5 comments about Passport to Beauty: Secrets and Tips from Around the World for Becoming a Global Goddess.

1. This was a fantastic book that went through all six inhabited continents and shared all-natural beauty remedies that I was very excited to try. I'm a believer in natural recipes for masks, lotions, serums, etc. and this book was full of them. It was refreshing to have a book that allows me to do nearly everything in it without it shoving brand names with sky-high prices down my throat. The only thing that I found that I wasn't particularly fond of was that some of the recipes are repeated through the book in various contexts, and also because Shalini Vadhera has her own makeup line, she ends up touting it a bit.
   
   It's a great find if you're looking for some back-to-mother-nature beauty rituals and tips.



2. If you want anatural remedy for a more beautiful, lustrous, touchable skin, then go ahead and nuy this number. All recipies are doable, I have tried some of them myself: Great Results! at the palm of your hands.



3. truly amazing! i have saved so much money just by reading her tips. THank you so much Shalini!



4. This book isn't quite what I was hoping for. I'm interested in the beauty ideals of other cultures and was hoping Vadhera would go a little further into each culture's perspective of beauty, such as by providing a few pages of narrative in each chapter in addition to the "beauty tips and techniques". (For example, how does what the culture found beautiful in the past compare to what it finds beautiful now?) But that isn't really what the book is about. It's a lightweight, breezy collection of face and hair masks used by women in other countries.
   
   I found some of the tips interesting, but other advice appears numerous times throughout the book, worded differently. Drinking a lot of water, eating a healthy diet, portion control, and exercise are mentioned constantly, which of course are good tips, but not really anything new. Vadhera has a perky style of writing, such as "African gals say walking is not only a way of life but also a great way to keep their lean physiques. Walking around town is an easy path to a tight butt and strong, toned legs!" and "Avoid trying to emphasize all your features at the same time. Overdoing it may label you a makeup misfit!"
   
   I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys making her own skin and face masks and is looking for more receipes. I would also recommend it to someone who wants to learn more about the beauty practices of women in other cultures, as long as they aren't looking for anything too deep.
   
   Someone who is looking to learn more about French or Japanese beauty may enjoy "All You Need to Be Impossibly French" by Helena Frith-Powell or "Beauty Up: Exploring Contemporary Japanese Body Aesthetics" by Laura Miller.



5. I am extremely disappointed. I was expecting new, fresh, exotic ideas of skin care from around the world. Having read it cover to cover, I don't think I found one idea that I haven't heard/read before. Further, Shalini (the author) mentions her skin care line throughout the book, therefore, I can only surmise that the intention is to further publicize her online products. I'd like my money back!

5 comments about Chicken Soup for the Mother & Daughter Soul: Stories to Warm the Heart and Honor the Relationship.

1. It is amazing how frequently I saw my own mother in so many of these wonderful stories. How interesting to discover thoughts and feelings I have long kept to myself were actually the thoughts and feelings of many. What a great book!



2. This is a beautiful book of short stories about the laughter & tears experienced between mother and daughter and, in some instances, 3 generations of mothers & daughters. There were a few stories that I really didn't see the point in and didn't understand why there were included, but all-in-all, the stories made me laugh and cry. I purchased the book as a mother's day gift for my mom, but had to read it myself first!

   It's a great gift for yourself or mother/daughter. It's an enjoyable and sometimes tear-jerking read and sometimes a mirror of a relationship you have/had or would like to have.




3. Above average writing sets this book apart from others of its genre. Stories are engrossing without seeming contrived. All in all, a well put together collection of stories, quotes and cartoons that ACTUALLY is inspiring.



