5 comments about Your Erroneous Zones: Step-by-Step Advice for Escaping the Trap of Negative Thinking and Taking Control of Your Life.

1. I'd heard Your Erroneous Zones, one of Wayne Dyer's earliest books (published in 1976), mentioned many times. Yet despite this, despite the fact that it is a book that has sold over 30 million copies and is considered one of the best-selling books of all time, and despite loving other newer books of Wayne's, I only very recently picked up a copy of Your Erroneous Zones to read.
   
   I like to read authors' books in the order in which they were written, if I can (not always possible, especially with someone like Wayne, who is a prolific writer!). I do this where possible though as I like seeing the development of an author's thoughts around a topic. In this case, however, it was interesting to go back, especially so far back (pretty much to the beginning of Wayne's writing career!). While Wayne's later books are much more focused on spirituality, Your Erroneous Zones is much more of a standard personal development book. It is also written in a more formal tone that dates it to the 1970s ;). Neither of these detracts from the power of the book - it is clear and inspiring in its message to stop worrying, stop feeling guilty and replace these "erroneous zones" with a more empowered way of living.
   
   The book covers a range of topics, diverse yet connected in that growth in one area has a spill-over effect into other areas. Topics addressed include self-acceptance, approval seeking behaviour, guilt, worry, procrastination, anger, and becoming independent. Sprinkled throughout the book are also exhortations to live in the present moment, predating Eckhart Tolle's work on the topic, although not giving much as much information on this specifically. Each chapter discusses one of the "erroneous zones" in detail, giving examples of how each zone manifests itself in daily life to make it easy to recognise when you are displaying ineffective behaviour, as well as providing strategies for overcoming and eliminating the ineffective behaviour and replacing it with a much more effective way of being and doing. Because of the interconnectedness of all the topics discussed, there is a fair amount of repetition of strategies for eliminating the erroneous zones, only slightly different for each behaviour. Rather than this being annoying, I found it quite comforting to know that the strategies could be distilled into a few basic principles, although I would have liked to see the book itself pull this together (I guess I have to do some work though, right?!).
   
   The final chapter of Your Erroneous Zones is a portrait of a person who has eliminated all erroneous zones and is living an emotionally, mentally and spiritually healthy life. It was interesting to read through this chapter to see how I'm doing compared to Wayne's ideal. Luckily, for myself, I found that I displayed many effective behaviours already! I was also able to identify those that I'm still personally working with - rather than beating oneself up over not meeting the ideal, this is an excellent opportunity to see what effective behaviour would look like, and hence to identify areas of further growth.
   
   Would I recommend that you read this book, given that it was written over 30 years ago? Yes, I would. It is a classic in the personal development genre, and it still feels relevant today. If you're looking for a fairly no-nonsense approach to development, then this book is for you!



2. I originally read this book back in the late 80s. I'm not quite sure the exact year, but it was some time toward the middle of high-school. It was passed on to me by a friend who was desperate to help me out of a downward spiral. I have to admit, the first time I read "Your Erroneous Zones", I dismissed it as psychobabble. Looking back on it today, 20 years later, I can clearly see that I was not ready to accept the concepts that Dr. Dyer was presenting.
   
   Over the next few years, I would find myself coming back to this book. There was something about it that kept creeping back into my mind. Perhaps a subconscious draw to some scrap of truth my brain had held on to from earlier readings. Nonetheless, I've probably read this book 10 times over the last 20 years. Each time, I inched closer and closer to making the choice to apply the principles within it's pages.
   
   Finally, after all that time, and a lot of life experience, I've found Dr. Dyer's methods work for me. The concepts contained in this book helped me make the choice to live a happy life that I am in control of. I am happier now than I have ever been, and the only way that will change is if I choose to change it.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone with the forewarning that if you don't go into it with an open mind, or at least the willingness to accept that there are other ways to approach life than the ones you are used to, you won't gain anything from the material presented.



3. I read this book as a teenager over 25 years ago as a required text in a college class called psychology of human relations. I grew up being afraid of my own shadow, I was "so shy." This book helped me to realize the errors in my thinking that were holding me back from being the person I knew I could be. It also helped me to realize that I was responsible for my own happiness and that others could not control my thoughts and emotions, only I could. I also realized it is not fair to other people for me to depend on them to make me happy. Next to the holy scriptures, I think this book has helped me more than any other book to realize happiness and joy in life. Recently 25 years later, I found the book in a box and decided to read it again. I have bought several copies and given them to friends that I thought could benefit from reading it. It truly is good advice!



