2 comments about What Would Wonder Woman Do?: An Amazon's Guide to the Working World.

1. The WHAT WOULD WONDER WOMAN DO?... book gets 4-stars only because it's a clever idea and the two authors did a nice job weaving job hunting info within a Wonder Woman story line.
   
   There are fun juxtapositions of WW comic strips along with real-world scenearios, i.e. "The Job Interview" and "Co-Workers Friend or Foe," that give readers a sense of what WW would do, and because the reader too can be a WW, she can do the same.
   
   But as fun and clever as it is, the book does fall short on in-depth info. Most of the advice is simple and common-sense and the chapters are very short. There's some pratical advice in it, but for the most part this WW book is better suited as a novelty/humor item for a WW fan.



2. The cover of the book features the more modern comic book Wonder Woman. The majority of the book's interior features the older, 1950's comic book version. I prefer the first and was misled by the cover. The humor is not brilliant, but is decent. I returned the book.

5 comments about The Attractor Factor: 5 Easy Steps for Creating Wealth (or Anything Else) From the Inside Out.

1. I've read Spiritual marketing. I also read the first version of The Attractor Factor - but I'd borrowed it from the library.
   So, since the first two versions "worked" at least enough for me to feel flush enough to purchase this version I figured, it would be good to have in my library.
   
   There is not much new in this version, I'm not a fan of the quiz in the beginning telling me where to start but I did like the addition of space to write in the book -- in essence - forcing me to complete the exercises.
   
   This time around I think I really grasped more of the message that Vitale is trying to pass on and feel more at peace with my own complicity in my life's situations. My life is fine, but sure, I'm expecting more prosperity, but I'm not desperate for it like I have been in the past. I think that is the essence of the book. Reading it alone won't get you there, it's a mindset.
   
   I can also clearly see the hypnotic writing which Vitale is famous for at play in the book. I see why people would buy his book/s and run out to buy the next, sign up for his trainings or his coaching programs --it's woven into every nook and cranny of the book. Is that a bad thing? No! I don't think it's covert, I think it's right out in the open.
   
   The bottom line is -- if you're ready to do the WORK, take ACTION and make steps toward your perfect life - this book is full of practical ways to do that, with some good points to ponder as well. If, on the other hand you're looking for a quick fix or a guarantee change in your life after reading it -- get real. Fix yourself and your thinking, and the approach the book with a beginner's mind and do the exercises. It will help!
   
   Peggie Arvidson
   [...]



2. I saw Joe on the Secret and Joe just spoke to me. He is a regular guy with a great success story from streets to wealth. With so many of the same types of books out there I was drawn to Joe's story. I had purchased the "Missing Secret" CD set and they both have the same message but work well together. I liked being able to write in the book so I can go back and referrence where I started to see how I progress. It is not my choice to be on the street and experience that, I will skip that part and write my own success story.



3. I have read most of Joe Vitale's books and this is my favorite! I listen to the audio version over and over... Having put many of the processes in motion, this material continues to positively impact my life. You must experience this for yourself - it's truly powerful. Then, when you're done with this book, follow it by getting his Awakening series. I am so grateful that I attracted Joe's work into my life! I sure would love to be one of his Miracles Coaches... Be Happy Now!



4. After the Secret , Joe Vitale Book The Attractor Factor is a must -read for all persons having loved the film. The book teach futher the principles of the Secret and Joe 's personal experience on how to Get Clear is fabulous .
   Great Job.Keep it up .God Blesss you .



5. Too much hype for his other items. Not enough meat of the subject. Much too fluffy.

5 comments about The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship: A Toltec Wisdom Book.

1. This book is really right on. It shows you how to apply The Four Agreements to any relationship. It's very enlightening and written in an easy to understand fashion. The audio version of this book is great too.



2. A great read every time and excellent when read in conjunction with The Four Agreements.



3. Don Miguel Ruiz's Mastery of Love is a must read for anyone who is looking to apply Toltec wisdom to their relationships. I rank this right up there with the Castaneda tradition.



