5 comments about The Memory Book: The Classic Guide to Improving Your Memory at Work, at School, and at Play.

1. This is an excellent book with so many effective, fun, and creative techniques to improving memorization of a huge variety of different types of information. This book has allowed me to memorize huge lists of items, long strings of random numbers, thousands of vocabulary words and definitions, and foreign language rules and vocabulary. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for effective, FUN techniques to improve memory! The writing is casual, and the book is an enjoyable read! This is one of my all-time favorite books.



2. It looks like an old hardcopy riprinted. The book has value per se but it looks and is very cheap (pages not cover)



3. I bought this book in the hopes of finding some sort of system that'll help me remember things more effectively and efficiently. This book did that.
   
   This book is very readable. It doesn't use heavy terminology nor does it get too deep on some concepts that merely need a few pages to discuss. It stays on focus and encourages you to take a break every now and then to practice what you learned. The practices can be skipped, but they are very good practices.
   
   The systems discussed are very practical and can be silly at times. For example, Al likes to BAM (comic book sound effect) and Al likes to ska (term for a type of punk music). For me this is my substitution for Alabama and Alaska, and it helps me remember, in-order, the 50 states. The systems help me remember many things that I need to know for exams or a simple shopping list.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn techniques for remembering things in sequence and out of sequence, peoples names and faces, long lists of numbers, and almost anything else that you need to remember in your daily life.



4. This book saved my career!
   I was working 100 hours a week as an OB-GYN and needed to take my oral boards. I knew they would never ask the easy stuff- how to do a vaginal delivery. No, they were going to ask the crazy stuff. They did too, what anti-malarial drugs are safe in pregnancy, for example.
   I had neither the time nor the energy to go over and memorize the hundreds of pages of notes I had gotten from my board review course.
   After reading "The Memory Book", I was able to process and retain enough information to easily pass my exam. The techniques I learned have been very useful since. I can go to a party with twenty strangers and say goodbye to everyone by name. I'm now teaching anatomy and physiology, and I can remember lists of things so my lectures flow much better.
   I suggest this book to all my students, as well as "Super Memory, Super Student" by the same author. My college is thinking of making the book a requirement!
   Buy this book!! You will not regret it.
   Russ Palmeri, MD, FACOG



5. One theme is constant throughout the book: association. You relate what you are trying to remember to something in the real world or between objects if you are trying to memorize a list. Helpful, yes, but I felt as though some chapters could have been much shorter or thrown out altogether with this concept running throughout the first 90 pages.

5 comments about Learning from the Heart: Lessons on Living, Loving, and Listening.

1. This is an extraordinary book. Honest and caring, it distills a broad sweep of psychology, philosophy and religion into clear, honest human terms. Dr. Gottlieb translates the mystery and jargon that often obscure professional discourse into something directly useful. There is not advice so much as something more important, which is acceptance. This book gives us permission to sit with what we feel, and be OK with it. In my opinion, his life experience gave him a perspective and a compassion to be admired and emulated, no matter what hand life has dealt us. Buy this book, you will be glad you did.



2. If only the majority of the human BEINGS would learn, practice and listen as it is shared in the book, what an awesome world we would experience!



3. Daniel Gottlieb's LETTERS TO SAM was one of the best
   books that I've read over the past few years . . . so when I
   saw that the author came out with something new, LEARNING
   FROM THE HEART, I rushed to get hold of it.
   
   And was I ever glad that I did . . . I was hooked after
   just seeing the cover and the subtitle: LESSONS ON
   LIVING, LOVING AND LISTENING . . . Gottlieb, a practicing
   psychologist, presents this information via short
   essays on a wide variety of topics . . . best of all,
   he brings in his own personal experiences and openly
   shares them.
   
   I especially liked his view about not always having to be
   best in everything:
   * I've ended up feeling a great deal of gratitude for my failures. Of
   course, there are people who don't believe me when I tell them
   I belong in the last seat in the second row. They challenge my position
   by reminding me of books I have written and the many wonderful
   accomplishments I've been fortunate to achieve. Over the years I have
   learned that there are some aspects of my humanity--perhaps my
   kindness and my ability to understand others--that probably belong
   in the first row. But there are many other aspects of Gottlieb that belong
   in the last row--technical skills, attention span, and
   memory (to name a few).
   