4. This book has truly helped me identify what Dyer refers to as "erroneous zones" in my life. He discusses anger, dependency on others, success and failure, guilt, worry, blame and procrastination. Ways to identify behaviors that encompass these constructs, and suggestions on dealing with them are very helpful.
   
   Much of the book encourages introspection, and identifying our own behaviors that contribute to unhappiness or perceived failures in life. I really like how he states that you (the reader) are responsible for your own emotions and actions. What others do should not have the power to control or negatively effect our lives.
   
   It's tough reading at times, especially when I've come across an area that I know I need to address. This will be a book I'll read again and again, as the breadth of knowledge and suggestions Dyer has compiled cannot be completely absorbed through one reading.



5. I never received the book from Bargain Basement Books. I have tried to resolve the problem with the seller by sending 3 e-mails but I have never received a response.

5 comments about Living a Beautiful Life: 500 Ways to Add Elegance, Order, Beauty and Joy to Every Day of Your Life.

1. I bought this book years ago when the cover was different, and it cost only $12.95 in paperback, and I still use it for ideas, although some of them are a little off-the wall or even impractical for me. It's the kind of book where there is a culture clash with some of the things she suggests: "Put strawberries in a bowl and leave two, with stems on, on the table next to the bowl.." Why? Or "Put eggs in an old wire basket." Well, I'm afraid they won't last too long like that, and with the organic eggs I buy costing over $2,00 a dozen, it's the height of impracticality for me. Then there's "Make lobster, avocado, and wild rice salad for a picnic." Two problems: a) tell me how, and b) maybe this is no problem for a New Yorker or Connecticut resident, but for a landlocked Oklahoman that's a mighty pricey picnic! Statements like these make her seem very Martha Stewart, like she's from another world. Certainly not mine, anyway.Still, there are many, many parts of her book where she makes perfect sense, such as buying in season, and that people buy too much food, and taking the television out of the bedroom is a great idea I've completely taken to heart! So to sum up, this book that gives you food for thought, if you don't choke on some of the grace notes!



2. I felt obligated to post my review because, as cheesy as it may sound, Alexandra Stoddard's book, Living A Beautiful Life, actually changed my life -- for the better. I'll agree that all of the Grace Notes are not for everyone -- they are merely suggestions. Neither do I try and do everything that she recommends. But she did succeed at getting me to look at life and its daily routine in a different way. She's also introduced me to wonderful authors, such as Madeleine L'Engle. Alexandra's writing has helped me to live a more beautiful life "in the moment" by appreciating every blessing and using every moment to add more beauty to it. Now I try and celebrate every little aspect of life, if possible, by not keeping anything mundane. My life greatly reflects my passion for life and I am now more aware of the beauty involved in simple existence. Alexandra has written other great books (which have helped me tremendously) on relationships, family, interior decorating, the lost art of letter writing, etc. Remember, it's all about what works for you. I'm currently collecting Alexandra's books and highly recommend them all. Alexandra, thank you very much. By sharing your passion, you give a wonderful gift. :)



3. As a former working mother (working outside the home, I mean), I am grateful for books like these. Having been raised by one of the first working mothers in the 1970s, I didn't learn all the skills of homecaring, or the little niceties that make like more enjoyable and beautiful for myself and my family. Like one of the guys, I was sent out into the world of business and expected to compete there. I did, but I was miserable and felt something was missing from life.

   A good friend gave me this book as a gift -- and what a perfect gift it was, at the time I most needed it. Yes, the ideas are simple, and perhaps, to some, this whole domestic goddess thing can be "syrupy" as one reviewer put it. So sue me -- but I love being at home, love rediscovering what it's like to live like a human being, not a "human doing", and to make my home a place of beauty. I love this book, and plan to give it to other women like myself, and I will be looking for more like it!




4. I first read this book in 1988, when I had been married only one year. The grace notes helped me realize that, even on a meager budget, I could love my surroundings. A friend and I went through the entire book and did every single thing we could afford to do - and it was a blast! I passed the book around to my mom, and sisters who each ended up with a "beautiful life" too. It's nearly twenty years later, and I still recommend this book to anyone who wants to add a little flair to every space in their life - even the inside of the fridge! I will have fun reading this to my daughters in the coming years. If I could, I'd thank Ms. Stoddard myself!



