5 comments about Turning Passions Into Profits: Three Steps to Wealth and Power.

1. Turning Passions Into Profits was a great read, informative and substantive. Step 1 and Step 2 are great! The exercises and application to successful people was a plus. A drawback is the too much detail and somehow complicated categorization and "proprietary" processes that would take quite a few years for a 'creative type'non logical brain to master. Overall, the book was enlightenning, motivational and was worth the read.



2. Christopher Howard has gone from having practically nothing to live on to becoming a sought after seminar speaker worth multi-millions. Having attended a large number of motivational speakers' events before his nadir he pondered how to break out. And he did. He shares his story and the steps he feels anyone who cares to can take to achieve the sort of life they would only dream of - doing what excites their own heart and making a living, and much more than basic living, out of it.
   
   Using a basis of NLP he developed related techniques that can speed you in the direction YOU want to take. One overall read is required to get an idea of the whole process. Then a more deliberate step-by-step approach to put these ideas into action. But with the thorough self-evaluation that is built into the text, with check-lists and spaces to write your results, this seemingly complex process is made more manageable.
   
   I have yet to read better book around self-development and achieving your dreams. Get it.



3. I have been reading about NLP and practising it for a few years now and I definitely found a lot which is new for me in this book. I am also an entrepreneur and since I started practising some of the techniques Chris Howards describes I have made some pretty big changes I am very happy with. These are the key things I got out of the book.
   
   Modelling: We all know what this is but Howards tells you in great detail exactly what to do to repeat the results which are achieved by others.
   Mind maps: A great way to imprint onto your subconscious.
   A New Cognitive: I have written my own and now I am acquiring it.
   Genius reading and expanded awareness: A great technique for covering a lot of ground quickly
   Goal Setting: a way of implanting goals into your future that seems absolutely certain. It works for me.
   The world and the brain are halogens: A way of looking at the human condition which is entirely conducive to creating your own reality: a valuable insight into just how powerful we might be.



4. I think there was a lot to grab from this book. The author has a sincere appriecation of the struggle which brought the reader to his book. He delivers a great number of stories and examples which I voraciously devoured. I can't tell you how it happened but a lot of my behavior changed after reading this book.
   
   However the reader might be decieved into dropping the book after the first few chapters. After the first two chapters which has a more "touchy feely" approach, there is a huge and abrupt transition into major analytical constructive thinking. I was so turned off that I put down the book twice before I finally got through it. The book slowly gets its rhythm back towards the end, so stick with it. There are things within the book that will change your life. But you definitely have to get past his ackronyms. I hate Ackroynms.
   
   I really appricated that this book avoided sprituality or concepts and instead searched long and hard to find examples from human beings. The quotes and stories in this book rock!



5. This book reads like it is transcribed and edited
   from a seminar. It's not hard to read and it is
   certainly inspiring.
   
   On stage Howard has a blinding charisma that no doubt
   sells a lot of books. My girlfriend bought this book
   at a seminar and I read it.
   
   Don't get me wrong - I have been through is Breakthrough
   To Success seminar twice and it is very worthwhile
   and somewhat deep.
   
   This is basically Howard's story of how he rose from
   failure to success by borrowing 30,000 and investing
   it in NLP training, building his executive coaching
   business through aggressive cold-calling, and finally
   breaking out in a big way as a superstar NLP guru.
   
   I don't know enough about NLP to assess whether
   Howard's thinking is original or better than Tony
   Robbins or Bandler and Grinder. I do know that he
   is a master salesman and in his marketing he has
   positioned himself as a developer of "cutting edge
   inner technologies" - which is an attractive
   jargon.
   
   I really like his workshop.
   
   He is friendly with Richard Branson and talks about
   the man frequently. While I think he is genuinely
   interested in what makes Branson tick - he's also
   catching a wave by basking in Branson's reflected
   glory.
   
   Catch the seminar. The book is ok. His CD courses
   are engaging... the ones I have heard.

No comments about The Everything Law of Attraction Book: Harness the power of positive thinking and transform your life (Everything Series).

5 comments about The Laws of Thinking 4-CD: 20 Secrets to Using the Divine Power of Your Mind to Manifest Prosperity.

