Training Books

Patricia McConnell is now my favorite writer. This book helps us to understand your dog more. Isn't that what we all want?

Forget Caesar...Patricia McConnell has written some of the best, most informative books about dogs, language, and behavior you will ever read...hands down. Every dog owner should read this book, and even those who don't have dogs...a lot can be learned.

As a trainer, I work with many fearful and reactive dogs. I found the Fear chapter in For the Love of a Dog very useful for helping my clients to understand WHY their dogs behave the way they do. The explanations of how dogs experience fear were excellent.

I think the whole book is terrific for a readers with an intense interest in dog behavior.

I was impressed with the information included in this book. Patricia McConnell knows how to tell a story and has a wealth of information to share. Since reading this book, I have purchased several other books by her, all very good.

This book not only helped me to understand, relate, and communicate with my dogs, but myself as well.
Buy this book if you want to become closer to your furbaby. I've read many books on animal behavior and communication and this one is at the top.
Spend a few bucks on this book. You won't be disappointed.

I recently purchased this book based on the rave reviews even with an updated second edition off the press. I can honestly say that this book is Awesome in detail and explanation and is still extremely relevant to understanding the how too's and processes involved in routing tcp/ip. The most amazing feature about this book is how well explained and the book makes topics that would normally seem dificult or confusing easily understood, in other words grandma could learn how routing tcp/ip works from reading this book!

Brandon, Rome, GA

Great book for understanding IGP in details.

If any book was ever considered as the MUST HAVE BIBLE for Interior Routing Protocols - then Jeff Doyle's first effort on IGPs is THE book (how many cliché's do you want in one sentence)!! The book goes through at a very even pace - dissecting and describing the majority of both open-standard IGPs (OSPF, RIP and a little on ISIS) and Cisco-proprietary IGPs (IGRP and it's beefier brother - EIGRP). The book also includes some invaluable appendixes - including tutorials on working with Binary and hex.

But let's focus on the book's main reason for being - explaining IGPs. Take for instance OSPF - one of the most popular and widely implemented routing protocols in use today. On page 416-417, the book correctly discusses virtual links as a type of network type. The OSPF chapter typically employs 5-8 routers (and shows the required configs). Such a daunting exercise may at first seem like overkill, but Doyle is able to show how (and why) the all these router configs are necessary (to show, for instance, how they interact with or whether a DR or BDR). The book does have it's typos though, as the table on page 484 incorrectly documents stub networks as allowing type 5 and 7 LSAs (not so - thus a stub!)

I cannot imagine there are many CCIEs out there that do not have this book on their bookshelf.

I give this book 5 pings out of 5:
!!!!!

I am reviewing Routing TCP/IP Volume 1 (ISBN 1578700418), part of the CCIE Professional Development Series from Cisco Press. This book is widely regarded as part of the "Holy Trinity" of CCIE preparatory books. In addition to CCIE prep, it is also highly valued as an essential desk reference for anyone pursuing a career as a senior-level routing engineer. The author, Jeff Doyle, having written the two most recognized tomes on IP Routing, is a respected authority on the topic. His writing style is very clear and not at all difficult to read, which sets him apart from a lot of the authors in the "high-end routing book" category.

The book is part of a set of two books. TCP/IP Volume 1 contains coverage of the major interior routing protocols (RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF & ISIS) and follows it with coverage of route redistribution, filtering and mapping. TCP/IP Volume 2 covers the BGP exterior gateway protocol and follows it with coverage of advanced IP routing issues. As someone who's come up through the CCNA-to-CCNP-to-CCIE-candidate path, I recognized all of the topics from the BSCI curriculum. All this book really does is takes them to another level of depth. I highly recommend this path of coming at the CCIE, because unless you've done it all and seen it all, there's way too much information to take in during a single reading. Reading the BSCI book first gets you familiar with all of the topics, so that you're not overwhelmed when reading the Doyle books.