4. My daughter & I enjoy Chicken Soup For The Mothers And Daughters Soul.It not only touch our souls it touch our hearts.It is very hard to stop reading it.I would like to Thanks the Authors of this book for bringing back an older favorite of my daughter & I ,That was to sit down & read together.Chicken Soup For The Mothers And Daughter will not only touch your Soul it will touch your Heart.I I pray that God continues to bless you.Please write more books soon.I would love to have an complete series of all your Best Seller Book,This book is a treasure that All Mothers & Daughters will enjoy for years to come.Many,Many Thanks,Again***** Frances,You are a hero.You touch so many people near you & very far,That is what makes you a hero to me.Your book will not only warm & touch the hearts & Soul of Mothers & Daughters,It warms up every one that has a heart.Hugs,



5. The stories in this collection are gems that every mother can relate to. If you're a mother or a daughter this book is a must read! The stories will make you laugh and cry and, best of all, you'll recognize yourself in many of the pages. Debbie Farmer, parenting author of 'Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat'

5 comments about Say Goodbye to Your PDI (Personality Disordered Individuals): Recognize People Who Make You Miserable and Eliminate Them from Your Life for Good!.

1. Dr. Kapuchinski has written an informative and very readable guide to identifying and handling people with personality problems. The book helped me understand that walking away was the only good solution to my own involvement with a PDI. I was also able to let go of the idea that the relationship failed because I didn't "try hard enough." The book's format covers personal and professional relationships with practical examples of how to handle problems, what you can and cannot expect from a PDI and how to keep your sanity. It was educational but also used humor which made the book easier to read than other self help books I've read.



2. Say Goodbye to Your PDI (Personality Disordered Individual): Recognize People Who Make You Miserable and Eliminate Them From You Life Is Good! is a no-nonsense guide to identifying people who are toxic, or beyond toxic - so engrossed in their own needs (which no mortal can satisfy, such as "make me the center of attention at all times"), set in their ways, and oblivious to the needs of others that there is no reasoning with them and nothing positive to be gained from interacting with them. Types of PDIs covered including passive-aggressive "blamers", the histrionic personality disorders characterized by emotional and erratic personalities, the smooth-talking anti-social con men and sociopaths, the unstable borderline personality disorders, and the egotistical narcissistic personality disorders. Peppered cover to cover with true-life examples of destructive individuals and practical advice for minimizing or eliminating contact with them, Say Goodbye to Your PDI is highly recommended.



3. I have recently finished reading this book and all I can say is WOW! The author does an excellent job of keeping things simple, and gives many examples so that you are able to identify and eliminate these people from your life. I also liked the way he took the time to explain things in a way that made sense to me personally. I am 52 now, and feel that I have been victimized by at least a dozen of these types of people during my lifetime. It seems that I always blamed myself, but now because of this book I know better. Now I know: "when in doubt keep them out!" If you have people that are making your life miserable, get this book, it offers practical solutions for eliminating them from your life.



4. The book is well written and easy to understand as well as entertaining. We all have to deal with individuals with that nagging Axis II Disorder and this book takes some of the edge of that ordeal. A great way to develop insight into how to deal more effectively with that annoying boss, coworker, in-law or acquaintance.



5. This book is amazing. Everyone who has worked or lived with someone who puts people down all of the time and makes you feel miserable should definitely read this book. It will help you understand it is not YOU!

5 comments about Tormenting Thoughts and Secret Rituals: The Hidden Epidemic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

1. Dr. Osborn does a great work with this book. In the early chapters he provides case histories that let us see first hand what OCD is. Then he provides a diagnostic test for self-evaluation. Then he cuts loose with the definitions. OCD thoughts fall into four categories, fear of contamination (filth), fear of hurting others or oneself (harm), fantasies of impulse (lust) and fear of hurting God or one's relationship. (blasphemy). He does not cover hoarding or collecting behaviors in detail, but mentions the possible relationships.

   Dr. Osborn's principle insight is that OCD is neurobiological in origin, and that it is successfully treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Zoloft and Prozac. He argues that it should be renamed "basal ganglia" disorder, since this is the brain center implicated (along with the thinking trail to the frontal lobe). I hope this proposal is adopted.