1. This man does not teach sound doctrine according to scripture, and should not be trusted. I've seen sermons he preached, and the were not what scripture says.
   
   be careful which authors you trust...not all are as they say they are



2. This is such an awesome CD set, I have listened to it countless times and I'm still picking up new information. This Idea on The Laws of Thinking is a must to creating and manifesting your desires into your reality. Great work I applaud the author.



3. The lights came on! I understood the power of the way we think but I never understood how to turn it into manifestation.
   
   My negative situations started to change positively after listening to the first and first quarter of the second CDs. I'm on my third listen now and it's starting to get easier to block out the negative thoughts and bring in the positive. I and my sister are seeing everything we had lose (esteem, confidence, patience to businesses, properties) come back to us better than before and easier also.
   
   Since I'm more of an audio/visual learner, I'm going to purchase the book just for the diagrams.
   
   If you're around negative situations or people spouting negativity you need to get this and allow it to penetrate. Your life will change for the better!



4. This cd series has put me to a new level in life and opened up my mind to the truth. Cd series should be in every household it will take you to the level in the mind where we are suppose to exist at all times.



5. This book covers alot of ground in a very positive way.
   Anyone reading will surely get alot of useful information. However (for me) there are things that simply do not fly. For example in the Law of Passion, Jordan states "Money is God", and later goes on to say, "The love of money is the root of all evil". The correlation between both statements is a little bogus for me.
   
   He goes on to express how man is God. I get it... but I don't fully accept it. I get the fact that we who are created in the form of God have the same qualities as God and therefore we are God (God of our lives). Ok, but my problem with that goes back to Adam and Eve who were convinced that if they ate of the fruit, they too will have the knowledge of God. Their decision to want to be like God angered God and caused punishment upon them. Same thing with Lucifer who wanted God's position for himself!
   
   Though I know that man has God-like qualities because God created us in his image, I personally do not accept that I am God - and never will!

5 comments about Overachievement: The New Model for Exceptional Performance.

1. I came upon this book via a search on Amazon while actually looking for a different book. The subject matter intrigued me, and as a result, I decided to go for it.
   
   What a wise decision on my part. Part of my problem has always been over-thinking, over-analyzing, and an excessive amount of over-planning. The results? Things got done, but not nearly (!) as many as would/could have had I simply trusted my abilities and allowed myself to immerse myself in my daily activities.
   
   Light bulb on!!!!!!
   
   I won't attempt to summarize an entire book in one review, but for those of you trying to decide whether or not to purchase and read this book and apply its core philosophies: Eliot has hit the home run that no one else has even attempted to hit. He (Eliot) is not merely rising above many others who offer the same ideas; he is all alone in that arena.
   
   The message is simple: THINK like those who overachieve, and your chances of success increase dramatically. In some cases, don't even think at all (Eliot makes a reference to Yogi Berra, my favorite in this book, which quotes Yogi as saying "I can't think and hit at the same time."). Focus only on what you are doing - not its potential end result, how you did last time, or what you might do in the future. It's all about peaking at this precise moment, because that's all that matters, and that's all you've got right now. Eliot uses the example of a golfer who, to some, plays 65 games of golf - one hole each - when shooting a 65. On each shot, no thought is given to the prior shot or to future shots - just the one at hand.
   
   I realize that my words likely do not suffice in explaining how practical and extremely helpful this fabulous book is; that's hard to do in limited space. Having said that, there's no doubt in my mind that anyone would benefit from "Overachievement," and as a result, I give this book my highest rating. Just Do It.



2. Eliot's book has some good advice, mostly in the "get used to pressure" area, but it also contains far too many errors of fact that should have been caught by copy editors, if not by the author himself. One of the worst is referring to Jack Kemp as Bob Dole's running mate in the 1988 presidential campaign (it was 1996). Errors like this make one wonder how reliable Eliot's other advice can be.
   
   It is good to urge people to get away from their comfort zones and embrace the pressure that true achievement requires, but all behavior requires a basis in fact and not just in some rah-rah cheerleading that will fade as soon as the excitement of the moment passes. This is what keeps Eliot's book and advice from being as great as it could be.
   
   As the ancient wisdom says, Physician, heal thyself. First, fix all the problems in your own book. Then tell the rest of us how to fix our lives.



3. If normalcy is your aim in life, this is NOT the book for you.
   If great performance is your aim in life, this MIGHT be the book for you.
   If you aim for unrealistic results in your life, this IS the book for you.
   
