5 comments about Paths beyond Ego (New Consciousness Reader).

1. This book is a wonderful series of essays for those of us interested in transpersonal experiences. It was very inspiring and helped me experientially get closer to transcendence. The richness in content comes from many people discussing the transpersonal experience from many different perspectives. I'd highly recommend this book. Another book on transpersonal psychology I'd recommend is "The Ever-Transcending Spirit" by Toru Sato. It is the best book that explains what transcendence really means! It explains these things in a way that everyone can understand! Both books are excellent!



2. This book is touted as linking "us to the timeless wisdom of the ages." Its wisdom is about the equivalent of a cow patty splatting on a flat rock. Seriously, it's highly academic and seems to me designed to be read by phd types who are researching a thesis. Anyway, I couldn't finish it. I wanted how-to and got endless "erudite" discussion of well, something like the old theme of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. But no methodology for "doing" anything but sputter.
   Robert



3. I was so relieved and pleasantly surprised when I opened up and began to read "Paths Beyond Ego." As this was a required text for my university class of Transpersonal Psychology, and just one of many text books I have to read, this wonderfully written book makes study time a joy. So often school text is very dry and technical so as to require the use of a dictionary every paragraph, just to get the idea of what point the author is trying to relay. Roger Walsh and Frances Vaughan use brilliant examples and metaphors in the form of stories and poems that keep your interest and explain difficult concepts in the simplest ways. This is a wonderful addition to any library that focuses on transpersonal issues.



4. My first reading in transperosnal psychology. The range of texts, the editing, the relevance and the selection itself make this the best introduction to transpersonal psychology. A typically American product of the highest quality. Highly recommended.



5. Great book wiht a variety of views from Grof, Wilber, Jung, etc. For those wanting to expand themselves in the transpersonal.

5 comments about The Kama Sutra Year: 52 Sensational Positions for Erotic Pleasure.

1. I found this book to be okay. The pictures and descriptions are basic and clear. My only criticism is that I would have liked to see more of a variety. Out of the 52 illustrations, it appeared as if many were slight (very slight) variations of the same 7 or 8 basic "sensuous" positions that most are familiar with.



2. This book was a simple but pleasant addition to our private life. Its worth purchasing.



3. 
   Beautiful models
   
   Beautiful pictures
   
   Beautiful positions
   
   Beautiful concept
   
   Beautifully executed
   
   Beautiful.



4. My girlfriend did not like that one! Ho ho ho boy let me tell you...



5. Great pictures with descriptions that aren't embarrassing to look at or read with or without your partner. It's really well done, it shows the positions perfectly and how to get into them :) I'm sure there are other great books out there, but this one has great graphics. (And we all know that's pretty important - and there's no use pretending it isn't!)

5 comments about When Perfect Isn't Good Enough: Strategies for Coping with Perfectionism.

1. I've struggled my whole life with a number of issues: perfectionism, low self-esteem, self-destructive behaviour.
   
   This despite the fact that I'm intelligent. Intelligence isn't always enough. Some of us need practical help to see where our thinking patterns and actions are flawed or self-defeating. Without external help it's difficult to be objective about this.
   
   "When Perfect isn't Good Enough" is a practical self-help book to assist you in identifying and changing perfectionistic thinking patterns. I only bought the book recently, but I've already been bowled over by the number of insights I've gained from its pages. I plan to study and fully integrate the info over time. I can only imagine how doing so will contribute to my productivity!
   
   Other exceptional self-help books that I would like to recommend are:
   * The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
   * The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden
   * Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
   
   None of these books are quick-fixes. Integrating their contents takes a lot of work and courage, but the results are of inestimable value!



2. This book contains exactly what I was looking for the past 10 years. I've learned much about myself. I would probably not read the last section b/c it's just a repeat of what's in the book, but being a perfectionist, I had to. If you can stand it, only read what applies to you in the last section and save your time for something else.



3. After reading Leman's "The Birth Order Book" and seeing that my wife and myself have been struggling with the predicted first-born power struggles and head butting for the last 10 years, both of us as "discouraged perfectionists" were looking for a book to offer pragmatic solutions for change.
   
