3 comments about Since You Asked.

1. I am not familiar with Cary Tennis's advice column on salon.com, but I thought I'd give this collection of his best columns a whirl because I love reading advice columns. You get some rather interesting letters here. There is one about a twenty-four-year-old virgin desperate to lose her virginity, one about a stepmother who is tired of her overeating and extremely talkative obese stepdaughter, another about a married man with kids in love with a prostitute, and there is one about a woman who has been dating the same guy for five years and has no idea where he lives. There is a wide variety of stories here, and they riveted me from beginning to end. I especially liked Tennis's candid and insightful answers, sprinkled with metaphors and keen observation. There is one story here that, like Tennis, I found difficult to believe, and it's the one about the man who had left a woman years ago and still hadn't gotten over her. The narrative seemed too over the top and interestingly woven, not to mention too Lifetime-movie-of-the-week-like to be real. I'm glad Tennis let him know what he thought of it. The questions I found most compelling were the ones centered on physical, verbal or any form of abuse and the ones centered on women who have a hard time trusting others. Those particular columns hit very close to home and I liked Tennis's answers to them. Since You Asked is a great collection of Cary Tennis's best columns. The one thing I would have liked to see was a table of contents. The columns are thrown in randomly throughout the book. It would have been easier to break them into categories. Other than that, I enjoyed this book.



2. Cary Tennis has one of the top five great writing "voices" on the Web, and now here he is finally in print! What makes his voice great is a combination of whimsy, unpredictability, wisdom, authenticity, and then the edge of humor with a twist. Even the most entertaining advice columns lean toward the predictable answers, and let's face it, most of us often think we could do a better job answering than the columnist. Not so here! -- what would you tell a woman who is in love with a fat man but can't stand that he's fat? Nope, not help him lose weight; nope, not tell him to shape up or you're leaving.....but something else, much more philosophical and completely right...which you'd have to buy the book to learn-:) Cary Tennis can write to make you cry, touching things you thought you knew and were through with due to your own therapy & time passing, but no, there it is, in black and white, explaining that lost love affair in an entirely different perspective, changing your understanding of your life in that one moment of reading his answer.
   
   Part of the joy of this book is the complex questions and how they get asked -- I'm sure readers learned over the years that you just can't ask simple short questions if you expect a great answer -- I mean, how wonderful is it that someone writes in (in detail of course) to basically ask "I'm not sure I have a self -- how do I get one?" Just try a snappy answer to that one.
   
   Five stars for Tennis, because I think I'd buy anything at all that he wrote just to find out what he has to say.



3. Ideally the appeal of literature should be its capacity to transport us away from our own limited views and worries, and confront us with parallel fates - which are sometimes worse, but often just different from our own. It is a proven fact that human brains get a kick out of watching, reflecting about and imagining "solutions" for trouble, even when it doesn't directly concern us. At bottom we are all social voyeurs, as can be seen in our penchant for gossip but also our love of fictional narratives. And here is a very appealing book, consisting of nothing but human trouble - and one man's attempt to provide advice, help or just consolation.
   
   Although this volume's collected advice columns hardly constitute anything resembling a novel, we can in fact read it like a rich narrative, with Cary Tennis himself as the main character, the constant voice throughout the book, reacting to the many passing voices and their problems. This must be quite a challenge for any writer: to be continually confronted with characters he has not constructed, whose fate he can hardly make out, much less control, and who expect from him some kind of guidance or even illumination (as we all expect of good literature, anyway). Come to think of it, this sounds like a postmodern plot. And does our hero/writer live up to the challenge? Undoubtedly. Each letter and reply by Tennis are well worth reading for their complexity, surprising twists and, above all, some guaranteed sparks of enlightenment.
   
