5 comments about Woman Power: Transform Your Man, Your Marriage, Your Life.

1. Respect your husband and treat him like a man instead of a boy and guess what...HE WILL ACT LIKE A MAN INSTEAD OF A BOY!!! If you want to have a better marriage, you've got nothing to lose :)



2. "Having emotional independence, money, possessions, and position at the expense of emotional interdependence and obligations to one's family do not make a woman more powerful." ~ pg. 153
   
   If you are looking for a book about marriage then you may want to skip this book and order "10 Stupid Things Couples Do To Mess Up Their Relationships." In "Woman Power" Dr. Laura relies heavily on letters from listeners in regards to her book: "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands." So unless you have read the first book, this one won't make as much sense. There are also many pages with lines so you can write down your own thoughts. So basically this is a very quick read unless you are using it as a workbook.
   
   There are a few good internet jokes and responses by listeners. You might also enjoy reading about the most wonderful things a wife can say or do for her husband. In one chapter she briefly talks about men's basic needs but she doesn't really include enough information to "transform you man, your marriage, your life." While I agreed with a lot of what she has to say in regards to what men need I did disagree with her advice to a woman who wanted to go on a vacation with her friends. While she discouraged the idea, I can say that my husband bought me a plane ticket so I could go to Paris with my best college girlfriend. It was an experience I never forgot and I'm always thankful to my husband for being supportive about the trip.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



3. The truth is we can influence others. The thing we need to realize is the difference between influencing and manipulation! Some men are just not worth our effort though! Ask yourself, is this worth fighting for and am I the only one fighting for it?



4. These days men are expected to be the leader while their authority as leader is stripped from them thus destroying leadership rule 101. This book helps clarify issues as men see it. Just great it was written by a woman



5. *Wow! Actual accounts, facts, of other guys feeling, having the same or worse experiences than us guys....
   *Read it you'll like it enought to buy it again if you loose it.
   
   P.S. I didn't give it five stars because I'm a hard critic.

5 comments about Dojo Wisdom.

1. While many of the 100 "lessons" are fairly commonsense, the way this author distills them to digestable nuggets is worthy of a read. This book is not what I'd call a "sit down and read" book (unless, like my husband, you read... sitting elsewhere!), but more of a "pick it up here and again" sort of thing. I have internalized many of the "lessons," not because I didn't know them prior to reading this book, but because in the race of life, you sometimes focus so hard on FINISHING that you forget your form, or finishing WELL. Even if you only take one or two of the "exercises" (ways to practice the lessons that the author provides) and put them to daily use, you will feel like a better you; walking the walk of being a better person, rather than watching from the sidelines.

   My favorite lesson has to be Lesson #9 "Strike Through The Target." Here, Lawler explains how martial artists (and I fully admit that I am not a martial artist, and the closest I have ever come was watching Karate Kid in 3D) are taught to see THROUGH their target, because if you see what you're actually trying to accomplish, as opposed to what you need to do to get there, getting there will be far more attainable. I am not explaining it well, which is another reason you should read the book, as she makes it much clearer than I ever could!

   The only downfall to the book, and it'll depend on how active a reader you are and your personality style, is that the author frequently uses the "she" pronoun. While warriors can certainly be women, men might feel alienated, and the over-usage of "she" where "he" would do (or a whole other sentence structure) is a constant reminder of this author's beliefs. While I was not bothered, I did notice, and some less-patient readers might not make it through the book (which is the WHOLE POINT!).

   This book is a great gift if you know someone who is about to make a change in their life (graduate, fiance, parent-to-be), or someone who's stuck in a rut and needs some motivation (you, maybe?), or someone who could just use a great, positive, easy to digest, read!




2. Jennifer Lawler's 'Dojo Wisdom' is a valuable book that contains:
   '100 Simple Ways to Become a Stronger, Calmer, More Courageous Person'.
   
   Although this book is a very good one for martial artists to read and absorb, it is also one that contains a great deal of value for anyone. Although most people probably think of them as physical pursuits, those who practice the traditional martial arts place a great emphasis on the mental aspects involved. Lawler has captured many of these and given practical applications in all areas of life.
   
   Even in sections with titles like `Speed is power' and `Never Lose Sight of the Blade' that sound very much like martial arts topics, Ms. Lawler has provided tips on how to incorporate these nuggets of wisdom into one's everyday life. Although I read it straight through, it might be good to read and ponder one of these lessons each day so that each can be focused upon for a time.
   
   This book will be worth your time.



3. Picking and choosing from various sources, Lawler has a knack for choosing the most trite material. Nothing original here.



