Watson Books

Clifford A. Pickover is a Renaissance man. He may not like the label but for me it is one of the highest accolades of intellectual accomplishment. A quick scan through this book is enough to confirm his standing: mathematics, computer programming, art, medicine, music, speech, biochemistry, electronics, education, biology, aesthetics etc. etc. It's all there.

This is one of my favourite books and is getting quite dog-eared by the constant use it gets. It is a book to enjoy as well as to refer-to, a book to cheer you up and to fill you with wonder. Not that it is perfect mind you. Far from it. It is now quite dated and the illustrations could do with a decent makeover. The treatment is often abrupt and episodic and the writing is sometimes hurried and muggy. But who cares! The overall effect is of frenzied genius and lively enquiry.

My main interest was in Chapter 14. Dynamic Systems. It is not an in-depth treatment by any means but it yields some beautiful ideas. I implemented and experimented with most of the algorithms in the chapter. They work and provide some essential insight into the evolutionary nature of most complex systems.

Get the book. The reference list by itself is worth the price.

Perhaps for the new century the technology is a bit out of date, but this book is a well written introduction to both basic and complex computer graphical ways of describing mathematics and natural phenomena.
An excellent feature of the book is its pseudocoding used to explain concepts and to be used by the reader as stepping off points for the amateur computer programmer to play.

In Computers, Pattern, Chaos And Beauty, Clifford Pickover focuses on how theories of fractals and chaos lead to computer-generated graphics - and how graphics in computers have connections to the unseen world. From how data is processed and displayed to patterns present in complicated data, this provides both artists and scientists with an intriguing set of concepts.

This book inspires and entrances with something for everyone, from the adventurer with an artistic eye, to the most esoteric mathematics devotee. At practically any level of understanding, it provokes the desire for learning, and an aesthetic appreciation for math that is usually reserved for those who make higher math their lives' work. Best of all, this book can be "grazed", i.e., read out of order and sporadically, gaining benefit where one may. A must-browse for anyone who has ever wondered how mathematics could ever be interesting or powerful.

The algorithms presented in the book are simply too fascinating to be true. Each illustration of fractals or the strange attractors are accompanied by an algorithm which I tried with "C" language. They work excellently and it is a visual treat to watch the fractals unfold, strange attractors trace out intricate patterns and the Pascal Triangle rise like a phoenix before your own eyes. Each algorithm you translate into a program gives you immense joy at having discovered a new hidden hand that leads nature and beauty through the illuminating principles of mathematics and reaveals the deepest mysteries of nature in close collusion with the arcane folds of mathematics.

I've been wanting to get serious about mixed-media. No scrapbooking. No journals. No trading cards. I'm talking about 5 foot wall pieces hanging on plywood. Mixed-media on my ceiling. Items that can be hung in a gallery.

After looking through several "collage" books, which were really just personal journal books in a "how-to" disguise, I was frustrated and then found this.

Explaining everything from supports, to tools and materials, this is an essential book for other artists venturing into mixed-media.

As well, I read this along with Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Art Materials by Ian Sidaway, and came away knowing a lot more than I ever did, and I have a background in acrylic painting.

I gave it 4 stars because some of the material was redundant and the pictures didn't match the text, but this was few and far between.

Bottom-line: Serious potential collage and mixed-media artists start here.

As a collage artist, I found this book to be great for a beginner or a expert. The photos and precise instructions are excellent. The creative inspiration is remarkable. This a very nice "starter" the curious and a great reference for the practicing artist. This book really runs the gamut: paper collage, mixed-media w/found objects, fabric collage and digital. It's a an all-around sampler for someone trying to use collage as a creative outlet but not yet settled on the "how" of it. Check out Claudine Hellmuth as well. Enjoy . . . I sure did.

This is a fantastic book on creating a wide variety of great collage projects. It covers numerous collage techniques including using paper, mixed-media, fabric, decoupage, photomontage, computer art, found and three-dimensional objects. The beautiful galleries after each collage type are sure to inspire you.

In addition to the collage techniques you also get the basics of papermaking, papier mache, marbling and batik as well as painting and dyeing fabric. There are step-by-step instructions accompanied by demonstrating photos for all the techniques and projects. Don't expect to make exact replicas of the projects since your sources and materials will vary. Rather, the author expects you will follow her assembling directions to create a unique masterpiece of your own.

