5 comments about Children of the Self-Absorbed: A Grown-up's Guide to Getting over Narcissistic Parents.

1. The book is written in simple language and therefore very accessible to those not familiar with the field of psychology. Additionally, the book is very interactive, forcing the reader to be invested in the book's content and therefore their own development. Nina Brown is knowledgeable and is able to relay her knowledge differently than most authors of psychological texts. I have read many texts on narcissism and honestly can say this is the best one in its breadth, accessibility, sophistication, and perspective.
   My last comment is that, Dr. Brown is very straight forward. She introduces ideas that may be difficult to accept and investigate. As opposed to other authors in this field, she does not sympathize with the victim and the emotionally lazy. She asks that the reader take the content of the book and their own development seriously. This is ultimately helpful.



2. This is an excellent book for anyone raised by a self-centered parent!
   It gives understanding and re-builds self-esteem.



3. This book was suggested to me by a friend who is a psychologist as I was talking about issues within my family, primarily relating to my parents.I was very impressed that this book takes you through the steps of self-healing.It helps you realise that you have been mislead into believing you are an inadequate person who would not have amounted to anything worthwhile without the support & guidance of your parents.The books lists various catagories that one or both of your self-absorbed parents fall into and at the end of each chapter little exercises to help you overcome the power these people have had over you. You will regain your self-worth and feel that you can become the person that you and other members of the family, colleagues and friends know that you are - a normal well-adjusted functioning human being.



4. This book is forthright about the nature of co-dependent relationships. Taking care of the parents. How to identify the problem if it exists or existed in your life, and how to cope with it skillfully in the future.



5. Children of the Self-Absorbed: A Grown-up's Guide to Getting over Narcissistic Parents
   
   "Children of the Self-Absorbed" by Dr. Nina Brown, practical guide to eliminating bad emotional habits and illusions that interfere with recovery from a childhood with Narcissistic parents. Beginning with an explanation of the term, "Self-Absorbed", Dr.Brown describes some of the lingering emotional and cognitive damage caused, and moves on to techniques of unravelling the emotional tangles and fantasies that prevent the patient from recovering and moving on. Most of the book is devoted to identifying erroneous emotional and thinking patterns and exercises for clearing them away, replacing them with patterns that strengthen and heal. The author is clear, honest and respectful of the reader: she uses everyday language; she remains realistic, avoiding self-help hucksterism, false sympathy, intellectualizing, and flattery; she demonstrates a basic belief that the reader can improve.
   
   On a personal note - a recent death in my family caused such emotional disarray that I searched the Net for answers and explanations of what could be going on. In the process, and through studying this book, many things about the way my family behaves (and how I react), that had been hidden from and confusing to me over my lifetime, were revealed and clarified. I found this book and the exercises in it most liberating. My family drove me to seek psychiatric care many times over the course of my life - I wish those doctors had known what Dr.Brown knows. An enormous weight has finally been lifted from my heart.
   
   This little book packs a lot of healing power.

5 comments about Don't Sweat the Small Stuff--and it's all small stuff (Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Series).

1. This is a perfect book to have on your coffee table or at your bedside. Reading
   any of Richard Carlson's 2 page chapters a day is wonderful support in having
   a great life. This book has helped me feel at ease in myself. For example - the
   chapter "Cut Your Some Slack," reminds me "Life is a process - just one thing after
   another. When you lose it just start over again" - I love this! It's nice to
   remember that every moment is new and full of possibilities.
   
   I have also found books by authors Ariel & Shya Kane enlightening. By reading
   their books, Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation, How to Create a Magical Relationship and Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment, self-discovery has become so easy and fun. They say that "awareness is not an achievement - it is a way of life." If you enjoy books written by Richard Carlson, I have a feeling you would also enjoy those written by the Kanes.



2. In keeping with Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" this book continues to be a motivational addition to my collection. It was worth me sweating to find an inexpensive copy.



3. This book has brief every day narrations of every day life situations and gives you advice to stay calm or take the best out of the situation.
   I think that it is helpful to read the authors point of view and realize that you dont have to choose to get angry about dirty dishes in the sink, and many many other indexed toppings.



4. No matter what your mood, or what's going on in your life, this book has a section to bring a smile to your face. Guaranteed!



5. GET IT GET IT GET IT YOU NEED IT FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FRIENDS ENEMIES

5 comments about You Can Read Anyone.

1. This book I find interesting. I don't know if all of what he says checks up with reality however there is only one way to find out.