5. Alexandra Stoddard is a breath of fresh air for me. Any time I am feeling down or blue I pick up this book "Living a beautiful life", and I instantly smile. Everyone should have this book.

4 comments about Interpersonal Edge: Breakthrough Tools for Talking to Anyone, Anywhere, about Anything.

1. This book is a must read if you've ever had challenges communicating with anybody, anywhere, about anything (it lives up to its title and more). I was able to use the toolkits from the minute I finished the first chapter to influence my business partner, get my employees (and kids) to listen to me, and improve my relationship with my wife. It's funny, easy to read, and loaded with examples. One of the best books I've ever read!



2. I have thirty + years of supervising people, and thought I had my personnel management thing down pat. Dr. Skube's book provided me with a large number of new tools to use in my interaction with others. "Interpersonal Edge" is an insightful, valuable source text for both the new and the experienced individual when dealing with the human condition.



3. I am sales manager and have taken plenty of "people skills" classes yet I learned something new in every chapter. I especially liked the toolkits at the end of each chapter that gave me new behaviors and ideas I could try. I was also surprised to find that the tools work just as well on my husband and kids and my customers, boss and co-workers. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their effectiveness with people and their peace of mind in life!



4. My co-worker recommended this book to me and I just loved it!! I read it, shared it with my friends, they loved it - gifted it to my loved ones and they loved it too. Amazing book and extremely helpful toolkits. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It's one of my all-time favorites and I've read it twice and will read it third time! :)

3 comments about The Woman's Book of Spirit: Meditations for the Thirsty Soul.

1. The Woman's Book Of Spirit is a collection of serene meditations for women of all religious backgrounds. Each of the meditations are 1-2 pages in length, and all are designed to awaken the wisdom and knowledge within the reader. Divided into categories including: "Embracing Angels and Other Emissaries", "Creating Spiritual Touchstones", "Nourishing Our Souls", and much more, The Woman's Book Of Spirit offers refreshment for the drained, weary psyche, and demonstrates how to open oneself up to the breathtaking wonder of the divine. The spiritual suggestions for personal meditation can be contemplated one at a time over a series of days, or all at once. Highly recommended.



2. "Fundamentally, we are spiritual beings with soul as our essence, our most basic quality. We've forgotten. I continue to forget on a daily basis. Consequently, it seems to me that a huge spiritual lesson for most of us is to remember, to re-evolve into simplicity of spirit, and invite the natural, inherent essence of our Selves back to the fore of our lives, to `become like little children.' I believe women are being called to birth this all important spirit-memory." - From the book
   
   With books like The Woman's Book of Confidence, The Courage to Be Yourself, and The Woman's Book of Courage, psychotherapist Sue Patton Thoele has brought encouragement, inspiration, and rare spiritual wisdom to thousands of readers.
   
   Heeding the call to "pour water upon my women", Thoele has birthed yet another treasure in her book A Woman's Book of Spirit. Using anecdotes from her life, as well as those of her friends and clients, Thoele desires to help moisten and revitalize the hearts of women so they may reclaim the Sacred Feminine Voice within.
   
   Offering 128 meditations spanning ten themes, this book can be consulted for specific topical wisdom, as well as daily devotions or random oracular insight. The ten themes in A Woman's Book of Spirit are:
   
   * Re-Greening Arid Places
   * Embodying Heart Energy
   * Nourishing Our Souls
   * Intertwining Soul-Strands
   * Honoring Sacred Rights and Responsibilities
   * Creating Spiritual Touchstones
   * Awakening to Wisdom
   * Enrolling in Saint's School
   * Ascending to Gratitude
   * Embracing Angels and Other Emissaries
   
   Delving randomly yet deeply in this book, I've found relevant, profound messages from Spirit each and every time. I especially enjoyed Steering Clear of Black Holes (an essay on avoiding energetic vampires), Listening Deeply (about the sacred art of listening), and Soothing Our Hearts (showing how to cradle and comfort a hurting heart).
   
   A Woman's Book of Spirit is rich with sacred Feminine Wisdom, and this 279-page book certainly accomplishes the charge the Universe gave to Thoele to "pour water upon my women". Highly recommended!