Some of the sixteen projects include a gorgeous butterfly lampshade, a painted paper fruit bowl collage, a clock decorated with magazine scraps and nature objects, and a sewn fabric book cover. Another great project is an easy to make yet sophisticated looking Japanese box covered with scraps of yuzen or chiyogami papers.

This book filled with fresh and interesting ideas is sure to help you create gorgeous collage artwork.

I wanted to explore collage as an aspect of other paper crafts I'm trying to learn. I picked this one first and I really like it. Many other collage books are meant for people narrowly focused on collage who see beauty in their collages ..... that is truly not obvious to other people - so esoteric it appeals to a very narrow audience. The Crafter's Complete Guide to Collage is different. It's visually attractive. The samples of collages have much broader appeal. The excellent how-to photographs are tremendously helpful and NOT intimidating. It opened my mind up to more than paper possibilities - it discusses collages of paper, found objects, mixed media, fabric, multi-dimensional, decoupage, photomontage, even computer collage. Its a treat - I think you'd enjoy this book!

this book got my muse back where it belongs, in my heart. not only are the techniques shared simple yet sophisticated, the examples bring out the "experimenter" in you and you can't help but want to grab your glue, brushes and colors and play again.

I love the French! This book teaches the off beat stuff about the French. Watson writes for White and Black in this book. If you play the French I would study the White Chapters besides the one's he wrote for the Black Side.

There are so many side variations in the French it is more complicated than any one Sicilian. (IMHO) This book helps you in those side lines very well.

This is an excellent resource where you can pick and choose lines that interest you. I've had this book a while and have completed the chapters on the Paulsen attack (Leap of faith) and the Tarrasch guimard (A debasing strategy). It's not the kind of book where you need to do it all.

It is incredibly time efficient. Spend a week on the chapter to understand the ideas, go through some TWIC games and then try it out in tournament play.

Written with his usual good mix of quality and charm, John Watson didn't want his good name tarnished writing his latest book, about his favorite opening. This is the first time he wrote a French book with two perspectives in mind, the black, as well as whites; so the first half of the book is written with innovative ideas for white side, and he didn't shy away to write about variations he found bothersome from the black perspective. He did a fair work in a first half of the book to actually help white stir the game in some unique waters, giving us black French players additional headaches to worry about. To be precise, out of total 320 pages of this book, 143 pages are written for white. Within that there are 6 chapters of novel ideas. Black gets 8 chapters and 177 pages.
Let me mention one chapter for example. Chapter 7 (first chapter for black) is called "Swearing in church" and its full 30 pages are all about variation 1.e4,e6 2.d4,d5 3.Nc3,Nc6. Firstly, he gives us the explanation about the logics of that particular variation in two pages, than he moves to heavily annotated and textually explained typical games for the variation (usually some of them are played by super GM`s), and finally, he has a "Looking a little deeper" sub chapter with theory we are used to in some regular opening books.
So, very nice book. It is aimed at white and black side of French, and I would probably use its theory in peculiar tournament situations when I need a full point and when risk needed outweighs the safety of the French opening proper.
Recommended!

Years ago I was a purely Sicilian player who would rather fight than switch. However, as time went on, I found that I could not keep up with the theory-funny how work,wife,and family claim 90% of your time.

After adding the Modern Defense to my repertoire(similar in some aspects to the Sicilian Dragon I played), I then wanted something more solid(and less time consuming!) that did not give the White player all the fun. Calling Dr. Watson!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book so far(not finished is the only reason it's getting 4 stars). John explains the plans for Black, what to look for depending on your opponents moves, and the reasons behind your moves.

I have no other books on the French and yet feel totally prepared. In fact, @ my local chess club, no one will play into my French-all the e4 players are opting to start with d4 against me-which I absolutely love as I play d4 as White.

You will need to play over the lines(set them up physically or on computer) so you can 'see' what you are looking at and what you are looking for.

I feel like I should be purchasing his other book on the French-but first I will give this my full concentration. He has lines that are not covered in MCO-14, nor on the French Defense CD by Ari Ziegler for Chessbase. If you play the French, you need this book! If you are thinking of playing the French or are looking for a solid defense that will last you your entire chess career, buy this book.

Drive those playing White crazy-and get this book.


Marty Marion(uscf 1707)

John Watson is famous as an excellent writer and book reviewer. This title should further enhance his reputation.