While many pan this book as being outdated since it was written in 1998, my contention is that all of the covered topics are still fair game for the CCIE qualifying written exam and the book still retains all of its original value. There are a lot of topics which are on the test which are not in Doyle's books, but if you look at the CCIE blueprint, the topics covered in the books map exactly to the topics in the IP Routing & IP Multicast sections of the blueprint. You can't treat any book as being a one stop shop for CCIE preparation. That's impossible. The book would be the size of my desk. I would actually contend that, on the next rewrite, they should break the 2 volume set into 3 volumes, one for the interior protocols, one for BGP by itself, and one for all of the advanced routing issues and multicast. This would make the volumes a bit less daunting and also somewhat easier to carry.

But, carry-ability issues aside, this is a very good book. It takes all of the topics to the degree of depth which you would expect for a CCIE-level book and explains things in a way that doesn't lose the reader. I had to work to keep the examples straight in my head, but no one said becoming a CCIE was easy. On the downside, the book contains no disc. This is unfortunate, because I always like to have the book on PDF. Also, it would be nice to have the review questions and answers put into a question bank. The book is also missing the "Do I Know This Already" section for each chapter, which is present in all of Cisco Press' certification guides. I realize that this is probably due to the fact that this is more of a desk reference / learning book than an official certification guide. However, as someone who's studying for an exam, I always like as many free practice questions as I can get.

I give Routing TCP/IP Volume 1 a 5 on my 5 ping rating scale and look forward to reading Volume 2.
!!!!!

Routing TCP/IP Volume 1 by Jeff Doyle (ISBN 1578700418) is an advanced level book on the theory and practice of routing and its implementation in Cisco routers. The 1026-page book (with a 50+ page index - always an important part of any technical book) is packed with useful information, example network architectures, and sample commands and their corresponding outputs to help the reader get a thorough grasp of real-life application of the theory.

The book is meant for working professionals in the network and routing field. Part I presents some basic routing theory along with the routing types - static and dynamic. This section, as in other books, is meant as a review for those seasoned engineers who have been working in the field for some time. It also helps to bring up to speed the other readers who may lack the necessary background. Part II contains the real substance of the book. It covers the interior routing protocols in detail including RIP 1 & 2, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF, and IS-IS. The material presented in these chapters is definitely solid enough to give a detailed understanding of the subject matter and provide the necessary knowledge to allow one to troubleshoot the problems that creep up in maintaining networks running these routing protocols. Part III presents the issue relating to the optimization of networks running these routing protocols such as filtering and redistribution. Part IV consists of the appendices.

The most useful part of the book in my opinion is the examples and sample outputs. These really help the reader to understand the details on implementing the concepts presented in the book. Jeff presents a sample network architecture and uses that architecture to explain various aspects of the topic being discussed. For example, to illustrate various aspects of EIGRP routing and load balancing, a 5-router mesh architecture is presented followed by a detailed discussion of concepts such as succession, load sharing, route transitions and updates, etc. This approach really helps in understanding all aspects of a particular topic with concrete examples to relate to.

I took hold of this book not to help in preparing for the CCIE but to assist in the understanding of routing protocols that I use in my work life. As such, I can not comment on the applicability of this book to preparing for the CCIE exam but as for its application to real world scenarios, this book far exceeds any other on the topic of routing in the Cisco environment.

I am really impressed with the material presented in this book. The book is thorough and detailed in its coverage of interior routing protocols. Jeff Doyle is an expert in his field and this book proves it. On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest, I give an enthusiastic 5 to Routing TCP/IP Volume 1 by Jeff Doyle. I can't wait to get my hands on Volume II.

The best book on bodybuilding if you're a beginner! I bought the book and it's got more info jammed in fewer pages than anything you'll ever read. The different methods of training, technique, and the importance of rest and recovery. The specifics on nutrition alone is worth the price. The author shows examples of diet planning and how to manipulate your metabolism for maximum muscle. The author does not focus on worthless supplements, he simply pushes good nutrition and pumping iron. I am constantly referring to this book after three months of reading and re-reading. There are plenty of pictures and advice regarding how to avoid injury.
The only negative about this book is several errors in grammar.
But the stuff is so practical and easy to read who cares! A great compact easy to carry book that I still keep on my nightstand.
This author is showing what one bodybuilder did to build real muscle and compete to win the big prize. Whether you're just looking to tone or build muscle, this book will help you look good naked!

A very good book that delivers what it promises. The book is intelligently broken into topics that cover the exercises, the grouping of exercises into workouts, how often to exercise, how many reps to perform and nutrician. Each section is written to cover people who what only to tone up, people who want to loose weight and those who want to gain weight/bulk up.

