5 comments about PREPAREDNESS NOW!: An Emergency Survival Guide for Civilians and Their Families.

1. As an M.D. involved in disaster planning, and who lives in a hurricane zone in Florida I have read extensively in the field and this is one of the best survival books I have found. It is not an "arm yourself to the teeth and build a bomb shelter" book. It is a book all Americans should own and read. Practical, sensible advice, and excellent list of quality equipment sources.



2. The information found in this book is very useful, exact, correct and spot on. I can find no flaw in the INFORMATION of this book what-so-ever. I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in the subject matter. That said, there is one fatal flaw. Overt Liberalism from the author (which, I guess for Liberals make this a great book!). From claiming to know something bad (i.e. 9-11) was going to happen to the World Trade Centers and warning all his family and friends to stay away as early as Feb. 01, to commenting on Weapons of Mass destruction--saying something along the lines of "real WMD's, not imaginary ones that weren't found in Iraq" the author proves again and again that he's always right and that everyone else (i.e. the government) is always wrong. But, again, the Author's writing style is my only complaint.



3. While promising, this book has some serious flaws.
   
   In addition to a leftist philisophical and political bent which is out of place among the facts, the urban-focused survival orientation limits the value of the information to non-city dwellers.
   
   Some of the information presented is just factually wrong. For example, his comments about firearms are clearly acquired from someone with limited knowledge of the technical aspects of firearms, and regurgitate a number of misconceptions and urban myths about them. These errors cause me to question the validity of many of his other perspectives, especially when they seem to be politically driven.
   
   There is some good information here, but it must be gleaned from the chaff and outright propogandizing in order to find it. Unfortunately, the reader must already be knowledgable about the subject matter in order to determine preparedness fact from fiction.
   
   The book has merit for those who already posess good survival knowledge, and might make a decent addition to a good preparedness library. A good resource for those living in cities, who will suffer the worst should disaster strike. At the very least, it makes the reader consider personal preparedness planning and take stock of one's degree of readiness.
   
   For a novice who does not live in an urban area, or belong to the Green Party, the book would not be among my top recommendations.



4. Great product. The lists and explinations are a supurb starting point for anyone who wants to be prepared when bad things happen. The author is very careful to emphasize that physical fitness and acquiring certain skills are key to survival; just good common sense. He also provides web sites and resources for items on his list. I've used all of his lists to build my car, home and personal kits. In an all electronic age, we are VERY reliant on electricity...which gets knocked out when grids are overloaded. Well written and easy to read, I would recommend this book to anyone as an initial intro to self-reliance and disaster preparedness. Be prepared!



5. This is more of a recommended shopping list than a long term emergency survival guide. Having said that, it does offer more than a few helpful hints if and when disaster strikes. It could be greatly expanded as it mostly caters to those in urban areas; also no mention is given to what may be used as money if calamity strikes the nation at large, or where to get food and water from etc.. Again this is more geared to 'small' scale events like Katrina, California quakes etc. It is nonetheless a great book to have and I did buy a few things after reading it. 5 stars if expanded to cover complete breakdown of America, did enjoy it a lot though. Check out the website for a few more hints.

5 comments about Feathers Brush My Heart: True Stories of Mothers Connecting with Their Daughters After Death.

1. A very intersting book relating experiences women have had after the death of their mother.



2. I have given this book to about four of my friends whose mothers have died. It is a compilation of stories from women of all walks of life who have experienced some sort of "visit" or sign from their mothers after their mothers have passed on. It is so interesting and so comforting. It expresses what many of my friends have experienced but hadn't been talking about. Are these visits coincidences or are we living in a dream here and the world after this is the real world? It gave me great comfort and hope when my mom died, and I continue to hear from her in so many ways.. strange bird visits.. dog visits, dreams.. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who has lost a mother, whether they were on good terms or bad. I will continue to order this book and share it with my friends. Thanks for reading!



3. A friend told me to read this book shortly after I lost my dear mother to breast cancer. It is full of inspiring, wonderful true stories of women who lost their mothers and had signs of them being near them after passing. The most wonderful thing happened to me after I finished this book a couple of weeks after my mothers funeral. I was going to church every morning at 7 a.m. for mass every day on my way to work after she died. One morning I was sitting in my usual pew in front of the Blessed Mother statue waiting for service to begin....I looked down as I knelt to pray at the pew seat in front of me and there was a feather! It was over 3 inches long - I looked everywhere else around me - no other feathers but the one right in front of me. I believe this was a sign from my mother. Please read this book - your mother is still with you...you will always be together.