   John Elliot has been working with many top performers and says there is nothing normal with those people. Well, almost the same can be said about this book. Many many techniques go against conventional self-improvement and performance techniques. For example;
   
   - realistic people do not accomplish extraordinary things
   - the importance of 'unrealistic' dreams
   - the problems associated with goal setting
   - confidence is one of the most misunderstood aspects of high performance
   - visualisation and relaxation are overused (and overrated)
   
   Do those techniques feel strange? Wrong? Unconventional? If yes, remember that by definition, striving to be exceptional puts you outside 98% of people.



4. "Overachievement is aimed at people who want to maximize their potential. And to do that, I insist you throw caution at the wind, ignore the pleas of parents, coaches, spouses, and bosses to be "realistic." Realistic people do not accomplish extraordinary things because the odds of success stymie them. The best performers ignore the odds. I will show that instead of limiting themselves to what's probable, the best will pursue the heart-pounding, exciting, really big, difference-making dreams--so long as catching them might be possible." ~ Dr. John Eliot from "Overachievement"
   
   If you're into achieving greatness and love to see the hero in action--whether it's Tiger Woods coming back for the playoff win or a great rock star performing live--you'll love this book.
   
   John Eliot, relative of T. S. Eliot and a long line of Harvard Presidents is brilliant. He's one of the world's leading authorities on peak performers and isn't afraid to challenge the status quo of high performance. He's also a great writer. And, this book is an incredibly fun, inspiring read--with John Eliot's articulate and brilliantly blunt explanations of what makes the great performers perform greatly.
   
   The book has two parts: 1. The "what" of Overachievement where we get "Inside the Minds of the Overachiever"; and, 2. The "how" on "Becoming an Overachiever."
   
   You'll learn to kick the deep breathing relaxation habits during pressure situations and, instead, to eat the stress like a Power Bar. You'll learn how to turn your cerebral cortex off like a squirrel scurrying across a high wire (who doesn't want that, eh?! :) and a bunch of other tricks of the Overachieving trade.



5. I am in awe with this book. I am at the very beginning but, being written in a style that is straight forward, it has already revealed itself to be amazingly unique in its content and, more importantly, extremely enlightening. So I couldn't resist but coming here to write a review and try to influence you to get this book sooner rather than later.
   
   Why?
   
   Because I think that whenever one of us gets better at what we do best, or at any other thing we do, the world becomes a better place. And also because I am thrilled to have found something that explains a lot of my own current "stuckness".
   
   In essence, this book points out (scientifically) how there are ways in which the brain operates that are major obstacles to performance. The problem is, pretty much all of the popular "techniques" for better performance that we have inevitably acquired over time operate in that exact space. And thus we stopped performing. Or maybe never even got the pleasure to know what top performance means!
   
   Here's something about one of my effortless performances. Growing up, I'd go to school and listen to the teacher's first lecture. After, as the teacher was reviewing the material (over and over), I would sit with an interesting book nested within the text book, lost in whatever was the novel du jour. Oh the fear of getting caught. Periodically, the teacher would point at me and ask me a question, and I would provide the (right) answer without having to think about it. I got a lot of great reading done that way. Today, with my work, as there are tons and tons of books and information available, and after having got a Masters degree in my field, I worry why I am not so much better at what I do, with all the information I "know", and being that I am constantly striving to be better.
   
   It seems that I have found the answer. I have been believing it is all important to master "The Training Mindset", but being in that frame of mind completely excludes the possibility to be in the frame of mind that makes a top performance great and effortless for me: "The Trusting Mindset"!
   
   Everyday has been a tug of war for me, especially since I have to constantly acquire new information to be able to do my job. It seems that no matter what I do, how much information I focus on, I am not the top performer I want to be. Unless there is a crisis, or fire under my bootay, or other pressing need that requires me to excel, then, no problem. But I can't sit around hoping for crisis just so I can excel. Right?
   
   And here comes this book, pointing out, reminding, not only where the conflict lies, but also how to switch from one mindset to the other. At will. Sweet.
   
   One quote from the book? "The Trusting Mindset is what you were in before you knew any better".
   
   Here is hoping we all (re)connect with our inner squirrels.

4 comments about Attitude Is Everything for Success.