4. This small, simple little book is filled with an abundance of insightful life lessons that can direct you onto the path of living a spiritually rich life. "The Mastery of Love", by Don Miguel Ruiz, is a practical guide on the art of forming a relationship. From Ruiz's perspective, relationship building is indeed an art form.
   
   Ruiz divides his spiritual journey into three different areas of emotional awareness. The first is the `Mastery of Awareness', whereby he looks at relationship from the perspective of freedom. He suggests that relationship can only thrive and develop through a sense of freedom and truth. The second is the `Mastery of Transformation' , in which the author encourages the development of spiritual awareness. Finally, the author examines the `Mastery of Love' suggesting that the road to true happiness and truthful expression of the mind, body, and soul is the expression of love. As the author delves into each of the three major tenants of his approach, it becomes clear that love and relating to one another can be a simple journey of self awareness and the willingness to embrace love.
   
   The spiritual journey in this book reminds me of my favorite authors on the topic of pursuing happiness and self expression. Ariel and Shya Kanes' book "Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: The 3 Simple Ideas That Will Instantaneously Transform Your Life" is an incredible book dedicated to pursuing a fulfilling and meaningful life through awareness and transformation. I have taken their workshops in New York City. Their approach has truly shifted the qualitative experience in my life and how I interact within all of my relationships. You can check out their books and workshops on Transformationmadeeasy.com
   
   I suggest you check out the books by Ruiz and the Kanes and read them back to back! Both will help enrich and enliven the way you interact with life and with other people!



5. I think The Mastery of Love is an extremely important contribution to partners and parents. I like to listen to Miguel Ruiz's work (this book and the Four Agreements) on audiobook because they are short and to the point. I enjoy discovering new tips each time I hear it.
   
   As I was listening to Mastery of Love, I realized that pure and unconditonal love was so simple to attain, yet I do not know a single person or couple who loves this completely. We all have implants of shame, guilt, criticism and other manipulations attached to our love.
   
   Learning this for ourselves will not only improve our relationships with our partners, we will teach our children how to love themselves first and it will be reflected back to them for their entire lives. It is time to change the fear-based ideology we call "love" and tap into the well-being and peace that comes naturally from within. This book is a fantastic starting point.
   
   It reminds me of this quote, "Even after all this time, the sun never says to the Earth, 'you owe me.' Look what happens with a love like that: It lights the whole sky." This is the kind of love you are working toward when you start studying The Mastery of Love. Best wishes!

5 comments about Living in the Heart: How to Enter into the Sacred Space Within the Heart.

1. This book is a real gift to humanity - contains tools to take us into our inner heart temple where we can access the 5th dimensional frequency of unconditional love & liquid light.
   Anyone who resonates with Drunvalo Melchizadek's work will love this book.



2. Simple, direct, yet profound. Rings true and strikes a cord. Any book that I read 3 times and can't let go of, says a lot. This man's life is filled with higher purpose and synchronicity, and amazing phenomena. He doesn't try to come up with answers for everything, or even a whole lot, he just tells his story and draws you in, deeply. I sensed humility and an absolute devotion to his higher purpose, avoiding unnecessary distraction and minutia. And after sharing his fascinating experiences and discoveries, he leaves you with detailed instructions and a CD (included with the book). The only complaint I have is that I want this book to be much longer.



3. This book is excellent and I recommend it for anyone interested in spirituality and the spiritual path.



4. I love this book!! Wow....the stories he shares have inspired my every day living experience. I will be attending his workshops to learn the Mer Ka Ba meditation and also the workshop, "Living in the Heart". So excited and I recommend this book to all who are searching for that clear, guided connection to Spirit....it all comes from the "feeling" place in your Heart!



