5 comments about The Science of Mind.

1. The Science of Mind has been a trusted guide on my own path to
   spiritual growth. The teaching of Holmes guides those who follow it to
   richer, more fulflled lives. I have relied on it for more than 20 years.
   
   George J. Partington georgepartington.com



2. The Science of Mind
   I found this book logical and believable. It basically says "you create your own destiny" in a convincible way.



3. A true gem! I've ordered three so far -- one for my sister, niece and me. I spent more than I would have for the third one because vendor said it was a collector's item because the author had signed it. Upon receipt, the only signature found was the same printed signature that the previous two copies had. Don't be fooled like I was.



4. I cannot emphasize the impact that the writings of Mr. Holmes has had on my life and affairs. His books get straight to the point. He helps us understand that we are each responsible for our lives and the happiness that we seek. But he does it without the guilt and blame that so many traditional religious books do. What sets this apart is that it is not a book about religion, it is a book about spirituality and it encompasses the True idea of the One Loving Power, God.
   
   I found that every paragraph was inspirational. Some may find his prose a bit old fashioned (the original was written in the 1920's or 30's), but every word strikes a cord in the heart. This book does more than simply give you something new to think about, it redefines the very meaning of thought in the human experience and I guarantee that your outlook on life will change profoundly. The best part is that it does not contradict the Bible, and for this Christian, it provided clear answers to many difficult biblical passes that I thought were beyond my understanding.
   
   I too have the original 600 page volume and would highly recommend that you search for a copy for yourself. I've had it for years and still read it on a regular basis for uplifting motivation (simply opening to a random page will almost always prove inspiring). But, if this is the only version you can find, please do not miss out on the words and wisdom of this wonderful man.



5. To read this book, is to be totally transformed. The world now makes perfect sense. If this book was added to our schools curriculum, there would be a transformation beyond words. Ernest Holmes passed the year that I was born (1960), but yet he will remain in my mind and heart forever.

5 comments about The Last Addiction: Own Your Desire, Live Beyond Recovery, Find Lasting Freedom.

1. Beth Moore recommended this book at one of her conferences. I was able to get the last copy available at the local book store and as I picked it up from the shelf 5 other women were looking for the same book. It is still sold out at all of the local bookstores. Just the title speaks to the hearts of so many who are struggling!
   
   I read the book in a matter of days. I was unable to put it down! I am a graduate level counseling student, lead an addictions group, and I have been through my own recovery from numerous addicitons. Needless to say, my bookshelves are FULL of addiction books. This is BY FAR the best book I have ever read on the topic. It reaches the heart in a different way and puts a whole different slant on the struggle.
   
   THIS BOOK IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN ADDICTION PROCESSES, HELPING SOMEONE THROUGH AN ADDICTION, TREATING ADDICTIONS, COMING FROM A FAMILY WHO STRUGGLES WITH ADDICTION, EFFECTED BY ADDICTIONS IN ANY WAY.... Pretty much anyone!!!



2. "The Last Addiction" is a book for everyone. A manual to follow on where to discover the answers for lasting freedom from the cycle of addiction for yourself or someone you love. Sharon's meaningful pages lead the reader on a journey to find that the ultimate answer to their desires can only be found in the love of Jesus Christ. She gives all glory and praise to our Heavenly Healer and Father, all the while generously blessing us with her earthly wisdom, life-experiences, and profoundly insightful analysis of our very human hearts. I am always delighted and changed after reading Sharon's work. She is an author and person to admire.



3. Yes ... a gift. Sharon Hersh speaks from experience, not as an addict who has successfully "overcome" her addiction. Rather, she speaks as a woman who has been found and has surrendered to her Pursuer. Here's an example: "My experience of redemption in the humiliating and broken places of my story has taught me that the deepest reality is that God is searching for us. In the midst of our pain and foolishness, we wonder why God isn't doing anything about it. But in fact, the pain, failure, and foolishness are driving us to God. Redemption does not mean that God meets our needs and then our souls stop longing. No, redemption does not eradicate kamar (desperation.) Instead, redemption allows us to surrender. We don't give up craving. We give in to craving God. And God doesn't want something from us. He wants us."
   