2. This is an excellent book, but you really need to invest time in studying and reviewing its contents if you want to master this skill. Well worth the effort if you are serious.



3. I ordered the audio download to listen to while driving. Unlike other audio books, some quite complex, I couldn't follow what the author was talking about. I felt like the version I got was missing every other page. The techniques discuss were very narrowly applicable. In my opinion, the book has a killer title, but only mediocre content. Although he touches on many uses of reading people, like in sales or on a date, none of it had legitimate depth and none of it was easy to follow. His other book, "Never be Lied to Again" was better written, easier to follow and fulfilled one's assumptions base on the tile's words. This one? Not that great.



4. Its a little difficult to read and comprehend on the 1st go. Or, maybe I'm just not focused.



5. i had great excitement when i got this. i was disappointed (i have the
   audio tape). he is not a professional reader. he READS to me, not talks,
   so he goes very very fast. it doesn't sink in. plus, i want more personal examples. there are only a few. and, the examples he gives seem most useful for a law enforcement interogator, or a jury profiler. this would be far better presented in a workshop situation where one could see videos of 'the guilty party', and where one could practice. as it is, i would save my money and not recommend this. or get it from the library. i think it is a 'top seller' because of what it promises not what it delivers.

5 comments about I Love Female Orgasm: An Extraordinary Orgasm Guide.

1. I just received my order of "I <3 Female Orgasm" today, and have been engrossed ever since. The amount of information found in the approximately 300 page book is incredible, as well as incredibly well written. I love the way that when the authors sometimes refer to a certain concept, they will also tell you the page number to get more detail about that concept. They also frequently recommend other books for more information. I also enjoy the wonderful anecdotes and little quotes that are constantly interspersed within the book. I frequently laughed aloud while reading some of the stories. ^_^
   
   This book is an all inclusive book about female sex, not just female orgasm, and is helpful on many levels. If you are the least bit interested in females and sex put together, I definitely recommend this book for you to read and enjoy.



2. As a sex coach and instructor, this book helped me answer a lot of questions for my clients about female orgasm. I also have several friends who have trouble in that area. I made it part of my library along with two other books that have proven invaluable and that I have shared with all my clients and friends: (1) Five Minutes to Orgasm Every Time You Make Love: Female Orgasm Made Simple. This 3-step technique takes the mystique out of female orgasm and makes it the natural and simple act it should be. (2) Was that an earthquake? The Sensuous Couple's (Flip Over) Guide to Seismic Oral Sex. This flip over book has tons of information about fellatio on one side, then flip it over and you have just as much information about cunnilingus. A must for couples of any age, sex or experience.



3. Anyone who is female - or anyone who sleeps with females - needs to read this book. It's written in a clear, friendly, sometimes funny way. It provides a ton of great information and insights. I learned a lot from this book, as I think would anyone. I loved that it is also inclusive of everyone, straight or not. This would also be a great book to give to a girl before she becomes sexually active with a partner. Please do yourself a favor and read this book right now!



4. Excellent book that is well written with a sense of humor. This should be required reading for all women interested in enjoying their lives. The authors are non judgemental and professional. Wit and humor cover the topics along with perspectives for partners of women included through out. Wonderful book! Buy one for everywomen you love.



5. I honestly feel that if every male practices what is written there then their relationships with their spouses will become more intimate and the
   divorce rate in the world would certainly plummet down. I also recommend
   other book that is about to satisfy female and male I Love You. Now What?: Falling in Love is a Mystery, Keeping It Isn't

5 comments about Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live.

1. This product was shipped and was in excellent condition. Would do business again and recommend highly.



2. Her humor and intelligence amaze me with every book I read of hers. I'm a big fan. This is a timely book for me as I try to sell my business, raise 2 young boys and figure out my next career move. I share the main points of this book with all of my friends. There is a reason why Oprah publishes her work every month in her magazine. Martha Beck speaks to me a lot in this book and I am listening.



3. Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Liveis a life changing book. Beck's examples are all ones we can relate to no matter where we are in life.



4. I see myself and just about everyone I know in this book. It is a good read, interesting, insightful and has a lot of exercises to help understand what's going on in your life and how you can change the things that feel wrong. Martha Beck is just plain wonderful!



5. Book in good shape, but so many underlined passages and the underlines distract from my enjoyment of reading the book. I underline my books that I do not intend to sell. I wish I'd known the book I chose to purchase had so many underlined passages. I would have bought another one.

