Fascinating and helpful
921046
I did NOT already have "most of the answers" as the previous reviewer did. I found this book thorough and informative.  Not only does the author help to explain why I suffered from the symptoms I did (and don't anymore), he explains, in detail, ways to limit and even eliminate those symptoms. The book also outlines a simple-to-follow 30-day plan that includes diet, exercise, supplements, relaxation techniques and more. If you are suffering from IBS, I strongly recommend you read this book and follow the doctor's instructions. It will help you feel better.
- A former sufferer of IBS
3145274
This is a wonderfully useful bookeasy to read, packed with information, and, ultimately, hopeful. Dara combines her personal experiences of autoimmune disease with a broader view of the forces arrayed against her recovery, including medical ignorance, corporate power, our healthcare system, and contamination of our environment in general and of our food supply in particular. But she doesnt just describe the problems; she also shares with us her determination to recover; her journey of research, inquiry, and experimentation; and the specific solutions she has found. Her process of discoveryand of ongoing recoveryis inspiring, and the results of her dedication and hard work can be helpful to all of us.
2481202
Nurture Shock is extremely informative and engaging. It doesn't follow the typical path of child-rearing advice. Rather, it focuses on the neurological and physiological development of children, which explains why kids act and learn the way they do. Then, it's up the the parents/readers to decide how to use this information to best rear their children. It's not a how-to-do-it book. It's more useful than that. In fact, it challenges many current assumptions on child-rearing and shows how they are wrong. The authors candidly admit they were following some of these practices and were wondering why they didn't work--so, they did the research and learned why. Then, they told us. I was so impressed I bought copies for my children and nieces.
3840718
I am a psychotherapist who purchased this book after attending an OCD Conference and seeing one of its cowriters, Jon Hershfield, give several impressive workshops on effective treatment of those struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder.  The book has served both me and my clients quite well.  My knowledge of "the doubting disease" was initially rather workman-like in many respects, but reading this compassionately and insightfully written book really elevated my understanding of OCD and how to treat it.  Even more than that, however, it provided very pragmatic tips on how to instill hope and resilience in those who are seeking treatment.  One of the books many helpful features, for example, is that is contains experiential exercises.  Another helpful feature is that it is written in a warm, engaging, and encouraging tone that manages to be accessible without ever being simplistic or dumbed-down.  Whether you work with people dealing with OCD or have OCD yourself (and there many who fall into both camps), it might be quite helpful for you to read this book.  Strongly recommended.
16837
This book is helpful for anyone facing a new challenge or trying to move past the limitations of fear or anxiety. Dr. Molinsky covers a complex topic in a surprisingly readable way, distilling scholarly research into everyday language with clear examples and practical tools to help readers apply the principles. I will use these insights and techniques in my own work and my work with students.
2710493
Understanding Other People was a thought-provoking, fascinating read, filled with sound advice and strategies to increase understanding and communication with others. The book provides a useful way to frame difficult interactions, and is filled with practical examples everyone can relate to. The chapter on behavioral styles was worth the price of admission, but there is so much more packed into these pages. Flaxington's metaphor for perceptual filters offers an excellent explanation of cognitive distortions. In addition, the book is well written and easy to read. I felt like the author was sitting with me and having a conversation.

Flaxington makes a cogent argument for the power of awareness, and for all of us to focus, listen more deeply, and drop the filters that distort our perception. Whether you seek more intimacy or a more productive workplace, this book provides excellent tools to help you understand and navigate difficult interactions. An outstanding book for anyone seeking deeper levels of understanding and communication in personal and professional relationships.
1674884
This is a fascinating book, packed with concise, accessible discussions of the major issues in the science of happiness. I read a lot on this topic, and I learned a huge amount.

The connection between money and happiness (more complicated than many people admit), the connection between spirituality and happiness, the happiness "set-point," and dozens of other intriguing questions are tackled.

The book does a particularly good job of presenting these issues thoroughly and accurately, but also in engaging language that's not hard to fight your way through.

