5 comments about The Aladdin Factor.

1. Far too many people wander through life unfulfilled because they lack the skill set needed to experience life to its most bountiful. That's in part due to a fear of asking for that which brings us what we need, want or desire.
   
   People are afraid. Afraid of rejection, afraid of looking foolish, and a whole host of other things. Be afraid no longer. The Aladdin Factor will teach you how to ask without fear.
   
   Canfield's book taught me how to ask in a powerful, confident way that would guarantee my success. Simple phrasing combined with subtle reflection made for a life transforming read.
   
   At Pug Headquarters, it's a must read.
   
   Diana Taylor
   Top Dog
   Pug At The Beach
   
   Sometimes all you need in life is the wisdom of a good dog.TM
   
   Pug at the Beach: An Island Dog's Reflections on Life



2. Many years ago I read a book that changed my life. The beauty about books is they are truly timeless. Recently I revisited this book because the continued buzz about "The Secret" made me think of it.
   
   The Aladdin Factor is a simple fast-track to getting what you want. Originally released in 1995 (around the time Chicken Soup for The Soul series was really taking off), this book changed the way I approached business and personal interactions.
   
   I believe that one of the greatest lessons you will ever learn is included in this book. The art of asking for what you really want.
   
   Canfield and Hansen explore five barriers to asking for what we want:
   
   (1) The first is ignorance. Often, we simply don't know what to ask for. This occurs for many reasons including lack of exposure, not knowing the resources available and not fully understanding our personal desires and yearnings.
   
   2) Second, limiting and inaccurate beliefs keep us stuck in what we know to be true from past experiences. This includes programming from parents, teachers, churches, peers and the media.
   
   3) Fear is the third barrier (and one I believe we can all relate to). It is fear, usually based on past disappointments and experiences, that hold many of us back from asking for what we truly desire. The fear of rejection is particularly debilitating. Fear of looking silly, being humiliated, feeling powerless, punishment, obligation and abandonment are all key players in keeping us stuck.
   
   4) Fourth is low self-esteem. Often we can feel unworthy of love, happiness and our true desires. This is because of inferiority complexes and false beliefs that our needs and wants are worthy of pursuit.
   
   5) Pride is the final barrier and, according to the authors, is especially difficult for men. Although I see this trait in many of my women friends. We tend to remain guarded and not admit that we need help and support. Asking for this sometimes makes us feel inadequate.
   
   The key to getting what you want is simple. Recognize and correct the barriers that apply to you. Become comfortable with who you are and what you really want and need (this may take some time).
   
   Finally, ask for what you want in a way that is mutually beneficial for all involved. The key point I took away from this book (and continue to hold near and dear) is having the courage to simply ask.
   
   Look at it this way. If you really, truly want something, the only way to get it is to take actionable steps, including asking. If you ask for something you want the worse thing that can happen is someone saying "no". Although this may seem devastating, in reality, you are left with nothing less than before you asked. And, if the answer happens to be yes, you have moved so much closer to your end goal.
   
   So, go ahead, ask for what you want. The results may surprise you.



3. Good read and a lot of wonderful stories and helpful hints to boot. Worth the purchase. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to find their way to see all their dreams and desires come true.



4. The Aladdin Factor is a must have for anyone who has been unable to attain everything in which they desire. The book is analogous with the journey of Aladdin, his encounter with the genie and how Aladdin discovers what he really wants out of life. Jack Canfield does a great job of using real life cases to exemplify the Aladdin Factor. If you don't already know what is, you are missing out.



5. The authors are very specific in their advice on getting what you want in life, and their wisdom truly works. I have found that out by experience in using it to advance in my career. This is one of those books you can have complete confidence in: Not a bit of it is commercial psycho babble---this stuff is practical "take it to the bank" mentoring. One of the other customer reviewers called this a must-have book, and he is right. Don't miss out on this piece of gold.

5 comments about Palm Reading for Beginners: Find Your Future in the Palm of Your Hand (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)).

1. Unlike tarot, palms are hard to lose, for you have to literally be mutilated for this divination not to work. Unfortunately, palms are much harder to read than tarot cards, for the sheer number of lines and wrinkles in a person's hand. This book therefore, is a valuable ally in one's search for the truth.



