Companies Books

In response to comments made by Mark Wilson in his review that Susan Fromberg Schaeffer stole Ms. Brodman's (Anya's) life story, the events detailed in "Anya" are common in some way or another to nearly every other Holocaust survivor. An idea, account of events or even the ability to relate those events verbally is entirely different than actually crafting that idea or account into a well written story or engrossing movie.

Writing/directing well is not easy. I'm sure Ms. Schaeffer likely spent hours, days, months and years researching, writing and rewriting her book. Why should Ms. Schaeffer not receive credit for all the hard work she put into the book?

That being said, I'm not a huge fan of the book. The prose is beautifully descriptive but is too wordy for me (more like a romance novel - not really my taste). Also, the main character, Anya, comes off as preening and fairly unsympathetic. I prefer works like "The Great Gatsby", "Shawshank Redemption & Rita Hayworth", "Fight Club", "Atlas Shrugged", "I, Legend", "The Thief of Always" and "Red Dragon" - to name a few.

The books listed above are not special because of the tag line. Those books are worth reading because they are exceptionally well written. It's all in presentation. An idea/account is only an idea/account until someone puts time and sweat into making the idea/account into something tangible.

Give several authors/directors an idea/account and each will mold that idea/account according to individual talent, personality, background, education, etc. Look at the differences in the way "The Shining" as a movie was directed by Stephen King (awful) versus Stanley Kubrick (genius), in the Harry Potter movies(some darker, some lighter) and in the Thomas Harris movies(Hannibal was a comedy compared to the first two).

There really are no new ideas (themes, characters, plots, etc.)-just new ways of presenting/mixing. In fact, most stories are covered or at least alluded to in the Bible and mythology. Look at how Jane Austen's "Emma" was modernized in "Clueless" or how differently J.D. Salenger and Sylvia Plath portray young people dealing with growing pains in "The Catcher in the Rye" and "The Bell Jar". There are lots of other examples.

The bottom line is that Ms. Brodman, unless she voluntarily chose to execute a nondisclosure agreement, had the opportunity to take the time to write her own book in her own words in whatever language she desired so that her book could be judged on its merits accordingly.

ANYA is one of the best modern novels I've ever read. Susan Fromberg Schaeffer does a great job getting inside her protagonist's head. Wonderfully atmospheric, ANYA sets you right down in Anya's world from the first paragraph. I first read the book as a teenager and spent the days reading it and several days afterward in a fog--I was completely in Anya's world.

I am a 16 year old sophomore in high school and I came across this book for a book report.As I read I was drawn in as if I were an eye witness to the events happening to Anya Savikin Lavinsky, her daughter, and her family during the holocaust. It really gave me a first hand experience of the horror,hope, and determination of the victims of the holocaust. It was moving and touching.I would recommend it highly. Bravo Susan Fromberg Schaeffer!
Lyn Shakespeare "Jacki" (Illinois,USA)

I first read this novel after reading "First Nights". I must admit, I was attracted to "First Nights" by pure marketing and cover art, but was I a lucky consumer. I completely fell in love with Susan Fromberg-Schafer's style of writing and have read and loved almost everything she has written (Buffalo Day Afternoon was not a particular favorite). "Anya" has become my favorite novel of all time. I have re-read it at least 3 times. This comes from someone who loves to read and has almost never read a book twice. I can't say enough about it except that you should also give "Autobiography of Foudini M Cat" a try if you have ever loved a pet.

Happy Reading!

I moved across the street from Mrs. Brodman (Anya) in Sarasota, Florida in 1979. She lived there with her husband until the day she died. I have been gone for two years now, but believe Mr. Brodman still lives there.

The story is riveting because it is true! It did not come from the imagination of Susan Fromberg Schaeffer. Mrs. Brodman and her husband told me that a lawsuit was filed against Ms. Schaeffer and that Ms. Schaeffer lost. I was told they never wanted the money from the settlement and gave it to an fund for orphans in Israel.

It is shocking to see it listed here as one of Ms. Schaeffer's novels. Mrs. Brodman told me that the book was the result of a series of tapes she dictated and that were transcribed by Miss Fromberg. Though Anya spoke many languages (including English), she said it was too difficult for her to 'write' in English and so she dictated her story. This is what I was told.

Mrs. Brodman told me it hurt her greatly that Miss Fromberg took credit for her life story. Yes there are facts that were changed to also protect others (i.e., she changed the name of her husband, Mr. Brodman, for obvious reasons). My understanding was that the outcome of the lawsuit was to stop Ms. Schaeffer from continuing to take credit for 'Anya's story'.

