Reviews (4)

obnoxiously conservative
This book is so christian and sexist, it's hard for me to believe it's for real.One chapter, "The Other Woman," is devoted to how a wifeshould stay attractive and pleasant to keep her husband faithful.Anotherchapter, "How To Be A Pleasing Wife," explains that wives should"love the lord, have a submissive attitude, aim for a quiet and gentlespirit, and improve their looks."

Marriage 101
I was a little unsure of entering into such a committment with my intended because we had such a hard time talking to each other about difficult topics.Everytime we'd broach an issue too painful or too overwhelming, hewould clam up or I'd storm off upset.The advice in this book helped usunderstand some of our differences, and made us realize what could make ourmarriage stronger.I definitely recommend this book for every couple,whether they're not yet married or have been married over fifty years.

This book is a must for all couples...
This book, by far, is one of the most informative books I have ever read.It is a must for all couples, whether they have been married for years or are just planning to get married.It helped me understand the differentpersonalities.From a christian stand-point, I finally see the light.Until I had read the book, I always thought my husband was the problem. Until I checked my own maturity level, did I realize that I had to stopplacing the blame on others and be accountable for my own actions. Florence & Fred Littauer did an excellent job on this book.I givethis book a golden 5 stars.God bless them both... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    4. Christianity - Theology - General    5. Marriage    6. Marriage (Christianity)    7. Religion    8. Religion - Marriage & Family    9. Religious aspects    10. Popular psychology   

Reviews (3)

Very helpful!
I listened to the audiobook of this title, and found so much material here that is relevant to my situation. The dialogs presented and the analysis and recommendations really helped me to see patterns of my own behavior that I can change to improve my marriage (and for that matter, other relationships). This is really a great book.

A Must Read for Long Term Commitments
I found this book very helpful, so helpful that I ordered two more copies for my son and daughter-in-law.They travel and I thought they could read it apart and together.
More useful than "Seven Principles"
The authors operate a Love Lab for troubled marriages. By miking and video taping the couples, the authors analyze the language and attitudes for their impact on resolving the problems, both in a negative and positive sense. This book follows the problem resolution process for ten couples that have issues that others are likely to have, like too much work, infidelity, emotional distance, irritability and nagging, dominance of kids, humdrum existence, etc.
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Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. Interpersonal Relations    4. Love & Romance    5. Love / Sex / Marriage    6. Marital conflict    7. Marriage    8. Married people    9. Psychology    10. Family & Relationships / Marriage   

Reviews (90)

A Refreshing Way of looking at love
The Mastery of Love" is an enjoyable, easy read that you can finish in an afternoon or evening. How true it is that when children are young they express whatever they feel and act on impulse. By the time we are
blew me away
I read the 4 Agreements and loved it and even took a seminar series on it.Then I stumbled across this book!It is fantastic!It is a roadmap on how to be happy, how to experience heaven right now (love yourself unconditionally.You will be happy any time your love is flowing to others).Simple concepts but I didn't know them.I typically underline when I read non-fiction so I can quickly review the salient points later on... in this case I might as well plan to read the whole book again, as just about every page has enlightening thoughts.Wow, I am still reeling from the power presented by Don Miguel!Read this book!!!Best book I have read in years, maybe decades! And I am an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction.I liked best the allegory about the magical kitchen (if you have unlimited quality and quantity of food yourself (ie. love for yourself), you will not need to bargain with others for theirs.You will be content and able to just love others (unconditional love!)

Mastery of Love
My sophomore year of high school I was very sad--depressed is more likely--and I had been for over a year. I didn't know quite what to do, but I was beginning to turn much of that into anger (i.e. I listened to bands like Reagan Youth, Crass and the Subhumans). I found this book on Amazon as I was browsing, and I decided I wanted to read it. As things turned out, I was talking with a friend of a friend, mentioned it, and she said she had it and would let me borrow it. The odds perplexed me, but a couple days later I was reading it, and Miguel Ruiz changed my entire perspective. I cannot forget the weekend I finished it-- I was in a sort of complete emotional and physical shock. That may have been when my meditation practice began, also. For weeks after I could never decide what music to listen to, so I listened to reggae (the likes of the Wailing Souls, Inner Circle, Bob and Ziggy) and also started reading eastern philosophy. Am I straying? I was just explaining the impact I felt at sixteen. As I am a sophomore now in college, I still keep this book with me, and I am about to read it again. Don Miguel's thoughts always enlighten, inspire and ground me inestimably. But I am going to go, to begin this book again. Enjoy, ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. General    4. Interpersonal Relations    5. Love    6. Love & Romance    7. Miscellanea    8. New Age (Self Help)    9. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    10. Religious aspects    11. Gender studies    12. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Reviews (23)