2. Im just another guy who bought this for the game. I use these techniques not only to impress but to weed out the ones that arent worth getting in your life. This book explains all you need to know in juvenile, easy to understand, terms. Trust me, whether you follow DeAngelo, Mystery, Gunwitch, or even Jeffries, you'll appreciate what you will learn in this book and the more you practice(sarge), the more proficient you'll become. Im almost at the glance level. Now if only I can find a book on cold reading, the two together work wonders (saw the proof in my regular wing).



3. This book has been very helpful. It is easy to read & understand. I have truelly enjoyed this book & recommend it to others wanting to learn the basics of palm reading.



4. Some good explanations, but I'm not too convinced about the theories. There are too many gray areas and not enough explanations of subtle variations. But I guess it's just for beginners.



5. I bought this book for my 16 year old daughter. She flew through the entire book, and found it very interesting and helpful. It was easy for her to understand and it had clear hand illustrations which helped make the meanings clear.

5 comments about Overcoming Fears.

1. she is an angel on earth her books fill my shelves this cd will make you see life from a different light, it will show you the light within she makes you feel calm just listening to her voice, the affimations, truely work helps you feel better about your life,
   a book the calling of your true self also made me look at life in a new way both uplifting and inspiring helps you understand what we can change with our thoughts by sending them out



2. What ever you do don't listen to this while you drive! It will put you right to sleep. It did not speak to me at all. This was not useful. I prefered the what the bleep do we know.



3. I found this to be somewhat of a duplicate of some of her other works.



4. Thank you for sending the CD so promptly. I really appreciate the price.
   Sincerely,
   
   Lynn



5. I listen to this CD at least once a week, especially when old issues come up. It's always astounding to me how the media and even friends and family can perpetuate the Fear Factor, but like Louise would probably say, When an issue arises, it's there to be released. Thought is power and we can create a safe place in the world by changing our thoughts (which then change our actions). We can create our world. We are safe, secure and protected by love at all times. Blessed be!

5 comments about Fabulosity: What It Is & How to Get It.

1. Since watching her show, 'Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane" on the Style Network, I've become an avid fan of the self-styled, self-proclaimed diva. In the spirit of all things fabulous, I decided to purchase the book thinking it would be as fun and as over-the-top as its spirited author. I was not disappointed. With that said, the book, which the author hopes will serve as a self-help manual-- one that gets you in touch with your inner diva (Be yourself but be a slave to fashion as well.) -- is far too self serving for Simmons, an owner of a clothing/style empire. The message is possibly damaging to her young urban audience who need more lessons on the important of education and the delay of gratification than what shoes go with what purse.



