The Assertiveness Workbook: How to Express Your Ideas and Stand Up for Yourself at Work and in Relationships

Book Description

This self-directed program teaches readers to speak up and say what they mean at work and at home. Written supportively, it uses proven cognitive behavioral techniques to help individuals build self-confidence, set boundaries, and determine appropriate responses.

Customer Reviews:

BUY IT NOW!.......2007-06-17

If you're reading this review, you probably suspect that you have a problem with assertiveness, so take the first step towards improving your life by purchasing this book. If you have a problem saying no to unreasonable requests, if your legitimate and reasonable requests for what you need are repeatedly denied, ignored, or trivialized, if you feel surrounded by manipulative, controlling people, if you have been in a long-term verbally abusive relationship, if you are easily intimidated by aggressive people, or even if you're just mildly curious, this book will be invaluable to you. It's not just a quick read, though. It has thought-provoking exercises to help you determine why you have difficulty asserting yourself as well as practice exercises to prepare you to be assertive when the need arises. Even if you don't think you need improvement, this book is a great resource on communication.

Clearly to the point.......2007-05-12

Excellent resource for how to deal with PA's and others-the book's no nonsense approach (yes, it's hard to change and yes your significants others will resist you), exercises, and examples give you inspiration without alot of nonsense and over the top 'you can do it' every paragraph.
Accessible and easily readable, this practical guide will help you get what you need or establish your personal boundaries without all the new age style rhetoric.

Excellent!.......2007-02-18

This book is by far the most helpful book I've ever read. It is very informative, but in plain words that almost anyone can understand. The exercises it suggests really do help. I'm only half-way through it, but I've already made significant changes in my behavior. It really helped me understand the different communication styles and how to tweak my style to make me more satisfied with my communication with others. It's so simple to do! I've always been lazy about change or given up too early, but this truly couldn't be any easier.

Good enough to write a review.......2006-11-22

I had reached a point where I needed to learn how to assert myself and stop being miserable in certain situations. This book helped me take action and understand how to react when confronted. If you feel that you are in need of some "tools" this is a great book.

A portable behavior coach .......2005-03-14

Being a passive personality, I went looking for some kind of guidance after a recent confrontation. It goes through many basic terms and concepts of human relationships and behavior. The author wants us to understand assertiveness before trying to put new ways of thinking into practice. The important part of the author's lesson is reminding us that assertiveness is part of a person's behavior but is not the person. It builds up to the ten steps of preparing for a confrontation. The written exercises are useful, the diagrams and check boxes not so much. Some terms were basic but many times when things are not working right, we have to be reminded of the basics. Personally, I would not choose to use the assertiveness scorecards in my regular day-to-day routine. It goes over what a DESO script, Describe, Express, Script, Outcome; could mean to anybody's personal and work relationships. How one can change a few steps in giving criticism to create positive feedback. The Assertiveness workbook makes you take a breath, and think before speaking. Clear, easy-to-read, straight-to-the-point chapters are there to help when needed.

The Bully at Work: What You Can Do to Stop the Hurt and Reclaim Your Dignity on the Job

Average customer rating:

Publishers' Weekly Heartless Review
Bullies among us.
Terrific overview on harrassment behavior
The Bully at Work: What You Can Do to Stop the Hurt and Reclaim Your Dignity on the Job
much needed

The Bully at Work: What You Can Do to Stop the Hurt and Reclaim Your Dignity on the Job
Gary Namie , and Ruth, Ph.D. Namie
Manufacturer: Sourcebooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Workplace | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Motivational | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Self-Esteem | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Industrial Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Mobbing: Emotional Abuse in the American Workplace, 2002 Revised Edition
When You Work for a Bully: Assessing Your Options and Taking Action
Take the Bully by the Horns: Stop Unethical, Uncooperative, or Unpleasant People from Running and Ruining Your Life
Coping with Toxic Managers, Subordinates ...And Other Difficult People: Using Emotional Intelligence to Survive and Prosper
The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at Work

ASIN: 1570715343

Book Description

Workplace violence may snatch the daily headlines, but outside the spotlight, the pain and degradation of corporate bullying shatters lives nationwide. A landmark book blazing light on one of the business world's dirtiest secrets, The Bully at Work exposes the destructive, silent epidemic that devastates the lives, careers and families of millions. Those being bullied at work feel more than merely overworked and underappreciated. The fear, shame, humiliation and loss of dignity that originate at work can creep into every other aspect of their lives. Bullying is about Work Trauma! At last, there is a way to stop the hurtand stop the bully. Gary and Ruth Namie, pioneers of the Campaign Against Workplace Bullying (bullybusters.org), teach you personal strategies to identify allies, build your confidence, and stand up to your tormentor--or decide when to walk away with your sanity and dignity intact. The Namies' expertise on workplace bullying has been featured in such media outlets as CNN, PBS, NPR, USA Today and The Washington Post.

Customer Reviews:

Publishers' Weekly Heartless Review.......2007-05-28

I cannot believe a supposedly unbiased reveiwer like "Publishers Weekly" actually stated the following in review to this bok:

"However, the notion of "bullying" as a crime seems farfetched;"

Tell that to the thousands and perhaps millions of children who have been bullied by parents teachers, priests and other so-called "authorities whose lives have been ruined as a result!

Then they went on to suggest that rather than try to change public opinionion, that they should try to teach people how to deal with the abuse! Once again, blaming the victim for the fault of the abuser. What the writer of this review may not realize is that most victims of employment bullying have virtually no way to "fight back" unless they are to become unemployed as a result - Most of the bullies are the bosses! Also, the bullies tend to know how to target those who cannot fight back because they have been disempowered since childhood from such bullying!

