Customer Reviews (39)

Begging You to Read this Book!
Boy is this interesting stuff! I doubt I would have gotten involved with baby names if I had not read this book, and now I'm as interested in them as the authors are. I think this is quite different from previous versions of BJ&J, and will give you the latest advice about avoiding trendy names. After all, the 94 edition will NOT tell you to watch out for Briana and Dakota. And there's new strategies here for finding new names and generally looking at the naming process. And it's fun to read! Other name books I've tried before are boring, and they're ALL THE SAME! This one breaks out of the mold and gives you practical hints and opinions of people in the know.

Buy this book before you name that baby!
Forget the name books that tell you which names are derived from the Celtic for Spam; this book tells you what you *really* need to know. Like, will your daughter be doomed to be "Savannah S." because there are six other girls with the same name in her class? Or will your son's oh-so-trendy masculine name have been co-opted by the girls the way Leslie and Hillary were in the past and the way Taylor is being now?
Full of humor, insight and fabulous lists, this books provides names for every occasion. From trendy to Biblical and classic to corny, you'll find names that are on their way out and names on they're way back in. You'll even find top ten lists from other countries, just in case your choice seems a little unconventional for the US.
This book helped me decide that my own son's name (Gabriel) wasn't too boring or weird and, in the year that has followed, I've been amazed how right they have been on some of the hot naming trends. A great read and useful to boot, but make sure you get the most recent edition.

Best Baby Name Book Out There
I loved this book when picking a name for my first child. Those books of lists like "27,585,884 Baby Names Volume XXVIII" are a dime a dozen. This is a fun, informative, and useful book that puts baby naming in perspective. It's important to think about things like "If I name my first child X, how will that affect what I name my second child?" It also offers invaluable advice about the psychology of different types of names and how they can affect not only the child, but how the child feels in comparison to siblings (like if you have two daughters and name one Juliet and the other Pat, those girls are going to see themselves very differently). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names   2. Child Care/Parenting   3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth   4. Family & Relationships / Baby Names   

Admittedly, we sometimes become oversentimental about motherhood. But in a climate of rampant cynicism and family disintegration, stories about maternal love, courage, devotion, and triumph can be immensely comforting and inspiring. Contributors such as Dave Barry, Barbara Bush, Reba McIntire, Erma Bombeck, and Joan Rivers offer celebrity appeal. But even more heart coddling are the stories by everyday women, sharing their intimate experiences about becoming a mother, almost losing a child, discovering miracles, and honoring the wisdom of grandmothers. Mothers of all ages will appreciate this book as a gift to themselves or as a gift to a beloved mom. But get out your handkerchiefs, the editors showed no restraint when it came to including tearjerkers. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

A pleasure to read, warmed my heart.
I thought this book was very enjoyable. I am an avid reader of the Chicken Soup for the Souls series and as a new mother I thought this book was perfect. Of course some of the stories are more touching than others, but they all sparked an emotional response from me. The format of short stories makes the book easy to read and hard to put down. I often find myself at night, saying, " Okay, I'll just read one more story" and 45 min later of course I'm still reading. I would recommend this book to all, mothers, children, fathers, grandparents. . ., but its a tear-jerker so remember the tissues!!

A must read for all women
I received my first Chicken Soup book from my father six years back and since then there has been no stopping. I continue to be a voracious reader of these lovely series. I have recommended them to many of my friends too.

Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul is one book which I feel all women must read irrespective of whether they have arrived at the threshold of motherhood or not. Heart-warming stories, personal experiences, and moving tales comprise this book, which will on more than one occassion make you grab a tissue and wipe your moist eyes. The illustrations in this book are hilarious too. As you read this book, you shall reflect upon the happiness and pain of your own relationship with your mother. One of the finest and sweetest books you can gift to your near and dear ones. They will always thank you for this book.

I shall take the liberty of quoting one of the proverbs in this book.
"God cannot be everywhere so He made mothers."

There...I rest my case. Nothing further needs to be said in honor of this exquisite book.

highly recommended
If you've ever been a mother or a daughter this book is definately for you. The stories will make you laugh and cry and, best of all, you'll recognize yourself in many of the pages.
This book is one of my favorites. It's a real treasure. Five stars! Debbie Farmer, parenting author of 'Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat' ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General   2. Inspirational   3. Inspirational - General   4. Literary collections   5. Motherhood   6. Mothers   7. Personal Growth - Happiness   8. Self-Help   9. Family & Relationships / Motherhood   

Subjects:  1. Fiction   2. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective   3. General   4. Maple sugar industry   5. Mystery & Detective - General   6. Quilting   7. Quiltmakers   8. Women pioneers   9. Fiction / General   

Customer Reviews (8)

