Careers Books

This book really does have profound content. The author does an excellent job in describing an organization not just as a process, but its people too. An organization must address people as individuals to get their commitment, creativity, and loyalty. NASA could have prospered from the organizational standpoint after the Columbia tragedy by putting in place the techniques described in this book.

Reading the book Superperformance by Dave Guerra was like an "ah-ha" moment for me. Dave did a great job of condensing the concepts that I have not been able to articulate but that I intrisically knew to be true.

Having languished under many corporate structures over my career that stress "projects before people" it was refreshing to see that Dave has accurately identified a methodology for exciting human passion, validating the contributions of the individual and utilizing state-of-the-art process tools to optimize a company's performance.

Practically-speaking, I'm involved as the President/CEO of two start-up companies and the powerful business/people framework described in Dave's book is what I intend to implement going forward to create a different kind of workplace. I fully expect to see results commensurate with those he describes.

This is a thought provoking read for the leader looking to drive sustainable achievement in his/her organization.

One of the most intuitive, lucidly descriptive and amazingly illustrative content ... the HOLY GRAIL for Corporate Leaders in their Search of Excellence in this millennium. Delighted with the concept of SP consultants inside organizations and the constant mentoring/counseling provided to them thru your company and other similar beacons of enlightenment.
BJ Jhaveri (Edison, NJ)

Superperformance

Attention CEOs! Have you been disappointed with the results of your million dollar, multi year investment in Six Sigma?
Sure your black belts can demonstrate the potential of a great ROI and of course, the toolbox approach appeals to your engineering mindset, but can you answer one question with a resounding YES?
Is every person in your company a super performer?
As a long time proponent of leading from the middle, it pains me to concede that the CEO can change the culture of a company faster and more firmly than a troop of directors.
Culture change is the secret. Stop rewarding the few for analysis and start acknowledging the masses for performance.
Six sigma shows you a toolbox. Dave Guerra helps you design a roadmap. Put those expensive tools in the back of the truck and start this journey!

Super Performance is transformational! It represents a welcome and long overdue departure from traditional approaches to management and leadership. The application of Mr. Guerra's novel approach, which combines improvement and complexity sciences, is sure to contribute not only to an organization's financial and operational performance but also the satisfaction of its most valuable asset, its employees. A must read!

This is an excellent book for those of us who have been practicing therapists and have a desire to do what we actually intended when we chose this profession in the first place. The book is well written. It provides a comprehensive discussion of the differences between coaching and psychotherapy or counseling. After defining what this new and exciting field is all about, the authors have given us newcomers to the field a wonderful manual to assist us in establishing a coaching practice. You couldn't really ask for more... unless you want even more of a headstart; you might enroll in Pat's Life Coach Training course, a 30 hour course which supplements the book. A complimentary introductory session is available by going to the Institute web site,...Life coaching is a natural evolution from traditional therapy practices. Moving into this field has transformed my life. Thank you Pat and Deborah!

This book goes far beyond helping therapists transition into life coaching. It gives the reader a very clear and exciting introduction to this new and upcoming field. It was my first real introduction to coaching, yet after training in the field and went back and read it again and got even more out of it.
The book explains the difference between coaching and therapy, and also helps the reader decide which is best for her/him. Exercises are provided to help the reader's decision making. The way the book is put together the authors quite effectively coach the reader toward the possibilities and the joys of coaching. They also spend a good number of pages on how to start a coaching business. I loved it. As an aspiring life-coach I say "thank you."

There are 3 kinds of people who must read this book:
1. Therapists who are looking to add professional coaching to their list of services or who are making a transition away from traditional therapy into life coaching.
2. Professional Coaches who specialize or want to specialize in life coaching.
3. Established Life Coaches.

There is something for everyone in this book, but particularly for these 3 groups of people there is NO BETTER BOOK AVAILABLE to help you make this transition in the fastest and most efficient way possible.

Pat Williams is one of America's Top Professional Coaches. In addition to his nationally recognized coach training program (lifecoachtraining.com), he is also on the board of the International Coach Federation (coachfederation.org), one of the top speakers in the field, and on the cutting-edge of standardizing and professionalizing the field of coaching.

I can't recommend this book high enough. I firmly believe this book should be on the bookshelf of every professional life coach.

This is a truly extraordinary book that gives the reader a guide to the profession of life coaching.

It is an eyeopening source of information, not only for the business of coaching, but also for the development of their relationships with clients as well as themselves.