5. I cannot say enough about this book!! I am currently going through all of Drunvalo's works and am a daily practitioner of the merkaba meditation. The tools provided in this book coupled with the previous Flower of Life books has made a profound difference in the way i move through life. The epiphany's keep coming and i feel connected in ways i have not felt since my diaper dayz... read the book (book's) follow the meditations and logic guided by the heart. The heart is the primary 'mind', the source of divine connection. let it take you and rebuild who you are so that your tru self may be revealed to you and the world. Allow yourself to change so that you may change the world...

5 comments about Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential.

1. My mother gave this book to me a few years ago. Due to the fact that I was in the military and dealing with so many situations at the time and also the thickness of it... I put off reading it till when I thought my life would slow down some. War and all that goes with it sucks up some time. I now realize in hind sight, that was a mistake. I should have read pieces here and there way back then! I am also shocked, but not completely shocked... By the negative reviews this book has received. I am not a frequent church attendee... The negative reviews I took the time to read clearly tell me that there are people that study the bible so intently that they feel they can use that knowledge to prove people wrong, but that isn't what disturbs me the most about that... What disturbs me the most is that they would publicly do so without even conferring with the man to see if perhaps there was legitimate reason he wrote what he wrote and if so, if they could beef about that off line and perhaps reach a conclusion whether he was right or wrong, before it was splashed into the publics eyes!
   
   
   I, in my limited knowledge and I am willing to say so, do know a few things about the bible. But I also know a few things about life. As a two time war veteran and someone that has lived in various countries through out my life, I feel I have the right to say that. Joel Osteen has written a book here that deals with changing peoples negative perspectives and also is showing them that according to the bible, that they do, if they choose to change the thought patterns they currently have, have a chance to live a full and productive and fulfilling life! I know rabbits don't chew cud. I know the Catholic Religion did what the bible said not to do. Add to, because the bible clearly says nothing should be added to or taken away... Because they added the Apocryphal... Nothing against Catholics mind you, just stating facts. I know that there are so many "Christian" dominations it's no wonder they can't get along, nor that Christians and Muslims can't get along...
   
   Not verbatim but from memory...
   
   Lift a branch, and you will find me...
   Move a rock, and I am there...
   
   This book rekindles hope...
   
   And that I commend because the WORLD DAMN SURE NEEDS IT!
   
   All the biblical scholars that think they know or have figured out the bible need to realize one thing...
   
   NO ONE KNOWS THE MIND OF GOD!
   
   For decades the bible was printed in Latin and only those that knew Latin were allowed to say to others what it said...
   
   Or more precisely, what they Thought it said! And let's get real, was it what they thought it said? Or what would benefit them if the people believed what they said they thought it said?
   
   People were executed for trying to translate the bible...
   
   They wanted to keep...
   
   THIER INTERPRETATION!!!
   
   I won't even mention the Crusades!
   Which a Pope Publicly apologized for!!!
   
   All you experts on the bible have probably never even read the Teachings of Emanuel and if so, aren't questioning why it was excluded from the bible and if you are, aren't questioning why the DEAD SEA SCROLLS were excluded from the bible...
   
   To me...
   
   Yes...
   
   No doubt the greatest book ever written...
   
   But, I also think that it was altered to fit the political agendas of different times...
   
   What happens when you give something to man and it has power?
   
   Power corrupts...
   
   Not just now...
   
   And if someone shows up on my door spouting things that they think are not refutable they certainly don't have my ear!
   
   I'm digging his message...
   
   And for those of you that prefer to feel... It isn't what you see in the bible...
   
   Remember...
   
   You have your eyes
   
   And others have their eyes...
   
   More wars have been fought in the name of religion which I DON'T believe in anyway for any other reason through out the history of the world...
   And perhaps because of people...
   
   That think the words in a book, no matter how Holy they think it might be...
   
   Rate killing in the name of...
   
   I love this book and it is something I will continue to return to, to improve my mind set in the area of positive thinking, supported by biblical doctrine...
   
   For all you scholars... Who would prefer a book that doesn't teach encouragement and empowerment and actually living a life worthy of living...
   
   And also allowing a person the possibility of being in a position of perhaps giving to those less fortunate because of it...
   