Sacrifices detail; no original research.
This is not a terrible book. It is OK, perhaps pretty good. Let us discuss its virtues: it is clear and simple. There are many pretty pictures, most of which are well-chosen. Unlike many things I have read in the ancient world recently (such as the Oxford Classical Dictionary's awful definition of pornography) the political correctness is quite intelligent, bridled, and well-balanced, not strident or out of control at all. The authors even take the "Goddess" school to task, gently pointing out that, pace the Merlin Stone and Gimbutas School, the view that Old Europe once together worshipped a female goddess is out of style. I like that, and I like the generally balanced viewpoints on many things: it's not too left wing, not terribly right wing. It takes into account recent observations without becoming crippled by an orthodox postmodernism, either.
That was the good part. Here's the bad part. It's bland. Clear, yes: but bland. Second, most of its clarity derives from its refusal to give specifics. The book is truly aimed for highschoolers, not college students. (Perhaps junior college in California: I'll compromise.) Compare it with Raphael Sealey's excellent "A History of the Greek City States" on any section -- take Peisistratus for an example. True, Sealey doesn't have chapters entitled "Women in Greece," but he certainly has done his own research rather than blandly blending the research of others. That's the biggest problem with this book: it bears the mark of a general general textbook seven generations from any original research.
It's not horrible. It would be quite suitable, for example , for my mother or your grandmother or someone like that who has little college education. The pictures are pretty; it moves along fine, though sacrificing detail greatly. It's much too expensive for a cheap paperback, though. Perhaps the expense is the pictures: it's certainly not the fine writing or original research.

I can't put down enough praise.
Luckily, this was the first book I ever read about Ancient Greece and I feel very fortuneate about it. Book is very comprehensive in many ways, and it is both extremely entertaining as well as informative. There is just about everything you need to know. I had fragments of information that I have gathered through out my life and this book just filled the missing gap. This book did not just lay facts, but had various parables and also had interesting references from many other sources. It want into details of many lives and I learned about Alexander the Great, Plato, about Sparta and contrasting Athens and more. This book is quite long but never boring, and you can read it like any other fiction books. Some topics will interest you more and will lead you to other books. In my case I have bought Plutarch's lives.

is history science?
I found the book poor when it comes to the critical evaluation
of modern archaeological findings. I do not recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Greece   2. Civilization   3. Europe - Greece   4. Greece   5. Hellenism   6. History   7. History - General History   8. History: World   9. To 146 B.C   10. World - General   11. Ancient Greece   12. European history: BCE to c 500 CE   

Customer Reviews (30)

an absolutely must-read for all women, regardless of age !!!
this book is very inspirational no matter what your plight in life is or has been. there is something there that every woman can identify with in their own lives, no matter what her age or ethnicity. the stories and shared experiences are so real and from the heart that I was overcome with sentiment and emotion. a truly terrific must-read book for ALL women

A book for all
Contrary to this books title, this is a must read for either sex. These strories would inspire anyone with a soft heart and a need for inspiration. As I became more involved in these wonderful life stories, I felt that no matter what obstacle, I could overcome it. Chicken Soup For The Woman's Soul is easily the best collection of works I have ever read

Great Stories for MOMS!
There are several books that enlighten you, and this is surely one of them. Then there are books that change you, books that you take with you for the rest of your life, and these you must share with fellow seekers. These are the books that have unconditionally inspired me to be a better person and that I recommend to anyone searching for inspiration. The first is "The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho" this book is all about a shepherd trying to find his treasure. In the end he realizes his treasure was the journey, the people he met, the souls that touched him(How beautiful!) The second is "Siddhartha by Herman Hesse" A brilliant tale of a man who gives up everything for a journey of enlightenment. On his journey he meets the Buddha, he meets ascetics, and he meets his...(I wont spoil it for you). The last one is for kids, but it is still beautiful. "The Butterfly by Jay Singh" is a tale about a caterpillar in search of her smile! One day this caterpillar realizes she can no longer smile anymore because she is living an inauthentic life. She musters the courage to leave the Silk Palace to find her smile and discovers a whole new world that was hidden from her. Buy them, read them, be inspired! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes   2. Conduct of life   3. Inspirational   4. Inspirational - General   5. Motivational & Inspirational   6. Personal Growth - General   7. Self-Help   8. Women   

Customer Reviews (1)

The recipes I've tried have been GREAT!
I was a bit intimidated to try to cook Thai food. It just seemed like it would be so difficult! The other Thai cookbooks I've looked at seemed a little too scary- how am I supposed to shop for the ingredients if I don't know what they are? This cookbook did a GREAT job of explaining things to me- from the ingredients to the cooking methods involved. Even better, the food is AWESOME! The meals are similar to what I get at my favorite sit-down Thai restaurant. This book is well worth the money for anyone who enjoys Thai food. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery   2. Cookery, Thai   3. Cooking   4. Cooking / Wine   5. Regional & Ethnic - Thai   