   In looking at the overwhelmingly positive reviews for this book, I purchased it. The book has some major draw-backs:
   
   1. The text addresses perfectionism according to Hewitt & Flett, and Frost; however, the typical treatment of perfectionism is one usually of an aggressive perfectionist, such as a "nag" or a critical boss; this is not reflective of the "discouraged perfectionist" and often leaves one thinking "ok... this would be a good strategy if I was a freak-out, but it doesn't really apply to me"
   
   2. The authors have an ideological bias that is evident throughout the text which I would describe as "open-minded liberalism" combined with "anti-religious," which is really quite disturbing. Examples that stick out in my mind include:
   p46 - a comparison of "the right way" to wash dishes is compared with "wrong" ways leads to reader to accept that "washing" may entail soaking dishes in water without soap is somehow equally acceptable (as if sanitation is invalid as a basis for a "right way")
   p50 - Attending church services are an outlet of attempting to confirm perfectionistic beliefs rather than seeking out experiences that "challenge" those beliefs
   p180 - where a therapist convinces a patient that the daughter comes home from college with a lip-piercing isn't as big of a deal as it feels
   
   3. The demeanor the authors use is almost as if they are not addressing a condition that affects people in very personal ways which causes internal conflict and real heart-ache. They might as well be addressing bicycle repair, how to implement work-arounds in Chebyshev filter design software, or dog-training. These are exactly the kinds of individuals I strongly suspect of total hypocrisy, and I wonder how screwed up their own marriages and children are
   
   In conclusion, this book may be very good for a certain cross-section of people (which is why I gave it two stars instead of one), i.e. perfectionists who are obsessive, angry, controlling neat-freaks. But for the rest of those who might be considered relatively "normal" or who are just looking to relate better with others, this book will probably be inadequate.



4. It was a blow for me when I learned that I am a perfectionist. I started reading about it, and this was my first book. It was hard from time to time to face the truth that this book was presenting me.



5. Hardly user friendly, though it attempts to be a book for a lay audience, it fails miserably succeeding only in writing a watered down academic article. If you are a fan of superficial platitudes masquerading as strategy, then this is book for you. Might as well save your 10 or 13 dollars, google perfectionism, and read the ehow version--you're getting the same thing minus the money and the time wasted sifting through bad writing and even worse style.

3 comments about How to Conduct Surveys: A Step-by-Step Guide.

1. I've been doing online surveys and consulting for years and have been using Vista surveys as I found them to be the best overall. This book really helps to enusure that I ask the right questions for my Fortune 500 clients! By reading this book you will certainly pick up on not only critical questions you should be asking but HOW to ask them. Highly recommend!



2. I found the book to be a very pragmatic guide to surveying for accuracy and quality.



3. This book provides a step-by-step guide to conducting surveys in an easy to read format. The book also provides examples of real practice which is useful.

5 comments about Before You Leap: A Frog's Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons.

1. I don't know who really wrote this book because I don't think the writer takes any credit for it, but that's just another thing that blew me away about this book. I mean, the frog's right about almost everything. Some of the best advice and/or quotes I've ever heard seem to be in this book as well as other things I really needed to hear recently. I was pondering saying something like "it's so odd that the best self-improvement book out there was written by a frog" but then I realized that, nah, there's nothing odd about that at all.



2. This is a charmer of a book directed primarily to those with fond recollections of The Muppet Show and to a lesser degree, Sesame Street. Kermit the Frog is given full credit for the authorship since it is his perspective we are reading, but the anonymous creators have taken a creative approach by having the first third of the book dedicated to Kermit's life story and legendary successes and the remainder a motivational self-help tome along the lines of Stephen Covey's The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and Rhonda Byrne's The Secret. Both parts are amusing, though I have to admit I like the memoir portion a bit more since the personal history includes a nice tribute to Muppet creator Jim Henson and lots of pictures of the memorable sketches from The Muppet Show and follow-up movies. Born in a swamp as one of 2,353 tadpole progeny in a single family, Kermit harbored show business dreams at an early age. He didn't let his non-human standing get in the way of getting an honorary doctorate or being a substitute host on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
   
   In fact, he embraces his inner amphibian so much that he shares his fourteen lessons in leading a fulfilling life. Provocative chapter titles include "The Seven Dreams of Highly Effective Amphibians", "When Bad Things Happen to Good Frogs", "It's Not Easy Eating Greens", "Finding Your Inner Tadpole" and "Moving Your Own Cheese". My favorite piece is "Fridays with Fozzie", a humorous send-up of Mitch Albom's best-seller Tuesdays with Morrie, in which Kermit and his best friend Fozzie the Bear provide validation for one another on their journey toward self-discovery. The other significant Muppets show up, including of course, Miss Piggy, the subject of a Dr. Phil-type chapter, "Love Amphibian Style", on how to keep the romance alive. As you can surmise, this book is really geared for adults more than children, and yet the coffee-table format, large-font type and pleasing graphics are certain to arouse interest at any age. After all, it is written by a frog, and so typical of Kermit, his post script on the last page states, "Hi there! This is the end of the book. You can put it down now." He is lovably helpful to the end.