   The author uses four criteria to establish an OCD thought, and its matching, anxiety reducing behavior, which are the obsession and the compulsion respectively. Such thoughts have four properties which can be remembered by the mnemonic 2IRU. OCD thoughts are inappropriate, intrusive, recurrent and unwanted. This is what distinguishes them from addictive thoughts.

   This book unlocked for me an understanding of a multigenerational difficulty and for Dr. Osborn's many insights I am grateful.

   - Van
   www dot wdv dot com




2. This book is fabulously informative and written in such a kind manner, you'd want the author for your own therapist. It is especially good for those who have just realized they have OCD.



3. This book focuses on symptoms and not solutions. If you want real solutions, buy Jonathan Grayson's book called "Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder." That is the best book on OCD I have ever read.



4. This book is a classic educational tool for priests in confessionals and all RC teachers of religion that only HARM is done by portraying God as waiting like a Vulture to pounce on every Catholic with OCD and tell him/her that a single thought is enough to guarantee Everlasting Damnation to Hell. There is no God like that.



5. If you are looking for a book on OCD that goes way above and beoynd to provide real-life stories of those suffering with OCD, this is the book for you.
   
   For many years I was misdiagnosed and misinformed on the subject of OCD. Although I had many OCD symptoms, doctors attributed my symptoms to depression. This book gave me the information needed to get properly diagnosed and treated for OCD.

4 comments about When Violence Begins at Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Ending Domestic Abuse.

1. If you are reading this review, it is clear you are seeking help. This book serves as a rather complete guide to hear you, understand your situation and a means to offer you help. Do not just read about the help you need....get the help you need.
   You do not want to suffer the loss of your children's respect and damage to their adult lives, your self respect or your life from possible death. Do something for yourself now...only you can do it...with God's Help. Here is some help.



2. 55% of all domestic violence is caused by women not men. This book only seperates and promotes discrimination against men. Both men and women are abused and should be treated the same. This problem will only start to be solved when, all Shelters are open to men and women, not just "the weaker sex." Everyone should care about this problem because, ALL VICTIMS ENd UP IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE which means YOU PAY FOR THEIR CARE!



3. This book is very helpful. Its give you more insight to what actually happens and what you can do to help. I like the chapter that gives the historical aspects of domestic abuse. Overall it is a good book.



4. If you get only one book about domestic violence, this should be the one. It is comprehensive, and well-written. As a training specialist, it was one of my main sources for writing a domestic violence prevention training program. Some of the material is a little dated because in most states including mine, women are now allowed to introduce their history of domestic abuse in court where it was not allowed in the past. That may be a partial explanation why women who have killed their domestic partners have spent an average of 15 years in jail. Men who killed their domestic partners have spent an average of 2 to 3 years.
   
   What I find most useful from this book is the information about the myths surrounding domestic violence. Before I worked with a rape victim who helped me develop my training program, I held some of these myths which revealed my ignorance. The next thing that I found helpful were the traits of the abuser. These traits should be clear signals for all women who are currently dating. The traits of the victim are perhaps the saddest of all. Generally, she denies that it is even happening to her, and blames herself for it. She feels that if she does what he wants, that will bring back the real nice, affectionate, romantic man she once knew. What she fails to realize is that he was that way all along. He just didn't show it until he had complete control over his victim. Children from abusive environments also show a number of traits or behaviors and the author catologues them too. Children from these homes are six times more likely to commit suicide, and 1000x more likely to become abusers themselves.
   
   I do hope the one reviewer here gets the help he needs. While men can certainly be in abusive relationships from their female partners, 95% of the cases are men abusing women. Domestic violence accounts for one out of four visits to the emergency room, and costs this country 1.8 billion dollars a year in medical costs. And yes, 834,000 men per year are abused by their domestic partners. This book does list a number of sources for protection for men and women. It also recognizes women as abusers too. That would have been apparent by reading the book.
   
