5 comments about Fifty Things to Do When You Turn Fifty: Fifty Experts on the Subject of Turning Fifty.

1. This is a compilation from various authors writing on the subject of turning 50. The first contributor really lays it on the line by saying "Stop complaining" and get your act together so that you'll get through many years after 50. I appreciated that these 50 writers "provided essays on a pro-bono basis" and profits from the book will go toward non-profit organizations focused on cancer research. This is a great book to give as a gift to friends reaching this sometimes challenging milestone.



2. Knowledgeably edited by Ronnie Sellers, Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is an informed and thought-provoking collection of fifty writers contributing ideas, advice, observations, and instructions upon turning fifty years old. As an ideal how-to and what-to-do book informing its readers of the many fears and beliefs that might concern most fifty-year-olds, and explores why they might feel as they do and what to do to avoid or confront such barriers. Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is very strongly recommended to all readers who have or are contemplating turning fifty-something as the ultimate guideline of staying young as an explorative and practical fifty-year-old.



3. Knowledgeably edited by Ronnie Sellers, Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is an informed and thought-provoking collection of fifty writers contributing ideas, advice, observations, and instructions upon turning fifty years old. As an ideal how-to and what-to-do book informing its readers of the many fears and beliefs that might concern most fifty-year-olds, and explores why they might feel as they do and what to do to avoid or confront such barriers. Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is very strongly recommended to all readers who have or are contemplating turning fifty-something as the ultimate guideline of staying young as an explorative and practical fifty-year-old.



4. Knowledgeably edited by Ronnie Sellers, Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is an informed and thought-provoking collection of fifty writers contributing ideas, advice, observations, and instructions upon turning fifty years old. As an ideal how-to and what-to-do book informing its readers of the many fears and beliefs that might concern most fifty-year-olds, and explores why they might feel as they do and what to do to avoid or confront such barriers. Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is very strongly recommended to all readers who have or are contemplating turning fifty-something as the ultimate guideline of staying young as an explorative and practical fifty-year-old.



5. My husband had received this book for his 50th birthday so he knew it was good. Our neighbor is enjoying it too.

4 comments about The Surprising Purpose of Anger: Beyond Anger Management: Finding the Gift (Nonviolent Communication Guides).

1. Technically there are 24 pages in this paperback. This includes fairly large print and pages partially filled. It also includes review pages and "practice pages" with just a couple sentences of instruction with blank lines for you to fill in.



2. 
   I found this booklet so insightful, even life-changing. I don't need a lot of extra words, I like reading concise, on-target material. Radically shifting the experience of anger -- for only $7. That's worth five stars.



3. This book was clear, to the point, and filled with information. I have never read a book on psychology (especially anger) that made this much sense. Everything the author talked about I have experienced, but couldn't express it the way he did. I have learned from this book.



4. This book beats all the crap all there. It tells you the truth. You are angry because you have a need and it's not being met. And the problem with anger is you are just trying to get it met in the wrong way! So easy, practice self ownership. It helped me get over my anger tendencies!

No comments about Chicken Soup for the Soul: Older & Wiser: Stories of Inspiration, Humor, and Wisdom about Life at a Certain Age (Chicken Soup for the Soul; Our 101 Best Stories).

5 comments about Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry 3rd Edition.

1. I got an earlier edition of this book in Physical Therapy school and it was invaluable in teaching the finer points of goniometry. I constantly used it as a source of information, until I became comfortable with measuring joint range of motion. Since I am now working in the inpatient arena, I mostly repeatedly measure knees, but refer back to it when I need to brush up on another joint. It has clear pictures and overall is a great reference book for anyone who has to evaluate joint ranges of motion.



2. This is an excellent as easily describes how to do ROM of all sorts of joints. A great book for a student and practitioner that needs to look up the more obscure joints. It has tables as well for normal ROM. You can't go wrong with this one.



3. I had to buy 3 text books for a kinesiology class and this one is my favorite. It covers the hands-on portion of kinesiology and is very easy to interpret.



4. This is an excellent reference book for the classes that I am taking. It is very detailed.



5. This is a new study for me and I am learning as I read. A bit technical, but I expected that. Would like to have an expert work with me to make the process managable. Most of my clients, I am massage therapist, don't see the need for the measurements, but I know that it helps me. I learn as I go.

