5 comments about The Real Rules: How to Find the Right Man for the Real You.

1. The Real Rules is an empowering and inspirational book. The writing style is friendly and insightful and the tips are very useful and easy to follow. This book tries to undo the brainwashing that has led some women to hide their true selves in order to attract a man, for example, acting `light and breezy' on dates, always ending phone calls first and becoming busy and mysterious when you want him to propose... This book does not cater to women who are obsessed with their Big Day or who exhibit `Princess' behaviour; instead it focuses on kind-hearted, decent women who only want a man if he is right for them.
   
   Rules given are honest and refreshing. They include `Be Yourself', `Treat People the Way You Want Them To Treat You', and `Ask Questions Before You Get Involved'. I especially liked the section on the six important character traits to look for in a man (and cultivate in yourself) such as high self-esteem and integrity. The Real Rules are all about having faith in your ability to know what the appropriate way to behave in a relationship is. For example, most women know how many times they should call a new boyfriend without going overboard and therefore there is no need to follow restrictive rules that only make you obsess about whether you are `doing the right thing' or not.
   
   Barbara makes a great point that if you offend a man by being honest about your beliefs or hobbies then he clearly wasn't The One in the first place, so why obsess about making him like you? If you are right for each other then games are not necessary. Simple as that. This book is certainly not about letting it all `hang out'. Barbara is not encouraging women to turn up on dates as emotional wrecks or ball-busters and expect men to `love them as they are'. She encourages women to develop some real confidence and self-esteem and become the best they can be.
   
   The only thing I think people should be careful about is asking too many personal questions early on. Barbara provides a useful list of seven areas that let you know whether a man is right for you, such as `ethics, values, morals', `past love relationships', `family background', `personal goals' and so on. While I believe it is important to find out about these things, some of them should not be discussed in the early stages of a relationship. It's better to wait until these topics arise naturally and it feels comfortable to share personal information. In the beginning, you can often work out someone's general beliefs and attitudes by how they behave without having to ask them outright and this is fine until you both feel comfortable with sharing private stuff.
   
   Overall The Real Rules is a sensible and fun dating guide that you can customize to suit yourself. Whilst other dating guides assume that all men are immature and will `use and abuse' you if you give them half a chance, the Real Rules actually talks about women and men as mature, responsible equals. Highly recommended for both men and women, but especially women who want to remain true to themselves in dating and not compromise their dignity.
   
   JoAnne



2. Having read The Rules and Rules II thoroughly, I find that Ms. DeAngeles is not making her comments about The Rules factually.
   She has completely missed the point and set about to make The Rules look bad. Her comments are not completely on point, and they make me think of some of the mis-truths going around the web about politicians, etc. She is trying to make it seem that she has superior knowledge - when in fact I don't think she even read the book, but skimmed over it. Her points are off-base.



3. I had decided to read this book, because it seemed like it has received a lot of positive reviews. Even though I was a major fan of "The Rules," I wanted something different because following "The Rules" was starting to stress me out.
   
   Dr. DeAngelis really opened my eyes--I had no idea how manipulative and offensive "The Rules" really were. Her ideas in the book also convinced me how "The Rules" went against everything I was striving to be a strong, independent woman who is able to assert her needs and wants in a romantic relationship.
   
   I still think that a few of the concepts in "The Rules" is valid--I still don't believe in pursuing men and I still think that a man should take the lead in a relationship. However, Dr. DeAngelis has encouraged me to value myself as a woman and NOT allow any man to have complete control over a relationship.
   
   On a personal note, when I was following "The Rules," I had thought that my relationship with my ex-boyfriend failed simply because he wasn't willing to commit. However, this book enlightened me to the fact that there were so many other (more important) issues that had led to our downfall.
   
   I am alreading starting to read her other books!



4. Talk about marital problems... this author doesn't know anythign about relationships and she writes a book about it?
   
   Silly... if you want to know what NOT to do -- read this book.
   
