Female Books

I am a guy and I have heard from a lot of people that the book is great but it may not be for men. I read the book and I'd just like to say that it doesn't matter what gender you are, Swimming Lessons is a great book for you.

I usually don't read what I'd call a "chick book"--but I found this at a library sale and gave it a go. What a surprise! I just loved this book. Having 2 authors writing the chapters was unique and really gave the story it's own vision. When you "get" the premise (and it hits you like, WHAM!) you'll laugh and love it even more. It will also teach a great lesson in "walking in another's shoes"...grab your swimsuit, lay out on a towel and enjoy!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am a former swimmer so I really enjoyed the analogies between swimming and life. The writing is terrific. Right now my copy is almost completely dog eared so i can look back on certain passages!

My mom recommended this book to me, but I was a bit skeptical. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that this book, which follows the relationship of two women, could hold my interest so easily. While I was able to predict some of the big twists and turns, the quality of the writing and the exploration of the two main characters developing frienship make this a must read for anybody...male or female.

Swimming Lessons is a great story of friendship. One of courage and determination. You cannot imagine my surprise to recognize the location of the swimming pool Marna learned to swim in. My best friend and I drove over and were delighted to find the pool as described, viewing window and all. What a kick! The characters were engaging. The relationship between Marna and her mother, Roxie, and the way it developed seemed very real to me.

This was my first book from this author. It was a great read from beginning to end. Interesting plot the author used. I rather let you find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed. I will look forward reading his other books.

I read River Rising and loved it so much I went back and purchased a used copy of They Shall See God. What can I say but it's really excellent. Well written, great plot and in-depth characters. One on the best books I've ever read. You must read it.

I was hooked from page one of this suspense novel, and I don't even care for suspense. Athol weaves his characters so deep, they jump off the page and this book is masterfully plotted!

After telling a pretty good friend (and source) that I was reading this, he responded with an e-mail simply stating this... "Dickson is amazing." He was right! And, as a certain review title states, the cover and title do appear rather bland, don't they? HA! This was great.

This probably won't be for everyone. For some it will be a rather sensitive subject. Then for others, it will be just what they need, even though it comes in the form of a novel. A Jewish Rabbi and a Christian woman trying to sort out their differences in the midst of turmoil? Yep. Oh yeah, and in this case, they have to trust each other in order get through what's going on. But hey, a man who just served a 25 year sentence for murder has just been released. And wouldn't you know it, people are showing up dead. This is an awesome parable, so to speak. In a way, look at this as a love story, just add some good suspense to it. I think we have a winner with Rabbi Ruth Gold and Kate (Katy) Flint. This comes at a good pace, along with a quiet understanding. Beautiful!

Set aside you preconceptions about Jewish heritage and see if you learn something. Hey for those who don't know most of the terminology like myself, there's a glossary in the back. This even MAKES you (it did me) examine yourself in a way. See for yourself when you read this book, if you get a glimpse of God.

From the beginning of the book to it's amazing conclusion Dickson takes you on a ride you'll never forget. In a world of Christian fiction often cluttered by shallow characters and weak, pop theology, Dickson actually makes the reader think - what a pleasant surprise. This is an intelligent, well-written mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and not wanting to put it down. Caution - the faint of heart should not read this at night. Get this book and read it now, then you'll want to move on to Dickson's Gar Reed mysteries - and will be anxious for him to get his next novel written.

The theory this book is based on is that women are taught from childhood to live by the Code of Goodness. This Code ends up making women feel used and powerless and leads to many relationship and self esteem problems.

The beginning half of this book was a little tough for me to buy into. I don't completely agree with all of the theories on why women have a tendency to be "too good", but there was enough helpful insight that I thought it was well worth the read. I don't think you have to completely agree with the author in order to get something out of this book. It was easy to read and well organized.
NOTE: I think many men also suffer from being "too good" and that they would also benefit from this book. Unfortunately, it could turn them off because of the way it is written so directly to women.

