book of Exploration and 40 Cards.

1. I ordered these cards because I was planning to buy a set for a friend who is a horse-lover. This is not a traditional tarot deck, but instead a deck defining different aspects of life and offering a unique lens for looking at these aspects. There isn't any skill involved in using these cards (just pick a card in the morning or lay out 3 if asking a particular question) but they seem to offer insights at first use. The first question I asked this deck involved a relationship and I pulled card 6, "Rivalry" which described two people in a partnership wanting to dominate when it could be a more cordial relationship. I was able to discuss this insight with my partner. This deck lends itself to meditation, and is definitely the kind of deck you can use for deeper insights about a situation. It is not the kind of deck for "yes or no" answers. Also, the explanatory chapters on each card goes for several pages so be prepared to sit and read a while when you pull your card, as there are no quick answers in this deck. The book makes interesting reading on its own. The cards are beautifully drawn and perfect for any horse lover. If you want a deck of "wisdom" cards to look at daily, these are very suitable. There is so much wisdom to be drawn from horses, and with evocative cards such as "Kairos," "Merlin's Spirit," "Keeper of the Mysteries," "Maste of Sadness," and others, these cards and book allow a deeper look at any issue you might be facing. These cards will not tell you what to do. They will give you a new view of your situation with alot of food for thought.



2. These cards and the book make a great option for Tarot readers who want to branch out into different forms of reading for clients that are turned off by the old witchy reputation of the traditional tarot. The archetypes are well thought out. I have yet to master the different meanings and it will take study but I really welcome it. Many people are more open to horses than they are to other people!



3. This is an excellent tool that I use in Psychotherapy. You do not have to enjoy horses to use the 40 beautifully illistrated cards and explore the short chapter associated with the card. I have used it in career counseling as well as groups for people with conflictual self and relationships. This book has also assisted me in discovering what"gifts" that I bring in my life as well as what "challenges" I may have within me. This book is in a nicely done case in order to keep everything together. It is highly recommended as a reference tool for self or others. I have had all my friends pick their cards and I copied the pages for them to refer back to. I have now purchased as many books as I can find from this author and I will continue to explore her scope of self discovery using the horse as our guide.



4. This is an awesome book with beautifuly illustrated cards, all with horses. If you love horses and want to investigate some ideas about healing yourself and get insight into yourself this is a must have. I love it!



5. Linda's books open up a new world to many readers. Her insights and experiences are (for want of a better word) deep and thought provoking. I love her work and encourage anyone to explore it.

4 comments about Chicken Soup for the Soul Love Stories: Stories of First Dates, Soul Mates, and Everlasting Love.

1. I ordered ten (10) copies of this book and sent to family and friends for Valentine's Day in 2008. The feedback was terrific as several read stories that reflected/imaged their relationships and found "hope" in knowing their problems are "universal" and solvable. Loved the book!!



2. I've always loved the Chicken Soup series but,this book is dear to my heart. I'm a believer in love so much and believe that everyone deserves to have a love that's so great and dear to them. This book is filled with heartwarming,sweet stories. From stories of 'How We First Met' to stories of gratitude and friendship. This is Chicken Soup for the Soul @ its finest.



3. This book has great love stories in it. It also lets people know that true love is STILL out there. So don't give up.



4. Those books are amazing, the way they touch your soul and make u relfect upon life !!!! God bless all the colaborative authors that make this book a reality!!

5 comments about Father to Daughter: Life Lessons on Raising a Girl.

1. I was disappointed with this book for several reasons. I bought this book because I have a one year old daughter and was searching for some insight on how to better bond with her as she ages. This book gave basic instructions that even a teenage parent would know, (if that makes any sense). The book is written on a middle school reading level and did not go into specifics about raising a daughter, it only gave very broad advice. I bought this book for only .46 cents and it was a waste of money. Since the book measures 6 inches by 6 inches I guess it will make a good paper weight ! Not recommended



2. I received this book in the mail recently and read it in about 20 minutes. It is about 300 or so short pieces of advice for fathers of girls in various stages of development. The quotes are variously witty, funny, instructive, and serious on the challenge men face in raising healthy girls to be self-assured young women. Two thumbs up.