4. Being an avid reader of wisdom literature and a searcher for great wisdom quotes and texts, I found this book very disappointing. I expected from the title, to find a book full of martial wisdom, but although there were a few interesting things found throughout this book, overall it contained very little useful wisdom for anyone who has done any studying at all in martial wisdom or worldly wisdom. The wisdom I did find in this book was very generic and can be found in almost any book on martial arts wisdom or philosophy.
   
   The beginning martial artist may find some use in reading this book, but if you have been in the martial arts for a while or have read some of the other books on martial arts wisdom and philosophy, I would recommend passing on Dojo Wisdom. There are better sources for the wisdom that you are seeking.
   
   Bohdi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior



5. This book was very inexpensive and had a lot of great wisdom for everyday people not just the Martial Artist. A quick easy read.

1 comments about Being In Light.

1. I love the work of Marianne and I have been following her for two years now. How ever, if you have been listening to Marianne Williamson for a while, Being in the Light does not give any extra info. The audio was not as clear as others, it was hard to listen, especially if you listen in your car.

5 comments about Get to Work: A Manifesto for Women of the World.

1. Very interesting points, but a little too strong for my blood. I think if a woman wants to stay home, that's her decision. It's not the right choice for me, but no one can make that decision for anyone else.



2. As a stay-at-home mom with three young children, I enjoyed this book almost at a fantasy level. Going to work seems so much easier some days. My criticism is that most all of this has been said, and more completely, in a book like Perfect Madness, by Judith Warner. Hirshman's book would be good for a young woman who would like to stick to her career, before she chooses a major or falls in love with her would-be husband. Her strategy at keeping women working requires almost that the working woman's husband is not career oriented. And too much is made of housework without the obvious solution being mentioned even once: full-time household help. I understand the latter is tentatively politically incorrect, as well as prohibitively expensive, but if one is going to go so far as to mention marriages potentially breaking up over the issue, the obvious solution should at least be mentioned.
   
   A fine book, but doesn't really offer anything groundbreaking. Yes, being home with toddlers is mind numbing at times and can contribute to feelings of despair, but it is a brief phase and these are our children. They will grow and as was once said, there is world enough, and time.



3. A drama queen who considers it "intellectual" to start trouble, Linda Hirshman only writes to stir up a fight and get attention. In typical passive aggressive/narcissistic manner, she claims to know what is best for all women and society. Sorry--I don't believe anything this person writes or says. All data is biased to suit her own agenda.
   
   Many of our country's problems today result from children who grew up in assembly-line childcare becoming self-centered adults with no value for other people. You can't park your child in child care and expect the child to get the same attention and guidance in development as a well-educated, loving parent can give. If a woman wants to have a career, GREAT! Then do your job and stop acting like the world owes you accolades.
   
   I see few jobs that are as valuable to society or as rewarding to me as being my children's mother. Guiding my highly gifted children as they grow into wonderful adults has a more positive impact on the world than any office job ever could be.



4. This is a must read for all women. My friend gave me a copy and I read it in one afternoon. I have bought several copies and gave to my friends. The author is brutally honest and very logical in her writing, of course, with her legal background. If you are looking for warm and fuzzy feelings, this is not the book. Thanks to the author's clear depiction of all the various arguments that is out there.



5. For a tract written by someone who is a self-styled "philosopher," this is terribly argued. A few points worth noting:
   
   "Don't study art," she says, pointing to Frida Kahlo as the only cautionary tale. What is life without the arts? After civilzations and societies are gone, it is their creative endeavors that endure. In our culture, in fact, it is in the arts that women can really shine and even make the big bucks!
   
   She tries to examine why the gay movement has done "so well," while the feminist movement has fizzled. What planet does she live on? HIV/Aids is on the rise again, gays have marital rights in only two states, while so many others have actually passed anti-gay marriage resolutions, and we still have don't ask, don't tell.
   
   Telling us exactly how to live, she so benevolently allows educated women one child, because having none is too sad and having more is too crazy. Great. So you must create a family in which the future adult, after the parents pass on, will have little extended family other than possibly their own little nuclear family.
   
   She spends little or no time on the fact that our culture provides scant support for working women of all educational backgrounds or abilities. That's why it's necessary to make such painful choices. Working 10 to 12 hour days when you have children just makes life too crazy and too much of an all or nothing choice. What about the dads? A lot of them have become more helpful, but it's usually too little.
   
   She fails to note the exploitative nature of the job of full-time nanny. Just do some google searches, the articles are everywhere. Don't you think it's sad that someone has to leave their own children behind in a third world country to be paid to love someone else's children?
   
   There are lots of other points but this is enough. And no, this was not written by a "SAHM" but by a dedicated feminist. Hirschman just makes weak arguments and offers no practical solutions such as excellent on-site day care, job sharing when children are young, getting men more involved. And I'm also tired of these kinds of books that view cultural issues entirely from a white, upper-middle class or affluent lens.