For each of the 14 variations he has chosen, Watson supplies high-level annotated games; summaries of the existing "book" knowledge; and some fresh ideas from his own fertile brain. These aren't necessarily better than the more standard variations, but they appear to be sound, and they are likely to baffle a booked-up opponent.

You can choose lines that are likely to lead to closed positional maneuvering (such as 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nc6, or 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. exd5 exd5 5. Qf3), or lines that can produce wild attacks and counterattacks (such as 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. Qg4). Some chapters examine lines often played by Grandmasters, but still offering creativity and surprise value (such as 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 a6); other chapters cover rarer and stranger stuff (such as 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 h6). In all cases, Watson writes clearly and energetically, and his long-time experience as a leading French Defense authority shines through on every page.

If (like me) you don't want to spend countless hours learning the usual overplayed book lines, this book is a great resource for playing either side of the French Defense.

First off, Im Michelle, the co-author of Dangles and Bangles. Thanks for the reviews, you girls are very sweet. I'm so glad you enjoyed the projects, I love doing things like this, and I'm happy to hear other people love it as well!

Thanks:)

--Michelle

I got the book for me, but they quickly took it over. The projects are great for younger kids (mine are 7 and 8) and easy to do. They love doing craft stuff and this was just perfect.

Dangles and Bangles: 25 Funky Accessories to Make and Wear
This is an excellent book full of projects that are as good looking as they are fun to create. I would recommend this book for any young (pre-teen to high school aged) crafters. Also a great "I made this" gift idea book for grown up friends or relatives of young ladies.

I am fourteen and my sister is nine. Both of us agree that this book is perfect for tons of fun ideas and crafts. Easy instructions and cool designs had us showing off our creations to all our friends, who in turn loved the book and bought copies of their own. I think this book is great for anyone who likes to make their own crafts, whatever age they are.

I am a 14 year old girl and this book is the best craft book that i have read!! I love the projects in it and it inspired me to do more crafts instead of always watching tv! The projects are so unique and I especially love the robot key chain one! I cant wait to read and do crafts with the next book that Sherri Haab writes! So in conclusion i seriously recommend this book to everyone!

John Rushkin originally published this little volume in the winter of 1856/57. It promptly sold out and went into multiple printings. It is surprisingly still relevant today. Rushkin gives the reader many exercises beginning with a dip pen and ink and later moving to pencil and then watercolor (which in the 19th century was classified under drawing). I was so intrigued I actually bought a speedball dip pen and some india ink and began to practice the many exercises he gives. They work. By the time I finished the ink exercises I noticed a definite improvement from my early attempts compared to the later ones. And I am continuing the exercises.

Another fascinating aspect of this book is the snapshot it gives into the mind of a prominant 19th century art critic. Rushkin not only was a master draughtsman and painter but a widely respected art critic in his day. Monet was quoted by a British journalist to have said, "90% of the theory of Impressionist painting is in Rushkin's Elements of Drawing." A young George Seurat obtained a copy and admitted to having read it carefully. Now I'm no Monet or Seurat but I figure if these guys valued Rushkin's instruction I should certainly pay attention to what he had to say.

Rushkin explains exactly what the goal of each exercise is. He also recommends specific paintings or drawings to examine along with critiques of why this or that area in the drawing/painting is superior or lacking. He strongly believed it more profitable to study in-depth a few highly superior drawings/paintings to a wider assortment of middling/average execution. And he believed this even of famous artist's work - famous or not he advises to ignore for the moment their less masterful work and focus on the truly great ones. Rushkin pulled no punches. The entire treatise is full of his opinions right along side the exercises - yet I would say they are not opinions without merit. He gives you something to think about when looking at works of the art masters and something to strive for in your drawings and paintings so that you can become more than just technically competent. He addresses the heart and soul of drawing and painting. It made me think of why this or that particular line, shading or painting technique in an art master's drawing/painting touches me the way it does.

This is the best marriage between technical competence and artistry. And you grow in understanding that all the exercises he gives are only in service to the spirit of art. It is an emphasis that most modern how-to books don't touch. Analysis this deep in modern art books are left for books that are advertised as art critiques. Since almost all my art books fall under the "how-to" category (as anyone who's read my other book reviews will see) I found this critique aspect rather refreshing and wanting to read more such types of books.