5 comments about Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery.

1. This is one of my favorite reference books. Without getting all detailed about the contents, because the book description is accurate enough, I can say that this book has helped me many times in dealings with difficult people and also in analyzing my own behavior. I have never seen a personality profiling book so accurate before. I have never found an instance where I have not been able to classify someone as one of the 9 personality types with the correct "wing". Go get this book, if you are at all curious about how people work and what motivates them.



2. Don Riso is one of the key figures and innovators in the field of Enneagram studies. This is not the first of his books (and here he has partnered with Russ Hudson), nor is it the most recent, but it does represent refinement and improvement over his earlier works. There are several other authors who have written books on the Enneagram, but I don't think anyone else has done it as well. Riso is a highly articulate guy who doesn't sugar coat things, and reading his descriptions of personality types such as the average or unhealthy three is a bit unsettling. I'd say he has, for better or worse, great insight into human nature. A minor criticism is that I disagree with his classification of certain famous people, although in most cases he seems to get it right. Anyone interested in personality and human behavior in general will find this a fascinating read. Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health



3. First of all, let me say that I don't think you will come across a more accurate and useful personality typology system than the Enneagram. It offers the reader much more as far as self-awareness and possibilities for personal growth than the Myers Briggs. In other words, it's a much more complete system. Why? Because not only do you get a description of your personality type, but you can understand how two people of the same type can be so incredibly different. Levels of development, wings and direction of integration and disintegration create a vast array of levels of functioning among members of the same type. If you don't know what those terms mean, I trust the other reviewers have covered them, or you just might want to read the book. It's not difficult to understand at all.
   
   I do have a small complaint: I felt that the authors made some generalizations without qualifying their information. For example, I clearly identified myself as a type 4 with a 5 wing. However, according to Riso and Hudson, part of the reason I am a four is because I was not nurtured by my parents. Not true at all. I have a very loving relationship with my parents. I felt abused by peers at school and certain teachers but never my parents. Riso and Hudson don't say "sometimes, 4's will have tenuous relationships with their parents"; they said something like "4's felt like their parents were not there for them and consequently, they had to construct and search for their identity". I would be surprised if every single 4 on the face of the earth had a bad relationship with his or her parents so I think it's slightly irresponsible to make such a blatant generalization without having research to back it up. Moreover, I found many generalizations like this throughout the book that didn't even pertain to my type. Sloppy research on the part of the authors.
   
   However, the authors do a very good job of explaining the types in great detail. I just wish they would have strayed away from some of the overgeneralizations.



4. I have several books by the same author(s) from 1987 on. This one, after 1987, is an excellent update and contains wonderful charts and scientific data and insights. Also good is the 2000 or so update of this one which has its own unique perspectives and charts. All are worth reading.



5. The author is sincere and direct to the point. To avoid every illusion, he warns his readers that the book is not "a typical self-help book" and therefore, does not "promise miracle." The fact that the author makes no presumption, makes it possible for him to be down to earth and therefore, convincing. The question whether Enneagram makes sense or not, is a question ones needs to answer after going through the book and after having understood his/her personality type. The only proof of Enneagram's accuracy is to have identified your own personality. And I think this is itself a miracle. The historical survey of Enneagram is objective. Personally, I found the book very useful. Discover your self by discovering the contents of this book. Spend your money for it and you will earn a lot because this book is very illuminating.

5 comments about When Food Is Love: Exploring the Relationship Between Eating and Intimacy (Plume).

1. I am not known for my reading abilities but this was an "easy" read!
   Sometimes, Geneen seemed to go into a lot of "personal" stories that might seem like she was losing tract of the purpose of her book. I was often able to see the reason behind it as she was trying to drive a point across by relating her stories (and others') so that the reader can see the relationship between food and love. Overall, I think there were some very good points that she brought out that I never would have seen or thought of had it not been for this book.



2. Wow,wow,wow. I purchased this book because it was suggested to me from a friend about a year ago I finally bought it and I am so glad I did. I am a very skeptical person when it comes to self help books, but I have to say this wasn't a self help book at all. Roth makes you truly examine yourself by sharing her story and then asking questions that make you think about why we do the things we do (eat). What feelings are we surpressing? THIS BOOK IS NOT A "HOW TO GUIDE" - it just tells her story and other people stories and I bet anyone could find a piece of themselves in this book. It was funny and light hearted, not drab and psychological. I loved it so much I couldn't put it down and I ended up ordering 2 more of her books - Breaking Free of Emotional & Compulsive Eating.
   