3. Oh my goodness, this book made me laugh and smile more than any other book I've read. I adore the Muppets and Kermit and this has increased my adoration(if that's possible). Very well done. Very true to the tone and spirit of the Muppets. It was actually inspirational, as if Kermit's words could be anything less. :) Totally terrific and I reccommend it to anyone who appreciates the Muppets, wisdom, and silliness... in other words anyone with any sense at all!
   <3



4. I gave this to my sister for her birthday. She is an adult and a fan of Kermit. It would be a cute gift for say a 16th 20th or 30th birthday or a graduation because it has a lot of good life lesson stuff in it. It wouldn't be that useful or entertaining for a young child, although the muppet pictures are awesome and very cute! The book I ordered had a few gray scuffs on the cover so that is why this didn't get 5 stars. The book itself is definitely worth 5 stars for content and pictures. I really need to get a copy for myself!



5. Kermit reminds us that it may not be easy to be green, but it can still be fun! This book is a goofy way to look at life's priorities. It's encouraging and fun, however, if you're not a muppet fan, some of the things would seem childish and over your head!! For those of you who love Kermy, Miss Piggy and the gang, this is a must have for your book and muppet collections!

5 comments about Life Strategies for Teens (Workbook).

1. It is so great that someone who has grown up with Dr. Phil for a father feels ready to share wisdom from his perspective with teens like himself. I found it much more effective than most books written by adults (who were teens in such different times!) There's one issue teens struggle with, however, that didn't get the attention it deserved: what to do when you love lots of different things but your guidance counselor and parents say you'll eventually have to pick just one. ...



2. well.. of course a person like me would have to read what people though before i wrote what i thought! i think that the people that don't like this book need help! why in the world would rich people not have problems!! and there is way more to these people than you think!! just because some of you are shallow and can't use your imagination and have fun with some of the jokes he throws at you doesn't mean you need to get mad!! grow up! there are more people who know that that book was good and i happen to believe strongly in what he wrote!! yes i have money but no i don't have the perfect life promise!! so just because a person has money does not make them unknowledgeable about real life! so think to yourself again maybe you just need to read between the lines or maybe your life was to perfect but i know that this really helped me and i am doing some of the things that he said and it has helped me alot through everything i have been through!!



3. I have to say reading the comment above made me pretty sad. This book was not sending mixed messages and it is definately NOT telling you to be popular and that your parents will only love you more if you get good grades. This book is simply about helping yourself become more of what you want and getting more out of the life you were delt with. It makes me so sad to hear bad things about this book becuase that review probably stopped someone from buying this amazing book.
   
   This book helped me through the toughest times in my life, it works with you and helps you see what is behind the "my life is perfect" mask that so many teens have. Amazing book, it changed who I am and how I act. For instance, in one chapter it talks about how in arguments if you just talk even if someone is yelling at you, you are not being passive, but in turn arguments turn into talks a lot more often. So as a test i followed this advice becuase i had just moved in with a step-sister my own age and we were not getting along very well. Now, that we stopped fighting (and i give all credit to this book) we are able to talk about what is bothering us and not fight. We couldnt be closer now. And that is exactally the reason i would recommend this book to ANYONE, it helps with topics like that without barking orders or telling you what you need to do or you suck as was stated above. This is an EXCELLENT book. BEST BOOK I EVER READ!!!!!



4. The transcation went smoothly, the book arrived sooner than expected, and was in perfect condition.



5. this book was purchased by me for my granddaughter. i read the book before giving it to her for her birthday she has read it and tells she finds it very helpful and has shared some of the book with her younger sister. i treasure any info that can help my grand daughters have a better life. lmr

5 comments about Quick Meals for Healthy Kids and Busy Parents: Wholesome Family Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less From Three Leading Child Nutrition Experts.

1. I found this book to be very helfpul in my never-ending quest to come up with meal ideas for my toddler that are healthy and appealing to him. The meals really are easy to prepare and I've yet to strike out in terms of my son actually eating the food. I would definitely rec this book for the recipes and tips geared towards younger, pickier eaters.