I strongly recommend this book. Despite the lack of photos or modern step-by-step illustrations (the illustrations are line art - the most up-to-date technology for book illustration then available in an affordably priced book) I think it is very worth getting and reading. Perhaps artists who have been formally trained in universities or art academies will find this kind of instruction typical. But for someone like me who is entirely self-taught from the books he/she buys it is a great investment into expanding boundaries and knowledge of art in general.

I am enjoying this book. I'm an experienced draftsman, but feel that following the exercises Ruskin outlines in his book are greatly improving my drawing skills. The Watson-Guptill Illustrated Edition, with Notes by Bernard Dunstan, has added a number of illustrations of the work of Ruskin and his contemporaries, which are very helpful. They have also added additional notes to the margins from Ruskin's other writings that offer additional explanations, also very valuable. However, the modern illustrations done especially for this edition seem to me to miss Ruskin's points and may confuse a novice draftsman. Most obviously, early exercises that Ruskin emphasizes are to be done with careful precision in pen and ink are illustrated with quick, loosely executed, pencil sketches. The patience, sensitivity, and craftsmanship that the exercises are designed to develop I find largely missing from the new illustrations created for the book. I still would highly recommend this edition, advising the reader to study the modern illustrations for content but cast a critical eye on their technique.

I love this book. It's takes a no frills, 'no mercy' approach to teaching drawing. Surprisingly it has very few images but I find the text to be very readable. Written in the 1700's using the language of the time, it is at times very entertaining. It gives you instructions on the bare facts (including the pains required) on how to draw; in stark contrast to most current books which advocate the 'learn-to-draw-in-2-hours' approach. Indeed, Rusking is straight to the point enough to indicate the amount of time required to draw effectively - 160 hours! Ruskin was clearly a genius in the simple and effective approach on how he teaches drawing.

Written in the 1700's I found it to be a very fresh account and framework on how to draw in 2007!

Andrew Borg
[...].

As a long time admirer of art and a first time beginner of actually tapping my artistic well, this text is like having a private mentor guiding you through specific progressive exercises. It's language is quaint and cozy to modern ears, having first been written in 1856. But it is practical, clear and encouraging. It dispells the idea that only certain people can draw. And by focussing on drawing with pencil, it provides the foundation for using any other media. A wonderful find.

There is nothing new under the sun and this book originally written in 1850's is a gem. As an artist I found the book and descriptive language immensly readable (I guess that had to write well as diagrams were incredibly difficult/expensive to include). A gresat buy at the price!

I first came across this book in my local library. I was so enchanted by the different designs, that after tiring of renewing it, I have decided to order my own copy. I recommend it to any person interested in needlepoint, as well as global designs...

Must add my praise for this book. Gorgeous colors in clear graphic designs plus various colorways so you can see what would happen if you use different colors. I get a feeling of generosity from the authors who obviusly love their craft and want to share it.

In addition to bold and unusual patterns, Mary Norden has an extremely good eye for colors. I use patterns and parts of patterns from this book all the time.

There are many lovely needlepoint books with an emphasis on romantic or Victorian designs. This book consists of designs with Asian, African and Latin and Native American influences. The photographs are beautiful, the instructions and charts are clear, and the colors dazzling! Highly recommended for all needleworkers---knitters, cross stitchers, crocheters, etc.---not just needlepointers.

This book brings the beauty of the various international fabrics to your needlepoint canvas. It's not your grandmother's needlepoint - no cats or flowers, just bold and exciting designs with great color graphs and ideas. I highly recommend this book - I even ordered a copy for my sister although it was out-of-print.

Faustroll is a Hallucinogenic cross between Lewis Carroll & Jules Verne. Magnificently dense style of a prose poem, images as strange as Lautremont's. It also reminded me of Flann O'Brien's Third Policeman, the only book that has done that.

...with your host Alfred Jarry. The text is astonishing and Roger Shattuck's (author of the incredible "The Banquet Years", which is partially about Jarry) introductory essay alone is worth the cover price.

In the words of the Butt-faced Baboon, "Ha Ha!"

Reading this book again, as I usually do on New Years Day, I started having an ether image of Doctor Faustroll, Poet and 'Pataphysician, meeting Dr. Norem, Personality Psychologist. Not to debate, but to discuss. I feel that Alfred Jarry and the good Dr. Faustroll would both understand and find etherially amusing the absurd title of her book -- the positive power of negative thinking. And they could help explain to the rest of us how psychology works. That would be nice. Or perhaps we need 'Patapsychology to stand above Freud's Metapsychological Papers. In any case, we need Dr. Faustroll to be perceptive.