Customer Reviews (1)

Exactly what I have been searching for
This is a wonderful book. I have dabbled with quilting and have been searching for a new kind of book to read for pleasure. This book satisfied both interests. I was instantly transported to Elm Creek Manor and became enthralled with each and every character. The second book, Round Robin, is even better. In it, we learn the background of each of the Tangled Web weavers. This is a wonderful series. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies   2. Crafts / Hobbies   3. Hobbies/Crafts   4. Patchwork   5. Patchwork quilts   6. Patterns   7. Quilting   8. Quilts   9. Quilts & Quilting   

Customer Reviews (24)

The best book I have read in a long time!
I literally could not put this book down! As an avid quilter and mystery lover with an interest in history, this book was perfect! I really enjoyed reading about Sylvia Bergstrom's ancestors and how they founded Elm Creek Manor. (I wish the quilt camp really existed, I would love to attend!) I found the part of the book that was Gerda's story to be fascinating, and being from Pennsylvania, I enjoyed reading about PA's role in the underground railroad. This is the first Elm Creek Quilts book I have read, and I can't wait to read the rest! I can't remember when I have gotten so drawn into a book, and enjoyed it so thouroughly!

A Simply Wondrful Story!!
I began reading Jennifer Chiaverini's series of novels at the last book of the series whick is "The Quilters Legacy". I had to read the series out of sequence due to unavailabilty in our local library. There are apparently many people in our town who are also enjoying this wonderful series. I thought "The Quilters Legacy" was Chiaverini's greatest work until I read The Runaway Quilt! But of course I have not read the other three books in the series yet either. Once I started reading this book it was nearly impossible to put it down. She does a beautiful job of bringing the past family history into the future of Sylvia Compson's life using family quilts & Gerda's memoir. The story was very encaptivating even though I know absolutly nothing about quilting. It revolves around the Underground Railroad near the Civil War error which was extremely interesting. It is an amazing story whether you are interested history and quilting or not. Take the time to read it. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

An entertaining book that is sometimes implausible
The mystery in this novel centers around antique quilts and a 100+ year old journal that may hold the key to these quilts. A stranger (Margaret) brings Sylvia (a quilter who lives at Elm Creek Manor in Pennsylvania) an antique quilt that has been in Margaret's Southern family for a long time -- as far back as the Civil War. What is odd is that the quilting pattern for the quilt is Elm Creek Manor, and Sylvia can't understand why someone in the South before the Civil War would depict her home. She fears that her ancestry may include some slaveowners, although she had always been told that her family were abolitionists who ran an underground railway station.

Implausibly, Sylvia decides for the first time to go looking for a hope chest that her great aunt gave her the key for many decades ago, and in that chest she finds three quilts and a journal. The mystery thickens as she studies these quilts and reads the journal, but I won't spoil the story by saying any more.

This author is a good story teller, although I enjoyed the "journal" part of the book more than the present day part (the book goes back and forth between the two time periods, although the action takes place at the same place, Elm Creek Manor). I found quite a bit of the story improbable, but if you can get around that, this is a good read.

I couldn't quite get on board with Sylvia's concerns that some of her ancestors may have been slaveholders, since in my opinion no-one is responsible for what their ancestors did, nor can anyone claim credit for an ancestor's good deeds.

Quilters will find it particularly interesting, but you don't have to be a quilter to follow the story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction   2. Fiction - General   3. General   4. Sagas   

Customer Reviews (1)

Very Entertaining with some useful information
I like this book, it's a fun mix of silliness and instruction on how to do things that could come in handy one day. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adventure and adventurers   2. Film & Video - General   3. General   4. Handbooks, manuals, etc   5. Humor   6. Personal & Practical Guides   7. Pop Arts / Pop Culture   8. Popular Culture - General   9. Survival skills   

Customer Reviews (3)

Not satisfied
This book is fun to look at but most, not all, of the recipes are extremely fattening. It is mostly made up of sweets and treats. There are a few healthy and nutritious items but overall you'll see nothing but how to make cookies, candy and ice cream. I don't recommend this book if you are trying to feed your children healthy snacks. These aren't snacks, they're desserts.

Great book for the younger people that would like to cook
This book is a fun book. It has many colorful illustrations that is sure to please and interest young children. The recipes in this book are fun! You can make things like waffle skyscrapers, field of greens pizza, corn cobs, and so much more. This book is put together from the folks at Better Homes and Garden's and they definately have their stuff together with this one. My family has had a lot of fun putting together recipes from this book.