3. I bought this book as an impulse purchase and read it quickly. I like the fact that each page has a simple idea in it. This book is concise and will warm the heart of a sentimental father and give him good advice as he raises his girl to be successful.
   
   The author gleaned his wisdom by interviewing the fathers of successful women in many different areas of success.
   
   I liked this book so much, I'm search for other books by the same author to read and / or give as gifts.



4. We gave this to Daddy for his birthday, and he thought is was very sweet. Mommies can benefit from reading the gentle advice as well.



5. This is a cute little book with a lot of fun ideas,it just lacks content in my opinion.I read the whole thing in about 30 minutes.It does have some nice ideas though.

5 comments about Getting to 'I Do'.

1. As hard some of the concepts are to swallow (some of it does seem very Ward & June Cleaver) I found the information reaffirming. In particular, making a practice of tuning into and expressing one's feelings, and staying true to them, i.e., not participating in things that go against one's feelings, is a good reminder. Dr. Allen emphasizes the right of the "feminine style" person has to their feelings, and the importance of honoring them. Who among us has not gone down the wrong road by blowing past our internal, "NO?"
   
   I also liked how it underscored respect and giving a man space to figure things out. Especially for, "old school," men, I think this is useful.
   
   The rest of it is what you already know but don't want to: if you are the "feminine style" type, keep yourself up, go out looking attractive, and don't put out until you have an agreement.
   
   If you are old enough to have lived through, or been raised in, the 1970s, you may balk at this book, but why not try it out, anyway? The results will give you the answer.



2. It's amazing, this book really does work. It worked for me, it worked for my sister... I recommend this to any woman who'd like to be married within a year of dating.
   
   Good luck!



3. While I did not agree with everything in this book, it really enlightened me and helped me accept the fact that I had to negotiate a commitment. I am happy to say that I am happily married (for the first and only time) to a once-confirmed-bachelor who was 44 when I met him, never married, with no children. We have been married for six years and now have two beautiful children of our own. Follow the principles in this book and value yourself. I am now buying it for my 22-year-old niece.



4. Like other reviewers, I did not agree with everything in this book. To be honest, I did not even finish reading it. I didn't need to. (Though I should go back and do so at some point.) My roommate purchased this book--she and I were in the same boat: mid 30s, a few great past relationships a few bad ones, no prospects for the long-term. I laughed when I saw the title but, of course, curiosity got the best of me. I read the first 50 or so pages in one night and had a COMPLETELY new perspective. Some things were hard to swallow but I was willing to be open minded. The next day I told the loser I was dating to get lost and started on a new quest. Very shortly thereafter I met my soulmate (in Feb.)!!! We got engaged in July! Here's the kicker. My roommate started seeing someone a few months after I did (she had read the book too) and she just emailed me with her engagement news. We are both in an entirely different place than we were a year ago before we ever picked up this book. I am still astonished myself to be honest. But the info here is invaluable. Even if you don't agree with every sentiment on every page, there is something between these pages for you.



5. Dr. Pat Allen provides specific practical advise and steps for men and women to successfully navigate the 4 Phases of Dating Relationship and Getting to I Do in just about 12 months.
   
   Many modern men and women just sort of stumble into romantic sex relationships without actually surfacing, communicating and negotiating for what we want. Dr. Allen recommends and provides specific topics every couple needs to address, surface and negotiate for relationships and as you approach the altar. Women and men who read and implement her wise dating and relationship advise will both avoid much heartache AND increase their likelihood to marry.
   
   And stay married.
   
   
   Part of what is so brilliant, stimulating, and unique about Dr. Allen's approach is she brings in scientific research about the female brain and the male brain and how, indeed, we think and process communication differently. Her work speaks to our intellect as well as our emotional side.
   
   Dr. Allen has been leading dating seminars in LA and the OC for years, resulting in thousands of marriages.
   
   Indeed, her work aligns well with Dr. Gray's Mars and Venus books about how men and women think, date, and relate differently. Their work is not identical. They overlap a bit and compliment each other well.
   
   As a Dating Expert and Online Dating Coach, this is on my recommended reading list to all my clients.