   This book is a must read for all of us who find ourselves (or love another who is) "in bondage to something that initially promised to make everything better, until it made everything worse."



4. This book is amazing. It comes at addiction from a refreshing & Biblical perspective.
   I would highly recommend this book to everyone regardless of whether one thinks they have addiction issues or not. Everyone will benefit from reading this book.



5. The Last Addiction is a book of hope. It will take you on a journey of self-discovery that there is no turning back from. Author Sharon Hesch helps you break the cycle of addiction for yourself or someone you love. This book changed my perspective and my life. I highly recommend it.

1 comments about The Borderline Personality Disorder Survival Guide.

1. As someone diagnosed with BPD, I have done a lot of research on the condition, both online and by reading any book written on the subject. Many of those books (except for BPD Demystified)are extremely outdated, even if they're only a few years old. And many of them were disappointedly irresponsible, being quite negative and insisting that the prognosis was always dire and/or perpetuating the huge myth that those diagnosed with BPD are basically manipulative.
   
   I say this because this book is different. It has the latest information on BPD, from what it is, how it may come about, what therapies are out there, if medication helps, and, quite important, speaks about new research on the brain and how this research shows actual physical differences in those with BPD. The book succeeds most in 2 particular ways: (1) In the way it is organized. Well-written chapters, clear headings and subheadings, easy for anyone and everyone to understand, and comprehensive summaries at chapter ends to note the main points. The books is also divided into Parts I and II, to make the focus and direction even clearer. For this alone, it is a book I would recommend to anyone interested in BPD, whether a professional, consumer, family member, friend, student, etc.
   
   And furthermore, (2) The Survival Guide does not take one position and stubbornly adhere to it. It recognizes that there are many differences among those diagnosed with BPD, even as the similarities in how they "match" the criteria kinda puts us all in the same group. Of all the information out there, it presents the most "open" view, meaning that it is informative and hopeful and recognizes that this is a complex condition but that it is indeed treatable. And the authors cite many studies to back up their points. They don't pretend to have all the answers, but instead create an opening for real dialog and discussion.
   
   I recommend this book wholeheartedly, without any reservation whatsoever. It will educate you, let you see the individuality of people diagnosed with BPD, and present you with the latest in therapy and in research, without prejudice. I am thankful for this book. It is honest and impartial. And perhaps above all else, that's what BPD literature presently needs the most.

5 comments about No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving The Suicide Of A Loved One.

1. I have lost two family members (aunt and a cousin) to suicide, each from different sides of the family, about 5 years apart. I found this book about a year after my cousin who was 32 killed himself. I found her journey so similar to my own. I cried through a lot of the book. It seemed to confirm that my feelings were OK and normal. This is one of the best books I've read about surviving a suicide. I ended up passing my book on through my family to help them cope. I highly recommend this book!!



2. Here is an invaluable book, not only to those suffering the wrenching grief of a suicide, but to all of us on the perimeter who have not experienced one in our lives. Carla Fine speaks with an open heart that reaches the soul as she spells out the shock, the horror, the stigma and the abandonment felt by suicide survivors. Far different than a "normal death," she points out that "the initial impact of discovery scars us forever." The secrets kept become a horror, with some refusing to even believe it was a suicide. Worse are mental health workers who make the healing more difficult and the callous who grill the victim on "how it happened."
   
   Soon, with help and other resources, some peace and what the author calls "Forgiving them/forgiving ourselves" can take over. Although their lives are permanently altered, Fine says, she has been able to move on, "forgiving both my husband and myself continually for the rest of my life."
   
   This is a book that cries out to be read by all.
   
