2 comments about Aspects and Personality.

1. I use this book constantly when I'm interpreting horoscopes. Its main feature is a delineation of all major aspects (the geometric relationships between planets). Hamaker-Zondag's interpretations are clear, psychologically observant and non-dogmatic; there's a refreshing open-endedness here. The delineations are preceded by a helpful general discussion of aspects, with an emphasis on their elemental basis. A chapter on unaspected planets is also handy. If you want to start interpreting astrological charts, or get a deeper understanding of your own chart, this is definitely a book you can use.



2. Overall, this is an excellent reference for planetary aspects and a learning guide as well for the student. Part I (nearly 1/3 of the book) has much to offer in understanding special problems such as unaspected planets and judging the importance of aspects. Additionally, much care is taken in the emphasis on understanding the basic nature of the planets.

   The book did present me with a problem or two - the most obvious being the inclusion of the Inconjunct among major aspects while hiding explanation of the aspect under the heading of the Semisextile. Has the author not yet made up her mind as to its importance?

   I give the book both thumbs up!

3 comments about The Winning Family: Increasing Self-Esteem in Your Children and Yourself.

1. Great Book, Easy to Read. (I refer to it daily). I highly recommend this book if you want to build your own esteem as well as your childs or anyone around you. She gives clear instructions on how to word things in a positive manner to build someones esteem. Easy to read even for mothers with little time.



2. What can I say, this book is life changing. If you truely care about the happiness of your children and the world they live in, this book is for you. This book can be use as a daily resource for parentinng improvment and a fun text to help you and your parenting partner to bond, heal and improve your life as a parent.



3. This is a great book. I highly recommend it. It is easy to read and understand and will help you daily in raising your child. I enjoyed it very much. It will change your life.

5 comments about Four Pathways to Success.

1. Wayne's strengths are his compassion, his skills as a consumate public speaker and presenter, and his insight. All are present in generous measure in this double cassette or CD.

   The content is from the recent Dyer era which delves unashamedly into matters very metaphysical - but also works its way up to this through many insights and suggestions that will appeal to people who seek more "ordinary" advice.

   Four Pathways to Success is certainly entertaining into the bargain, which helps if you like to listen to the tapes/CD a few times (as I do).




2. "Four Pathways to Success" has been a God send for me during this time of my life. It is metaphoric, but between the metaphors, there is strong and deep instructions on acquiring 'Internal Peace'. This is not a book (or tapes) that can be read or listened to just once. Each time I listen to the cassettes, I hear another message that will only benefit my desire to grow further. With the many 12-step programs now in existence, offering steps to healing of many addictions, this is a MUST!



3. I love his stuff, new and old. But this work went off on tangents. Stories shared I didn't find spiritually relevent or enlightening. This author is great but get his other titles.



4. Usually Wayne Dyer's materials are clear, concise, & to the point. So, when I read that the "Four Pathways to Success" was going to cover the specific pathways of discipline, wisdom, unconditional love, & surrender, discussing how they could be applied in "real life" & helping people to be more powerful, peaceful, & conscious, that is exactly what I expected - but it wasn't what I got.
   
   In fact, it wasn't until the second CD, when Dr. Dyer was discussing unconditional love, that he brought up any of the pathways - saying that this was the third pathway with discipline & wisdom being the first & second - yet he hadn't discussed discipline nor wisdom before this in any structured way - I don't even think he used those words before going into the unconditional love aspect. At first I thought that I might have "zoned out" & missed something, so I went back & listened to the first CD several times, but to no avail - there were no specific discussions on discipline or wisdom to be found.
   
   It seemed to me that in this recorded seminar Dr. Dyer went off on quite a few tangents - telling lots & lots of stories - and it may have gotten him off track a bit. However, even though these tangents & stories were not what I expected, & I don't think the CD description fits the material, I did learn a lot from listening to it - Dr. Dyer always seems to impart wisdom no matter what he does...
   
   So, even though what you get might be different than what you're expecting with the "Four Pathways to Success", it's still definitely a worthwhile purchase. His stories & tangents are such that they'll stick with you, helping you to absorb, understand, & use various spiritual principles that can change your life.



