Relationships Books

I have read both of Ms. Blacks books. WoW! I can't wait to read her next book! They were worth every penny!! A nice unexpected extra...she autographs every book!! Thanks Ms. Black and keep'um coming! :)

Read this book in a day. Couldn't put it down it was so hot! When I started reading it and it started out being in a swamp, I was like what is this? Then OMG!!!!!! My heart was racing and I was quite aroused (not sure if that is the proper word to use or not?). Incredible story, well written with imaginative erotica events that would just.......

Make sure to read this book when you are in bed next to your lover. Enjoy, deserves more then five stars for sure!

You won't want to put this book down once you start. This is a great read!! It's very stimulating, there are parts in this book that you'll want to read over and over agin.

CAJUN HOT is a tremendously entertaining comedy of a romance. I was enthralled from page one right on through to the end. The story is hot and sexy as well and I was either fanning myself from the heat or chuckling over the antics of the characters. The general plot is pretty straightforward, but the route to get to the happy ending has some outrageous moments. The story keeps your interest and I was very disgruntled anytime I had to put the book away and do something else. Ms. Black's characters are rich and well-rounded. Sahara has some serious career goals and is not in the mood to take a detour for love; she is fun, likeable and amusing. Jacque presents himself as a laid-back, sexy Cajun, which he certainly is, but there is a lot more to him as well. The secondary characters really add to this story, both in humor and outrageousness. The sex scenes are explicit, extremely hot and contain elements of ménage, bondage and exhibitionism. I truly enjoyed CAJUN HOT and highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun, amusing and extremely sexy read!

This book left me breathing hot and feeling an insatiable wetness. I WOULD NOT recommend reading this in public... and make sure you have easy access to your lover!!! Cajun is HOT HOT HOT

When everything feels awful it is hard to smile but this book helps. Divorce is a hard thing to go though but Congrats helps you feel not so alone. I recommend it to any woman who would like some support.

I liked the light hearted approach to dealing with getting your life back together and moving on. Although, I am only separated now, the financial part of the book could be very helpful for some women. I skimmed through the part about children, since mine are already teenagers and have accepted the situation better than me. I liked the girlfriend to girlfriend type of advice, and the stories from other women helped to show there are others who are suffering the same doubts, lonliness, frustration that you may be going through.
It was a bit short for me. I would have liked more of other women's stories on how they coped, and maybe more stories regarding older women who are now having to start over. I found that the average age was mid-thirties, and I would much rather be starting over at that age, but I'm 50 now and it is a different story when you are that age and starting all over again.

As an experienced psychotherapist, I highly recommend this book to help find your way during a divorce. The practical and realistic information has been a huge help to many of my clients.This book is a guide through a painful process by a Doctor who has personally been there and openly shares her experiences with wit and wisdom. It gives the reader hope and sense of direction.

What a breath of fresh air - to be able to read exactly what's expected for people who are considering divorce in our complicated society! Written in a style that's easy to read with information that's clear and precise, this books should be recommended reading for anyone who's getting married!

This is a GREAT book for any woman who is going through a divorce. It gives great advice, yet it's light-hearted. I would recommend it to anyone I know in the same situation.

All of the office politics, dishonesty and clawing that was going on around me was stressing me out. I was about to join in reluctantly for fear of being left in the dust. This book was a real eye opener and has helped me deal with what I have learned to be a universal corporate problem (which explains a lot about why corporate America is continuously critisized). If everyone is clawing their way to the top, who is actually working and getting the job done? Thanks to this book's funny approach to dealing with office politics, I am and I hope it will not go un-noticed.

This book covered some of the most interesting topics of real human life in the workplace, and not only in the United States. It also applies in places like Spain, where I'm from. Jean's experience in dealing with all these subjects makes the book and her advice very useful and realistic. Also I very much enjoyed reading this book -- it's certainly not boring! I strongly recomend this book to my friends, to people who work in companies or institutions, and also to the general public. I'm sure they will learn from it as well as enjoy it. Thanks, Jean, for this excellent book.