1. Thirty day challenges help us form new habits since it takes 21-30 days to form a habit, depending on who you read. Additionally, Harrell challenges you to read your affirmations outloud ... you'll be using multiple senses and modes when you do so: your eyes will input the words to your brain, and your speech will bring the words and meaning to your brain a second time via your ears.

   On each of your 30 days you master a new area. Improve your attitudes for success by affirming achievement, action, belief, challenge, change, choice, commitment, communication, completion, confidence, desire, destiny, enthusiasm, excellence, faith, goals, gratitude, humility, integrity, love, persistence, possibility, purpose, risk, sacrifice, self-esteem, success, and wisdom. Each day has affirmations ("Say It"), motivational story or definitions ("Believe It"), suggested actions ("Receive It"), and related inspirational quotes.

   I recommend this book to every salesperson or Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant .. include this as part of your daily "Mental B.A.T.H." and aim for the top!




2. I refer to this quote in "Attitude is Everything for Success" by Keith Harell.

   "Achievement starts when you know that your present place in life does not determine how far you will go.It's purpose is to only remind you where you got Started"

   It's Attitude that Makes a Big Difference. It is the attitude towards failures or successes which determines the future, says the author. A human mind is like a parachute - works best when open, hence being an optimist makes one feel a lighter situation at all times. A positive flow with right attitude towards work and play, time management, excellence, persistence and boosting the potentialities and seek for the creative pursuits. A pessimist always sees the darker side of things.It's Attitude that determines Altitude. The book has great motivational quips and quotations to ponder. The book itself says 'Say It, believe it and Recieve it' which is clear message to pick the book and scale for Achievement with the right Attitude. Each day is an affirmation to encourage and boost self determination and lift up the spirits. A good pick and positive thinking.




3. This book re-emphasizes things you already know, but is written in such a fashion that it is easy to pick it up and very quickly read one section for instant positive motivation.



4. I am only about 1/3 through this book, but I am really enjoying it and the lessons it shares. Very easy to read, and it can be read on a daily basis for just 5-10 minutes a day. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to change their attitude and let go of some common inhibitions and fears.

5 comments about Prosperity Pie : How to Relax About Money and Everything Else.

1. Whenever I am feeling unmotivated, sad, panicky, cranky, lost-- I buy a new SARK book. It's like a longer-lasting ice cream cone. She validates and getly pushes me back into a loving healthy place. But I am running out of her books to buy!!! Keep 'em comin'!



2. I facilitate a popular prosperity class so I like to keep myself abreast of all the prosperity books which blossom forth, especially those which take a spiritual approach.

   I have not been a Sark reader to this point although I was vaguely aware of her work as "the author whose books look almost like a very colorful journal" and kind of dismissed them as not being "meaty" enough for my usually taste.

   What I found from this particular title is Sark is plenty meaty after all, she just provides her meal in a way that makes the digestion much easier - much less of a work out for the reader.

   I found myself laughing out loud and nodding in recognition as I read Sark's words and I even found she uses a word I thought I had made up: "enoughness" - as I am so likely to say "Syncronicity rocks!" (in more ways than one!)

   The Self Love chapter is absolutely excellent - very simple and also very profound.

   I also appreciate Sark's take on dropping incessant inquiry and analysis and the idea of giving ourselves the gift of what we seek from others.

   These two gems are worth more than gold in my book - and I certainly will be passing along these thoughts to my students and clients.

   Thank you - to Sark - I know my experience of YOU has expanded as my experience of the Prosperity Pie (expanding all good things) has grown as a result of actually reading your book instead of skimming and rejecting.




3. As many people have suggested, this work is no where near as good as her older works like 'Living Juicy' and 'Inspiration Sandwich.' Those were deep rich colourful pieces, and while this is still colourful, it does feel a little more souless and a little less rich than the rest.
   
   However, I am suprised many old Sark fans thought that it was such a disappointment. Of course its the same as the last works, she is the same woman growing in the same way! I guess some of the stories do feel a little reguitated and I miss her many personal stories (which she has probably run out of by now) but I didn't find it disappointing as such.
   
   I agree, there are probably far too many references, but her chapters on inspiration and adventures were jems. I loved the story of the traped ladybug as a metaphor for her aging mother, just as I adored the tale of the well dressed drunken man.
   
   I only wish Sark's more recent works was as rich with these idosyncratic little stories that made her older works so delightful.
   