   If nothing else, the book is a great read. I highly recommend it.



3. Buy this book. Geneen Roth is an insightful writer who gives personal experience along with client experiences to reveal issues of her own yet relate it to others. Excellent.



4. Geneen has great insight in to why we overeat and what is behind the whole thing.
   She uses real life stories from her life and others to help you see that we are not so differant after all and you can change.



5. My nutritionist gave me this book. Then I bought a copy. Then I bought a copy for five of my friends and family. This book is not about food. This book is about intimacy, fear, grief, and relating to yourself and others in your life. Roth uses her own life experiences and her specific relationship problems and food problems as a basis for this book, but in reading about her own insights, anyone can see themself in this book. If you've ever felt hopeless because you can't keep the weight off, you can't pay down your credit card debt, you can't make a relationship work that should work - this book might help you see how inter-connected your life is. Roth is insightful and writes in a way that is easy to read and draws you in.

5 comments about Gateways to Now (Inner Life Series).

1. Even though I love to read, because of a life long engagement with ADD and insomnia,it is not often easy to obsorb or retain the contents of any book let alone one such as this. One that requires serious contemplation and quiet reflection. However I found this book to provide,a meaningful metamorphosis to this mecurial mind, a soothing serenity to my secluded spirit, and a sedative to my oft troubled soul, things that I seldom enjoy. I completely agree with many of his points, such as the eternal nature of our Spirits. Also the concept that all living things have presence and Spirits. In fact I have I personally found that while riding my bicycle in the nearby mountains(for me by keeping my body active seems to quiet this overactive mind)I can actually hear and feel the presence of life forms around me especially durring early spring mornings. On several occcassions I hold my hands close to the long grasses, trees, or whatever life form is near and feel it's energy and each ones' very discerable Spirit/presence, which is exciting to be part of. Additionally on such mornings it seems that the annimals, insects,etc. do not fear me and will often come out and seemingly greet me. They know I come in peace and love, with an appreciation for each of them and their Creator. It is also interesting to note that most of the indiginous peoples of the earth were very much in tune with all this. I believe this book can help all of us get in touch with the spiritual side of all that exists on this planet. It sure makes it a much more interesting and beautiful place to live!!A New Earth



2. This CD has some techniques discussed by Tolle to perceive inner space. They require some repeated practice for those not familiar with meditation, but seem to work fine. The music is a minor distraction.



3. I have listened to most of
   E. Tolle's book on cd and especially loved this one for the 2nd cd. I find his message powerful and important in todays world. This set contains the best meditative music I have ever heard. I'm sure I lent it out and never got it back, so for the very powerful music in this set I am reordering....very well worth it!



4. I was a little disappointed to see just two disc in the case when there were 8 for the book. The second disc is all music. This book pulls out one of the most important points from his book "A New Earth " which is "Staying in the Now". I listen to the music CD on the train or just before I got to bed to help me relax. This book is a nice compliment to his other books.



5. I was interested in listening to Eckhart Tolle speak and this was advertised as a 2 CD set. However, while Mr. Tolle's voice was strong, fascinating and convincing...he lectures on only one of the CDs and the second CD is only the music used in the interlude between "chapters" of his lectures on the first CD. So it was more music than education and I was disappointed.
   The only plus is that now that I am reading his books....I can still recall what his voice would sound like as I read his words.

5 comments about The Impulse Factor: Why Some of Us Play It Safe and Others Risk It All.

1. Based in the context of genetics and psychology, The Impulse Factor, is a great tool for understanding risk and risk aversion. Nick Tasler used years of research to illustrate why it's easier for some to take risks than others and whether or not risk takers are more successful than non risk takers in business.
   
   Business professionals can benefit from The Impulse Factor as a tool for understanding how and why different people, including themselves, either make or don't make risky decisions. By reading Tasler's book, people, despite their innate tendencies, can learn to make better decisions thus improving their chances of success.



