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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
crazypsychobooklover has commented on (47) products
Rewriting Life Scripts: Transformational Recovery for Families of Addicts
by
Liliane Desjardins and Nancy Oelklaus and Irene Watson
crazypsychobooklover
, June 30, 2010
Rewriting Life Scripts Transformational Recovery for Families of Addicts Authors: Liliane Desjardins, Nancy Oelklaus, Irene Watson Publisher: Life Scripts Press ISBN: 978-1-932690-97-2 When a family member has an addiction (to alcohol, drugs, etc.) the other members of the family by necessity are forced to change their behaviors, their lifestyle and their expectations. In many cases, these changes have occurred slowly and over a period of years or even decades. When the addicted family member make the monumental move towards recovery, the family often finds itself thrown into a new kind of chaos without expecting or understanding it. This book is based mainly on using the 12 step addiction recovery process, but everything discussed can be utilized regardless of the method of recovery used. The book is divided into several parts, each dealing with a different stage of recovery. Families will find this helpful, enabling them to study and work through each recovery phrase as it's being experienced by the recovering family member. By completing all parts, the reader will reach a clear understanding of just what changes and adjustments they have had to make in the past and how the family dynamics will now be changing for the better. Topics are covered in a clear and easy to understand manner, explaining all the stages of change, defining the various roles played by family members in both the dysfunctional (addiction) phase and the truly transforming and freeing journey the family members all take as they work together to rewrite and change the family dynamics. The three authors bring a wide range of life experiences, education and career training to this work. This gives the book a deeper, broader application that will apply to an untold number of families. I highly recommend this book to anyone who works with addiction and recovery, and to anyone and everyone who is part of a family at any point on the addiction spectrum. Excellent resource and promising tool for a happier family.
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Life Skills: Improve the Quality of Your Life with Metapsychology
by
Marian K. Volkman
crazypsychobooklover
, June 27, 2010
Life Skills: Improve the Quality of Your Life with Metapsychology (Explorations in Metapsychology Series) Author: Marian K. Volkman Publisher: Loving Healing Press ISBN: 1-932690-05-0 Applied Metapsychology makes use of one on one sessions to achieve personal goals. Developed by Frank A. Gerbode, MD, it utilizes relieving past pain and trauma and working through personal issues to expand the consciousness of the patient or user . People who study and use Metapsychology report living a fuller and more fulfilled life, with less fear, depression and unhappiness than the general population. By reading and using the detailed information in Marian K. Volkman's book, the reader will be given a concise, indepth and easily understandable grasp of metapsycology, it's value and how it's used. Written in a manner that will appeal to therapists, laypersons and students, this book will assist the user in more accurately predicting patterns of human behavior and dealing with negative situations, people and behaviors. It's a truly user friendly volume on exapanding personal understanding of your own behavior, motivations, ambitions, deep seated issues, relationship style and communication abilities. She has formatted the book in a way that makes it ideal for group study as well as personal use. While offering a broad background of metapsychology, each aspect is written in extreme detail and ease of understanding and utilization. The author presents a wide and varied wealth of information in easily digestible sections. Topics of study in this book include quality of life, stress and trauma as a factor in life, understanding emotions and predicting them, improving relationship in all the areas of your life: family, work, friends, etc. I found this book to be really motivational and thought provoking. I know it's one I will turn to again and again as situations arise and problems need resolution. Highly recommended, I look forward to much more from this author.
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Life Without Jealousy: A Practical Guide
by
Lynda Bevan
crazypsychobooklover
, June 27, 2010
Life Without Jealousy: A Practical Guide Author: Lynda Bevan Publisher: Loving Healing Press ISBN: 978-1-932690-85-9 Anyone who has ever been involved in a relationship, whether it's friendship or romance, has probably experienced jealousy. There are many forms of jealousy, all of them unwanted and uncomfortable, regardless of the cause. The author, Lynda Bevan discusses the various type of jealousy, where they come from and how to handle them; whether you are the jealous person or the one who is the reciepent of jealousy. This book is part of an excellent ongoing series from Loving Healing Press; the 10 Step Empowerment Series, practical guides written by experienced therapists for solving life's problems. The book is written in a style that is both interesting and easy to understand. Regardless of the reader's knowledge of psychology, it is user friendly and educational. From the broadest definitions of jealousy and envy, the book then delves more deeply into the many forms jealousy takes: sexual, romantic, possessive, emotional, financial and material among others. The psychology of jealousy is explained, as well the differences of the sexes in how they feel and handle jealousy, and the damage caused by jealous behavior. Causes are discussed in detail, and real workable solutions are offered to repair the damages. Regardless of which side of jealousy you find yourself on, help is available in this book. Highly recommended by this reviewer.