   Tennis has armed himself with some of the most effective weapons known to writers. There is, first of all, common sense - a tool more difficult to handle than it may sound (usually confused with cliché) - by which I mean an instinctive understanding of the unspoken rules commanding human behaviour and interaction (whatever our individual differences), such as a keen sense of (in)justice, the value we place on status and hierarchies, our competitive mood when it comes to sexuality. In short, some conflicts cannot be avoided because they are part of human nature. By keeping this in mind, Tennis is able to distinguish between trouble which befalls us quite incidentally, and trouble which we have invited by breaking common rules. His advice therefore often "rings true", as it taps into our shared values and assumptions. Then there is Tennis's keen eye/ear for the implicit or subconscious messages of the advice seekers, whereby he tries to glean from the little they write/say the bigger implications left unspoken, which constitute the real source of trouble (our brains are more prone to confabulate/beautify/deceive than to speak out the whole painful truth). If sometimes Tennis chooses to directly confront the advice seeker with his blunt interpretation of an ambiguous letter, often he opts for symbolic communication - another tricky but valuable tool on which our most appealing mythologies and narratives are built. This allows him to address the codified messages of the letters from a more general perspective, providing advice that leaves space for ambiguity and individual interpretation, reminiscent of ancient oracles or koans. Finally, Tennis resorts to a great degree of empathy, frequently shifting the focus of his replies to himself, in order to draw parallels and possibly console the person plagued by trouble. By assuring his reader not only that he has had his own fair deal of unhappy experiences, but also that he himself has often made mistakes, Tennis reinforces his image of firm but friendly listener/speaker - like the idealized wise old men our ancestors relied on for guidance and advice.
   
   Of course, the one thing missing in this narrative - just like in real life itself - is the "happy end". There actually isn't that much help any human can provide, as our troubles are often based on teensy-weensy implications which we cannot control anyway. The advice presented here will not necessarily solve much. But Tennis's column may perhaps alleviate people's suffering by providing a platform where readers can acknowledge that, yes, existence is a real bummer. And some of us have been dealt a very bad hand. All Tennis can do, in the end, is to reiterate Freud's dictum that while it is solely up to fate to remove our sufferings, much will be gained if we learn to defend ourselves as best as possible against "everyday unhappiness". Altogether, this book provides a fair overview of the varieties of human trouble and everyday unhappiness (in times of so-called peace and so-called prosperity), reminding us that we all have a burden to carry - and unfortunately some burdens feel heavier than others. Herein lies the tragedy of life. And the essence of all good literature.

5 comments about The Authentic Career: Following the Path of Self-Discovery to Professional Fulfillment.

1. Ms. Craddock does a brilliant job of taking us through the often painful process of finding ourselves and then bringing the best of ourselves to the workplace. The Authentic Career is about finding and living the authentic self. It brings us back to the things we might have once been told by a well-meaning friend or a self-help lecture; it makes real and fleshes out exactly what we need to do to work through core issues of our identity and find our "true bliss" in the workplace.
   What better person than Ms. Craddock to show us the way. She went from making million dollar business deals to working with mental patients to try to find her bliss and to bring the fruits of her labors to us, in a very readable,
   usable form. I have benefitted greatly from reading this book!



2. Rebeccasreads recommends THE AUTHENTIC CAREER as an elegant & deeply invested seminar on transforming the quality of both your professional & private life.

   Illustrated with stories from Fortune 500 CEOs & women re-entering the workforce after having children, along with a four stage process, THE AUTHENTIC CAREER is deep reading, & certainly a worthy companion upon your professional path.




3. The book is four-stage self-inquiry process by Executive Coach Maggie Craddock. Ms. Craddock's exercises comprise mind, body, and spirit in interactive exercises and follow-up action items. Her book was very helpful for me with respect to a recent career change from public relations to producing executive conferences for the pharmaceutical industry. The Authentic Career process a vital compass point in the navigation of a life-long work life.
   
   The job market is moving at lightning speed. It is now essential for young professionals to assess their skills, talents, and values before taking life-altering paths. As for seasoned workers, The Authentic Career offers a balance between effective career evaluation and proactive actions consistent with one's values and needs in a professional context. This book that avoids the trap of "analysis paralysis" and aids to forwards anyone into decisive action.