   Maintain your beliefs...
   
   But I will always wonder...
   
   Why there are those with so many riches aligning the inner walls of their churches...
   That one artifact if sold...
   Could feed a country for a few weeks..
   
   Chase von
   tlp
   The Last Panther
   
   PS
   
   When I say that perhaps parts were changed to fit political agendas, there are those of you that might want to argue with that... Very well...
   Explain the Apocryphal...
   
   And here's another one to chew on...
   
   Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone...
   
   With all the negative reviews I've seen here on a positive book....
   
   I truly didn't know there were that many living Saints...
   
   Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak



2. Item came in on time and in excellent condition. I would use this person again.



3. It's hard for some people to understand that Joel Osteen spreads words of hope and encouragement. Many people are "hurting" so much and are so used to being "beat down" that suspicion arises when God speaks good words through humans like Joel. If a person is able to read the book, a small amount each day, and feel the little details deep in your heart - your life begins to change. Those around you will change because of the hope and encouragement you pass onto them. No one is saying that Joel's books should replace the Bible. If you listen to his sermons you know at the end of each and everyone one of them, he asks you to find a Bible based church in your area and attend. He's not a demon, he doesn't write or preach about conviction and damnation. What he does is offer the encouragement and hope of a better life through Jesus Christ, God, and Holy Spirit...all in one. Call it what you like but Joel and his books offer new beginnings, better days, and hope in our future through steps that everyone, no matter your individual situation, can succeed. I am a better person for reading and following the help that Joel passes in his books and sermons. I get up each day wanting to be a better person and learning how I can do that. People around me, those I know and those I don't, need my encouragement and receive it freely. I can't help but think that they too pass it on...this world can be a more gentle and loving place to live but it takes each of us giving. It's hard for some people to think that can be true. It was hard when Jesus tried to preach the same message 2,000 years ago. We're just slow learners I guess.
   Try reading the book. Don't disect it...don't worry about the little things..."did he say Jesus?...did he quote the Bible enough?...did he do this or that..." Just read it. Listen to your heart and be open to God moving in your life.
   Life is good! Enjoy your Blessings.



4. "Beware of associating with or adopting the attitudes of people who, through their negative outlook and lack of self-esteem, will rob you of the greatness that God has for you." ~ pg. 60
   
   Is your life all that you want it to be? Could you use the transforming power of God's love in your life? In "Your Best Life Now," Joel Osteen shows you how to go from depressed and unfulfilled to emotionally healed and joy filled.
   
   "Your life is not going to change until you first change your thinking." ~ pg. 7
   
   One of the secrets of living "your best life" is to monitor your thoughts and to learn to think more positively. Unlike other books that say that the "Universe" wants to give you whatever you desire, Joel Osteen focuses on God and how He wants to bless your life with abundance. Are you ready to reprogram your mind? Most of the book talks about how you should speak and act to guarantee God's favor.
   
   Can a decision to have a better marriage really work? Joel Osteen believes that you can turn any situation around with God's help. Personally I've noticed that my marriage is better not only when I ask God to make it better but I also do my part in reading books on the subject. Positive thinking will lead you in the right direction but you still have to make the effort if you want your dreams to come true.
   
   I liked Joel Osteen's advice about how to break negative cycles. Just because your family is poor doesn't mean that you have to live that way too. I also appreciated his ideas on how negative thoughts can lead to a negative life. One of the most helpful sections of the book talks about unforgiveness and how this can keep your prayers from being answered.
   
   "Your Best Life Now" is filled with numerous inspirational stories. The story of how Joel Osteen's mother overcomes cancer is truly miraculous. If you are suffering from any illness I can highly recommend this book. Many of the stories brought a smile to my face.
   
   "Your Best Life Now" is one of the most positive books you will ever read. If you are satisfied with your life this probably isn't the book for you. However, if you feel that your life could be much better (getting out of debt, looking for a job promotion, a better marriage, improved health, a positive healthy outlook and renewed self-esteem, answered prayers, financial success) then this book has a lot to offer.
   
