D Books

I have had the pleasure of meeting Stephen Glenn at a number of seminars and look forward to taking the Developing Capable People workshop so that I may lead parenting classes for our school district (check the research on test score improvement in school districts providing families with these skills). My only "complaint" is that I did not have access to this material while raising my own children. I DO raise 32 a year and have used the seven steps for developing capable people as the basis of my philosophy for teaching. Over the last 19 years there have been but a handful who did not respond to methods suggested in this book - two were diagnosed as having severe psychological disorders. It is NOT a cookie cutter solution to raising children, nor is there any inference that parents don't DO for their children. It is about HOW we do for them - it is a guide to help you hear yourself and THINK about how and what you communicate to your children. I don't subscribe to any philosophy that is extreme in either direction, and I never felt that message related in this book. What is HAS done is remind me that my job is to help a child see himself/herself as capable - to develop intrinsic motivation. It is a HUGE job today when so many young people see themselves as lacking in academic skills. While their parents undoubtedly love them, they are often ill equipped to effect change. This book provides such a well written, easily understood narrative that one cannot help but come away with a better sense of "how to" and a set of skills that will be useful, even if only a few steps are implemented. It is a book I give to every new parent as a gift, one that I will continue to purchase with my own money for ANY parent who struggles and is concerned about his/her child's well being.

If I were emperess of the world, it would be required reading before taking a new baby home from the hospital (and certainly one for young single mothers choosing to raise their babies). I'm willing to step out and even suggest it be made mandatory for all educators too! Don't miss this book! I am about to purchase my 50th plus copy.

The first 25 pages or so make the case that today's families are more dispersed and isolated than they were pre-WWII, that our nation's growing affluence has led to self-indulgence, and that technological advances have dramatically increased isolation within nuclear families.

The result of this shift is "American children at the onset of puberty (who) face and incredible smorgasbord of opportunities with a deficiency in capabilities. Self-confidence, self-validation, self-discipline, good judgment, and a sense of responsibility are all lacking..."

The authors state that there are "four critical factors that demand our attention" networks, meaningful roles, on-the-job training for life, and parenting resources. Parenting resources is scarcely addressed at all, and networking is given just a couple of pages.

The bulk of the book is about how to provide meaningful roles and on-the-job training for life by providing an apprenticeship in thinking and problem solving. The authors discuss how to understand and strenthen a child's perceptions/thought processes, how to communicate effectively with your children, and how to strengthen various life skills in a meaningful, real-life way.

For me, this book is a real paradigm shift. I've read many books focused on a single aspect of this book - books about affluenza, family meetings, social skills, natural consequences, anxiety, parenting, even books about RDI (Relationship Development Intervention for Autistic Children, which is VERY MUCH in sync with this book), and so on. This book ties all of those facets together and shows how they are related and why they are important to equipping kids to deal productively and effectively with life in the real world.

As I read, I realized that I often step in for my children in the name of expedience - pouring juice for them because I don't want them to spill it, choosing clothes for my daughter because what she chooses doesn't always match, regluing the notes on music flashcards I was making because my 3 year old slapped them on in a very crooked fashion. Now I am considering the unspoken messages of "you're incompetent" that my words and actions unwittingly send my kids. I am consciously trying to take advantage of real, meaningful situations that come up to help my kids perceive themselves as capable.

And that is just one small gem in this book.

The most helpful part of the book is the examples of families putting the author's ideas into practice in specific situations. I personally am having difficulty putting some of the theory into practice - I would have loved examples of how parents can coach elementary aged kids through a massive screaming fight, for example.

All in all, one of my favorite books about raising children.

The bottom line on this book is that you should stop doing everything for your children. Coddling can cripple a child for life. That's a pretty easy premise to accept. However, some of the promises made by this book are not so easy to accept. The authors seem to imply that parents who follow their time-tested strategies can bring all children around. They act as if all children are cut from the same mold and will behave reasonably when treated reasonably. Unfortunately, this isn't necessarily so. On the other hand, regular family dinners and meetings probably won't hurt, either.

I was given this book by my mother when my daughter was 2 and my son was 10. We were beginning to have problems with my son and my daughter was just a challenge, period. I fell in love with the book from the first page. They said they would solve my problems, and they did.

As the authors say, its more work the older your kids are, and its true. My son dragged his feet but eventually became the model child. My daughter became the angel I always knew she was. I kept a cheat sheet with me at all times with the questions to ask and the steps to take for the first few months. It was difficult to remember all the key words and phrases off the top of your head. After that it was a natural thing to do.