4. There is a section in Ms. Craddoock's book that hits home with me. I could not understand for the life in me why co-workers sometimes took a dislike for others on the job for no apparent reason. According to this book, it turns out that individuals bring a lot of baggage from their childhood to work. One person in this book admitted to not liking their co-worker because they resembled a relative who had mistreated them in the past. Is that wild or what?



5. Ms. Craddock's book is thought provoking. As an award winning portfolio manager, she brings her business background to a level where we can all relate. Never before has an author taken such an introspective approach to career development. Maggie is the Phil McGraw of career advice. This is a must read.

4 comments about Women and Self-Esteem: Understanding and Improving the Way We Think and Feel About Ourselves.

1. This is a succint and comprehensive guide to understanding how self-esteem is developed and how it can be enhanced. The authors examine the impact of developmental, cultural and religious attitudes and of media influences on a woman's ability to accept and appreciate herself. They also offer specific, practical advice on how to address the various difficulties that arise as a result of low self-esteem. This is a valuable book, thoughtful and well-researched.



2. I picked up this book over ten years ago. It really helped me to change the lens with which I view myself. Today I recomend it to the clients I work with. I find that it helps women deal with issues of self esteem in simple yet effective manner. It has excercises that are easy to do and have great results in changing how women view themselves. I highly recomend this for any women struggling with issues of depression, anxiety and or self esteem.



3. This book helped me fight for my self-esteem, and as another reviewer said, it's impact lasts years. It's the book I recommend to my friends struggling, like I did, for their self-esteem



4. Although I enjoyed the majority of the book, I was quite annoyed with the constant blaming of "male dominated" society and culture. Although it is true that society and culture plays a role in a woman's self-esteem, I found that the authors spent too much time blaming men for women's problems. I am a little disappointed in the book!
   
   Good book...but it could do without the heavy amount of feminism.

4 comments about On Women Turning Fifty: Celebrating Mid-Life Discoveries.

1. This is a collection of interviews of famous and not-so-famous women who have navigated their fiftieth birthdays. The women as individuals may be described as admirable, fascinating, witty, and even awesome (check out Dolores Huerta who has spent most of her adult life as a full-time human rights activist, living in poverty or near-poverty, while giving birth to 11 children--most of whom are now college graduates--and periodically catering to the demands of one of her three husbands). A more interesting aspect of this collection is what these women have in common. They each find this time in their lives more free, more focused on making a contribution to society, less focused on physical appearance and pleasing others, and less concerned (if not unconcerned) with having men in their lives. Tabra Tunoa, a jewelry designer and manufacturer, said, "You waste a lot of time in your thirties trying to look twenty and in your forties trying to look thirty"--one comment from among several in the interviews which imply that the forties are for clearning up the vestiges of denial of age, and the fifties are for embracing its gifts. Said Gloria Steinem, "I learned that to be defiant about age may be better than despair--it's energizing--but it is not progress." Rountree has done a fine job of asking the right questions, eliciting illuminating answers, and photographing 18 women who are worth hearing from.



2. The author of On Women Turning 50, Cathleen Rountree, is an artist, wrier and lecturer specializing in women's issues. Her book is made up of photos of and interviews with 18 women in their 50's and above. Some of these women are famous, some not, but all of them are fascinating.

   I really enjoyed the portraits in this book because they do not aim at a Vogue-model, fake-beauty effect. Instead, they artistically reveal each woman's character, personality and wisdom. The prose narration is also excellent, because Rountree presents each woman's experience with growing older in her own words. The result is that this book reads like 18 short, interrelated autobiographies.

   There aren't a lot of good books out there geared at encouraging women over 50 in a sexist society that tells women they are worthless without youth and beauty. Of those I've seen so far, this is the best written and most respectful of older women. As such, I recommend it not just to women over 50, but to the men and younger women in their lives who love them.