   Additionally, I was pleased to note that this work is not in Sark typeface (as her previous work was), but her traditional handwriting style which makes it feel that little more personalised and lovely and a little less like a Sark industry.
   
   I recommend it for long time Sark lovers, but suggest that new-comers pick up 'Living Juicy', 'Inspiration Sandwich' or even 'Succulent Wild Woman.' Or better yet, read them both, but buy the older works and borrow this one from the local library.



4. it's hard to believe that someone who has struggled with finances so much wrote such an inspiring book that finance magazines actually refer to it! this is a HUMANISTIC view of finances in today's world, especially for those of us who are trying to live life to our fullest and to go for creativity in our daily lives. thanks sark!



5. I've loved SARK's work since finding her greeting cards, then her calendar many years ago. Never before bought a SARK book.
   
   Prosperity Pie is as free-thinking, stream of consciousness as her cards, and I enjoy her colorful handwriting as text in the book as well, would never have dreamed of a book looking like this before buying it.
   
   Fun, easy to read, and full of thinking outside the box ideas for appreciating the money we have, and what we have that's not made from money. A pleasure.
   
   Five stars since it delivers what it promises, ideas about how to relax in a free-wheeling, yet, goal-oriented way.

5 comments about How Would Love Respond?: Imagine If You Were Given a Gift So Powerful That You Knew You Had to Share It with the World.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed Kurek's book. It is inspiring and easy to read. Are you in the doldrums? Have an empty space that just won't be filled? Hungry but don't know for what? A slow and thoughtful reading of "How would love respond" can get your spirit moving and give you great info on how to get back on track to the good life. I highly recommend "How would love respond" for everyone who questions why life goes the way it goes and how one can get moving in a positive direction and reap the rewards of knowing what to do and how to use the insights. Peggy Touchtone Sholly Down Home Delicious



2. "How would love respond" I read in a weekend. once I picked it up I couldn't put it down. All I can say is buy it and read it.
   
   I loved it so much I bought 17 of them, had Kurek sign them for me and gave them as gifts to my friends.
   
   Do yourself a favour and get it.



3. Kurek Ashley is a new discovery of mine and I am so pleased to have found his latest book, "How Would Love Respond? a work of art. You will get caught up in the writing and be enveloped in the consummation of love. Let go, let love in your life.



4. I purchased the book only because of the author, the title really annoyed me, but because I knew of Kurek I had to buy it...
   
   I actually put off reading the book as the title just didnt grab me... But I picked it up a couple of weeks after I purchased it and I am glad I did..
   
   It is an amazing book, and after 10 years down this path of growth, I love that he isn't just talking the talk, he has been there. I can relate to much of what he says...
   
   This book isn't just a book on motivation, its a book on life... Yes you need to keep an open eye in places, but wow, what a ride..
   
   If you skip this book, you may as well skip all the others as well.. This has something for everyone.
   
   John



5. Beautifully written. Inspiring and thought provoking. If you want some clear insight to help you gather momentum and live the life of your dreams this book will certainly inspire you to do so. Many blessings to Kurek for his honest and heartfelt words.

5 comments about Hidden Treasures: Heaven's Astonishing Help with Your Money Matters.

1. Leslie Householder is Bob Proctor unenlighten. Householder, has such a backward old religious way of thinking I don't know how she can stand herself. She makes the statement if you are a (God fearing Christian) many times, like fearing God is normal? Leslie, why do you need to fear the All Loving? Have you ever thought of what you are saying? Do you really think your going to hell if you don't do what the book of Mormons instructs you? Do you really think that being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will save you from hell when you die. Listening to this CD is like stepping into time tunnel, going back to the dark ages when religions fanatic's ruled by torture and making the general populous fear everything even God.



2. D. Dore has missed the meaning of the term "god-fearing." It does not mean to "fear" the All loving. It is a term that is defined, as stated in thefreedictionary.com as:
   
   Adj. 1. god-fearing - deeply religious; "a god-fearing and law-abiding people" H.L.Mencken.
   devout.
   religious - having or showing belief in and reverence for a deity; "a religious man"; "religious attitude"
   
   Furthermore, the author of Hidden Treasures never states in the book nor the CD that one must be a member of her church to be "saved." On the contrary, she goes out of her way to make sure the reader understands that the principles of success work no matter what one's religious persuasion may be. The mention of her religion in the beginning was to help the reader understand the fears and mindset that she personally had to overcome in order to see the principles of success work for her.
   