My kids are now, 22 and 15. My son is a wonderful, mature, loving, well rounded man. Your basic, responsible adult who thinks before he acts and behaves more "grown up" than many grown ups I know. My daughter is more mature than me! She is growing up in a tough world, as are all our kids, and she is handling it with grace and poise. I had some friends ask me recently what I use for discipline with her as they were looking for knew ideas. I thought for a moment and realized that I dont have to discipline her at all! She is the model teenager. She communicates with us, does her homework without complaint, cleans her room when asked, does chores and is willing to discuss anything with us. I told the other moms that it was due to Self Reliance. I believe that with all my heart.

I think my kids started out as good kids, as most do, I had good clay to mold. But, I knew nothing of raising kids, not good parenting role models to fall back on. I had used P.E.T. prior to this and found it to be effective. However, Self Reliance became the backbone of my parenting and we raised some fine people that will make a difference in the world.

I have also used these techniques with the adults in my life. I used it in my marriage (he caught on after a while), I use it in my business and personal life with great results. They translate to all things and have had them used on me also to good affect too. You know you are being "Relianced", but, it helps you come around to what you need to see to.

This book was recommended reading for a behavior management class that I took for my Master's Program. At the time I was teaching, but had no children. This book totally changed the way I approached discipline in the classroom. Since I wasn't a parent at the time,I would often lend out this book to parents of students and very often never got it back. I just kept buying more copies because I really felt that this book was something that all parents should keep and refer back to through the years.

I am now buying another copy for myself and my husband. We have 4 young children and I'm feeling I need a "refresher course" and I'm hoping my husband will read it so that we can be on the same page when we are discipling the kids. You might consider buying two copies, one to keep on your nightstand, and another to lend out to your friends. It's really that great!

This book and CD are a wealth of knowledge. As a person of African descent, hearing how these persons were treated in a county supposedly for freedom and equality, not only was a horrified but very angry.
I will NEVER forgive this coutry for the ill treatment and hardship that racism and bigotry ahs and still is causing.

I am currently a high school student that read part of this for a Civil War class and let me say this is one powerful book. With people who were the slaves themselves tell you their stories, you learn alot about the antebellum period. I would recommend this book for any mature person due to the fact that some of these stories show the true horror of slavery.

This is a must have, must read, must hear book. With the sixty-nine minute recording of the actual slave interviews from the 1930s, we have the only known recording of the actual voices of actual slaves telling their story. Hearing their voices is like being tele-ported back in time. The book itself also examines those same interviews, primarily through "Weevils in the Wheat: Interviews with Virginia Ex-Slaves."

Teachers and speakers will want their students and audiences to hear these voices. They give voice to the voiceless and bring alive these heroic survivors.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction , Spiritual Friends, and Soul Physicians.

For several years I've been reading powerful thought-provoking slave narratives. This is probably the most moving due to accompanying tapes of slaves discussing their thoughts and conditions when they were slaves. This book and tapes should be used in every high school American and World history classes. I recommend this book to everyone above the age of twelve. If you want to begin educating your children earlier about American history, specifically slavery have them read K.J. McWilliams books; The Journal of Darien Duff, an Emancipated Slave, The Diary of a Slave Girl, Ruby Jo, and The Journal of Leroy Jones, a Fugitive Slave. They are based on slave narratives such as this one and include many interesting photos as well as additional information.

this is a Must for all to have.The Books&tapes show the RawNess and Emotions of Americas Worst NightMare that still Haunts Her.the Voices run Deep down your skin.until SLavery is Properly Discussed and Dealt with America will continue to be a Land of The Unknown.a Must Have Book.

My almost 4 year old received this as a Christmas Gift and he loves it! The accompanying CD makes it even better with a calming rythem and memorable phrases.

A very good book and the CD by Suzanne Scheniman is outstanding! It's geared toward children, but even adults will listen over and over.

A recent nightly news program featured this wonderful book. Apparently, a young boy could not calm down during school. His parents took him in to his doctor, who quickly diagnosed him with ADD. Before going to meds, his parents wanted to explore other options. The boy's teacher suggested reading "Remmy and the Brain Train" to him every night before bed. Within ONE WEEK, his behavior toned down, and he was just fine during classes. Coincidence? Hardly. Sometimes getting a proper night's rest is all our kids need. ...). This book is worth it's weight in gold, especially considering you get a CD along with it. Great for all kids for help sleeping through the night and getting the proper amount of much needed rest.