I've lost a lot of respect for "Publisher's Weekly" reading such a blatantly cold-hearted response. Perhaps we should put the writer in the workplace position that those of us who now have lifetime traumatic issues to deal with as a direct result of the PTSD we have experienced from such workplace bulling for a year or 2 and see if they still feel the same way after such abuse!

Bullies among us........2007-04-15

Being on the bullied side, reading this book gave me affirmation that I was not the only one out here. I could relate to so many experiences and the sequence of events and their outcomes. It is so sad that the Bullies of this world are the one's that are given the pats on the back. These bullies are dotted on as the go getters, ambitious, and successful ones. In my experience Human Resource was of no use they took the side of the Supervisors, Managers, and Executives. The Supervisors try to cover up as to not have to deal with unpleasant situations. This leaves the person being bullied with two choices suck it up and learn to deal with it somehow or find another job even if they are good employee's.
The book gives you an insight on the psychology of the bullies. The book offers some ways to handle situations. How to approach things but the bottom line that I came away with is that unless you have a very good case and a lawyer that actually cares to take these situations head on because they are wrong get your resume together. WHY should we have to be the one's to leave or suck it up? The author did a great job with the research and putting things out there as it is. I'm glad I have it and it did make me understand the situation and the nature of a bully but it still does not make it right. Thank you MR.and MRS. Namie for sticking up for those of us who needed a voice to unmask these Bullies. I wish that those who are in Management and also deal in HR would read this. I'm sure they sleep very soundly at night.

Terrific overview on harrassment behavior.......2007-03-18

THE BULLY AT WORK looks at the latest issue in the work place--allowing a manager (or in some cases a co-worker)to demean you as a method of control and keeping you from seeing your value as an employee of a company. This practice occurs within many companies. Some don't offically authorize it but sanction it by ignoring it or ignoring the problem(bringing it up to HR only indicates to those within that department that they are not doing their job in many cases making them defensive). Many managers get away with it in large corporations because the people they work for never are on the receiving end of these mind games (and make no mistake they are mind games). Large corporations whether they be a large company like Novartis, Kaiser, IBM and smaller organizations often lose good people by allowing what amounts to harrassment to occur.

The authors outline the steps you need to take to derail the psychological manipulation, restore your self confidence and sense of self worth. In some cases, that means leaving a company. Often these companies ignore the signs (high turnover within an office or district, complaints mentioned in exit interviews)because of concern over lawsuits. This enables the disfunctional person behind these humilitations to continue to their assault on employees and make no mistake it is an assault comprising a form of psychological rape.

The authors identify the various personalty types, types of abuse and what makes someone a Target. They also make suggestions to disable employees from becoming Targets and discouraging the manager/supervisor from continuing their onslaught. Just because a manager discontinues harrassing one employee doesn't mean they won't continue doing this because according to the authors it springs from a deep seated insecurity and bullying as children by their parents or other children. Sadly, as the authors point out the Targets of bullying allow the bully to act out on their aggression and usually the bully has no insight into their actions or unethical behavior.

You're not imagining it. This book will help you act and deal with these psychologically disturbed individuals wrongly put into positons of power.

The Bully at Work: What You Can Do to Stop the Hurt and Reclaim Your Dignity on the Job.......2006-08-04

The book puts ones personal experiences into words that make you feel and understand the trauma that has taken place. The author offers wonderful ways to become whole again in your work and personal lives.

I recommend this to everyone who works and/or has to deal with controlling and demeaning individuals who believe that we exist only to serve them.

much needed.......2006-05-18

any book on the topic is much needed. i have had my life completely ruined, and not worth living because of this. bullies? how about when a group starts by calling you incompetent, talking loudly so that you can't concentrate, refusing to help you learn a new job, then progresses to showing pornography to your coworkers, following you, tapping your email, tapping your phone, breaking into your house and car.... so you get a new job, and guess what? they had friends there- so everyone is told you were not really qualified, you lie about everything (in case you try to tell anyone about anything), so everyone is told the same crap as in place A, as well as a heap of outright fabrications- lets try that you threated to sue the company for starters, then toss in some breaking into your email, changing your work so that it makes no sense, having everyone that passes by or near you make loud comments about you, tell everyone that you have said bad stuff about them. Then follow the person around. Break into their house, car, phone lines. Don't stop when they are out of a job- ruin their personal business- keep pushing and try to get them chased off the whole planet. Hide behind trees and shoot off fireworks when they emerge. Send lots of emails saying they will be shot (as if they would care at that point). Put scorpions in their bed- nice touch eh? Ruin their air conditioner. Heck, even kill their pets. Break into all of their computer accounts and send lots of email about 'Get Life Insurance Now' and the like. Tell all their neighbors they are crazy, immoral, whatever it takes to piss them all off. It does seem in fact like a really fun game for a group to play. It must be- it has to give them lots of laughs or why else would people risk losing THEIR job, reputation, and even a jail sentence to ruin someone else's life, just because they don't like that person, or a friend does not like that person, is almost unbelieable. And for heaven's sake don't give their spouse a clue as to what is really happening, ruining an already very difficult marriage and a couple of kids is kind of like getting bonus points playing pinball. Why do people do it? Because they usually are people who have worked at a company quite a while, or want desperately to fit into the 'in' crowd. And the long-termers too many times think it is THEIR company and people that do not fit in with THEM should NOT work there. Or live in their neighborhood if they should be so lucky. Of course, the company may be loosing LOTS of money since their people are not only not doing the jobs they are paid to do by spending all of their time doing in their co-workers, and of course they are deliberately ruining their coworkers jobs so you can nix them for getting any work done either. I can in fact see how some of my mannerisms make people not like me. Especially when I am nervous or trying desperately to prove I deserve a chance. But I would not do to a cockroach what bullies have done to me.