I have suggested this book to many of my clients, who have found it very helpful. This book explores the painful side of being good and doing good. Some of these ways of being and doing good include always being attractive, being a "lady," being unselfish, making relationships work, and being competent without complaint. There are anecdotes about women who felt better after they stopped trying to meet others' standards of being good. To use the authors' words, these women woke up from "the trance of goodness." I recommend this book highly; it is refreshing, practical, and rings true.

I thought I was the only person who felt this way. I started reading this book and thought the authors were writing about me! In the process of ending a 20+ year marriage, I am searching for answers about myself and have found at least some of them in this book. My husband and I have both seen separate counselors to deal with our loss, and his counselor sent the book home for me to read. I will be forever grateful. Not only that, I will recommend it to my friends (and my teenage daughter).

Ms. Bepko finally answers the question of why I keep trying harder only to be less satisfied with the result! A must-read for women [and men?] who feel overwhelmed and under-appreciated. I've already given away the first copy I bought, because that reader also felt it helped answer a lot of 'why's about frustration and guilt.

The authors promise no easy fixes, no magic wand. But by explaining the burden under which many women labor in trying to keep everything balanced, they help us understand why we feel the way we do. With understanding comes choice - and the reader can choose how to implement this new understanding into everyday life.

Read it soon! It may change your life! This book is making a major contribution to my own recovery from clinical depression.

I wish I had read this book years ago. It is a must read for every woman going through divorce, child rearing, or troubled interpersonal relationships. For centuries women have been told how to behave and what their roles should be in the family and society. Seldom have we been taught how to acheive what is good for ourselves or the importance of personal happiness. As women we have been told since we were children that as long as everyone is satisfied we will be satisfied. Then we are mystified as adults when we constantly give but the satisfaction never comes. This book explains why and how to stop the cycle. If you have a little girl in your house, read it now and teach her how to still give without deteriment to her own dreams, needs and wishes. You are never too old to learn!

I'm a sonographer in a general ultrasound department of a hospital, graduated last year. I was looking through Amazon's list of general resource books for ultrasound, and took a chance on this one. VERY glad I did! This is a great book to keep around in the department, or even to study from. Great images, extensive topic coverage, and well laid out. I would recommend it to anyone in a similar position, no matter the experience. Not much in the way of neonatal ultrasounds, and I wish there was more on vascular, but it really does a great job with Abdomen, OB/GYN, small parts, etc.

I'm a 1st year radiology resident. This book is a good balance between time spent and knowledge obtained for a busy resident. Totally recommended as a first read before entering U/S rotation. However, coverage of vascular ultrasonography is minimal- so after mastering this your next logical step would be Zwiebel's book. Introduction to Vascular Ultrasonography(Fifth Edition)

I found myself reading this book when I had some free time at work, before I bought my own. It covers Abdomen and OB-GYN, so you dont need another book. For a textbook, its easy to read and the pictures are fantastic, so you know when you see it on your patient. I sold my other text books because I acutally read this one and refer to it. I love this book!!!

I am a second year radiology resident. I just completed my first US rotation. I used this book and thought it was great. It has nice pictures and a well-put-together text. All in all, I highly recommend it. One of the best of the Requisites series!

Great book that cover general and obstetric ultrasound in a concise way.
Highly recommended.

Usually, I'm not a non-fiction reader, but the story of Sarah and Ginger's enduring friendship kept me glued to the book. I'd suggest this to anyone who has a friend of any length of time. Loved it!