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Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Women's Health: Bridging the Gap Between Western and Eastern Medicine
by
Kathleen Albertson Phd
crazypsychobooklover
, May 26, 2010
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Women's Health: Bridging the Gap Between Western and Eastern Medicine Author: Dr. Kathleen Albertson, PhD Publisher: CreateSpace ISBN: 978-1-61623-651-9 How many times have you dealt with common female health issues, wondering if there was a better treatment? If you're like most women, some of your health (physical, emotional and mental) problems and difficulties often reoccur, not necessarily serious or life threatening, but painful, inconvenient, time consuming or expensive to deal with. Regardless of our age, general health, lifestyle or personal situation, all of today's women seem to be busy and stressed, and we are always rushing to keep up with someone or something. Dr. Kathleen Albertson has dedicated years of her life to the study of holistic nutrition, acupuncture, herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine and western medicine modality. As an advocate for the best total healthcare for women, she brings this knowledge to the rest of us. Many times, traditional western medicine treats only the visible symptoms of a disease or health problem without actually ever looking for the actual cause. Written in an engaging and concise style, Dr. Albertson explains exactly what Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) does, and how it differs from Western Medicine. Her explanations and informative review of many gynecological, reproductive and menopausal problems will be helpful to all readers. The book contains a wealth of drawings and diagrams that further clarify TCM. The glossary is huge and filled with information helpful to all women. I firmly believe this book to be a treasure trove of sensible health information, and wish I had known much of this years ago. Doctors who work with women would be doing themselves and their female patients a greatly valuable service by reading this book and utilizing the information it offers.
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Gifts from the Child Within: Self-Discovery and Self-Recovery Through Re-Creation Therapy, 2nd Edition
by
Barbara Sinor
crazypsychobooklover
, May 24, 2010
Gifts From The Child Within: Self-Discovery and Self-Recovery through ReCreation Therapy, 2nd Edition Author: Barbara Sinor Publisher: Loving Healing Press ISBN: 978-1-932690-46-0 Gifts From The Child Within is a beautifully written, incredibly moving and potentially life changing workbook for self discovery and recovery through Re-Creation Therapy. Many of the emotional, mental and even physical problems we face as adults can be traced back to a childhood trauma or experience. To work through the issues of today, it's often of vital importance to discover and work through the issues of childhood. Dr. Sinor is an advocate of the use of Re-Creation Therapy. Re-Creation Therapy is a transforming process; reaching for and touching the child that still resides within all of us. When we accept the child we were and the trauma and expperiences we were subject to, we can release the blockages and pain of childhood that have followed us into adulthood. Divided into several parts, the book enables the reader to work through issues that still affect them at the speed they are comfortable with. Part One deals with helping the reader comprehend and understand what the concept of "The Child Within" really means. With examples and exercises, reasders will be better able to reach their inner children and understand what issues are still being carried within. Parts Two and Three offer visualizations, affirmations, exercises and the use of autohypnosis to begin the recovery process. With space left blank within the book, it can be used as an actual journal, tracking the reader's progress thoughout the stages of both discovery and recovery. The author has presented the information in a way that allows for use by both the professional and layperson. Written in an easily understandable and conversational style, the reader will feel they are working with a friend, and feel the ability to open up and work through the baggage and issues carried forward from childhood. One of the things I found particularly helpful was that the program is set up to be worked at the reader's own pace and on a schedule and timing that allows the user to fully digest the information they discover at their own speed; avoiding the stress that comes with a need to maintain a stringent deadline, working on a particular issue until you feel you've worked through it.