The Corporate Dominatrix: Six Roles to Play to Get Your Way at Work

Average customer rating:

A must-read for guys in business!
Self-help with a sense of humor!
Take a new look at the workplace

The Corporate Dominatrix: Six Roles to Play to Get Your Way at Work
Lisa Robyn
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Motivation & Self-Improvement | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management & Leadership | Women & Business | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Self-Esteem | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Art of War for Women: Sun Tzu's Ancient Strategies and Wisdom for Winning at Work
Whip Your Life into Shape!: The Dominatrix Principle
New Girl On the Job: Advice from the Trenches
Venus on Top: Women Who Are Born to Lead and the Men Who Love Them
How to Capture a Mistress

ASIN: 141694074X

Book Description

The Corporate Dominatrix exposes the workplace for what it truly is: a social sadomasochistic wonderland -- one in which some people have power and some do not, thus creating an unbalanced command-and-control dynamic. Using the psychological tools of the professional dominatrix, Lisa Robyn shows women how to role-play their way to success by employing the tactics of six mistress archetypes: Goddess, Queen, Amazon, Governess, Nurse, and Schoolgirl. For a dominatrix in everyday life, the key to effectiveness lies in being switchable -- knowing when to be firm and direct and when to be flexible and accommodating. The Corporate Dominatrix dominates without being domineering and is submissive without being subservient. She stands up for her rights in an open and straightforward way, and she is confident enough to intuit what her clients or colleagues want and she responds accordingly.

Robyn provides a compelling strategy for women to get their way at work by choosing the appropriate role to fit the particular situation, while always behaving in a professional manner that earns respect. Filled with examples and practical tips, this provocative business book will help every businesswoman advance to the position she wants and truly become the mistress of her domain.

Power becomes you . . . Use it wisely.

Customer Reviews:

A must-read for guys in business!.......2007-05-01

This fascinating and entirely unique book will be read by every woman in the workplace who has ever been ogled, patted on the fanny, been unable to make eye contact with a guy at work because his gaze was fixed lower, or been talked down to, overlooked, or otherwise treated differently than a man would have been treated in her job. Who would have thought that learning the tricks of a dominatrix could make a woman such a dangerous adversary! The only effective defense I can see is for men in the business world to sneak out and buy a copy, read it, and learn how to defend against this new female tactic. And it is a pleasure to read -- sexy topic, great writing.

Self-help with a sense of humor!.......2007-04-13

This is NOT your typical, dry business book. Robyn offers a new perspective on getting ahead that is fresh, fun, insightful...and little naughty! I loved it.

Take a new look at the workplace.......2007-03-27

The Corporate Domantrix is so delightfully interesting, you will want to share it with your entire office! I had never thought about the corporate environment in this way before and will never look at it the same way again. Finding out what role you play is fascinating... It will change the way you look at yourself and those around you. The book is entertaining and highly interactive. This is a really interesting look at a fascinating topic!!

Average customer rating:

Thoughful
Living a Life That Matters
Disappointed in the conclusion, tired of the technique :-(
Rabbi Kushner is Wonderful: As Usual
Do The Right Thing

Living a Life that Matters
Harold S. Kushner
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Happiness | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Success | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

When Bad Things Happen to Good People
When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough: The Search for a Life That Matters
Overcoming Life's Disappointments
How Good Do We Have to Be? A New Understanding of Guilt and Forgiveness
The Lord Is My Shepherd

ASIN: 0385720947
Release Date: 2002-08-20

Book Description

Most of us need to feel that we matter in some way; perhaps this explains the high value placed on titles, corner offices, and even fleeting celebrity. But most of us also need to feel that we are good people. In this luminous yet practical book of spiritual advice, Harold Kushner bridges the gap between these seemingly irreconcilable needs, showing us how even our smallest daily actions can become stepping stones toward integrity.

Drawing on the stories of his own congregants, on literature, current events and, above all, on the Biblical story of Jacob, the worldly trickster who evolves into a man of God --Kushner addresses some of the most persistent dilemmas of the human condition: Why do decent people so often violate their moral standards? How can we pursue justice without giving in to the lure of revenge? How can we turn our relationships with family and friends into genuine sources of meaning? Persuasive and sympathetic, filled with humanity and warmth, Living a Life That Matters is a deeply rewarding book.

Download Description

Drawing on the stories of his own congregants, on literature, current events and, above all, on the Biblical story of Jacob, the worldly trickster who evolves into a man of God -- Kushner addresses some of the most persistent dilemmas of the human condition: Why do decent people so often violate their moral standards? How can we pursue justice without giving in to the lure of revenge? How can we turn our relationships with family and friends into genuine sources of meaning? Persuasive and sympathetic, filled with humanity and warmth, Living a Life That Matters is a deeply rewarding book.

"A valuable companion... a set of guideposts for living a useful and fulfilled life, no matter what the future holds."
   THE BOSTON GLOBE

"A wonderful, much-needed primer on the truly important things in life. Many thanks to Harold Kushner for reminding us what we should never forget."
   MITCH ALBOM, AUTHOR OF TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE

"Full of great stories and subtle wisdom.... This is a book you don't want to put down or allow to be too far from you in times of crisis."
    THOMAS MOORE, AUTHOR OF CARE OF THE SOUL

Customer Reviews:

Thoughful.......2007-07-06

I found a copy of this thin book in the discount paperback section which I think is OK to say on Amazon since it appears to be no longer available here except through others just as the messages in this book are best understood through our relationships with others! This book threads the story of Jacob throughout, using this, other biblical insights and the Rabbi's experiences as a compassionate listener, to affirm the power and grace of right living; herein there is also a solid debate for forgiveness and citations of methods used for reconciliation.