5 comments about Get Anyone to Do Anything: Never Feel Powerless Again--With Psychological Secrets to Control and Influence Every Situation.

1. INTRO
   --
   The author's promise: "this book contains ... tactics governing human behavior that will let you outsmart, outthink, and outmaneuver... anyone, anyplace, anytime." After reading the book, I am not confident I can outsmart, out-think, or outmaneuver anyone at anyplace and anytime. Instead, I have a greater awareness of what psychological techniques are useful for certain types of situations. Most if not all of the techniques explained in the book are practical but common knowledge.
   
   
   HOW TO GET PEOPLE TO LIKE YOU
   --
   The author suggests that you talk with someone when he is in a good mood if you want him to like you. Moreover, the author writes, "countless studies (and common sense) have established that we tend to like more those who like us." The tactics are to establish rapport by matching the person's gestures, rate of speech, and vocal patterns. I agree with the author, it is common sense (and common knowledge).
   
   
   HOW TO MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION?
   --
   Smile.
   
   
   HOW TO APPEAR CALM, CONFIDENT
   --
   Smile. And breathe.
   [I am beginning to think that all of these books that suggest we smile are going to create a world of fixed and affected smiling].
   
   
   GET PEOPLE TO SAY WHAT THEY ARE REALLY THINKING
   --
   I found this chapter to be useful and practical. E.g., suppose you ask some one whether they like the way you arranged furniture and the person responds, "I like it." You can then probe deeper by asking, "what would it take for you to love it?" Or you could ask, "how do you think I can make this room look even better?" It seems simple, and it is.
   
   
   LEADERSHIP
   --
   Great leaders, the author states, must be able to identify with followers by appealing to their desires, needs, and wants. A great leader is also a humble individual. The style of great leaders is clarity, simplicity, and directness. Moreover, great leaders respect everyone. It is demonstrated by showing people how terrific they are and not how great the leader is. People will think you are charismatic when they feel that you make them feel important and special.
   
   
   GET ANYONE TO UNDERSTAND YOU
   --
   It is a simple two-step process.
   1. Give an overview (see the above sentence).
   2. Say it is simple (see the above sentence).
   
   
   GET GROUPS TO COOPERATE
   --
   It is possible to get groups to cooperate by creating an external threat or setting one group up against another. The author writes, "A mind, like a group, with nothing to occupy it, will turn against itself. When we have nothing to focus our attention on our mind creates its own unrest and fears begin to take root." It is why hobbies are relaxing because it focuses our attention.
   
   When naming your group, it is should be inspiring such as "The Conquerers" and not "The Philosophers."
   
   
   GET GOOD ADVICE
   --
   The author is mostly right about obtaining good advice. 1) Listen to advice with an open-mind. 2) When some one is jealous or envious of you, do not ask for advice. 3) If a person has an interest in the outcome of what you are asking advice about (whether it be emotional or financial) do not obtain advice from this person. 4) Obtain advice from a variety of individuals from different backgrounds.
   
   
   HOW TO CRITICIZE
   --
   The ability to criticize effectively without generating additional problems is an art and a science. I think the author offered practical and useful advice on this challenging and important ability.
   1) Show you care, 2) do so in private, 3) preface criticism with a compliment), 4) criticize the act and not the person, 5) believe the person did the act unwittingly, 6) share responsibility for the act, 7) suggest a solution, and 8) tell the person he is not alone in the act. Additionally, a good amount of time should have passed from when the act occurred to when you criticize.
   
   
   CONCLUSION
   --
   In closing, I did enjoy the book but found it to be less useful than I anticipated and what the author's claims were. Nevertheless, I think it was beneficial and I am happy I read it. I was expecting more. You will obtain practice suggestions on how to handle certain types of situations but most of the suggestions are common knowledge.
   
   
   I hope this review was helpful for you.



2. I came across this book in my continuing research of NLP and hypnosis. Neither of which are addressed in this book. This book is a very basic and shallow guide to how to get along better with people. There is no magic here, no great revelations, just basic common sense advice on how to better interact with others.
   
   I won't say the book was bad, it wasn't. However, it is very shallow and there is nothing in here that you wouldn't already know how to do. I expected at least some detailed conversational advice and, while this book had some, it was very limited.
   
   It's a very quick read, very simple, and if you're looking for a good two day read to help you polish up your people skills for a new sales job, or a presentation, you will probably find a few helpful tips in here. If you are looking for something deeper, this isn't it.