Chock full of resources and tools, this A MUST HAVE!

This a an extraordinary book that belongs on the shelves (and in the heart) of every therapist AND every coach. Frankly, I've heard Pat Williams speak, so I fully expected to like the book, but even so, I was surprised by just how good, how inspiring, practical and helpful it is. Williams and Davis do a great service for mental health workers, counselors, social workers and Psychologists by affirming the power of what "we" do, and by expanding the boundaries within which we operate. At the same time, they also provide a great reminder for coaches of what WE do, how we do it, and how powerful it is!

The book is elegantly laid-out, easy to follow and powerfully practical. The heart of the message is that caring for and WITH people truly matters. Whether we are labeled as "mental health practitioners" or "spiritual ministers" or coaches, we all use highly sophisticated skills, some that are ancient and timeless, and others that are new and scientifically "proven," to help people transform their lives.

The book is directly aimed at "helping professionals." The message is that what mental health professionals do is IMPORTANT, even if insurance companies and (at times) our culture fails to appreciate it. Williams and Davis present practical, do-able paths that allow professionals to reclaim their independence and do the work they love and are trained to do well.

The exciting part of the book for me, as a Psychologist who has already transitioned into coaching, was the delightful, passionate reminder of what coaches actually DO! While this is an introduction or over-view of coaching, I found the reminders, the affirmations, and the passion extremely helpful. As "people experts" it is good to be reminded of how much we know, how skilled we are, how many "tools" we have in our toolbox!

I found the book easily readable, very well-thought-out, and helpful. I highly recommend it for (1) anyone considering entering the field of coaching, (2) mental health professionals who are tired or restless and looking for a new challenge, and (3) for coaches who want a helpful survey of the skills and strengths we bring to our work. All three groups will get a tremendous lift and find it a helpful read.

This book is very helpful if you are going through the interview process and have not done so in a while. Very insightful and real world.

I've been on both sides of the job interview process: as someone doing the hiring and also as a candidate for a job. It is amazing how being on the job hunt alters your view of the interview process. Did I develop some kind of "interview fever" which made me overly nervous and forget what it was like to hire someone? Maybe. But reading Winning Job Interviews allowed me to step back and put it all back into proper perspective so I could ace the interview and get the job. How cool is that?

Clear, direct, concise.

The first 40 pages will tell you what you really know: how you feel. And how to deal with it. With an upbeat language helps you decrease your anxiety and depression. And further, MOTIVATE you.

Then clear clues on how to behave, conduct, and win interviews.

I wish he could avoid some areas of job searching and closing to have more material on the topic.

But IT IS A MUST READ.

I'm getting ready to retire from a successful military career. To be honest, before reading Dr. Power's book-the thought of joining the rat-race of the whole job interview process was more formidable than facing another deployment to the desert! At 40 years old I haven't had to go on a job interview in over 20 years! This book was not only fun to read, but offered great tips, warned against common pit falls (I was sure to fall into) and helped me plan out my strategy to attain my future career. It's hard to imagine, but after reading this candid, well-written book I feel not only self-confident but actually excited about my upcoming interviews!

This book was definitely money well spent. I have interviewed and accepted jobs previously in my career (10yrs in my profession), but have never been as prepared as I was after reading this book. I used it from the start of the job hunt process to accepting the best overall offer. Reading the book helped ease pre-interview anxiety, and also helped me prepare for interviews by providing a good idea of what to expect, how to prepare, and how to answer difficult questions, etc. The sections I found most helpful were on generating multiple offers, and negotiating after the initial offer. I used Dr Powers advice on both, and was able to generate multiple offers and negotiate significantly higher salary and vacation time. Well worth the money and I would recommend this book to anyone currently on the job hunt.

Right off the bat I want to agree with the Minister in Colorado who stated that this book was more satisfying than "Purpose Driven Life". I too was somewhat disappointed by that book, although I do like it on some things.

But now this book. First, this book is more about LIFE lessons from Joseph than about Joseph's life. The Joseph story is one of my favorites, and I've read Swindoll, Getz, Anderson and others on Joseph's life. But as good as those are, they are soup and potatoes compared to this one--it's real meat!

This book could only be improved by an additional workbook. While there are study guides and questions in each chapter, this book will take you a while to appreciate. Every chapter goes through Joseph's life and teaches some of God's DEEPER truths such as effective prayer, election and free will, God's principle of a good leader, etc. The whole book could be summarized in Romans 8:28. So could Joseph's life.