   It's good for a few laughs.
   
   By the way. I'm a man and I like to read these types of books just to see what women are thinking. I have to say that most everything in this book won't work.
   
   I tell you this much. I would never ask for your phone number if you behaved this way.



5. I love this book. Its a must for single ladies. The author is so inspiring, that i have many of her books.

5 comments about Anxiety & Panic Attacks: Their Cause and Cure.

1. This book does better than average at explaining the causes of panic attacks and gives very good tips on how to ease the pain and discomfort of panic attacks.



2. I got this book as a gift from my sister after trying therapy and medication. Forget that. I did exactly what this book recommended and have not had any problems in over ten years. I gave my copy away and have purchased many more over the years to pass on to folks I knew who were having issues with panic attacks. Excellent book by a regular person who can relate. I always have one on hand to give away.



3. This is a great book and if you really do the exercises, you can dramatically change your life. Just keep at it every day and don't give up! I first read this book over twenty years ago and I buy them occasionally now to give to someone who struggles with severe panic. I strongly recommend it.



4. I have used the book personally and I have given copies of this book to several friends who have panic and anxiety attacks and they have used the techniques successfully.
   
   Very easy to read and apply. Expect results within a week.



5. Robert Handly's book is easily one of the most helpful books I have experienced. The life lesson being taught is much greater than how to defeat fear and panic; it highlights the importance of self-image, self-confidence and positive attitude. This is no cliche'-Handly shares this life changing information in a way that only a person having first-hand experience with panic can. The author offers what seems to be an outrageous idea- panic disorder was the best thing to ever happen to him!
   Fifteen years ago, I suffered from panic, fear and depression. Just a weekend read of this book started me on a journey of self-discovery. I have enjoyed the full recovery that Handly said was possible; my outlook on life and my world view have transformed into a much more beautiful vista. I now agree...panic disorder was the pivotal event in my life that forced me to change the polarity of my negative outlook.
   Read this book and be confident that it may just change your life.

5 comments about Think & Date Like A Man: (Be the woman who gets the man she wants...and keeps him!).

1. This is a poorly written book in urgent need of an editor. As well, I did not find anything in this book about how to think and date like a man. How MEN think (or feel) about some things and how they date, yes, but not how WOMEN are to think and date that makes their thinking and dating like that of men. Maybe it would help if the book had a different title that more accurately represented what the author actually does write about instead of a title that was, perhaps, used to get women to buy the book. Misleading title aside, I think this book might be suited for young girls or newly single women who are re-entering the dating scene. However, I even hesitate to recommend it for them because I think that, overall, what AM writes about is not conducive to a mutually loving, respectful, enlivening, and emotionally mature relationship between adults.
   
   I agree with AM that confidence is key, but one must learn what confidence is and how to have it, as real confidence cannot be faked. There are many authors and books I'd recommend instead of this book. Peace.



2. Okay ladies...the relationship equivalent of the Physicians Desk Reference is available. I think every single puzzling thought or degree of frustration had by women throughout time is addressed in this book. That's amazing.
   
   The book is Think and Date Like a Man by nationally known relationship expert and advice columnist, April Masini. The author knows people with uncanny depth and clarity. She proves in this book, and in three others, that she understands-on a level that blows Mars and Venus out of the solar system--the intrinsic differences between and distinct characteristics of men and women.
   
   Funny, direct, honest and packed with accumulated wisdom, you won't want to pass this one on to your friends. You'll want them to buy their own. We've all kicked back with a Cosmo quiz or two in attempts to know ourselves better. Think and Date Like a Man provides the same opportunity in much more detail and then leads the reader down the tailored path necessary to overcome dating and relationship obstacles unique, and not so unique, to the individual reader.
   
   Masini's compilation of scenarios, dilemmas and solutions evolved from years of listening to people experiencing a vast number of human problems. Her masterful ability to dissect issues and create solutions seems to have no limits.
   