This book created much meaningful discussion in our book club albeit not the preferred selection; several did not show that evening! I heard these comments from those who did show up; "this makes me think too much" "I don't like all the bible stories" "I like to do my own interpretation." The most revealing comment however I think speaks to why you should read this book and that was from one of the ladies looking almost angry throughout and when asked her opinion she honestly replied "I choose revenge." So read this book to see what you choose then consider how our choices shape the world we live in.

Living a Life That Matters.......2007-03-08

Absolutely wonderful book. Simple to understand and very inspiring!!!

Disappointed in the conclusion, tired of the technique :-(.......2006-08-25

This book began by raising some very interesting questions about "mother love" versus "father love", that is, about the need for a person to experience both unconditional love and earned love. I eagerly bought the book, logically believing these provocative questions would be answered at the end of the book, but IMHO Kushner wimps out. He writes that there really isn't any difference at all, despite the fact that he outlined significant differences earlier in the book.

I won't be buying Kushner's latest book, which was released earlier this month (although I'll probably read parts of it in a bookstore). I find myself growing a bit tired of his technique of profiling one Old Testament character per book. (He's profiled Job, the writer of Ecclesiastes/King Solomon, Jacob/Israel in this book, and Moses in his latest.) Kushner writes really well, and I'd like to see him break out of this mold and deliver some truly original ideas!

Rabbi Kushner is Wonderful: As Usual.......2006-05-09

I became a fan of Rabbi Kushner when I read his book "When Bad Things Happen to Good People". When "Living a Life That Matters" was published, he came to Denver to promote the book at the Tattered Cover Book Store. How could I miss a chance to meet him? I was number 6 in line for his autograph and as thrilled as some groupie getting to meet her favorite rock star.

Rabbi Kushner's works are a joy to read even when he writes of sadness and grief. He doesn't pretend to have answers but his gifts of words and empathy are comforting. He's a genuinely nice person with a wonderful sense of humor.

That's not a book review. That's an author review. Which pretty much sums up the book.

Do The Right Thing.......2006-02-18

Making hard choices gives us personal integrity. And this is pleasing to God as we can see in the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel. I love Rabbi Kushner's interpretation that the angel is not a demon but our own conscience. No amount of money, no success, no fruit of labor is as sweet as making right choices which lead to the lasting (and eternal?) satisfaction that is personal integrity.

Psychology of Success : Finding Meaning in Work and Life

Average customer rating:

Psychology of Success : Finding Meaning in Work and Life
Denis Waitley
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Personal Transformation | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Success | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

New Dynamics of Winning
The Seven Sacred Truths: A Lifetime of Wisdom While You're Young Enough to Enjoy It! (Your Coach in a Box)
Empires of the Mind: Lessons To Lead And Succeed In A Knowledge-Based World
Effective Reader, The, Updated Edition
The Psychology of Winning

ASIN: 0078299764

On Becoming Fearless.... in Love, Work, and Life

Average customer rating:

Excellent book, very inspiring.
More Entertaining than Self-Help
On Becoming Fearless...
For all women to read!
Fearless or fluffy?

On Becoming Fearless.... in Love, Work, and Life
Arianna Huffington
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Motivational | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Personal Transformation | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Self-Esteem | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Applied Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Emotions | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

HOW TO WALK IN HIGH HEELS: THE GIRL'S GUIDE TO EVERYTHING
Fourth Instinct: The Call of the Soul
The Concise Guide to Sounding Smart at Parties: An Irreverent Compendium of Must-Know Info from Sputnik to Smallpox and Marie Curie to Mao
I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman
The Greatest Story Ever Sold: The Decline and Fall of Truth from 9/11 to Katrina

ASIN: 0316166812

Book Description

A manifesto for women on how to overcome fear and achievetheir dreams, from Arianna Huffington, a woman who embodiesfearlessness--bestselling author, politician, mother, Web entrepreneur, andone of the most powerful women in America.Women confront fear every day: fear for their children, fear of appearingfoolish, of being assertive, of looking fat, of getting sick, of goingbroke, of losing love.Enter Arianna Huffington, with timely and powerful advice on how to bebold. Arianna is fearless, but not by nature; she's had to learn andpractice all her life. In ON BECOMING FEARLESS, she puts it all on thetable, exploring fearlessness at work, in parenting, in love, in aging, andmuch more. It's never too early--or too late--for women to learnfearlessness, and ON BECOMING FEARLESS will strike a chord with every womanwho wonders how she can make her mark on a world that still values "nice,""accommodating," and "team player" as feminine qualities.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent book, very inspiring........2007-09-30

I have enjoyed the book and actually practiced "fearlessness" to make a big change in my life.

More Entertaining than Self-Help.......2007-09-26

As a mother of two young girls, Huffington wanted to provide a guide for female fearlessness. She does this by capturing her experiences in dealing with fear. Her first serious encounter occurs when her own mother shows the courage to stand up to German soldiers who threatened to kill everyone if they didn't reveal where Jews were hiding. The then nine-year-old Huffington feared not only for her mother, but also for herself.