4. I am still in the process of reading this book. I am enjoying it and the unique way it came about. It is a group of stories from different women. Every crayon in the box has contributed to this book. Red, yellow, black, white, rich, poor, middle class, etc.
   
   I have had different "things" happen since my mother died and truly feel they are "things" she has sent to console and reassure me that I will be okay and that she is okay.
   
   I plan to write the author with my experiences, since my mother's death, as she collects them and hopes to put together another book someday in the near future.
   
   If you believe in psychics, mediums, and see things "outside of the box" this book is for you.



5. This book was very helpful and comforting. I lost my "Best Friend" which happen to be my Mom!! I felt I wasn't a lone going through is grieving processes. Even thu her passing has been over a year I understand now that even thu it may be a year it many take many more years to except and that is okay!! She is ALWAYS with me. Except & listen to signs 'cause they do reach out to US from beyond.. :)

5 comments about Living The 80/20 Way: Work Less, Worry Less, Succeed More, Enjoy More.

1. I previously applied '80/20 principle' at work while formulating some product marketing strategy, but never thought of applying it to my personal life; Koch's 'Living the 80/20 Way' offered me a surprisingly pragmatic guide to do so. The book is a quick read, & packed with insights, exercises & examples. It's mind provoking & made me think about how I should re-configure my life. I look forward to continuously applying the principle to my life & achieve 'more with less'.



2. I think every over worked, under satisfied, perfectionist whether in business for themselves or not should read this book. I work for someone who is very, very successful and he lives his life this way and I wanted to see what his secret is and now I know. I look forward to answering the questions in the book and allowing my life to change for the better! I loved it!



3. The author is right, 20% of all things produce 80% of the results. Thus the first 20% of the book gives you 80% of the value.



4. Taking the well-known 80/20 principle (or Pareto's law of money - 20 percent of people enjoy 80 percent of the wealth) beyond its more common business applications, Richard Koch urges readers to move its application into their personal lives. Using anecdotal stories from various people's successes to demonstrate that the 80/20 principle is universal, the book sets out a 3-step route:
   
   1 Focus on your desired destination - what are the things that you really enjoy or that interest you?
   2 Find the easiest way to the destination - what are your strengths, the 20% spikes from an analysis of your emotions and attributes?
   3 Take action to make it happen - plan your first several steps.
   
   Not exactly rocket-science and much easier said than done perhaps; but a useful activity for an over busy life - sorting out the 20 percent of the things that produce 80% of the benefits. The author suggests it also applies to money and relationships, although the 80/20 way for individuals is primarily about how we spend our time.
   
   Beyond the reminder that the 80/20 principle is universal, and therefore the benefits of focus and then playing to one's strengths, the book has little to offer. The Gallup StrengthFinders series and Marcus Buckingham's "Go put your Strengths to Work" offer far more depth and perspective. Dennis DeWilde, author of "The Performance Connection".



5. A person who hasn't read this book might think to read all of it, thinking that all of it is useful. In fact, that is dead wrong and even goes against the philosophy of this book, which should have really been a pamphlet. The rule is to read only 20% of it. That is, skim it. You'll get 80% of the information in this book, and that way you'll work less, save time, and can move on to better reading. It's not that it's badly written, but the basic rule here isn't that complicated and just doesn't require a book. In fact, it requires about a paragraph. Do the important stuff that you enjoy, don't do the stuff that doesn't give you much return. Like write long reviews of this book...

5 comments about Talking to Depression: Simple Ways To Connect When Someone In Your Life Is Depressed: Simple Ways To Connect When Someone In Your Life Is Depressed.

1. When I got diagnosed my family immediately began researching depression and learning all they could. I just discovered this book at my parents' house, full of yellow highlighted passages. It was so touching to learn that they care that much about me and that they know me so well.
   
   I found the book to be so very truthful on many levels. She describes many possible actions and reactions and thoughts and feelings of the depressed person. While not all of them related directly to me, I could see that my family had found the ones that did and really took them to heart. So, the list must be very exhaustive and you will surely find your loved one there, even if all the symptoms don't match.
   
   My family has responded in such a wonderful manner to me and seem to have given me exactly what I needed when I needed it. Underneath the depression I had marveled at how "good" they were at supporting me. Now I can see where they got the specific advice as to what to do and what to say and what not to say - right here in this book and it was SPOT ON. Thinking back, I can almost pinpoint when they read this because I distinctly remember when they stopped saying the "Things you should never say to a depressed person." I remember being thankful that they had finally stopped the useless advice(!)
   
