Relationships Books

Raising a child is no easy task, however with a little humor, a whole lot of patience, a loving family and good friends...Add to that an abundance of God's help and "The Single Moms Little Book of Wisdom"...

"Wisdom, courage and hope sprinkled with reaffirmation
and good information is the essence of this personal
empowerment guide for single moms. Cassandra Mack
speaks straight from the heart and penetrates the
souls of women with this wonderful book. I've
recommended it to a couple of women on the job as I
recommend it to those reading this review."

The Single Mom's Little Book of Wisdom is a thoughtful and inspirational book that takes single mothers through a process of help, hope and healing. Written in short, soundbites this book explores the unique issues that single moms face with special attention paid to the single mom who might be struggling to get back on track.

Sumumba Sobukwe
Author of, Dating Games A Brotha Speaks Up and Founder of The MAAT Series

"The Single Mom's Little Book of Wisdom is a collection of inspiring thoughts and heartfelt advice that will inspire readers to reflect as well as think and act more positively. Any single mother intent on living a balanced and productive life will come away from this book with tools that she can utilize to improve her life."

Candice Jarvis,LCSW
Founder of Someone To Talk To and Specialist in Hip Hop Therapy

After reading the reviews, I expected this book to be full of inspiring insights. But it's not much more than grandma's scrap book of hard-learned wisdom. It has very warm tone, positive attitude towards life, compassionate towards struggling single moms. But for a book, I expect it to be more profound.

This book is filled with insight, wisdom and is presented in a warm and intimate way. I loved it! This is the best inspirational book for single moms that you'll ever read and it will help you reconnect with what matters and celebrate your life.

The book holds my attention from the very first line and I just can't put it down. I love the way Hesper retells her life, flasbacks to flasbacks. It is like getting into her mind. Her description of the bohemian world is very convincing and real. This book is a must-read.

This is a wonderful book! I didn't want to put it down and looked forward to reentering a very special world every time I picked it up. A quite amazing memoir that reads like a novel.

Hesper Anderson's book tells the story of a certain era, littered with names you'll recognize. But the gold is found when she deftly communicates the sadness, confusion, hope and ecstatic longing of her growing up. It's not the names that get you, but the truth in the telling. A lovely read.

This is an amazing story of love, loss, and discovery. The characters are amazing and memorable and Hesper is a great character caught in the sudden and terrible memory of a troubled childhood. This book takes place in the same community that my mother grew up in and where I have a summer home. My summer home is on a street adjacent to South Mountain Road. Rockland County, more specifically Pomona, NY and Ramapo, is the most wonderful setting for a story of such depth, since South Mountain Road and all of it's neighboring places hold such history and depth. Ms. Anderson makes a few mistakes in here references, she mispelled the name Concklin farmstand and referred to Route 45 as Route 202, but very minor mistakes. The scenery and location speaks as well as the story line and really explains who Hesper and her surrounding enviornments are. When I read I am transported back to South Mountain Road, the tree at the top of the road, and the smells and sounds of this wonderful place. Ms. Anderson has created a masterpiece that you cannot possible read and not fall in love with.

Hesper Anderson vividly reconstructs her childhood memories for the reader with clarity and exquisite detail. Her story is one of a remarkable, sensitive girl as she traverses her precarious journey of childhood. The daughter of playwright Maxwell Anderson, Hesper was surrounded by the rich and famous. Her anecdotes of Rex Harrison, Ingrid Bergman, Marlin Brando and many others are skillfully woven into her story, giving the reader a sense of the uniqueness of growing up on South Mountain Road. Personally, I was touched by the generosity with which the author shares intimate details of her life. Her struggle to understand herself within the context of her famous family is rich with the irony of life in a fishbowl. Her book is a thoughtful, well-written reflection on life, relationships, and what really matters. I loved this book.

"Still Hot" is absolutely hilarious!
Loved it - from the opening something's fishy heads up, "Spotting an Alien", through the comical "Do's and Don'ts" and the spot on "Internet: Cracking the Code" advice, all the way to "Hello Tomorrow."

Funnily enough, "Still Hot" is alive with really useful advice, not only for surviving divorce but also for living modern life. I recommend it for anyone facing any kind of challenge at any time. It is sure to help with keeping things in the proper perspective.

It's smart and funny - and it's got style.

Behind the uncontrolled New York quipping and sitcom stereotyping --- if the authors interviewed anyone thoughtful, considerate of the other party, much less introspective or, indeed, sad, it seems they left such feelings out --- there's actually a book here containing sound advice, judgment, and commiseration.

*Hot* can be recommended for anyone in the predicament, provided you can get past the shtick.

