5 comments about Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking.

1. I just graduated from art school, major in design & illustration. I've found this book amazingly helpful. I'm not that kind of person who like to read self help book...but this book is just wonderful. Things i've learn from this book: the right attitude of making art, determination over talent, the importance of communication between you and your art, small goals get you going, making art will expose your inner self...etc.
   
   Highly recommended book for designer and illustrator.



2. By naming the fears that artist experience, and giving simple and direct answers to those fears; David and Ted have given artists a tool to name their own fears and overcome them. The book had a profound impact on me and how I approach my work as a potter. I owe a lot to having read this book, in the confidence I gained, and the risks I am willing to take becasue of their writing. I have already recommended it to friends, and have it on display in my gallery. It is the best book on Fear that I have read, outside of the Bible.



3. (This is Frank's wife writing.)
   My daughter who is a struggling artists recommended this book to us. It's short, but packed with good thoughts about making art and coping with one's fears about the process. It's not only helpful for artists in dealing with their thoughts about why they make art, but also to their friends and relatives. The explanation of the essence art vs. craft (a topic that has long interested me) is excellent. The writing is clear and accessible. There are examples of how real artists in various genres have dealt with the basic problems of making art. The book works for both the professional artist as well as the amateur, regardless of medium.



4. Art & Fear was first published about 15 years ago. Since then it has become a classic and is a must read for any artist serious about their work. There is a chapter that will speak directly to you as an artist, regardless of your current circumstance.
   
   The topics are written for any artist regardless of medium or area of artistic interest. Whether you are a beginning artist or an old hand, this book is for you.



5. I am reading this book now for the third time and have purchased many copies for friends - a must for the bookshelf of anyone on a creative journey.

5 comments about Birth Order Book, The: Why You Are the Way You Are.

1. I originally found this book while researching how two siblings could be so possibly different when coming from the same mother and father. That is my situation. My sister and I are like night and day. Well, this book broke down birth order in a very interesting, way. In fact, I believe in birth order theory more now than when I started. Being the first born, it is very characteristic of me (apparently) to be doing this research to find out more about me and my perfectionist self (which I found out that being a perfectionist isn't a good thing)...something of which I'm still fighting to believe. I revel in my obsessive detail orientation. Anyway, my sister being the middle child, always whined about how she had "Middle child syndrome" and how she's constantly ignored, not given enough attention..etc. So, I found it quite entertaining in the book that Leman doesn't even go into the Middle Child too much, therefore-catering (in a sense) to the Middle Child (at least my sister) feeling ignored and not as important. Leman says that the lack of information on the Middle Child is due the the fact that there just isn't enough known about the Middle Child and that that are deemed a "Mystery". Anyway, it's incredibly interesting, and I love how understandable it is. Dr. Leman makes is known early on in the book that he is Christian, but doesn't bring too much of his religious beliefs into the book. Although, I feel none of it needs to be there (as birth order and religion are two different topics), I suppose when relating to HIS life and his stories of being the youngest, it can't be avoided. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to find out why they are the way they are. It has helped me figure myself out more!



2. I took this book to work with me and shared it with a group of managers. We found that the book was surprisingly accurate in the the way that we each demonstrated our management styles. The first born's were very organized and process driven, while the middle-born manager avoided confrontation and tended to be suspicious. We did have one manager who didn't fit the birth order characteristics. He was a middle-born who was very outgoing and was always the center of attention. Proof that the profiles are just guidelines that can give you some insight into personalities, but not absolutes.



3. People are fascinated with any system that explains personality and behavioral differences. Birth order is an enduring system for understanding those differences, especially so when the explanation is as clear and as well illustrated with compelling examples as this. Dr. Kevin Leman does an admirable job of covering the bases, including a chapter devoted to parenting, and one devoted to compatibility in marriage. The insights he shares from his personal life history as a last born bring a special poignancy to the work. Extremely helpful, especially if you remember that birth order provides a prediliction, not a fate carved in stone! I provided additional information on this topic in Letters to My Granddaughters.



4. Absolutely amazing that someone took the time to figure this out .I never realized that we fiut into these little pockets. I was the last born out of five and it placed us in the position that we fit like a glove . after we read it we just looked at each other and laughed.