Kids today aren't getting enough sleep. It is obvious when you look at the number of children who are being labeled as having ADD or ADHD, when all they really need is more sleep. If you are a parent of a young child, I highly recommend this book, not just for your child(ren) but for parents too. Its important for parents and children to understand how sleep, or lack of sleep affects the body and more importantly, the mind. Remmy and Dr. Zeez help children to understand why they need to get their sleep and how they can benefit from getting 9 hours of GOOD sleep every night. I'm all ready reading this with my 6 week old daughter. The play along CD which accompanies the book is a great bonus which I find relaxes me as well as my daughter as it is played. Enjoy some good rest...you and your child(ren) deserve it!

Maas does a fine job in explaining to children why it's important to sleep. He writes in rhyme, and the colorful funny pictures add to the entertainment.

For adults, I give my strongest recommendation for Dr. William Dement's The Promise of Sleep. Stanford sleep researcher Dement covers everything from sleep pathology, dreams, and how sleep-load even affects your intelligence and internal organs. If you love a medical detective story, or just want help in physically feeling better, go check it out!

You must get this book. Authur Fife give his story of his encounter with God and the prophesy he recieved during several encounters. This book will stir you up to get hungry for the intimacy with God to recieve your own encounter.

This is one of the best books I have EVER read about the PRESENCE of God!
The only negative thing I have to say is...I regret that it was not in hardback. This is a book that I will gladly pass down through my generations. I normally do not write reviews but in this case...If the Rapture takes me away....This is the path to His Presence!

This book was a gift from heaven, for a month I savored every page, looked up every scripture reference and digested every line as I paused prayed and allowed the Holy Spirit to speak to me, I had a journal next to me, it became a "must" for the Spirit would give me so many things . I literlally brought revival to my heart, God used it to bring Spiritual insight into His ways, His purposes, His heart, I'm very greatful for this book.

I really liked this book. It encourages you to know there are greater and deeper encounters with God that you can have and a deeper place in Him where you can live. I shared it with a friend and she decided in the first few pages she wanted the book for herself and another friend to have to read and re-read.

I absolutely positively agree with all of the comments that were given.
I just wanted to add one. I love how Fife conveys his dialogue with the Lord -- there is such candor in it and I was like -- YES!!!!! -- he hears the same type of language, etc...I do! I'm not that weird after all -- I'm just Kingdom Normal :0)

Anyways, if you are considering purchasing this book -- get it and read it!!!! You will be immensely blessed. Fife is obedient to the Lord and sound in the Word.

The book is a typical true crime book but it does provide background information about the mysterious accidental shooting death of beloved Pennsylvania attorney, Martin Thomas Dillon. He goes on a shooting trip to Gunsmoke with his supposed friend, Dr. Stephen Scher. Ironically, his friend is having an affair with Marty's wife, Patty. It's practically common knowledge. Sadly, the death was first ruled as an accident but Marty's family persisted to know the truth. They didn't believe Marty could accidentally shoot himself. The book is an easy read and I was more interested in the relationship between Patty and Stephen, the doctor and nurse. The author does an adequate job in providing details and reasoning. I felt sorry for the children, Michael and Suzanne Dillon, who would be raised by Patty and her second husband, Stephen, in New Mexico. Only a year later, the couple married and remained married until Stephen's arrest and trial. I don't think he could have gotten a fair trial or jury in the Montrose area. Anyway, he testified on his behalf which allowed a conviction. He is serving time in prison. Ironically, his former wife Ann was on the verge of suicide at the news of Marty's accidental death. She moved on and remarried happily to a wonderful guy.

I found myself shocked and surprise about the begining of this story The Secrets in the Grave. The story had taken place in a rural town in northern Pennsylvania in the mid 1970's, Two succesful people that go by the names of Marty Dillion who is a lawyer and a doctor who name is Stephen Scher.

These two men were tareget practing with rifles and shooting at clay pigeions. When Stephen had fired a shot from his rifle, accidently Marty was in the way and got a bullet in his chest. Marty had died in less then a hour before the authoritys and help came.

Stephen had told the authoritys that Dillion had accidently shot himself which he had manage to keep a straight face to make it look like he had nothing to do with the murder. If i was in stephen shoes i wouldn't beable to live with myself with out paying the consequences. I would have told the truth and less of a charge would be bought. But by lieing he would be getting himself into more trouble in the years to come by. There is a secret that is laying beneath the ground that will help authoritys solve this case but it will not be found right away. We will just have to continue to find out how they will solve this case.

A great book, but...I wanted more character description. It is very obvious who was willing to be interviewed by the author and who was not (namely, Dr. Scher and his wife Pat Dillon Scher). I guess they felt they would come out worse than they already do in the story. This book has been one of the saddest true crime stories I have ever read. Almost all of the main characters are despicable, but you can't put the book down.