2. Well, first off, I had always been captivated by Kimora, and figured if anyone knows about being fabulous and could teach us a thing or two, it would be her. But after a couple chapters into the book, I felt that this was more about her out to clearly promote a certain image of herself, one apart from Russell, that she wants us all to have for some reason.... (grooming us for the ensuing divorce from him?).
   She carefully monitored her words through this,& repeatedly pounded an image she wanted to project of having "already made it big" in her teenage years WAAAY before her marriage to Russell Simmons. Oddly, the only reference of a modeling year that she refers to several times in the book was ..."when she was 13" . She made sure to try and appear to keep it real by injecting some experiences of human vulnerablity, and gave a few small glimpses (detailed descriptions) of her monied world, but spent much time referring back and repeating about this "great and extensive European $50k-a week modeling career" she supposedly had through high school, and how she learned to: live on her own in France, smartly taking control of her finances, conduct herself in business, and handle life's lessons...all at the age of 13! Hardly believable. Then looking at the provided photos in the book, I found it very curious that there was only 1 of her (pre-Russell Simmons) modeling years, a United Colors of Benneton ad, where she looks like an average pug-nosed teenager. So I Googled about 50 pages of Images for her and still found NOTHING of any modeling photos of her in that decade before marrying him. It seemed clear that her real objective for writing the book was to convince everyone that she had "made it" way before Russell Simmons came into her life, which I dont think anyone really cares (nor believes). I'm sure she was beautiful and fabby when they met, and Russell married her and elevated her into his monied life...so what?
   Now, I am interested and intrigued in the opulence of the rich & famous like anyone else, and I love to hear the anecdotes of the successsful, but Kimora just doesnt appear to really have any real depth from life's lessons to offer us, in that she went from being basically a teenager to marrying Russell. Its easier to be beautiful and fabby with lots of money, and obviously any of her hardships were always easily overcome with their money. She didnt present anything that showed real blood sweat and tears about her life, or any profundity. I would have rather have just read the truth from her and been intrigued by the power of money to solve problems, and the fun it can bring to a girl's life. Russell would probably have given us something with much more redeeming value if HE wrote the book!
   With the Baby Phat business, I'm sure she certainly must have gone through the guts of up-starting a business, but once again, the obstacles hurdled and the resolutions implemented took money to get through, (which she had, and which she did successfully), and so nothing inspiring there. Basically after reading completely through the book, I got the impression that she was still rather immature and a still-self absorbed game playing girly-girl for one now in her mid 30's. There ARE some good, inspiring quotes that she includes from other celebrities, like: "The thing women have yet to learn is no one gives you power, you just take it"(Roseanne Barr). These made me want to read books by THOSE people. Overall, I came away feeling that Kimora is highly calculative and probably thinks most of her readers were pretty easy to manipulate. There was some amusing things in there, but she doesnt really give of herself genuinely. If anyone, I think this book is best suited for early 20-somethings, who want to learn how to present a certain image, and possibly maximize their potential opportunities in the business world, or if you just want to become more intrigued by Kimora's self-promotion. Not really for a more matured (not talking 'old' here)audience that is already comfortable in their own skin, but are just looking for some profundity and inspiration for an elevated "image makeover" out of the soccer-mom lifestyle.



3. This book definitely reminds us of some good advices we typically tend to forget. It can in fact help you gain some confidence. It's also pleasant and easy to read.
   Nevertheless, I think that it would have been much nicer in a more concise form as, right now, it's really a "girly girly" book, which rather promotes its author, more than anything else.



4. Not much to say, but "fabulosity" is what it is! Kimora, thank you for contributing to society in many positive ways! Readers: Buy it and review it for yourself.



5. I sincerely enjoyed this book! I've read many books on the subject of how to build brands and businesses, but Kimora gave me exactly what I was looking for! She gave details on what it takes to brand a SUCCESSFUL company and I'm clear that successful branding starts with myself.
   
   If you're in the entertainment industry, this book is a must read for women who need that extra FLARE!
   
   Great novel Kimora! You're my new mentor!
   
   thecartelpublications.com

5 comments about Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am? Insights into Personal Growth.

1. Father Powell's book has become a classic, and rightly so. It cogently states the reasons for truthtelling, as a means of increasing intimacy, if that is one's desire in a relationship. I read it twice, and gave it to my partner, who read it once, and then asked "Why did you give that book to me? There must be a reason." Of course there was, and it had its desired effect of opening up a discussion of previously avoided topics, which increased my understanding in several ways, and about more than just our relationship, but also my previous unsuccessful relationship.
   The principal caveat about this book is its dated nature. Since it was written in 1969, it addresses "talking therapy" and mentions nothing about cognitive behavior therapy, which has proven efficacy, but did not become popularized until well after the book was written. Some things are too painful to talk about, war experiences being one common example, so his approach sometimes fails.
   Overall, I would still highly recommend this book, but wish it could be updated.



2. A settlement has been reached in connection this Roman Catholic priest accused of sexual abuse. At least six adults claimed father John Powell abused them in the late 60's and 70's. No criminal charges were filed against Powell but the priest has admitted to the abuse.



3. John Powell writes in such a way that he is easy to understand. What he writes makes sense. He uses examples and research to back up his points. I would suggest this to wanting to become more self aware.



4. I first read this book in 1972. It answered so many questions regarding my feelings, interations with others, and my view of life in general. I recently purchased another copy and the message holds true today as it did over 35 years ago. This is a timeless book.