Fun, easy snacks that kids can put together too!
After-school snacks, party treats, or just-for-fun goodies that kids love to make! Kids also like to thumb through the pages choosing snacks they'd like to try. Most are quick to prepare and don't require special ingredients. Most also turn out pretty tasty! Lots of fun! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Cooking   2. Cookery   3. Cooking   4. General   5. Juvenile literature   6. Quick and easy cookery   7. Snack foods   

Customer Reviews (9)

Gotta have this!
This book is so much fun! I found it by accident when I was looking for a regular baby book and so glad I got it. We have been having a great time filling it in. When all the inevitable gross or embarrassing things happen to us, my husband and I can't help ourselves, laughing hysterically we say there's one for The Inappropriate Baby Book! It helps break the tension of having a newborn and definitely keeps you smiling. Everyone I have shown this to thinks it's fabulous! I would definitely buy this again for another child or as a baby shower gift. The only thing I can say that is remotely bad about it is that it is rather small & short (only a couple of pages) but then again let's face it those thick baby books never get all filled in anyway - who has the time! This is one book that will be treasured and years later when looking back at this book you'll still be laughing!

Laughing my head off
I first saw this in a bookstore, and the title made me curious. I ended up standing in the corner there laughing like an idiot. Then, I bought it for a friend who had a baby last May. It is a great "counterweight" to those cutesie baby books that they probably get from friends and relatives anyway.

The Inappropriate Baby Book: Gross and Embarrassing Memories
I own two copies of this book (one for each child) and I LOVE it! I've given it many times over as a gift (perfect for second child or person who has everything) and the parents, as well as anyone else I've ever shown it to, always enjoy it. In fact 99% of them say something like 'this is great, I have to get one for such and such'.
Although some of the subject matter may be about gross events the drawings are anything but. They are made with a sense of humor and are tasteful as well as cute. In fact if the images were available for thank you cards, announcements, gift tags and children's clothes I am sure they would sell. Ms. Stinson not only has a sense of humor but is talented.
Truly you do brag about your child's first steps and words but over the years of their life what do you re-tell more? The fisrt step/word or getting candy some how stuck up their nose and spending 2 hours in the ER? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blank Books / Diaries / Memory Books   2. Blank Books/Journals   3. Family & Relationships   4. General   5. Infants & Toddlers - Infants   6. Parenting - General   7. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Customer Reviews (8)

Jimmeny Cricket, this book is the bestest ever.
I love this book because it has lots of words in it, WOW. Holla at your boy.

Very nice book if used as a textbook
Very nice writen for new learners while covers enough aspects to step further. Long because it is from the merging of another 2 books. Recommended as a handbook for new commers to database area.

Poorly written
I was extremely disappointed by this book (I borrowed it, thank God). It is sparse on several subjects, exercises lacks answers and the book is in general poorly written. Besides that, the book is a merge of two books and the integration of these books should never have been attempted.

You may go to the book's home page and download a couple of chapters for free and decide for yourself.

Sorry, I cannot possibly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Data Base Management   2. Computer Books: General   3. Computers   4. Data Modeling & Design   5. Database Engineering   6. Database Management - General   7. Database management   8. Computers / Database Management / General   

Where can twentysomethings learn to cook? Basic Cooking, first published in Germany and now Americanized, is a good starting place. Relying on bold layouts to keep things visually spirited and a "hip" authorial voice that jollies readers along, the book imparts solid cooking information and core recipes in a direct, friendly way. "Think basic and have fun," the authors exhort; most readers, of whatever age, will.

Assuming kitchen innocence but informed taste, the book offers its readers data on shopping and pantry setup (a sidebar usefully dissects refrigerator space), basic techniques (the labels "strong" and "gentle" cooking are its helpful way of dividing the wet-cooking methods), and over 150 attractive recipes. Recipe chapters begin with basic info--on rice types, for example--and then present photo-illustrated formulas for the likes of spaghetti with clams, caesar salad, baked salmon, and chocolate pudding. The recipes, which include extensive prep information, cover not only simple dishes, as above, but more sophisticated ones such as Whole Fish Baked in Salt, Provincial Vegetable Ragout, and Crème Caramel. With small tutorials such as "Five 5-Minute Savory Sauces" among its trove of show-and-tell material, the book should attract its intended audience and others as well. --Arthur Boehm ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Favortite cookbook
I love this cookbook. I have had it for 5 years, and it is still my favorite. The best thing about it is that it teaches you everything you need to know about stocking your kitchen with essentials, how to cook all different types of foods, and even how to cook for company. The recipes are simple, and taste delicious. I could never get tired of it. Most of the meat dishes are now my staples.

I am actually an accomplished cook, but I bought this book because I used to be a vegetarian, so I did not know how to cook meats. It makes everything simple, and doesn't use crazy ingredients, which makes it a staple for everyday cooking. Also, it tells you how long it takes for prep time and cooking each dish so you can judge if you have time to make it.

I highly recommend this book to beginners and anyone looking for easy fast recipes that will have everyone thinking you are the best hostess ever.

