Don't Deprive of a Normal Life
932451
After reading this book, it might be in Mr. Page's best interest to find an attorney to file a "defamation of character suit against Ms. L.A. Wilson".
  Mr. Page has done his time to the letter of the law.  He was confined in maximum security prison (where a lot of bad things happen to sex offender) for almost 23 years, not including over three more years at the infamous Ben Reid Correctional Facility in north Houston.
  My information is that Mr. Page filed a section 1983, civil action, against the Houston's Dictrict VII, parole officials for 14th amendment violations for placing verbal/unwritten special conditions without due process.
  Mr. Page has not been allowed to seek employment since his release from prison in January 2008.  He has been held broke and penniless at Reid Facility.
  He has been compliant in all aspects of his mandatory supervision conditions.
  The author has embellished some of the "facts". This is ruining Mr. Page's chances at having a normal life or to simply intergrate himself back into society again.
  A Retired Paralegal
438512
Do not let anyone stop you from doing something that is supposed to be.  Be free to be who you are meant to be.
1300870
So often we settle into our life and settle for less than our dreams. This book will drive you beyond normalcy and call you to live the life God has purposed for you. This book will set your soul ablaze with courage to really live and save nothing for the next life. If you know there's more to your life than what you've been living then, this book is for you.
3605669
This is a brilliant book.  If you want to live a better life, a more fulfilling life, a more authentic and deeper life, I suggest you read this book over and over and attempt to live by its precepts.  Just telling the truth is so difficult.  No more so called white lies, no more evasions.  It is freeing.  Try it.  Don't allow yourself to be diminished by other people, particularly the friends you choose.  If someone doesn't want the best for you, drop them.  You will be surprised how many of your so called friends are small and jealous and take perverse joy in someone else's hardships.  Dump them.  Surround yourself with people who root for you and for whom you root.  So much of this is common sense, but it is difficult to do in a chaotic and hurtful world.  Do it and you will find some peace and even joy.
1368960
Confront your own fear, don't look away from what makes you uncomfortable and learn about human nature at its best and worst. Not always as black & white as we'd like to believe.
1679513
In a world that begs everyone to be "normal" this book will champion you to be Freakin WEIRD! When I say WEIRD, I mean this book challenges the reader to value your relationships, to become disciplined with your resources, to have an out of this world sex life (with your spouse... now that is different) & much more amazingly WEIRD stuff that will change your life.  This book has really challenged me to think outside the normal & live life on a whole new level.  Enjoy!
3034748
This book open my mind on what ils really possible in life by simply put your mind, focus and hard work on it. Of course be in the good place is a plus but dosen't mean you can't do it.

It's about the real harsh truth about life and what it takes, it's not a rainbow version of "You can do it too" oh no. If you want to be on top you gonna have to sacrifice so much so it's important to know that and have the right people around and even that it doesn't garranty anything.

So if you "think" you want to be successful, read this book and you'll know instantly. And don't trick yourself by being pump up and "really" want it.

And I understand now why 99% of the wealth is own by 1% of the population.

I'll read it again it's well written and easy to read.
2547926
When you live your life with honor, doing the right thing, that is not a bad thing. Having the persistence to keep plowing ahead when all seems unattainable, that makes for a really good story. Life is not always easy.
4017944
I don't go out of my way to read books about how we should and shouldn't act in the world, especially in the relationship genre because you end up either blowing it or seeing something that isn't there.  This, however, is a good self help as to why and how we end up in the messes that we tend to be in.

Unfortunately, much of who we are will not show themselves until a situation presents itself.  For example, you will not know if the person likes your friends until you introduce him to your friends.  It's a sad world we live in to know that meeting your family and friends is a true litmus test, not just of them but of the potential party before you.  Most of the time friends and family will be receptive, but I cannot tell you how many potential and even established boyfriends I have had who have broken it off after meeting my friends and family because they don't like them.  All I can say is that that's terrible.  They will disappoint you then and they will disappoint you in other situations as well.  That's why he's not that into you.

Most of this is self explanitory: If he's not that into you, he won't call or go out of his way to include your being in his world.  There is no 100% garantee that following this or any other self help guide will get the desired results.  It uses trendy language that those who watch a lot of SITC will understand.  The 90s had The Rules, then HJNTIY was the book for the 2000s.  There will be something else next decade that will start a few new catch phrases.
3134886
I am no light weight when it comes to intellectual activities and enjoyments.  But I learned long ago that, just as you must stretch muscles you want to work well - once in a while you must completely open yourself to see the world as a child.

This takes some courage. We find a lot of security in our adult logic and structures.  But delight and joy are not measured in the ways of adulthood.  They are experiences not of the cognitive self but of the core self.  This book speaks to a need our world has to relearn the values of compassion, the importance of a lack of pretension, and the essential need to learn to let go of the requirement to have all the answers (or find someone who does).