When I found an out-of-print copy (many years ago) I asked her to dedicate and sign it. I will treasure this forever!

I too heard Anya tell me many stories. I took Mr. Brodman's advice and started reading one of Ms. Fromberg's books. I put it down... no comparison.

Mark Wilson

The book I read was A Bear called Paddington, and it was very good. The author of A bear called Paddington was Michael Bond who has been writing children's books since 1995. A Bear called Paddington is a fantasy story.

A bear called Paddington has 8 stories in the book. First story...Mr. and Mrs. Brown find a bear who had came to America from darkest Prue. The train Stations name was Paddington so they named him Paddington. Paddington has no family so the Browns takes the bear to there house. Second story... Mr. and Mrs. Brown have 2 children, Judy and Jonathon, they really like Paddington. Paddington always has his hat o which actually saves his life. When Paddington was in the bath and forgot how to swim so he poured the water on the floor out of his hat. Third story... Paddington, Mrs. Brown ad Judy go underground somewhere, and o the way there, they lost all there money so as soon as they get there they don't have ay money for tickets. So all 3 of them looked for the money for the tickets. Fourth story Paddington, Judy ad Mrs. Brown go shopping and Paddington have never been on an elevator so he wants to go on one. They got off the elevator and Paddington hates it so much. Fifth story... On day a grocery man tells Paddington how to get paint off stuff. After hearing that, Paddington wanted to try, so he found an old and tried to erase it but it makes an even bigger mess. Sixth story... The whole family went to the theater. Paddington loves it so much that now he wants to be in show business. So he creeps I the actor's dressing room to find the main person, Sir Sealy. Sir Sealy gives Paddington a special part in the play. Seventh story... the whole family go's to the sea and Judy, Paddington and Jonathon enter a sad castle contest and one of them wins. Eighth story... Paddington gets a magic kit for his birthday in the end he vanished 2 thing's and broke one thing.

This book was one of my favorites, it was so good. One bad thing is that it was very easy to understand. I would recommend this book to third or fourth graders.

Paddington is very funny when he does little mistakes. Paddington is a very interesting character that is lovable to everyone. Whenever I'm bored I read it, usually, even though we have already read it. You should mainly buy it for your kids, but you should read it to them because adults like it as much as the kids do. I like all the Paddington books, but my favorite one is the first one. Paddington is a wonderful character and he is my most favorite on earth.
by a 9 year- old (almost)girl from the USA

We LOVE this CD set! I bought it 2 years ago for my daughter to listen to for naps and bedtime, and now at age 5 she's STILL asking for it every night.

I like the fact that both CDs are over an hour long, she likes that there are several stories on each CD to keep her attention. The plots aren't too complicated for her to follow, but they do force her to pay attention and focus on the cd, which is key for naptime. :) Stephen Fry's voice is wonderfully soothing to listen to, and he does a great job of distinguishing between the various characters -- key for books on CD!

As she's gotten older Caroline has begun to appreciate some of the silliness that is Paddington, but the stories are nicely entertaining even without that element. We parents don't mind listening to Paddington in the car when we're on trips. All in all, I say this CD set is well worth this money, it's one that will really grow with you!!

This proved to be a wonderful purchase. The stories are entertaining for both parents and children and are perfect for long car trips. Excellent alternative when you don't want the kids in front of the television.

A classic! I loved Paddington as a child and I'm thrilled to have this in our CD collection. (I'd even listen without the kids!). Stephen Fry reads the stories very well.

I normally consider myself a non-reader, but I was at a point in my life that things were changing very quickly and I need to know about the journey I was on. When I began the book, I asked myself "How will I know when I am reading about myself?" It happened in chapter five when my eyes welled up. I knew then as it described who I used to be and validated to me that my journey was on the path of maturity. I read two thirds of the book on the first day, a major event for a non-reader. The book captured me and enlightened me.

This is one of five books ever written that everyone in the universe needs to read; This book tackles the question of what it means to be a mature adult, no "ifs ands or buts". In this book, Beecher and Beecher answer the question that every adult has asked himself, "What is wrong with ____ (fill in the blank with someone you can't stand)?!", and the question that every adult should ask himself, "What kind of person do I need to be and how do I get there?". This book was required reading in one of my undergraduate psychology classes and I recommend it to anyone who wants to become a better person--really. I also recommend it to therapists doing insight-oriented group or individual therapy (either as a whole or taken in chapters).
Overall, the book is filled with memorable witty-isms (the potentate who carpeted his entire kingdom because he couldn't stand walking on rough ground--why not just wear shoes on your own feet?) that you will find yourself recounting long after you have read the last page.