   
   Andy O'Hara, Badge of Life program



3. If you have been very recently traumatized by finding the body of your loved one, don't read this book. It starts out by talking about the details of her exact situation. I'm already irrationally terrified enough as it is. I don't need any more help by reading about gory details. And the book is simply filled with other people's stories. There is no help, at least not from what I could see. I had to put it down because I'm not in a place yet where I can handle reading about the details of everyone's story, so maybe somewhere in there is some advice, but I don't have what it takes to wade through all of the gory details to find the one line of help. And right now I need help. I need to figure out how to pull my head above water, how to not feel guilty, how to not feel like I killed my husband because I wasn't there when he needed me most. This book is just story after story of other peoples' situations. There is no practical value to it at all. And seriously. If you are like me and the suicide of your loved one is recent and you were traumatized by what you found, don't read it. You don't need to read about all of the details. All it did for me was raise more questions that I really didn't need to think about, which sparked the trauma all over again. Maybe some day I'll find the book useful, but right now I want to trash it because there is no way that reading the details of other peoples' stories is going to help me right now.



4. My counselor recommended this book as the best read for suicide surviviors. I'll take her word for it. Although it is not a hard read, it was a long read because I could only take so much at a time.



5. Easy reading - I like that with each person interviewed that it gave details like what they do and their age - made you feel a little closer to that person and what they are. Didn't like some of the "detail" if you catch my drift, it's hard enough getting the "detail" of my fathers death out of my head, let alone someone else's. Author even emailed me when I emailed her about support groups in my area. Made me feel cared about.

5 comments about I Can't Get over It: A Handbook for Trauma Survivors.

1. I liked a lot of the insight this book had to offer. I don't like the promise that the reader can diagnose themselves by answering a few questions. A person doesn't need a diagnosis to know what they are going through, and they should not be diagnosing themselves anyway- for obvious reasons.



2. This is the first book I attempted to read after being diagnosed with PTSD. It helped me understand my unexplainable behavior and symtoms and helped me come to terms that I was not "crazy, as perceived, but simply having a normal reaction to an abnormal trauma. I would love to meet the author sometime. I HIGHLY recommenend this book.



3. 
   Wonderful book! I find it a very helpful book! I am using the book as part of my therapy with my therapist. The book explains alot to me the questions that I had about myself after being raped. I recommend the book to persons who needs to overcome trauma.



4. I was not able to finish reading this book. While it's highly rated at Amazon, which was an influence in my buying it, I did not find it helpful. In the beginning, it reiterated exercises I've been aware of for many years. I did not feel comfortable doing any of the exercises past the first half of the book, so I'd not recommend it to people with SEVERE and CHRONIC PTSD or as a substitute for counseling.



5. One of the most comprehensive books I've yet to read for those suffering post traumatic stress, as well as for therapists and other professionals. Matsakis speaks clearly about PTSD, what it is, and how it affects different individuals. Her explanations of the confusion and suffering felt by victims is a breath of fresh air, and she takes the reader, step by step, through the symptoms, the effects on the body, the triggers, and then the healing process. When I began the book, I had a lot of questions that I no longer had when I finished. Personally, I feel the exercises she provides are good but should be done under the supervision of a therapist, but they are well laid out and easy to follow.
   
   For those who want to understand this illness and learn where the hope lies, I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about Recovery of Your Inner Child: The Highly Acclaimed Method for Liberating Your Inner Self.

1. If you are trying to find out where to begin your search for your inner child this is a good place to start. There are a number of excercises written in plain english that you can do alone, or share with your therapist.



2. This book has Art Therapy exercises and dialog exercises with your inner child (who can be playful, vulnerable, angry, etc). For instance you might be instructed to ask your inner child a question by writing it with your dominant hand. Then you answer the question with your nondominant hand (e.g. for many of us our left hand that we don't usually write with). There are also exercises that involve your internalized Parent (nuruturing, protective, critical, etc.)

   The exercises seem to be a blend of Art Therapy, Transactional Analysis and Gestault Experiments. As such the exercises can be somewhat risky since they bring up intense feelings. I wouldn't use some of these except under a therapist's supervision.

   However, this book seem VERY useful for adding to the tools of a practicing therapist.




3. This is one of the best books I've read on how to discover your inner child. It has many excercises to use to "talk" to your inner child. It showed me how to have a first hand experience with my inner child...and to actually feel the emotions. By writting and drawing with my non-dominant hand, I could actually have conversations with my inner child. I learned a lot about who my inner child was, the way she was feeling and how to make her feel happier and safer! The book stirs up many emotions that were buried for years, thus, helping me become healthier! One of the best self-help tools I have ever used!!