   It's a short book, an easy read but don't discount its helpfulness and usefulness.
   
   I recommend this book highly. For you - if you're depressed - find yourself on the lists and show your family what will help and what won't; for you - if you have a depressed loved one. I have even recommended it to my counselor to recommend to the families of her other depressed clients.



2. excellent book ! well-structed, easy to read, practical manual that you can follow in the daily life. I just finished it and I really think i am lucky to find this book to read. It is the right one to help me to cope with the daily challenge,as i have been struggling in the support for the one i loved in depression, sometimes confused and sometimes frustrated. I hope more peopel in this need could read it coz it's really useful.



3. I read this because I was mesmerized by the concept that this kind of support exists...these kinds of people thinking these kinds of thoughts. It's utterly alien to me. My family talking to me about depression, is equivalent to a conversation between Ann Coulter and Barney Frank, if it's allowed for discussion at all.
   
   Freinds? They're all the "bite your lip" tuffies. They say, "Oh, I have depression, too." I guess they are tougher than me, if they work full-time, and go to school, and raise small children, and maintain a full social calendar. That to me is a peculiar brand of depressed person. It reminds me of hearing about NFL players, playing while suffering from the flu. Sorry...doesn't happen; not with the actual flu. Under the fullest weight, something has to give.
   
   These days "feeling blue" is popularly believed to be the same as Major Depression, and anything more virulent than the sniffles, is described as "the flu".
   
   I've had those discussions. I've been through the HMO mill, after having been diagnosed with Major Depression several years ago. And I had to read this book as a sort of counterbalance. Call it an indulgence in fantasy.
   
   I have the highest regard for those of you who are considering reading this book in an effort to understand someone close to you. It's a fine book. More power to you.



4. As a former mental health therapist and a person diabled by depression, I highly recommend this book. I wish I had had it 7 years ago when my mother moved in with me. She was saying all the "don'ts" and not doing any of the "dos". I got this book recently and read through it, marvelling at how my mother has, over the years, learned how to help me with my depression.
   
   Another plus for this book is that it is written on a human level, not using a lot of dry facts or professional terminology, but just saying what needs to be said. It even includes a section on how children and teenagers can learn what to say and do as well as a section on what to say and do if a parent notices symptoms of depression in their child or adolescent.



5. This book seems to summarise what is already known, and fits Bipolar into the medical model rather than the wholistic health model. You can get most of this information from the information sheets published by the drug companies and the DSM IV. I myself am a mental health RN, my partner a naturopath, so I am not ignorant on either viewpoint. This is not a book I suggest family members read as their first choice when it comes to depression. Taking tablets is not the only choice, nor does it mean things are improved as research has clearly shown. Cognitive therapies which this book promotes as something that benefits in conjunction with medication, can be better as a stand alone especially with regard to anti anxiolitics which impair therapy, Something this book does not grasp. The author is a specialist in learning disorders and altzymers, which is radically different from depression. As a professional myself, I can see clearly where this author has gone wrong. If you still buy this book, keep in mind it is only one point of view, and a narrow one at that.

5 comments about The Bounce Back Book: How to Thrive in the Face of Adversity, Setbacks, and Losses.

1. This cool little book is packed with inspirational advice for dealing with the aftermath of adversity. I highly recommend it for anyone who has been faced with a major ordeal. It'll help you put a positive spin on negative issues. Plus, it's beautifully designed.



2. Salmansohn's advice is whitty, sharp, and oh so helpful. She gets to the heart of issues and helps you get through whatever it is you're dealing with. Great tips, excellent writing, and a true pleasure to read. Highly suggested!



3. The Bounce Back book is a treasure of useful ideas to help people bounce back from tough experiences. Salmansohn has a great ability to distill the very best from academic psychology, combine those insights with the spiritual perspective of Eastern philosophy, and convey all this with humor and panache. But what is most moving about the Bounce Back book is the very real and human voice of the author - so authentic that you feel she is sitting in your kitchen and talking with you about these ideas over a cup of coffee. This book is a great gift to give yourself or to anyone you care about who's trying to cope with a difficult time in their lives.