Do you need to know how people cope with immigration, or do you want to understand the strength and power of woman? Do you need inspiration to realize your dreams or do you want to see the wonder of the animal instinct humans have in friendship?
Do you know anybody that immigrated? Then if you value that friendship, read this book now. It does not matter how wonderful the country is to which one immigrates, your longing for your original home, family and friends can never be alleviated. It becomes part of who you are. One does not need to be depressed or wingy about the matter, but it is always there. Pulling at the very strings of your heart. And one try to justify it on a daily basis.
Ginger and Sara lives this globalization. Sara's office is the world. While she has a family at home. Her friend and support system is at least 3 long haul flights away. Ditto with her in laws.
Ginger lives the dream, finds the love of her life at a price. Though her office is confined to one country, she is vulnerable to the excruciating elements of this desert.
My admiration of these two woman knows no bounds, and on top of all of that, they can write!
Best gift ever for your best friend.

How refreshing to read about two loving, smart, independent women and how they realize the need for loving interdependence between friends! The idea of writing a book together over time and many miles is a perfect illustration of their connection. Their stories of being there for each other -- in spirit and when possible in person -- through the best and worst of times are inspiring. They remind us that the realities of adult life are best viewed through loving eyes -- our own and those of our friends and families. I have read it and shared it with friends with joy and confidence that they will enjoy it as well. Definitely add it to your summer must read list.

I read this book because these authors went to school with my daughters. As I read, my interest went far beyond my connection. The candid sharing of both triumphs and let-downs of each woman was unique and interesting.
The lessons learned, the sacrifices and wisdom gained from following their dreams was fascinating. I highly recommend this book and hope they will continue writing.

It's a great read - the intertwining lives of two childhood friends and how they have cleaved together over the decades. What's rare about this book is that each woman has her say and tells her own story - yet the sum is much more powerful than the two parts. Wonderful to see how these two young girls evolve into women as they nurture each other along the way. I loved it.

I picked up Cypress Point at a book store when I was on vacation and needed a book. I had never read Diane Chamberlain before.I was very happy to have chosen a book that kept my attention with every chapter.I look forward to reading more of her books.

I've loved Diane Chamberlain's work from the moment I discovered her and have bought and read all of her books. CYPRESS POINT is one of my favorites--a complex mix of mystery, romance, and family drama--the kind of book Ms. Chamberlain does so beautifully. The whole time I was reading it I kept thinking how much I wished I'd thought of this plot first, which is the highest compliment a writer can give to another writer. Diane Chamberlain is one of the very best voices in women's fiction today. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This is a story of two women, Joelle and Carlynn, whose lives run parallel, yet are more intertwined than meets the eye. There are two separate stories. One traces Carlynn's life beginning in 1937 at the age of 7; the other begins with Joelle's birth in 1967. The two stories merge into one where deep rooted feelings and secrets are revealed between the two women and that of their loved ones. Diane Chamberlain is best known for underlying themes where things are not always what they seem. "Cypress Point" will not disappoint the reader in line with that theme.

When her best friend, Mara, had an anerysm (sp?) during the delivery of her son, Joelle D'Angelo was heartbroken. Not only for the little boy that would grow up without his mother, but for Mara's husband, Liam. Because she loved Mara like a sister, Joelle did all she could to ease Liam's heartbreak. She spent time with their son, Sam, and even helped find a home to put Mara in when it looked like she would not be recovering. There friendship took a drastic turn one night when they slept together. For Joelle, she was sleeping with the man she loved, while for Liam, all he saw was the betrayal of his wife.

Now Joelle is pregnant herself. Having had a hard time conceiving with her ex-husband, Joelle is estatic, even though she knows that Liam won't show her enthusiasm. Before she moves away, she wants to do one more thing for Liam and Mara. The woman tha saved her life when she was born was said to have worked miracles, and Joelle wants that miracle for the man she loves. Even if the woman he loves isn't her.

Chamberlain again delivers in this intensely emotional read. I was entralled by the story of Lisabeth and Carlynn as well as Joelle and Liam. It made my heartbreak to see what Liam was putting himself through by trying to remain faithful to a woman that simply didn't exisist anymore.

Don't miss it!