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Why Dont They Just Get a Job One Couples Mission to End Poverty in Their Community
by
Liane Philips
crazypsychobooklover
, April 14, 2010
Why Don't They Just Get a Job? One Couple's Mission to End Poverty in Their Community Authors: Liane Phillips and Echo Montgomery Garrett Publisher: aha! Process Inc. ISBN: 978-1-934583-37-1 No one sets out to live their life in poverty, on welfare or serially jobless. Even before the current economic crisis, there were too many Americans chronically unemployed or having no opportunity for job training. As a former Social Worker and longtime American taxpayer, I am able to see both sides of this issue. In our society, there are many people considered unemployable. There are a variety of reasons for this. Many just do not have the financial means to continue education, and are left with no real marketable skills. Some people are truly driven into the welfare system because of circumstances beyond their control and lack the support; emotional, logistical, etc., to crawl back out. The "multiple generation" welfare share does come into play, also. It's probably the area most attacked by many as an abuse of the system. But if your mother never learned from her elders about motivation, ambition, personal skills,and the personal satifaction they offer, she probably won't know how to teach them to you. It's a vicious circle, and a tough situation for those involved. We won't solve that issue overnight, but it can be addressed successfully. Thanks to a retired corporate couple, the people of Cincinnati now have a way out of the vicious circle that poverty often becomes. When Liane and Dave Phillips retired, they were at loose ends. With lots of energy and their shared corporate talents and experience, they started a revolutionary program. Their program is called Cincinnati Works. It's a nonprofit, member based organization changing the welfare landscape. It's a program that can (and should) be available thoughout this country. To give an example of the success of Cincinnati Works, 80% of the people trained and hired into the community have retained their positions. That's a really incredible retention rate when you acknowledge that government funded programs of this type generally average a retention rate of 20 to 25%. Thousands of families have moved from welfare and poverty to self sufficiency and the personal satisfaction it can bring. The Phillips and their groundbreaking program have won numerous awards and the recognition of the Harvard Business Review. The authors of this book have done an outstanding job. The writing style is clear and concise, and the story is moving, entertaining and inspirational all at once. With lots of attention to detail, it's easy to see how the plan can be duplicated. If this is not enough to convince you buy this book, the fact that a portion of the profits will be donated to Cincinnati Works (a program that really DOES work) should cinch the deal for you. If I could personally afford it, I would purchase copies of this book for every welfare and poverty program in the country. Utilizing this type of program would change the way the system works or doesn't work, in many cases. Highly recommended by this reader!
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Humanizing Psychiatry: The Biocognitive Model
by
Niall McLaren
crazypsychobooklover
, April 02, 2010
Humanizing Psychiatry: The Biocognitive Model Author: Niall McLaren, M.D. Publisher: Future Psychiatry Press ISBN: 978-1-61599-011-5 Psychiatry has been around for a long time; in fact, conventional methodologies, systems and beliefs haven't changed that much since their inception. Battered now from all sides, the debate centers on the reliance on pharmaceutical drugs as the cure-all of any real and imagined psychiatric difficulties. We read magazine articles touting the latest "discovery" of mental disorder , an almost "flavor of the month" mindset seems to prevail in our society, We study the tv shows, advertising and media articles asking ourselves if we have these symptoms, and writing down the name of this or that drug, all but guaranteed to quickly and painlessly cure us. Of course, some of the listed side effects are frightening, but we forge ahead for the miracle cure. These pills are going to change and repair our chemical imbalance. As McLaren states, it usually is not that easy. There are several schools of thought, with science demanding that all aspects of a patient's life experiences, family history, brain function and proven theory and practice be examined. In a society and field of science that is looking more and more to the "quick fix", the actual science of psychiatry is too often ignored. Part I of this work explains the scope of biology psychiatry and it's restrictions by taking a very indepth look at the well known and often cited works of Eric Kandel. Basically, Kandel presented the argument that there is no limit to the capacity of biology to explain human behavior. In other words, nothing is beyond our perception, if we merely take a "wait and see" attitude, eventually the answers will become obvious. Of course, that's not taking into account all the false answers that may come our way in the meantime. Also discussed in great detail is the work of mathmetician and logician Alan Turing, most popularly referred to as the "Turing Machine". Turing believed that all human thought processing and problem solving could essentially be reduced to a single set of thought processes; thereby placing this set