3. I recommend this book to perhaps reinforce what you already may know. Particularly interesting was toward the end of the book where the author went into handling physical and sexual assaults.



4. This book has a lot of good info on communication. I learned quite a bit about how I communicate to others and what my body language is saying. There is some humor too and that made all the more enjoyable. Good book!



5. This book is just methods to try to manipulate people. Not terribly helpful. I'd recommend Winning Without Intimidation : How to Master the Art of Positive Persuasion in Today's Real World in Order to Get What You Want, When You Want It instead.

5 comments about Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment.

1. I had expected more scientific research supporting the book's thesis, than mere happiness surveys or quizzes about how people feel and their moods in specific situations. Soon I realized that my expectations could hardly be met, since fortunately happiness is is one of the most subjective issues and although objective factors like wealth and health have an influence on it, every individual has his personal (maybe genetic or maybe learned) patterns or attitudes towards life.
   
   You can find all the quizzes in the book and answer them yourself to rate your levels of optimism, happiness, etc., which is interesting per se. The author also presents the results of the surveys performed with many people from different countries. This also gives interesting data about which factors have a greater influence on happiness, always showing that specific circumstances alter the results. For example, persons that have had a successful surgery in their recent past (which is a sign of illness) are happier than healthy ones (One might wonder!)
   
   I had first skipped the section on kids, since having no children myself, I had no interest in the topic. I returned to this chapter after reading the rest of the book and I found it extremely interesting, indeed one of the best parts of the book. I would really recommend its reading to parents, although I'm lacking first-hand experience as well as any kind of authority and have never read other literature on the topic. Maybe more experienced persons can refute the author's propositions, as apparently is the case, still I find this section worth reading and worth judging by yourself.
   
   The last chapter is related to finding a meaning in your life, but it is full of tortuous philosophical arguments for a kind of religion without God. I do not believe it will help anybody to find a meaning in life and on top, the arguments are extremely difficult to follow. Better look for meaning somewhere else.
   
   One of the books main thesis is that you can achieve happiness by doing things that make you happy. These are things that have a meaning or ar significant or by "submerging" yourself into an activity to fall in a so called "flow" state. For people interested in Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience I will not recommend Mihaly Czikszentmihalyi's book on the topic, because I cannot properly spell his name and because I have not read it yet (although I will, since his book is one of the most quoted by authors of totally different fields). Instead I will recommend First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently and its sequel Now, Discover Your Strengths. These books tell you why sticking to your strengths makes you happier than insisting on doing things in which you are not good at (by achieving flow). Do not expect a scientific demonstration of this, just the results from a series of Gallup surveys that show that most of the times this is what people feel, packed in a management book format.



2. Gives you insights into personality traits and how to authentically be happy. Interesting approach however, my favorite book, Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook with its wonderful info on the Law of Attraction otherwise known as The mSecret shows you how to be happy through their use of many exercises and a journal.



3. Dr. Seligman's book should be the first read on any list of books to help in finding happiness. Dr.Seligman is one of the recognized world experts on what contributes to happiness. He provides tests in the book and also on the authentichappiness.com website to help the reader identify her/his "signature strengths". They are those characteristics that are our truest strongpoints. He suggests trying to incorporate as many of them as possible into our daily lives and paying less attention to other characteristics that aren't our strong suit.
   
   Naturally, the book is very helpful not only in finding happiness in everyday life, but also as an important tool to guide in career selection. I review the basics concepts of this book with my college management students each semester. Other reviews I've done provide a fuller listing of many excellent happiness and kindness self-help books, but it seems sensible to me to start with this book. It's only logical to identify what our strongest traits are upfront so we can bring them into play in relationship to the wise advice contained in his book and in others I've listed.



4. Definitely on my recommended book list. A must read for women in business.
   
   Susan Bock
   The Success Coach for Women in Business
   www.SusanBockSolutions.com



5. I used this book for a course I took and it was very informative. I enjoyed learning about how to evaluate one's frame of mind and look at things in a more positive light. Using our core strengths is definitely a must, in order to live to our full potential.

5 comments about Anatomy of the Spirit: The Seven Stages of Power and Healing.

1. Dr Myss manages to engage, inspire, and bring together three mystical traditions into one system. Her unique technology is a revelation! Entirely relevant to health and disease, Myss's exploration is mystical, spiritual as well as practical.
   