I first began reading Diane Chamberlain in 1992 with her book, Keeper of the Light. After that title I made it my business to find and read every book she wrote and then buy all of her new books almost as soon as they are published. For some reason I saved Cypress Point which I bought at a reading featuring the author in 2002. And while Keeper of the Light and the Keeper trilogy which include Kiss River and Her Mother's Shadow will remain my favorite book, I do think I saved one of the best for last since Cypress Point was a most wonderful read.

Cypress Point takes place in the beautiful area of Monterey, California surrounded by the cypress trees we all marvel at whether we live there or visit. And what better place than to tell the story of a medical healer and the young woman she saves at birth whose paths once again are about to cross.

Carlynne Shire knew she was a medical healer at an early age. And while she has always been treated special by her family her twin sister, Lisbeth, didn't possess the same gift and was virtually ignored by her mother. Growing up and treated differently, Carlynne becomes a gifted doctor while her sister only attends secretarial school. Both sisters find love although neither of them have quite as traditional marriages as one would think.

Then sometime later when Carlynn saves a young baby born on a commune, little does she know that in the future years later she would be asked to save this woman's best friend. Or how this birth at the commune would effect the life of her sister, herself or their husbands.

For Joelle reaching out to the woman who saved her years before may be both a blessing and a curse if she is able to help her. Joelle needs Carlyn to try and help heal her best friend who suffered a brain aneurysm while giving birth to a son. But if Mara regains her abilities and life, what will happen to the love Joelle feels for Mara's husband, Liam. How the medical healer and Joelle meet after more than 30 yearsprovides readers with a wonderful novel filled with romance and a bit of a mystery.

As the author Diane Chamberlain provides readers with in most of her books, this one really captivated me and I hated to see it end. I highly recommend this book as well as all of Diane's books. They are emotional stories with characters you will think about long after you finish her books. Now that I also read Diane's latest book, The Bay at Midnight, I will be anxiously waiting for her next book to arrive on the bookshelves.

I loved this book , as I have all of this authors work. So much fun and suspense wraped together, impossible to put down.

the only problem with this series is that ms. riccio just can't seem to crank them out fast enough! all the books about these ladies are great romps and this one was no exception.---hurry up with the next one!

I absolutely adore these "Circle" books. I've read all of them & they are all wonderful stories...full of fun & mystery & good friends working together to solve the crime using a bit of magic to help them along. These books are hard to put down! I've been waiting patiently for the next book in the series so I went to the author's webpage & she says that the publishers are holding off on publishing the next book. In fact, I emailed her recently & she wrote back to say that books 5 & 6 are finished & she's about a third of the way into book 7! This is what she says on her website:

Alas, no news on the publication of the fifth and sixth (all written!)Circle and Cass Shipton adventures. If you are moved to write to Kensington Books, Inc. to say you enjoyed the first four adventures, it can't hurt, might help. My editor is Audrey LaFehr [...]

I've emailed twice already & maybe if we can get a letter writing campaign going, we'll be able to convince them to publish the rest of these great books! I've recommended this series to my friends & am having them email Kensington too. I honestly dont know why they're not getting published. It must be disappointing to Dolores to keep writing these stories & have Kensington drag their feet about getting them in print. I'm currently reading the books again & hope that one day soon I'll be able to find out what else Cass & her friends have been up to. So, please, if you're a big fan of the books, take a minute & send her editor an email letting her know much you've enjoyed the Circle series & that you want to keep going on lovely adventures with Cass & company! Maybe with some emails & a wee bit of magic, we'll soon be into a new mystery! I WANT MORE BOOKS! Thanks for letting me ramble but it's for a good cause! LOL!