   Let's take a look at the section of the book to which Dore referred. It comes from pages xvi and xvii of the Introduction:
   
   "My first idea for the book was to gather all supporting literature from all the major religions of the world for a landmark project that could improve the lives of all God-fearing people across the globe. [This statement offends D Dore? Remember, "god-fearing" doesn't mean "fear god," it means "deeply religious," or "having or showing belief in and reverence for a deity."] The wider the market, the better, I was told. but in a way, that's what Bob [Proctor] is already doing. Besides, I realized there is so much written about it, it would have been insane to try to pull off my original idea. In fact, the work is so filled with this wisdom taught from so many angles that it is a wonder how I had been blind to it before. The principles governing prosperity may be some of the most fundamental doctrines to be shared by all major religious sects. After all, truth is truth, and truth seekers will cling to truth no matter where they find it. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a Mormon), I saw a pressing need among my friends and family to take these ideas and bring them together from my personal point of view. I was simply a mother of young children who wanted to stay home and raise her family, and who successfully applied the laws of though to achieve a few of her objectives.
   
   "Note: you do not have to embrace my religion to see the principles of prosperity work for you. Simply put, God's power permeates the Universe and as we live in harmony with His laws connected to prosperity, we are blessed with the miracles of the abundant life. In fact, many people of all religions live in harmony with these laws unknowingly and thus prosper, not even understanding the real reason why. Anyway, the following information seems true to me. It has borne good fruit in my life and I'm pleased to share a few of the good seeds with you now. I invite you to bring your faith, great or small, and let me see if I can help increase it."
   
   Leslie's audience is very specific: the book is written to people who are concerned that the Law of Attraction may conflict with their religious tradition, whatever it may be. Since this apparently is not D Dore's concern, this book/cd provided answers to questions he wasn't asking.
   
   You'll find countless other books that take a generic spiritual approach, or a quantum physics approach. This is one of the few that speaks to people who are committed to following their religion. It is written to "God-Fearing" [devout] people. Mormons will relate to her experiences better than others, perhaps, simply because of her orientation. But anyone who is concerned about living God's law and simultaneously seeking financial peace of mind will certainly benefit from her message.



3. Fear of God is used in scripture, and I have wondered about translation issues, but whether we see it as 'respect' 'fear' or acknowledging that 'God is perfect' in how he blesses us and withdraws blessings, the bottom line is our acceptance of our Creator and the laws he has given us. This is Love of God. Householder has touched beautifully on an element of faith. Whether an agnostic, atheist, antagonist or protagonist, a reader will find something a little new in this book that will address faith in God, in the Universe, in themselves. I give it a 5 star. C.Robertson



4. Leslie did a great job using the scriptures to show how God wants each of us to be successful and happy. You can get what you want out of life by following the laws of success, the natural laws of the universe. You can't help but be uplifted, motivated and inspired by the words in this book.



5. This is a wonderful book, that when applied, brings life changing results! I would reccomend this book to anyone!

5 comments about You Can Make It Happen: A Nine Step Plan for Success.

1. This book is very valuable and can be useful guideline to you if you still cannot find out your right direction in life. Stedman Graham??s nine-step could probably help you to find out because those nine steps are clear and easy to follow.

   Stedman Graham successfully put abstract ideas (how to succeed) into concrete instructions (the 9-step) with examples. It lets us more easily to understand what to do and how to do in order to be a successful person. Also, those nine steps are really practical in the reality and suitable for everyone who want to be outstanding.

   In this book, Stedman Graham likes encouraging us to ask ourselves questions. It is good because it helps us to make sure that we are in the right track and really moving forward to success. Besides, although Stedman Graham is an American and most examples are happened in America, his concepts are also applicable in Asian countries, such as china.

   To sum up, I think it is worthwhile to spend some time to read this book and find out our own objective in life and then plan to achieve it.




2. I love Stedman's proactive philosophy about life and great success examples (the Dr J story is awesome). He reinforces the importance of taking action and having a plan to get what you want. It is the same theme in my dating book, SMART Man Hunting: How to Get Out There, Get Dates and Get Mr. Right! - i.e. if you want to find the right mate, you need a dating plan and focus. You Can Make it Happen rocks! I highly recommend this book!