A great addition to the many books that tackle this topic: like Stumbling on Happiness, The Paradox of Choice, Strangers to Ourselves, Authentic Happiness, etc.
1457335
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  It took me longer to read than expected because I kept meandering down my own memory lanes.  This is one of the strengths of the book.  It inspired me to want to do my own search.  Few of us have the whole story of our ancestors, especially those of us whose parents migrated from other countries and wanted to assimilate as fast as possible.  This book gives some useful advice about how  to fill in the gaps in your family history, or the spline as Miller calls it.  If I had to pick one section I liked the best, it might be the "hair loom" one, because Miller never really does pin down for herself whose lock of hair was saved. That is so emblematic of the difficulty we encounter interpreting the lost/found objects we've inherited, and one of the several lessons she learned.  Those various italicized "lessons learned," as well as the sources she used, will be helpful in doing my own search.  I'm impressed by the amount of scholarship and perseverance Miller put into this project. It certainly inspires me to pull out the documents and photos I've saved from my parents and see what I can find with them.  I also admire the honesty with which Miller faces and shares her personal discoveries.
E. Sweet
2618118
Although I have read and appreciated Beat literature for many years, I am not a scholar in Beat literature, or any other literature for that matter. I was therefore slightly intimidated when a friend who knows of my abiding interest in the Beat Movement gave me this book as a gift. I was concerned that the contributors to this volume, with their deep expertise, would concern themselves with esoteric literary theory that you need a PhD to understand, or that they would narrowly focus on the minutiae of a debate that only other Beat scholars care about. I am happy to report, however, that my fears were unfounded. This volume was not only accessible, it was engrossing. I don't often write reviews, but I felt compelled to do so with this book because it has given me new insight on the books and authors that I have loved for so many years. The chapters in this book examine the Beats from a number of historical, cultural, and philosophical lenses. The effect is that I came away with an enriched view of this movement. I look forward to rereading some of my favorite Beat works with a new perspective. I recommend this book to anybody who wants to learn about, or deepen their understanding of, this important and fascinating literary movement.
421366
This was an extremely fascinating book, and I appreciate having this knowledge, whether right or wrong, it's good to know. I'm not a ghost hunter, but it's beneficial to learn how to keep negative energy, or entities, away from us.  This was very well written and straight forward. I found it to be very interesting and helpful. :)
3325527
I found this book fascinating, as it brought together so much information on topics that I'd previously skimmed over or touched on tangentially. For example, the introductory section on phonetics was just what I needed as a solid foundation for all the references I'd come across randomly before. Each of the following sections were both enlightening in a general way and full of interesting little nuggets that explained the general development of the English language and especially all the curious little quirks of pronunciation and spelling that occurred along the way. I found it especially interesting because of my knowledge of other languages, with all sorts of connections and contrasts jumping out at me in relation to German, French and even Gaelic. For example the fact that "adder" in English evolved from OE "naedre" ("a nadder" becoming "an adder") made me think of the Gaelic "nathair" for snake.
174430
Many have already written excellent reviews detailing the virtues of this book. I just want to add that I found it immensely encouraging, and it has been helpful for explaining to my newly diagnosed 8-year-old son that his difficulties with reading are associated with some distinct talents, too. The book also lays out a very clear explanation of the most likely biological/neurological basis for dyslexia and its associated advantages. Everyone with whom I have shared this information has found it as fascinating as I have. The resources and recommendations for dealing with the education system and work world are also terrific.

As a bonus, my husband is reading the book and, based on the descriptions of common characteristics and life experiences, realizes that he has undiagnosed dyslexia, too.
3991712
While aimed at people with depression, this book could benefit anyone who wants to explore writing as a means to access feelings and memories.  Those who do suffer from depression or other mood disorders will find a rich and helpful resource in this very fine book, which benefits greatly from the author's personal experiences with depression as well as leading writing groups for those who struggle with it.  Her relaxed tone and inviting exercises make the book both fun and inspiring to read, and for those who want to dig deeper, she includes much fascinating research about the therapeutic benefits of writing.  As both Schaefer and her students explain in the book, writing about your experiences really does help how you feel.  But then just reading this positive, compassionate and well-grounded book may raise your mood!
377091
I found the book extremely helpful in my search for ways to raise an already great dog. Especially valuable were the sections on how to use my voice and body when communicating with our dog. Some of the scientific background could get boring at times, but the many anecdotes were fun to read. Her approach to and differentiation between social status, dominance, and aggression is thoughtful and sensible, an interesting complement to TV's The Dog Whisperer.
4586004
Wonderful and informative. I recommend this book.
4934442
Deaton and William's book removes the mystery of coaching, through fascinating storytelling, as seen from the multiple perspectives of an individual coaching client, group, team and sponsoring organization.  The book is deceptively simple because it's such an interesting read.  It is resource-rich with leadership development examples that will resonate and be eye opening to both clients and coaches.  My guess is that most readers will find themselves in at least one of the stories.  I particularly appreciate the theme that coaching with a "light touch" is powerful, both when clients are coaching each other, and when the external executive coach is involved.  Through the application of coaching, clients help each other and add a generative "coaching approach" to their leadership toolkit.  As an executive coach I found myself scribbling in the margins of the book, thinking oh, this is a good idea, and musing about how I can offer this book when appropriate to individual, group and team clients as a helpful introduction to the coaching process.
4397257
I'm a big fan of Hellen's show Neat and this e-book seemed like an interesting approach to organizing. Not only was it interesting (I'm a psychology major so I was inevitably interested in learning styles) but it was also really useful, with specific tips for how to organize based on your particular learning style, including recommended products for getting the job done.

I had numerous "AHA" moments while reading this. For instance, I now understand why I need to have everything out in the open, which has been a constant struggle with my parents - both when I was living under their roof and when I visit. Now I can at least explain to them why I leave certain things out, even if they don't approve. I'm also planning to redo my paper filing system in a more visually friendly way based on tips from this book.

Yes, it is somewhat brief, but I appreciate that. There's no fluff and the information is well organized (of course) and easy to understand. I definitely learned some new things!