   If you are ready, willing and unafraid to look at yourself honestly, this read will serve you better than anything you've seen or read on this subject before. And since life and relationships are ever-unfolding, you'll want to hang onto this book for future reference.



3. My best friend and I bought this book on the same day. We were both in bad relationships at the time and this book has changed us both for the long-term and the better. It is self-empowering: It teaches you to love yourself and put yourself FIRST, because that is what men do and it is what matters if you want a man to respect you. I've learned, IF you don't respect yourself how can you expect a man to respect you? When you stop being some guys doormat, you start being the smart, funny, self-empowered, woman men are attracted to. While reading April Masini's book I finally realized that it wasn't men's fault I kept getting hurt, it was MINE.
   
   If your going through a breakup GET THIS BOOK NOW!!!! As soon as you start reading it your whole outlook on life and men will change DRAMATICALLY. I promise!!! LOVE IT!!!



4. Some good relating advice in the beginning chapters, but much of the book contained tips on improving your physical appearance. Personally, I don't need help in that area, and was a little disappointed in the book. If you want beauty and fashion advice, there are better books out there for that subject.



5. I purchased this book awhile ago, but not from Amazon. I have no idea how this woman could be compared with "Dear Abby". I'm not saying she's a complete idiot, because I'm sure she can't have this much success without knowing how to market herself in some way, but she clearly doesn't know how men think, or atleast not consistently.
   
   One conclusion I've come to, is that only men know how men think, and only women know how women think. Anything more, is merely a guess. You have your good guesses, and bad guesses. April Masini makes MANY bad guesses. It's also generic stuff, for the most part.
   
   In general, I don't like "gurus". They lie, they are marketing experts, and they are incessantly devoted to patting themselves on the back. They also tend to recycle the "facts" of others, to fit their own scenarios.
   
   April Masini, is a guru. I wasn't going to give a review, but I noticed an article by her on what women think about nice guys on Yahoo, and it was generic, like this book. It was also more than partly mistaken, just like this book. I bought it, because I was looking for real answers about how men think with regards to dating. I didn't get any of those answers. If you buy this book, I hope it can provide something for you, because it certainly hasn't for me.
   
   I wish Amazon allowed you to give zero stars in a rating. This is worthy.

3 comments about Self Hypnosis for a Better Life.

1. In this book, you are provided with several self hypnosis "scripts" to record onto a tape, in your own voice. I recorded the weight loss script a little over a week ago, and I, an avid chocoholic, have not had a bite of chocolate since! I'm no longer snacking between meals, I'm not tempted by sweets, and I couldn't be happier. There is at least one script in this book for everyone. The wording is wonderful, very positive, and extremely effective.



2. -
   Ya I can say that.You will never find this kind of book on self hypnosis.

   There is a very brief introduction about Self-Hypnosis.Then 23 Scripts are given on different situation of life to work on.

   Each script ends in about 30 minutes.Author suggests us to record these scripts in our own voice & listen to them according to our need.

   I think this is a best idea for Self Hypnosis.Each Script starts with relaxation then Visualisation & then suggestion.

   This is Great,like using the power of your own voice for your better life.I was wondering Why I didnt got this idea before?




3. I was very impressed with the scripts provided in this book. The author definitely knows his way around the subconscious mind.
   
   This book contains many useful scripts, and is free of personal bias or any other type of preachy stuff. If you read a lot of hypnosis material, you know that is a rare combination.
   
   Easy to use, it's a great start for a beginner!

5 comments about The Scarred Soul: Understanding & Ending Self-Inflicted Violence.

1. This book is encouraging. I now know how to react to my friend's SIV. I have read some books on the subject that have enlightened me, but not encouraged me. This book encourages me.

   I will give this book to my friend. It is THE book for those who want to help themselves and those who want to help others affected by SIV. There is a solution. This book is a first step to that solution. The solution? Read the book.