4. How appropriate that a book titled "The Bounce Back Book" would be so, well, uplifting. From its fun rubberized cover to its clever, quirky illustrations, Karen has created another jewel. In it she includes 75 strategies (and all research-based, I'm happy to say), that the reader can use to mend and shine after life's inevitable hard times. The beauty with her many techniques is that if you can't relate to one, you can always try another (My fav is tip #57). In this book, Karen has neatly packaged the latest info from positive psychology, neuroscience, cognitive therapy and Buddhism to create the ultimate handy dandy life guide. As a teacher of emotional wellness, I think The Bounce Back Book is a gem!



5. This book is necessary for any person who had had disappointments in their life or who has faced adversity and defeat (like all of us!). As a psychologist I can attest to the fact that too many people accept defeat and tend to get depressed. Karen Salmonson's book says "Don't do that". She presents great strategies for rebounding and taking charge of your life. A must read for everyone! Well written, practical and psychologically sound advice.
   
   Bernard Katz, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

5 comments about Toxic Coworkers: How to Deal with Dysfunctional People on the Job.

1. This is an interesting little book. It identifies some basic personality disorders and then speculates on how one might deal with such folks to limit the damage that they might do.
   
   What is a personality disorder? The authors note that (page 4) "Personality disorders are long-standing disturbances in personality that usually begin in late adolescence and continue until adulthood." If the case is not too bad, such workers can be productive; if the disorder is pronounced, then real problems can occur in the workplace.
   
   The disorders include the following: paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, antisocial, narcissistic, histrionic, borderline, obsessive compulsive, avoidant, dependent, and passive aggressive.
   
   For each, the disorder is described and examples provided. There is also discussion of how one might deal with either superiors or coworkers or subordinates who have one or another of the disorders. Some suggestions appear useful, others seem a little weak.
   
   All in all, an interesting volume to read. See if you can identify any disorders in your workplace!



2. This book has really helped by putting a title to the different people I work with and for and where my frustration comes from. Also it has assisted me in dealing with the different disfunctions of personalities of the people with whom I spend most of my days with. I would recommend this book.



3. The book description gives a good, succinct overview of what's in the book so I am going to focus my review on how well the authors presented the material.
   
   The book is structured very well. The first two chapters give you the motivation for the book and an overview of the material to come respectively. Both of these set the stage well for the chapters to come. Chapters three through 12 are each dedicated to a different personality disorder, and they follow the same basic formula:
   
   * Illustration/anecdote giving an example of how a person with the particular disorder may behave
   * The official symptoms of the disorders
   * Suggestions for how to relate to a manager, co-worker, or subordinate who has the disorder
   
   The final chapter discusses anxiety, depression, addiction, and ADHD at a high level; however, each of these are worthy of separate dedicated book.
   
   I have no psychological training so not all of the material sunk in after the first reading. Some of the information is also a bit scary. However, I also feel much better equipped to handle toxic people in the workplace too. While it would be useful to anyone in the workforce, I would recommend it the most to those in management positions.



4. "Toxic Coworkers" was an easy read, and it delivers what the cover promises: "How to Deal with Dysfunctional People." Covering all the major players- all 10 of the personality disorders described by the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), it is an excellent resource for identifying exactly what type of problematic personality you might be dealing with, allowing the reader to then focus their search for additional literature pertaining to the specific personality disorder at hand.
   
   Not only do the authors provide realistic and DO-ABLE solutions and strategies, their advice is organized by both which disorder you are dealing with, as well as the reader's relationship with the personality-disordered individual. (i.e. Boss/Administrator, Coworker, or Subordinate.) Additionally the book can be used as a guide for dealing with other toxic personalities in your life- a "parent" can substitute for the boss, a sibling or neighbor for "coworker", or a child for the "subordinate."
   
   If you already know which disorder you are up against, you can jump to the appropriate chapter and start learning right away. I was able to start implementing solutions for dealing with a personality-disordered relative the same day!
   
   This publisher needs to fire the editors of this book, as there were many small typos and grammatical errors, but don't judge the book on this alone. I am an educated adult with a background in scientific research, and found the authors to back up their ideas with solid information and strategies... that are already proving successful for me.
   
   As a side-note, if you are seeking information about sociopaths (Antisocial Personality Disorder), I highly recommend this book along with The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout. If you are seeking help in dealing with a Narcissistic personality, I again highly recommend both this book, along with Joan Lackhar's How to Talk to a Narcissist. Both Stout and Lackhar offer understandable insight and sound advice backed by strong research and building on both accepted literature from experts who have come before them the past 50 years, as well as more recently discovered data.