So, if you want theology as milk soup, "Purpose Driven Life" is pretty good as far as it goes. If you're ready for something a little deeper--and you enjoy the life of Joseph--this book is truly awesome.

Get two copies. Keep one, and give the other to a college graduate heading out into the world. If they follow Joseph's 'road map', they'll never go wrong.

Solid!

ALSO RECOMMENDED: "God, Help Me Pray!" by the same author--not as long (or as expensive), but you won't find a better short work on praying!!

I'm a veteran teacher--21 years. I'm enjoying your book on Joseph. I was a teaching leader in Bible Study Fellowship for 7 years. Your understanding of doctrine is refreshing in a post modern culture. Thanks for spending the time to write the book. I'm giving copies to my children for Christmas.

I gave this book to a college graduate after ordering a copy for myself. When I first saw the title, I thought the book was just about the troubles Joseph had in Egypt. Though it is one of my favorite bible stories, I wasn't sure I wanted to read all about his troubles. Boy was I surprised.

The book is more about Joseph's lessons from life (and how we can use the principles) than his troubles. Because these lessons (or bible principles) are so relevant to us today, and contain nice illustrations, I thought it would make a great graduation gift.

I thought I knew the Joseph story pretty well till I read this book. Doing so made me appreciate how great Joseph really was.

Those who will get the most from the book:

1. Anyone wanting to REALLY get into the Joseph story.
2. Someone wanting 32 neatly divided and outstanding principles to live by. This is the best part!
3. Anyone who wants to teach the Joesph story. (You should not be without this book no matter what!)
4. Parents. Because the chapter 1 is almost an instruction manual itself on what NOT to do as a parent (Jacob).
5. Young people (college) who are graduating (IF they'll read it), because it truly is a handbook for life. Below college might be too young.
6. Anyone who is a leader of others. This is another chapter that's a book by itself. I gave a copy to my son's principle!

I must say that although I liked this book very much (my copy is falling apart), some chapters are deep, especially the discussion of election/free will. But the last chapter "Life in the rear-view mirror" will make you so glad you are a Christian, and the concluding 'Psalm of Joseph' is so realistic one might wish he really had written it.

ALSO RECOMMENDED: "God, Help Me Pray!" by the same author--not as long (or as expensive), but you won't find a better short work on praying!!

"...to be very up-front--I'm impressed! I outlined {for my book} nineteen priniciples that emerged from Jospeh's life...there are others in addition...which is obvious from your book. You are interested in principlizing--and do a good job at it!"

The following is an excerpt from a letter I wrote to the books author, Jerry Parks, after finishing the book, which I thankfully purchased after stumbling on to some positive reviews on Amazon:

[I just wanted to write you and thank you for your fine book on the life principles of Joseph. I stumbled on to it on Amazon and thought it sounded interesting, so I bought it. I read it once and my wife and I are now going through it together for a second time. The thing I like about it is that you kept it simple. It's very practical as a life manual using Joseph's life as an example. We read The Purpose Driven Life last year and thought it was good...but it left us wanting. I think the biggest difference for us, and why we like your book so much, is that Purpose seems to be very "me" focused. Ie: What is my place? What should I do? Who am I in Christ? There's nothing inherently wrong with that but I think new believers are the primary beneficiaries of it's narrow focus. Your book however, is full of deep truths on living a healthy, well-balanced, Christian life. Christianity is about service, and I believe you capture that by emphasizing how Joseph found his purpose, his place, his peace... in serving - God and others. We are so blessed in this society, and yet, as you articulate so well, we continually want more. Christians as a whole are not an exception. I was very blessed to read a book that wasn't just empty calories for the soul, but a good, filling, juicy steak!

One criticism I have is that there are a lot of textual errors in the book. I'm sure the computer didn't catch them in spell check. I would like to send you my copy with the textual errors highlighted so you can correct them for your next printing. I believe the book is awesome and don't want to see people distracted by the errors. I compare that to a child suddenly wailing at a critical time in a sermon. It doesn't necessarily diminish the entire value of the sermon, but it can distract from the individual point being made. Also, please let me know when you publish your new book on Romans. I bet it will be great!]

This is the first time I've ever felt compelled to write a review for Amazon, so obviously I think everyone reading it ought to take my advice and buy this inspired book. Better yet, buy three copies: One for you, one for your pastor, and one for someone who you believe God has called to a great purpose.