3. I love this book. I keep it on my nightstand because it is a Source of such comfort and wisdom for me. It is like reaching for an old friend. One who always cherishes me and who will hunker down and settle in with me and allow whatever I am feeling to be okay. This book is a jewel in my treasure box.

3 comments about Visualize Confidence: How to Use Guided Imagery to Overcome Self-Doubt.

1. The author has done a tremendous job of taking something often considered an intangible and making it real. Beyond simply hoping for something good to happen in one's life, which many self-help books propogate, this title offers a practical guide for turning dreams and goals into realities. The opposite of victim mentality, the author clearly places responsibility for making good things happen in one's life in the hands of the reader. It's solid and practical life skills for creating a positive approach to overcoming obstacles we often place in our own path.



2. I've read a lot of self-help books over the years, and this is one of the best I've read. The author bases his work in solid psychological grounding and not mumbo-jumbo that wants you to belive you can create something out of mere wanting it. That has always seemed self-serving and indulgent to me. The book isn't focused on how to get a new car, lots of money, or the best date, but takes a simple and honest approach to the concept that the power of the creative imagination is a tool, a solid tool, to help empower the reader to take positive action in life. When you take action and align your vision with your desires you have a dynamic combination. But not a combination for "gimme, gimme, gimme." This is what makes the book so interesting to me; the author breaks down the steps to achieving confidence which in turn gives someone the belief that they can do what they want, and have the life they so desire. It takes a combination of right attitudes, the power of the mind and taking concrete action. A good book that I hope gets more attention.



3. Dr. Rockefeller has penned an important guide to attaining a greater sense of self-worth, which is helpful to people of all walks of life. This is a compelling, engaging read, sprinkled with intimate personal accounts, which bring home the message. I eagerly await more books by Dr. Rockefeller, with his own brand of highly trained thinking, merged with practicality and real-world approaches.

5 comments about Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life.

1. Calling's is very well researched with many inspirational stories and well grounded in mythical and religous thought. It feeds the mind and the spirit.



2. from the author of DREAMING YOUR REAL SELF: A PERSONAL APPROACH TO DREAM INTERPRETATION; and DREAM BACK YOUR LIFE: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DREAMS, DAYDREAMS, AND FANTASIES.

   Written in lyrical, poetic prose, Gregg Levoy's CALLINGS is a beautiful book that offers hope for all of us to realize our dreams. Like one of the reviewers below, I was charmed by so many sections that much of my hardcover copy is now highlighted in yellow.

   I especially liked: "...we often end up trading our authenticity for what we perceive as survival, terrified to swap security for our heart's deepest desires, which is the imperative of all callings and none of the dominant fears in responding to them." and "The great breakthroughs in our lives generally happen only as a result of the accumulation of small steps and minor achievements." (And these two quotes are in the first five pages!) This book is truly a gift to readers everywhere.




3. Mr. Levoy's book is a work of art. His writing is sheer poetry and his command of language outstanding. The substance of the book itself, was to me a practical guideline of how to live one's life to the fullest, after being absolutely sure that the chosen path is the most beneficial, all things considered. There are times when I wished I had read this book before I followed what I was sure at the time was my calling. However I console myself with the thought that when the student is ready, the teacher appears.



4. This is a well written and informative book. It is not a how to do it book that gives you specifics to find your calling. It makes a important point that calling is not just about work but life. The author has some wonderful metaphores and anecdotes. I enjoyed it but was looking for something more direct.



5. Hearing a call is a very difficult discernment process. Sometimes the call is clear, but the path is not. Sometimes the path is clear, but the desire is not. Gregg Levoy has done an exceptional job at being an in-print spiritual director for those seeking an entrance into the process of finding a true calling and a more authentic life.

   I recently met Levoy, and heard him speak on the topic of vocation and discerning a calling at the college adjoining my seminary. His manner of public speaking is very much in concert with his style of writing -- vibrant, interesting, engaging, and honest.

   What is right for me? and Where am I willing to be led? are the two essential questions -- Discernment requires that we ask these two questions continually and devotedly.

   As Levoy says, 'people won't pursue their callings until the fear of doing so is finally exceeded by the pain of not doing so.' I have found this to be very true. It took a very long time to discern my call to the priesthood, and yet more time to decide that it is something I must do at all costs (and the costs have been heavy). Yet, I cannot imagine myself doing anything differently and being in any way fulfilled.