5. I knew my co-manager was "crazy" and now thanks to "Toxic Coworkers" I also know how to make the best of the situation. This book is well-organized and packed with useful information and advice. The layman language and insightful anecdotes used by the authors help make it easy to understand and interesting. I also feel that the book's usefulness goes beyond the authors' intent. I believe that most people have some of the traits that are found in people with Personality Disorders, just in lesser, more rational and more functional degrees; and that the same advice the authors give for dealing with toxics in the workplace could be applied when dealing with more "normal" types at work or anywhere. For instance, the authors' advice on emphasizing the positives in evaluations when dealing with certain personality disorders would seem to be a productive way to handle all employees, as well as students, but especially those with lower self-esteem. While the authors clearly accomplish their goal of writing a book that helps people deal with toxic disorders in their workplace, they have also created a great reference book for dealing with all people, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in improving his interactions with others.

5 comments about The Privilege of Youth: A Teenager's Story.

1. this is a good book! i love it when dave sees that boy from the lost boy, and the boy says what you call my sister? then david says a horror? then the boy punches dave, makes his nose bleed, and says, don't you ever, ever, call my sister a whore again! read it if you like dave pelzer as much as me!



2. Read every Dave Pelzer book he writes. He is an exceptional human being. There should be more people like him without having to go through the abuse he endured.



3. I have read A Child Called "It", The Lost Boy, A Man Named Dave and Help Yourself and I must say that this book was not Dave's best work. The writing did not keep me interested as his other books have. While reading this I felt like the passion just wasn't there.



4. This book covers a time that was already written about in The Lost Boy. Despite my love for Dave's other books I think this was an attempt to milk out more money from his already established fans. This book does not give much more information about his life and only a few forgettable fun stories about his teenage years. Don't waste your time on this one, just read the first three.



5. It took a while for me to get my order but the seller was extreamly helpful and answered all my questions very fast. Product is in great shape!! Better then described!!

5 comments about How to Succeed at Being Yourself: Finding the Confidence to Fulfill Your Destiny.

1. I must say that in conjunction with Purpose Driven Life, Joyce's books have turned my life around. Joyce gave me the tools to drop all of the bitterness and self- doubt that had been plaguing me and keeping me from working towards the ministry God called me for.
   
   This book has been a "true gem" as an earlier review stated. Joyce pushes farther into the "just believe in yourself" mantra and illustrates how the key to succeeding in life is to trust in God, and all things will be given unto you.
   
   "Confidence is faith in God." So true- and a wonderful eye opener for me.
   
   In my own life, I've been called to ministry and I've feel ignorant and ill- equipped to serve others due to my lack of knowledge of scripture. Joyce points out that God wants us to come on faith and that He'll perfect us through His work and not our own. Our stepping out "before we feel truly ready" ensures that we'll lean more fully on God and recognize His work in creating who we are.
   
   I can now approach my own ministry with confidence thanks to the words spoken through Joyce's anointed gift.
   
   Once again, I've been moved to tears by one of Joyce's books. And I thank God for her and I am grateful that she plugged on and answered the call.



2. I was lead to buy this book with no initial intention to buy anything! I was going through a personal crisis but wouldn't have thought of buying a book with this title. Nonetheless I just felt I should, so I did. It became the second best thing to the Bible for me. I can't believe how much I gained.. I normally get bored halfway through any book and end up putting it down. Not this one. I've underlined so much I think I've covered half the book in my pen! It's like I need it just to keep my mind in the right direction, my thoughts where they should be, and to give me what I need to face the day with strength! It honestly gives me the tools for confidence I haven't found in any other book. I treasure this one.



3. I was a bit disappointed in this book as it is just a repeat of so many of her other books. I guess if this is the first book by her you read it is ok, but I have still read much better. Borrow it and read someone else's--or just skip it altogether.



4. I have read many books by Joyce Meyers. Some are repetitive but some of us need repetition to ever get it.
   
   I am consently reading something. Some I can put down, some I can't and this book was one of the few I could not get enough of.
   
   This book out of thousands I have read, would be in my top 5 of best books ever written.
   
   I do believe this book is Inspired by God. It is for those of us who are figuring out what we will be when we grow up, no matter your age.
   
   Thank you Joyce for blessing and enriching my Walk with Christ with this book.



5. I have found this book to be so very eye opening to myself and the Sunday school class I facilitate of 60 women. There are so many nuggets of wisdom on how we are wired for God by God to have relationship with Him that we miss because we don't see who He has made us to be. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the Word of God concerning our relationship with ourselves. How to Succeed at Being Yourself: Finding the Confidence to Fulfill Your Destiny

5 comments about Living on Purpose: Straight Answers to Universal Questions.