4. In response to other reviews here, I would agree that the emotions which can come up under the aegis of these methods might be too intense for readers with absolutely no grounding in self examination at all. People who need therapy first and foremost will not get therapy just by reading this - or any other book - and they should get a good referral and go do that. But those who are indeed ready, willing and able to undertake their own self examination will find so much that is useful and eye opening here, it seems a shame to dissuade anyone from working with this book and these methods. Therapists and their clients should welcome this as an opportunity to dive more deeply, quickly and thoroughly into the healing process. Capacchione's work is really brilliant.
   
   I have previously worked with her Visioning book and really love that and have reviewed it as well. It can be said perhaps that just as that book shows us how to look to our future, the Inner Child work developed here shows us how to understand our past. Under careful guidance, the reader is walked through and encouraged to interact with an array of internal figures who compete to shape our reality, whether we realize it or not. The reader gets an opportunity to examine past patterns and see how this is related to conflicting internal needs for support, protection, vulnerability, self expression, survival and so on. The reader then re-directs this internal pantheon to a more harmonious, healing and supportive dynamic, allowing one to release old material and perhaps to discern with fresh eyes how such old patterns may be playing out in the present. It is so much better to see things for how they really are, rather than through the veil of past dramas which continually reassert themselves through our unconscious until we are able to heal ourselves from these burdens. This book gives one the opportunity to put that old material to rest, to truly love oneself rather than looking to the outside world to supply what we can truly only find from within and to move into a new phase of renewal, creativity and healthy relationship.
   
   I can not say enough to praise this and other books by Capacchione.



5. Once I began working with this book, I purchased it as a gift for a friend of mine. If I could afford to, I would buy one for everyone I loved. There is much healing as a result of connecting with our Inner Child, in a creative, fun, entertaining, self-loving way. This book, is that way... I continue to enjoy working with it. I ALWAYS feel genuinely connected to my True Self when I do the exercises.

5 comments about Undercover Sex Signals: A Pickup Guide For Guys.

1. This book changed my self confidence, for GOOD, and now I no longer feel anxiety, self doubt and nervousness when approaching women and starting conversations. Another must have that I highly recommend- The Exclusive Layguide: When Dating and Having Sex with Incredibly Hot Women is No Longer Mirage Even If You Don't Look Like a Model or Don't Make a Fortune
   
   Both books are strongly recommended!



2. Wow! Your book - Undercover Sex Signals: A Pickup Guide For Guys has changed my life. Many Thanks. I also highly recommend The Exclusive Layguide: When Dating and Having Sex with Incredibly Hot Women is No Longer Mirage Even If You Don't Look Like a Model or Don't Make a Fortune



3. Worth it even if only for 1 thought.
   "I'm not looking at who I pick, it's who picks me."
   Everything else was good, if somewhat repetitive.
   The pictures show some points better than pages of descriptive text.



4. Read Mystery. Read Strauss. Don't read this. There are a bunch of photos of woman with come hither looks(all looking like 80s disco queens), one of which has the women showing thigh. Lowndes helpfully tells us that these looks mean a women is interested and men need to pick up on the looks. No fooling. (Although I have not been blessed by one of the looks. Guess I am toast.) One photo shows a nerdy looking guy being touched by three women and Lowndes says that women touch men they desire. She forgets to say though that many women just touch you to stress a point they are making.(Sure if they play with your hair, that's another thing.) This is dangerous advice. She has tiresome chapters on genetics and early imprinting(she tells the story of a pal of hers who falls for a guy who looked like the pal's dad). She also says us that women are always judging men so be careful what you say and how you say it. How exhausting.



5. While the writing style of this book is no better than her other book "How To Talk To Anyone..", the information is.
   
   The bad points. 1) The name is less than creative. 2) The cover makes the book appear sleazy and diminishes it's credibility. 3) She uses bad metaphors like a machine gun. If you took out the metaphors I am pretty sure the book would be a quarter less in length. 4) Her attempts at humor fall short. 5) Her "Men's Voice" sounds like Stallone's retarded cousin.
   