His advise on all this really is 'realistic'. He stresses the basic exercises (bench presses, squats, pull ups, etc) to build a good foundation before progressing onto the more specialized exercises like cable crossovers. He points out that suppliments are not only expensive but aren't necessary if you simply eat the right foods at the right times.

Although the end of the book covers various aspects of competing, I think the book is best used by beginners to intermediates. It is the only bodybuilding book that I will need buy.

I think this is the book for working people who want to build muscle/tone them/loose weight etc. Most books seem to be considering that the reader is into professional body building. So, even if you start the program, you end it soon because it is just too much effort. This however is really a realistic approach and thus, you can continue it and getting results. I started with Arnold's book and the 5 set approach. That was just too much as I never had enough time for the same. Eventually after a month or two, I left the program. Then later on, after several years, I got this book and this was a no-nonsense approach, which I can adopt easily with my extremely busy work schedule and part-time graduate degree even!

I have lifted weights on and off for 25, sometimes pretty seriously, occasionally achieving quite a lot of bulk and definition, but this book finally gave me a real plan suited for guys like me - athletic nerds who want to be in shape.

It really is realistic; it is complete (diet, "dungeon" (basement) workouts, and - importantly - safety, are covered thoroughly), easy to follow, and the pictures are great. Many times, the author says "Look, I've done this excercise tens of thousands of times, and this is how you really have to do it. Watch out for X, Y, and Z, and don't fall into the various traps of bad form that can result in injuries, slow development, or uneven development).

The writing is friendly yet never verbose. The reader is encouraged at every step of the way, and the sample workouts and diets make things concrete.

This book is the best bodybuilding/weight training book I have read. It is a no bull approach that gives you the straight details without all the frill. This is not a catalog of grunts posing, it is a real book for real people who want to get into weight training.

Melfa is direct and honest on what you need to do. The nutritional information is the easy to understand and gives you a complete break down of how to eat for either muscle building or fat loss. I found the nutritional section to be much more consise then most other books. Considering that eating right is more the 50% of weight training, I don't know why so many other books have skimped on this section. The excersises are consise and clear. Melfa explians all aspects from beginner up to advanced competive training with clear photos and detailed examples for performing each excersise.

I've checked out just about every book in the library about body building and this is the one I wanted to buy. I am constantly referring to it, any and all questions are addressed. If you want glossy, full color printing in a large bound book so you can gawk and dream, then don't buy this book. If you want to be serious about getting into a training program and progressing, this is the book to buy.

I strongly recommend this book to dog lovers who have been disheartened by the dishonesty and greed that is an all too common part of the experience when dealing with breeders. This book will re-awaken your faith in humankind and provide you with the assurance that there is still a breed of dog out there that is the intelligent and gentle hero that you have read about in story books, an ISSR Shiloh Shepherd. I bought my first ISSR Shiloh a few months ago and had her shipped to me from New York to Oklahoma. This dog is everything that was described to me and more. It was not until after I had my dog that I bought the book, now I understand that truely great things are not created without a vision and an incredible amount of sacrifice, determination and faith. Read the book, but don't be surprised if your next purchase is a Shiloh Shepherd.
Michele McKenna
Tulsa, Oklahoma

I own an ISSR Shiloh Shepherd. I loved reading about the history and all the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into developing the Shiloh Shepherd! I am truly inspired by Tina Barber's strength and perseverance.

I definitely recommend reading this book! It is a very helpful tool to learn the truth about the Real Shiloh Shepherd and the breed founder.

This book gave a Shiloh owner insight into the intent of the breed founder. Tina has inspired us to do whatever we can to further her dream. She allowed us a brief look into her struggles that shows us how much sacrifice is necessary to live your dream. I am telling everyone I know about this book and letting them know it's a must have!

This is one of the most heartwarming stories I have read. I will be looking to get a shiloh shepherd in the future. A must read book.

As our family searched the web and library books for a dog to replace the two beloved "mutts" who had passed on after a good long life, we stumbled across references to the Shiloh Shepherd.