I will admit I was skeptical when I picked up the book but I quickly found myself laughing and learning. In a light, funny and to the point "Dear Abby" style Jean answers tough questions about today's changing workplace. Covering everything from when to conduct business durng a business lunch to how to deal with the gum-smacking co-worker, Jean sheds light on many issues. Using real life examples, she gives the reader tools to get ahead in the workplace. No matter what your line of work there is bound to be something in the book for you.

Dear Jean is one of the most useful books for dealing with the everyday antics of the workplace. Jean stresses the importance of personal responsibility that is so often missing in today's employees. To get her career started in the right direction I gave my daughter a copy on the day she started her first real job.

Jean's writing style makes reading this book an absolute joy. Every office should keep a copy for reference.

Dear Jean provides key insights and tips that can help improve our interpersonal relationships at work. The book provides a variety of real cases and issues that we may face at work. The book can become a very powerful "personal skill software" that will avoid us being caught up in messy personal issues at work that may hinder us from accomplishing our full business potential. Alejandro Sucre Director of Caracas Teleport / Otassca

This is the only useful book I've seen about breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery, and it really does a great job. The majority of the book would really be useful for women who have had any type of breast surgery and are worried about breastfeeding successfully. There's really detailed information about just about anything you'd need to know -- and a lot of information that it would have never occurred to me to look for, but I'm so grateful to have! The book has a lot of detail on how to prepare in advance, where to go for support, what positions might work best, how breast surgery can affect latch and let-down and the rest of the breastfeeding process, the pros and cons of using pumps to increase supply, using at-breast supplementers rather than bottles, different techniques to increase supply, etc.

Some of the information in the book is now out-of-date (especially regarding the use of artificial nipples for bottle feeding and pacifiers), and the author has updated information on the website (www.bfar.org). The other concern is, of course, that the book is now out of print.

Luckily on both counts, the author's website reports that a revised edition is in the works -- I can't wait, but I'm glad I have this copy -- and the author's website -- in the meantime.

This book was suggested by a doula friend and it was exactly what I needed to read. It had all the information necessary as well as all the what if's. If you had a previous surgery and plan to breastfeed you must read this. Because of this book I was able to fully feed my child without supplementing!

I'd been doing BFAR (Breastfeeding After Reduction Surgery) for three months before I discovered this book and I really wish I'd had it from the beginning. It's basically a textbook and goes into great detail about how the surgery could have affected your breastfeeding ability and what you can do if you have a low milk supply (herbs, prescription medications, pumping, psychological exercises). It goes into the emotional issues you may be dealing with and discusses methods of supplementing your baby with donated human milk or formula. There is also a section in the back for professionals who may be working with BFAR mothers.

It is very pro breastfeeding, but not in a way that I felt bullied. I did feel a little guilty that there were things I could have done in the first month that I didn't know about until reading the book, but the section on emotional issues helped with that, saying not to feel guilty over decisions you made in the past when you had different information.

This book is informative and encouraging - and HIGHLY recommended for any doctor, mid-wife, or nurse, as well as for anyone who has had this type of surgery.

I am pregnant with my second child and bought this book in hopes of nursing the baby when it is born. It is a very informative, well-written book and has a lot of good information for those who are considering or have had a breast reduction, and want to nurse.

As a director of a fairly new child development center, I am always looking for new ideas to make our center as comfortable for the children as possible. This book has some wonderful ideas that don't require a lot of money, which is nice because we are always short. It suggests using things you find at yard sales and thrift shops.
The advice given does, however require lots of upkeep and adult supervision. It recommends lots of things, such as using lots of natural items in the sensory area like tree bark and rocks and giving the children more freedom to make a mess and explore to their hearts content. This makes it harder on the teachers because there is more clean up and it takes a lot of encouragement on my part to implement these changes, but it is worth it in the end.
When the children are happier and have plenty to keep them busy, the teacher's jobs become easier.,

Deb is a teacher at my daughter's school. She has helped create an inspiring learning environment for all the children to learn in.
This book will help you allow new ways for your child's imagination to blossom.

This book is referenced daily for new ideas for my infant toddler classroom. It has ideas that are obviously inspired by children and enjoyed by children and adults alike. The text gives a wonderful insight into ECE environments that help teaching staff give quality care in all aspects of child development. It is one of the best books out there.