5. This book was recommended to me and I enjoyed it reading it. The book is helpful in understanding some of the differences between siblings and more importantly, helping parents accept the differences. Whenever I read a book about children and parenting I always wonder why it isn't a required course in High School. One word of caution, after reading this book I have been constantly guessing the birth order of everyone I meet!
   
   While I liked the book, I thought the author spent too much time defending his theories and trying to sell his other books.

2 comments about Richard Bandler's Guide to Trance-formation: How to Harness the Power of Hypnosis to Ignite Effortless and Lasting Change.

1. friends, Romans, countrymen, Americans, fellow conscious people lend me your minds... If you want to know about the bare-bones power of an effectively working trance to change your life, come here to this man's version of "Trance-Formations". It lays it all down, the hows', whys' and all of that of hypnosis, self-change and all of the above IN hypnosis and self-hypnosis and suggestion and autosuggestion. And it is much clearer than his earlier work "Persuasion Engineering", I do not own it, but I have read it and decided not to buy it, becuase I knew something like this and his other book, the 'toolbox' "Create The Life You Want" would come out and clarify it ALL in NLP and other related matters of trance, hypnosis and all of that. So, take a mind spin and read on brothers and sisters. For as the old 1980s ABC song goes, "Sisters and Brothers should help each other." And this book is a help when explaining simply some complicated stuff. I thank you for reading my review. And enjoy life.
   
   Josh Clayton.



2. This review is based on the book, and I believe you will find it quite helpful. I ordered it the day it came out, using my Amazon prime membership and had it overnighted. It kept me up all night. First I will cover the positive elements of this book: For those who are experienced at NLP or hypnosis, you will find it a refreshing and comprehensive review, with a few updates on processes and approaches from Bandler. For example he describes how he uses the meta-model now in an opposite manor to what he wrote in "The Structure of Magic I". For those who are teachers you will find the self-help exercises given at the end of each chapter familiar from your own NLP training, and useful new light is shed on them, with a few new ideas. The scripts, back matter, glossary and other resource files in the back make this an essential book for quick reference and study.
   For those who are new to hypnosis or NLP, you will find the examples concrete, clear and well written. This is a comprehensive book covering many complex ideas, but with a highlighter and a pen you will be able to learn skills and begin applying them immediately. The lessons are categorized well, and to me it seems like an excellent introductory text, and I will begin recommending it to all my students at an introductory or intermediate level. You will understand hypnosis and NLP if you really take the time to study this book.
   I also think that for those considering this book as a "self-help" book, you will find it helpful. All of the material can easily be internalized and practiced as self-transformation and help you to do what the subtitle actually promises.
   Now the downside (although there really aren't too many). First, the book is a basic NLP book and those who have a lot of experience and don't enjoy the review and reframes of prior knowledge may find it less than challenging, or covers a lot of material that has already been covered. For me though, I enjoyed the review, update and exercises as suggested after 35 years of Bandlers teaching experience has helped these to evolve. Second, Bandler makes more than a few statements that cause me to ask, "Where is the footnote?" And third, the irreverent style of Bandler can be a distraction at times, with a lot of hyperbole and opinion. However, I actually enjoyed this, even when I disagreed. An example of this was his attempt to reframe NLP by stating the following: "NLP may be thought of as the underlying structure of hypnosis".
   I wish I could give it four and a half stars, but I can't so I will go ahead and give it five stars, and am glad I bought the book.

5 comments about Treat Your Own Neck 4th Ed.

1. I am a 55 year old computer programmer diagnosed for the past 10 years with cervical spondylosis, which produces frequent and prolonged headaches. In my case, the medical community has been focused only on diagnosis (MRIs) and treatment (NSAIDs and muscle relaxants), not prevention. Over the years I have checked medical web sites for information, but just recently stumbled upon this book at Amazon. By following the common sense advice and exercises described by Dr. McKenzie, I am now headache and medication free. (My only advice is to go easy on the exercises when starting.) This tiny book is a miracle of Biblical proportions.



2. This book has excellent, easy instructions that really work. The exercises help to relieve most neck pains. Great pictures and easily understood information for anyone to use.



3. I have had neck pain for about 15 years. A freind, who is also a physical therapist, recommended the book to me. I read the book, and now do the excersizes daily. I have been pain-free for over a month. If your neck causes you pain, try this book and follow every word. It has really changed my life.