2. There's a lot of good information here. As a teacher of twenty-five years, and as a parent, I've dealt with more than my share of overweight kids, and read everything that comes along on the subject. And although this book is one of the better ones out there, I've been recommending the CD talk "The Fat Kid's Diet: Stop Childhood Obesity In Your Home," available here at Amazon, to the parents who come to me with their concerns. It's brief, sensible, and right to the point.



3. I can't figure out how 'Rice a Roni and chicken' made it into a COOKBOOK that I paid for.
   
   About the only interesting thing in this book was a recipe for corn muffins with broccoli.



4. The recipes in this cookbook are simple, tasty and healthy. Our whole family has enjoyed. We particularly like the Shrimp and Pepper Stir Fry and the Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies. Nice addition to a busy parent's cookbook collection.



5. This book is great for all those busy parents. Recipes are easy to make and quick. Best book out there.

5 comments about Arise from Darkness: What to Do When Life Doesn't Make Sense.

1. Fr. Benedict Groeschel is a perceptive speaker and writer. His deft understanding of psychology and spirituality make a synthesis that is illuminating and understandable. No mere intellectual, he gives a wealth of examples for every topic he pursues. 'Arise from Darkness' gives clear treatment for the darker mysteries of life: death and suffering. Like other gifted authors, he takes the drudgery of the hardest aspects of life and delivers his audience with explanations and anecdotes providing meaning and healing. He doesn't ever back down from his topic. Even the captions and chapters tell a great deal of the story: "When Our Security Is Threatened," "When the Church Lets Us Down," and "When Death Robs Us". He is as direct as you can get. He has several honest diagnoses, including "We are afraid to live, and even more afraid to die." Insightful and ruggedly pedestrian, Fr. Groeschel and his book can help us live up to his title and "Arise from Darkness".



2. I am 19 years old and I just lost my dad to cancer a few months ago. Fr. Groeschel has given me hope and wisdom through his clear and very understanding words. I can tell he is a man that truly does care for and love those like myself who are experiencing tragedy and pain like this.I strongly recommend it for anyone who has lost someone who was an essential person in their life.



3. Father Benedict beautifully imparts all you need to know of how to overcome all your worries and doubts......An all around loving Father tells his children that God truly Loves you and will grant you all the grace you need to LOVE HIM !!!



4. This book is well worth the time and effort of reading. It is a pleasure to read this book that can quikly and in perfect condition.



5. Funny, humorous, and critical. Portrays the contrasting characters of holiness and unholiness, sinners and saints, and saneness and craziness of all the people in this world. Takes a look on how people try to achieve the heavenly ideals in a worldly community.

1 comments about Coping with Stress in a Changing World.

1. I was dispointted about the purches. the shipping took long time even though i payed extra price

5 comments about The Dissociative Identity Disorder Sourcebook.

1. Personally, I think that this is a wonderful introduction to DID for those who are either affected by the condition, or others who would like to learn about DID. The book gives an overview of several forms of treatment and introduces the reader to the basic concepts of DID. This is a great place to start and I feel that the author's intention to provide a basic "source book" was much needed and well accomplished. I will say though that if you are an extremely detail oriented person and you enjoy going deeper, this book alone will not suffice. This is more of a "DID 101" kind of book for patients, family, friends, and therapists who are unfamiliar with DID. The language is very easy to understand, which makes it ideal for the average lay person.
   For a more in-depth took at dissociation and trauma, I already have a list of several books on Amazon ("so you'd like to read about trauma and dissociation"), which, although far from comprehensive, is a step in the right direction for those who are interested.



2. This book has excellent information on this topic of dissociative disorders. Full of details easy for others to pick up on and completely understand. I have learned alot about this disorder and have been able to reach out to others also suffering in silence with this disorder. Well written with passion, concern and knowledge... Deborah Bray Haddock has really put her heart into writting this book, she did a super job, a must have for those who are suffering with any dissociative disorder..



3. The DID Sourcebook is probably the best overall book I have read about DID. It presents a fair and scientific view of this serious, not-so-rare disorder. I have recommended it to other therapists and friends, as so little about dissociation is taught in schools. This is a book well worth having on any therapist's, psychiatrist's, psychologist's, or patient's bookshelf! But please... read it too!



4. What it is, why it is, and what you can do about it.
   No individual personal stories. Just the facts.
   I found this book very helpful.



5. I found this book extremely helpful as a resource in understanding DID. From diagnosis to treatment options and lists of helpful contacts for people discovering they have this condition, the author covered everything you could want to know about Dissociative Identity Disorder.