   If you need help, confide in only a couple of faithful and loyal friends. Contact the police, not family. Get a court order of protection (or peace). Avoid marriage counseling; it makes matters worse, not better. The batterer must get the counseling alone. Relocate if necessary.
   
   Remember, in the batterer's eyes you are only property.
   
   
   
   Also recommended:
   
   Michael Hertica & Wendy Deaton, "A Therapist's Guide to Growing Free: A Manual for Survivors of Domestic Violence."

1 comments about Staying Sober Workbook: A Serious Solution for the Problems of Relapse.

1. Mr. Gorski is one of today's leading experts on addiction and recovery, and has authored several books on the subject; as well as appearing in educational videos. This workbook is a valuable tool for those in recovery.

5 comments about When Your Child Has Been Molested: A Parents Guide to Healing and Recovery.

1. This is an excellent book to help parents, friends, teachers, everyone and anyone interested in helping a child following a disclosure of sexual abuse.



2. This book offered many worthwhile suggestions for dealing with a difficult subject.



3. I wish this book had been given to me the first time we started to uncover this mystery with my 4 1/2 year old daughter. Once we entered the "system" the experts seem to forget that the parents are starting at "ground zero" and have a lot to learn. Even after begining counceling, working with Children Services etc... there were so many unanswered questions and our personal struggle with denial - ("it can't be what she is describing".) This booked helped me so much, expecially the list of "signs". Thanks to this book, we were finally able to understand that many of the behaviors that our daughter was showing at the time stemed from her trauma, and helped us move through the process of healing. PLEASE READ THIS BOOK if you are going through this with your child. The most important aspects of the book for me were 1) the list of "signs" 2) reassurance that children don't usually make these stories up unless it was real and 3) that children don't tell the complete story at first - so they don't hurt the parents / and their own fear. Which is why it is so important to listen to your child and give them the love and assurance they need. ( and take the information your child is telling you seriously) In the end - this book helped us put most of the pieces together and helped more than the councelors to bring "peace" to us as we moved through the healing process, and reassured us that what we were feeling and the family process were actually normal. (and we were not alone)



4. I was unprepared to hear my 5 yr. old disclose that our neighbor had molested her. The Sheriff's department focused on her and as a parent I needed to understand what to do for her and for me. This book helps teach you how to respond to your child when they disclose. With so many children being molested, the likelihood is greater than you think. If you are not prepared, your emotions get in the way of supporting your child when they need it most. If I'd have read this book before, I would have responded differently. I recommend reading it even if your child hasn't been molested.....yet.



5. This book had some great practical guidance for the family going through the trauma of child abuse. I highly recommend it!!

5 comments about The Art of Seduction.

1. Robert Greene is a highly talented writer. He uses history and psychology to back up his overall philosophy. The Art of Seduction is interesting both for its many stories and for the alternative philosophy.
   
   Every reader will learn much about themselves in these pages, even if they choose to repress the part of themselves that Mr. Greene is trying to set free from the restrictive morality imposed on us by others. As the author reminds us, morality is just another effective tactic used by people to achieve their own goals.
   
   That being said, a bit of common sense should be used. This book is an excellent starting point; and a great way to stir up thoughts in your brain, but the end result has to come from your own inflection.
   
   I highly recommend this and other Robert Greene titles to everybody that has ever been born, ever.



2. Good, detailed, long as hell. Like two books in one. Will take a long time to complete.



3. From all the positive reviews, I was expecting a classic masterpiece to learning the "how-to" skills of seduction; instead, what I got were endless historical stories of seduction in play that bored the hell out of me, and I even skipped the first 200 pages to get to the goody part of hoping to learn the practical process of seduction, and to my non-surprise, more endless stories that didn't address the old-fashion "how-to". I didn't learn anything from this book besides the useless insights and theories, like I really care!
   