This is one of the best business books ever! Five stars is to low for such an outstanding work as 100 ways to motivate others. Steve Chandler and Scott Richardson have a writing style that really hit home for me. Order this book now and your return on investment could be huge. I loved every word. I have already ordered all of Steve Chandler's books as a result of my satisfaction with this effort. . 10 Stars - 2 hour 40 minute very easy read. This book offers steps leaders can take to increase composure and results.

John Halloran
CEO [...]
CEO [...]

Great tips and ideas for motivating others, especially in the business world. Some of them include, "Know Where Motivation Comes From, Teach Self-Discipline, Stop Criticizing Upper Management, Keep Giving Feedback, Get Input from your People, Accelerate Change, Don't Confuse Stressing Out With Caring, Manage Your Own Superiors, and Manage Agreements, Not People." If you want to become a great leader, I highly recommend this book.

I've listened to these CD's more than once while driving. There are lots of great tips - and a couple opened my eyes to some areas where I had been stuck. Not every point was new to me. I have recommended it to others and shared some of the individual points with friends.

Steve Chandler drives home the keys to becoming a great leader in a way that is easy to understand and implement. This should be required reading for anyone in a leadership role. David Otis Author of "Walk Fast, Talk Loud and Smile."

If you are a reader on leadership, Steve Chandler is not stranger to you. In "100 ways to motivate others:", he condenses several years worth of work into a handbook for the new generation of leader.
Do not be confused by the fact that the book is not large. Steve has crammed years worth of fundamental truths about motivation and management into a compact tome.
The hardest part of using these techniques is making the initial leap of faith that these steps actually work. And they do work. If you buy a book on motivation or leadership this year, it must be this book.

Time and time again, I've seen how much strength women (both young and old) draw from the stories of other women's lives. Author Joline Godfrey obviously understands that - for in Twenty $ecrets, as in her first two books, Godfrey combines sound, down to earth, listen to your own drummer type of advice with engaging, real-life anecdotes. A definite must-read for ages 13 and up.

This book was fun,inspiring, and helped me link money with my voice and values. I especially loved the chapters on "Embracing YOur Weirdness and Investing in Yourself. Who knew that being weird was a great path to finacial independence? Great perpective on life, money, and possibility!

"Let Go" is the most important secret for me. It emphasizes letting go of Perfection, Anger, Certainty, Harmful Habits, Self Pity, and Things, so that we can make room for our independence to soar. Ms. Godfrey gives the reader effective tips on how to deal with each of these items. These tips have worked for me! All of the other secrets are great, too, and should be reread from time to time for inspiration!

Joline Godfrey's book 20 Secrets to Money and Independence has been making me smile for years. It is an easy to understand guide to some of the more complex ideas of becoming a well rounded women. I first learned about investing, net worth, and even "embracing my wierdness" from Joline. Now I have a better foundation to pursue my dreams from. Independence is something I can have, now. I was about 20 years of age when I first started reading this book. I would recommend it to any young female. You can't be too young to enjoy the empowerment this book gives a girl. And as for the older girls, such as myself, you may enjoy this book even more.It touches on so many important qualities an independent woman needs to cultivate as an adult.Thumbs up for Joline Godfrey. She knows how to empower women of all ages.

20 $ecrets to Money and Independence is a FANTASTIC exemplar for today's do-it-all femmes. Joline Godfrey's humor and wisdom combine, making each page a valued treasure. She enlightens the reader on the originality of themselves and their ideas, both which can be utilized to empower the world. She stresses the importance of women's ideas as stepping-stones that make our dreams a reality. By thinking big and proving their ability, women flourish their potential, and shed the stereotypical naiveté` that hinders too many females in today's society. In addition to her insight, the author provides exercises for reflection and resources that unleash the interests of the curious explorer.
Godfrey's style is entirely motivating, and her tactics foster the active mind, fountain of creativity, and omnipotence within everybody. She emphasizes that belief in oneself can accomplish anything; being a leader, growing money, making passions pay, carrying oneself with poise and confidence, and making a difference are beyond no one. Progressing through this book is like an exciting journey, full of wonders and enriching experiences. The $ecrets within lead not only to physical freedom and wealth, but the inner development of qualities that generate from self-reliance and worldly experience. A pleasure to read for young and old alike, Joline Godfrey is impeccable.

Bought this for my wife who is a Pastor / Life Coach. Says it contains lots of good principles.