3. I just happened to notice this book on the shelf at a bookstore, flipped it open to one of the brief interviews, and began to read about a breast cancer survivor who had turned her experience into a career helping other women find their own individually appropriate breast prosthetics. Isn't this inspiring? I thought. This book is filled with the experiences and thoughts of women who've entered their fifties, stepped back from their lives for a moment of introspection, and agreed to share their insights and personal opinions on the process of maturing as part of the "baby-boomer" generation. I have learned so many little details about what can happen physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually to women of a "certain age", and how to spin straw into gold. At times humorous, poignant, radical, thought provoking, but always articulated with sincerity, sometimes with poetry. This is one of those golden books that shares promises fulfilled and achievements that go outside the standard definition of the word "success". Like sitting down with a really inspiring friend who encourages me to remember, as the saying goes in Zimbabwe, "If you can walk, you can dance. If you can talk, you can sing."



4. This is a compilation from various authors writing on the subject of turning 50. The first contributor really lays it on the line by saying "Stop complaining" and get your act together so that you'll get through many years after 50.

5 comments about The Ultimate Weight Solution: The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom.

1. 
   A visit to a doctor just over two months ago revealed that I was obese, with a high body fat percentage and low muscle mass level. It was made clear to me that unless I reduced my weight from 80 kg (176 lbs) to at least 70 kg (154 lbs), I was at high risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or stroke. I had to reduce my weight and hence I needed a good book to guide me through the process. "The Ultimate Weight Solution" is among the best book that I got hold of.
   
   The book provides realistic and well researched advise on how to reduce weight. The book teaches how to behave and think about food and the appropriate exercises to lose weight on a lasting basis. The book explains how people often lose control of their weight. Methodically and step-by-step, the book explains how to identify what to eat and when to eat and the right kinds of exercises that help to burn the fat and develop muscle. The book has a number of questions for you to answer and help audit yourself which I found very illuminating and useful. The comprehensive food list in the Appendix is also an excellent bonus that you can use as a quick reference guide
   
   Well, I followed Dr Phil's instructions and now I have got into the habit of eating the right kind of foods in the right quantity consistently, I have an exercising schedule and I consistently engage in habits that avoid harming my body such as not smoking or drinking alcohol.
   
   Thanks to the advice in this book, I am on my way to the optimum weight, and I now experience high level of health, energy, vitality and control over my life.



2. When I read this book I was excited to learn some new tools to help me. It has helpful guidelines and tools to get you through the normal blocks of weight loss.
   
   His track record of weight loss participants says it all!
   
   Merna
   
   Pocket of Pearls: A 30-day pocket workbook to start hearing a softer voice inside of you!



3. Great book that is very real! It's a "get real book" that helps get past the excuses that keep us overweight. A great read. Anyone following the advise should lose weight. This book is not based on one diet, but on eatting well for life and not over eating.



4. While all the other so-called weight-loss books out there concentrate on the old routine of ..healthy diet...exercise...discipline...blah..blah...blah.., Dr. Phil takes a significantly new approach which I find extremely refreshing and reaffirming. He does not concentrate on the old good-nutrition/physical activity bibble-di-babble. It's mostly about keeping a positive attitude about who you are. This is the only true path to weight loss freedom. As Dr.Phil has shown me, assigning some arbitrary numerical value to what is an acceptable weight for me would be absurd. Although the AMA literature may state that I, and even Dr. Phil himself, may be 60 or 70 pounds overweight, only we can make that determination for ourselves. If we are comfortable with how we look and comfortable in the knowledge that our so-called "excess" weight may lead to heart disorders, diabetes and a shortened life-span, then we have truly achieved Weight-Loss Freedom. Thank you Dr. Phil, for shedding this new light in your folksy, tell-it-like-it-is, no beatin' around the bush, no-holds barred, down-home Texas way on an issue millions of us have been so confused about.
   
   The only suggestion I would make for future printings is that the good, honorable doctor provide an address where we can send him some more money, so that he may run some kind of Dr. Phil Foundation, dedicated to the ideals of self-awareness, weight-loss freedom, tellin-it-like-it-is, tough love and all that. I would be the first contributor.



5. This book is full of good information as well as alot of encouragement. He knows his stuff and is willing to share!

5 comments about When You Love a Man Who Loves Himself.