For those who work with children or want to some day- students, teachers, Child Care providers, etc.----- This book is wonderful!! It gives you full color photos of interesting and innovative designs for environments for children to live, learn and grow in! They also share basics about details and main elements of designing spaces for children! I LOVE this book!

great book for centers & pre-schools, but for my small family childcare (infant/nursery) I found it did not have NEAR enough focus or information directed towards newborns and crawlers, specifically nap, changing & eating areas or indoor floor play.
if you have an older crowd (30 months +) then yes, this would be a good idea resource for you, however I like my baby-babies...

I DID get a couple outside-play ideas for my 18-24 month olds, but for me personally--simply not enough to justify the cost.

I have this cookbook and I love it and want to buy it for another couple. The recipes are really fun, very good, and well organized. But $99-- what the heck? Doesn't anyone sell a new copy of this for less??

my new husband and i adore this book! i have given it as a gift to so many of our couple friends. the pages are worn and spattered with food as we fight over the book while cooking all the delicious meals together. my husband, who doesn't like to cook, loves preparing these meals with me! he loves the way it all comes together at the end, and we dont have to determine who does what, its all detailed for chef 1 and chef 2. we have had so many wonderfully romantic and fun nights together thanks to this book. my only complaint is that there's not a dinner dates 2, 3, 4 etc. we are almost done with this book and would love to buy more!

I was delighted that the timing and food worked out so well. I typically have a tough time serving everything hot at the same time. While we were enjoying our dinner, the poached pears were simmering on the stove. Fantastic!

This book really brought my boyfriend and I into the kitchen together. Now, every meal is a pleasure instead of work (he even cooks me dinner a few nights a week)! We've learned to take time and enjoy it. Cooking is fun and every moment together should be just that. Pay close attention when you're told to toast your date while cooking. Romance in the kitchen can happen thanks to Martha!

We barely made it through the first course. Just reading the recipes aloud to one another set our buns on fire. A saucy melange of ingredients, arrayed ever so sensually on the table before us, made this a VERY SPECIAL NIGHT. A little simmer, then a rolling boil! Here's some advice: Have your lover keep the cooking mits on... Looking forward to future editions with: cooking for one, cooking for 3, and cooking for groups recipes. Try the spicy wraps!

I loved the book. It was very helpful in describing the men to avoid. Afraid I have dated almost all the types and some of the ones to two types together. I think it is helpful for any woman searching for someone good to date.

Like a field guide to a mushroom gatherer, this book teaches how to recognize the poisonous types. In that sense, this is a money, time and life-saving guide. Just as you would not sample The Angel of Death mushroom, you would not try out one of these guys in hopes that he is not really true to type. Nor would you take one home, hoping that with enough love and care and hope, the poison will dissolve and the mushroom will be wholesome and edible. As she explains:

"This guide does not address what you can do to make yourself more attractive to men, how to improve your own character, or guy-meeting strategies. Its purpose is to help you sort through and reject the bad apples up front. Too many bad relationships are the result of women being so grateful that some guy even looks at them, that they jump at the chance to become intimate because they fear it will be their last chance in life. They are petrified that they will be old maids, alone on New Year's Eve. They marry some unloving guy who is full of himself, and they still feel alone on New Year's Eve."

This book is intended for women who are looking for a relationship, but it may also be helpful to those who are in relationships that are not working and are wondering should they stay or leave and can the relationship be salvaged.

The Dirty Seven is exquisitely written - it will both entertain you and open your eyes into different categories of qualities that some men bring into a relationship and which will only bring you pain and heartache in time.

The author points out that there are wonderful, loving and well-adjusted men out there and there are also those who are obviously a bad relationship material. This book doesn't deal with either of those, but rather it deals with traits that may not be so obvious, unless you're informed and know what to look for, traits that may confuse you and make you wonder is something wrong with you or is it him?

You will also get insight into what can be salvaged and whether it's worth your while sticking around, or should you better leave before you get deeply entangled - in other words: what to find out before you find yourself in a deeply messy situation that may be harder and more complicated to get out of as time goes by.