Unbelievably insightful, powerful, helpful
This book moved me enough to actually write this review, not something I would normally do.
Outstanding!
A must-read, but as previously stated by others, this is not a quick easy read. It requires careful studying. You will get the most out of it if you keep a journal and do the exercises Mr. Richo suggests. I also recommend keeping a dictionary by your side as you read. This is not a superficial treatment of the topic. I also agree with others that this book is best for someone over 40. You need to have some knowledge about the nature of relationships already and in life in general. If you are ready to hear the message in this book, then, this will be one of those books that changes your life.

By god I love this man
I find the act of reading books by David Richo comforting in itself.In some ways it feels like his writings are just one long mantra.As if he is saying the same thing over and over and so for the duration of your reading it feels almost like a blissful meditation... and so long as you are reading his words, you feel comforted and as if you can handle whatever the world brings you.The challenge of course is to translate this feeling into practice in your day to day life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Interpersonal Relations    3. Love    4. Love & Romance    5. Psychology    6. Religious aspects    7. Family & relationships    8. Marriage, family & other relationships    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Interpersonal Relations   

Reviews (5)

Great book
The book was referred by a friend. I was surprised how helpful it was in determing what you want or should expect out of a relationship. I encourage all those seeking or involved in relationship to read it. It is even more powerful reading it together as a couple.

The Seven Levels of Intimacy
Great read - captivating - thought provoking - inspiring - excellent exercises to put into play what you read/learn. A catalyst for change - sure wets one's appetite for intimacy in the truest sense of the word. Gives courage to ask for more in the relationships that matter most.

Incredibly informative and helpful!
Jam packed with good, solid truth and helpful information about how to be happy and have meaningful lives and relationships.No fluff.It's nice to have a clear voice come through the haze of daily life and "wake you up" to the joy of life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Interpersonal Relations    2. Intimacy (Psychology)    3. Love    4. Love & Romance    5. Love / Sex / Marriage    6. Marriage    7. Religion    8. Self-Help    9. Spiritual    10. Trust    11. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (10)

Essential
Paul Ekman has become something of an academic celebrity due to the timeliness and value of his academic interest in the world of emotion and expression. Indeed, he has help improve the world by making people cognizant of the role emotion plays for all of us -- both negatively and positively.
One of the Best Books I've Read
I've read a number of self-help books with healing journeys and many step by step exercises but this one surprised me because it wasn't that sort of book yet it opened a door into seeing what I am feeling and, especially, what others are feeling. Many times since reading it, I've gained insight into what is really going on in conversations for the other person and for me. It's helped me to get along better with people, and to understand myself. Of course, this took effort on my part. It's not just read and improve. It's all about what you do with the information, what connections you see in life.
Grief, anger, fear, surpise, joy and disgust
Everyone has an understanding of emotion, but few people agree on what the word really means.For example, how is'emotion' differentiated from 'feeling'?Are emotion and logic independent? This book should help you explore these questions.
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Subjects:  1. Cognitive Psychology    2. Emotions    3. General    4. Interpersonal Relations    5. Psychology    6. Psychology & Psychiatry / Emotions   

Reviews (55)

Excellent book
This is a great book for someone interested in developing an "intimate partnership".Seeing the truth is difficult in close relationships, as we often deny the things we see in the name of "love".Dr. Kasl encourages us to seek the truth in our relationships, and in that way they continue to mature (or fade away naturally with as little pain as possible).
If the Buddha Dated
Excellent book about becoming ready to give and receive love.Do not have to be buddhist

Wonderful alternative guide to dating in this day and age.
This book was recommended to me by a good friend, and I'm very glad that I heeded her advice. This brilliant little guide offers the reader practical strategies on how to address dating in a positive, loving and undefensive manner. The Buddha's approach truly doesn't require us to compromise the self by trying too hard to manipulate, impress or change who we are just to attract who we want - The Buddha only wants us to be ourselves, nothing more, nothing less. I especially want to underscore the chapter about identifying "bottom lines" - these are behaviors that you just can't accept from people you date or boundaries that guide you in the dating process so as not to keep on repeating the same mistakes over and over again. Bravo! This book + Harville Hendrix's Keeping the Love You Find give the single person an effective combo that would certainly improve their dating skills, preferences and ultimately, their future relationships! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Compassion    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. Interpersonal Relations    7. Love    8. Love & Romance    9. Love / Sex / Marriage    10. Man-woman relationships    11. Religious aspects    12. Family & Relationships / Love & Romance   