1. I bought this book due to the great reviews and found myself disappointed.
   
   It is a good book although rather simplistic and a little sexist. Dr. Campbell bases almost all of his research (I believe, from what I can find on Google regarding his Bibliography) on college students. He misses or dismisses any male narcissist over 35 (my guess here) and hardly mentions female narcissists.
   
   If you are a woman in college or in your twenties and thirties and are still single, you will probably find this book valuable. It's all about how to date "nice men" and how to recognize and stay away from Narcissist playboys.
   
   If you are married to or divorced from a narcissist, not so much. He completely misses what happens to us once we are sucked into the narcissist's vortex. He only hints that it is much harder to leave if you have time invested (investments) and counsels women to think about this as well as the other factors from research of a Professor Rusbult.
   
   In my experience it's a whole lot harder. Especially if you have been traumatized by a narcissist. If you have spent any amount of time living with one, you probably have been traumatized. Dr. Campbell misses the boat by not stating this clearly.
   
   I also found the comments from Dr. Campbell that narcissists grow out of their narcissism as they age due to reduction in testosterone ridiculous. He should meet my ex husband. He should talk to women in domestic violence support groups. He should talk to Lundy Bancroft or Patricia Evans. He should talk to men who are married to narcissist abusers.
   
   If you think you are dating a narcissist or have dated one, or want to know how not to make the same mistake and end up married to one - again, then buy this book. I give it 3 stars instead of 2 because his dating advice is pretty good.
   
   If you are married to one or divorced from one and are trying to heal - look elsewhere.



2. I read a lot of books of this type, and I have to say, I really think THIS one is the best. It can be incredibly baffling and frustrating ( as well of often heartbreaking) to deal with a person or partner with NPD...but, with a book like this ( which I heavily underlined!!) I didn't feel so alone. VERY well written. GET THIS BOOK and stop tearing your hair out over 'your' NPD'er ..and it's nice to know we can quit blaming ourselves!



3. I have read everything I could get my hands on on the subject of Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), and this book is very disappointing. While the author comes across as a nice guy who means well, I don't think he has the background necessary to write authoritatively on this subject. It would appear it was a subject he stumbled on in grad school, found mildly interesting and decided to publish his research.
   
   The best books on this subject are written by those who have had close encounters with individuals with NPD, either in personal relationships, or by treating them or their victims. Mr. Campbell appears to have been spared the up close and personal school of narcissism (lucky for him), but as a result, he doesn't have much to say that is helpful to those of us who are trying to heal from one of these nightmares.
   
   Some of the things he says are inconsistent with current research on the subject. For example, he believes that narcissism is a choice. Much current research points to its cause lying in the genes and/or early childhood trauma (probably before age 8). This is not a choice, but the damage done is also not curable or amenable to improvement from therapy or medication.
   
   Mr. Campbell does not seem to grasp the depth of depravity that many narcissists sink to in tormenting their significant others, or the terrible emotional devastation they leave in their wake. This is not a matter of dating a man who preens and wants to talk mostly about himself. This is about having one's whole life high jacked by an unfeeling monster who pretends to be the love of your life before ripping your heart out and stomping on it.
   
   If you are a victim of someone with NPD, two much better entry level books are Lundy Bancroft's book, "Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men" and Carter and Sokol's "Help! I'm in Love with a Narcissist".



4. This book is a valuable addition to the popular psychology books on narcissism. Its tone is trenchant yet compassionate and there is surprising humor in it, too. This book was written by a man who is educated and qualified to speak knowledgeably on the subject, yet who writes in accessible prose and doesn't condescend to women at all; rather he respects the difficulty of finding oneself involved in a one-way relationship with a narcissist and gives women information they can really use to improve their awareness of their situation and make the best decisions for their own lives. I read several other books on the subject before this one; I wished I had read this one first. It was very informative as well as comforting and empowering.