5. I've read a couple of Dr. Dyer's books and loved them! They helped me SO much! I also downloaded from Itunes a couple of his podcasts...for only .95 cents. This $18.00 CD repeats a lot of what those .95 cent podcasts have on them. Given that money is tight for me right now since I'm not working, I was disappointed that this CD was pretty much a more expensive version of what I'd already heard. However, toward the end of the CD, when he gets more to the whole point, the "pathways", there are some helpful insights. I was expecting much more from this CD set and I am somewhat disappointed by the content. I'm still a big fan of his though!

5 comments about Aging Parents, Aging Children: How to Stay Sane and Survive.

1. Loved this book. Helped me tremendously with understanding family dynamics - and the fact that we must accept our own aging and that of our elders as a given. I have recommended it to all my patients who say they, too, love it. It is a book for everyone



2. This book is a necessity in a time when people and their children are living longer and aging together. It is good information for both the general population and mental health professionals. I highly recommend this book to anyone working with older adults and their families and to those who find themselves in this difficult family dynamic.



3. This is a wonderful "hands-on" text that delineates and clarifies the experiences of both the aging parents and family members, particularly the care-givers. It is clear and sensitively-written and every aspect from diagnosis to planning and placement is comprehensively presented with excellent examples demonstrating "the tightrope that familes and providers often have to walk." Focus on the caregivers and their need to maintain a balanced life adds a critically-important dimension often overlooked in eldercare books. A must read for everyone with aging parents.



4. Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (10/07)
   
   Drs. Miriam K. Aronoson and Marcella Bakur Weiner have written "Aging Parents, Aging Children" for the average person faced with a care-giving challenge. The book is filled with practical examples and dramatic scenarios to help the reader identify with others who have, or are experiencing, similar problems or challenges.
   
   Early chapters include helpful information pointing out diversity among families, differences in philosophy, beliefs, personality traits, and family dynamics. These all play a part in the approach chosen to provide the best possible care.
   
   As changes in physical health, emotional stability, or mental faculties, take their toll, it is important to begin an assessment process. This will help the family or caregiver size up the current condition through diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and aftercare needs. Excellent charts and tables provide an overview and checklist for this assessment and setting up a plan of care. Once this has been done immediate concerns, logistics, legal issues, and finances all come into play.
   
   I especially appreciated the chapter dedicated to discussing dementia and Alzheimer's disease and the suggestions for placement versus home care. Symptoms, causes, and treatments are all considered in this informational and helpful presentation.
   
   A concern often overlooked is the care and welfare of the caregiver. This chapter is of particular importance to everyone reading the book. Self-care is an important part of the process of renewal, nurture, and balance. The final chapter titled "Demystifying the Maze" is a helpful glossary of important elder care language.
   
   Internationally acclaimed as experts in the area of elder care, Aronson and Weiner, collaborate to bring the reader insight, confidence, compassion and hope in caring for their loved one. The authors assist the reader faced with navigating the maze of systems and services, the challenge of relationships, resource limitations, and expectations of family and the importance of self help.
   
   Thorough in presentation, written in an easy-to-understand style, "Aging Parents, Aging Children" is a practical prescription for an escalating pandemic of eldercare challenges.



5. This book lost a star when I opened it up...Aging child, aging eyesight, small print. This is not a good combination. Please make the print larger and, if you must, raise the price.
   
   I felt, as another reviewer did, that the area on Alzheimer's Disease was very good but that was about it. The rest of the book wasn't helpful to me at all. I can see how it would be a good primer for social workers, doctors or anyone needing something to begin with.
   
   I'm a stay at home daughter caring for my 94 yr. old mother. My mother does not have Alzheimer's Disease but does have age-related memory loss with mild dementia. I was looking for some advice on financial matters and, definitely on the "staying sane" part. Most of the sections on financial matters and caring for yourself were pretty boilerplate advice. It simply didn't have any of the answers I needed.

3 comments about So Good It Hurts: The Pain. The Fight. The Love..

1. So Good It Hurts...The Pain. The Fight. The Love. is the personal journey of author Na'Kisha Crawford. Na'Kisha tell readers how she went through bad relationships and had to deal with her own past in order to place herself in a better position to be able to accept who she is and to be able obtain and keep her present relationship strong.
   