   'The truest calls seem not only to keep coming back but also to make their way to us through many channels.'

   Levoy integrates so much material here, from spiritual masters and the scriptural traditions of many religious faiths to modern psychology and artistic/cultural experts.

   Perhaps the greatest chapter for me was that on 'Finding Clarity', in which Levoy says that 'there is such a thing as thinking too much about a calling.' As Emerson said, sometimes it is best to let the bird sing without trying to decipher the song. 'A calling is ultimately mysterious, and the process of discernment is always a bit of a guessing game.'

   Levoy's guidance, in cooperation with others in my community, helped me to see a change of mindset, a change of events, a change of personalities were all converging to tell me something that I had closed my mind to, or, more accurately, had closed my heart to. So, I began to pray, even if only subconsciously, and the path began to materialise before my eyes. 'When I pray, coincidences start to happen. When I don't pray, they don't happen.' - William Temple

   It also taught me that I couldn't wait for 'someday' -- how we spend our days is how we spend our lives, according to the apt observation of Annie Dillard.

   And finally, it made me face what it was to keep saying no. There is a cost, and eventually God will get you anyway -- Jonah (remember Jonah and the great fish?) said no, but eventually had follow his call anyway. I learned that one source of my fear: 'One of the frightening prospects of saying yes to a calling is that you may find out who really supports you and who doesn't.'

   Figuring out how to bring my call into being was the final task, and Levoy provided wisdom here as well. 'You cannot cross a chasm in two small jumps', he quoted Lloyd-George as saying; I was forced to create a response to my call, one that did not exist before.

   Thus, not too long after discovering this book, I became Father Kurt, and I owe much to this book for that. But please, don't assume that it will tempt or trap you into a ministerial role--it is an excellent guide for discernment, and discernment is one of the most personal tasks for any human being. Prepare to be enlightened.

3 comments about Unconditional Self Acceptance.

1. I am definitely a fan of Cheri Huber's approach to working with people and her emphasis on simplicity and practicality. She also has faith in the goodness of people and helps them to bring this forward in a loving manner.
   
   In this series, she invites the listener on an experiential journey into their own mind and heart. Through various guided meditations, exercises and reflections she helps the listener to get in touch with their deepest self and get a better understanding of their conditioned responses while learning self compassion.
   
   Krishnamurti once said, "Seeing the truth deeply is what liberates, not your struggle to be free." Cheri Huber would most likely agree with this, but would add that in order to see deeply one must also have the self compassion to bear that vision. This is what this course teaches along with the cognitive skills to deal with dysfunctional beliefs and behaviors.
   
   I have met Cheri Huber in person and saw her speak. She is an inspirational, sincere and innovative guide for those who are looking to help themselves. As a coach, I often recommend her books including this series to my clients.



2. "Life is as good as the relationship with yourself." ~Cheri Huber
   
   Cheri Huber's soft warm voice leads you through a number of visualizations which are enlightening in their ability to uncover the real issues hiding beneath memory and past conflicts. I'm not completely sure this will leave you unchanged because I think it will leave you refreshed and more aware of what you have been harboring inside you all these years. Issues surfaced from the depths of my memory and suddenly I figured out many of the issues I had yet to address that may have been holding me back from fully coming to terms with my own view of myself.
   
   Some of the highlights of the program include:
   
   Guided imagery to explore your emotions
   Your childhood conditioning
   The socialization process
   Conditioned beliefs
   Conscious compassionate awareness
   Awareness Practice
   Present moment awareness
   Guided Meditation
   Reflective listening
   Discovering your mentor
   Identifying patterns of behavior
   
   As you can see, this CD set covers a wide variety of topics essential to becoming more aware of who your are at the heart of your being. As you learn to identify areas of your own personality, you want to accept some items more fully. You may also decide to let some things go as you forgive, understand or see past occurrences with a new sense of awareness.
   
   What lies do you tell yourself?
   How can you quiet the critic, victim and tyrant inside you?
   Can you get addicted to negative emotions?
   Do some people prefer to be angry or sad?
   