Pardon that Narcissus' who wrote my Review Title...

This is a fantastic book!

I bought it here from amazon.com a number of years ago, 97 or 98 and I finally read it this past week. I don't want to give anything away, because it is so utterly unique and enjoyable....However, I will say: Track down this book! Demand it!

If you are a lover of the works or just plain amazing style of one of the 20th century's greatest literary artists... William Burroughs(!), then you will LOVE THIS BOOK! Heck, You'll ADORE it.

This is a trip by boat, on land... an adventure far more exciting than the Odyssey, but perhaps among similiar lines...

A journey from a middle point in life, to the extents of certain existences... and, to death... and beyond.. Finally, you will see why it started in the middle of life!

The climax is amazing, and every scene comes across like the greatest film never made.

Dali was definately influenced, as a number of scenes in here look like what Dali was to later paint!

In the end though I found myself saying only,

"Ha, ha."

And I did not lose myself in further considerations.

Except that, I would like to close by saying something I found very important, and dare I say, Life Changing:

This is a very great book, but I could hardly recommend it. Would you enjoy it? I think it is skies above the Ubu books in its range of vision, and I certainly didn't see any baboons with gluteal musculature grafted to their cheeks starring as commentator in those more famous works . . . well, I don't know what to say this "sort of thing" is exactly . . . if you are unfamiliar with this man (a drinker in the line of Rabelais, except I would say he was much more sincerely dedicated, a scholar, a scientist, a metaphysical swine, a bicycler, an eccentric above the heavyweights of French nincompoops, a novelist, -- also he did decent woodcuts, too) and his work then I would recommend the Supermale as a better beginning. If that is indeed your brand of entertainment, than hoist this flag up on the mast of your soft and sticky palm that never picked an axe to chop a block or made a fist to fight for your principles nor did anything else in all your life except to pick up another foreign book we can all be grateful for to have been translated, and sail it gently down the seas of your eyes until you land where you were looking for . . . this is a traveler's book.

Insightful account of one young soldier's Civil War experience. His experiences as a prisoner were riveting and heartbreaking....you believed you were alongside of him. Editor did a wonderful job of including historical context. It was terrific!

I wish there were more diaries from soldiers written as well as this one. Hitchcock had a flair for writing and describing his events as a soldier very well. Hitchcock diary takes the reader on a long journey from enlisting in summer of 1862 to his final discharge in December of 1864. Throughout the journey Hitchcock brings to life the daily soldier grind, picket duty, camp life, fighting, being captured and the tough life of being a prisoner at Andersonville. I found the several chapters on Andersonville to be the most interesting in the book as it acts as a great resource of information for daily life at the prison. Hitchcock's daily diary writing is usually quite short and he doesn't write long narratives as compared to other soldier accounts. Sometimes I had wished he had written more details on the fighting, although his explanations of the fighting during the battle of Cold Harbor were very descriptive and I could easily vision the horrors. In other situations, Hitchcock was brief about his experiences at Fredericksburg in 1862 although he didn't see much fighting there. His best work on that subject came about from descriptions of the city and the hardships endured there. Overall, this book is an excellent source of information for those seeking insight about soldier life in the Civil War and books like this are priceless.

Few books have captured my interest and emotion as this one...a young man tells his personal tale of the Civil War ~ revealing his code of ethics, bravery, love of country, and the horrors of war. The editor provides an excellent backdrop with well-researched, newly-revealed historical data about the war. A MUST read!

George Hitchcock had a talent for describing the country side and people. His journal is a fascinating, personal account of bravery and adventure of a soldier during the Civil War: a descriptive story of suffering, courage and endurance - sometimes in situations of mismanagement and confusion.

I found "From Ashby to Andersonville" a particulary moving and interesting book. The experiences of the civil war private who wrote the original diary encompass a remarkable amount of the war, both East and West. The tale told is rich in the real human drama of that life in all its day to day trials and tribulations and occasional joys. Editor Ron Watson keeps the reader oriented by insightful forwards to each chapter establishing the context of the place and time. From it I have a much better sense of the ebb and flow of that great war. Few books do I plan to re-read, but this is one of those.