   I think this book is a must read for anyone that's been exactly where Na'Kisha's been but especially the one's that are still trying to find their way. Although this book is really targeted towards women, I really feel that this is a great guide for men that really want to know what a woman goes through on the other end of the relationship. Na'Kisha's views are raw, candid, and reassuring. I love the "Real Talk" sections at the end of each chapter where she basically break down everything that she's trying to get the reader to understand that was talked about in the chapter in a "girlfriend" manner.
   
   Although I'm not presently going through everything that Na'Kisha's gone through, I can say that I've been there and could personally relate to her experiences. I think this book served as an affirmation for me that I'm making the right choices and that I'm not the only person that have been in a bad situation and found their way out. I hope that women particularly that pick up this book with feel the same way and especially if you're going through these issues that you will be able to connect to the book and also find your way through to a better you! This would also serve as a good guide for teenagers ready to go off to college or are already dating to hopefully keep them strong and level headed throughout their relationship experiences.
   
   I think Na'Kisha is a wonderful author that you're going to love and want to watch out for as one of the rising relationship experts. I can't wait to read more from her.
   
   TaNisha Webb
   KC Girlfriends Book Club Radio Show Host
   KC Girlfriends Book Club President



2. So Good It Hurts is a moving memoir by author, life coach, and inspirational speaker Na'Kisha Crawford. In it, she uses the example of her own life to provide invaluable lessons on life and love for men and women of all ages. Her ultimate hope: that the chains of pain, rejection, and low self-esteem are finally broken as strongholds in the lives of those suffering from them the most.
   
   The main focus of So Good It Hurts is the evolution of Crawford's relationship with her boyfriend-cum-husband. From the time she first meets him, Crawford endures everything from lies to deception to infidelity, all for the sake of her devotion to someone that she can't shake her attraction to - no matter how hard she tries. During the growth of her relationship with her beloved, Crawford herself grows emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically as a result of the numerous trials that the couple endures both individually and together.
   
   Of course, not all the drama exists solely within their relationship; in fact, a large share of conflict and strife comes from individuals on the periphery of their inner circle - namely, the woman with whom her boyfriend/husband fathered a child before he and Crawford became a serious item. As a result of his spurned former lover's jealousy, Crawford and her beau are forced to suffer through seemingly endless child custody hearings, courtroom drama, and even physical attacks; yet, their love for one another remains strong, and they grow closer and more in love with the passing of each new test of their bond.
   
   A true price cannot be placed on the invaluable insight that Crawford shares in So Good It Hurts. Her life is a testament to the strength that lies within each and every one of us, just waiting to be tapped and put to use for our benefit. Moreover, to have endured so much adversity at such a young age, Crawford is possessive of a special wisdom the likes of which is both rare and often underappreciated.
   
   The true power of Crawford's account lies in the laconically profound "Real Talk" segments that conclude each chapter. In them, she expounds on everything from recognizing a playa's game to choosing battles wisely to tips on avoiding the fury of women scorned. In addition to the gravity of her chosen subjects, Crawford's colloquial means of communicating key points to the reader add greatly to their appeal, particularly for readers who would prefer to be talked to, as opposed to talked at.
   
   Rife with keen insight and ageless wisdom, So Good It Hurts is an engaging tome that holds the answers to many questions that keep numerous struggling individuals up at night. As such, it should be required reading in various counseling centers, treatment facilities, and other such agencies nationwide.
   
   
   Cary Merriman
   Apex Reviews



3. SO GOOD IT HURTS is the one book every woman should read, but no one had the courage to write...until now. With the heart of a true believer, Na'Kishsa Crawford lays it on the line: the first step to a fulfilling romantic relationship is knowing God and having a revelation of His love for you. The second step is knowing and loving yourself. From these tenets comes the courage to avoid or end the negative romantic relationships that are ruining women's lives.
   
   In telling her own story, Ms. Crawford gives an unvarnished panorama of her life under the influence of toxic romantic relationships. It is her transparency, her honesty and her desire to help others avoid the same self-destructive relationships, that makes her words all the more poignant. Even when she finds her soul mate and true love, the course is not smooth. On the eve of her wedding, Ms. Crawford is diagnosed with breast cancer. But, if you think this is another dreaded walk through the halls of medical misery, think again--this is the beginning to a glorious understanding of how true love works between a man and a woman. How love can truly conquer all.
   