5. It is rare that I will seek out a book that I have owned and read after more than 30 years. I, however, lost my original copy and wanted to keep my "John Powell" collection in tact...that and it is a book that I think should be required reading for all 1st year counseling or social work students. It is truly a gift and a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a more mature & rewarding life.

5 comments about Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design.

1. 
   Reviewed by Anne Boling for ReviewYourBook.com, 5/08
   Who are you? What is your style? What two words best describe the authentic you? I guess I am nobody, because I never did find my style. Style Statement has a lot of potential, but it fell short of reaching it. The layout is confusing. I suppose my style is redneck and country. Carrie McCathry and Danielle LaPorte speak with great authority. I have no doubt that they know their topic well. Their book has a sophisticated aurora to it.



2. OUTSTANDING! This book is a clearly written and informative instuction tool through which you uncover your authentic self, for and to yourself. As a Certified Image Consultant, I found the material to be beautifully presented in a user friendly way. The value found through these discoveries will change your life. Bravo, Carrie and Danielle! This is a truly moving and emotionally gratifying book.
   I anxiously await your sequel.



3. This is an interesting book and has some good tools for helping determine your style and design interests.



4. Lovely to look at and interesting section related to discovering one's own style statement. However, not overly interested in the lengthy style statements of the authors' chosen subjects.



5. Although I'm not yet done reading and working through the exercises, I am thoroughly enjoying the inquiry process and learning things about me I wasn't aware of. The colorful format and beautiful layout is exciting and inspiring. The book begs to be a book club book for women, or done with a group of friends. I'm having a blast and I look forward to sharing it with friends.

5 comments about Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You.

1. I love this book! Simon Doonan captivated me with his witty, sly and pithy writing style. I didn't want to put it down! The way in which Simon distills fashion into three styles - Gypsies, Existentialists and Socialites is fascinating. I'm now seeing examples of those distinct looks in ads and fashion magazine layouts. Few and far between are people who love fashion and aren't afraid to express their individuality and really "dress up". What we now take for eccentricity in dress would have hardly seemed out of the ordinary in the 60's and 70's. I believe the poor grooming habits and lack of style in the majority of Americans is the result of the jeans and tee shirt culture we're living in now. As music has become dumbed down so has fashion. People have lost their sense of fun and creativity in getting dressed - they have a fear of standing out from the crowd. Here in San Diego where I live I'm always non-plused at how sloppy and down right dull folks like to look! It isn't uncommon to go to some ones home for a beautiful sit down dinner and find your dinner partner in jeans and a plaid shirt!! I'm talking about VIP's in the county! "Eccentric Glamour" in a way fulfills my longing for real style. For me the book gets 5 stars.



2. Thought this book would be fun as well as helpful. Had a hard time getting through even the first few chapters. Nothing really helpful here if you are truly trying to find out what clothes suit you best, general fashion rules and tips, or how to create your own sense of style (that is not over the top). I should have trusted the poor reviews I read.
   I'm giving this one to my sister, who considers herself a fashionista and may enjoy the author's style.



3. I have loved Simon since the first time I saw him on those VH1 "I love the..." series. He is extremely witty, wry, and hilarious. True, not everyone will "get" his sense of humor and sarcasm, but for those who do, this book is a great read. No, it's not Hemmingway, but for those of who enjoy some "mind candy" to read over summer vacation, this is the book for you.



4. I don't know if you'll take the advice in this book, but you should read it. How can you not read a book buy a gay British guy who both impersonates Queen Elizabeth and quotes Flava Flav?
   
   Okay, some of the advice you shouldn't take. Ignore the permission to wear "a gold leotard with your lesbian aunt Sylvia's mauve nylon fanny pack." Unless you live in NYC, people will talk about you and not in a good way. At least they will if you live in Southwest Michigan.
   
   Still, Doonan is hilarious. I laughed out loud several times and that's not normally true of fashion books. Okay, not true of any books, but most fashion books take themselves so seriously.
   
   Interspersed with stories and interviews with Glamorous Eccentrics is bits of advice, some of which I might actually take. For example: I collect handbags, totebags, etc as I'm always in search of the perfect bag. Doonan thinks that a woman - at least a Glamour Eccentric, one of which I think I am not, should only have one great bag that she takes everywhere. He encourages a person to buy the Hermes Birkin bag they are coveting. That is advice I might take! Of course, chances are good I'll buy a knock off first and see if I really like that style, etc before I save up TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS to buy one of the damned things. Still, I covet that bag.
   