4. I've had neck problems off and on for years, and have seen doctors off and on with mixed results. This little book (and it's an advantage in my opinion that it is only 46 pages long) has helped me confirm the cause which I pretty much already knew (poor posture)and it has done a wonderful job of explaining what good posture is and how to stick with it. The exercises shown in the book are life savers. You don't have to do all 7 exercises. You will eventually figure out which ones are helping your specific problem. I highly recommend it and am honored to give it the highest rating.



5. Used Treat Your Own Back to recover from two buldging discs a couple of years ago and so I bought this for my friend with neck problems. Dr. M
   has a logical, common sense approach to helping our body heal itself.
   I avoided surgery and haven't had any further back problems. kt

5 comments about Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers.

1. Every woman should read this book. The assessment gives you a starting point and you won't need to read every page...just those that apply. Everything else is a bonus. I swear! The material will enlighten you and stick with you years after you've read it. Practice will make it stick. I've given this book as gifts. Even if you are not ready to apply yourself to practice, just recognizing how you are perceived is worth it. Buy this book and read it today! It's not about becoming an overachieving "B" and man hater; it's about learning to play the game.



2. I use this book all the time in my life leadership coaching with women whether they work in corporations or they're entrepreneurs because for women to succeed anywhere they have to grow to overcome their own self-limiting behaviors and beliefs.
   
   What I love about this book is how clearly the 101 mistakes are organized under 7 broad areas. I am not big on quizzes because they often stop at only giving information. That is not the case here. Instead the author has created a quiz that very easily identifies and ranks an individual woman's 7 areas from strong to weak. Then once a woman identifies the two or three areas she's weakest she can read the chapters and further focus in on which of the mistakes she makes. The coaching tips and simple exercises at the end of each mistake support practice and self-improvement.
   
   Every time I've used this quiz with clients they have benefited from the clarity and direction. This is one of the best thought out and useful books for self-employed women, managers and executives I have ever seen or used. To step up as leaders of their lives women must get to know and change self-defeating behaviors. Nice Girls can help get them started.
   
   [...]



3. As a father of two toddler daughters, I read Dr. Frankel's book to open my mind to ways I could avoid instilling in them unhelpful behaviors. I found a well thought out list of workable suggestions focussed mostly on a few central topics - better communication and ways to play "the game" without merely adopting behaviors typical to men. This book does not make judgments about how the business world operates mainly according to historically male behavior. Rather, it focuses on how to work within this world without changing who you are.
   
   Some of the suggestions were definitely simplistic ("have a firm handshake") while others were more involved (defining your "personal brand" and promoting it to others). Mostly they were common sense business tactics and strategies for self marketing that one could find in countless business self-help books. Indeed, I found several helpful suggestions that I felt were applicable to myself. Overall, much of the advice could have been pulled from a bigger picture course for men and women on how to interact more effectively in the workplace.
   
   In Dr. Frankel's book this information is obviously presented from a woman's perspective. She states in the first pages of the book that not all points will apply to any one person, that the way to use the book is to select those behaviors that are the biggest hindrances to the reader's advancement and then follow her advice to change those behaviors. She makes an attempt not to suggest women act like men, but rather "quit bein' a girl".
   
   The tone can sometimes feel condescending which will be off-putting to some readers, but if one looks past this there is a range of good advice covering many topics. Dr. Frankel's frequent use of anecdotes from her consulting career serves to make the book readable without feeling like a textbook or list of action items.
   
   I believe many women would find this book helpful in identifying and modifying behavior that is giving others the wrong impression of who they are or even masking their true capabilities. Men, too, can find new ways to understand women's behavior and hopefully achieve greater communication through that understanding. As a father I feel more aware of some things to focus on or avoid as I raise my daughters. This book will not feel useful to everyone, but for those who approach it with an open mind it can provide new insight into business relationships between the sexes.



4. I hadn't realized just how many things I was doing on a daily basis that were keeping me from acheiving my full potential at work. Some things in this book applied to me, others did not, but I have learned what I have been doing that is holding me back from moving forward at work and am working on changing those bad habits. A MUST READ for every professional woman.