3. Stedman's approach to motivating his readers is one all to common. I found this book only to be full of cliches - pointing out the obvious and reinforcing it like a nagging schoolteacher.
   
   The bottom line is that this book lacks creativity; it is completely unoriginal and provides no means of inspiration to those whom read it.



4. I saw this book in a store for about $2.50 and thought to myself what could it hurt to purchase "You can make it happen". Well purchasing Mr. Graham's book turned me around to the point that I see my vision for the future and what it has to offer me. I started by purchasing a day planner and already positive results have come into my life along with some positive thinking people. There are still many areas in my life that need to grow and improve, but we have to start somewhere. I would like to thank Mr. Graham for giving me the blueprint to success.



5. An inspirational as well as an instructional book. This book is a good read for all who seek or need an inspirational push. You don't have to suffer from low self-esteem and lack of motivation to read "You Can Make It Happen". It is an easy to read and down to earth book. I have recommended this book to one of my family members.

5 comments about Stepfamilies.

1. This book is fantastic. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and am in a blended family. Dr. Bray, through his research, hit on every troublesome topic known to stepfather families, discussed them thoroughly and then made accurate, wise suggestions for conquering them. His writing style is great for laypersons and refreshing for professionals. So many self-help books are like eating sand but I read this book in less than one day. If you are considering DATING AFTER DIVORCE, read this book. If you are engaged to remarry, you and your future spouse need to read this book. It will save you GREAT heatache. Do NOT enter into a remarriage without educating yourself as to what you are getting yourself and your children into!



2. I am in my fifth year as a stepfamily (stepfather, biological mother with one child, three nonresident stepchildren) and re-reading this book after first reading it five years ago is very helpful. I can understand why we've succeeded so far and are quite happy but I can also see there is still potential for trouble for which it helps to be prepared. I'm sending it to my brother who is contemplating a second marriage with children from both sides. Good luck to everyone struggling with these issues.



3. Bray's research gives those of us struggling with stepfamily life a lot of helpful, supportive information. He focused exclusively on families in which the children are living with their biological mother and stepfather but from my experience, which is not that sitiuation, I'd say people in any sort of stepfamily arrangement could benefit from reading the book. And there is a chapter on stepmothers that was gleaned from Bray's interviews with women in his project group whose new husbands had children of their own.



4. This book is a "scholarly" work, but still readable. The author teaches at Baylor University and did a clear, lengthy study of certain types of stepfamilies in Texas. The results are highly interesting. Anyone who cares about stepfamily life would benefit by reading this interesting analysis.
   
   George Barna and others are reporting that the divorce rate inside the church is the same as outside. Why isn't Christianity responding with more help for divorced people and stepfamilies? If you're interested, search Amazon for books by Rev. Ron Deal and Dr. David Frisbie, two experts in this.
   
   Bray's book belongs in the library of everyone who studies stepfamilies.
   It is well-written, thoroughly researched, and highly interesting.
   
   Barbara Sheldon, M.S.W.
   I also highly recommend: Happily Remarried: *Making Decisions Together *Blending Families Successfully* Building a Love That Will Last



5. I was searching for a book that might help explain and provide answers to many of the complexities of blended families. Being a divorced mother of an adolescent daughter with a long-distance nonresidential parent is challenging enough let alone bringing a new relationship into the mix.
   
   This book was solid. It was like reading about my own family. All the behaviors of all parties involved and all the dynamics of each relationship were exactly what we had gone through, what we're going through now, and what we'll likely be facing as a family in the future. It not only provides closure that you're indeed not nuts, nor dysfunctional, nor uncommon but the book also give advice - from a clinical psychologist who took an interest specifically on the children of blended families - which is where the focus of all parties should be.
   
   Overall, a great book for women looking at entering new long-term relationships/marriage. I'm also recommending this book to the step-parent in our family. As a male entering into a pre-existing family (that of parent and child) this book provides an explanation of the child's behavior and how not to take a lot of it personally. It touches on dealing with an ex-spouse. It explains the existence of an Outsider Syndrome, that it is natural phenomenon, and how to handle it.
   
   The affects of divorce on children last well beyond the first few fragile years. They last a lifetime. Becoming educated about the risks and rewards of divorce and remarriage where children are concerned will help re-instill what confidence was lost over the breakup. Confidence children need as they enter into their adult lives and establish their own relationships.