   Doonan is kind to his reader. He reminds the reader that you are a work in progress and to be patient with oneself.
   
   An example of the things that made me laugh:
   These are some of the things that made me laugh: (they are all direct quotes from the book.)
   
   * I am pro-pot dealer: the arrival of a mysterious and attractive criminal adds a memorable frisson of excitement to any occasion.
   
   Doonan dispenses relationship advice that will either work or get you divorced more quickly. There are bits of wisdom that would be helpful to all of us, regardless of whether we are glamorous or eccentric. Sadly, I suspect I'm neither. For example, "alluring" is not cheap & tawdry. To paraphrase Doonan, it's timeless, it's beautiful and sensual. Alluring is "irresistible charm, which ever fails to mesmerize the viewer, regardless of gender."
   
   I can't decide if this is a "fashion book" or a "self-help book" but it's definitely an entertaining book and I highly recommend it.



5. I am a bit of a fashion and style guide junkie. OK. More than a bit. I have read them all, looking for that perfect explanation of what to buy to be impeccably in style. And Simon Doonan has solved my problem. Buy what I want- as long as it is unexpected and makes me happy. Or buy nothing and make my clothes from poodle fur. A "to thine own self be true" for the style challenged! Not only did the book make me laugh, it made me look at my safe wardrobe choices and want to throw them out the window and dress only in gold lame'. I hope Mr. Doonan is pleased with himself.

5 comments about Conversationally Speaking : Tested New Ways to Increase Your Personal and Social Effectiveness.

1. This is a great book. I bought this book because I attend many work functions during the year and I find it hard to keep conversations going after the initial introduction. This book made it easier for me. I love that the book is thin and the advice is succinct. I was able to use his techniques at a black tie gala right after reading only half of the book. Even though it's a thin book, the author asks you to read one section and then go out and apply it before reading the next section. It really works. It's easier for me to start conversations now and to steer conversations to new topics when I feel like a topic is drying out. Very useful.



2. Good info. You can use it like a workbook. It discusses things such as how people see you and how to sharpen your social skills. It analyzes examples of people's social interactions and shows you how to do better. It even teaches you how to converse with others who may not be very skilled conversationalists.
   
   After reading the book I was able to recognize improvements I needed to make and I felt I had the necessary information to make those improvements.



3. This book is full of easy-to-digest and act-upon suggestions for improving your conversations and putting yourself and others at ease. I wouldn't describe myself as shy, but I often have awkward moments where I run out of things to say. This book helped me realize that I ask a lot of close-ended questions, and I've noticed a positive difference now that I ask more "why" and "how" questions. I also found chapter ten (requesting change) to be particularly useful. If you are very shy or have trouble being assertive, you may find chapters 12 and 13 (reducing your anxiety in social situations and organizing your efforts) especially helpful. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book.



4. This book is fantastic for adding to your ability to start up conversations or help one continue when the conversation kind of dies off. Many many good suggestions on how to avoid one word answers and boring conversation.
   
   Highly recommend.



5. You know, when I first found out about this book it was at a Barnes & Nobles. I just randomly pickup this book and start reading because I feel like connection with other people via conversation area of life can always be improved for everyone.
   
   For some reason, once I started reading this book, I was hooked. Most book I flip through once but this book made me keep going back and finish reading it.
   
   After I finished it I shall move on to another book, right? NO, this book actually has some much content and actual examples of conversations and I MUST BUY IT. It is one of the MUST BUY book on your bookshelf if you want to learn about the art and science of having conversations with others.
   
   There is another book I DO NOT recommend is How To Start A Conversation And Make Friends by Don Gabor because it only tells you WHAT TO DO and never mention the HOW TO DO IT part.
   
   Conversationally Speaking give you a little WHAT TO DO part and massive amount of HOW TO DO IT part to back it up.
   
   Want to get all your money worth and more, GET THIS BOOK ~ ~ ~
   
   P.S. By the way, this book is my initiation into the self help/self improvement journey. Thanks to the book and thanks to its author.