   The book has a number of typos. But who cares? I'll take typos with peace of mind any day.




2. This book is appropriate for teens and adult. It is sensitively and sensibly written, and instead of just being a research or story book, it is loaded with insights, worksheet activities, and relevant anecdotes. It also includes information that is usually overlooked in other books: how to talk to loved ones about self-injury, what therapists and parents should know, how to explain the behavior to people who don't understand, and how to cope with triggers.



3. This is basically a self-help book. I think it might be a little too scary for a young person just doing a little mild cutting, because it describes some severe chronic cases. It might not be of much help to a professional dealing with a severely mentally retarded or autistic self-mutilator.
   I bought it after reading an excellent article by Anthony Bateman in the British Journal of Psychiatry. The proper reference for that is:
   Bateman AW (2004) Self-help books on deliberate self-harm. British Journal of Psychiatry 185: 441-442.
   Bateman rated it as the best of the bunch. As he says, cutters often get more help off the internet than from books. He recommends a British site, the website of the National Self-harm Network www.nshn.co.uk.
   SIV victims often get more help from talking to each other than from therapists or pills. A large part of their distress comes from being ashamed of their addiction and having to hide their scars.



4. I am a cutter. People should know that this book cannot be the only thing that helps them stop their behavior. A behavior that is so much a part of them can only be changed through counseling, love, support, and the actual desire to change. This help might be an EXTRA help in ADDITION TO therapy for some people, but for most, this is a load of bull. Another thing is that this book and therapy and stuff is only going to work on someone who is ready to stop their behavior. This book should have been more about comforting and supporting self-injurers instead of judging them for a behavior they cannot help. I don't see what is wrong with injuring yourself in order to feel calmer and happier. Even if you do want to stop cutting, this book is no where NEAR the amount of help a person needs to stop a behavior so necassary to their very survival. What a self-injurer needs is a trained and licensed proffessional, not some book they found in the bargain bin.



5. I found this book to be a good primer to learn about SI and what I could do to help my friend.

5 comments about The New Secrets of Charisma : How to Discover and Unleash your Hidden Powers.

1. This book will permanently improve your life. An enjoyable read and fun to dip into. All the exercises work and are fun to do.



2. If you are looking for a way to achieve rapport easily and effectively with lots of people in lots of different situations, this book is definitely a must read.



3. I had the good fortune to take Dr. Lang's class in 1977. The other students included heads of businesses and others needing to speak regularly before small and large audiences.
   
   At first the exercises, which are in the book, seemed strange or embarrasing in a group. But I learned that each of them was a way to teach the body and/or emotions to lose self-consciousness, old negative self-images, unfortunate mannerisms, etc. A number of the voice exercises really taught one to be free of the cultural inhibition to be quiet and then to say what you believe with confidence. Dr. Lang videotaped us before and after, and the improvements for each of us were amazing. The class helped me later as a lawyer in court to present my client's case and then as a political candidate.
   
   It is not as easy to learn from a book as from a class, but if you are willing to free yourself up to your true inner self and gain confidence, I highly recommend doing the exercises in this book.



4. Great book for any one who wants to understand themselves more in the context of a conscious society! Dr. Lang is a gifted author. Ken Nicolas - Irvine, California.



5. The New Secrets of Charisma is, in addition to being a warm and reassuring hug, a truly masterful work. Have you ever watched a movie from the Golden Age of Hollywood and wondered what elements and specific skills made the stars of that era so irresistibly radiant and appealing? The techniques that underlie that charisma can be learned, and this book will prove it to you one chapter at a time.
   