of processes as commands into a machine (computer) would show that the machine is capable of human thoughts, processing and reasoning. Given these beliefs, the goal of biological psychiatry is to remove psychiological cause from the concept of mental disorder. What about science and the ever-growing psychiatric publishing industry? Publications can be both educational and correct flawed popular but outdated and incorrect theories and thinking. Unfortunately, there is no agreement or idea of what constitues the proper model of mental disorder. The actual objectivity of these many popular articles, magazines and "self help" psychiatric books tend to lean most heavily toward the reductionist theory illustrated by Kandel and Turing. Rarely is alternative theory or criticism written or published. Accountability on the part of publishers, editors, authors is pretty much nonexistent, with no knowledge of the background and basis for publishing specific theory. Part II is Resolving the Mind-Body Problem for Psychiatry. It illustrates the author's belief in the science as it pertains to mentalist control of human behavior, the possibility of molecular resolution of the mind-body problem, embodied logic, the biocognitive model, language as a test of the biological model, and human nature. In Part III of this work, Niall McLaren M.D. applies the biocognitive model of psychiatry, the role of personality and numerous fascinating case studies; and includes the most interesting to this reader, the Circus Vitosus, or vicious circle of the biocognitive model of psychiatry. In conclusion, regardless of a reader's personal view of biocognitive modeling in psychiatry, McLaren has prepared a fascinating and timely study of the fallacies or facts of the science and where it is headed. While the book is written at a level that may be difficult for some lay persons to comprehend, McLaren has taken extreme care in presenting a work with both thought provoking and groundbreaking opinion. I found it well written, indepth and a fascinating look at the field in our world today.
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EFT for the Highly Sensitive Temperament
by
Rue Hass
crazypsychobooklover
, March 29, 2010
EFT for the Highly Sensitive Temperament (EFT: Emotional Freedom Techniques) Author: Rue Hass Publisher: Energy Psychology Press ISBN: 978-1-60415-046-9 Today's world can often be a hectic place. We are exposed to a huge amount and variety of stimuli. From bright lighting, noisy cars, loud talking, blaring music and constantly ringing phones to the noise of machinery, blinking lights of electronic equipment, and everything that goes along with modern society and technology. Do you ever feel like all that activity, people and noise are really upsetting you? Ever feel like you are on sensory-overload? If so, you may be a person with a highly sensitive temperament (HST). Do you get anxious or depressed by things and people around you? How do you make personal decisions? Are you logic driven or do you base decisions on your gut feelings or intuitions? Studies have found that those of us with HST tend to be more intuitive, more in touch with our personal vibes, and the vibes of people we come into contact with. HSTs often get their feelings hurt easily, and have an extremely high level of empathy towards others, including animals. Perhaps you are self-sacrificing, putting the needs and desires of others above your own. You may find that your physical or mental health suffers because of it. Often, HSTs will feel emotionally drained and exhausted just by being in crowded or loud situations. They may try to avoid conflict of any kind. Usually idealistic, they would like to assume the best of everyone. Being an HST is not a bad thing; many of the world's greatest humanitarians and creative people are HST. Learning to work with these traits, instead of fighting against them, can reward you with a more peaceful and efficient, successful life. Using EFT, the reader can train themselves to work with their personality traits. EFT is based on the premise that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in our body's energy system. These disruptions can lead to physical, spiritual, mental and emotional symptoms and difficulties. If you have any knowledge of eastern medicine, you know that it's based on this same belief. In fact, it's been the basis of eastern medicine for thousands of years. EFT is often referred to as emotional accupunture, since it uses a tapping technique on key accupressure points. Studies have found that 80 percent of people treated with EFT, even self-treated, find at least some degree of relief. If used with a skilled practioner, the success rate reaches 95%. That's an outstanding level of success; especially when you consider that EFT uses no medication, surgery or medical intervention. Written in an easy-to-follow, extensively detailed style, this book would be extremely useful to both laypersons and professionals. Anyone who with an interest in EFT or personality theory would find much new knowledge here. If you have an interest in alternative medicine or holistic therapies, it would prove an invaluable reference, both from the standpoint of a good understanding of EFT and personality issues or traits. Highly
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30 Isn't Old
by
Colette Petersen
crazypsychobooklover
, March 14, 2010