At the end of the book, there is a short overview of The Dirty Seven Sisters: Men Beware. The author has also written a separate book that deals with undesirable traits women bring into a relationship and in my opinion, people of both sexes who desire to enjoy long-term relationships may want to read both books. After all, it takes two well-adjusted individuals to create a happy, loving and harmonious long-term relationship and having insight into one's own shortcomings and doing something about them is as useful as being aware of what to look for in a relationship partner.

Sharply and smartly written, The Dirty Seven: Ladies Beware! is a candid description of seven male personality types that single women searching for a serious relationship should avoid like the plague. The Dirty Seven does not focus upon criminal types, but rather men who are simply poor relationship and prospective husband material, from the Young and Poor to the Excessive Baggage man. The Dirty Seven is highly entertaining to read, but contains a very sober message and is a "must-read" for any single woman in search of a mate.

This gem of a book by June Marshall has its thumb on the pulse of why so many women spin their wheels in dead end relationships. Marshall desribes in colorful detail the characteristics of "Mr. wrong", how to avoid the endless pain and suffering that a relationship with him will bring. The Dirty Seven sheds light on the subtle and insidious elements of a bad catch that most of us easliy look over in attempts to have a man in our life. The refreshing part is that Marshall does not male bash or leave the reader feeling that a fulfilling relationship with a man is impossible. On the contrary- I left feeling empowered and ready to seek out the qualities in a partner that count such as the ability to give and good character. But aside from the invaluable information presented in The Dirty Seven, it is hilariously written. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book!

I don't own an Akita, but this book caught my eye because it was a different kind of story. The subjects of sexual discrimination, poverty, wartime in Japan, and the Morie's singlemindedness in raising dogs are explored. If you love Akitas, you'll love this book. If you're not a dog person, you'll like this book, but may not go ga-ga over it. I thought the writer jumped around a bit in telling the story, and could have been better with the continuity. But all in all, I recommend this interesting look at a life far different from ours in America.

I bought this book for my brother, who loves dogs as much as I do. When he finished it, he sent it back, so I read it as well, and we both enjoyed it. This is a very sweet book which makes a great gift book for someone who loves dogs, someone who loves Japan and its history, and especially for someone who loves both. I would have liked to see Penguin go the extra mile for Martha Sherrill and spring for glossy pages for the many great photos in the book, but that would be my only criticism.

I had to leave it at the library because i wanted to leave it for my friend who i intended to send right down to check it out. It's about an eccentric in a culture not known for eccentrics. It's about his wife and family. His wife is a stoic and her relationship with her husband is like reading science fiction to a 21st century American. The dogs are great. Great. Please do not go out and buy an Akita though. This is a lot of dog. A whole lot of dog. They almost need a mountain.

This book has touched me. The main character is morally strong, and the result of his strength has affected a breed of dog to a point beyond comprehension. If you own an Akita, this is a must read. If you do not own an Akita, you need to read this as well.

Heard about this book when Charlie Rose interviewed the author on his show. Apparently the Akita is a country dog bred in the mountains in Japan. During WWII, the breed was threatened--people ate them because they were starving--and this is the story of how one man formed a network of friends to save the breed and protect them. It is also the story of his family, including stories of the different dogs he saved. For dog lovers and Akita fans especially.

Gives good food for thought on raising twins. I think it's more for identical twin pairs and how to make them feel like individuals.

In my book, "It's Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence," I stress the importance of promoting individuality in twin children. People often view twins as a set and fail to identify and distinguish the unique characteristics of each child. Even twins themselves may see themselves as an extension of each other, rather than as their own person. While it's a wonderful thing to have this loving and supportive bond between twins, it can also be detrimental to twins if they fail to achieve their own individual potential, form relationships with others, or develop a healthy self-esteem.

Joan A. Friedman, Ph.D., an identical twin and the mother of twin boys, has written an excellent book on raising two distinct individuals who just happen to be twins. In "Emotionally Healthy Twins: A New Philosophy for Parenting Two Unique Children," Dr. Friedman, a psychotherapist, breaks down her "parenting-of-twins philosophy" into 7 key concepts:

1. Think of your twins as two unique individuals.
2. Expect to have different feelings for each child.
3. Give each child consistent "alone time" with you. They need it in order to adequately bond with you.
4. Don't attempt to provide a "fair and equal" childhood for your twins.
5. Don't compare twins to each other; each is on his or her unique life path.
6. Encourage twins to pursue their own friendships and interests.
7. Don't rely on your twins to be each other's constant companion or surrogate parent.