Well, the answer depends on who you are and what you're bringing to the reading of this book.

Having gone to Oberlin College in the late 80's (the heyday of "political correctness" and ground zero for that movement, in fact) I am well-acquainted with "liberal" views on life, society and personal responsibility. Lots of noble notions, not much pragmatism or self-evaluation. If you're a die-hard student of the P.C. movement, this book will offend you, even freak you out. Kryptonite! Why? Because it reminds you that YOU are primarily (nay, entirely) responsible for your sense of happiness and direction in life. Which you'd think would be self-evident enough, but somehow isn't to people who are used to blaming others for their woes instead of examining their own premises first. Check your premises!

Political Correctness plays strip poker with this book and loses, ends up buck naked, an emperor with no clothes. BSAF is a superb antidote to P.C. because in a matter of a few short chapters, it very effectively strips away common illusions about what makes us miserable in life and who's responsible for this phenomenon, based on its roots (no finger-pointing allowed anymore). It's a challenging read! But if you're ready to move beyond demanding that others help you realize your best self, and ready to start demanding that growth of YOURSELF, you'll find this book is pure gold, a very effective tool for shifting your consciousness towards enhanced self-reliance.

I don't say that lightly, because I've read dozens of "self-help" books, been in therapy, even been prescribed anti-depressants. I wish I'd found this book first! It's a page-turner, a quick read, but very potent. It really truly did change my life. I read it again six months later and it had improved with age. If you suffer from bona fide clinical depression (for example) or some other truly severe challenge, keep your therapist around. If however you are among what the profession calls "the worried well," then wrap up your sessions, get off the Zoloft (or Prozac or whatever) and READ THIS BOOK. With a cheap paperback version in print, you have nothing to lose.

FYI...
1) The current edition graciously omits the somewhat noxious and outdated chapter on homosexuality that existed in the original version. Otherwise, though, the book has aged remarkably well. In fact, you could almost believe it was written in the mid-Nineties in response to P.C. rather than in the Sixties as it was. It still packs a wise, timeless punch.
2) The book is based heavily on Adlerian psychology, which is very much about the individual and self-reliance.
3) It's not a detailed "how-to" book (which is why I'm giving it 4 stars rather than 5)-- it's big on ideas, but a little short on practical solutions for self-improvement, and might leave you wondering "Now what?" In that case, you may find that books like "Feeling Good" by Burns or "Awaken The Giant Within" by Robbins (no, really) offer you more pragmatic advice.

Kryptonite or gold? It's up to you now.

Well Well. The greatest book for those that can't find good feedback; and those hopelessly lost in self-help mantras and the like. Before you give me a story, realize that I see it as such. I hate stories! I can't care! Understand that you are trying to get a free ride; avoid paying your share (our national pastime?) and blaming others. You Lose! Read this book and see the ugly truth!

I first read this book 30 years ago. I am still reading it! Its' words cut like a two edge sword through all self delusion. It helps to bring the reader back to a realistic, "doable in the now" approach to life. I don't think I've ever read another book that was such a bitter pill for my ego and yet the positive effects on my life are still occuring. I knew Willard and he embodied the principles he wrote about. He somehow transmitted peace and serenity to whomever was in his presence. I still to this day use him as a standard from which to judge myself. Because words without the embodiment of their meaning are worthless. I not only highly recommend the book I recommend reading it as many times as necessary to find that place inside you that Willard describes in the introduction of the book as the eye of the hurricane where the sun is shining and the birds are singing!

And she wants to "play" with it all the time. While we're driving in the car or at home, my little one loves to go over the game. A definite home run for us!

My kids are just over four, they love this item. I'd say about 80% of the questions are ones they can answer at this age so I would not recommend it for a child who is closer to 5 unless they have some delays. Some of the questions are typical of intelligence tests where they question experience rather than ability. For instance, we live in a warm climate and my kids don't really recognize a lot of winter items.

The exercises and questions on these cards work much better than some of the workbooks I have purchased, even though they are aiming at the exact same goal (like seeing patterns).