   You gotta read this book!



2. This book started me on a path to healing myself. It is a great way to begin to see the unifying principals between major religions. The most important thing for me is that it can help with some introspective self diagnosis of what is ailing you physically and spiritually. I would easily consider this book to be a foundation to start your exploration of the chakra system. Carolyn Myss put me in a new paradigm for at least a year with this book and instilled a hunger for knowledge of the mind body system that has persisted 7 years later. Even though I think this book is a great start to understanding the chakra system and the mind-body connection, it was in depth enough to make you feel like you've been educated.



3. This is an excellent book for all to read who are looking for guidance through their spiritual journey. Fantastic reading. Well written, easy to follow.



4. This is a bit of a hard read to me. I have to read the pages over and over to understand the way this is written. I dunno...it's probably a good book if you can manage not to become bored in the beginning with trying to understand it.



5. I thought that the start of this book was heavy going but Part II was excellent. Would recommend that the reader starts reading last few pages of Part I where she introduces Part II and then start Part II. Afterwards Part I becomes more interesting.

5 comments about Emotional Blackmail: When the People in Your Life Use Fear, Obligation, and Guilt to Manipulate You.

1. I felt this book provided an eyeopening perspective on how we are manipulated by others and in fact may manipulate others. I think it helped me to gain perspective and move forward as I have emerged from an abusive marrige.



2. This Book is great on its own. The transaction was easy and the book came as described.



3. This an amazing look into the reality of emotional abuse. As a therapist I have been recommending this book to my clients. Watch out for an eye opening read!



4. I myself am currently in the FOG that she describes in this and it has hit home very well and helping me redeem myself. She's VERY good at explaining and assisting. Sometimes I feel she's right there. Very informative about the different types of emotional blackmailers. I'm not done reading, but have gotten 3/4 of the way and I am so happy I bought this book. It caught my eye one day browsing through the bookstore, never bought it out of fear probably. My friend coaxed me into buying it and I'm glad I did. If anything, it will bring confidence and give you some sort of support while trying to figure out what is going on. Put you in the right direction so you can be free and clear! Basically, this book is AWESOME, INFORMATIVE, and a must read for current victims of emotional blackmail.



5. The book IS great, you can read about its value in every other review on this site. I will not repeat them, instead I will tell about the little "but..": most of "healthy" or "non-pathological" relationships we support is not of the bipolar model of the offender and the offended one. Usually we use some forms of lightweight blackmail in one place where receive it in another: it is very hard to draw a distinct rule between asking and manipulating, and the more we need/want/desire something from the partner the blurrier is the border. And unfortunately you will find anything but help in "double blackmail", "crossfire", where BOTH sides of the story can read the book and find that they are the victims. The only hope is that they both get smarter with reading the book and start talking to each other. Which is very likely, as the book IS great indeed ;)

5 comments about The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate.

1. This book is Fantastic! My husband and I have always had a great marriage, but this took it to a whole new level. It should be given to every couple when they apply for a marriage license!



2. This is a great book for anyone wanting to strengthen their relationship with a spouse or family member.



3. I bought the audio version so I could listen in my car. I didn't see anywhere that is mentioned this CD is a CD with MP3s on it. I cannot return it since I opened it to see what the deal was. I am really angry at Amazon for this. If I wanted the MP3's I could have just bought the MP3 Downloads, saved the postage and packaging.
   
   The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate [AUDIOBOOK] [CD] [UNABRIDGED] (Audio CD)
   
   Does that look like I would be getting mp3's on a CD? No.



4. Someone lent me this book. I loved it so much, I bought a copy for myself. I think everyone should read it who has or wants to have a relationship of any kind with anyone. I liked it so much, I bought the Five Love Languages for Teenagers and The Five Love Languages for Singles.
   
   Mr. Chapman claims that there are five primary love languages: words of affirmation, physical touch, acts of service, receiving gifts and quality time. Although we all need to be loved in all the ways, there is one love language that is our primary love language. If we are not loved in this primary love language, then our love tank becomes empty and we feel unloved, even if all four other love languages are being spoken to us.
   
   So my conjecture is this may be then, why someone with the love language of words of affirmation would 'fish' for compliments, because they have a deep need to hear affirming words.
   Happy reading!



5. This is such an insightful book that will open your eyes to how you feel love as well as others including your spouse. It also helps you discover how you interpret love and can show love to others in a way they understand. Interesting read, i would recommend to anyone.