Divorce is probably one of the most traumatic events in a person's life: to have to separate from the one person that you have shared a serious amount of time and intimacies with and possibly had children with, is all about having to change habits, to reinvent oneself. The authors have managed to face this trauma with Humor (with a capital "H"), to get up after they were down, to face life head-on, and with laughter. I admire their strength, their fighting spirit. I know it was not easy, but "Still Hot" makes it look like they could handle anything - it's a terrific book, deep, human and fun. Enjoy.

While in the midst of a divorce reading about it could seem like adding insult to injury. The authors here speak to women at their most vulnerable moment with a touch of humor and understanding that allows readers to open up and be able to take in some of the insight and advice the authors generously share. It's up there together with a best girlfriend giving support during a difficult time.

I've picked the book up three times since I first read it - just to check out some of the anecdotes again, because I love to laugh! The authors nailed it. They don't preach; they don't wallow in self-pity. Life is too short for that. They just make you laugh hysterically, nodding your head at the truisms you're reading, and it doesn't matter a whit if you've never been divorced or even married for that matter. I don't think there's anyone who won't relate to this great book. It's not read it and weep. It's read it and laugh 'til tears stream down your face.

Complete guide in every area of adoption and if you're a Christian it tells you reasons why adopting in line with scripture and even lists Jesus and Moses as being adoptive plus a long list of famous people. Makes you feel really hopeful about the possibilities but is also realistic about all the things that can go wrong. Very helpful tool.

This book is so comprehensive and informative. It covers every kind of adoption - foster care, state, private, domestic and international. It has tips for paying for your adoption and lots of inspirational stories at the end of each chapter. I highly recommend this book and can't wait until we bring our own little one home!

This book was very well written in both its content and sentiment. Some adoption guides are technical and hard to read and I found this book to be neither. In addition to having great information regarding the various aspects of adoption, there are heart warming stories from adoptive parents and adoptees whose names you will recognize. This book is a must read!

My husband and I felt more confident about going through all of the steps of adoption after reading this book. This book tells you what the different types of adoption there are and what steps are necessary in each case. It is very detailed and helpful.

If you are considering adoption, this is a wonderful resource.

This book is 300% better than the first adoption book I chose to learn about this delicate subject. It has helped tremendously in reconciling feelings about adoption and my faith, as well as provide useful information in a very clear presentation. A must-read for anyone considering adoption!

Rob is a passionate and inspirational leader who whole-heartedly believes in doing the right thing and changing lives for the better. If you have the courage to believe and faith to cross the invisible bridge which thousands have already done it can be extremely rewarding both personally and professionally! Rob is an exceptional supporter and encourager to have along throughout this journey. If you believe, it will happen.

It you are a new Financial Advisor, I suggest you read this book. You know how people say "I wish i knew back then what I know now". Well this book is the answer to that question. And the best thing is it is short and to the point. Hey, you could probably write it off too.

When Rob Knapp writes about contact not being a discipline, but a ritual, with reference made to Jim Loehr, he is from my perspective, discussing the most useful tool one can deploy in taking oneself to a higher level of performance.

Given the foregoing, in my view, this is a must read book, for anyone focused, competitive and driven.

The Supernova Advisor is like a set of architectural plans for building a professional practice.

It's an excellent book for financial advisors and all client service businesses. We are reminded that clients become loyal when we develop relationships and trust. Rob Knapp's Supernova process provides a model for consistent contact and more meaningful conversations.

The Supernova Advisor will help you create client contact rituals where you spend your time on what matters most.

Rob Knapp's book came at a most opportune time. My partner and I have always successfully built our practice through referrals and it has worked - maybe too well! We are one of the "over 100" client club members! Just at the beginning of the year we sat down to discuss just what our ideal new client looked like. Rob's book now has us looking at what our ideal "old client" looks like. We are implementing and the process is great, easy and most of all working for our clients we are keeping and those we are passing on to other advisors.

The book is easy to read, understand and implement and that's the best kind of book! Thank you for sharing this Supernova process!

Informative and wonderfully detailed, the stories are all enriching and compelling, each with its own personal touch.

I was very happy to finally find a book that covered the stories of women that chose surrogacy as a family building alternative. All the stories were heartfelt and inspiring and I was glued to the book from beginning to end! As an experienced surrogate to twins, I know first hand the emotions and rewards that come with a successful surrogacy arrangement. Great book Zara!! Two thumbs up! :)

This book is amazing! Anyone whis is involved in gestational surrogacy, whether you are the intended parents, the surrogate, or family members, should read this book. It is loaded with great "tips" and inspiration.