   Joel Osteen not only preaches a message of hope and love he lives what he preaches and is a living example of the principles he teaches in "Your Best Life Now." One of the things that impresses me is his care and concern for all the people he ministers to. His books have blessed my life and they have taught me many secrets of the successful Christian life. It would be easy to say that Joel Osteen is just lucky but instead of taking credit for his success he gives God all the glory.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



5. The book was much smaller than the store version and seemed like a re-make homemade, flimsy, soft copy of the real version. I went and bought the original hard back in the book store. Still waiting to read it though. If it's half as good as Victoria's book, Love Life Now; I'm sure I have a lot to look forward to.

5 comments about The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea.

1. The Go-Giver is a great story loaded with fantastic business concepts and practical, easy-to-apply advice for business as well as personal relationships. Just what we need in today's world, when authenticity seems to be lacking. A success story we can all learn from and apply in our business relationships as well as in our personal lives. Can't say enough great things about the Go-Giver! Terrific!



2. If you are reading this review and/or considering buying this book, you have probably read your share of business and self-help books. The Go-Giver takes the essential components of all of the major books out there and distills them down into an easy to digest parable. After reading and implementing the principles of the Go-Giver, I have, in fact, received an increase in referrals and created deeper, more meaningful relationships with friends and colleagues. If you need a refresher on how and why to serve others better, pick up this book.



3. This little book holds the key to everything you have ever wanted to accomplish in your life. The Five Laws of Stratospheric Succes are simple yet, like a diamond, so replete with facets as to render the book new each time you read it. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever wanted to learn how to attract a mentor, or understand what it takes to create true significants in life. Learn to enjoy the coffee and the ability to find world changing opportuities where other just see an Italian resturant and a room full of pipe cleaners and modeling clay. Like a good meal and a fine cigar, this book will leave you satisfied, and looking forward to the next opportunity to enjoy the experience.



4. I enjoyed reading this book. Just enough substance and not a lot of "dragging on". If you follow a diet of positive reading, this is a good one for the collection, but not the only one.



5. Not only is this a powerful business idea - it's a powerful story that will impact your success in EVERY aspect of your life and business IF you apply the laws. Because as Pindar, the mentor in the story, tells the young, frustrated go-getter, Joe "it's not about the seeing, it's about the doing." And he shares his "Trade Secret" 5 laws, the doing of which put Joe (and anyone else who follows them) on a path to stratospheric success that he could never have even imagined when he first sought to meet the man who became his mentor. The first 2 laws are the basis for every business fortune created under the free enterprise system and laws 3,4 and 5 are the mindset that allows us to create that wealth in a way that benefits our world and others around us, builds relationships with people who will gladly aide us in creating our success and allows us to attain riches, both of the tangible and intangible variety. Whether you own a business, work for a business or just want to add value to the world and benefit from it, this is a must read and a must do.

5 comments about The Book of Questions.

1. this is the best book!!! bring to work, bring to parties...etc. this really gets people thinking talking and laughing.....THE BEST QUESTION BOOK OUT THERE!!! well worth the $$$



2. I thought this book would be a great book to jump start my journaling and bought it without looking at it indepth. To be honest, many of the questions made me really depressed, asking questions about killing, dying, etc. There are some good questions in the book and it isn't entirely about the "dark" side of life. Some of the questions are repetitive only given a different situation. I would say out of the 200 questions, there were only about 20 I cared to journal about.



3. Love this book. I have a lot of similar books and it's one of the best. Love that it's so small and you can take it anywhere. Questions are pretty tame, which is great for when you're first meeting people. Nothing too sexual or anything...although there is a "sex" version, which is great for when you get to know each other a little better. The series called "Question This Book" is great for that, by the way.
   
   This one is definitely the one of the best, if you're into this stuff. Worth $7 to check it out.