   Some of my favorite charismacizes are The Magic Breath Exercise, The Great Wow, The Golden Light, The I Don't Care Swing, The Pleasure Checklist, and the Anti-Judgmental Notebook. That, of course, does not include the various visualizations, all of which are amazing. For an ongoing, unfair advantage over the rest of the world, I use The Big Balloon -- that is, breathing less than seven times per minute, which I've managed to get even lower with the help of The Magic Breath. Maybe it is the underlying philosophy of this book that is so appealing, which is that "The best work is accomplished in a spirit of eager play." I owe endless thanks to The New Charisma for introducing me to the human potential movement via its references to other works such as "Superlearning" and "Bodymind."
   
   Although other authors and speakers have appeared on the landscape, such as Tony Robbins and whoever else has come and gone, none have had a message as authentic, holistic, and just plain spot-on as The New Charisma. The book is extremely enjoyable yet it equips an individual with tools to deal with the toughest, bare knuckle, real-life situations anyone is likely to confront, with unflappable grace. I discovered The New Charisma at a time when I was under tremendous stress at a miserable job, and reading it was like coming home. Life suddenly turned into a beautiful, sunny, perfect Saturday afternoon where all was right with the world -- and I could connect with people in a way that was natural, fun, mutually beneficial and extremely effective. Part of the secret of charisma is that your own enjoyment of life is infectious to others. Dr. Lang will add so much pleasure and dimension to your experience that the change will be akin to switching from an old black and white TV with an earplug, to a state of the art theater with stereo surround sound.
   
   If you value living a rich, rewarding life, you simply cannot afford not to read this book.

5 comments about We Are Not Afraid: Strength and Courage from the Town That Inspired the #1 Bestseller and Award-Winning Movie "October Sky".

1. I'm a strong person,an Idaho farm boy, but, I too, was weakened by the events of September 11. I needed salve for my soul, softening of my hardening heart,a mental map to see my way out of this mess. I found it in Homer Hickam's incredible new book, WE ARE NOT AFRAID. Homer writes with a wit and warmth that envelopes you like a comforter and touches the full range of your emotions. From your funny bone to the childhood memories you have tucked away in your mind's attic, WE ARE NOT AFRAID hits the brass notes and the softest keys. The world needs more Homer!...



2. I read this book. It changed my life for the better. Enough said. Hickam is very gifted. Who are his people? You'll be surprised.



3. The advice I found in this book has changed my life, too. Somebody told me I should read this when they caught be dragging around filled with worry. What can a little book do to change that I asked and they said well, just read it and see. The insights in this book have been just amazing. Homer teaches through stories that are fun to read but after you're done, you just sit back and go I really see that. I really, really do. Honestly, I've spent money on a lot of these selfhelp do better kind of books but the way Homer does it, I think I really got my money's worth this time.



4. We Are Not Afraid is a very inspiring book about strength and courage in perilous times. I think everyone who reads this will come away a stronger individual for it. If you have children, sons, daughters, nieces or nephews I think it is even more important to read this!!! The book was just such a "thinker". It is only 213 pages, it reads quickly but it lasts long after you close the cover.
   While it is a collection of stories about growing up in a small coal-mining town in West Virginia it makes you stop and think hard about what really should be important in life, the values, the morals, the spirit, all the things that went into creating our great Nation. Mr. Hickam points out that yes times are perilous, but that there have been many perilous times and many hardships and challenges and being afraid is not a way to meet these. He pulls no punches when he discusses the United States of America. He dismisses those who want to focus on our failures as a Nation and fail to acknowledge our ability to correct our errors and move forward as a whole. This book is a life lesson on how not to live your life in fear, and how to overcome and surmount obstacles in your way. This is not accomplished by promising "pie-in-the-sky" but by learning from the examples of others ways to be strong and have courage and face life with your head up. This revolves around four important attitudes. #1 We are proud of who we are. #2 We stand up for what we believe. #3 We keep our families together. #4 We trust in God but rely on ourselves. These may sound simplistic to many people, but when they are broken down and explained you will know that it is possible to live a good purposeful life and not be diminished by fear and to pass this on to those around you.