   Gottlieb also got me thinking about how good life can be--and is--when
   he related this account of a friend's visit:
   * I do believe in coincidence, and I was involved in a quite a fortunate one
   when my friend Amy came over to visit just two days before that phone call.
   At one point, she asked if I believed in heaven. Without giving it any thought,
   I said, "Yes. You're in it right now."
   
   I saw the dazed look on her face that I often see when I make proclamations,
   so I went on: "What were the chances of that sperm fertilizing that egg and
   producing your life? And what were the chances that you would have lived all
   the years you have lived in relative good health? And what were the odds that
   you would have so many people in your life whom you love and who care
   about you? And what were the possibilities that you could look out of almost
   any window and see the beauty of nature? Heaven? You bet."
   
   Of course, my version of heaven is not the perfect one we read about in
   mythology or that many believe in. There is great pain and suffering and loss
   in this particular heaven. But deep inside, most know it-heaven, life-is
   precious. It just takes some careful noticing.
   
   Lastly, the author had me laughing when I read passages such as this
   one:
   * Even trauma like my accident carries good news and bad news. I suffer,
   still get frustrated and sometimes depressed, and yet there is good news
   about being a quadriplegic.
   
   The good news about being quadriplegic?
   
   Well, first, there is the obvious--great parking spaces.
   
   Then, think shoes. I don't have to spend a fortune on comfortable shoes,
   and they last as long as I want them to.
   
   But the great news about quadriplegic is that I don't have to get up to pee in
   the middle of the night. So, in the middle of the night tonight, when you are
   sitting or standing. I'll be sleeping. (And they say I have special needs!)
   
   On a serious note, this disability has helped me become the man I am. The
   image I have carried for nearly thirty years is that when my neck broke, my
   soul began to breathe. Because of my differentness, I have not been
   intimidated by my need to be like everyone else. I might not have become
   the man I am today were it not for this trauma.
   
   After reading LEARNING FROM THE HEART, you'll feel like you know
   Daniel Gottlieb much better . . . in fact, in reading it, I thought I was
   having a one-on-conversation with him that made me realize that
   if I was ever in need of a therapist, I'd certainly want to seek him out.



4. Dan Gottleib, host of Voices in the Family and author of this book is a true inspiration no matter who you are, what you do or think. I can't recommend this book or advocate listening to his show enough. Voices in the Family.
   [...]



5. i loved it, and think it is a useful read for anyone who needs a reminder of what is important in life.

5 comments about The Voice of Knowledge: A Practical Guide to Inner Peace.

1. After reading this book, I have an urge to buy a copy for all of my closest family and friends. The author offers amazing insight into human nature. He talks about how we mentally defeat ourselves and hold ourselves back from satisfaction in our life and from true unselfish love (encompassing all the definitions of love). He then offers real solutions on how we can work to remove those poisonous mental habits. He writes in a concise, easy to read way that lets you read a chapter in 15 minutes but ponder the message for days. Every person who is interested in exploring who they are and why should read this book.



2. I have read and enjoyed previous work of Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements, The Four Agreements Companion Book, and The Mastery of Love. This last book I've probably liked better than the other ones. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because it's a lesser known book or that it was a bit less mystical than the other ones.
   
   In any event, I found The Voice of Knowledge to be a very insightful piece of work. It was easy to read and had a section titled, "Points to Ponder" which helped summarize the major points in each chapter. I also bought the The Voice of Knowledge Card Deck which has all of the major points contained in 48 beautifully illustrated cards. Some examples included: The truth is perceived with our feelings, All of the drama humans suffer is the result of believing in lies, mainly about ourselves, and Heaven is here, but we need to have the eyes to perceive it.
   
   Ruiz's work is vital to my deeper understanding of human behavior. It is important to me as a relationship/personal development author to give really good advice in terms of awareness, skills, and strategies. And this the, The Voice of Knowledge, helps to keep me on track so that I can be of better service to those who trust in me for sound advice in their dating, love, relationship, and communication areas of their lives.
   
   This is a highly recommended book for those with a higher awareness and seeking deeper understanding of the invisible forces in our lives.



3. I didn't know what to expect when I received this book, which was a recommedation, but since I've listened to it, I have become a big fan of Dr. Ruiz. I listened to the book twice now, and will probably listen one more time just to pick up all the fine points. It will open you up to a lot of new ideas, and possibly some important solutions.