Pretty and USEFUL
Often, a cookbook is pretty or it's a textbook. This one has taught me more in 30 minutes of perusal than many others have in days of reading dull recipes. It is large and lays flat for easy consultation during cooking. The prep times have been pretty accurate even for a cooking klutz like me and the recipes are simple enough to allow plenty of room for experimentation. This book has given me the confidence I lacked (and lost more of when looking through other books of "basic cooking"). Love it. Have sent copies to other kitchenphobes in my circle.

great book to get you started
This book is much more than a bunch of recipes, it teaches process. I've recently found a passion for cooking. This book has been extremely helpful in allowing me to become a better cook. The other cookbooks I have didn't help nearly as much.

I also like that it is large and lays flat without me having to put something on it. It means I can check the recipe without having to hold the book open at the same time. The vibrant pictures really inspire you to want to try out a recipe. I find that inspiration is often the hardest thing.

In addition to all this, the recipes are great. I wasn't a huge fan of the pumpkin soup, but everything else has turned out wonderful.

This is a must have for anybody who wants to start cooking good meals for themselves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, International   2. Cooking   3. Cooking / Wine   4. Methods - General   5. Methods - Quick & Easy   6. Reference   7. Health   

Customer Reviews (93)

IGNORE The NAY-SAYERS!!!! THIS IS A WONDERFUL READ!
This is an absolute gem of a book. Min is everywoman and the way she deals with so many of our issues is, well, just
inspirational. Although Min was never a doormat, it's great fun watching her flex her muscles as she gradually realizes that she doesn't have to put up with all that stuff cluttering up her life -
an obnoxious boyfriend, a toxic mother, her own negative body image, well-meaning yet interfering and slightly loopy friends.
She's just learning to know and love herself when Cal comes into her life. And what a perfect reward for all her pains Cal is - better than Krispie Kremes. (Vegas Here I come) *ahem*

Min and Cal's relationship is so skillfully developed that
I didn't even notice how long Crusie made us wait for one of her famous "hot" scenes until it finally happened. And the dog we've come to expect is in this case a cat - but what a cat.

I just loved this funny and wickidly sharp book and I know it's one I'll read again and again - especially when the old self-esteem needs a boost!

Well said....Diana

Unexpectedly Excellent
Okay -- wow, this was good! I have never read Crusie before, so I was expecting just another semi-generic chick lit novel. I've never been so glad to be disappointed!

I think this is the most perfect chick lit book I have ever read. It was hilarious, for one -- the one-liners just kept coming the whole novel through. And they were *good* one-liners, funny, smart, sexy, and witty. The characters were fabulous -- well-drawn, quirky, likeable (the good guys), deliciously unlikeable (the bad guys), intelligent, and fully fleshed-out. These were people I wanted to get to know and hang out with, the kind of people I could see myself being friends with. And the plot was utterly absorbing. Once I started, I couldn't put the book down. Literally. I stayed up until 9:00 in the morning finishing this thing; by the end, I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open, but I kept on reading instead of doing the sensible thing and, y'know, sleeping, because I just *had* to know what happened next. It's been a while since I've been that caught up in a book. I'm going to have to check out Jennifer Crusie's other novels, because that was really a lot of fun!

Oh! I forgot to mention the best part! The overweight heroine doesn't lose weight to win the heart of the hero! Not only is she as fat for the happily-ever-after ending as she was for the beginning, but the hero kept feeding her all the way through the novel because he liked the look on her face when she ate something yummy. I was starving when I finished _Bet Me_ -- people kept eating pasta, chicken marsala, and Krispy Kreme donuts! I've been waiting a long time for a book that said you don't have to be thin to be happy, and actually *meant* it. Thanks, Ms. Crusie!

Lack of pronouns distracting
I know this is a trivial matter, but I've been listening to "Bet on Me" on CD over the past day or so on a long road trip. I find the "Min said," "Cal said," "Nannette said," etc. very distracting. In a conversation between two people, even on an audiobook read by one person, "she" or "he" would suffice. Again, I'm not reading it, and in my head it could be completely different, but this lack of personal pronouns is very choppy and distracting to the story.

Otherwise, I'm enjoying it.

And I'm a grammar snob. Maybe an abridgement would be helpful for the audio version of Ms. Crusie's books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction   2. Fiction - Romance   3. General   4. Romance - General   5. Fiction / General   

Although Jennifer Berman, M.D., and Laura Berman, Ph.D., readily agree that "the most important sex organ in the human body is the brain," the last thing they want anyone to believe is that all female sexual problems are mental--quite the contrary. Findings gathered from their own research and clinical practice show that, like men, women often undergo physical changes and challenges that lead to sexual dysfunction; in fact, nearly half of all women in the U.S. experience sexual problems at some point during their lifetime. Through their frank but personable discussion about the female sexual response, sisters Jennifer (a urologist) and Laura (a sex therapist) virtually open their clinic doors to readers; they share client stories, fully describe their clinical patient-assessment process, provide an updated anatomy lesson, and offer practical suggestions for enhancing sexual pleasure.