2. It's in the genes.
   So says Nick Tasler, author of The Impulse Factor
   Those who are cautious look at the impulsive and think they are reckless. Those who are impulsive look at the cautious and wonder why they can't make a decision.
   And now Tasler links impulsivity to a lack of MAO in the brain.
   More specifically Tasler sums that impulsivity is at least in part due to a gene mutation that alters the way some people's brains handle dopamine, thus causing people to be Darwin Award winners, sexaholics and a host of other negative behaviors and life patterns.
   Meanwhile the non-mutant (my word not Tasler's) is the cautious one.
   And there are a lot more of the cautious variety on the planet.
   
   More interesting is Tasler's uncovering of the fact that about 1/2 of people diagnosed with ADHD have the novelty seeking gene.
   
   Tasler makes it clear that there are obvious benefits and drawbacks of being one of those who seek novelty. Sometimes you get what you jump for and other times you become a Darwin Award recipient.
   
   Next Tasler points out an interesting distinction of impulsive behavior. It's not so much ignoring the risk, he says, it's more about the focus on the reward.
   
   If that sounds like a stereotypical teenager, you're probably hearing right....
   
   Meanwhile cautious people behave impulsively to keep up with the group.
   
   Tasler's brilliant book is even handed and offers wisdom for "potential seekers" and others. You'll have to pick up the book to get the details.
   
   Kevin Hogan
   Author of Irresistible Attraction: Secrets of Personal Magnetism



3. This was a great study into how impulsive decisions are developed based on your personality type, the impulsive tendencies and how it effects how people make decisions. The study is really useful at disecting impulse decision making, knowing the blueprint into impulse helps the reader benefit in making really productive and successful impulse decisions. I really liked the idea that impulsive decisions can have a positive even successful result similar to the idea in BLINK; since the norm is to treat impulsive decisions as negative and bad decisions.



4. Usually I enjoy books that explain psychological patterns so Impulse Factor was a natural for me to choose. Mostly I enjoyed the book, especially Tasler's summary of psychological studies. There's not a lot of novelty: if you've taken a social psych course, especially at the graduate level, you'll recognize the classics.
   
   Other reviewers have identified the book's many virtues, so I will focus on two quibbles.
   
   First, I am cautious about the influence of personality traits. Some personality theorists emphasize that trait are more like dispositions -- i.e., tendencies to respond that can change depending on the situation. And I believe people do change fundamentally over time.
   
   More important, I believe Tasler defines "impulse" very broadly. His first example -- rescue squad members who decide to race down a dangerous hill -- seems to fit the definition. I view a dieter's decision to order a big piece of chocolate cake as giving in to impulse.
   
   But I think we can differentiate risk taking tendencies and non-conformity from impulsivity. We can distinguish impulsivity as a trait from impulsive decisions. I also think we have to differentiate intuitive decisions from impulsive decisions, especially in business. Often what seems to be an impulsive decision is actually grounded in experience. Malcolm Gladwell's Blink shows how on-the-spot decisions often are grounded in deep experience.
   
   That's probably why Tasler ultimately concludes the most successful visionaries combine traits of potential seekers and risk managers. I suspect many of us tend to move quickly in situations where we have experience to guide us. And as Tasler suggests (in more elegant language), when forced to make a decision with incomplete information, we need to ask, "What's the worst outcome scenario?"
   
   Despite these quibbles, I would recommend the book enthusiastically -- except for the book's ties to a commercial consulting firm. Appendix A appears to be a guide to the proprietary test -- essentially a commercial.



5. Mostly I guess, I'm a bit shocked. This is exactly the sort of book that I love and I guess, had forgotten about, because all sorts of wonderful feelings came flooding back to me as I started getting deeper into it. I hate saying this but I think Malcomb may have lulled me to sleep without me even realizing it. This book on the other hand, popped me back to coherence.
   
   This is a seriously splendid book.
   Thank you sir, for reminding me why I love thinking.
   
   -Sarah Shikitao-Brown,
   Tao Cycle Therapy: Natural Happiness via Self Directed Cure for Chronic Anxiety & Depression [Updated 2008 3nd Edition]

5 comments about Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life.

1. This book is handed out by corporate scoundrels (drones) to nice people (workers) in yet another heinous, greed-driven, hubristic attempt to repress the American worker.
   