5 comments about How to Grow a Second Skin for Your Soul: For Those Who Feel Hurt, Judged, Criticized, Abandoned, Invalidated, When Someone Else Acts Like a Jerk.

1. This book gave me good tactics to counteract negative people in my life and helped me get through some rough patches with some individuals. I realized it's okay to have a sensitive heart but also how to protect it from negative individuals that are likely to invalidate/hurt me.



2. This is a book I have close at hand. When I am upset about personal relationships, I reread sections. Dr. Burgess explains how depression and poor coping skills originate and gives exercises for initiating the healing process within ourselves. Dr. Burgess teaches forgiveness of ourselves and others. That is always comforting to me -- that I can heal myself without condemning another person.



3. This books is truly amazing and lifechanging because it helps one to see the clearer picture. Someone once said insanity is "doing something over and over again expecting to get different results." A majority of my life I was a people pleaser, especially trying to please no-category people (read the book for the definition of yes-no-maybe category people). This book has been very validating for me because I was able to change my perspective. No longer do I have to go around quenching my anger. I can express my feelings in a helpful manner and stay neutral - that's where the power is - in neutrality. I've been empowered to live a richer life by using some of the techniques in the book. And looking at my life now, I'm surrounded by higher vibrating people. No longer am I a mad woman, expecting to get different results by doing the same thing. I've tried a different approach (thanks to the author) and my life is a wonderful reflection of my new mindset. Woohoo:-)



4. So good I cant put it down. One morning I read one chapter that explained so much to me, I felt so product I went back to bed for a few hours. Many of my friends claim to have answers for some of the gliches in my personality; and they are actually therapists- they are each getting a copy of this book because it had more anwers for me than them combined :-) Enjoy!



5. This is a book that I request many of my new psychotherapy clients to read, as it has proved powerful enough to transform many of my clients' lives.
   
   So many people long for help to outgrow unhealthy family relationships, yet they don't know how. Ordinarily, for most people, such relationships repeat throughout their life-cycle and this can be seen in painful interactions they have may have with critical or controlling bosses, envious or competitive co-workers, unfaithful or hurtful partners.
   
   Employing both evocative analogies and practical real-life examples, Dr. Burgess sheds light on what comprises healthy relationships by characterizing individuals as "yes", "no" or "maybe' categories of people. It is through the use of this unique paradigm that she helps readers to begin to identify and avoid hurtful others (or alternatively to protect themselves in interactions with such people when they cannot be avoided). She also encourages readers to reconsider before appealing to others who are consistently withholding or disrespectful, those whom she refers to as "dry wells."
   
   Such a book empowers readers to such a great extent that when they are done, they are able to heal and actually move beyond the narcissitic wounding they experienced in their family of origin. In this way, they find, perhaps for the first time in their lives, a means to steer clear of unhealthy relationships. Moreover, they not only find themselves in a better position to access their own greater intuition, but also to pursue the life goals that are truly right for them.

5 comments about You Didn't Hear It From Us: Two Bartenders Serve Women the Truth About Men, Making an Impression, and Getting What You Want.

1. The most important message that bartenders Zaric and Kosmas give in their book is that it is truly all about attitude. Though the theory is often preached, it's a little harder to practice when you're standing in a dark, crowded bar where first impressions are served up as often as cocktails. I found reading this book was like talking to my best girlfriends, hearing advice from a good older brother, and getting insight from potential bar-mates all at once! I'm recommending it to everybody, especially now with Spring Break season approaching. Seeing Lauren reading it on The Hills only supported the reality that the authors so often find overlooked by their patrons; everyone feels a little uncomfortable and out of place in this hook-up/bunk-up/break-up world we often find ourselves in. However, with a little positive reinforcement, insider knowledge, and a ton of hilarious anecdotes, You Didn't Hear It From Us will definitely have you smiling all the way to the bar and back!



2. I like this book because it states over and over to be completely yourself and it doesn't matter if you are the shyest person on the planet or the most outgoing. It is also matter-of-fact and straight up tells you what men want and don't want. Men in a bar setting are after only one thing and when they get it, us women should not expect anything more. However, if you are a woman who knows how to work it and is not insecure, don't waste your time. Only read this if you are clueless, anxious, or unconfident while at a bar. My best friend and I, both frequent bar-goers and huge flirts, read this book and found only a few pages with advice that was actually new and useful. Other that those, we basically knew all the other stuff.



3. If you are into making drinks this would be a good book for you. Oh and you also get some tips on relationships that may or may not be helpful.