As founders and co-directors of the Women's Sexual Health Clinic at Boston University Medical Center, the Bermans have treated a variety of ailments, including loss of libido (due to medical factors, emotional issues, or menopause) and arousal and pain disorders. They address it here in plain, understandable words designed to empower women with better information about their bodies and the many factors that can affect sexual well-being. In a way, the book reads almost like a diary of their practice, bolstered by the occasional critical essay (such as chapter 2, "The History of Female Sexuality," or chapter 6, "Sexuality Through the Life Cycle"). For Women Only is a sensitive, sensible, and timely take on a previously "pooh-poohed" subject--with encouraging conclusions that are long overdue. --Liane Thomas ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

finally some answers
I had actually lost hope... until I found this book. I actually saw the doctors Berman on their Discovery Health talk show first. The book outlines all areas of female sexual function and dysfucntion as well as the cutting edge potential therapies. I took it to my doctor who is now recommending it to all his patients. A must read for all women of any age

Best Book on The Subject
This is clearly the best book out there on female sexuality, and believe me, I've read them all!!! It's well written, to the point and provides a plethora of information for women, their partners, as well as health care professionals. A must have!!!

Berman's are the Best
As women, we're getting bombared with self help sex books for women. This is the best one out there by far. I've read them all. Don't waste your time reading anything else. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gynecology   2. Health & Fitness   3. Health and hygiene   4. Health/Fitness   5. Human Sexuality   6. Hygiene, Sexual   7. Love / Sex / Marriage   8. Sex instruction for women   9. Sexual Disorders   10. Sexual behavior   11. Sexuality   12. Women   13. Women's Health - General   14. Health & Fitness / Women's Health   

Customer Reviews (16)

Strange BedPERSONS!!
Having read a couple of Cruise's newer books such as 'FAST WOMEN' and 'FAKING IT' I decided that I wanted to read some of her earlier works so I purchased 'STRANGE BEDPERSONS' and 'MANHUNTING'. The writing styles of the latter are so different from those of the former it is almost hard to believe that the same person wrote them, however, while I wasn't thrilled with 'MANHUNTING' I really enjoyed 'STRANGE BEDPERSONS' despite the difference in style.

The relationship between Nick and Tess was endearing and it was fun watching these two completely opposite people develop a fling into something much more. I also enjoyed the relationship between the secondary characters Gina, Tess' best friend, and Park, Nick's colleague and long time friend. More over, I liked the fact that there was an actual story here, not just watching two people fall in love. I felt for Nick who was fighting to make partner in his law firm and the highly liberal Tess who was torn between the Nick she saw at home and Nick the social climber. I noticed that a lot of people gave this book poor reviews but, call me a sucker for a good "opposites attract" love story; I give it four stars!

Least Favorite
I am a BIG Crusie fan. However, 'Strange Bedpersons' was a disappointment to me. I never felt Tess and Nick really meshed well. It's not a horrible story; just not up to Crusie's usual. 'Strange Bedpersons' left me wandering why I read it. :-(

Typical Romance Fiction
As an undyingly loyal fan of Jennifer Crusie, I was thrilled and delighted to find a title on the bookshelves with her name. I have read just about everything she has written and I have always found her dialogue to be witty and clever. Her books are not usually of the cookie cutter variety. Strange Bedpersons was written in 1994 and I think it was before she became such a popular author. It's cute, but predictable. I felt a lack of depth found in her other novels. I've come to the conclusion that she has improved with experience. If you have a passion for Jennifer Cruisie, read it and enjoy, but don't expect her usual top quality romance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction   2. Fiction - Romance   3. Humorous   4. Romance - General   5. Fiction / Romance / General   

Subjects:  1. Adolescence - General   2. Biography   3. Biography & Autobiography   4. Biography / Autobiography   5. Biography/Autobiography   6. General   7. Jews In The U.S.   8. Judaism   9. Mental Illness   10. Obsessive-compulsive disorder   11. Obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescence   12. Patients   13. Psychoneuroses   14. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior   15. Religious aspects   16. Scruples   17. Scrupulosity   18. Specific Groups - General   19. Traig, Jennifer   20. Women   21. Biography & Autobiography / Business   

Customer Reviews (17)

Beyond hilarious!
What happens when a laid-back stockbroker-turned-private-eye meets a sassy dame with a world-class ass? You'll just have to read the book to find out... "What the Lady Wants" has the feel of a classic 1940's movie; Cary Grant meets "The Maltese Falcon". Mitch and Mae Belle trade witty, sexy banter while dodging bullets and trying to solve the case of the missing trust fund. The superb supporting cast of lethal relatives, secretive servants, mysterious mistresses, and one dumb dog are a wonderful background to Mitch and Mae's love story. My favorite of all Jennifer Crusie's wonderful novels, this is one that you'll want to read over and over again. I lost count after a dozen or so rereads, and I still laugh at the same parts

Lovin' Crusie
This was the second Jennifer Crusie book I've read, and she has made a fan of me for life! I bought the rest of her books and cannot wait to read them.