   If you can get past the issues above the book is a great resource. The good points. 1) The information in the book is plentiful, sound, and backed up with sources. 2) She references a lot of sources that would be good for a future reading. Honestly, the list of sources alone is worth the cost of the book.

5 comments about The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain's Untapped Potential.

1. I learned mind mapping using this book in 2002 and have been making them for learning, and for making decisions, ever since. Now I'm using them for teaching. There's just nothing like mind maps.
   
   One thing I'd like to emphasize: if you think you can't make maps like the ones in the book because you "can't draw", you're in for a real surprise. The very act of drawing your map will draw out your creativity -- it's quite an amazing phenomenon! Your first maps will be timid -- expect that and keep on making them. Save those first maps to "map" your progress.
   
   But if you feel more comfortable working at the computer, since the book came out a whole slew of mind mapping software has emerged and some good ones are free.
   
   G. Bisaillon



2. Instant improvement on the way you can retain and process informaiton. Get his book on speed reading as well. The return on your investment is incalculable.



3. All of the books I have read by Tony Buzan
   are great. I have never been dissapointed
   by any of his books. So glad he has shared
   his wonderful knowledge in book form for us
   to learn.
   Great practical info. So glad I purchased it.



4. If you were going to buy one book on mind maps, this is the book. It presents the basics of creating a mind map and then goes on to show different ways and situations in which you can use them. There are also some really nice examples of mind maps to get your mind going. You don't need to be an artist. I went through the Radiant Learning workshop that the Buzan Organization teaches to certify mind map instructors back in 2000. I've used mind maps with coaching clients, in workshops and in corporate consulting. You can get what you need from this book to get the benefits of mind maps right now for a really low price. The key is to just follow the basics described in the book and go from there. If you want, you can learn more about mind maps and other visual thinking/creating tools. But this is the one to start with because you'll establish a strong foundation in the basics. Once you read this book, you'll be able to judge if any other book or product has anything new to offer. You can't beat this book for the price and the skills it offers. Mind maps will help you end writer's block, solve problems, create new ideas and more. It's really fun to use with kids too. Enjoy, you'll be doing yourself a big favor!



5. I was introduced to mind maps when I took this book out from the library to help me in college. Even if parts of the book are boring its still a good introduction to the basis elements of mind mapping. I especially liked the examples in the book of the different kinds of mind maps that people put together, then I put together my own for a course in college called data collection and analysis. Mind mapping this class helped me remember things I would have never remembered on my own. Up to this day I can still vividly recall the structure of some of my mind maps for this class on data analysis. Its really quite amazing. I recommend this book as a beginners guide to anyone interested in helping with their memory recall.

5 comments about SOS Help for Emotions: Managing Anxiety, Anger, and Depression.

1. I have been reading my doctors copy of SOS Help for Emotions. My wife is bi-polar and my son has Schizophrenia. This book has helped me to understand the self talk that we do to ourselves over a problem we face. Problems present themselves all the time, it is the self talk that we do that causes most of the problems with the solution. This book has helped me with both my wife and son's sickness because I can help them analize and improve thier self talk section of a problem to end with a more positive out look or one that is not as detrimental as they make it. What we think most of the times causes a problem to get worse than it should be, when we understand the problem and think it through in a positive way the out come of the problem is way less then what it could have been. I am not a doctor or psycologist, I'm just a family member that cares deeply for my family and want to make thier life less stressfull as I can.



2. As a clinical psychologist I wrote "SOS Help For Emotions: Managing Anxiety, Anger, And Depression" to help people to increase their emotional intelligence and to more effectively manage their emotions and behavior. Emotional intelligence matters more than IQ in obtaining success and contentment in life.
   
   The five abilities of emotional intelligence are: 1. knowing our emotions, 2. managing our emotions, 3. recognizing emotions in others, 4. managing relationships with others, and 5. motivating ourselves to achieve our goals. I believe that people can increase their emotional intelligence using the methods of cognitive behavior therapy as presented in "SOS Help For Emotions."
   