The "Blank Star" review at the bottom is actually just a snipet of self promotion from the book's author Rob Howard. It's strange that he does this because it drags down the average rating which could affect sales. I suppose that since this book is out of print it doesn't matter, but anyway, great book, one complaint: Some of the tools that Howard recommends are no longer manufactured and it would be nice to get some existing alternatives.

This is one of the beswt books i have in my collection. I have studied arts in Holland. I like gouache very much. (www.loekweijts.nl) It's a pitty however Holbein gouache is not available in the Netherlands. Falling in love on the mighty gouache. Amazed myself with the results. A MUST to have.

This is almost the only book you'll need to get started with gouache. As the medium of such outstanding artists as the late Bob Peak and industrial design master Syd Mead, gouache has so many possibilities IF you can learn how to use it and this book will tell you exactly how to get started! Be sure to do the exercises, get some decent sable brushes, and use one of the quality gouaches listed. Winsor Newton is pricey but Holbein's Acryla gouache is incredible once you figure out their color names (not standard like W&N or Holbeins standard gouache). His basic color palletes are a great start & his recommendation of the Quiller color wheel is right on. There is a new Quiller wheel out but the one in the book will not lead you astray. Study(!) the sections on color and color mixing and you will soon have a leg up on every other "beginner" and start seeing "what" makes some art professional as opposed to "straight out of the tube" amateur attempts. This book is great and I recommend it highly to anyone who wants to paint in gouache.

This book is an excellent introduction to the best techniques for painting in gouache, also known as opaque watercolor. Gouache has been a standard medium for illustrators for generations, yet it is not often taught in American art schools. It also has been used by fine artists for centuries. Gouache is remarkably easy to use, has low toxicity and is easy to clean up. Considering all that, it is amzing how little information about is available for professional artists.

Howard's book goes a long way toward correcting the problem. He explains how to select the right type of paint for your project, reviews several different brands of paint, and gives sound advice on color mixing. Even if you don't want to use opaque watercolor, the book is worth buying just for Howard's chapter on "Color Theories That Don't Work."

This book is jam packed with valuable information for not just painters who work in gouache, but all painters. If you only have room or money for just a few more books, make sure that this is one of them. It is excellent, I have worked in illustration and and have painted in watercolors for 24 years. Many gouache techniques and properties, for some reason, are not commonly taught. Some of the working knowledge in here is the type that one only learns either on the job, or as an assistant/apprentice. The author has been very generous to be so informative while writing this book. Definitely not your average "how to" book!!

So many of us search for happiness our entire lives but still it eludes us. We search outside of ourselves never looking where it truly matters. Alexandra's book changes all that. She takes you on an introspective step by step journey that truly leads to finding lasting happiness. This book is a true gem for women everywhere!

I can tell you from 25 years of clinical practice as a psychologist that you identified the biggest roadblocks I have heard women run into, and you give clear and practical methods for getting around, over and through them. This book will change lives for the betterm and FAST! One secret (don't tell anyone) is that so many of the exact same issues are faced by men... so men might do well sneaking a copy of this while their wives are out of the house and reading it also!

[..]

Loved it! Alexandra has a very down-to-earth approach to helping women BE happy. I love the focus on "inside-out" and the distinction that happiness can be achieved by anyone at any time!

`Alexandra has designed a blueprint for happiness that takes the reader into a journey of enlightened possibilities. No longer is happiness an intangible essence that is elusive. Rather it becomes accessible for all through her warmth, wisdom and wit. A must read for anyone who wants to raise their quotient for living happily ever after.' Dr. Tianna Conte-Dubs co-author Loves Fire: Beyond Mortal Boundaries.

The Happiness System for Women by Alexandra Watson (a.k.a. The Happiness Coach) is a book devoted to the subject of happiness--what it is, what it is not, and how women can create a fuller and happier life. Where this book advocates reliance upon self, that is to say,taking responsibility for one's own happiness, it is prescriptive in format. The author offers you the formula, then coaches you though the process.

Alexandra tells us, "You need a healthy relationship with yourself before you can create happiness." At each stage, she poses thought-provoking questions and exercises that guide you through the process of self-discovery. And, although the slant of this book is for women, the principles discussed, can easily be adopted by men.

If you're the type of reader who likes to cherry pick chapters instead of reading sequentially, don't bother with this book because its benefits lie in the process of completing each stage.

I would recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in creating a happier more fulfilling life. The Happiness System for Women isn't a quick fix--it's a fix-for-life!