5. Nice girls dont get the corner office is a big corner of negativity. If you want to feel aweful just give this CD a listen. Lois Frankel put me to sleep. She sounds like the the unseen teacher in the charlie brown series. "Mistake number 6854984742 dont pick your nose the board room...wah wah wah." Terrible. Dont waste your money. Try Tom Hopkins advanced sales survival training CD#2 hilarious, uplifting and helpful to all.

5 comments about The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People (Expanded and Adapted for Small Groups).

1. We used this book for 6-weeks in a small group study. The material is good for life-changing growth. Ortberg talks about events we can all relate to, and he admits his own faults. He isn't preaching in this book, despite the fact he is a preacher.
   
   We were able to combine the curriculum with the book. The curriculum provides a great video recap done by Ortberg which helps to direct your discussions. There are questions at the end of the book, and the study guide has personal questions for growth.
   
   Overall, we found it a great read for our small group of young adults. We look to read other Ortberg books in the future.



2. Ortberg sells himself short when he calls this book "Dallas for Dummies." I've read both books and both are excellent. What Ortberg proves is that different perspectives on the same subject are incredibly important and beneficial for the same reader. It isn't that Ortberg is writing to one audience and Dallas to another. No one author has it all; each author uses different illustrations that uniquely engage & enlighten the reader. Ortberg made me laugh out loud while injesting an important subject on the purpose, importance and value of embracing and practicing the Christian disciplines. He's right-up-front transparent. I particularly benefited by reading a chapter from Ortberg and then one on the same discipline by another author (Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, Klaus Issler) over a 1-week period practicing the specific discipline and then writing a 2-page paper on the experience to process the experience and heart of the matter as a class assignment. This is an easy read and a book you'll want to share with others.



3. Ortberg really makes you think about the disciplines of Christian living. He challenged me all the way to the end of the book.



4. This is the third book I've used for my Sunday School Class and they have enjoyed everyone so far.



5. Ortberg has a way with making the ancient relevant. He clearly presents the reason we should practice spiritual disciplines in the first few chapters. Ortberg uses the contrast between biblical Pharisees and true Christ followers to build a case for keeping the disciplines relational.
   
   Ortberg goes through many major disciplines and explains them in terms of relationship with Christ rather than religious duty. This is a fresh look at a Christian essential that is useful for teaching classical spiritual disciplines.

5 comments about The Pocket Stylist: Behind-the-Scenes Expertise from a Fashion Pro on Creating Your Own Look.

1. This terrific book changed the way I think about clothing fit, and what I should be wearing and buying. It's the most useful fashion/clothing book I own, and probably a good purchase for many women. The ideas are timeless, but still immediately applicable for a variety of women, budgets, sizes, and style preferences. I highly recommend it. I had come to Amazon just to buy the Lucky shopping guide, and bought this in addition to the Lucky book because of all the positive reviews -- I'm so glad I did, because this is the book I like better of the two!



2. Kendall Farr is one of the best stylists in the business. The chapter on tailoring is excellent. How many of us have passed up a great article of clothing just because it didn't fit perfectly? She mentions classic, timeless but modern looks throughout the book. I like her wide range of designer recommendations for each body type, and no, they're not ALL super expensive. Now I NEVER waste time shopping for clothes I know won't look right on me. I bought this book in 2004, when first published, and still review it regularly. It should be on every woman's bookshelf.



3. Too much fashion jargon and could be easier to navigate through, this book would benefit greatly from a glossary and index. Nice illustrations. My copy had some pages repeated, but nothing was missing. I liked the specific suggestions on where to shop, what's indispensable in a woman's wardrobe, and what to toss.



4. I purchased this book because my 13 year old daughter LOVES watching "What Not to Wear". It has helped her to learn more about how to look the way she wants to look. It is a great how-to for anyone of any age.



5. Excellent advice! Following the tips has changed the way I shop & even had people telling me I've lost weight. ;)

5 comments about The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life (Chopra, Deepak).

1. "The Book of Secrets" is the most spiritually focused book by Deepak. He explores spiritual ideas with depth and wisdom that is refreshing and thought-provoking. You find yourself undertaking a unique quest where you're chartering into hidden parts of your self. Sounds dangerous?
   
   Well don't worry with Deepak as your guide you're safe. So plunge into the depths of this book and learn a thing or two about life that you didn't realize before or just plain forgot.
   