Without much effort we came across Tina's website as well as some of her licenced breeders. The brains, brawn and beauty of what we saw and read left nothing else but for us to buy the book, and learn as much as we could about the founder of this breed.

Needless to say, the story is motivating, at times heartbreaking, insightful, and a story that had to be told as the struggle to maintain and establish this reputable breed continues.

Critics with personal vendettas or self-ineterest aside, no one can argue that Tina, as Breed Founder, has not always put her blueprint and belief in the proper development and evolution of the Shiloh Shepherd at the top of her lifetime agenda.

This book details the 40+ years she has dedicated to the effort, and now as the proud owner of a Shiloh Shepherd pup that descended from her bloodlines through one of her Canadian breeders, here's hoping Tina (aka Ma Shiloh), and this breed, will eventually get the recognition and credit they deserves from the rest of the Dog World Community.

Perfect for any woman considering (or having committed to) the daunting task of moving your rear off the couch and on to the track! So funny, so honest, so motivational and realistic everyone who reads this book will finish it just as I did, totally inspired and ready to start the journey! I've already purchased my Water-Holder Butt Thingy and modeled it to the laughter of my family... Thanks Dawn for showing me I can actually do this!

I picked up The (Non)Runner's Marathon Guide for Women last month after finishing Claire Kowalchik's book about running for women (you can read the review here). I wanted a running book with which I could better relate. I'm a super slow runner and didn't even make it onto any of the charts in Kowalchik's book, which was a little defeating for me. So when I read about Dais' book, which tracks her struggle through training for a marathon, while also giving great tips for people who have never really run before, or haven't run much at least.

I loved this book because I related so well with the things Dais talked about. She talked about feeling discouraged because every time she went out for a run she would end up right back where she started. She also describes her first trip to the running store where she learned about the importance of shoe fit, spandex and bodyglide (which I had never heard of until reading this book). She includes some great stretches, as well as a 20-week training schedule for both a marathon and a half marathon. She also leaves space for journaling, and for answering questions she poses, such as "Why are you running this marathon?" and "What was life like before you began training and after"?

An example before and after from her book:

Vitamins
Before: Do the rainbow of fruit flavors in Skittles count?
After: Pills the size of marshmallows washed down with one of my thirty-two gallons of water.

For me, the best part of this book were the personal journal entries from when Dais was training for her own marathon. Dais' perspective is so true to how I think most new runners feel that it's hard not to laugh out loud (I couldn't read this book in public because I kept snorting at her writing). Here's a sample:

"This weekend my little calendar o' runnin' said that I had to run sixteen miles. Is it me or is this number just getting ridiculous? Sixteen miles. What possible reason could one ever have for running sixteen miles? After about Mile 10, just call a cab and save yourself a lot of effort. Hell, call me. I'll give you a lift. Believe me, it's just not worth it. One fun fact about sixteen miles - that's about how far away hell is. I know you'd think it'd be farther away, at least as far as Fresno. But you'd be wrong. Actually, I think I hit hell around mile 14, so it's an even shorter trip."

If you're new to running, or even if you've been running a long time, I highly suggest picking up Dais' book because it'll remind you of what it was like when you started and why you run. It'll also remind you that you're not the only one who suffers for running. If you are training for a marathon though, I suggest picking up some other books as well. Dais' book is great for moral support, but I think there are some others out there that would add a little more technical support, unless of course you have your own personal trainer.

As usual I came up with a great idea... I will run a marathon! This latest idea was met with the usual roll of the eyes and "just letter have her little dream" attitude. I started looking for information on running and came across this book. I headed on down to the bookstore (because wild ideas and inpatients are some of my most charming qualities) and I couldn't wait to have it shipped. I had to have it NOW! I read it cover to cover and about 80% out loud to the whole family. We were all cracking up and it has motivated me to get off my A double snakes and really do this. Now... I have run in the past... but not the last 5 years so we will see how it goes but this book is a true inspiration and a joy to read... even if you're not going to try something insane like run for 26.2 miles. READ IT READ IT READ IT... Aloha and see you on December 14th at the finish line... Hopefully not on a stretcher!