   SO GOOD IT HURTS is a must have for every man and woman's personal library. Its lessons must be taught to our daughters and sons, not only to help them have a better relationships but to give them the keys to a victorious life.
   
   Reviewed by Cxandra
   for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

No comments about A Thousand Paths to Zen (1000 Hints, Tips and Ideas).

1 comments about Sex And the Single Mom: The Essential Guide to Dating, Mating And Relating.

1. This really helps single moms with juggling babies and the dating world. It is filled with good, comphrensive infomation that doesn't leave the reader wondering "What was that again?" I am so glad I found it! I also liked and would suggest Dating Sense: The Practical Way to Meet, Date and Marry the Right Person.

5 comments about The Style Guy.

1. Firstly, you have to like Glenn O'Brien's sarcastic attitude to enjoy his book. Pick up a GQ and read his column first, if you haven't already.

   My only critcism is that he spends too much time talking about things other than clothing, when there's still so much more that could be explained. I'm not sure this is entirely his fault, as he set out to print the answers to his most frequently asked questions. Still, often the things we need answered the most are the questions we never even thought to ask.

   What I do like, and what makes the book a worthwhile purchase, is that O'Brien represents clearly for us the difference between style and fashion. Most people who would buy this book already have a subscription to GQ, at least. This guide helps us steer clear of the latest faux pas the fashion world is trying to sell.




2. It's nice to see that leftover 70's trend merchants can still make a living re-packaging their columns. Please buy the book now, since nearly all of this "advice" will stop making sense the moment the Rat Pack Revival evaporates.



3. O'Brien's columns for GQ are useless, this book is ever more so. Sarcasm and acting like a smart-ass are his trademarks. Both are absolutely boring from such a witless person.



4. I have had this book for a while, but I feel obligated to defend it when I see these other poor reviews.
   
   I must admit to being a big fan of "The Style Guy" and that I always flip to his column while I stand in line in the store, GQ in hand. But I'm a fan because of his wit and sense; he's good.
   
   This book is valuable because it does offer practical advice for business or business casual and will be helpful to any young guy starting out.
   
   If you would enjoy a fairly literate book with pretty conservative but contemporary views on style then you would like this. If you are more interested in a Tom Ford worldview than you might want to look elsewhere, but I would have no idea where.



5. The beginning of the end of GQ was the exit of Art Cooper, et al and their replacement by a new generation of editors of whom O'Brien is one.
   Richman and
   It's not so much that O'Brien is terrible, but when you compare the writing in this book with that of Cooper and the old GQ, you see what style really is, and how far the magazine has fallen into the realm of boys magazines, e.g., Maxim.
   
   America could really use a real men's magazine again.

2 comments about Simple Happy: Finally Learning to Listen to Yourself.

1. Simple happy is an excellent read.Need a change of attitude?
   Pick it up to read, you will find it a one minute manager of and to happiness.



2. Upon seeing the title of the book, I thought, that is a catchy phrase, but it can't be true. After reading the book, it delivers what it promises. This is not an in-depth psychological analysis of the various factors of the human existence that lead to happiness. No, this is a set of simple everyday exercises and thought patterns that improve our happiness level. I picked up many tips on my first read-through and I keep it close by for occassional reinforcement. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Nasty Men.

1. I was in an abusive love relationship for twelve years, that finally ended when my husband walked out on myself and my 6 month old baby (I had quit my job, and he decided I was no longer financially useful for him).
   I really considered taking this person back when he found out he couldn't keep all our assets in the divorce, and then I read this book. This is him! You won't believe how well this book describes your nasty man. The book is very clear that THIS PERSON WON'T CHANGE. It was these words that gave me the courage not to take him back.

   I highly reccomend this book - I can't say enough good things about it.




2. Very good and thought provoking analysis of abusive relationships. The author seems to have a good understanding of the fact that abuse does not require physical damage. Although he starts out with an offensive reference to the abuser who "may be hurting you big time (having and affair) or just a little (putting you down)...", later in the book he seems to get it that just "putting you down" can be the most insideous and damaging kind of abuse. I highly recommend the book for both men and women. Even though most of the references to the abuser are in the male gender, the author acknowledges that abusers ("nasty people") can be of either gender.