Loving another person does not always make sense.  And that is OK.  Stories do not always have all the loose ends tied up.  And that is OK.
Letting go of perfection and reality now and then are good for you.  Many people can only let go with the use of alcohol or drugs.  But this book is a far better way to do it.  If you let the story carry you along, you will end up as I did - filled with joy.
2498889
While life isn't for everyone living it; such as those who make it harder for others to live, or for those who cannot seem to find it easy to live or make simplicity in it; this book is much in the same. This book is not for everyone; so for you to criticize this book negatively only indicates that your PERSONAL opinion is shallow; that your mind is limited and your expectations have become greater than your ACTUAL potential. Like drugs. This books is good. That is all I am going to say. Not everyone enjoys reading and if you are not an avid reader, this book is for you. It is simple, it doesn't throw you for a loop, and yes, it IS interesting. Additionally, thats why it is fictitious, so that you do not think of it to be "absurd", or "ridiculous", because it is fake. Or so it seems so. People of "uncommon" knowledge (such as myself) will understand and know this. Goodluck.
956446
In too many conflicts and fights the issue is not what a person said or did, but about how it was said and done. It is clear as daylight that the way we feel about issues and persons bears a direct influence on how we act towards them. This book stress the fact that if we want to live a fruitful  life, we shall pay close attention to our feelings as well as to the  emotions of others. Only then we will acquire the mastery required to  function with ease in society. A person who is understood by others will be  trusted by them, and understanding someone is not just an intellectual  effort, it is also the capacity to relate oneself to the mental state of  that person, i.e. its emotions. Such feast can only be done if we develop  our emotional intelligence.
I guess this book will not tell you something  you do not know, but it will open your eyes about the fact that your  emotions are within your control, and that if you pay attention to them and  their underlying forces a new dimension of possibilities appear in your  life as well as in the life of those close to you, particularly, your  children.
322830
What defines "normal" anyway? What's right for one man (or woman) is not necessarily ideal for another. If everyone were the same and lived the same kind of life, then the world would be a mighty boring place to exist in, wouldn't it? Perhaps we should celebrate our individuality, whether this leads to us following what would be defined as a "normal" lifestyle or one that might be considered somewhat alternative. In Sean Michael's novel Bent, his characters deal with this very issue. This is a story about accepting and even embracing who you are in spite of any fears about the real or imagined perceptions of others.

This novel is very typical of Mr. Michael's work. It is well-written and very sensual, and it focuses on the characters and their internal conflicts rather than any external source of tension. The story is told in a set of scenes separated by time. Each scene is a mini-story of its own, documenting a milestone in their relationship, whether it be a step forward or a step back.

Mr. Michael's unique narrative style pulls you into the minds of the characters, so we watch their struggles on two different levels - as observer and as participant. We experience the confusion on each of the two main characters parts as they try to reconcile their fears and emotions and work to build a relationship based on love and the BDSM lifestyle. Jim has been broken down through the events in his past and has lost his self-confidence to a point where he must keep himself on a strict schedule just stay sane and feel like he is in control of his life. His lifestyle balances on the edge of self-abuse. When he meets Marcus, he is stretched so tightly that it feels as if he'll snap should any more tension be placed on his shoulders. Marcus's intervention in his life pulls him out of what has become an unhealthy environment. He teaches Jim that he is anything but worthless and weak and that there are people out there who will appreciate and care about him regardless of societal "norms."

In Bent there is no question that the reason this alternative lifestyle works for Jim and Marcus is due to the love, trust, and respect that they feel for each other. This is not just one man whaling on another one. As the two characters explore each other sexually, it is extremely clear that this is a consensual act that involves limits. There is a safe word involved, and as soon as that word is invoked, all activity stops immediately and without question. Although we may not find this particular style of sexual interaction to be our preference, we can't help but respect the choices that are made by the characters. Rather than appearing creepy or uncomfortable, the rules and bondage and spanking seem to be right for these two.

The story ends without a physical resolution to the main external conflict in the story. At first, I felt some disappointment in this. However, upon reflection, I see that in Jim and Marcus's world, this issue ceases to exist as soon as Jim makes an emotional peace with it. It's quite clever, really, and shows just how far Jim has progressed in his journey to regain his identity and self-worth.

Fans of Mr. Michael's writing with doubtless enjoy Bent. Those new to his work will need to check their inhibitions at the door, open their mind a little, and prepare to be charmed by the characters as they go on an intense journey of self-discovery.
3695731
Dr Pol doesn't mess with words, he tells it as it is. Life is not fair, nor is it easy and being a large animal vet is hard work and requires difficult decisions. This is not like his show, instead it is an inside look to his thoughts and how he does his job. I enjoyed reading his blunt and realistic thoughts and ideas. Indeed there are some funny stories as well as some tough stories that hit close to home. I highly recommend this book, but caution the reader that this is real life and death country vet life. Don't expect a gentle and soft life, expect reality.
2875807
This book gives you a different point of view of life. Even though, trials and tribulations are a part of this journey called life. Reading this book allows you to see that someone has experience similar situations with everyday life struggles. The tips and quotes throughout each chapter can make you journey a little easier to travel. The knowledge I gained from this book will be used in my life as I continue my road to success.
2596373
If you've been the victim of an unsympathetic unfeeling self centred person, and they've made your life such a misery that you are thinking of ending it, don't.

Even if it's not that extreme, still read this book.

I shared the book among friends, and so far four people have identified psychopaths as having ruined their lives in the past.
86722
The message I got from this book, toward the end, is to not become so focused on coupling to find happiness in your life. It can lead to bad choices and emotional upheaval. Finding happiness and learning to love yourself is a process we must all go through before we can truly grow up. I'm 39 and I'm just getting all this stuff figured out - to read a candid, laugh out loud funny, gritty and real memoir about a woman whose experiences closely match my own made me feel good because we've all been there - or most of us anyway. I highly recommend this book for a laugh, for a peek into the single in New York lifestyle, for a peek into recovering from an emotional trauma and coming out the other side a much stronger and wise person than you were before. There's a lot of entertainment in this book, but there's also some great wisdom.