   Do you want to regain that boundless delight you felt as a child? Do you feel stressed out and need a relaxing retreat? Cheri Huber offers over six hours of care and comfort for your soul. You can relax into the CD set for an entire day, two days or even absorb the teachings over a week. Unconditional Self-Acceptance is like a Zen retreat for your soul. You will leave this retreat refreshed, renewed and ready to embrace your life and accept who you are in a new and enlightened way.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



3. I have been revisiting my childhood and its many painful memories. Cheri's material comes at a most appropriate time. I would suggest using it with a mental health professional and some close friends. Put them on a call list. "Dredging up the past" can be both painful and severely depressing. These CDs are that powerful. Cheri suggests returning to her CDs again and again. I agree. Read the forward to one of her books: she speaks from personal experience. Don't know where she gained her knowledge of psychology, but she is "right-on" in her observations and conclusions. This material will transform your anger and depression if allowed. Her approach is non-sectarian.

5 comments about Opening Our Hearts to Men.

1. This is the first self-help book about relationships that actually looks at the relationship between men and women in a POSITIVE light. Instead of taking an antagonistic view of male/female relationships and bashing the opposite sex, Susan Jeffers suggests that each of us (women and men) look within and make changes while trying to create the right relationship. She helps women see that men are more like women than not--and that we all really need the same things from a relationshp. She also encourages women to assess their current relationships and to understand what they are and are not getting from them. I met the man of my dreams while reading this book because I had my defenses down and MY HEART OPEN. I just bought two more copies for my friends. Read this book with an open mind, an open heart and a pencil. You won't be disappointed.



2. Without the male-bashing you so often get in the media. It can be just as helpful for men to read as it is for the women. Her advice is based on universal principles. I appreciate her honesty and her cheerful attitude.

   If you want to be angry or criticize, go find another book. If you want to heal, this book is a good place to start.
   --George Stancliffe




3. She makes so much sense and she lays out simple facts of how as women we have defeated ourselves in finding the relationship we really want instead of repeating our failures over and over. I also found that the principles in this book helped me in all of my relationships.



4. We all have points in our life where we read something that touches us to our core and changes our life. For me, this book was one of those life-changing books. It allowed me to look at men through a different lens, and look beyond my negative experiences and viewpoints. In doing so I met and married my husband. He has been my gift for the past 15 years, and I found him after reading Susan Jeffer's words. You can't go wrong with this book.



5. Ms Jeffers' book is, I believe, outdated. It's very entrenched in the "overcoming ill effects and mindsets of women being held back by men for so many years" kind of thinking. In honesty, I didn't finish the book because I became bored and couldn't relate to most of what she was saying, since I'm not "that kind of feminist". It didn't speak to me, but maybe there are women out there it would speak to, since we don't all come from the same perspective, so I gave it 3 stars instead of 2. I have appreciated some of Ms Jeffers other books much more, i.e. "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway".

5 comments about The Modern Lover: A Playbook for Suitors, Spouses & Ringless Carousers.

1. Diggler that is. Before reading this gem, I was playing with Ewok dolls on my Mom's living room carpet. A few words of wisdom from Mollod and Tesauro, and I've dropped the drip and gained me some hip. I champagne-sabered my way to hipsville, daddy-o, and there's no turning back. New Dad? This is the bible. Ringless carouser? You're right at home. Hipster with a bent for Bordeaux? Hop in the tub, the water's fine. Pricele$$!



2. Face it honeys, this is no Jaws 2. Oh sure, you can't throw a baklava in Boston and miss someone who loved that stinker, but I'm here to tell you that THIS particular Part II is the tops. That's right: just when you thought it was safe again to be a boorish lout, drink PBR straight from the can and finally frame your Looney Toons artwork, think again. These guys'll put you right in no time, quaffing Opus One and wooing stewardesses like you were Wilt Chamberlain. Can't get on the mailing list for young and lusty grads of the Ivies? This is a close second. So drop the attitide, drop the 10 bucks, and open the door to a brand new you. Thank you, Messers Mollod and Tesauro, you rhubarb rubbers you.



3. 'The Modern Lover' acts as the psychologically astute younger brother to its care-free inlaw 'The Modern Gentleman'. Where 'The Modern Gentleman' touches on certain subjects and provides an extremely insightful and inspiring view of the social game, 'The Modern Lover' will dive deeper into the more delicious and kinky topics of saucy romance, provocative friendship, and cheeky chocolatiers. Like 'The Modern Gentleman,' it provides a play-by-play without out a single mutter of the words "You Should..." or "Don't Do..." It's a mature, yet playful etiquette book for those ready to drop the hammer and iron chisel for sculpting their social views and pick up the detail pick, ready to face the 'Refining' task with strong and confident strikes. My only regret is that the 5 star book rating system doesn't reach into the triple digits.
   Because of Jason Tesauro and Phineas Mollod, I have gone from lazily and royally sending my relationships into oblivion to vibrantly balancing three, completely open, relationships at once and with wiggle room to spare. BUY THIS BOOK and BUY 'The Modern Gentleman,' I promise, the rebar reinforcement that your confidence receives will be priceless.