   Frankly, this book is way overrated. For an almost 500 pages book, it could have been compressed into a 100 page practical book. This is not much of a self-help; there are better books out there and are easily applicable immediately after reading in learning seduction.



4. In a word, this is an exceptional work. A work like this is really outstanding, its got depth and a tremendous scope of indispensable knowledge.
   
   Anyone serious about the seduction arts would benifit from adding this book to their collection. It is not a lite read, as it is pretty dense in both scope and breadth of knowledge but that just is what is nessacary to really understad the seduction process.
   
   This is a book that one needs to - study - from, and the rewards will be many as you apply the knowledge in your interactions with others.
   
   I really can't say enough good things about this exceptional work other then to recommend it highly to anyone who truly wants to understand the power of seduction and how the skill set has to be developed from a bedrock of accurate knowledge.
   
   This book is that bedrock of knowledge. Just be sure to use all the knowledge and power gained with responsibility & intelligence.
   
   Remember, knowledge used wisely is light, used selfishly it becomes self destruction. This is an outstanding book!!
   
   * Aristotle *



5. Like his other exercises in opportunism (on power and war) Mr. Greene falls into that category of writer who leaps on people's insecurities by providing a "how-to" manual in checklist form. As if the art of generalship or political power or sexual conquest was as simple as assembling an Ikea bookshelf. All you need are the right instructions.
   
   This will no more help you understand or become a Casanova than a "23 Laws of being a Fashion Model" will turn you into Heidi Klum. Save your money.

5 comments about The Right to Innocence: Healing the Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Therapeutic 7-Step Self-Help Program for Men and Women, Including How to Choose a Therapist and Find a Support Group.

1. It's clear that Dr. Engel knows what she is talking about here. The exercises and visualization techniques are excellent. Her seven-step program will aid in healing.
   
   Also recommended: Miss America By Day (Marilyn VanDerber)



2. I had be a victim of child molestation for many years. I was victimized by 14 different abusers including family memebers. I was so depressed most of my life. Full of Rage, is was the therapist told me. After reading this book my life began again. When I seen Beverly Engle on The Opera Show I was so happy to see her sharing her book. I followed this book & told my story to my Pastors. What a wonderful life I now have. No longer drepessed & released from anger. The Pyscholgist said he couldn't recommend this book. Well then he doens't understand what a victim is going through. I was a victim from age 6yrs to 13yrs. and carried this burden with me till I was 35yrs. old. Don't wait read it now! God bless you beverly because I'm a whole person today.



3. This is the first book, and after reading many, still the best book I've read about incest and childhood sexual abuse. I am a survivor of both. The name jumped right off the cover and grabed me; the truth of the title hit me right between the eyes. The pages of the treatise itself do not disappoint, it is filled with words that resonate in the hearts and minds of those of us who have been sexually abused. We all are endowed with a RIGHT TO INNOCENCE! How it is stolen from us and the horror stories that abound in the aftermath are compiled in this "wonderful" book that explains so much for those of us who have been "keeping the secret" (for me, over 50 years!!) I read it in the beginning of my therapy. I still refer to it and have given several copies away. I highly recommend this book for those who have treated themselves so badly for years, because they have come to believe that they must have been to blame for what someone else did TO them. There will be so many things about yourself and painful problems that you have been enduring for years, that you will now understand are "part and parcel" of the incest/child abuse survivors experience. You will find youself saying, "oh yes, of my God, that's me". That the only thing "wrong" with you is that you have been trying to deny and bury the horror and the problems and the pain for TOO LONG! I remembered every detail of my incest/abuse, and the aftermath of it's effects have lasted a lifetime. I did not seek help or talk to a single soul about it until I was 55 years old!! The problems that it caused me are mirade, probably preventable, if only I had saught help sooner. Please know you will be glad that you ordered this book.
   