5. Homer Hickam wrote a very enjoyable and informative book about his hometown of Coalwood, West Virginia, and the people who helped nurture him as a young boy. With his childhood stories, he took me on a journey through time to a place that many today would dismiss as "old-fashioned," and Hickam would argue was "the way things can and should be."

   Inspired by the events of September 11, 2001, Hickam reflected on his youth and realized the values he grew up with in Coalwood were what many people needed to move on with their lives following the tragic terrorist attacks on America. Hickam expertly wove his thoughts and experiences into the four "Coalwood Attitudes of Strength and Courage" (We are proud of who we are, We stand up for what we believe, We keep our families together, and We trust in God but rely on ourselves), which led to the "Coalwood Assumption" that most Americans found themselves either wanting to say or saying repeatedly following 9/11: "We are not afraid."

   In his introduction, Hickam explains the purpose of this book: "If you want to stop being afraid, or if you want to avoid the habits of fear and dread, this book can help by teaching you a philosophy of life that will fill your heart and soul with a sense of well-being and confidence. It is a philosophy that was developed by real people who led good, happy and hearty lives while managing to raise a crop of children who went on to have successful lives of their own."

   Hickam is a master storyteller, and his stories contained many powerful moral and inspirational passages. Some I related to as personal memories, others as things I missed growing up or never thought about, and still others as a father wanting his young son to experience in his childhood.

   This book has a lot to offer to many different people with many different needs in many different situations. I encourage everyone to read this book and let Hickam take you on a journey of discovery into your heart and soul.

5 comments about Know Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Wholeness, Radiance & Supreme Confidence.

1. Make no mistake about it, Know Yourself is one of the best I've ever read because it covers it all. Each stage of life, what's been missing inside ourselves, how to regain what we feel we've somehow lost inside, and the chapter on abuse is right on target. That would only apply if you've been abused and the nagging effects of it can make you feel that you're not worth much at all until you discover you are.
   
   One of my favorite passages comes from page 46 during the written exercise part of the book. It says in quotes:
   "The choice of what to put on your list is all yours. No one on this earth can create your life. No one other than you knows exactly what you love, what brings you joy, and what fills your entire being with passion. What you are about to write is the real you that lays beneath should's, societal expectations, cultural attitudes, and what you have been taught that opposes what you feel is true for you. Now, it's writing time to bring the real you to up to the surface on the following pages."
   
   Know Yourself taught me how to turn my attitude about myself around. It did its job and then some. It has been a gift to me that I'm sharing with friends.



2. I'm sorry but I found this book extremely unhelpful. It was very disjointed. It wasn't even clear what you were supposed to be writing in the workbook pages. It just seemed like a stream of consciousness of trite phrases like "everything happens for a reason". Maybe it's helpful to people who have never thought beyond their nose for their entire life. I don't know. I couldn't find anything redeeming in the entire thing. I ended up just skimming the second half so maybe there was something redeeming in there.



3. In "Know Yourself" Barbara Rose did an outstanding job of bringing insight where I previously had confusion or uncertainty. There is a chapter covering abuse that helped me un-do more hurt from the past than I thought it would, and for that I am grateful.
   
   I wanted to quote directly from the book from page 98 because I feel this can help anyone, which is the purpose of this great book.
   
   "Letting Go of Criticism
   Another part of cherishing others is to, with loving compassion, let go of any criticisms made of you; blame the criticisms on illusions the people had at the time; for had they had healthy and pure minds, they would not have taken anything out on you. Instead of blaming them, cherish them for being your teachers--and for teaching you how to feel self-value despite anything they may have said or done.
   
   Do not ever take to heart hurtful comments others make. Do not make them a part of your being. Know yourself and you will know truth.
   
   Know who you are. What you believe in. What feels right and true for you.
   If you dream of changing your career because of the passion you feel for a new field, enjoy the process; never let anyone stop you with their illusions of so-called failure or impossibilities.
   Nothing is impossible.
   