1. Best-selling author and lecturer Dan Millman refers frequently to the "House Rules" when responding to questions in Living On Purpose: Straight Answers to Life's Tough Questions. He explains that the House is life or reality and the Rules are universal laws, adding that "the House Rules presented in this book-distilled lessons from the school of life-provide reliable strategies for living on purpose."

   Millman has divided his book into twenty-five short sections. Each section begins with a general question about life, such as "why do I sometimes cause problems while doing what I feel is right?" These are answered with one of the House Rules, such as "Timing is Everything." An explanation of the House Rule and how it may be applied follows.

   After that comes two specific questions people have asked him on subjects as varied as free will, metaphysics, child rearing, health, and money. He answers these with practical examples, often using his own life, or with illuminating anecdotes and parables. Many of his answers include humor along with the insights.

   He finishes each section with "personal applications" in which people are encouraged to complete two or three simple exercises designed "to test these House Rules in your own experience; tailor them to fit your particular circumstances."

   While he isn't a channeler, Millman does say that his answers come through him, not from him. He also says he isn't giving people wisdom that they don't already have, instead he's helping them search within for their own truths.

   "In Living On Purpose, Dan Millman combines the wisdom of Solomon with the common sense touch of Dear Abby, taking on real-world questions with the insight and knowledge that have drawn millions of readers to his books." It's an essential reference for anyone seeking practical guidance in answering the difficult questions faced every day.




2. I've only read abt 10 pages and can't wait to get back to it. I usually have to get caught up in a book right away, this one did just that. This book spoke directly to my heart. I'v read plenty of selfhelp books, but this one really captured me.



3. I first became acquainted with Dan Millman from the movie adaptation of his book, the Way of the Peaceful Warrior. I was thoroughly impressed with the wisdom and transformation he depicted in the movie, so I looked into and ordered one of his later books. Wow, it is a lot more of the same, with a personal twist. This book is excellent reading, and offers a mindbending look at some of life's basic issues.



4. THIS BOOK IS FOR ALL AGES, RACE, COLOR, CREED, MALE AND FEMALE. IF YOU DO NOT GET ANYTHING FROM BOOK FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS,WELL....YOU ARE BEYOND HELP ON THIS PLANET!!



5. Wow, despite the fact that "The Peaceful Warrior" was an obvious "Castaneda for kids", it was fun to read, reiterated and reenforced many spiritual insights. I have read a number of his successive books - each more disappointing than the last. I am waiting to hear the spiritual maxim that says "capitalize on your success's - even if it means sacrificing your dignity." Scary Movie 10 has more redeeming value.

5 comments about Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic.

1. I have just started using this book and it is such a relief. It is immensely practical and effective.
   
   This is a newer edition; for more rave reviews from people who have been through the whole program, check out the older edition:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/0446670537/
   
   (The link will be slow because it has to rebuild "your" view, but just give it time).
   
   If you really want to get better, if you're ready to do whatever it takes (because it does take hard work!), then this book can really help you take those steps. It's one of the few that are genuinely about "self-help" - how to gain internal strength and heal yourself. Good luck!



2. very easy to understand the causes of panic and aniexity, creates easy to understand solutions for people suffering from long term panic, GAD, etc..



3. I have had a copy for many years and have given copies to a grandchild and one child, since anxiety can be inherited (my father had it, and we also have hypoglycemia). I have also given the order forms in the back to friends. I first became aware of panic attacks as an eight year old, but I wasn't diagnosed until I was in my forties, and only after many counseling sessions for panic which didn't help. I found this book and it meant the end of Xanax for me. One doesn't have to read it all at once. The first things to learn are distraction and breathing exercises. Then move on to magnification and other thought control processes.



4. I first read this book in New Zealand.. and soon became hooked. Mainly as I suffer from anxiety and depression. I found it insiteful and cathartic. It helped me to understand more fully my idiosyncracies and attitudes, and gave me more peace of mind. It offers good advice on how to help combat these debilitating conditions and gain your life back. I would highly recommend it to anyone who suffers from these conditions, or lives with anyone who has them, to better understand what feelings are involved, and that no one ever chooses to suffer; for many reasons, it is simply how our brain reacts to difficult situations, and no one is to blame. An empathetic, yet highly practical book.



5. This is the most complete, easiest to read and comprehensive book I have read on the subject. Chock full of information that will help therapists and clients deal with whatever comes their way via anxiety. A winner.Reading Thomas Merton: A Guide to His Life and Work