Mae and Mitch are both funny, but together, they are hilarious! I loved the banter and sexual innuendos, but most of all, I love the thoughts of each character.

I was quite confused, however, when I read my back cover and read Mitch Peabody, but began reading the book and his alias last name was Peatwick. Whetever. Had nothing to do with the story, I just wanted to point that out, because I thought that any editor should have caught that.

Overall, if you like to laugh and enjoy eccentric and witty characters, read this book. In fact, read all of Crusie's books. Strange Bedpersons, Getting Rid of Bradley and Manhunting were also hilarious! I still have more to read!

Funny, entertaiining!
As always, funny, entertaining. I love Jennifer crusie! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction   2. Fiction - Romance   3. Romance - Adult   4. Romance - Contemporary   5. Romance: Modern   6. Fiction / Romance / General   

Jennifer Fleming knows that the best way to prove a point is to use a striking example. She loads Web Navigation: Designing the User Experience with quotes and screen shots that deconstruct some of the most fascinating, successful, and innovative sites devised. Fleming also recommends books within Web Navigation's margins that cover the discussed subjects in more depth. Far from distracting, Fleming's style allow the readers to take notes, think about what each site's page is trying to accomplish, and refocus with the author on the topic.

This book makes it clear that there isn't one right pattern to a successful site. In the case of National Geographic online, she sees the way the site guides and educates the user as its main attribute. For CNET, it's the speed at which it presents well-filtered results and reviews. For Garden Escape, it's its commitment to building a community through "simple and easily used forums" while selling supplies. From design basics to concept meetings to Web heuristics, Fleming casts a wide net without diluting her message: focus on the user's experience. --Jennifer Buckendorff ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Excellent overview on the current state of web design
This book covers a wide array of issues related to the creation of navigation schemes for web sites. Fleming discusses current strategies in site architecture, interaction design and site development (just to name a few). In addition, Fleming describes why these strategies work, how to implement them, and presents fascinating insights from the web's leading design experts (Clement Mok, Jakob Nielsen, Nathan Shedroff, etc.).

One of the most all-encompassing books I've ever read on the subject, this book gives an excellent overview of what's involved in web navigation design. It contains many truths about the problems facing web navigation and offers clear-cut approaches in a very practical manner. The book's high-level approach is ideal for anyone interested in just an overview of web design, but it also offers an impressive list of references to further the research endeavors of readers with a more vested interest in the subject. Some of the examples and case studies will become a bit dated; however, there will always be a tremendous amount of value in this book due to the timelessness of the concepts presented in it.

1998 book anticipates 21st century themes
Jennifer Fleming has created a lively and wide-ranging discussion of Web design practices for the turn of the century. This 250-page volume accepts the Web for what it is - a task-based mass medium reaching for its audience through the often clouded glass of the computer-based browser screen. Rather than fuss over the Web's elusive true form (publishing medium? hyper-animated poster? PC software platform? supermarket?), Fleming simply accepts the obvious: there are all sorts of sites out there. For Fleming, tellingly, the design challenge lies not with deciding the right sort of site, and certainly not with the look of your navigation buttons. Instead, the challenge lies with adapting sites to the increasingly well-documented struggles of their audience. Fleming's book starts with Web users, ends with Web users, and stays with them all the way through.

Jakob Nielsen, of course, has been gathering devotees to his cause of Web usability for several years. But Nielsen, rational as he always is, speaks from outside the designers' circle. Fleming, a practicing design consultant, takes the Nielsen ideas (and others) and turns them into a full-fledged design process, a toolbox for building sites.

Among the best of Fleming's tools is the "user profile", the half-imaginary story about a specific user arriving at a site with particular needs, desires and concerns. You can see this slice of the book excerpted at Web Review. The technique lets you think creatively about all the different frustrations of different user groups - problems with graphics, problems with information design, problems with underlying business processes.

Then there's Fleming's succinct yet detailed description of Digital Knowledge Assets' "ethnographic" methods - such as asking users for stories of satisfying Web experiences, and even giving them disposable cameras to photograph what happens to them as they work.