"Surrogacy was the Way" is a must read for anyone considering surrogacy as a family-building option. I read the book soon after I found out that my gestational surrogate was pregnant and it helped to relieve some of the anxiety I was feeling. I liked that all of the stories had the "happy ending" and that each woman seemed to genuinely share her worries and concerns about going through the surrogacy process. Reading the stories alleviated some of my own nervousness about surrogacy and it helped me to feel that I was not alone. I found it to be inspiring, calming, and real and I am so glad that Ms. Griswold wrote it. My mother, who also read the book, was so moved by the stories that she cried. There is no other book like this one out there and I am thankful that it came at the right time for me.

Surrogacy Was the Way is a wonderful book for anyone who is considering surrogacy, in the middle of a surrogacy, or just wants to know more and be supportive of a surrogacy. The book will make you cry and laugh. You will find at least one story in this book that will remind you of yourself.

The book is made up of 20 short stories (which are perfect for a busy person like me!) and is so easy and enjoyable to read. I would highly recommend this book!

This was a great look at personal accounts of domestic violence. This book shows there is no typical DV victim profile. It can happen to anyone. This book also challenges some beliefs out there. The author asks us to stop blaming the victim and instead of asking why the victim does not leave, we should ask why the abuser commits the abuse. Very good.

I have been working with domestic violence victims for about 7 years. I love this resource book. Ms. Weiss shows compassion for victims while she gives practical, safe advice for victims, their families and friends. I have already lent it to a victim as she was preparing to leave her abusive husband. Keep writing your books, Ms. Weiss and I will keep reading! Stacey M. Geurds, Esq.

Well written and filled with practical advice, heartbreaking case studies and a sound voice of independence and advocacy. Here is a book that those who suffer or have suffered must read - and those who love them need to understand.

Elaine's book is just as impressive as she is. Her sincerity and dedication to helping people hurt by domestic violence comes through on every page. Highly recommeded reading!

It's been going on 12 years since I escaped my abuser. I'm back to school now, working on a social work degree. I want to help others in ways I wanted to be helped back then. While researching material for a research paper on domestic violence I happened across this book. It came to me, along with several others, from the library, borrowed for research.

From the moment I picked it up and sat down with the purpose to skim it for relevant data on a Friday night, until late Sunday night, when I finished it, I was riveted with the stories of the women who were told within the pages. I couldn't just skim with this book. I had to read every page of it, allowing it to dig up memories within myself that had been forcefully buried years ago.

Dr. Weiss does an extraordinary job in telling the stories of these women without any "props" to make their reality any better or worse than what it was. I like the way she begins with her own story in the beginning and then, when telling the others', she uses examples from her relationship with her ex husband to emphasize just how much she identifies with the brave and courageous women who found often ingenious ways to escape from the oppression of their batterers.

Dr. Weiss has the sensitivity and the writing skills to be able to articulate the often subtle aspects of domestic violence. She helps those readers who may not have been victims but who want to learn more about domestic violence to see that it is much more than about blatant physical battering.

I want to thank Dr. Weiss for writing the book and honoring the lives of the women who are in it. I want to thank the women whose stories are told for being shining beacons to those who might read them and gather hope and strength from them.

Perhaps the most powerful messages from Dr. Weiss' book are that women CAN escape from horrific battering circumstances; and that if you see a batterer victimizing their significant other in a public place, acknowledge it! Your acknowledgement could very well become the victim's beacon of light they focus on to find their way out of the darkness.

This book gives you a great set of guidelines on how to get ready for and start a relationship with potential for the long term. It also helps put in perspective how to view the downsides of dating.

In addition, the example stories help bring home the lessons. It's a great guidebook for dating right.

Amy's Take Heart gives encouragement and solace to those out there who are scared and lacking self confidence because of previous relationships.
The book is an easy read and I couldn't put the book down until I read it from cover to cover.

Amy Owens cuts straight to the chase with her refreshing, no-nonsense approach to dating and relationships. The exercises in the book encourage you to delve deep into your heart and mind, resulting in honest answers to some of the most common questions facing singles today.

By completing her lessons, I was able to better define some of the difficulties encountered in past relationships, and how to avoid similar situations in future relationships. Thank you, Amy, for opening my eyes to all the wonderful possibilities that lie ahead!

This book is a MUST read for anyone newly single. I wish so much I would have known about it several years before I did. I know it would have helped me in my dating relationships - especially the chapter on pacing relationships. I didn't fully appreciate the importance of developing a relationship in the progressive manner suggested in Amy Owens' book. After reading the book, it made sense why some of my relationships were not successful. I can definitely see now why it is such a necessity to go through the various stages and the importance of communicating that to your partner. I would highly recommend this book and have, in fact, given several copies to my newly single friends as a show of support - passing on what I wish I would have known sooner. It definitely contains great, practical advice - even for those of us who had been single for awhile before they learned about the book. Definitely a good buy!