5. This book is a good overview and offered some clarity in identifying men with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, but it focuses too much on the classic, successful, high-power business-man type. It only touches on the idea that there are other "types". There are NPD individuals, just as extreme, whose narcissism manifests as rebellion against society or whose narcissistim locks on intellectual or athletic abilities or their talents and are less concerned about more conventional ways to impress others. Many don't quite fit into the pattern described in the book, which could mislead someone in identifying a true narcissist in thier life. It can also give the narcissist even more excuses to exempt themselves from the label (not they they usually need help). There is a much greater variety of narcissist than to easy to spot than the NPD guy that this book focuses on. I knew an NPD man who was rarely employed because no job or employer was good enough for him. He lived in poverty but arrogantly maintained that everyone he worked with with too inferior for him tolerate. Anything that can help a man or women identify and deal with the narcissist in their life is good. I hope this book accomplishes that, but it could have been more helpful if this book presented more insight into the other ways that NPD manifests itself. It is still a good resource to add to your understanding. It may be helpful to read and weigh everthing you can find before deciding what to do about the narcissist(s) in your life.

3 comments about Your Many Faces.

1. This easy to read book is a great introduction to the works of Virginia Satir. It is full of information that is useful to both Therapists and general readers. The illustrations by the author make the book fun to read and easy to understand. Readers who enjoy this book will probably want more depth that can be found in other books by Satir.



2. Virginia Satir is well known to family therapists and in NLP communication classes. Her way is one of putting you at ease and giving you credit for all that you are. I came upon this book quite by accident and discovered simplicity and elegance within a message that could have been written just today. Virginia teaches working with the parts that make up each individual and she embraces that each person is unique. Virginia is gone now but the work that she did comes through on the pages of this one simple book, she was an incredible woman indeed.



3. This paperback edition is almost 30 years old, yet I have never read anything so clear and sure-footed about the subjective world of awareness and unawareness. Virginia Satir's extended analogy, which is most of the book, delights and astonishes me: we see our sub-personalities as players in a theatre first introduced and then playing a particular drama and resolution that the author thinks it might help us to see - such effectiveness; simplicity and kindness is surely hard-won. I cannot respect it enough.

5 comments about 10 Simple Solutions for Building Self-Esteem: How to End Self-Doubt, Gain Confidence & Create a Positive Self-Image (10 Simple Solutions).

1. The book has 2-3 good ideas but mostly its has way too much New Age philosophy and perhaps Buddhist ideas. Many of the suggestions are just kookie. Its too whacked out for a thinking person.
   
   Way different than 10 simple solutions to shyness, which I could recommend.



2. I don't have much to say about this book, but felt the reviews needed balance corrected due to one harsh reviewer who seems to have issues with Buddhist type ideas (which is actually only a minor part of this book). It's a solid covering of the essentials, as appropriate for a Ten Simple Solutions type book.



3. I found this book extremely well-written and easy to use. It's a very helpful guide to improving my self-esteem. I like the way it draws upon everyday experiences and comes up with useful, practical methods. I also like the fact that there is humor and everyday language.
   
   I used to view self-esteem quite simplistically, but after reading this book I more fully appreciate its many sides and how my life can be benefitted by improving it. I think that the exercises at the end of the chapters are very helpful and easy to put into effect.
   
   It's the kind of book you can take along with you wherever you go. I want to go back and read it again. It's given me a lot to think about.
   
   Christina Mugno



4. A well written book and I recommend as a must read for all, could not stop reading this book once I started. Dr.Schiraldi does a great job especially on self worth and the building block of self esteem. He once again breaks into the core of the human emotion and the hidden dark confidence in us all. I would not recommend for people do not belive in meditation: Mindfelness, yoga.



5. As a therapist for over 35 years, I am always looking for books that can help my clients,(and me). This little gem of a book is a welcome discovery.
   
   It provides a powerful synthesis of some of the most important theories and practices in improving self-esteem. It is filled with simple, practical wisdom and exercises, and is written clearly, concisely, with gentleness, humor and compassion. I had used many of these approaches, but prior to "10 Solutions", had not seen them together in one book.
   
   I highly recommend this book as a very helpful resource for anyone wishing to improve their own and/or their clients' self-esteem.
   
   -Therapist, Princeton, NJ

5 comments about Your Body's Telling You: Love Yourself!.