   KMEG, Sellersville, PA



4. I absolutely love this book!! It has been such a blessing!! Whenever the demons from my past comes back to haunt me, I just read this book!! This is a book I would highly recommend to victims of childhood sexual abuse. If you truly want to become a survivor, then this is the book to have!! It is just that good!! I will never get back my innocence but I have been able to heal the trauma from that abuse with this wonderful book!!



5. This book was a godsend. I was alone with no one to turn to and no one in my family who would acknowledge my abuse, let alone help me, and I used this to guide me. It let me know why I behaved the way I did and felt as I did and how to throw off the pain, forgive myself and confront my fears and my abuser so that I could be free of the past.
   
   Its been two years since I used this book and now I am a totally healed person. I would recommend this to anybody who seeks self help through the traumatic experience. And a very sincerely thank you to Beverly for writing this book and helping me through the most harrowing experience of my life.
   
   If this is of any relevance, I would like to shed light on the more far reaching effects of this book, on a 16 year old girl from rural India, who cannot even read English. She had come to me to tell me of her father molesting her. By this time, I was well healed myself and therefore, was able to help this poor girl. This might not be a direct aim for the book's helpfulness but if Ms.Engel ever sees this, she would know just how many lives she has touched directly and indirectly. I hope all survivors will also, in turn spread the light that this book has cast so incredibly far.

5 comments about See You at the Top = Formerly Entitled Biscuits, Fleas, and Pump Handles (Motivational Series).

1. I have read this book at least 6 times in the past 15 years and it gets better each time I read it. I always find some new
   gold nugget I didn't pickup the last time I read it.
   Zig Ziglar use to sell cookware door to door. And his knowledge and techniques he shares in this book are not rehashed from hearsay but from actual experiences of his climb to the top. If you want to keep climbing to the top(in wealth, health, and happiness)this book is a must read!! By the way, in life, there's always another step to take to get to the top of the mountain in our journey of life. This book can help you get there.



2. I have to admit that I didn't initially like Zig Ziglar. He came across like a used car salesman, untill I really listened to his message.
   
   Zig is funny, entertaining, motivating and when need be deadly serious. See You At The Top has been a best seller since 1975. I recently re-read this great book and felt recharged! Zig is awesome. While a lot of what he says is not new, it's worth getting a jolt once in awhile and to recharge your batteries. I recommend reading this book at least once per year.



3. 
   This is an inspirational and informative book on how you can achieve remarkable success, wealth, confidence, peace and joy in your life by adopting the right attitude, positive self-image, setting challenging but achievable goals, adopting a productive work ethic, establishing good loving relationships with others, among other things. By the use of numerous and enlightening stories, Zig Ziglar shows the reader the way to the top and how we can improve our careers, our relationships and our destiny.
   
   This insightful book explains how you can build a strong belief, confidence and how to get into the action habit in an easy to follow and understand format which makes the book useful to a wide readership. The book pragmatically examines why many people achieve mediocrity or are failures and what it takes to be a winner in a big way.
   
   This is a self-help book, a how-to book on how you can get anything you want in life. I treat reading the book as a process of continuous learning about my personal vision, goals, self-image, human relations and desires both at work and in my family. I use it as my guide for dealing with people and in integrating the different responsibilities in my life, encompassing my professional, family and personal responsibilities.
   
   I found the book inspiring, stimulating, thought provoking and very interesting. I refer to the book often to energize my spirit and to keep me thinking positively and avoiding being bogged down by trivialities.



4. Served as my handbook for motivation for quite a while now. It is good to have a copy in your personal library.



5. This book is without doubt, an amazing classic! I first read this book just out of my teenage years. It developed my thinking in a way that has served me in many areas of my life for over 20 years now (o.k., well, almost 30 :). Zig Ziglar gave me my life creed through this book. That is, 'To get everything you want in life, help enough other people get what they want.' Every person on the planet should read this book. Every serious student of personal development should read it at least once a year.
   
   Michael Murphy
   Author of Powerful Attitudes