I read the 10th spandex joke. Geez, the jokes were funny at first but by the time I made it not even halfway through the book they were SO annoying. She kept repeating the same things and about how much she HATES running. Enough already. I do not get the point of writing a running book if you hate running so much. I have run marathons before so I guess it is my fault for reading a non-runner's marathon book.
I just wanted something motivating to read. I did not realize she hated running though. I want to read Chipper Jen's journal. Now that would help me!
Yes, this book is definitely for beginner marathoners BUT definitely join a running group for your marathon training. My training schedules were completely different than the one's in her book so I do not care for those either. Jumping from week 5 at 60 mins to week 6 at 90 minutes is almost a 3 mile jump. How can that be right? For a newbie no less?
If you join a marathon training group for the first time and read this book you will probably find many similarities and enjoy the book.
OR if you HATE running and are running a marathon (which is pure stupidity to me--why torture yourself if you do not like running????) this book would be perfect for you.
For seasoned marathoners you might find the jokes stupid and annoying after awhile..

I had not run a race in 10 years. This did not bother me at at all. Until about 6 months after I was diagnosed with a serious kidney condition and my doctor uttered the words " Well, you'll probably never run a marathon, but you can still exercise." A few days later I saw Dawn Dais's book The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women in REI, and picked it up. As I started to flip through the pages I knew then that my little Asian doctor was going to be wrong, oh so very wrong.

Dawn Dais's book not only encouraged me to train and finish the 2008 San Diego Rock and Roll marathon, it also just plain made me laugh out loud every step of the way. Too many runners take themselves so seriously it intimidates all the rest of us flailing along the trail. If you love sarcasm and have a gift for laughing at yourself you will love this book. It makes even more sense if you've ever trained for a really long race as an adult, having never really done anything more strenuous than Spanish club in high school.

This book is a MUST for all new puppy owners! It will tell you when to do what with your puppy so you can raise a puppy that you will be happy to have around and proud to own. Also great for all breeders- it goes into the first 8 weeks as well and what should be done to raise well adjusted puppies.

i thought this book was easy enough to read. it explained everything you needed... gets straight to the point and has good explanations of your puppy at a certain level or age. im planning to get a puppy and after reading this book, i know a lot more about how to take care of one. i feel ready.

This book is invaluable in the way it describes each stage of the puppy's development (both physical and psychological). It eqips you to answer the age-old question: Why is my puppy behaving this way???

Also, after reading this book, you will understand why you should always purchase your pup from a breeder ... and NEVER from a pet store.

Great book with common sense ideas. I have raised many dogs over the years and this book offers sensible advice that hadn't even occurred to me.

This is the best book I've found on raising a puppy. Especially helpful is the week by week detailed description of what a new owner may expect developmentally from the puppy, and what the puppy needs for each stage of growing. I've given this book to every new puppy parent I've known!

I have read dozens of marketing books over the years. I am a CPA and run a real estate team that produces well over 100 transactions per year.
This book brought be back to the basics of running a business of selling, yes I said selling, real estate.

I am going to read it again. Maybe twice.

Dirk has put together a great resource for ALL Real Estate agents. From the beginner to the seasoned vet, this book can help to focus your activities in the areas most important to you in your career and life.

Dirk has a laid back attitude that is icy to the point and right on with a no nonsense practical guide to being successful in the real estate business.

Dirk's books are always enlightening, follow the steps and you will be jetisoning your way to the top of the RE industry!

I personally found this book to be an outstanding review of what's required to be a top performing agent. I pass this book to all of my new recruits to help them get started.

I have been listing and selling real estate for 24 years and have read many books on real estate sales and this truly is one of the best. I've read it twice in the last month and highly recommend that every real estate salesperson read it.

I have been recommending this book to all of my friends. It offers some quick exercise routines that can be done anywhere and really do work!
I did not do a weigh in, but I am able to put on some old clothes that have not fit in a while. I don't even workout like they recommend. I do the exercises about 2 or 3 times a week and still getting fantastic results. I will now increase my workouts to about 4 or 5 times a week. I am 46 and not in the best of shape and I have never gotten sore from doing these routines and I add a few exercises from other parts of the book.
My next step is to start doing pull ups(which is the only apparatus you'll need)EZ UP - Over The Door, Chin UP Bar, Push UP Bar And Sit UP Bar. A Complete Power Gym.
Get the book!