1. A great aid and companion for anyone who wants to get to the very heart of any illness or ailment. Lise Bourbeau's book is a dictionary of dis-eases with an explanation of mental, emotional, and spiritual blocks related to each illness. She explains how to 'let go' on every level and guides you through self forgiveness along the path to complete and permanent healing. Self love is the key, I felt revitalised and transformed, I highly recommend this uplifting read. If you like Louise Hay's 'You can heal your life workbook' you'll love this too!



2. The book describes illnesses in terms of 1) the illness and what it is in medical terms, as well as the description, 2) what your body is saying to you due to this, and 3) what you should be doing in terms of resolving the illness in terms of emotions.

   While you may not agree with the principles of metaphysics in health,which in two words, is that all sickness have an emotional reason for being, that most can be cured if the emotional reasons for being are eliminated, the book is certainly one which should be next to your medical and traditional dictionaries.

   The book is not only highly informative; it is a fabulous thinking tool which makes sense. I can only counsel each and everyone to at least look at it.




3. This valuable metaphysical reference guide contains 20 years of research. The book deals with the effect on thoughts on the body, explaining that physical problems are the outward manifestation of disease on the mental and emotional levels. The physical body merely responds to these thought imbalances and by its symptoms sounds a warning of the need to return to the way of peace, balance and harmony in thought. The author provides simple techniques to correct wrong thoughts and to enable the reader to heal her or himself. The book includes a comprehensive guide to the causes of more than 500 diseases and illnesses and the cure for each of them. This is a truly impressive work that belongs on the bookshelf of everyone that is willing to take responsibility for his or her own health. Another great author whose books and audio books are helpful in this regard, is the wonderful Louise Hay.



4. This book helped me to get the real issues around my aches and pains. It's true, your body really is trying to talk to you. Once you understand the message you truly can heal yourself.



5. After studying various ways of healing I can say that is a great reference book. I believe the whole goal is to remind us that we can heal ourselves and our body is there to tell us what is going on. It's a matter of taking time to pay attention.
   
   Not everything in the book does apply because we are all different in our thinking. But a lot of the information was on the ball. When I reflect back on some of the ailments I had as child such as acne or toothaches she was on point. It made so much sense to me and when things are going on in my life I go to this book and it helps me slow down to reflect and heal more internally. It's a great starting point for anyone who is learning to take a more natural and holistic way of healing. Just a few things:
   
   1)What I've been taught over the years is that your language can dictate the creation of dis-ease. "That guy is a pain in the neck." Later in life you have serious neck pain.
   2)I recommend looking up New German Medicine. Ms. Bourbeau does reference Dr. Hammer in the beginning of the book. There are some great youtube videos that talks of his work and will only compliment this book.
   3)This is not a book of quick fixes but is very powerful if one takes the time to discern how they arrived at the dis-ease.
   
   So if your someone who is a counselor or one who wants something more holistic then buy this book. I'm grateful to Ms. Bourbeau for her years of hard work in creating this book. It's a great tool for healing.

3 comments about The Girl's Guide to Loving Yourself: A Book Abot Falling in Love With the One Person Who Matters Most..You.

1. This is a fantastic book for any teen/tween girl. In short, concise, humorous chapters, this book tells the truth about all things stressful to young ladies. It discusses self-image, boyfriends, siblings, families, divorce, eating disorders, clothing choices, friendship problems, etc. etc. etc.
   I teach middle school, and find this book extremely relevant, and thoroughly wonderful.



2. Diane Mastromarino's book is an empowering book for teens, but tweens can also benefit from her advice. Straightforward about concerns girls face like body image and school stresses, this book is easy to read and non-stressful. My little sister will appreciate this book as a gift.



3. This book was written for teen girls, but anybody can read it and find encouragement. It talks about the things that are really important, and encourages teen girls to focus on those. It gives advice about certain important issues, such as family, boyfriends, body, health, etc. This book also gives links to important hotlines and websites. This book is small and easy to read, yet powerful. I would recommend this book to anybody who needs or wants encouragement and upliftment.