In the book, Huffington maps out the path for reaching fearlessness through her own stories and those from female guest contributors. One of the more common fears among women concerns looks and self-image. Huffington explains how she felt about her looks and her insecurity in high school and college. She goes on to share stories of others and her own experiences, tossing in advice that we've heard a thousand times before. Discover an activity that you enjoy as a way of getting exercise, for example.

Though Huffington says she battled to achieve a certain physical appearance, get real -- the woman was attractive and never had an obvious weight problem, although she apparently fought many food battles and won. Having the self-confident women who overcame dwelling on their large size or less than good looks speak up would be more inspiring. "Never get up from the table feeling stuffed or guilty, but also never get up without feeling satisfied" is a good example of the advice you get from the book. It would've been better to hear more from the likes of Anna Deavere Smith. Please don't confuse the talented actress with Anna Nicole.

This isn't to say Huffington -- who has accomplished much since her Greek beginnings -- has nothing to offer. A person doesn't become successful like Huffington without a large effort on her part. Her writing talent is evident in On Becoming Fearless and most chapters offer something of value to the reader. The fact is, however, that other authors and books do a better job of inspiring readers on the topic of dealing with fear.

The best parts in On Becoming Fearless come from other women's stories and the guest contributors who shared experiences fearlessness as the essence without letting their fame or ego get in the way. But really, the advice is common sense. Those who didn't pick up some of the ideas posed in the book will appreciate it more. On Becoming Fearless still makes a nice read, but it shouldn't be someone's hope for a solution in facing fears.

On Becoming Fearless..........2007-09-04

A pretty good book with some inspiring women and quotes. However, all the references to God being essential to a life without fear left me cold- very presumptious and insulting to those of us that don't believe.

For all women to read!.......2007-06-01

Loved the book and bought it for my daughters and neices. Only one issue - the god chapter. Arianna makes many assumptions about something she obviously knows nothing about: atheism. In this chapter all reason and logic dissipate and she makes statements as though they are fact rather than her own uneducated judgements. Some thoughts to consider while reading this out-of-place chapter:
An atheist's life is not emotionally unbearable, filled with fear or a barren terrain. It is in fact a life that is appreciated and wondrous considering that we only get to live it once.
Life has meaning without god. With no god to concern myself with - I find I have much more time for meaningful endeavors and enjoyment without the pall of fear always hanging about. I don't need a supernatural being to give my life meaning - it has meaning in and of itself.
She obviously hasn't read or spoken in depth to anyone who is an atheist. She has one agenda and bias towards faith, thus lending no credibility to her assumption that those without faith are unhappy - and that does nothing to change that faith is nothing more than wishful thinking. She goes from being a woman of intellectual integrity to a little girl who believes in wishful thinking and wants the rest of us to do so.
People of faith have a need to falsely state how unhappy, misguided and empty atheists must be. They seem to want us to join in the misery of fear and submission that faith seems to promote.
It is fearless to face the possibility that there is no god. It is fearless to live life as it is, to rely on yourself, living in reality with no seeking out of some mythical presence. It is fearless to know that you get one life and to make the most of it for yourself and others with no promise of an afterlife.
I wouldn't even bother reading this chapter - it only serves to undo what she is setting out to do by writing the book. The book would have gotten fives stars if not for that one chapter.

Fearless or fluffy?.......2007-05-27

As a career consultant, I'm always looking for books to recommend to my clients and ezine readers. Fear is always top-of-mind for career-changers. So I was hoping to gain new ideas and perhaps be able to recommend a new book.

Since I don't live in California, I didn't recognize Huffington's name from her gubernatorial race. I don't know her name or politics.

On Becoming Fearless seems to be a collection of random thoughts, interspersed with brief essays from celebrities and notables. Alas, publishers like names more than ideas and revere fame more than substance.

The chapter on aging seems at best irrelevant and at worst insensitive. Huffington begins by noting the Greek respect for elders. True, many cultures do revere elders (although I wonder how long that pattern will continue). But that's not relevant to most of us.

Don't look in the mirror, Huffington says. Accept yourself. But she acknowledges her use of detox processes (yuk) and the services of a very special esthetician (beyond reach and pocketbook of most aging women).

In another example, the chapter on money sings the familiar song of passion and abundance. While many people are held back by fear, a little healthy caution can save others from disastrous moves. Some people handle risk better than others. Some come up with realistic dreams while others build castles in the air.

Bottom Line: I was disappointed in my quest for a new book to recommend. If you want to read a really good book on fear, get Thom Rutledge's book, Embracing Fear. Or read one of Harriet Lerner's books.

What's really scary is that fluff and New Age-y books are so quick to attract publishers and ultimately readers.

Summer Bridge Activities: 1st Grade to 2nd Grade (Summer Bridge Activities)

Average customer rating:

Summer Bridge acitivites
As compared to other curriculum books
Fun Summer Activities that Practice Skills Already Learned
Pretty Decent
Highly Recommended

Summer Bridge Activities: 1st Grade to 2nd Grade (Summer Bridge Activities)
Julia Ann Hobbs , Carla Fisher , and Jill F. Clark
Manufacturer: Rainbow Bridge Publishing (UT)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Family Activities | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

School-Age Children | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Parenting Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Summer Bridge Activities: 3rd to 4th Grade
Summer Bridge Activities: Preschool to Kindergarten
Summer Bridge Activities: Kindergarten to 1st Grade
Summer Bridge Activities: 4th to 5th Grade
Summer Smarts: Activities and Skills to Prepare Your Child for Second Grade (Summer Smarts)

Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

Product Features:

Learning, summer school, home school, first grade, grade two, school, age 7, age 8, age 6

ASIN: 1887923047

Product Description

GENERAL FEATURES: Finished the First Grade and ready for Grade Two? Summer Bridge Activities is just the thing with over 150 pages of fun-learning to help you. Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Language! Build confidence and self-esteem by reviewing and previewing classroom skills in preparation for the year ahead. Activities are written by award-winning Educators and the winner of the National Parenting Seal of Approval and Parent's Choice Award. They are endorsed by Teachers, Principals and Parents and proven successful. Designed for ages between grades one and two.