Miracle seven,the only book you need to stay Healthy and in shape at any age.
No need of equipment,tools or gym memberships you got everything in this handy little book.
It shows and teaches you the mind set,healthy foods and life style changes and gradual progressive bodyweight and isometric workouts.
Are you on the road or having a hectic life this is the book for you you can do this kind of training everywhere!
No excuses Start NOW with Miracle seven!!

I ordered The Miracle Seven and am glad I did. I have been using this exercise program for the last several weeks. They are enjoyable to do and I feel great from the exercises! My wife even commented on how it was shaping me up. I highly recommend this book for those who don't want to spend alot of time on exercises, join a gym, or buy equipment that usually ends up collecting dust. To make the book more user friendly, I took it to a print shop, had them cut the binding off and spiral bind it. (cost about $3.00) This way the book lays flat so that you can see the illustrated exercises. The book also gives you plenty of optional exercises above and beyond the "Miracle Seven." For alittle over ten bucks, how can you go wrong?

I have worked out with weights, heavy sets, low reps, high reps, swam, ran and even been to Gold's Gym in LA. Following the workouts in The Miracle Seven has helped me increase my functional strength and improved my overall physical appearance at least as well, if not better than when I took expensive supplements and did weightlifting. I'm naturally thin, and I think that as I have grown and matured, I realize that getting great results over time without injury is much better than straining my joints with heavy weights. Honestly, I look different now than I did when I was a weightlifter. My physique is better. To sum things up, I get a great workout in less time than when I lifted heavy, and I feel healthier, too. Thank you, John Peterson!

I don't know the correct way to write a book review, but I like The Miracle Seven by John e. Peterson and Wendie Pett. The Miracle Seven are also called the seven tiger moves, and, according to these authors, were the invention of a fitness expert of the past named John McSweeney. McSweeney discovered them by observing how animals exercise. From the start posistion of each of the exercises you powerfully flex certain muscles, and then, while maintaining tension, you move the particular body parts through their natural full range of motion. You stop at either end and increase the level of flexing while holding it for the count of one, tiger, one. Then, maintaining tension, you retrace the movement to the start posistion, stop and flex again. You do this ten times for each of the exercises. They are more strenuous than they sound. After awhile of trying them a few times I found my muscles feeling like they wanted to do them again, because they liked them and benefited from them. They require no equipment, take about twenty minutes to do, can be done anywhere conveniently, and leave the muscles with a pleasant "afterburn" effect. The rest of the book talks about nutrition and other exercises you can add as you progress. I'm glad I bought this book.

Great book for getting tips to help you toddler sleep plus other helpful tips about potty training and so forth. I would suggest getting the first book "The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Infants" before reading this book.

Thank goodness that a real life mom, who has a tremendous educational background finally wrote a book that a mom of 2 children under the age of 2 can relate too. With both of my children they were sleeping through the night by 7 weeks and we only deal with a few night wakenings a week. One piece of advice, some toddlers do remember everyday what the sleep fairy brings them. But if this is the hardest issue that we have to deal with during our sleep then I think we are doing great. Thank you Mrs. Pantley for realizing that you had such valuable insight as a mother to clearly and consising put into words how to help our children sleep. BZ of AL a mom of 2 precious sleeping angels. Thanks for your help!

I cannot give this book a high enough review. If you want a gentle (albeit slow and steady) approach to encouraging your child to sleep through the night this is the book for you. Many of the ideas Elizabeth Pantley describes in the book I have implemented for my 18 month old daughter and they have all worked beautifully. She was a nighttime nurser and cosleeper. She still sleeps in my bed but we no longer nurse at night. I am getting the sleep I need and it was done without any tears! I love the author's gentle philosophy, this book has been a true blessing to my family and I highly recommend it!

Quoting reviewer Oleanna, 'Forty-four volunteer test families around the world, of varied configurations, read her (Pantley's) initial manuscript and followed Pantley's directions, reporting back to let her "peek into their naptime and bedtime routines, problems and successes," and 245 families completed extensive sleep surveys.'

I was one of the *lucky* families that completed that extensive sleep survey--and it was indeed *very* involved--but what a wonderful opportunity to 'help' other parents! The survey recorded more than *just* sleep issues, and it's my understanding that parents from myriad parenting styles were surveyed. So, the book is a collection of differences delivered in a cohesive, concise manner.