4. I got this book as a gift and I enjoyed reading it.
   The message is clear, that we must not let our negative thoughts control us as they may be very well false. Those negative thoughts coincide with the idea of the negative introject studied in psychology.
   
   The one thing that I did not like about this book was that it kind of got new-agey, where the author shuns the idea of external evil. Yes, a lot of evil comes from lies within, but I wouldn't agree with him that the reason why the world is in strife is because of that. Read Political Ponerology by Andrew Lobaczewski to learn that some people have no empathy, and tend to rise to the top of positions of power.
   
   But, I agree that we should not be discouraged by these people, and fight for truth. So I give the book 4 stars.



5. I read this book thoroughly, as I have all of Don Miguel Ruiz's books. The contents and voice in this book is truly powerful. I have begun to experience a Self-Love and Peace I could not of imagined. I practice the Four Agreements daily, and have agreed to follow the powerful, spiritual, ancient suggestions Don Ruiz clearly depicts. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants freedom that comes from being and loving your authentic self.

5 comments about Surviving a Borderline Parent: How to Heal Your Childhood Wounds & Build Trust, Boundaries, and Self-Esteem.

1. I loved this book...it was if someone had written my life story! I loved it so much I bought my brother a copy as well!



2. I carry this book around with me in my purse because it feels like a good friend I've been searching for, for 50 years who finally understands. Very helpful, I am finally hopeful about living the rest of my life with joy in it.



3. I actually HAVE Borderline Personality Disorder and ran across this book in searching for others to help me learn more about the disorder. I have 2 young boys and am determined not to let my problems become a part of who they are and damage them but I couldn't find a book that dealt with how to be a good mother in spite of BPD so I read this book to see what children who were raised with a borderline parent had to go through so that I could avoid those pitfalls. Thankfully I was able to correct some behaviors I didn't even know I was doing, before I harmed my babies emotionally. Maybe the authors of this book would consider writing a book for those of us trying to do better while being a parent, maybe "How to Parent, when you have BPD" or something like that? Anyway also I wanted to add that my mother who has a mother with Bipolar also found this book VERY helpful.



4. For those who have suffered for years and not found help because not much was known and the illness had no name until the last 25-30 years, this is a very practical handbook.



5. At last, a voice and a reasoning to make sense of the chaos, drama, physical, emotional violence of my parents and my own inner dialogue as an adult from this toxic environment. If you are willing to do the work and wish not to repeat the family dynamics, this is the book to guide you.
   One of the best resources written on this subject; gets to the heart of the issues from all aspects and provides a mental and emotional reprieve from the pain.

5 comments about Your Brain: The Missing Manual.

1. I heard of "Your Brain: The Missing Manual" from the technical podcast "The Java Posse". I wasn't disappointed.
   
   This book gives the casual reader a detailed exposition of the brain, its parts and their functions. It mixes in quite a bit of fun facts about the brain functions, such as optical illusions, with practical ways for how to better use them, such as memory improvement tips.
   
   This is a thin book, and can be read over a weekend.



2. When I picked up this book I thought it was going to be yet another one on memory and techniques for recall. I could not have been more wrong. This is an excellent book on understanding the brain and how it works in all its wondrous details. The author delves into the physical structure, the synapses, effect of hormones on the brain and the effect that diet has on those hormones, how it interacts with your appetite and other aspects of the physical brain. Not contented to stop there he then goes into other aspects of the brain including the effect of sleep or lack thereof, perception, emotions, and personality. Your Brain: The Missing Manual is very interesting and highly recommended.



3. Was initially drawn in by the title of the book actually.
   
   Some portions are pretty interesting. On a number of occasions, gives you a quick laugh and makes you think "oh, that's why i feel that sometimes".
   
   Though i find couple of sections are abit tough to digest cos they introduced a number of medical terms, but overall it's still quite good.
   
   I would describe it as a good factual book (interesting facts that you don't even realise even as you do some of those stuff everyday)... and which at the same time, also has a number of tricks you can apply or look out for in your actual daily life.
   
   Overall, not a bad read.. assuming if you can pull yourself past the medically technical portion.



4. When you think about it, the thing we think *with* is one of the biggest mysteries to us. In Your Brain: The Missing Manual by Matthew MacDonald, you'll gain some level of understanding about how the brain works, what makes it tick, and how you can manipulate it to work better. Even better, you don't have to be a brain surgeon to understand it all.
   