   Dr. Albert Ellis, the best known therapist in the United States says regarding SOS, "Beautifully captures the spirit of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (cognitive behavior therapy) in concise, evocative, and humorous language. A gem of an introduction to REBT." The director of professional education at Albert Ellis Institute says, "It's spectacular! SOS is the best self-help book on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy that I have seen." Dr. Donald Beal, a practicing cognitive therapist says, "SOS is a beautiful work! The use of cartoons, figures, and illustrations is quite engaging." SOS is available in Turkish, Chinese, and Korean, as well as English.
   
   I am eager to share insights from cognitive behavior therapy with people (including older teens) who are not seeing therapists but who want to learn on their own, how to improve their emotional intelligence and their ability to manage their emotions and behavior. I used 100 illustrations and boxes in SOS to make reading interesting and easy for busy people. Seeing SOS in print is a dream I have had for over 15 years. Currently I am working on a video-based education program based on SOS Help For Emotions.
   
   Written by Lynn Fred Clark, Ph.D., author and clinical psychologist



3. This is a fun, easy-to-use book! Humorously challenge your belief system (what you expect of yourself and others, whether reasonable or not) and the results will astound you. A great tool to find contentment in your life and your relationships.
   You will keep this book forever to go back to when those old habits try to sneak back up on you! It is amazing to be able to maintain happiness and tranquility even when the world and people around you do not. Best dollar investment and personal investment you'll ever make.



4. This is an easy to read self help book for any age!



5. The book arrived in a timely manner and was in brand new condition. I was pleased with this experience. The book has been an interesting read.

5 comments about The Intimacy Struggle: Revised and Expanded for All Adults.

1. I just finished reading the book "The Intimacy Struggle". I found this book to be a concise handbook to AC behavior and -- perhaps more usefully -- to approaches for couples to take in dealing with those behaviors. Because it's written for BOTH parties in the relationship, it's a good way for an non-AC (or less dysfunctional person) to learn how and why an AC person thinks and acts the way they do. When both parties have this knowledge, together they can use the approaches described in the book to work towards a healthy successful relationship.
   
   It's a short book, just over 100 pages, so it's a fast read. It has a "handbook" quality to it, with AC behavior described in a sentence, followed by further description of the behavior and suggested ways to deal with it.
   
   My story: as soon as I finished it, I handed it to the woman I've been seeing and she's reading it, and we are talking about our pasts and our current behaviors, and have already used the knowledge to avoid situations that could have hurt our relationship. What could be a better testimonial than that? Thank you, Janet !



2. I have read a good deal on ACoAs, being one myself and having stuggled with the issues inherent in that. All the books make the general statement that "ACoAs have problems in intimate relationships," but none of them went into the whys and wherefores. This book fixes that. It is an easy read and cuts to the chase without going in to a lot of theory, so if you want to get to the heart of the matter, this is the book.



3. Do not hesitate to read this book...it has changed my life. This book has rated a solid #1; the best self-help book I have ever read. The reason for how I act and react are exact. This book touched every area of my life from my childhood to adulthood. My experience with alcohol? Alcohol has affected every area of my life: alcoholic parent; drunk driver killed my mother, divorced an alcoholic after 30 years; now raising a child of an alcoholic parent. I am reading this book to my child now; my question to her.."is this helping you"..her response "that is exactly how I feel"..my response..."we can't change the past, but we change the future".



4. This book helped me to understand my problems with intimacy. It made me aware of the stumbling blocks in the way. Couseling and good books to read on the subject have been so helpful. It will take time and discernment to deal with my distrust, but I want to get well and this book helped me make a plan.



5. Over 20 years ago my soon-to-be-husband and I read Janet Woititz's "Struggle for Intimacy" together. I had been in an ACA group for a few months and had just met "Mr. Right" and did NOT want to sabotage yet another relationship as I had so many times before.
   
   With this book as our "bible" we hammered out a plan for a sane relationship that has lasted, yes, 20 years. Happily! No kidding!
   
   I have just ordered another three copies of her updated edition "The Intimacy Struggle." I think I have owned, loaned, and given away at least ten copies of these two books over the years, to friends and family.
   
   The other reviews say it all. This is an awesomely clear and direct book, and practical as all getout. My husband and I owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr. Woititz.
   
   Buy it.