Ms. Pantley is thorough, professional and incredibly friendly. I feel honored that my son, daughter, husband and I were a part of her 'data.' I cherish this book, not just because we were a minuscule part of her database, but because the information within the book is solid.

Thanks Ms. Pantley!
Cheers!

I can remember not that long ago sitting in my daughter's room in the middle of the night thinking I must be the only mum in the world whose baby didn't sleep. I was lucky to get three hours sleep on any given night, and never three hours in a row. But thanks to Elizabeth Pantley and her book "the no-cry sleep solution for toddlers and preschoolers" my little girl Milla has gone from a baby who breastfed 10 times a night to a gorgeous 18-month-old who sleeps between seven and ten hours straight!
Apart from being exhausted when Milla wasn't sleeping, I was miserable because of all the pressure being put on me to "do controlled crying" from extended family. One even said I was a "bad mother" for getting up at night for my girl and not teaching her to sleep by letting her "cry it out " for hours on end. Everything in my heart said controlled crying wasn't right for my Milla. She was a sensitive, gentle and caring girl who was very attached to her mummy. I loved my little girl too much to hear her cry because her mama wasn't there when she needed her.
After applying Pantley's gentle and practical tips, Milla is now sleeping peacefully - and knows that I am there for her when she needs me. I treasure every second with my little girl and am so glad I never abandoned her to cry. We have such a close and beautiful relationship. I feel like the luckiest mum in the world.
The first key point I learned from Pantley was that as long as Milla and I were getting enough sleep and we were happy - then we didn't have a problem - regardless of what anyone else thought. Milla now wakes once a night, between 5 and 6, and I give her early morning cuddles till get-up time. Controlled crying experts told me NEVER to cuddle my daughter back to sleep. I'm glad I ignored them because I treasure those mornings when I hold Milla in my arms and feel her soft breathing beside me. This is not a problem for us and a lovely start to our day.
Pantley's eight bedtime tips seemed rather simple and obvious at first - but once I put them into practice they actually worked. Milla no longer has a night light, has a long and quiet bedtime routine at the same time every night, no tv is allowed when Milla is in the room, she is now going to bed when her biological clock says is the right time for Milla (not what experts say) and while my husband calls me a "sleep Nazi", it works! And for those with sleep-log phobias, I still keep a meticulous sleep diary. It helps me notice subtle changes in Milla's sleep patterns as she grows older and her sleep needs change.
The final chapter in Pantley's book - Adult Sleep: Now It's Your Turn - was also a life saver. When Milla finally started sleeping well, I would lie awake for hours at night waiting for her to wake. I always tended to be a bit of an insomniac, and her tips for babies have actually also helped me!
I would strongly recommend this book to any mum who needs sleep and can't find it in her heart to do controlled crying. Pantley's approach might take a bit longer than controlled crying (though even controlled crying isn't guaranteed to fix sleep problems quickly and for life) but considering babies and toddlers grow up so quickly, it is worth the investment. My little girl goes to sleep with a sweet smile on her face, not tears!
Tanya from Australia.

This book has been super helpful in preparing my husband for boot camp- physically and mentally. The only problem is that we've learned that after the publishing of this book a lot changed in army boot camp. At first my husband was interested in joining the national guard, but in order to go to a boot camp like what is described in this book, he has to choose a different branch of military.

My son will go to marine boot camp in July. I read this first and it was a great help for me to understand what will happen and what he needs to do before he goes. I highly recommend this not only for our "new" military but for their parents as well.

Get this book it has a world of knowledge in it. Are you to call a DS "yes sir or Yes Maam" ? What is a DS hat called? get the book it will HELP you.

This book was packed with info that will benefit anyone interested in going into the militry. My hubby went through boot camp a few years ago and said that all of the info would have made life a little easier then...lol.

This book has helped me in so many ways. I knew nothing about the military before I left for boot camp. Now, I feel I am completely ready. The book has an easy to understand fitness routine and told me what to expect mentally from a drill sergeant, even the other recruits. This book even contains a packing list so I know exactly what to pack for boot camp.
Before I was scared to leave for basic, now I cant wait.