To her user profiling, ethnographics and the like, Fleming adds a rich mix of more traditional Web project techniques - scenario planning, brainstorming, conventional usability testing and the like, all well-described. And over the top she sprinkles wisdom from scores of sources - from vintage design sources such as Edward Tufte through so-cool designers like Clement Mok and Erik Spiekermann to obscure sources such as a 1996 volume arguing that people expect computer-based media to behave "politely". Parts of Web Navigation are respectful journalism, as Fleming effectively picks the brains of the Web business's best. These luminaries' views broaden her book handily into a catalogue of current Web best practice.

A good primer for web navigation
Whether you're an experienced web designer, information architect, developer, or business analyst, Web Navigation: Designing the User Experience, is an excellent resource.

While many of the sites that Jennifer lists in her netography have changed and evolved over time, she provides a plethora of examples that are still relevant today. Granted many of her examples are "main stream," alot of great work is being done there. It should be noted that the bibiliography is a bit dated, but again, many of the books referenced in the bibliography would still be relevant today.

Additionally, Jennifer provides lists of questions that should be asked when defining / developing site navigation structures. As a consultant, it is my opinion that that best consultants MUST know the right questions to ask. Ms. Fleming provides us with many of these questions. Having also read Rosenfeld and Morville's: Information Architecture for the World Wide Web, I believe that Ms. Fleming is a better writer (or has a better editor). Quite frankly, Morville and Rosenfeld wrote an incredibly important, seminal book, it just isn't very well written in parts. Additionally, I feel that Ms. Fleming provides the reader with considerably more examples than can be found in Information Architecture for the World Wide Web. Kudos to Jennifer!

While many might consider the last six chapters of the book "fluff," I couldn't disagree more. If you're particularly new to designing web navigation, these chapters provide practical examples and issues to consider for specific types of web sites. Overall, I believe this is a "must read!" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books And Software   2. Computer Networks   3. Computers   4. Desktop Publishing   5. Internet - Web Site Design   6. Internet   7. User interfaces (Computer syst   

Customer Reviews (13)

Essential book for stepcouples and professionals!
Although there are many outstanding books on stepparenting, this is the first book that focuses exclusively on stepcouples. With the use of excellent case examples, the authors present sound advice and strategies for dealing with the innumerable, difficult issues faced by these couples. While this is clearly a "remarriage manual", it is more useful than most because it integrates theory in a quite readable, understandable way. For example, family of origin theory is used to demonstrate how unresolved, early life issues can further complicate stepcoupling relationships. I strongly recommend this book to those who are contemplating or currently in stepcoupling relationships, as well as counselors and therapists who see these couples in their practice.

A comfort and a help..
In this straightforward book, the authors coin the term stepcoupling to mean the "ongoing process of forming and maintaining a marriage when children are involved." We all know that we have to pay attention to our marriages to sustain our stepfamilies, and the authors tell us that our success "hinges on the willingness and ability of the partners to grapple with personal and family issues." Then they offer help.

The entire book discusses various personal and family issues that can threaten a stepfamily marriage. Instead of a lot of hard to understand theory, you'll find accessible advice that hits home with so many common problems. Gray boxes throughout provide questions for yourself and for discussions to have with your spouse. Autonomous questions pepper the text, and the authors follow them with practical solutions. Real stepparents, too, contribute their stories and feelings. You'll probably see yourself in several places in these comforting pages.

The book discusses a stepparent's expections of herself and her family. And in the very helpful section on boundaries, the authors discuss not only physical boundaries but also boundaries on relationships, including the need to sever the ties with former spouses and how to expand your boundaries to include your stepchildren. The section on "family acrobatics" tackles the issue of finding everyone's place in the family. You'll also learn how to strike a balance when your styles and values on parenting, money or anything else differ from your spouse's.

The final chapter is one stepcouple's story in their words, how they've survived twenty-nine years to become the close family they are. You'll find encouragement, advice and compassion in this book that truly understands stepfamilies.

Practical Advice for Building a Blended Family Marriage
In "Stepcoupling: Creating and Sustaining a Strong Marriage in Today's Blended Family," Susan Wisdom and Jennifer Green focus on strengthening the bond between spouses after the newlywed reverie has worn off and they wake up after the honeymoon to find themselves in a stepfamily. They encourage newly-married couples to focus on their relationship and carve out couple time. They also urge couples to draw boundaries and find one-on-one time to spend with the kids. Real stepfamily situations are considered and discussed by the authors and provide practical advice to thorny situations. Unlike a lot of self-help books, the authors realize that one standard answer doesn't always work in every situation and they recommend a variety of options for some situations. Questions guide the reader to ponder his/her own situation but without forcing you to stop turning pages for too long. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships   2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth   3. Family Relationships   4. Family/Marriage   5. Marriage   6. Remarriage   7. Remarried people   8. Stepfamilies   9. Stepparenting   10. United States   11. Family & Relationships / Stepparenting