If you're pregnant with twins, she explains how to mentally prepare for two separate babies. If you're raising twin babies, preschoolers, elementary school kids, preteens and teens, or young adults, separate chapters are devoted to meeting their emotional needs. There's even a chapter for fathers of twins, which will improve both their parenting and partnering skills. "Emotionally Healthy Twins" is an excellent book that addresses the unique challenges faced by parents of twins -- issues that aren't addressed in standard parenting books.

Dr. Joan Friedman's book on relating to Emotionally Healthy Twins is a winner. She lays out her book in an easy to read style and an easy to reference style. The actual case studies that she shares clearly illustrate the points she is making. In addition, her stories of her twinship and her twin sons make her book even more personal and meaningful. I am now a better friend to all my twin friends. Thank you so much, Dr. Friedman.

Joan Friedman's book is very intelligent and insightful. She writes from a perspective that has not yet been explored. I found her book to be of very high quality and the writing is inquisitive and precise.

This book is not only a necessary read for parents of twins, but useful for all parents. The unique philosophy discussed can be used in raising children of all ages.

A must read for all serious parents!

"Raising Emotionally Healthy Twins" fills the space earlier reserved exclusively for Dr. Spock, except that
it defines the understanding necessary to cope with the thrills, worries and trials attached to a 'two fer.'
Dr. Friedman has written what I deem to be the ultimate guide to the healthy development of twins - one that speaks from the heart as well as the mind. This is a book which needs to be read by every twin parent.

Miriam Harris, Ph.D.

This is a great, straightforward reference. It covers everything any person needs to know about dining etiquette without any useless "filler" material. The audio format is great and the speaker is one of the best I have listen to.

After a few months as a first year associate at my law firm, one of my former law school classmates told me that their firm had sent its new associates to an etiquette class. I decided that it might be a good idea for me to brush up on my etiquette skills as well, so I purchased this CD and also the Food Scholar Wine Basics CD. I recommend both for new professionals to prepare them for any "dining" situation they may encounter in their first jobs. These situations frequently fall into the "you don't know what you don't know" category of student knowledge.

I, for one, had very little experience in more formal dining situations upon graduating from school. This CD was just what I needed to get myself up-to-speed. It is well-organized and well-presented, covering a number of very specific situations that convey the elements of common sense and consideration that underlie all etiquette.

The author thankfully avoids spending time on how to arrange the seating at a state dinner. What he offers is practical, usable advice on the types of real social interactions that occur in all kinds of business. A very useful CD and well worth the price. Definitely five stars.

I will be graduating from college this year and have started to interview for jobs. I have a decent GPA, am in the career placement office every week for advice, and have spent hours polishing my resume. I thought that I had all my bases covered. Then I started actually interviewing for jobs. I have already had three interviews that included meals and two "mixers" with drinks and appetizers. It was a little overwhelming. I could tell there was an order to things I did not completely understand. A friend recommended this Dining Etiquette CD, so I ordered it. I had yet another meal during an interview after listening to it. It made a big difference. Knowing what to do at every turn during the meal was a confidence booster and I am sure it helped me appear more polished and professional. I HIGHLY recommend it, Two Thumbs Up.

A good etiquette book should sit on every professional's bookshelf alongside "how to win friends" and "7 habits." I purchased this book along with Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 2: Wine Selection & Etiquette and The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success to cover all the bases. These books do an excellent job covering the important etiquette skills often overlooked in today's environment. Although often underappreciated, exhibiting proper etiquette signals to others (especially your boss and clients) that you are well educated, care about detail, and have respect for others. I highly recommend these books for anyone new to the business world or for those of us who may need to brush up on the basics.

The last book on CD my wife and I bought was terrible: mens' voices for female characters, etc. And what's the alternative on the radio? Pop music or Howard Stern? I spend twenty percent of my waking life in my car. I might as well spend it wisely. The Food Scholar is easy listening and presented in a way that makes the information easy to learn and remember.