4. The Book of Questions
   This is a great little book with a lot of "oomph". It has all kinds of hypothetical questions, some of which involve moral/ethical implications (if you could choose between 20 people you don't know in another country dying and a friend of yours dying, what would you do?), some of which are introspective (if you could trade 5 years of your life to be exceptionally good looking, would you?), and other "choice" questions that can spark serious and fun discussions. It can also be enjoyed (not as much, in my opinion) alone.
   I highly recommend this - it's good for almost all age levels - I'd say kids under age 10 or 12 might not yet have the perspective for all the questions, but, of course, there would be no upper age limit.



5. I bought this book on a whim and we pulled it out one night at a dinner party we were having, there were about 10 of us there and it was so interesting listening to everyone's responses. The night lasted hours longer than I imagined it would. Some of the questions were a little disturbing, but we easily by-passed those ones. Worth the price!

5 comments about The Easy Way to Stop Drinking.

1. I stumbled onto this book on the Internet somewhere and bought it that day at a bookstore. I started reading and finished it over the course of a few days, while still drinking. At the conclusion, I poured my final drink, took two sips and could not get the third sip down. It's been nearly a month and I have no desire to drink. Not to say that I never think about alcohol but the illusion that it does something good for me or is "fun" is totally gone.
   I've been a drinker for over 30 years, binging sporadically the first 15 and a regular heavy drinker for the last 15.
   For the first time I feel free. Its working for me.



2. I would recommend this book. I wasn't sure if I had a problem with drinking or not , but I did know I was drinking more than I wanted and at least one day a week I was waking up feeling pretty terrible. I also was annoyed that I am fit and work out a lot , but couldn't get rid of that alcohol look - you know- the puffiness in the face ! I would always have my wine in the evening and all of a sudden it turned into a bottle an evening. I didn't want to be drinking that much , but once I started it didn't seem like I could stop until I finished the bottle. I read this book , followed all the rules , and it did work , for me. Which means I didn't quit completely or even immediately after finishing the book ,which I know is not the "right' way to do it. I actually drank a few nights after I finished the book because I had social engagements and I couldn't bring myself to do it stone cold, but I was really aware of the amount and I can't say I enjoyed it much. Then I just really was totally fine having a glass a night , not wanting more, not feeling like I was missing out, just feeling wonderful waking up without a headache or wine breath. It's only been about 3 weeks , but I feel great , I look about 5 years younger , my skin and eyes are clear, and I am wondering why I ever felt the need to get blotto every night. So , in closing , I think this book works differently , for different people, but it worked for me , in my way.



3. I have read a few bad reviews on this book, but after reading it I am convinced these other readers just didn't take the time to absorb what was being said. This book is certainly NOT fluff. Every word is written in just the right way and at just the right time. Every thought I had that came up to refute what he was saying, he addressed right then. It was weird! It was like he was there inside my head.
   
   I attended AA in the past but always ended up drinking again. The reason? I was never what you would call a rock-bottom alcoholic, I don't believe a "higher power" can save me, and I hated the concept that I would be labeled an alcholic for the rest of my life. This book was written for ME!
   
   The author takes each excuse that I've made for drinking or wanting to drink, and talked about that area so thoroughly that my mind was changed. Yes, just like that! He urges readers not to quit drinking while reading the book because he wants you to prove to yourself that what he is saying is true. The drinking experience is completely different armed with this information.
   
   I wish I could nail down exactly what he said or did that changed me, but I can't. All I can say is that it DID change me. I think that others who are expecting some sort of "trick" like pinching your earlobe when you crave a drink, or pulling out a list of reasons why drinking can ruin your life are looking at this all wrong. There is no trick! But, there is also NO REASON THIS HAS TO BE SO HARD.
   
   I agree that although AA is a wonderful organization and has helped MANY alcoholics cope, it has a low success rate and is not made for those of us with differing beliefs. The Easy Way is REALLY easy. I am very happy I found this book. A huge weight is lifted off my shoulders, and quitting drinking is now a FUN prospect, not one of misery or self-denial. It's actually saying YES to fun, love, and life.