   Contents:
   Part 1 - Warming Up: A Lap Around the Brain; Brain Food - Healthy Eating; Sleep - Taking Your Brain Offline
   Part 2 - Exploring Your Brain: Perception; Memory; Emotions; Reason; Your Personality
   Part 3 - Understanding Other People's Brains: The Battle of the Sexes; The Developing Brain
   Index
   
   The thing I appreciate most about the Missing Manual series is the way they are designed to be readable for a "normal" person. Part 1 takes you through more of the "hardware" part of the brain... what the different parts are, the roles they serve, and how they interact with each other. Couple clear writing with plenty of illustrations, and you end up with a firm foundation in Brain 101. From there, MacDonald starts digging into more of the "software" aspect of the brain, as in how are memories stored. He uses the most current studies and findings to explain what makes you, you. The items that made this exceptionally interesting to me are the examples of people who, through some abnormality in the brain, don't quite process things the same way we do. For instance, "Henry M." had his hippocampus removed in 1953 to prevent seizures. The side-effect was that he lost his ability to form long-term memories. Imagine your mind stuck in a time warp, where your last memory is as it was before your surgery. Anything presented to you since then only lasts a few minutes before you have absolutely no recollection of it. By tracking what he could and couldn't do in this state, researchers were able to draw conclusions as to what role the hippocampus played in memory. That kind of stuff is something that amazes me, and confirms the fact that we still only have a fraction of a clue as to how the mind works.
   
   If you're at all interested about your mind, or if you're simply curious about how such things as optical illusions work, this would be a great book to read.



5. Science meets self-help in a survey for general-interest readers which covers everything from brain function to quirks, aging changes, boundaries between physical brain activity and psychology, and more. YOUR BRAIN is studded with color sidebars of information and plenty of color illustrations for maximum impact, making this a pick not just for high school to college level health and science collections, but for the general-interest library, as well.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Why Marriages Succeed or Fail: And How You Can Make Yours Last.

1. This book was recommended by our Marriage Counselor. We went through counseling 5 years ago, and have had a wonderful marriage ever since. This book (at least ideas from it), helped tremendously... but you have to read it together, open up your mind to all ideas, take it to heart, and be willing to change.



2. John Gottman is a respected expert on relationships who has done extensive research with married couples over the past two decades to determine why couples stay together or part. Although Gottman's book is about marriage, it also has some excellent insights for understanding some of the important dynamics of long-term courting relationships. The book provides many exercises, quizzes, techniques and tips to understand and improve courting relationships.
   
   Gottman notes that his years of research show that a lasting marriage results from a couple's ability to resolve the conflicts that are inevitable in any relationship. He also notes that there are three different styles of conflict resolution that healthy couples usually adopt. They are: the validating marriage (couples compromise and calmly work out their problems attempting to satisfy both people), the conflict-avoiding marriage (couples agree to disagree and rarely confront issues head on), and the volatile marriage (couples conflict often and the results are passionate disputes).
   
   John Gottman also discusses what he calls "The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse." These are the dangerous ways of interacting that sabotage attempts to communicate. They are criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling.
   
   Well written and informative, Gottman's research has uncovered some worthwhile and thought provoking ideas on long-term relationships. Understanding these concepts can be helpful when trying to understand oneself and when exploring long-term compatibility with a companion.
   
   I found many useful concepts throughout the book. Overall a powerful work on strenthening relationships!
   
   The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking



3. I use this book in working with couples planning to marry or when couples struggle, and they ALWAYS find answers. Gottman's style is respectable and accessible for "everyman," while still maintaining heady content for professionals. I recommend it for couples looking to learn better fighting styles and communication patterns, for pastors and professionals who work with couples in trouble, and for people trying to set the rules before they actually play the game. Great text!



4. This book provides excellent advice that is laid out logically, and is easy to understand and implement. A few simple changes can improve how your interact with your spouse.



5. If you are wanting excellent and easy reading on marriage, commonications and relationships in general buy any and everything by John Gottman

5 comments about The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning.

1. I found this book at a retreat (Manresa) a few years ago and have purchased at least a couple dozen of these books for friends since then, with consistently enthusiastic feedback.
   
   I really don't have the proper words to capture the meaning or importance of this book. It's a slow, intense, delicious read ... kind of like eating a very rich Belgian chocolate.
   