   In fact, that's the very reason for the "popularity" of this egregious handful of pure trash. Corporations buy millions of volumes of this mind-bender to hand out to unsuspecting employees for "training" (brainwashing).
   
   I'll confess that this HAS to be the most shrewdly-written piece of propaganda ever committed to paper. Goebbels would have been proud of such a handbook of Centrist, self-serving, excusado of corporate treachery! *.*
   
   It's all about making decent, hard-working employees manifest a great horror and a personal fear of losing their jobs, therefore requiring an undeserved respect for rotten corporate employers, accepting much less than they're entitled to for their hard work. This thing would have Exxon employees genuflecting to their CEO for his devoted environmental concerns!
   
   I gave this book ONE STAR, only because it's not an option to give it less than ZERO!
   
   NOT RECOMMENDED!



2. I had forgotten what a great read this book was. I first read this book about nine years ago when I was going through a bad spot financially it had the desired effect and since then it sat on the bookshelf in my study, my eight year old daughter was going through a bad patch at school so, I dusted it off and sat down with both my girls and read them the story. What a reminder of how your mind plays tricks on us and how we can be our own worst enemy by holding on to the baggage of the past and not moving with opportunities. When things change so should we.
   So, you feel like you're in a rut grab yourself a coffee find a quite spot and sit down and read Who moved My Cheese.



3. I have heard about this book for many years but somehow never read it. I went through it recently and think it's a very easy-to-read book. The idea the author wants to express is straightforward and inspirational. It's a tiny story so I finish the book in very short time. But the idea the book talked about remains very clear in my mind. I should say that means the author really did a good job.
   
   I like it and recommend it.



4. The laborious, trite and utterly useless content in this book really makes one wonder just who ACTUALLY needs things like this. The values, concepts, etc. covered in the book should be known, understood and well accepted by the time one reaches, at the latest, 10 years of age. As for the corporate aspect of things: it is absolutely insulting and doesn't even qualify as "half-truth".
   
   There is a wide variety of thought-provoking, conversation-inspiring and life-changing books out there written on similar topics. However, unlike this book, they are written in an adult, intelligent style. This book treats the reader like a child and provides no real "meat" to think about/discuss.
   
   I would highly recommend reading some other books that ride on a much more foundation of intelligence, but ones that go beyond mere acceptance and discuss some of the psychological and sociological aspects of the world.
   
   Too put it shorty:
   There's nothing to learn from this childish trash unless there really is something EXTREMELY wrong with your understanding of the world.
   
   Don't insult yourself.



5. Cheese - this is the most intriguing metaphor I've ever seen! I still have no idea why Spencer Johnson used that, but it seems to me that he used Cheese as means of social skills or flexibility. I guess we must get rid of our old cheese to adapt to any changes. Otherwise, we will be likely to be left behind or social loners.
   According to this book, 2 mice, Sniff and Scurry were sophisticated enough to get new Cheese. On the other hand, 2 Littlepeople, Hem and Haw got agitated because the Cheese at Cheese Station C, where they felt comfortable, disappeared out of the blue. At first, they gradually ran out of their energies, not knowing what to do next. However, Haw began to think twice as he wrote the messages on each wall for Hem. Therefore, Haw got back on his feet again and found New Cheese at Cheese Station N, where he could be friends with Sniff and Scurry! What happened to Hem? He was so stubborn that he dwelled on Cheese Station C, where no cheese existed.
   Unfortunately, nobody can tell whether Hem would change his mind. But everybody in this story would feel happier, if Hem decided to get New Cheese instead of sticking to Old one! Anyway, I'd say no one can promise what you have is always useful forever, because everything changes in the world.

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

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



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



3. Simon, i wish you were my boyfriend. You are so flippin' right about everything all the time! Thank you for the book. mwah!



4. i guess you were in Dallas recently and people didnt like you. I loved your book you were genius. Come to Dallas again and I will tell you about meeting Bette Davis at IMagnin in LA.



5. I found this book in the library and absolutely loved it. Simon is my new best friend (although he doesn't know it)! I can't wait for his next book. This one was full of creative ideas that I felt set me free from the fashion constriction of most magazines. Free to dress individually yet maintain a sense of style and glamour. Great, fun book! You should buy it!!