Reviews (32)

The Likeability Factor
Excellent book a pleasure to read.Provides scores of helpful suggestions to enhance your likeability factor and the impact it will have on your professional and personal life.I highly recommend it!Dr. Tom Pomeranz, President, Universal LIfeStiles, LLC

People Do Business with People They Like!
I recently saw Tim Sanders speak at a private business forum. His message range loud and clear: people do business with people they like.As a business coach, I talk to business owners and professionals all the time, and I can tell you that in my experience, many people in business are so transaction-oriented that they fail to do the simple things that create the kind of warm personal interaction that people need to feel good about doing business with someone. It's the likeability stuff that sticks with people and leads to repeat business and referrals. Tim Sanders' book is not only a reminder that we need to pay more attention to how we interact with people, he shows us how to become more likeable. It may seem like a simple concept, but it's essential. Highly recommended reading for anyone whose business depends on influencing others!

Good, but could be more detailed
I purchased this book with the intention of using it in an employability class.The author spent more time prooving that likeability matters than helping improve the likeability factor.Everyone has worked with people they hated, the impact of likeability is something we live with.The language is clear and accessible for high school level readers.
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Subjects:  1. Charisma (Personality trait)    2. Interpersonal Relations    3. Personal Growth - Success    4. Personality    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Self-Help / Success   

Reviews (283)

Funny
The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love is a fun, easily read little book. It is about being a woman, and it is about making most of life. It is about love, life, men, marriage and being prepared as it says on the cover of the book.
Fresh and laugh out loud funny
This was a great book.I thoroughly enjoyed it.Gotta love a tarnished Southern Belle. The author gets a bit risque with language but I didn't find its use offensive.I would heartily recommend this book to anyone.

Did I Miss Something Here, Y'All?
Maybe I grew up on the wrong side of the Mason-Dixon line (that would be north of Jackson, Mississippi) to appreciate the humor in this book, but I didn't find it all that funny.With the exception of a few ancedotes this book was disappointing and did not live up to the rave reviews I'd heard about it.
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Subjects:  1. American wit and humor    2. Form - Parodies    3. Humor    4. Interpersonal Relations    5. Love & Romance    6. Topic - Relationships    7. Humor / General    8. Humour   

Reviews (8)

1001 Questions to Ask Before You Get Married
This was a present for my daughter!An excellent way to convey
A must-have book and fun to read, too
Hmmm... A person who has been successfully married for a long time and has known her husband for 10 years before tying the knot, supposedly picks up this book, realizes it doesn't offer her anything, and then gives it a negative review?Hello. Talk about a complete disconnect, and a wholly unfair review.
A book to pass on........
My husband and I went to high school together and have known each other for over ten years before we were married.I guess when you have known someone that long.....through high school and college there isnt very much you dont know about each other!I bought this book thinking it would be a great way to learn things about him that I didn't already know.....a way to re-connect.What I learned, was that I knew all of the answers to these questions.I was disappointed with this book because I wanted it to be a way for us to get to know each other on a deeper level.The questions were more about family life, life growing up and so on......I knew all of that!I guess our situation made things a little different.If you know each other well......pass on this one...... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Couples    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Love & Romance    5. Love / Sex / Marriage    6. Marriage    7. Mate selection    8. Miscellanea    9. Family & Relationships / Marriage   

Reviews (5)

The BEST book on bullying
This is a must have book for anyone that deals with kids.Our schools have a problem with bullying that the district is presently denying. I hope to start a support group soon - and this will be the one book I highly recommend reading.
Excellent Incite
Excellent Book on the actual personalities of Bullies, their victims and the people who don't step in to help the victim.