4. Hello, After being a "social drinker" for the last 17 years and constantly craving "a few beers", it's hard to believe it's all gone. When I began reading the book I was skeptical about the books effectiveness and if I wanted to quit in the first place. By simply following the instructions and being open minded, I am happy to say that I have quit drinking. I feel like I have lost NOTHING and gained SO MUCH.
   
   To all the doubters and/or bad reviewers, chances are you either had no geniune intention of quitting, and most importantly you did not follow the instructions of the book. If you follow the instructions and are open minded this will work for you. So, please before writing anything negative about this wonderful method, please look in the mirror first and see where the 1 star rating truly belongs. For everyone else, best wishes on your new life of feeling great, having more time, more money, better motivation, improved confidence, improved physical and mental health, and on and on.



5. I just finished this book yesterday. I think it's going to work for me. I woke up this morning with a feeling of euphoria and actually said, "I'm free!!!"
   
   I had really wanted to be free of the alchohol trap but did not know how. Alan Carr gives you the tools to do this. And the confidence that you CAN do it and will not be missing out on anything. I now realize this.
   
   I had tried to cut down on my drinking several times and had hoped I would be able to be a responsible "moderate" drinker. However, it took me the whole book to realize that this is not possible. The trap is too tricky. The best thing is to GET OUT and LIVE YOUR LIFE!!! Near the end of the book, I decided that I was going to stop drinking alcohol entirely. It was the most liberating decision I have ever made. No more hangovers, no more feeling like crap, no more wondering what embarrassing things I did the night before....
   
   I even went through the ritual of having a "last drink" as he recommends. I did not even enjoy my usual glass of wine and could not finish it. I just wanted to be free of alcohol so much that I sipped it slowly and poured what I could not finish down the drain. This morning I woke up to a new world of possibilites and hope.
   
   If you are on the fence about whether or not you want to stop drinking entirely, I would give this book a try. I was. Now I feel like I'm free of that mess of addiction and abuse to my body. Time will tell if this method will work for the rest of my life, but right now I have no reason to think it will not!

5 comments about Facing Codependence: What It Is, Where It Comes from, How It Sabotages Our Lives.

1. In what may be one of the best books ever on functional parenting, Mellody and the Millers have tackled the single most common psychiatric phenomenon of our time, deconstructed it into language most can grasp, and set forth a means of re-parenting those who didn't get the real deal the first time around.
   
   For mental health professionals, this may also be one of the best books available for patient (with sufficient ego strength) and/or family education on Kernberg / Preston Level One and Two Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as for family education with regard to pretty much the entire spectrum of borderline, narcissistic, passive-aggressive and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.
   
   I have read at least a dozen lay and professional books addressing the topic of "codependence." While Melody Beattie's and Patricia Evan's work, and the -Codependents Anonymous- and new -Adult Children of Alcoholics- "big books" -are- terrific stuff, this looks like the most accessible, research-grounded, well-organized and tool-delivering of the lot. (Anyone seriously set upon recovering from boundary difficulties with others is well-advised to just read them all, of course.)
   
   Owing to the input of the Millers, -Facing Codependence- is more a product of modern "patient education" or "psychoeducation" theory (see Rankin's and Stallings's -Patient Education- or any of the books in the "Compact Clinicals" series) than the other books currently available. This is not the hodgepodge of useful data developed by committee in the two afforementioned 12 Step groups, and is more functionally set forth in the fashion of Lev Vygotsky's "scaffolding" than Beattie's more famous or Evans's more narrowly targeted books.
   
   Beyond that, the progressive, level-upon-level organization of the book and concrete examples of both functional and dysfunctional parenting make it hands-down one of the finest guides to raising effective, pathology-free children ever published. If it were up to me, this would be required reading at the college freshman level.



2. I have read a dozen books on the subject. For me, this was the first semi-clinical book which explored how codependency is not only behavior inherited but can also be passed on down to the next generation, even coming from a parent with the best intentions completely unaware of the problem. The author has a deep awareness of the problem's subtleties and this is certainly one of the pioneer books that should be in every library concerning codependency.