Maria Eftimiades has given us a well-written, well-researched book on a murder that took 20 years to solve.

I don't know who I was more disgusted by: the sociopathic, cruel murderer Stephen Scher (who drove his first wife, Anne, to the brink of suicide); Pat Dillon Scher, who remains a spoiled brat to this day; Martin Dillon's two children who "disowned" their own grandparents for wanting the murder of their own father to pay for his heinous deed (Suzanne I would especially love to slap) or Pat's parents, who raised her to think she was better than everyone else in the world and "deserved the best", no matter who she hurt to get it.

All in all, great book. Difficult to put down!

The author does a superb job of bringing the reader all the details of the gruesome murder of Pennsylvania Attorney Marty Dillon.... June 2, 1976 Marty and his friend, Dr. Stephen Scher, went hunting.........according to Dr. Scher, Marty got killed while chasing a porpupine, when he tripped and his gun went off.... Before two years were gone by, the doctor married Marty's widow...the town became a little suspicious, and Marty's parents always believed something was "fishy"......... It took 20 years of battling the system, but at last Marty's body was exhumed .... the autopsy showed that the wounds were not found to be self-inflicted and his death was finally ruled a homicide......... I don't read true-crime novels as I find them too gory, gritty and disturbing..........however, while visiting my Mom, and forgetting to bring the book I was reading, I looked through her large pile..........since she's not a reader of fiction, my selection was limited........] This book was a quick and compelling read...My heart broke for Marty's parents......I suggest you read it yourself and draw your conclusions..........as for mine, I'm so glad that our great legal system still (for the most part) works!

This book is filled with great information BUT as an executive recruiter Chapter 9 on cold calls is not just good but indispensible! It sure helped my cold calling routine.

What a great read! This is a great book that takes a refreshing new look at sales tactics. Not only do you learn new ways to sell, but also understanding the type of salesperson that you are. I've read many books on selling and found this one to be one of the best! An easy read that is packed with great information that is easily applicable to any salesperson.

"As executive editor of Incentive Magazine, I see a multitude of business books come across my desk and I have to review many of them. Selling Without Selling: 4 1/2 Steps to Success was a refreshing change. It was an easy read and I really got a lot out of your unique ideas on rapport building."
~ Jeanie Casison, Incentive Magazine

"Two days after I began using the Selling Without Selling system, my boss was told by my latest customers that I was the most professional sales person they had ever met. Thanks for making me look good!"

~Jim Smith, Jim Smith Chevrolet

Carol has really taken the time to write this book from both the brain and the heart. You learn to appreciate how selling can be an integration of who you are and what you aspire to be. Take that passion and apply it to selling. Her tricks of the trade are both personal and universal. At the end of the day you end up enjoying what you have ventured to do, having respect for yourself and the sellee. A timeless book, indeed.

Quite simply this is my favorite book of poetry, this is a must own for any real slam poetry fan

This is the best poetry collection I have ever read! The poems are vivid, rich in language, and in creativity. I never wanted the book to end. I found the poems to be very entertaining, abstract and profound. This poet is definitely a metaphoric genius.

This book was a gift for a close friend of mine and in his words, he has loved it. The words speak volumes to him and it's been great to see him this happy over something simple as a book of poetry. I recommend anyone that wants to read some really deep poetry should buy this book.

I first saw Williams on [television] in a documentary called "Slamnation" and from that point on I was hooked. I immediately rushed to find out as much as I could about this literary God send. His poetry makes you want more, not just from him but from yourself. It truly inspires me, it gives me energy and a drive to just face the world head on. The book may be thin in size but it is packed full with an awesome power that will quake your spirit. If you are wondering what your next read will be then this is it!!!!! Over and over again.

This is an example of poetry in its purest, untampered state. If you have ever wanted to read good poetry, this is the book to read.

I definitely recommend this board book... it is simple and to the point with one shape per page. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the pull out tabs are annoying for my 19 month old since it takes a little tugging for the tabs to come out... she gets frustrated at times and ends up crying. Had I realized that this would be the case, I would have never introduced her to the tabs. In any case, I still recommend this book.

We keep this one in the car. My grandson loves sliding the different shapes & he's only a one year old. Small enough for little hands, but very sturdy cardboard.