I love Brain Quest and so does my daughter! Parents spend the money, it is worth it! Two thumbs up, WAY UP!!!
Caring Mom on the Coast

We have these now for lots of age groups and they continue to be a 'hit' with our kids. It's a nice alternative to a 2nd book or addition to reading with your kids. In our house it's considered "Dad's" thing to do at weekends.

Need something to entertain your child at a drs appts or waiting for dinner to be served while dining out. This is the product for u!!

Managing a chiropractic clinic requires solid business skills. This book helps you develop such skills quickly and effortlessly. Why waste time and money on experimenting yourself when you can instantly leverage 20 years business management and another 20 years of active chiropractic practice?

The book covers clearly and succinctly an ambitious range of topics, including cash flow management, marketing, essential clinic function, personnel management, etc. Dr. Delman did a remarkable job of exploring each topic with sufficient detail and meaningful examples.

It is an indispensable reference tool that belongs to every chiropractor's library.

Yuval Lirov, Practicing Profitability - Billing Network Effect for Revenue Cycle Control in Healthcare Clinics and Chiropractic Offices: Collections, Audit Risk, SOAP Notes, Scheduling, Care Plans, and Coding

This book is powerful... On the contrary of many other books or seminars, it doesn't take 1 good idea and make a huge business around it, every chapter is concise, to the point, with a great generousity in the topics covered and the advice given.
Also, I recommend the website www.businessofchiropractic.com for its great additional content, also available at a reasonable price.
So whether you've been a practice for a while or you're just starting out, please take practice & management seminars, hire a coaching company and read other books, we never have too much info, but this book is a must have... more than that it's a must READ!

This is the book, more than any other, that helped me set up my practice. It contains practical information about how to get new customers after opening the doors, not to mention how to advertise without being crass. If I'd bought it earlier, I would have been even more successful. Even though it says "after startup," I think reading it before startup is good.

I experienced Dr. Delman's knowledge and skill in chiropractic and practice management as a patient many years before following in his footsteps. When I saw that he had written a guide book for the rest of us, I was thrilled. I own both the first and second editions. Dr. Delman explains the "how-to's" of a successful practice in a concise, understandable and enjoyable format. This is a must for any DC at any stage!

I often shake my head in disbelief to think that many of my fellow chiropractors will shell out thousands of dollars in practice management seminars when a book such as this exists for a fraction of the cost, and in truth, is much better.

Ivan Delman has managed to take important universal truths of business success and apply it to chiropractic in a simple but powerful way. Passion, wisdom, humor, and compassion are the hallmarks of his writing style that walks you through essential steps in creating the practice of your dreams.

Just as in chiropractic we tell our patients to please try chiropractic first before doing expensive, needless surgery, I suggest that D.C.'s read this gem of a book first before attending an expensive seminar.

You won't be sorry.

James Qwilleran stayed the compulsory five years in Pickax to complete the requirements placed on his inheritance. He is now officially a billionaire. Now it is time to decide what to do with the rest of his life. He intends to go somewhere--a quiet island with a beach or a mountain hideaway--someplace where he can have seclusion and quiet to sort out his options and make plans.

Qwill (as his friends call him) decides on a whim to spend three months in Spudsboro, a small town in the Potato Mountains. It was recommended highly by some friends who camped there recently. Finding a house to rent is always difficult with two Siamese cats as roommates. The only thing he can find is a huge house on the very top of Big Potato Mountain. It was originally built as an exclusive lodge for well-to-do tourists. More recently it was the home of the area's most influential businessman--owner of the local newspaper. It didn't take long for Qwill to discover the house he rented had been the scene of a ghastly murder a year earlier.

I do admire Jim Qwilleran's ability to converse with everyone he meets. He is well practiced, of course, since he made his living for years as an investigative reporter for various newspapers. He knows just how to steer the conversation and just the right questions to ask. He makes people so comfortable that they usually tell him anything he wants to know. Of course, he has an uncanny ability to read people and know when he is being lied to. Within two days of arriving in town, he is sure that the wrong man is in prison for the murder.

The author does an amazing job of making us empathize with Qwill's frustration with the situation he has gotten himself into. He came to the mountains for solitude and a time of reflection. He had no desire to get mixed up in the politics of the region--environmentalists vs. developers. He really had no desire to get mixed up in the mystery surrounding the murder. But...being a reporter for so many years (and truly caring about the innocent man in prison), he just could not resist finding the truth. It doesn't take long. Qwill has learned to trust his instincts--and the instincts of his cat Koko. Together they follow the clues and confront the real murder.