Customer Reviews:

Summer Bridge acitivites.......2007-08-20

Goal setting with a reward a great incentive for a few pages a day.
Thanks, I'll be sure to get next years early.

As compared to other curriculum books.......2007-07-08

I have tried every home curriculum book I have ever seen. This one is the best. My children can sit down and read the directions and complete the pages without my help. Each page has a reasonable amount of work problems on it. My children are oth working in the book that is for their own age. They do not find it challenging but Iam only looking for a review for them, not for them to be learning new information. We do not use the sticker/motivation program because I expect my children to do some work every day and I don't like them to think they need a reward for completing it.

Fun Summer Activities that Practice Skills Already Learned.......2007-06-27

I teach 4th grade and my son is entering second grade in the fall. We just received the Summer Bridge Activies book and having only been using it for 3 days, we are pleased. It provides two pages of work each day and recommends reading for 15 minutes as well. My son is an average kid and can complete all of this in less than 30 minutes. He is enjoying working with me and is proud of his ability to do most of the work himself. I appreciate that the work is practice oriented. Practice-work over the summer should be fun and encouraging, not overwhelming and frustrating. I love the reading list to take to the library. Since I teach fourth grade, I am more familiar with novels that my own students would enjoy. I would recommend this series along with another series I purchased called, Summer Smarts. Both books are worthy of money I spent on them. In fact, next Spring, I may send home a letter to my students' parents offering to purchase a book for their child for next summer.

Pretty Decent.......2007-06-27

The last thing my daughter wants to do during summer vacation is more "school work", but she hasn't put up any fuss about this workbook. Each day has just two pages to complete. The work gets progressively harder so that what she's doing at the beginning of summer is so simple she doesn't complain. She doesn't even seem to notice that the work is starting to get more complex. I'll keep using these books for the next several grades.

Highly Recommended.......2007-02-12

I've bought books in these series for 2 summers in a row now. They are a great way to keep key educational elements alive for your child until they go back to school, without overwhelming them with work during summer vacation. Each day has an assigned lesson and they take 10 - 15 minutes top to complete. There is a reward system so that you can set up a treat or prize if they complete a certain number of days. My daughter really liked these.

Living a Life That Matters: Resolving the Conflict Between Conscience and Success

Average customer rating:

Deep But Not Depressing
Good Book
A book that truly matters
Please read it
fairly interesting

Living a Life That Matters: Resolving the Conflict Between Conscience and Success
Harold S. Kushner
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Happiness | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Personal Transformation | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Success | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Theology | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

How Good Do We Have to Be? A New Understanding of Guilt and Forgiveness
Overcoming Life's Disappointments
When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough: The Search for a Life That Matters
The Lord Is My Shepherd
When Bad Things Happen to Good People

ASIN: 0375410635
Release Date: 2001-09-04

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

A person's longing for significance--which can lead to excessive ambition, moral compromise, and preoccupation with status--often stands in conflict with a longing to be good. In Living a Life That Matters, Harold S. Kushner (the Massachusetts rabbi whose bestselling books include When Bad Things Happen to Good People) suggests that the most successful lives are the ones that most effectively manage and resolve that conflict. For example, Kushner retells the biblical story of Jacob, in a chapter whose lesson is named by its title, "How to Win By Losing." Hamlet, Dirty Harry, and Exodus are a few of the dozens of examples he cites while elaborating on the essential lesson of this book: that success and significance converge in every act of love, generosity, and self-sacrifice that we make for our families, friends, and communities. --Michael Joseph Gross

Book Description

From the celebrated author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People, a profound and practical book about doing well by doing good.

For decades now, from the pulpit and through his writing, Harold Kushner has been helping people navigate the rough patches of life: loss, guilt, crises of faith. Now, in this compelling new work, he ad-dresses an equally important issue: our craving for significance, the need to know that our lives and our choices mean something.
We sometimes do great things, and sometimes terrible things, to reassure ourselves that we matter to the world. We sometimes confuse fame, power, and wealth with true achievement. But finally we need to think of ourselves as good people, and we are troubled when we compromise our integrity in the pursuit of what we think of as success.

Harold Kushner tells us that the path to a truly successful and significant life is through friendship, through family, and through acts of generosity and self-sacrifice. He describes how, in affecting the life
of even one person in a positive way, we make a difference in the world, and prove that we do in fact matter.
Persuasive and sympathetic, anecdotal and commonsensical, Living a Life That Matters inspires and uplifts.

Customer Reviews:

Deep But Not Depressing.......2005-12-21

Subtly is the thread that weaves through every chapter of this warm and slightly fuzzy book. Reading Kushner is like wrapping yourself in a thick flannel blanket on a snowny night. This is wonderful to keep on hand for those days when you're a little stressed out or down. Covering a variety of topics, this book will have you re-evaluting everything from how you spend your time to the death penalty. Interesting chapter on revenge and the often misquoted statement by Milton in "Paradise Lost."