   If you like this book, then you may like this one, too:
   The Song of the Bird



2. When Ernest Kurtz was preparing his well proportioned Jewish Rabbi stories for what became this "spirituality" book, I traveled to Reno to hear his talk. It was polished, entertaining, and challenging. But when this book emerged, I found he had turned the rabbinical stories into a formula for "spirituality" that promoted his "not-god-ness" thesis of A.A. and recovery approaches.God and Alcoholism: Our Growing Opportunity in the 21st Century. There is the usual "spiritual but not religious" talk. But there is little if any recognition that it was God to whom the early Christian AAs looked for "spirituality," for their relationship with God, and for the growth in fellowship with Him and Jesus Christ. And these were enhanced through Bible study, prayer, seeking guidance, and reading Christian literature.By the Power of God: A Guide To Early A.A. Groups and Forming Similar Groups Today (Why It Worked; A.A. History). Admittedly these two authors are talking the talk of secularism and universalism, but their dogmatic assertions as to the efficacy of a philosophy of "imperfection" run counter to my understanding of how early AAs were cured by the power of God and to what history proves.Cured! Proven Help for Alcoholics and Addicts And still can be, if they choose.A New Way Out: New Path - Familiar Road Signs - Our Creator's Guidance



3. This book is an excellent guide to wholeness through story telling, but in addition to that it guides you through the steps necessary to make a personal relationship with your higher power closer.
   Don Busick



4. The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning
   
   This clearly establishes the important differences between "religion" and spirituality. An expansive read and reference source to store with your most prized literature.



5. I immediately began rereading this book upon completion. It has given me a new outlook on my sobriety and spirituality as well as the wisdom of the ages. I look forward to reading it again and again as I trudge the happy road of destiny.

5 comments about The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book.

1. I've heard the term emotional intelligence thrown around over the years, but this is the first book that broke it down for me in a palatable manner. It was quick, but not in a bad way. The stories were interesting, the research was poignant and thorough, and the online test was downright fascinating.
   
   I just finished the book last week, and I can already see several ways in which it is having an impact on me at work, as well as with my family. Now that I understand the four, core emotional intelligence skills: self awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, I find I have so much more control over my life.
   
   This book is a Godsend!



2. This is a really fun book. It's a rare thing in that it teaches you about a concept while really teaching you about yourself at the same time. The authors pose interesting questions, anecdotes and research to show you how emotional intelligence operates in the world around you. And the online test that comes with the book is a huge bonus. I was fascinated to discover my emotional intelligence score, and was surprised to see that the test actually provides recommendations for what I can do to improve myself based upon my score profile.



3. Emotional intelligence is paramount to success in business and this book opened my eyes to how this all plays out. The authors' connection between emotional intelligence and job performance (and how little EQ senior executives have on average) is fascinating. More importantly, it showed me how to apply my emotional intelligence to get ahead and achieve my goals in life. Great book!



4. What I liked best about this book are the practical strategies for understanding how you respond and react to other people, based upon the emotional intelligence skills, and how you can use your EQ to connect with people. If you struggle with difficult conversations and difficult people, this book is a must.



5. A great book with very useful information for everyday life. It can be extremely useful if implemented into your life. Highly recommend!

5 comments about The Life You Were Born to Live: A Guide to Finding Your Life Purpose (Millman, Dan).

1. Though I do consider myself spiritual, I do not subscribe to numerology, astrology or any of the other "ologies" for that matter. I have to admit though, there is something to this book. I picked this up in my local bookstore and thumbed through it just for fun. I had to buy it when I read my own life path description (which you discover by adding up all the digits in your birth date)! I don't know how it works but this book nailed me! I am quite aware of what my strengths and weaknesses are (ie, issues) and this book described them in great detail and provided wonderful insight in to how best to overcome and/or enhance those gifts/challenges. As the author mentions many times, our greatest potential is often our greatest challenge as well. My friends and relatives have also found themselves in their life path descriptions, though albeit reluctantly. We are always reluctant to embrace those things that we fear the most and for me I know that what I fear is also my greatest talent. Hey, nobody said life was supposed to be easy! This book can at the very least serve as a lovely reminder of what we know we need to focus on to become our best selves.



2. This book was recommended to me. I had never read into or about numerology before. I am amazed that not only is the book 100% accurate about me, but also 100% accurate about everyone who I have calculated. Interesting...makes you think about the universe and the powers at be.