I highly recommend that you get acquainted with Jim Qwilleran through the "Cat Who..." mystery series. You will like him.

This is a great book about a man and his to crime finding clue cat Koko and YumYum. There is a mystery on potatoe mountain on a death of a local well known man. Was the wrong person framed. This book is fantastic except kind of has a dissapointing end. But i loved it anyway. I hope you enjoy this book and look for my other reviews

The Cat Who is the best serries ever full of humor wit and complexity,
James Macentosh Qwilerin is a off beat repoter/Billion air with his 2 cats Koko and Yumyum who are no shorter than extra ordinary.
This is the best book serries I have ever read and would recomend it to any one over 10.
[...]

In an earlier book in this series Jim Qwilleran inherited a pot full of money but there was a stipulation. He had to live in Moose County for five years or he forfeited his windfall. As this book begins, Qwilleran has just completed his five years and is contemplating his future. He has come to love Moose County and it's quirky residents but he was born and raised a city boy and sometimes he longs for more action. The former reporter decides that he needs some time in a quiet atmosphere to think through his options and one of his friends suggests that he spend some time in the Potato Mountains.

In order to find a summer retreat that will accept pets, Qwilleran has to rent a huge former mountain inn that sets on the peak of Big Potato Mountain. It turns out that the last owner of the home was murdered and as normal, Koko immediately begins to exhibit strange behavior. Yum Yum on the other hand starts to tear out bits of her own fur, a behavior that has Qwilleran very upset until the veterinarian tells him that this is not unusual in a spayed female. It is a trait that I have witnessed in my own spayed female cat and this little sidebar makes it very clear that Mrs. Braun most assuredly knows her cats.

Qwilleran for his part has all kinds of trouble in the unfamiliar mountain setting. He has learned some things about rural life during his sojourn in Moose County but the mountains provide an entirely different set of challenges. He gets lost on the mountain roads, almost falls over a waterfall, gets lost while hiking in the woods and gets trapped on the mountain after a dam break. What's a poor city slicker to do?

Despite all of his trials, Qwilleran still manages to get involved in local politics. More specifically he gets involved in a fight between the Spuds (people who live in town and support development) and the Taters (mountain people who oppose development) and he finds that a serious injustice has been done to one of the Tater families. With the help of Koko, Qwilleran wades through the evidence (and a mudslide) and discovers the truth, which once again puts his life in danger and requires a cat to save the day.

The mystery itself, as is often the case in this series, plays a decidedly secondary role in a plot that is laced with humor and oddball characters, including an old mountain man who builds Qwilleran a gazebo that has no door. This book is also a warm fuzzy mystery with a conscience as Mrs. Braun goes to great lengths to point out what happens when humans try to bend mother nature to their own ends. As usual, the writing style is engaging, fun and entertaining. This author's characters are always unpredictable and unforgettable and the cats are fascinating. Mrs. Braun even throws a few witches into this book, just to keep things interesting. This is one of the best books in the series so far and it was a real pleasure to read.

In "'The Cat Who Moved a Mountain', Jim Qwilleran took a vacation to the Potato Mountains to have a much-needed rest away from it all. It was here he found he had rented a hotel that had been the site of a year old murder. The locals tell him that the man is now in jail. But Qwill finds out that they have the wrong guy! Then, with the help of Koko, he finds the real murderer and lures him into addmitting it was him. Then Qwill has a near-fatal run-in with the murderer. What will happen? I'll let you see for yourself! Enjoy the book!

This book is about a girl who finds out who she truly is through many painful experiences. Cecile, who's humble father never accepts anything from anybody, is very surprised when her father helps a woman who is of French royalty and when she asks for anything to give to Cecile's father, he asks if she might be a servant to the french royalty. Cecile gets whisked away to the palaces of Versaille, which is what "gates of gold" means. She learns proper ediquette, getting a job to tending the woman's 12 dogs. She learns a side of herself that she never thought she had through tending and walking the dogs, also meeting a soon to be "his royal highness" Bretagne, who was about 5-7 years old. Through the dogs, Cecile and Bretagne create a heartwarming relationship, which is tested over the months that Cecile lives at the palace. This book is based on actual history, although the author does a very good job adding her own twist of fiction into the story. This book ends suddenly and heart-breakingly, which I'll warn the emotional readers about. You will love this book.