   Besides this book you need to read "Nexus" by Deborah Morrison. It's a fantastic exploration! You'll learn about life's journey both in the spiritual highs and lows. I love its message of unity, spiritual growth and compassion.
   
   "Nexus: A Neo Novel"



2. This is a great book and among my top favorites. At times it went over my head but i am sure i may understand some things later.



3. This book has become my bible! It was great reading the first time, and now filled with post-its, for future references.



4. ...who is ill prepared .
   The first chapter sets you up for a fantastic quest , The book fails to answer its own questions. A lot of antecdotal fluff.



5. A very rich book where fifteen secrets are presented that can change our lives in all aspects . I found myself smiling, while reading and enjoying the eloquent words of Mr. Chopra, in the journey towards enlightenment. This book is a very complete spiritual guide that can be used for every day life regardless of your age or profession...
   
   It reminded me of a book by my favorite authors Ariel and Shya Kane, titled Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: The 3 Simple Ideas That Can Instantaneously Transform Your Life. I have experientially discovered how to open my heart to the limitless possibilities of life thru their principles of Transformation, and find myself living a more satisfied and easy life.

5 comments about The Law of Success In Sixteen Lessons by Napoleon Hill (Complete, Unabridged).

1. This book is truly a Bible for success, and is full of amazing concepts.
   
   Now you can listen in your car or MP3 player!
   
   This is the ONLY true unabridged audio edition of this book available in the world. This MP3 CDs utilizes the original, unabridged text, thus capturing the entire essence of this all time motivational Classic.
   
   Listen to the sweet sound of success



2. In reguards to the comment about this book being too long: First, this book (the original which is the 16 lessons version) was out about 10 yrs before "think and grow rich". Second, and more importantly, the depth of this book is essential to living life the way you want to live it. Not just because you want a few good ideas in your head for a couple days only to be forgotten a month later.
   For example, what lasts longer: a puddle of water, or an ocean? Of course an ocean. A puddle dries up quickly because it has limited substance. On the other hand, an ocean withstands the droughts.
   This is a book for the person who is truly dedicated to the next level. A level of true achievement and freedom the "downers" in life. If your just looking for an interesting read, than purchase think and grow rich.



3. I ordered this book for my son who is IB Student. It is one of 3 on his summer reading list. We were unable to get it at the library so my wife located and ordered on Amazon. The book is in great condition and my son is already half through it. It was accompanied by a nice note from the seller. We are really happy with this purchase.



4. My book arrived quickly and in impeccable condition. I would definitely purchase from this seller again.



5. This highly touted book did not appeal to me at all. The lessons are depressing, overbearing, and contained too much negative information for me. Each "lesson" leads me to feel that I will never be able to turn my circumstances around, and I get upset just thinking about picking it up and resuming reading it. The "lessons" are just too harsh, too time consuming, too much work, requiring time and focus that a busy career woman just does not have. Obviously written by a man, for men. Maybe I'm just not ready for it. Not one of the "successful" people mentioned in the book by the author is a female!!! Go figure!

5 comments about On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss.

1. This book is an excellent source for the grieving. The material covers any type of loss. I have experienced the loss of my son to suicide and found it exceptional!



2. This is a book that I would reccomend everyone read. It is a wonderful guide to the grieving process. It not only helps those going through the process realize what to expect and what is normal, but it also helps those surrounding this person understand better what they are going through. Loss is something we all encounter in our lives and this book helps in preparing us for those times. Also I would reccomend this book as a gift to a grieving person.



3. I have lost three parents in the past year. My mother, father and stepfather and there is no better book that relates to what I have been feeling. I bought several other books on the topic and they don't even come close. There is a reason this is given 5 stars, it is because Kubler Ross knows her subject better than anyone. She invested so much time on the subject.
   
   Buy it for yourself or friends who have lost someone.



4. 
   
   Book was in good condition! Arrived early. Would do business with this seller again.



5. In this book, Dr. Ross expands on her original concepts of the five stages of death and dying. In this book she speaks to the survivors, and offers five stages of loss as it relates to grief.
   
   This is the book to buy for anyone you know who is experiencing grief and loss. Just give them the book - don't offer advice or highlight what you think are important paragraphs. Let the reader make her own decisions about what she finds meaningful in the book and you will probably be thanked greatly later on.