3. Mellody and her coauthors, to the enduring benefit of the practice of psychology, do their part to rescue the technique of digging through the past from its Freudian fixation on Oedipus.
   
   Using a working definition of childhood "abuse" as any behavior by caregivers that is "less than nurturing," she relentlessly and in gruesome detail disects the roots of dysfunctional adulthood dependencies.
   
   I agree with the reviewer who complained that the term "codependence" has become too much of a catch-all. Having a prefix indicating "two," that word is better reserved for particular kinds of dysfunctional relationships.
   
   That said, this book succeeds brilliantly at its task. Which is to allow individual readers to face up to exactly where the unhealthy dependencies in our lives come from. Which in adulthood result, not just in codependent (instead of "interdependent") relationships, but in a myriad of perplexing issues that sabotage our lives.
   
   A classic from the pioneer who originated the concept of "boundaries" in psychology. Get ready to embrace your demons.



4. This is the best book on Co-dependence I have ever read. And I have read a few. And Pia Melody does it without any put downs. Co-Dependence is not something you can choose or not choose to do. It is a result of things that have been done to you. And you cannot begin to conquer it until you fully understand what happened to you. This Pia Melody does with such insight and understanding solely because she lived it. If you or someone you know is dealing with co-dependency (and most of us are) do them a favor and tell them to get this book!



5. This is one of the best books on codependence. Read it and your life will change.

3 comments about Who Would You Be Without Your Story?: Dialogues with Byron Katie.

1. If you are ready to face the truth about yourself and be free from untrue thoughts that rule your life, you have found the right author and book.



2. This book is a series of dialogues taken from workshops and seminars, so you get a good flavor of what it would be like to attend one. The dialogues, like The Work, aren't spectator sports. Reading her technique without trying it gets zero results, and reading these dialogues without 'playing along' may also yield very little results. However, if you dive in as an active audience member, these dialogues take you deeper than you may have gone doing The Work on your own.
   
   I first discovered _Loving What Is_ a few years ago when I was going through a tough time, and couldn't get my brain out of the hamsterwheel of 'why did this happen?' 'what did I do wrong?' and most of all 'why can't I get over this?'. In less than an hour of doing The Work, my entire perspective changed. It was almost miraculous. Needless to say, I've been a believer ever since.
   
   This isn't to say I agree with everything Katie says. And I do find her calling everyone 'sweetheart' a bit wearing. She says in one book (and again in this) something to the effect that if her kids ever tell her they won't miss her when she dies she'll celebrate because they'll be 'free.' That's a little harsh, to me. I don't aim to go that far! But that doesn't mean that I can't go a long way on the journey with good results.
   
   The Work isn't easy, and it takes a certain amount of patience and mental flexibility to do it right. In a sense it's a relief to read these dialogues because you realize you're not the only one who reaches these walls in your thinking; and you get to see how Katie helps them break through, which you can then apply yourself.
   
   If you're new to Byron Katie's works, there is a tiny appendix and the Judge Your Neighbor form in the book, but I don't think that's quite enough--doing the 'turn it around' statements is tricky for beginners and the appendix doesn't focus on those. You can learn by careful study of the dialogues, but you may find her website or her earlier books to be more helpful. If you've got her other books, don't pass this one over as quickly as you might. It served as a needed reinforcement for me, and in her parts of the conversations there are plenty of wonderful insights--mine is already heavily underlined.



3. Greetings,
   
   I found this book very useful as a supplement to her online blog. I think I would have been confused by the book had I not already been familiar with her work. There is no substitute for watching her in action. Her kind, empathic approach does not come across in the written script of her work. What is useful about the book is it gives me a way to deeply reflect on some of the ways she handles struggles and resistance from her clients. I'm a business coach, so I find this book a useful way to dissect her work, her theory, and the way she works with clients. I think her four questions are brilliant.