Cecile is a heartwarming, cheerful and peaceful young girl. Serving at court was one of her most important dreams. However, when she finally got the chance to work there, it was nothing like she had expected. The worst part about working there was being apart from her father. Cecile felt that she had to be there with her father and tend to his growing cold. While at court, she becomes friends with the royal family. This book has many joyful and unfortunalty, some hard times. I would recomend this book to any young girl around the age of 12. This is a very touching book and teaches all a very improtant lesson. Dream big becuase what you dream may come true and change your life forever.

Young 12-year-old Cecile Revel helps save Madame -sister in law to the king- and as a reward, Madame takes Cecile from her poor town of Rileaux to Versailles to work for her Madame's dogs. Cecile is not used to etiquette, and breaks many rules at first. Then she gets into the swing of things and is a great worker. But then an outbreak of measles effect her friends, the king's great grandsons. If you want to know what else happens, you should read the book. I didn't like the ending chapter, so be warned. I would recogmend this book for children 10-15, this being about a French girl with historical hapennings through the book. This was a great book!!

Cecile is a young girl living in 16th Century France. She and her father have little money to support themselves, and are barely getting by. But when she discovers a woman in the middle of the woods, crying for help, her life changes drastically.
The woman turns out to be the queen. Cecile comes to her rescue, and in turn, the queen hires her as a servant. Cecile knows the money will benefit her family, so she gows to work in the palace.
Very well done.

The year is 1711, and 12-year-old Cecile Revel, is a peasant girl living in the French countryside with her Doctor Father. Cecile is stricken by poverty, and her daily life consists of going hungry and facing various hardships. Her one dream is to serve at the court of King Louis the XIV's court, where she will have the opportunity to wear gorgeous gowns, attend balls, and eat her fill of marvelous foods. However, when her dream comes true due to a fluke, Cecile realizes that serving at the court is unlike anything she's ever imagined. Instead of playing, and racing through the lovely gardens, Cecile is forced to spend many long, agonizing hours learning proper etiquette. Then Cecile learns some strange information about her Father, and the short time that he spent at the court, and realizes that maybe court-life isn't all it's cracked up to be.

I have been a fan of the AMERICAN GIRL series for years, and was ecstatic to see the new series PLEASANT COMPANY was publishing for older readers. I received every book in the GIRLS OF MANY LANDS series for Christmas, and while I have only read two, I already know that CECILE: GATES OF GOLD is sure to stay one of my absolute favorites. Cecile is a marvelous character, whose kind nature, and friendly outlook on life are two traits that will have readers wanting to know what will happen to Cecile next. Mary Casanova has done a fabulous job with writing this novel, and her historical information couldn't be better. A must-read!

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

Written 34 years ago, "Change; Principles of Problem Formation and Problem Resolution" addresses the significant topic of Change in a manner as relevant, if not more so, than it was when the book was first published.

This is not an easy book...it links the mathematical areas of Group Theory and Logical Types with different types of change...but it is well-worth the effort required to complete, understand and appreciate the book's messages.

Terms such as "framing" and "reframing" are central to the ideas put forth in this book...these terms are frequently used today in leadership training and development courses. In an era where terms and buzzwords change frequently, I view the longevity of such terms as a testament to the lasting relevance of this book and its messages.

I highly recommend this book to all readers. The book covers a topic...change...that intersects many areas of life. It is well worth a read.

Despite what's absent, this is a good beginning. Different types of problems and solutions are explained in the context of the mathematic theories of groups and logical types. The analogy isn't perfect or all inclusive, but it will help you understand why some 'solutions' merely aggravate a problem, and why some successful interventions just don't "make sense". And when all else fails, keep in mind this quote from one of the authors' other books (The Language of Change) ..."The aim of realistic, responsible therapy can only be an increased skill in dealing with life problems as they arise, but not a problem-free life".

What IS included is 5 star material. And we need look no further than the authors' words to understand why so much is missing. In summarizing some system failures (page 43)... "These are then the most flamboyant cases of systems pathology, in which even the attempt at pointing at the denial, let alone at the problem itself, is quickly defined as badness or madness, with badness or madness actually resulting from this type of terrible simplification --- unless the person has learned the crucial skill to see, but to be judicious in what he says. For he who sees behind the facade is damned if he sees and says that he sees, or crazy if he sees but does not even admit it to himself."