5 comments about Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay: And Other Things I Had to Learn as a New Mom.

1. I was looking forward to reading this book, but after reading a few pages of gratuitous cursing, I closed the book. I admit that Wilder-Taylor is funny, but I personally got distracted by the foul language.



2. I see responses from parents complaining about the use of language in Wilder-Taylor's book(s). The truth is, if you're a parent who doesn't swear in real life you may also want to shy away from a book about the realism of kids (and by proxy, things that might eventually make you swear). Hint: if you are into attachment parenting, holistic birthing, and keeping things au naturale, you will most likely read this book with a grain of salt. Does that mean you'll hate it? Maybe, maybe not. But even though I gave birth naturally I embraced this book with open arms and laughed my arse off.



3. I read this when I was pregnant. It makes you laught out loud...and it's the perfect book if you aren't one of those "What to Expect When You're Expecting" moms...



4. Stefanie Wilder-Taylor's book "Sippy Cups are Not for Chardonnay" is a refreshing find in the world of baby texts and parenting narrative. Straightforward, modern, and completely human, Wilder-Taylor's take on motherhood is a great find for first-time-moms and veterans alike. You won't agree with everything she has to say, but the beauty of the narrative is that you don't have to - one woman offers her experience as a new mother, and shows that not everything has to be "by the book."



5. This book takes all the normal cliches and overplays the jokes - it's dumbed down "entertainment" that's not all that entertaining.

5 comments about Living Fully with Shyness and Social Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide to Gaining Social Confidence.

1. The author clearly explains how shyness is a normal human emotion which sometimes becomes excessive in ways that block the fulfillment of personal goals. This book provides significant insights into how and why contemporary North American culture can be a particularly difficult social environment for shy people. Erika Hilliard advocates an approach through which a person can accept what is positive about being shy while at the same time learning how to work through excessive shyness, one step at a time. Her many years of experience as a leader of groups for shy people shine through in her rich examples and warm tone that help the shy reader feel not only informed but also truly understood. Her concluding chapter is an outstanding guide to how a shy person can use this book as a resource for renewing and maintaining motivation in spite of setbacks that might be encountered.



2. The book begins with the usual discussion about the symptoms of social anxiety. But then the author goes into presenting some ideas that are novel to the broader discussion of social anxiety. An example of this is how anxiety is a process rather than a fixed thing. Yes, this is a simple idea and yet it provides a new perspective on social anxiety that makes the condition less monolithic and more changeable.
   
   The author also presents a must-read section that ties in information that has come out of recent scientific research about how the brain works.
   
   The author's insights and information are easier to hear and therefore easier to apply in our own lives thanks to her easy and fresh writing style. She writes with a natural feel that is strikingly authentic in the face of the more dry, scholarly writing of other social anxiety books.
   
   The second half of the book then offers solutions in the form of goal-setting, visualization, therapy options and skill-building. Her emphasis on action takes more of a coaching approach than the traditional therapy models and this keeps us from just dreaming about what we want and actually forces us to move forward.



3. This book contains all you ever wanted to know about social anxiety, and is sure to help you understand the condition. However, I would have preferred more focus on solutions rather than so much reaching (about 300 pages). I might suggest starting with a shorter book or course (I used the program at mc2method.com which was great), and then reinforce your efforts by following up with this book. Good luck!



4. If you are going to buy only one book on social anxiety, this is it. This book that not only compassionately presents various perspectives on social anxiety, but it also offers a vast array of solutions. These solutions are divided into easy to follow areas of mind, body and action. Once you've figured out how social anxiety affects you most, you can choose exactly which solutions suit you best. For extra guidance, there's an excellent appendix item full of goals that you can choose from, again, divided into areas of body, mind and action. I highly recommend this book.



5. This was a very well written book, with no questions left unanswered. It helped me immensely in dealing with social anxiety and shyness, and I've incorporated alot of the suggestions into my daily life. It turned out to be more of a "self help" book than I expected in more areas than just shyness. It has helped me extremely. The author had experience in social anxiety, so she really hit home with things she expressed.