4. I bought this book and after the first few chapters I HAD to put it down and stop reading. This is high school advice on how to pick people up in bars.Bars are all only good for one thing: meet somebody for sex - or getting drunk.Conversation? I can have better conversation with people at work or at my gym with! We at least have something in common there. Most of the discussions in bars with other patrons are useless. You will never meet your special someone in a bar. What kind of person needs to hang out at a bar to "feel better about herself/himself?" The book goes into detail about how to go out and attract men, and all that "etiquette" in a bar. You've got to be kidding me. I might go to a bar with my friends to watch a soccer/rugby game or celebrate a promotion - not to meet men!!! The men that are hanging out there are 99% losers, if they go there to meet women. Whatever happened to quality? How about writing a book that details how to meet quality men in quality places? Advice for women on men from (male) bartenders? How do they know what women want? It takes a woman to know what other women want! I could have saved the money spent on this extremely academic and boring book.



5. Instead! This book continues with a look at the "real" men that frequent
   bars and nightclubs and describe how that "courting dance" occurs. The book has a similar difficulty as other books have on this subject--it's pretty degrading to men. But the info might be good to women who are stuck trying the bar scene to meet new men and maybe make some friends with the other people in the bar. The news to women is the same--no one will stick around to check out what a great person you are on the inside, if the outside package is unkept, unattractive--so catch on ladies and clean up and like Grandma always said--put on some lipstick!! You look like a corpse--then she would pinch my cheeck hard to bring some "color" into my face. The best part of the book are all the bartending tips. They include alcohol (by name) so you buy the best for mixed drinks, tools and tricks to improve any cocktail you're enjoying. Even if it'
   s you, the cat and a great DVD.

4 comments about Being Ok Just Isn't Enough: The Power of Self-Discovery (Lifestyle Series).

1. This book was wonderful, I loved it. It is full of exercises that give insight into our behaviors and personalities. The author offered effective ways to deal with anger and other negative emotions. It is a great tool to learn more about yourself and to grow in a more positive direction. It also provides valuable teaching tools for a therapist to use with clients.



2. I have read the book 3/4 of the way and had to return it to the owner. I now have purchased my own. This is a down to earth book Thanks for such a direct and important way to look at ourselves and our human trends.



3. Excellent! Relates to all areas in life. Knowing your strengths and areas-to-strengthen empowers you to make needed changes AND take pride in what you are doing well; this book helps you find it all! Positive & encouraging; thorough; gently guides you to see yourself objectively; provides effective methods for changing stubborn habits. Very effective material, for young adults to seniors!



4. This book was HIGHLY recommended to me by a speaker at a conference on "communication." She said the book was "life changing" for her. This is one of the BEST books I've read in a long time. In its pages I saw myself: the ineffective ways I think, react, respond, and relate to others. But more than that, the author gives great tools for changing those negative thoughts and behaviors. I've seen fairly dramatic changes in my way of thinking and behaving. I logged on to Amazon to buy this book as a gift for several friends!

5 comments about Heart at Work: Stories and Strategies for Building Self-Esteem and Reawakening the Soul at Work.

1. I would give this audio tape 0 stars if I could. This is a total waste of money. The audio book's first lecture is meaningless - self esteem, blah blah blah, and how I overcame all my blah blah. Spend on your money on a book the Dalai Lama wrote on Happiness. You'll get some practical advice in that book unlike this audio tape.



2. Canfield writes an excellent book about the ways in which we _CAN_ be different at work. No matter our level, we don't have to disklike (or even hate) the work that the do or where we do it. This books gives tips, advice and stories of those who have gone before us on this path. By necessity, there is no "cookie cutter" guide, so those looking for a absolutely certain remedy will be disappointed. However, this will give those of us who want to try both new ideas and new energy to try and make a difference.



3. I have read at least 3 times in the past year and feel it has made a positive impact on my professional and personal life. It reinforces what should be such basic concepts to live and work by. I find this book inspirational and refer to it frequently.



4. Heart At Work: Stories And Strategies For Building Self-Esteem And Reawakening The Soul At Work is an abridged audiobook version of a popular self-help guide from Jack Canfield (the co-author of the best-selling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series) in collaboration with Jacqueline Miller. Jointly narrated by Canfield and Miller, Heart At Work showcases stories of wisdom, self-reliance, courage, strategy and more, for the purpose of inspire and strengthen the listener's self-resolve. Heart At Work is a very highly recommended listening experience. 4 cassettes, 4.5 hours.



5. Just started to listen to this series but I already love it. Jack Canfield has included a fabulous team of experts to speak on this topic.

1 comments about The Little Book of Positive Quotations.

1. This little book of quotations is just that - little. But it's big on encouraging quotations. Great for a writer, a reader, or anyone!

No comments about 10 Smart Things Women Can Do to Build a Better Life.