3. Jay does a good job of telling women what he would do if he were an abused woman, but he is neither abused nor a woman. He writes with the power and authority that men naturally have in this society. If all women were to follow his advise and become more assertive with their battering men, some would find their situations improve, some would see no change, and some would end up dead.

   Jay belittles abused women when he writes, "The amazing thing is that no matter what you tell them, what you do, or what fifty million other people tell them, some women just won't leave. Somehow, the relationship is like a drug for these women." This statement demonstrates a remarkable lack of empathy and adds another voice of critism that abused women get from innocently ignorant people all the time.

   Perhaps a good book for some, but not one I will be passing out to the abused women who are my clients.




4. I was so devastated when my husband left with no explanation. He said it was all my fault, & I could not figure out what I could have done wrong to make him leave. I accepted all the blame. Untill I read this book & I woke up one morning so emancipated & relieved and happy because I realized it wasn't me, it was him! And even though he never hit me I was in an abusive, manipulating, & controlling relationship for 9 1/2 years & really didn't realize it because it was subtle, gradual, over a period of time. He studied me & became caculating, ambivalent, & deceptive. If it wasn't for this book & my logic it would've taken me longer to get over this. Because I was so loving & kind I didn't believe there are people who are evil, & especially to someone they are supposed to love! The intelligent woman that I was, was lost, however I found her & will never lose her again. & thanks to this book will be able to spot the signs so it won't happen again. It's a must read, not just for women, for everyone!



5. For the connoisseur of sexist double standards, this book and "Nasty Women" are both a real treat.
   
   In "Nasty Men" the author states that one should never base your self-esteem on another's opinion. However in "Nasty Women" it is evident that Jay considers it acceptable and correct for a man to base his self-esteem on a woman's estimation of him. He goes on to say it is acceptable for a woman to have control over a man's self-esteem and to use that control to motivate said man into accepting and attempting to achieve the expectations and standards she sets out for him.
   
   One of the women in "Nasty Women" describes her husband thus: "When we first married he was a slob, ignorant and irresponsible. He's much better now." Her husband believed, on the other hand, that she liked him better during the initial stages of the relationship, suggesting her highly critical behavior was reserved for later on. In other worlds, she built him up early on in the relationship only to tear him down later on.
   
   In "Nasty Men" Jay outlines the profile of an `invalidator'. An invalidator focuses on the flaws of their spouse--oops, sorry, got a bit gender neutral there--their _wife_. An invalidator praises their spouse--gets them addicted to the self-esteem boost they provide--then tears them down.
   
   Of course from "Nasty Women" we see that when a wife focuses on the flaws of her husband, builds him up in the initial stages of the relationship, only to cut him down later on, this is not at all abusive, but appropriate behavior. Jay explicitly outlines this very strategy for women to wield influence over their husbands. He advises women to offer praise then criticize. To build their husbands up then tear them down.
   
   If we translate the advice given in "Nasty Women" into the descriptions given in "Nasty Men" Jay is advising women to be abusive invalidators! His only caveat is that women moderate their invalidation so that men don't turn off completely--In order to prevent men from waking up to the abuse and exiting the relationship emotionally, women must remember to moderate their invalidation with praise. Interestingly, waking up to the abuse and exiting the relationship emotionally is exactly the strategy he advises women to do when confronted with a male `invalidator.'
   
   Reversing this, let's imagine Jay implied it was acceptable for men to set the standards of behavior and conduct for their wives, then said men should use their control over their wives' self esteem to motivate them to achieve those standards. Then he said that men shouldn't be too invalidating, or their wives will catch on and take steps to protect themselves emotionally. Horrifyingly sexist? Yes it is. But here's a wake-up call. It's sexist BOTH ways. And only one is being advocated by the author.
   
   Finally, some mention is made of the reason why women become nasty--previous emotional abuse, trauma, etc. Little mention is made of the possibility men might become nasty due to some previous trauma (One description mentioned an `overbearing[abusive] mother'.)
   
   It's obvious Jay is speaking to a female audience for both books. (Strangely enough.) I'm afraid I don't think I'm his intended audience, despite being female, because I find his double-standards to be ghastly. I appreciate ugly and horrific things for their sheer shock value--thus the five star rating--but in terms of actual relationship advise I'd steer clear of these `gems'.