One of my goals in life is to continually improve myself as a person. Every once in a while, I find a philosophy, concept, or book that greatly enhances my improvement process. Amy's book does this for me. Unlike many self-help books that belabor a subject, Amy describes her lessons in simple but direct terms. She goes straight to the point and does not over-write the subject.

Having been in quite a few relationships over many years, I have read many books about the single life. Take Heart! is one of the best. Buy the book, read it, use it as a tool for improving your relationships, re-read the book from time to time. I think you will be amazed that Amy's lessons will change your life.

Take Heart! Stories of Encouragement for Singles, PLUS 10 Lessons You'll Need to Find Mr. or Ms. Right by Amy M. Owens has become my bible for relationships.

Very easy to read in layman's terms. As the mother of a four year old with PDD, I would suggest this book as a great book to start off with if your child was diagnosed with autism or pdd. It touches on a lot of areas ABA, schooling etc. without getting to technical. It also has statements and examples made by adults with autism/pdd which I found very interesting.

Targeting Autism is an excellent book for those new to Autism. Families and teachers should especially appreciate the analysis and overview of the various educational interventions, from one-on-one methods, to group programs used in many preschool and school situations. The book lists many available resources and spotlights inspiring new advances in research creating an overall atmosphere of hope and possibility for the prospects of more universally effective treatments and eventual cure of this devastating developmental disorder.

Since the symptoms and manifestations of Autistic Spectrum Disorders vary in incidence and severity, those who read this book should not be unduly encouraged or discouraged by the often times conflicting reports of success and/or failure of the various treatments and interventions discussed, but rather use the information given to further investigate the possibilities of each treatment or intervention on an individual or case by case basis.

Why it should be so hard to find a book that thoughtfully discusses the myriad of autism treatments, I don't know. As a parent of a child diagnosed last year at age three, I appreciate this book.

Thank you Shirley Cohen for writing it. Thank you Amazon, for making it so easy to find.

I WORK WITH AUTSTIC KIDS SO I READ THIS BOOK TO UPDATE MYSELF.IT WAS GREAT IIT PROVIDE GREAT EXAMPLES FORM OTHER BOOKS. AND IT GAVE EVIDANCE THAT SOME OF THE CURES MIGHT WORK FORM SOME. ALSO IT PROVIDE GOOD INFO ON ASPEGERS YNDROME MOST OF THE BOOKS JUST GIVE IT A PPAARGPAPH.

First off, she defines autism in layman's terms and with first person testimonials.

Secondly, she provides a life cycle view of autism, so that you have SOME idea of what the future might hold for your child.

Third, she describes how families cope with autism, that some become driven, others fall apart, others adopt a "Holland" approach.

Then she discusses treatments, including a solid analysis of educational approaches such as Lovaas (leans positive), mainstreaming, TEACH, DAP, etc... and non-traditional approaches, such as AIT, FC, etc...

And she talks about recovery too, the controversy that very term raises. She closes this chapter with a quote that could have come straight out of my own heart: "A parent asked, What if my child remains autistic? What will we do? The best you can - with your love, your skills, and all the resources you can marshal - to help him achieve as independent and joyful a life as possible for him."

Perhaps I love this book because so much of what she writes does articulate what I have felt as I've gone over the different options for my son's interventions.

But also, her testimonials from a wide range of sources really help to illuminate autism as well.

And finally, her book is very REASONED in tone.

The only thing missing is a chapter that summarizes her thoughts about what she thinks parents should do. I mean really, most parents are reading these books for ADVICE! Even if parents eventually do something else, its always nice to have a plan laid out that you can either agree with or react against and develop your own. You won't find an action plan here, but the information provided should help you in making one of your own.

My son has an undiagnosed developmental delay - similar to cerebral palsy. He is 20 months old and I am so glad that I found this book while he was young (although I wish I had been stretching him since infanthood). We have excellent therapists, but this book is a great reminder of how important home therapy is - and it serves as a reminder to me of the exercises the therapists do. Easy to read and the pictures are a good guide.

This book is filled with helpful, easy to understand info for parents of kids with CP. My daughter is 3 and I wish I had it when she was an infant. I haven't finished reading it, but have learned alot. Her physical therapist even uses one of the walking suggestions (using a hula hoop) and says it's a great idea.

Great book! Very helpful for parents of children with CP. Book was received quickly and was in very good condition.

This book is a great help for many types of motor delays other than cerebral palsy. Highly recommended by the mother of a special needs toddler who is not walking or standing.

I work with students with severe and profound multiple disabilities (3-22 years)and I have found this book helpful when explaining things to my staff and parents. It really is written so anyone can understand and the chapter breakdown lets you go right to the skill without having to read the whole thing. My OT and PT also checked it out and loved the "Tummy Time" section. I would also reccomend "Children with Disabilities" by Batshaw. This is a must in a professional (or personal) resource library.