The Bully, the bullied and the Bystander
It is a book that should be owned definitely by every parent, and also by everyone. It helps with understanding of how and why we came here, why we are who we are, and how to make it better for our kids and actually for every one around us. It describes how a family should treat our kids with respect and freedom. It is one book which I think is a must read. It gives insight into how we can change despite of bad experiences while we grew up. I would recommend it to be bought before buying a crib when you expect a baby! It is like a bible for a christan, Geeta for an Indian, Koran for a Muslim. It tells the three kinds of families, two dysfucntional and how they make long lasting deficiencies in kid's psyche. Then it explains how a backbone family gives freedom and respect to a child and makes him independent and loving. It takes a while to read as it has painful stories of kids who killed themselves because of bullying. This book should be talked about in parent teacher's organizations, at churches, temples , Sunday schools and so on. It is one book that will make a difference in our society. It describes the importance of difference between teasing and taunting and how taunting can lead to suicides, hurts not only the bullied but also instills fear in the bystanders. It weaves the relation of parental upbringing into making a kid a passive bystander as opposed to helper for the bullied. It tells signs to be seen in your child to detect if he is bullied, questions to be asked. It tells the life destroying long lasting effects on his own life if a bully is not stopped! It gives non humiliating strategies how to stop a bully and how to empower a bullied and the critical role of bystander and how to make him help the bullied. A fantastically written book. A life changing book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior Management    2. Bullying    3. Conflict Resolution    4. Education    5. Educational Psychology    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Parenting - Child Rearing    8. Parenting - General    9. Prevention    10. School Health And Safety    11. School Psychology    12. School violence    13. United States    14. Child care & upbringing    15. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (20)

Helpful to use as a tool in healing or therapy
This book was an easy read and helps the reader to see what happens to the entire family when an affair takes place. It also shows how both marital partners need to make changes in their thoughts and actions after the affair is over to progress to a higher level of intimacy and that the recovery process is not short or easy.I would recommend it to couples who are in therapy and/or are considering reconciling.

I should have read this book sooner.
Two years after my own husband had an affair I came across this book.It has been so helpful.It is proof that affairs happen even in "great" marriages, and that, although the journey back is hellish, it is possible and well worth all the work and pain.Lots of love and hugs to you, dear friend and fellow reader.You are not alone and this book will become like a warm and friendly conversation with Anne, Brian, and their daughter on how to get back to just being "us" again.

A must read
I couldn't put this book down. I recently experienced the betrayalof my husband having an affair. I gained a lot of knowlegde from this book that I can apply to my own situation. I loved that it was written from not only the betrayed spouse's point of view, but also included excerpts from her husband and daughter. I disagree with the reviewer who said that you wouldn't like this book if you aren't into religion. I am not "into" reglion, but still loved this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. General    6. Marriage    7. Biography: general    8. Family & Relationships / Family Relationships    9. Marriage, family & other relationships    10. Trafford,04-1147,041147,1-4120-3320-9,1412033209,anne bercht,my husbands affair became the best thing that ever happened to me,signs of infidelity,surviving infidelity,recovering form infidelity,extramarital affairs,marital affairs   

Reviews (10)

I loved this book
If you are an ACoA (Adult Child of an Alcoholic), I recommed this book and all of the books by Janet Woititz.I've read many of them, they are easy reads and so informative.It is really helpful to learn about other's experiences and struggles, and to hear advice on how to help you now.My favorite part of this book is the chapter called "So, you love an ACoA..." and is good for your partner to read to help them understand things like why you might overreact to certain situations or have such a negative view of yourself.Don't be turned off by the old cover, mine looked like it was from 1960 or something, the book is not outdated by any means.

essential
as a partner to an ACOA this is a must read for anyone involved in this kind of relationship.easy to read, easy to understand, and full of AHA! moments. great information!

I learned about healthy relationships
I thought I knew about relationships and how to make one work and what it took to keep one going.I thought my past failures were a product of bad timing.I did not see why I went after the wrong people, prused bad situations and stayed when I should have left.This book opened my eyes and changed my perspective.It was brilliant. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Codependency    4. Family relationships    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    9. Marriage, family & other relationships    10. Self-Help / Codependency   

Reviews (14)

Lowering your expectations is good for the relationship
There is an underlying theme in this book that I think is important for every couple to consider: perhaps our expectations of our partners are too high.I've been a therapist for 25 years, and the most common problem I've encountered involves unexpressed-and often unconscious-expectations that one person has about the other. Women, I believe (and I think Dr. Lerner supports this as well), have higher expections than men. Sometimes they are so high, and so many, that there is no way not to be disappointed. What would happen if we lowered our expectations?We might, as Lerner suggests, become better listeners, and take more responsibility for fulfilling our own needs, rather than demanding that our happiness be met solely at home. Of all of Lerner's books, this is one I recommend most often to my clients.We don't need a soul-mate to be happily married, and if we lower the bar just a little, a "good enough" spouse can adequately provide the decades of richness we need.