Good Book.......2004-07-08

I picked this up at the Sheboygan Public Library a few months ago and I couldn't put it down. It has many excellent messages about life and living. One can see positive experiences in almost any life venture, even the scary life ventures. In his own special way, Kushner helps your life be more special when you read this book.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

A book that truly matters.......2002-06-05

In my years of ministry, I have held the hand of many dying persons. And you know what? Never has one said "I wish I had spent more time at work", or "My life would have been complete if I had got that promotion." Nope. They talk about words of love unsaid, words of anger they wish they could unsay, time that should have been spent with their kids and family that they wasted on chasing an ephemeral ideal of 'success'.

In Living a Life that Matters, Kushner has given us a timely examination of why it is that so many in our culture spend their valuable time striving for a culturally defined success that doesn't really matter, and how to reevaluate and reorient for a meaningful life. Kushner's wonderful stories and examples, as well as clear entertaining writing make this a gem. It's easy to read, and as deep as the night sky.

If you are a person with an unsettled feeling in your soul, wondering what your life really means after all, Kushner's book is a great place to start looking for answers.

Please read it.......2002-02-27

Other reviewers have already given good to great summaries of this book. I just wanted to add my vote. Great book!

fairly interesting.......2002-02-05

a variety of essays of varying degrees of wisdom, all more or less related to people's desire to be important, to matter to someone. One phrase I liked: "a church or synagogue that only admitted saints would be like a hospital that only admitted healthy people. It would be a more pleasant place and easier to run, but that's not what we're in business for." Another example: I liked his explanation of the destructive impact of crime (i.e. that it robs victims of their feeling of power and significance) -- but Kushner's argument against the death penalty did not persuade me. He writes: "we don't have to kill criminals to reclaim power over them" -- but the primary victim of a murder is unable to reclaim power, because he or she is dead, dead, dead.

Get to Work: A Manifesto for Women of the World

Average customer rating:

Hirschman philosophy: Negative attention better than no attention.
Working is incredibly over-rated
An excellent read
Typical socialist feminist pushy nonsense
A short book with a simple point and a proposed solution

Get to Work: A Manifesto for Women of the World
Linda R. Hirshman
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Self-Esteem | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Success | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Feminist Theory | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Truth Behind the "Mommy Wars": Who Decides What Makes a Good Mother?
Mommy Wars: Stay-at-Home and Career Moms Face Off on Their Choices, Their Lives, Their Families
Opting Out?: Why Women Really Quit Careers and Head Home
Unbending Gender: Why Family and Work Conflict and What to Do About It
FEMININE MISTAKE, THE: ARE WE GIVING UP TOO MUCH?

ASIN: 0670038121

Book Description

When Linda R. Hirshman published an article called “Homeward Bound” in last December's American Prospect, she fully intended to reignite the dying embers of feminism's fire. But the ensuing maelstrom of criticism and applause from national op-ed columnists like David Brooks in The New York Times to mothers—stay-at-home and working mothers alike— surprised even her. Suddenly, the retired professor of philosophy and women's studies is at the center of an increasingly hot debate on sexual politics. With Get to Work, Hirshman expands her now-infamous call for all women to realize the ideal of economic independence and self-determination.

Examining the trend of affluent, educated women abandoning their careers in order to raise children, Hirshman has concluded that the real glass ceiling that's barring women from success in the workplace is in their own homes. Why, forty years after The Feminine Mystique, do men and women assign the low-level and generally unrewarding jobs of housekeeping and child rearing to women? The time is ripe for a new feminist revolution based on values and quality of life, not some false promise of “choice.” Get to Work will lead the national discussion as Hirshman lays out a strategic plan to help women rediscover that their place is not necessarily in the kitchen.

Customer Reviews:

Hirschman philosophy: Negative attention better than no attention........2007-08-21

This book is such hooey. Period. Manifestos are written by dictators. Enough said. Sadly, she trashes women as mothers (AND children) under the tired mantra of "up with women".

Instead, I recommend "The Power of Mother Love" by Brenda Hunter, Phd. The book is SO EXCELLENT, written by a life-experienced mom who portrays an honest & scientific view of mothering.

Hunter offers balanced thinking, steady approaches to ALL mothers -- there is NO judgement in this book. (And frankly, why would ANYONE, especially Hirschmann, want to viciously attack other women for their life choices anyway?!!)

Hunter also pens many personal experiences from her own professional and personal (read: mother) life, admitting her mistakes and offering commentary to enrich women.

This book proved especially encouraging & timely for me during a time when I had just left my GREAT career to raise my EVEN GREATER newborn son.

It truly helped me define my approach to mothering and settled questions in my mind. And I've never looked back, only forward. Her advice was solid.

If you're looking for answers without judgement and name-calling, read "The Power of Mother Love".

Working is incredibly over-rated.......2007-08-08

From my observations, most people have jobs, not fascinating careers, which is a reality seemingly lost on the author. The majority of humanity toil away in dreary, windowless offices, stand infront of cash registers, file paperwork that has no larger context or meaning, enter "data" into computers, slave their lives away in factories, and so-on. But according to the author, being a cog in the industrial machine is the only goal worth striving for. I thoroughly disagree.

As a music teacher who stayed home for many years while my 3 kids were little (they're now in elementary school) I can assert my deepest-held conviction that they were the best years of my children's lives. Note that I said "my children's lives". What is most fulfilling for me, or any other parent, is irrelevent. It isn't about ME. Luckily, they were some of the best years of my life, as well. Yes, I could have been standing infront of a classroom, drinking tea in the staffroom, and sitting in traffic twice a day. What the hell for? I can work til I'm at least 65 - but I don't want to. I'd rather be in a canoe somewhere.