I love this series of books! Good thrillers that don't give you nightmares or gross you out. The interaction between the circle of friends is engaging. Good for more than a few chuckles and the occasional belly laugh. I've stayed up half the night on more than one occasion because I couldn't put the book down. The Wiccan slant is accurate but not over done, so non-pagans should enjoy this read. My mother-in-law loves these books, too, and keeps asking me when more are coming out. According to the authors website, she's finished 2 more books and has started a 3rd. For some reason, they're not getting published! On the authors website, you can find an email address to pass on your support for this series of books to the publisher and ask for more! And if anyone has a clue as to why there's a problem with getting these books published, please share...because I'm completely baffled! UPDATE: on the author's website she states that she is no longer working with her old publisher and is looking for a new one. Let's hope she finds one very soon!

As usual, The Divine Circle is full of twists, turns, laughs and fun. This series of books was introduced to me by a friend, and I love them. Finally, friends who treat each other with respect, loyalty and life long contributions who enjoy the path they are given.

The books plot is fresh and unusual, which adds to Ms Riccio's outstanding writing.

I for one, can't wait for more.

This book covers every aspect of the hysterectomy procedure and thoroughly explains alternatives. I really felt empowered by reading this book and have recommended it to all my female friends, regardless of their age. This is the kind of stuff women really need to know.

I came across this book after reading the authors' first book about Csection, which I found really helpful. I haven't had a hysterectomy but I needed some minor surgery and this book really explained the procedure well and what to expect afterwards. It also explained why I had the symptoms I did. My Mom also read it and though she's already had a hysterectomy found a lot of things she hadn't known (especially about the menopause afterwards) The book doesn't push you into surgeries but gives lots of information and a guide for making up your own mind.Queenie

Five stars for Michele C. Moore and Caroline M. De C osta's Do You Really Need Surgery? A Sensible Guide to Hysterectomy and Other
Procedures for Women. Physicians Moore and De Costa write clearly, humorfully, and usefully about women's options for gynecological surgery-remembering that hysterectomy used to be the most often performed unnecessary surgery, they offer numerous choices, always emphasizing the need for the empowered patient's choice. "Remember, you are the person having the surgery, not them [doctors]!" Michele and Caroline write, using their first names with pseudonyms for their patients. They offer personal narratives about their patients, some of whom have opted for surgery! -most notably hysterectomy-and some of whom have not. They consider the options of alternative medicine as well as
mainstream Western approaches. Michele and Caroline detail not only success stories, but also they offer clear explanations of the risks and consequences of gynecologic surgery. This book is written in clear colloquial language. (...) Some possible bad consequences, often temporary, are concisely described with "Yuck." The technical details are there, clearly presented using as little jargon as possible. I have friends facing some of the conditions Michele and Caroline analyze, and I will give them a copy of this book enthusiastically.
Particularly wonderful sections are those on what to expect after the surgery that squarely face women's sexual fears and realities that follow many hysterectomies-Moore quotes one of her patient's delighted analysis: "Hysterectomy takes away the baby carrier and leaves the playpen." The concluding section-tips to make a sensible decision-is brilliant. Though I hope to be lucky enough to avoid having the complications that would
make in-depth study of this book necessary, if they arose,I also hope I would be able to consult these two wise women.

I was lucky enough to get hold of a review copy of this book while going through the investigations and decision-making for my upcoming hysterectomy. This book covers everything I needed to know, without pushing the reader too much in any one direction. It's really good on the details and risks of hysterectomy with the laparoscope,this is information I couldn't find in any other book. As a result I now feel confident about having this procedure. I'll have the book with me as I go through the process, it has a lot of information about what happens in the weeks after hysterectomy and how to get back to better health quicker.Five stars to these sympathetic women ffor producing this sensible guide.

In Do You Really Need Surgery?: A Sensible Guide To Hysterectomy And Other Procedures For Women, Michele Moore (a family physician specializing in women's health) and Caroline de Costa (a gynecologist and obstetrician, and a mother of seven who has herself undergone a hysterectomy) combine their more than fifty years of experience to provide accurate and clear information to the reader about the anatomy, physiology, and common gynecological ailments of women. They deftly and accessibly cover diagnosis, alternative surgery, and full details about medical procedure of hysterectomy surgery. Do You Really Need Surgery? also takes the reader through the post-operative phase, explains what to expect and how to make the recovery easier, as well as how to take care after the surgery to insure against post-operative complications. Critically important and very highly recommended reading for anyone contemplating such surgery, Do You Really Need Surgery? also informatively addresses possible non-surgical options.