4. Mollod and Tesauro have done it again; a sharp, witty look at what gents 'should' and 'should not' be doing in searching, meeting, wooing, and keeping. About 1/2 of the sentences in this cook are similes, another 1/4 are metaphors. Here and there exist a few *truly* clever, witty gems. (If the "witty banter" in shows like "The Gilmore Girls" drives you nuts, this is NOT a book you'll enjoy.) A number of topics are explored, some of them more mundane than others. Overall, most of Mollod and Tesauro's advice is sage; guidance for making informed choices, and answers to minor-detail questions abound.
   
   Recipes for adult beverages are peppered throughout the pages, often named or themed alongside the topic at hand-- however they contain no measurements, so proportions for making these drinks may require a certain amount of speculation or experimentation.
   
   A fun read for both men and women.



5. As an androphile, reading a book written ostensibly by and for heterophile readers, I found much to like in this pleasant, entertaining, useful, and prudent book. Androphiles capable of substituting pronouns and "like-for-like" will share my pleasures. Most of us have been, done, and repeated many of the "hedonic" and pleasureless aims of the "pleasure principle," without any pleasure. Is it possible we missed something?
   
   Well, the authors seem to have gone through the same process we all seem to undergo. And, in this charming little book, they espouse something as strange and foreign as emotionally-involved romanticism. Wow. Seems almost antediluvian. Romance? Emotions? Pleasures? Discretion? Discrimination? Tastes? Sensual sexuality? Not for the feint of heart, or the online "hook-up" generation -- except as a way out of the hedonic treadmill.
   
   The humor, lightness, and yet serious themes are excellently conjoined to make this little book of Don Juan's stories seem only too common, yet with opportunities the "commercial" interests may have omitted. Imagine? A modern, romantic lover who wants more than anonymous serial dalliances (and that too)? To think we have those choices? If for no other reason, to see the expanded choices available makes this light-hearted fare a charming, pleasant, and enjoyable read.

5 comments about The Delany Sisters' Book of Everyday Wisdom.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The title is very fitting for this little book of wisdom. These ladies are living a full life and have alot of experiences to share that are common to all peoples of all walks of life. I continually found myself reading this book out loud to whoever was around. It is funny, contemplative, and inspiring. It's one you'll want to share with friends and family.



2. There's nothing quite like wisdom from someone who's older and has gone through a lot. Readers will delight in the nuggets here, as well as the humor that goes along with them.



3. I came across this book at a library book sale. It really wasn't anything I would normally read but the price was right and I was so pleasantly suprised at the book. I've recommented it to family, friends and my grown kids. I'm now checking out other books written about them.



4. What an experience reading about these two delightful sisters who were winners in every area of life...Back when Black people weren't accepted by most white people the one sister became a dentist of all things...Here she was Negro, a woman on top of it and going against all odds she didn't let that stop her! During the depression years they made candy and sold it at dept. stores. and survived without any kind of welfare. Never had a phone in their house. "if people wanted to talk with us they could come see us" was their motto..
   
   The time they moved the refrigerator downstairs from an upper floor because the man they had hired kept putting them off day after day....and they were near 100 yrs old! Forget the exact age but they never let anything stop them if they needed to do it.
   
   They did their yoga exercises and shows pictures of them. Also some simple recipes they used over the years. They never bought detergent or dishwashing liquid...made their own and the recipe is included. They even include a recipe for Rose Wine and their hot yeast rolls. The candy recipe is included also.
   
   This book is my all-time favorite and I have ended up buying it 3 times since I am in the health care business and work with seniors and try to encourage and give them the joy and hope of this wonderful book.
   
   The Delaney sisters' Book of Everyday Wisdom
   
   Lovelaffs



5. Delightful and insightful! I discovered these two women when I read The Delaney Sisters Having Our Say and could not wait to buy their other books!