   I learned this saying: "Whether you believe you can or you believe you can't, you're right!"
   
   If your heart is pulling you in a certain direction, then this is a part of your truth, and you must honor it.
   
   This is where a solid sense of self comes from. It comes from knowing your truth. You can be sixty-five years old and decide you want to go back to school to become a doctor because you have always really wanted to help people. Go back to school!
   
   Don't ever let chronological age hold you back. Many people, both men and women, have uplifted countless lives and have achieved their greatest self-actualization later in life.
   
   Wisdom is the hallmark of a life lived from the heart, without judgment, and with compassion for all others.
   
   No matter what it is you want to do, do it because it is a true expression of who you are. The joy you will experience by honoring what your heart and soul came into this life for will far outweigh the pain and disappointment you will feel if you don't honor your truth."
   
   There is much more that I can quote from, much more that has helped me.
   
   While doing the written exercises, simply and clearly spelled out in the beginning of the book, I experienced what many people call "A-Ha" moments. Each one brought more about what was holding my back into my awareness, and then following the guidance in the book I was able to un-do the old, and replace it with truth that feels much better!
   
   I read this book twice so far, and am now re-reading it again. It's an excellent book for anyone male or female!



4. I purchased this book because a phrase was mentioned in my daily meditation. I was so moved to further my inquizative, hungry mind & soul. I was very excited to receive the book and begin it imediately, as i did. I was not dissapointed as it kept me at my edge. I wanted to read more as i digested all the wonderful, hearty visions and fueling words and messages. This book lead me to my next and then to another and i realized i was on a journey of no return. Thank you both the author for providing me with the resources to feel whole and motivated and complete. :) Penny



5. I'm maybe a third of the way through the book and I just had to write a review: this book is absolutely amazing! It had me in tears by the second chapter. It is unbelievable just how wonderfully intricate we are and I commend Ms. Rose for outlining this and gently guiding the reader to shed the negativity and create his/her own dream life.
   
   The key is, it's all WITHIN us and within OUR OWN POWER to make these fundamental changes for the better, which will indubitably improve and enlighten our lives.
   
   Thanks for writing such a meaningful, wonderful book! I will purchase a few more copies for my friends.

5 comments about Changing Lanes: Road Maps to Midlife Renewal.

1. The organization and practical information of this book make it useful as a reference, but the use of song titles throughout make it fun as well! The "real" people and their stories add a depth to the book that sets it apart from so many other career evaluation books. I've already given several to friends considering mid-life changes.



2. Not only is this book very readable and enjoyable, it offers practical steps for anyone dreaming about changing careers!



3. This book reads easily and like others, I love the clever Chapter headings, sub-titles and Route 66 markers, full of quotes and lines from songs...you may even find yourself singing. The book clearly describes the reasons we are ready for change as well as the reasons we get stuck and have trouble moving forward. A great book both for those retiring as well as those ready to do something different for other reasons! Makes a great gift for a friend~



4. Changing Lanes is perfect timing especially for the baby boom generation. I have so many friends, colleagues, and family members contemplating a big life change, especially toward service to others or creativity and the arts. This book is just the thing to help readers think through how they want to spend the rest of their lives, and then actually go out and do it!



5. From someone who has had to take a hard look at her life a few times this is an excellent resource. I found it to be easy to understand, clear and provided a great approach and roadmap. I highly recommended it!

5 comments about Conquering Your Quarterlife Crisis: Advice from Twentysomethings Who Have Been There and Survived (Perigee Book).