This is a refreshingly different kind of book dealing with the challenges and rewards that life offers. The time-honored wisdom is done in a unique way--bite-size chunks of info, easy to dip into but difficult to absorb in just a couple of sittings. The amount of usable ideas is vast and varied--a treasure chest of advice that is shockingly on target.

Rachelle Rocks! 365 Days of Coaching is a resource I use every day. Sometimes I read the "right" day, sometimes I let the book choose a page for me. There is always something to teach, challenge, inspire me, often with a wonderful bit of humor thrown in. For all of us who desire to grow into the life of our dreams, this is an invaluable book. Want to grow your life and yourSelf? Read this book!

This book is great to pick up whenever I need some spot coaching and reminders. Whether I'm down, frustrated, confused, or doubting my worth, Coach Lee has it covered. The stories are motivational and her coaching challenges really make me think about who I am and what I want from life. I recommend it to everyone who wants more out of life.

I find that each of the 365 days in this book has a message that is relevant for me. Sometimes the message is that it's OK to just be who I am, and sometimes the message is encouragement to grow and stretch and challenge myself. Coach Lee writes in a conversational style that is easy and quick to read, while conveying the essence of her important messages. If you want to feel inspired to enjoy life and do more with each day, this is a must-read!

The 7 Laws of Highest Prosperity is the greatest book I've read this year! This book helped to get a clear focus on what God wants me to do. It is a refreshing story about how God desires all of us to be prosperous in every area of our lives. What better what to witness than through success! If you're looking for clear understanding of God's purpose for your life, then this is the book for you!

This book reads like a modern-day parable; a story that draws one in and makes one look at oneself with new eyes. I felt like Kemp was writing about ME.
As I shared the book with friends, their reaction was much the same.
I have highly recommend 7 Laws of Highest Prosperity to my church members.

A wonderful story, a wonderful lesson in life. This book is insightful and truly inspirational. You cannot read this book without comparing yourself with the main character, Sam the Wood Gatherer. The lessons of life here are more valuable than any financial returns that may come from following Sam's lead. This is NOT your typical book on prosperity. All too often, these books focus primarily, if not entirely on self. The lesson here is that prosperity will come to you if you focus your energies on others. It is a fairly short book, just over 100 pages, but the power in those pages is immense.
I enjoyed this book so much that I am in the process of gathering several other Cecil Kemp books for reading. I have just finished my second, "The Secret Meeting Place," and it may actually be even better than this one.
If you are looking for more from your life, this is one of the most important books you may ever read. Don't miss it!

If you think you know what prosperity is, this book may change your mind. It presents the fullest definition of "Propserity" I've ever found. So much of what we call success is only superficial, but this book goes deep. Written as a short novel, it will keep you on the edge of your seat as the main character moves from a wood cutter to "highest prosperity." I love it.

Cecil O. Kemp's "7 Laws of Highest Prosperity" has more practical spiritual guidance than Steven Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Successful People", and is more readable than Spencer Johnson's "Who Moved My Cheese?". Following Sam's road from lowly beginnings to "highest prosperity" was for me both a pleasure and a beginning of my own journey to seek highest prosperity. When it comes to knowing how to live prosperously, Kemp hits the nail on the noggin! No false premise here.

As intended by the author, I read this book on a flight to Las Vegas and it was the prefect size. Essentially a series of essays on business networking, The ABC's of Networking acted a a good reminder for all of the things I know I should be doing. I read Some Assembly Required and this provided some of the same information using stories that were entertaining as well as useful. I am sure that his next books Some Assembly Required for Women and Some Assembly Required - LinkedIn will be equally valuable.

This is an outstanding and very quick read. The authors offer simple and superb advice on mastering the art of professional networking. The concepts they describe are useful and straight forward, and the short essay format makes the book easy to digest, on a plane, bus stop, lobby, etc. Highly recommended for anyone who can benefit from a stronger professional network...can't we all!

You are staring at one great book. He keeps the text simple, yet full of thought, and everyone should be able to apply his principles and thoughts to their daily lives. The examples used have the ability to connect with most anyone reading the book. He even includes some of his goals and how he has achieved them! Many people will tell you that you don't need a book on networking, but even the best networkers are constantly learning. You know the old saying, "you can never learn too much"? Well, I would say the ABC's of Networking is a refreshing reminder of how to succeed in networking. You will definitely want to add this to your personal development library!

Read this book cover to cover on a two hour flight to Phoenix and it spells out everything a small business owner, saleperson, or really anyone could easily do to expand their business or social network. Follow the simple principles of this book and you will enjoy more business success than your competitors and more personal success as well - after all, who doesn't like making new friends?