I highly recommend this book! I can't wait for the author to write another one! I connected with the characters and I was so sad when I was done reading it because I wanted there to be more!

I too was given this book to read by a friend. The topic of female circumcision scared me and so I wasn't anxious to start reading, thinking the book would be filled with hate and negativity. BUT, from the moment I began to read, I was lost in another world. The characters are engaging, the plot moves well, and the discovery of mysteries of another culture captivated me. The author will evoke your compassion and concern with her story. This is well written and I highly recommend the book.

I read this book because my girlfriend praised it and wanted to discuss it. (I thought "Oh boy, feminist literature !!!".(I'm a Fitzgerald/Salinger/Hemingway enthusiast)
I was happily surprised and relieved to find it a novel in the style of the classics.
The story moves well, and the characters are compelling.
This novel is a must read for academics in the fields of Sociology, Political Science, Religious Study, Anthropology, etc... It is a surprising expose' on Muslim traditions in many 3rd and even 2nd world regions !!!
Quite timely and eye opening, with a triumphant resolution.
I rated it a 5.

This touching and compelling book is so much more than I expected. Reading the back cover, I would never have guessed at how sensitively and successfully the heroine's story would be told. You will be captivated by her dilema. This well researched subject makes Amina's dilema understandable to our western minds because it is put in the context of a girl indoctrinated in a culture that teaches her that she is "property," in a relationship, not a partner. Thus, her ability to develop independent thought and to weigh the consequences of liberated thought and action, make her plight all the more dramatic. Needless to say, I recommend this book!

A fascinating tale that rings of authenticity, relevance, and urgency. This is fiction based on real life cruelty, ignorance,
and tradition. I was hooked from the first sentence even though I am a male septuagenarian.

I loved the women Rosie writes about. We all know or were one of them at some point in our life. You grow to know them as if you could pick up the phone and call to see what happens next!

As women, we all know the extraordinary value of our female friendships. We
know the support system, the laughs, the tears. Rosemary O'Brien's "First
Saturday" is a celebration of those adult female relationships. O'Brien's writing
style flows easily off the page, bringing you instantly into these women's lives
and homes--you feel as if you are sitting there at the table with them, sipping
coffee and listening. Their stories are the stories of women everywhere--real
and raw. This book reminds us that life may not be easy, and it may not be
made easier by friends, but that you can count on your friend being there and
holding your hand throughout. When you close the last page of this book, you
feel as if you have made four new friends, and you know that through the bonds
among women, there will be a hand held out for you when you need it.

Audrey meets with her three closest friends in West Haven, Connecticut on the First Saturday of every month to share their lives, stories, and concerns. Audrey is a 35 year old woman who has just found out she has cancer. First Saturday is the story of how, together with her friends, Audrey comes to cope with this new and unknown misfortune. Deftly written and with complex, sometimes surprising, but ultimately satisfying conclusion, First Saturday marks Rosemary O'Brien as a discernibly gifted author and will leave the reader eagerly looking forward to her next novel.

NOTE: This review was posted by the author for a friend without internet service. This is NOT the author's review.

This is a wonderful story about four friends who help each other through the joys and sorrows of life. Ms. O'Brien captures the joy of friendship, the challenges of life, and does it all with humor and understanding. I read this book in one sitting and can't wait for Rosemary's next book.

This is a great story about friendship and the complexities of having multiple friends, each with their own set of problems. And while the book is about friends, it's as much about personal battles also. The storyline pulls the reader in, encouraging you to continue on to find out more about the characters. Each character has a story that is very true to life. The book was very enjoyable and I can't wait for another one.