1. Turning 25 was no fun at all! I was still living with roomates in a rented furnished room and working in a job versus a career. Everyone else seemed to be on the up and up except me and it threw me into a myriad of emotional distress that if the first 25 years could do this fast, what's going to happen to me in the next and the next. Thank God it wasn't just me! At 25 most people are less than 5 years out of post-secondary and less than 10 from High School graduation. For me, it was the fear that I would be the only one who wasn't "successful" at my tenth anniversary reunion. The pressure to get a foothold in life is tremendous and 25 is a measurement point becuase 30 lurks much closer than ever. So, do know you are NOT alone. In fact, many people share the same concerns and only hit stride in their 30's. Glisten some tips and tactics for making it through and don't try for too many quick fixes. If this book offers any uplifting options it is ... that you need not figure this out alone. If I can personally offer you any advice after passing through 2 mid-life crisis points at 21 and 25 ... it is this .... find out what you love, discover what calls to you, and build your inner strength to go after it. A great place to start is "Finding Your North Star" by Dr. Martha Beck ...and see where it navigates from there. Above all else, create and sustain a nourishing love for yourself and seek communities of people who do the same for themselves and to you.



2. The most important thing about "Conquering your Quarterlife Crisis" is that it is, amazingly, trying to prepare you in all the ways your education didn't, for the road ahead. Like a mid-life crisis, a quarterlife crisis occurs when you don't know what you want to do with your life, and amazingly, our generation seems to be experiencing this angst pretty early in life.
   
   My own conclusions from this book are very simple: we have failed again and again to give the best and brightest individuals in this country incentives to pursue what they really care about, and to take audacious risks. The result is a period of paralyzing uncertainty following the undergraduate years, which for some leads to the decision to attend graduate school, which can often just plunge them into even more immobilizing student loan debt (without ever really solving the core problem of self-realization).
   
   Ms. Robbins presents amazing stories of twentysomethings struggling with this existential anxiety, and relays the sensible advice that every school should be teaching its students: take risks, and don't be afraid to fail, because failure on one endeavor is perhaps the very best education for the next. (And don't be afraid to be happy!)



3. Alexandra hits the nail on the head regarding many of the challenges that twenty-somethings (myself included) face on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis. Her straight forward approach to shedding light on the tough issues is refreshing and easily consumed. As a researcher and published author of a career advice book (The Career-Savvy College Student) I noticed several crucial parallels discussed in this book as well as the conversational approach that will undoubtedly help those just entering this phase of life avoid repeating what have become "the same old mistakes". A good read on all counts.



4. The ambition of the book is great. I think the questions posed in the book are pertinent and worth answering for a generation that is facing an entirely new landscape without pre-built tools for dealing with it. She starts out strong with her statement of purpose, but with each new chapter you feel a little bit more disappointed as they continually fall short of being useful.
   
   The book has a lot of feelings in it. There are stories from many "mentors" who have endured tragic or hectic circumstances and much of what they have to say revolves around how they *felt* at the time and how they *feel* now. Some of it is, of course, practical, like "I went to see a therapist" which could actually be practical advice for many people in similar situations, but most of it is really very abstract and touchy-feely.
   
   The attempt by the author and the mentors to deliver difficult solutions for difficult problems is surely a Herculean task and I am appreciative for that much, but I don't feel that I would derive any real value from the book were I having a quarterlife crisis. I suppose that's a large bias that I should flag: I don't feel plagued by any of the questions posed in the book, so it may simply be a case of not falling in the target audience.
   
   I don't think that's exactly it though, but rather more due to my ruthlessly logical nature. I appreciate the emotion involved with traumatic events, but, first, most of the events described in the book don't strike me as traumatic per se, but rather just frustrating. Second, I am loath to accept advice such as "just believe in yourself and eventually your dreams will come true". That advice was dispensed more than once in the book and seemed to be compatible with the book's overarching theme. I like concrete advice.
   
   The truth is that there is absolutely no guarantee that you'll accomplish any of your dreams. The phrase "get rich or die trying" has more truth in it than this entire book when it comes to accomplishing real success.
   
   That said, anyone who feels emotionally overwhelmed by something like a quarterlife crisis might find solace (comforting though possibly useless) in this book.



5. Awesome book. Self-reflection, good ideas, good for even starting some journal entries about the topics.