Our societies are imperfect systems and unless one wants to be categorized as "bad or mad" then there are some things best left unsaid. But, I'm not trying to market a textbook (like the authors were) so i'm free to elaborate.

The authors' background includes extensive experience in family therapy. They're very careful to avoid the idea of divorce as a practical solution in some cases. They even go so far as to describe divorce (page 49) as a symptom of utopia syndrome. If your spouse is torturing you with their insecurity/jealousy and defeating all attempts to help them grow beyond this, then divorce is a practical alternative. The famous family therapist Virginia Satir availed herself of this practical alternative twice.

The authors freely admit that some problems can't be solved. In discussing the mishandling of alcoholism, they analyze the Prohibition monster and it's attendant demons. What they don't say is that at the highest levels of the decision making process, prohibitions and "wars" on drugs aren't intended to alleviate the underlying problem. Prohibitions intend to exploit the problem by a) manipulating market dynamics for profit by a few b) creating jobs (bureaucracy and enforcement) and c) introducing additional opportunities for graft and corruption. Some exploitations masquerade as solutions and that is apropos to this subject.

Sexual taboos don't persist because they successfully solve what some moral authority has declared a problem. They persist because they considerably enhance human sexual experience. Forbidden fruit is sweet. Some 'solutions' do not require the existence of a real problem.

Some problems require genetic solutions. Not that I advocate genetic manipulation. I haven't decided that. Since the title might lead readers to believe that the book is more inclusive than exclusive, genetic manipulation could have at least been mentioned.

There are many ways to produce change in a persons life. But when change does occur, do we know how we produced it? Many times we do not. That's where books like this come into play. It is a very dense book, so if you are not ready for a deep inmersion into the theories behind strategic therapy, you need not apply. Highly recommended for those interested in Watzlawick's other books.

Overall, the book is a bit dry at times, but if you can read, knowing that you will stumble upon a real diamond from time to time, it's a book well worth reading.

Change is the ultimate illusion; nothing ever changes. The cover picture tells it all: is it night or day, earth or sky, field or bird, culture or nature? Illustrations of illusions. The only thing we can hope for is some enlightment regarding a different way to look at our perceptions of change. This book offer that: a short cut to the paradoxes of change.

I am slowly forming a collection of Susan Branch books. The time and artistic beauty that are shown throughout are worthy of keeping out every season. This one is in my kitchen next to a little tree , her recipes are also wonderful.

I've had this book for years and I have purchased this book many times over for the perfect gift at Christmas for the person who has everything. I leave it out all during the holidays and people will pick it up and then want it. It's just a great book to read through with lots of great ideas to make your holidays enjoyable. Beautiful illustrations too. You simply can't go wrong wih this book. The perfect gift!

I bought this book when I first discovered Susan Branch books. I loved it so much I gave it to all my sisters and sisters-in-law. They have all used it as a reference during the holidays and even through out the year.I have given this book to so many others as well and they all love the book. I can only state that this book stands up with all the Susan Branch products and is wonderful and so useful.

As with Susan Branch's other seasonal books, I use this Christmas treasure to kick off the season! Serioualy, I've dog-earred some of the recipes that have become family traditions since I first got this book. I've learned how special it is to replace all sheets with fun holiday flannel sheets. I do much more than simply put up a tree these days. In short, I must attribute my refreshed zest for holiday living to re-reading this book every year before do anything else. (It's also a nice gift!)

This book is so charming! I received it as a gift from a dear friend many years ago and I re-read it every Christmas! Recipes, ideas, and holiday thoughts pulled together with Susan Branch's truly unique artistry make this a favorite.

I have ordered from Amazon.com several times now and each time the item has been shipped right away and in good shape. This last purchase-The Complete Potter's Companion arrived quickly (it was a college class book) and it great shape. The decription stated it was used in excellent condidtion. It most defintely was. In fact if it didn't say used, I would never have guessed. Good job

Very informative with great step-by-step photos also. This book is really good at showing a wide variety of techniques and including historical information that is really interesting.

I'm new to pottery and found this book to be informative. I also found many creative ideas that sparked my own creativity.

This is a very pretty book, and it does cover a breadth of material, but it's very shallow. An entire book could be devoted to each chapter. It provides a good overview of what can be done with clay, but in the end, I have to turn to other books to get more than a cursory understanding of individual processes.

This book is a nice addition to any beginner potter's library. It is not in depth but offers a wide variety in information that is useful and helpful. It is most definatly in my 'top 10' of pottery books.