My first experience with this book occurred 6 years ago. It is not only great for babies, but for toddlers, and more durable than other similar "lift-the-flap" books. It is concept and word appropriate text for very small children. Since then, I have purchased it for numerous friends for baby showers. My own children have loved this book so much we had to go buy a 2nd copy. It is a great book to use for children between 6 - 24 months, especially great to tuck into the "church" bag or other places and activities where children need to sit quietly when they need something to capture their attention. We also have the other books in the series (which are also very well put together - Shapes, Opposites, Numbers), but this is my personal favorite.

My son likes it for the pull out tabs that reveal a drawing of an object that illustrates the shape drawn on the page. The shapes included are: circle, square, triangle, rectangle, oval, heart and diamond. While the illustrations are as simple and straightforward as the limited vocabulary used in this book, they are still beautifully drawn. Rather that use solid colors for the shapes, each one has a subtle gradient to give it more pop. The real world objects are drawn in greater detail than the shapes so that they stand out. The illustrations included are: a tricycle, a quilt, a watermelon, a triangle instrument, a valentine and a kite.

I like that the book throws in some words that my son doesn't know straight away to give him something new to work on. He has learned "quilt" and "valentine" while reading this book to me.

My 15 month old son loves to pull the shapes and enjoys this colorful book. It is very interactive and sturdy for a busy boy. Some of the slide books we have didn't last long but this one is certainly well made. Highly recommend.

... you just HAVE to check out Deb Butterfield's book "Showdown With Diabetes"! In her book she tells about her life with diabetes and her transplant! In the second part of her book, she talks about the progress over the years that pancreas and islet transplants have made! What impressed me is how she takes all the MANY researchers' information and discusses it all in an easy to understand and positive manner! I'm just so impressed and just had to share this book with you! It's the best thing I've read in a long time!

For anyone affected by diabetes, especially those of us with type 1 - this book should be a real fast and insightful read. Having personally lived with type 1 for the past 25 years, this is the first book I've seen which doesn't try to perpetuate the prevailing myth that the patient is ultimately responsible for his or her condition, or that this illness is nearly as "manageable" as the medical profession, the media or society in general would have us believe. I suspect that much of the first part of the book, which takes the reader through Deb's own struggle with diabetes, is so familiar that it could have been written by anyone who has lived with this illness. The second part closes on a positive note outlining the breakthoughs that will impact finding a cure. But it also serves as a message to the diabetic community that they must do better in advocating for a cure (including funding and policies) which are required to get there. A really good book.

Deb was looking back at me from my mirror! What an incredibly insightful, hopeful, powerful story of diabetes ... Showdown really tells it like it is ... unbelievable refreshing and cathartic! THANKS!

Before a few months ago I did not have a detailed knowledge of diabetes, although I have worked for academic medical centers for over twenty years.

I did a good deal of research when I was asked to consider the position of President and CEO of the Juvenile Diabetes Foudation. Of all my readings, none was as important as Showdown with Diabetes. Most important of all, it enabled me to understand the passion for a cure that has driven JDF's volunteers and staff for over 30 years.

Thankyou Deb for sharing your experiences. I hope that, in my new position, I can help to accomplish the goals you have so articulately described in Showdown with Diabetes.

... you just HAVE to check out Deb Butterfield's book "Showdown With Diabetes"! In her book she tells about her life with diabetes and her transplant! In the second part of her book, she talks about the progress over the years that pancreas and islet transplants have made! What impressed me is how she takes all the MANY researchers' information and discusses it all in an easy to understand and positive manner! I'm just so impressed and just had to share this book with you! It's the best thing I've read in a long time!

I loved it!!! I couldn't put it down. The intrigue and detail made me feel like I was in Washington, DC and I loved the Biblical references. It had just enough sex and "f" words to make it good reading. I will certainly recommend it to my friends.

In this, his first book, Terry (Wes '69), has melded media and crossed generations in the producing a first rate thriller. He's combined the intrigue of the author, R. Ludlum (Wes '51), with the the sohisicated repartee of the actor, B. Whitford ("West Wing's" Josh Lyman, Wes '81). The result is a delight for the devotees of the former two. With "So Shine...," Terry cements his rightful place between them. May he be equally prolific!

I could not put this book down and finished it straight through. It kept me up all night. It was such an absorbing and fast-moving story. There were a couple of stops where I had to close my eyes. The descriptions of stuff is just too real! This is a really fun read.

I read a review that said this was better than Grisham and , for a swhole host of reason, it is! Wonderfully put together, genuinely a fleshed out tale. Terry demonstrates an incredible understanidng of government, politics and Wall Street which he uses to create a REAL PAGE TURNER.

This is a complex story, and it kept me on the edge of my chair. The chapters are so beautifully woven that it's a delight to read.