No Matter how simple we all may think some of these concepts are, it takes someone like Thom Singer to get it through our head that we need to practice and practice again. Thom Invites us to get hungry once again and remember how some of us got to our current level of success in the first place. For those of you starting out, Mr. Singer's series on Networking is a great place to start. This book is a perfect size to travel with and keep in your briefcase. Instead of playing games on your flight or between appointments, what could be more valuable that honing ones networking skills. I use this book as a base and take notes as to how I can apply this to my business. I can reference it at any time and be reminded to send a thank you note or follow up email to someone I had just met. All of my employees and staff have Thom Singer's first book "Some Assembly Required" as well as the "ABC's of Networking".

I read this book when I was really stressed from having three teenage daughters and a newborn. I found her wit and honesty refreshing. Just goes to show you dont have to be perfect to be a great mom. The greatest lesson was to enjoy the experience of childhood and not to stress about the things in life. Great read for ANY parent.

The author, Kay Willis, has 10 kids (yes, 10). It reads like Erma Bombeck and has wonderful advice in a non-lecturing way, makes you happy that you have kid(s). My husband is now worried that I will want lots more.

This is the best parenting book I've ever read, period. I keep it with me and read it in the car during rush hour delays, and I arrive home completely jazzed and not guilty. As a nursing mom, I also read it while expressing milk at work; it's a really uplifting book. It's essential for parents who ever feel stressed, unsure of themselves, worn down by work and kid demands, and short on romantic or even friendly thoughts.

Some examples that enticed me to actually finish the book (like most parents, I can't say that about most books these days):

* It's not too thick!!

* It was so entertaining and well-written I finished it before I knew it, and actually wished it wasn't over!

* Kay reminds parents that if they are bored or not having fun, their kids feel the same, and urges parents not to serve leftover versions of themselves. Having fun, protecting your own sense of worth and happiness are essential to a healthy family. "Having fun is an important parenting skill - if you're overcommitted and exhausted you're not much fun to be around"

* "Let the chores go and have fun with your kids" I always love to hear that.

* Kay became Fisher Price's spokesperson for a new camera toy, by betting the president of Fisher Price that she could sell more toys than their camera "expert."

* She's upbeat and crazy and shares a lot of common sense

* She relishes life.

* Kay formed a group called "Mothers Matter" to help parents network and learn, because "Motherhood is like a secret society. You don't really find out all about it until after you've been initiated."

* Kay doesn't leave out the fathers END

I almost didn't make it through this book because it starts off by telling you to take time for yourself and the author explains how her mom paid for her to have a sitter in the afternoons so she could sit at a girlfriend's and decompress, or how her husband would bathe the kids every night. I liked the later chapters better, but didn't hit any epiphanies. Maybe my expectations are too high for these books.

I thought this was a wonderful book, I enjoyed it very much. What set it apart for me is that it's a book about BEING a parent, not how to parent. It doesn't tell you how to raise your kids. It's about how parents feel and how we can feel better. It was one of the few parenting books I've read that is more likely to relieve guilt than create it.

This book has no preachy advice; the author is truly respectful of individual differences and, having raised 10 kids herself, she's nothing if not realistic. She talks a lot about "attitude and atmosphere" and how the way we feel as parents affects those things. Along that central theme the book is filled with encouragement and food for thought. She really tries to uplift parents, encourage them to enjoy the ride and offers frequent reminders of the rewards of the job.

The text is broken up by anecdotes from the author, her children and others, and quotes borrowed from everything from the Farmer's Almanac to Confucius. I pick the book up often for a shot in the arm of inspiration. The anecdotes alone could be read "Chicken Soup" style.

Best of all, perhaps, the book is an easy read. It is written in a light tone. It's short, direct, and formatted for brief reading sessions (which is all most parents really get!).

With a sense of humor and openness that only an experienced mother can portray, Kay Willis makes this parenting book fun to read. She's been there, done that, and somehow makes a reader feel that it's something she'd do again (parent another child) if given the opportunity.

I read it at a low time in my relationship with my teens and immediately felt lifted--that the things we deal with are universal to raising of kids. She really empowered me as a mother to feel that I'm doing well and that despite my best efforts life will not always be rosey. We must just keep plugging away and that sometimes what we think as a tough situation can be better handled with a different persective. I only wish she had a "Dear Kay" column!