Too much story telling
This book was recommended for me to read by my husband's personal therapist.He's in anger counseling, after coming back from Iraq, and I'm the one reading about six books right now.
Delivers---Ways of Staying Connected
*****
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Subjects:  1. Communication    2. Conflict Resolution    3. General    4. Interpersonal Communication    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Intimacy (Psychology)    7. Psychology   

Reviews (31)

Amazing, this book saved my marriage!
This book is about loving toughly and I believe what it says is true. I followed his advise and it saved my marriage. Its been almost a year and God has done so many miracles in my life. The people who write bad reviews of this book were the ones too afraid to follow the advise in it. You have to respect yourself before anyone else will. !! :)

Excellent book, but you must have the fortitude to follow!
Dr. Dobson is 100% correct in his methods.It IS guidance by the Lord.Showing TOUGH LOVE is the only way to help someone you love. Be it your spouse, a child or a relative.The methods in this book are not tricks.They delve into the psychology of what happens when someone feels "caged" in a relationship.It's based on the well known fact "the harder you try and hold on to someone, the harder they fight to get away."
Awful, Awful, Awful
If your husband or wife just left and you are in the middle of the confusion and despair of that situation DO NOT follow the suggestions in this book!Trust me, go to the Lord in prayer, seeking only Him for your answers, He is absolutely faithful.Don't talk to your neighbors, friends, relatives, counselors or anyone until you talk to Jesus.He is your only hope and this book's advise is definitely not recommended if you want your spouse back!!
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    4. Conduct of life    5. Marriage    6. Married people    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religious aspects    10. Religious life    11. Spouses    12. CHRISTIAN LIVING / RELATIONSHIPS / LOVE & MARRIAGE    13. Religion / Christian Life   

Editorial Review

Kids tend to blame themselves when parents divorce. The Sandcastles workshop--now mandatory in over a dozen counties throughout the United States--is a half-day group session for children of divorce between the ages of 6 and 17. This intensive workshop helps kids open up and deal with their feelings through drawings, games, poetry, role playing, and other activities. Read more

Reviews (15)

Great secular source of idea's and inspiration to help kids.
Dear Reader, This book is a great help for parents who have small children and want to make sure they are not lost in the divorce process. Get this book and read it all. As well it will help the parents and everyone connected to their life and affected by the divorce. Since no therapist, government body or secular agency can help from a spiritual perspective this book is the definitive secular bible for divorcing\divorced parents with kids. Divorce and the reasons for it are as old as Moses, and if you must enter that arena, at least the world's modern ways to cope with it are most all found here and for a price far less than the divorce and classes that follow. If reconciliation has even half a chance... Go For It First. With that in mind, remember or remind the reader to seek spiritual support if they have any religious affiliation. Otherwise, this book, good supportive friends\family and the best support therapy you can afford for yourself and your kids is about all there is. Good Luck to All. Amen.

If you are divorcing and have children, read this book!
I am a retired elementary school guidance counselor, and have often recommended this book to parents who have come to me for advise in understanding how their children experience divorce and strategies for helping them cope with it. I have also used it as I developed small group activities for my "divorce groups". It is filled with invaluable information and includes many easy but effective activities for parents to do with their child to maintain communication during this difficult time. One of the most valuable features is information about how children adjust to the separation of their parents at different developmental levels. Sadly, I recently dug out my copy of the book and then ordered two copies, one for my son and one for my daughter-in-law, to use in helping my granddaughter cope with the end of their marriage. I wish everyone who is divorcing and has children would read this book and follow the advise contained therein. We'd have lots more kids surviving the break-up of their parents with their emotional health intact.

Nicely balanced book
As a mental health professional I am always a little skeptical about this kind of book - when people write based on their experience they sometimes forgo the need to check whether their experience is consistent with that of other people in other places by reviewing the research literature before writing their books. I was pleasantly surprised to find this book full of evidence based suggestions and information for separating/separated parents. It is an easy read, with information clearlypresented so non-professionals will find it very helpful; and for those who have a scientific background and who are familiar with the psychological research in this field it will be clear that the book is based upon solid information. A very useful resource. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children of divorced parents    2. Divorce    3. Divorce & Separation    4. Divorced parents    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family/Marriage    8. Parenting - General    9. Psychological aspects    10. Psychology    11. United States    12. Child care & upbringing    13. Coping with personal problems    14. Family & Relationships / Parenting    15. Separation & divorce   

Reviews (8)

I needed this one
I needed this book.I will probably refer to it often.There is no life after divorce if you don't move on.This book contained many eye-openers for me.Hopefully after reading this I won't sabotage my own happiness by staying attached to a man who is unable to make a committment to anyone other than himself.I've probably read at least ten books on survival and recovery from divorce.This one is helping me let my 32-year marriage die.