3. This book is amazingly enlightening to why things have turned out the way they did in my own life and also in the life of my husband. We're both 4s. As 4s, we understand better than Millman (I think) as to why we skip steps towards a goal and subsequently fail . . . not just once but repeatedly! So many times, I was willing to give up ever attempting a new goal again!
   
   But then, ah, destiny prevailed and brought this book to my attention through finding Millman's first book A Peaceful Warrior in one of our local thrift shops.
   
   Process, process, process. Life is a process. It's amazing how many things I have failed to do are demanding processes ... finish a quilt. Write a book. Save money. Lose weight. Everything, it seems, is a process. This is normally overwhelming to "impatient" people like my husband and me. We usually dive headfirst into the new endeavor and never look back until we've spent $20,000 on a failed business attempt, or whatever!
   
   This is the most prominent enlightenment thus far. His advice is to break down the processes into tiny steps that each one by themselves can be reached! Thanks for the lessons. There are many more for us both in this book! I DO HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to anyone with an open mind.



4. This book is awesome!! Not only do my numbers apply to my personality, but the numbers of my friends and family apply to theirs as well. Once again...thanks Dan!!



5. Very interesting and captivating. This was so on the mark, and I like that it's not just the typical numerology based sytem. Much more accurate. I actually choked up reading my specific life path description, there were things in there I'm barely aware of but I know are true. Now all my friends are borrowing it!!

5 comments about Why Is It Always About You? : The Seven Deadly Sins of Narcissism.

1. IF YOUR RELATIONSHIP FEELS NOT QUITE RIGHT, READ THIS BOOK!
   
   It has been said that relationships with narccissists are, possibly the most confusing and difficult to endure. This is an essential handbook for anyone entwined in a relationship, or considering marriage to a chronic attention junkie. Once they have you in their grip, they morph into someone who cannot apologize,recognize your abilities and talents, puts you down,and/or calls you "crazy," "difficult," and/or "incompetent." Narccissists are masters at subtlety and at systematically exploiting you financially, socially and emotionally while eroding your self-esteem to the point that you no longer recognize yourself. BUT NOT IN THE BEGINNING.
   
   The inportance of this book is to inform and warn. Narccissits are parasites who will charm,seduce,and flatter you until you say "I Do." or otherwise commit and hand over your life.
   
   Also recommended: The Wizard of Oz and other Narcissists, Payton, E.(2002).



2. I haven't completed this book but I can't give it a thumbs up. From growing up with nacissistic parents, I often wonder if I have the traits as well. The author is a bit harsh in the way she describes certain tendencies. For instance, on pg. 13- "Those who are less successful at developing a talent or skill may rely on petty games of oneupmanship to sustain a sense of superiority. These are among the name-droppers, status seekers, and know it alls of the world..." I agree with these statements but think she could write in a less shame producing manner in the event you may have some of these tendencies. I believe you want to walk with people on their journey versus hammering out the unwanted characteristics. She is the hammering type sadly. I recommend the book Children of the Self Absorbed. Children of the Self-absorbed: A Grown-up's Guide to Getting over Narcissistic Parents



3. Very interesting and clearly set out exploration of the characteristics of the Narcissist. Particularly illuminating for those in a relationship with an undiagnosed Narcissist,who still believe it's all their fault that things are somehow 'not quite right'.
   
   Key quote from the book: "When you enter the web of the Narcissist, you leave yourself behind."
   
   Highly recommended as a guide through the madness.



4. Very informational and written so the lay person can understand it. Helpful in identifying the different characteristics of a narcissistic personality. In my case, it took the blame off me and put it where it belongs....on the narcissist.



5. If you run from the narcissist in your life, you'll always be running, because there's always another one waiting around the corner. I am not speaking about physical abuse or horrifying marriages. I'm talking about the self-absorbed monsters that we frequently have to deal with at work, socially, or (God forbid) our own families.
   
   It's better to be fully prepared to deal with those who somehow manage to suck all the oxgyn out of the room as soon as they enter than beat yourself up wondering why you have such a problem in your life. They are the problem, and they are probably the problem in every relationship they have ever been in.
   
   If the realationship you are having with a narcissist is not of the "disposable" variety -- if it will not cost you unduly to walk away -- then this excellent book will teach you ways to take control as best you can with as little cost to you as possible.
   
   However, I must add that if your exposure to one of these monsters has involved physical abuse to yourself or a child (or severe emotional trauma) get away by any means possible. There's no negotiating safety issues!