Food for thought: if working is so great, why is everyone obsessed with retirement? And why is everyone depressed when Monday rolls around, or the once-yearly vacation is over? What a horrible way to live. There is nothing better than puttering around the house on a rainy day with the kids, kettle on the hob, and the whole day stretched before you in all its uncertainty. If you can stay home, you're lucky. I'm aware of that. But many people have that choice and choose to go to work. It boggles my mind.

Being home allowed me to read voraciously and practice the piano whenever I felt like it. Bliss! And my kids ate real food and went to the library a lot. The bottom line is, children are really special. You only get one shot to do it right. You can change jobs, and start new careers, but if you make a mess of parenting, it isn't going to matter one iota in the big grand scheme of things.
Life is terribly short - try to spend as much of it with the people you love the most.

An excellent read.......2007-07-18

Linda Hirshman's book is revolutionary and long awaited. Hirshman is one of my personal heros. She illustrates many great points and gives excellent advice. Why should women give up their dreams and stop contributing to society? She explores the sexism of the media and how it shapes the lives of women in pursuading them that they are not responsible for their own lives. This book is an important wake up call that every woman needs. If you do not listen to the points in this book, you will be sorry when you are old, have no money, and did not live out any of your aspirations.

Typical socialist feminist pushy nonsense.......2007-07-17

We've had 4 decades of feminism being crammed down our throats and some of us young women are smart enough to vomit it back up.

I wasted my early 20s getting an engineering degree because I bought into these fear tactics. The truth is, if it wasn't for the feminists pushing for the ridiculous no-fault divorce laws and encouraging women to be as undesirable and masculine(sleeping around unmarried, looking down on housework and cooking, being pushy and dominant in areas they should have left for the guys, etc) as possible has increased the divorce rate. Before the feminists took a stranglehold on the legal system it was only 5%.

This isn't good policy for normal mothers or their children. It is good for the elitist, over educated, feminists socialists who would have us all work in slavery to their new world matriarchal order.

A short book with a simple point and a proposed solution.......2007-06-07

Linda Hirshman has a definite opinion -- that women should not waste their educations raising kids. I happen to think that spending time raising the next generation is worthy of an educated person's time. However, she makes some excellent points about how unequal the workplace still is, and why this is a problem. She also has a concrete solution: fix the tax code that unfairly penalizes a married woman's income. This is a valid point and it is refreshing to hear someone focus on something concrete that could change in our current system. However, I believe that our current system of only allowing full-time employees access to affordable health insurance is a greater problem. My husband and I seriously considered splitting the child care and the income-producing work. The fact that one of us had to maintain full-time status for health insurance meant that one of us would focus on child care, thus the division of labor.

A negative in the book is that she fails to account for how children will be raised if everyone is working full time at more exciting and lucrative jobs. And the title may put some people off from the start, particularly those who collapse into bed every night after a day of taking care of children. We wouldn't tell a nanny or a day care provider to "get to work" but somehow people don't mind saying this to at-home mothers who work at least as hard (since they are usually also cooks, financial managers, house cleaners, etc.). However, the book is concise and to the point, and she is not trying to hide the fact that she is making a value judgment.

Everyday Ways to Raise Smart, Strong, Confident Girls: Successful Teens Tell Us What Works

Average customer rating:

Everyday Ways to Raise Smart, Strong, Confident Girls
A Must Read for All Who Care About Girls

Everyday Ways to Raise Smart, Strong, Confident Girls: Successful Teens Tell Us What Works
Barbara Littman
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Teenagers | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Parenting Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

200 Ways to Raise a Girl's Self-Esteem: An Indespensable Guide for Parents, Teachers & Other Concerned Caregivers
GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS: RAISING CONFIDENT AND COURAGEOUS DAUGHTERS
Raising Confident Girls: 100 Tips for Parents and Teachers
Dads and Daughters: How to Inspire, Understand, and Support Your Daughter When She's Growing Up So Fast
How To Say It (R) To Girls: Communicating with Your Growing Daughter (How to Say It)

Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer
Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0312209738

Amazon.com

Too many young women become convinced during their teenage years that they are failures who will never be beautiful, smart, or able to achieve professional success. But some girls manage to break free of the cycle of self-doubt--and 81 of them told Barbara Littman what their parents did to help make their success possible. The advice in Everyday Ways to Raise Smart, Strong, Confident Girls is mostly commonsensical (spend time with your daughter, take her ambitions and achievements seriously), but the simple activities it recommends can make a huge difference in an adolescent girl's life. There's some parental advice that is gender-specific: fathers can include their daughters in traditionally "male" activities like auto repair, while mothers, by accepting compliments from others, can show that it's OK for a woman to be proud of her accomplishments. Above all, Littman advises, be honest with young women and give them the psychological tools they need to mature into self-reliant women.

Book Description

A resource of fresh, practical things you can do every day to help your daughter stay active and involved during the precarious period of adolescence.

Customer Reviews:

Everyday Ways to Raise Smart, Strong, Confident Girls.......2001-07-29

This book gives you practical, down to earth ideas that you can easily incorporate into your everyday life. No time consuming charts to keep track of. What I really liked was that many quotes and ideas were from successful girls and what they felt made them successful.

A Must Read for All Who Care About Girls.......2000-03-27

Everyday Ways... is a must read for any parent, educator or mentor who is concerned with raising girls in the world today. Not only does Barbara Littman explain why girls are the way they are, she gives suggestions on how to raise girls to be confident in themselves and to be proud of who they are. The suggestions are do-able and simple. The book is truly a usable handbook that can be read in a short amount time with additional resources added in the back of the book. I am recommending this book to all my friends with daughters!

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books