Wonderful Book! Finally
My parents divorced 2 years ago after being married for 30 years. After 2 whole years, my mom was still stagnant, as hurt and as mad as the day she filed for divorce. I've sent her numerous books, groups and web sites and she never got trough any of them. She's really not a reader so I thought she would not read it at all. The day I sent this book to her, she began reading it right there, cover to cover. She said it is the most relavant book she has read that she can actually relate to. That it help put a lot of what she was going through into focus. glad something my mom finally finds useful to help in healing and growing after life with my dad.

A Must Read for Divorcees
I interviewed the author recently, and was very impressed with her insight and understanding. If marriage can be a swamp, divorce is always a minefield, and Sandra Kahn ably maps out the danger points. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Divorce & Separation    2. Divorced women    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. General    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. United States    8. Self-Help / General   

Editorial Review

All parents fall short from time to time. But Susan Forward pulls no punches when it comes to those whose deficiencies cripple their children emotionally. Her brisk, unreserved guide to overcoming the stultifying agony of parental manipulation--from power trips to guilt trips and all other killers of self worth--will help deal with the pain of childhood and move beyond the frustrating relationship patterns learned at home. ... Read more

Reviews (94)

Overly Simplistic but Good Tips
As someone who has a toxic mother, you know how everyday feels like an eternity when you feel so much pain inside.Half of the book is about other people's experiences with her in therapy and the other half is about how we can change our situation ourselves.I gave her 1 star because of this very important point that she misses:If you have a truly toxic parent, confrontation is not the answer (as she says).I agree with the other reviewer who gave one star because it doesn't seem like she has truly been in this kind of a situation.The REALITY of LIVING WITH TOXIC PARENTS is that THEY DO NOT CHANGE.I am a grounded and fair minded person, but I think her advice is baloney.And she spent chapters on bits of advice that you could outline on one page.I felt so bad after reading it.Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with all of you.

I Only Wish I Had Read this YEARS Ago!
It would have saved me years of guilt about hating my mother ("Mommie Dearest" without all the glamour) and wishing things could be different.
Toxic Parents
This book was extremely helpful to understand and recover from family stress.It explains vividly and in easily understood terms that any reader can understand.It is compassionate and practical and helps give readers direction for moving forward.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dysfunctional Families    2. General    3. Interpersonal Relations    4. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Self-Help & Practical Interests    8. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (2)

A Must Read for Family Therapists
This book explains Bowen's Extended Family Therapy Theory.This is one of the most important family systems theories in the history of family therapy and it is still one of the most widely used theories for working with families.Anyone that is studying family therapy should read this book as it is the seminal work on Bowen Therapy.Essential ideas such as triangling, emotional fusion, and intergenerational transmission are well explained. Introduction to natural sytems
A rich introduction to Murray Bowen's natural systems theory.Explains relevance of the theory to clinical work with families, couples, and individuals.Also, briefly explores and contrasts the relationship ofBowen theory to sociobiology, evolutionary neurology, and analytic theory. Case illustrations are clear and helpful.Would recommend tosocialworkers, psychologist, biologists, and those interested in a naturalsystems approach to human behavior.Although strong on evaluation anddescriptions concerning emotional processes in human families and groups,there is less attention to therapy techiques.More of a book aboutthinking on relationships, than one of the clinical "how to" kindof presentations that have become standard fare in the family therapyfield.I have read through Dr. Kerr's text several times and have studiedits chapters separately.Each reread reveals additional applications andinsights into the theory.Surely, a book that can grow with you! Dr.Bowen's epilogue is an added jem in which he offers perhaps his lastwritten description of the development of the theory and his belief in therelevance of theory to the future.Personally, the book has influencedboth my private and professional life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1913-    2. Bowen, Murray,    3. Evaluation    4. Family    5. Family Psychotherapy    6. General    7. Problem families    8. Psychology    9. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    10. Psychotherapy - Couples & Family    11. Bowen, Murray    12. Marriage, family & other relationships    13. Psychotherapy