30 Isn't Old Author: Colette Petersen Publisher: Outskirts Press ISBN: 978-1-4327-3264-6 In today's world, the sexes seem to age differently. Men, as they get older, are referred to as "distinguished", "established" and "silver foxes". The terms used for women are not as nice sounding. An older single woman is often called a "cougar" and as we age we hear terms like "not as young", "looking tired". Unmarried men are "bachelors", and later on, "confirmed bachelors". Women? "old maids" or "spinsters". A single woman is usually too "career driven", but a single man would be "career focused". Biologically, of course, age makes a bigger difference for women. Men can father children in theory well into their 60s or 70s. For women, we need to plan parenthood for earlier on. Many women see 30 as a stress-filled milestone. It's not one we look forward to. We want to be 16, so we can drive, then 18, to graduate high school, and 21 to get into clubs. After 21, it's not nearly as enjoyable to keep track of the years. Statistically, more women enter into psychological therapy at 30 and beyond. Not a real happy proposition, is it? As author Colette Peterson approached 30, she decided it was time to take a new look at women and attitudes toward aging. She started talking with, surveying and interviewing women of all ages. She's written a wonderful book, written in a conversational and informal style. You can read straight through, or just pick the chapter that pertain to how you feel at a particular time. Subjects covered are wide ranging, from Fear of Aging, Facing Fear, Loss, Choices, Body Issues, Marriage, Children, Success, Religion, Money and much more. Ms. Peterson takes a caring, friendly and humor-filled look at accepting 30. Whether you are in that age group, above or, ahem, far beyond that stage in life, you'll find much to laugh about, much to learn and lots to enjoy in this charming book.
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Becoming Dead Right A Hospice Volunteer In Urban Nursing Homes
by
Frances Shani Parker
crazypsychobooklover
, March 14, 2010
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes Author: Frances Shani Parker Publisher: Loving Healing Press ISBN: 978-1932690354 Frances Shani Parker has woven a beautiful and touching tapestry of life and death; sharing her stories and poems about the very memorable and wonderful patients she worked with as a hospice volunteer. Already extremely busy as a principal, the author decided to learn about becoming a hospice volunteer. Following the workshops, she began her volunteer stint working with patients in urban nursing homes. She chose to visit patients in nursing homes because she believed they were probably less likely to have family and other visitors, and may be in need of outside companionship . Most of her patients were African America, but of course she had some patients of other ethnic groups also. By sharing her experiences as a hospice volunteer, she allows her readers to take a look inside a situation most of us know nothing about. Through these stories, we learn about the individual patients she works with, along with gaining a much more thorough understanding of the entire hospice system and philosophy. Dying with dignity and peacefullness is something that we all deserve. Hospice care is an important part of ensuring that many people can experience death this way. Numerous races, ages, religious and spiritual beliefs, and life experiences are illustrated here. The process of dying is something that we, as a society, tend to ignore or leave undiscussed. The role of an individual's life experiences, mindset, ability to communicate and religious beliefs all play a huge part in how they interpret the process of death. Ms. Parker has included poetry along with short stories to share her impressions of her patients. In every instance, she found herself learning more about life, and by sharing these lessons we can learn them too. The book does a great service by bringing the details of hospice to the general reader. We learn how the hospice system can fit into the healthcare system (or lack thereof) in our country today. The final portion of the book is a "tour" of what could be described as the epitome of the place that we all wish we could utilize for ourselves or family members as we/they face the end of life on earth. With the aging of the baby boomer segment of our population, the needs of Americans from the hospice care system becomes greater and greater. These stories are offered with love and respect by the author to each reader, and you feel that caring and warmth that she offered to each patient she worked with. I will remember many of the stories and the patients they illustrate for some time to come. It's both touching and thought-provoking, and would be a book appreciated at many different levels by all readers. Exceptional ! !
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Breaking Through Betrayal: and Recovering the Peace Within
by
Holli Kenley
crazypsychobooklover
, March 14, 2010
Breaking Through Betrayal: and Recovering the Peace Within Author: Holli Kenley Publisher: Loving Healing Press ISBN: 978-1615990092 Betrayal. Just about everyone has felt let down by someone they care about. It's tough to deal with, and even tougher to move past it and put it behind you. Once someone lets you down, it's difficult to be sure they won't do it again. You probably find it hard to count on them for awhile. Now imagine someone you love does more than let you down or disappoint you. The case that immediately comes to mind is that of Tiger Woods and his wife, Elin. Fortunately, most of us will never have to undergo so public a betrayal, so well known and discussed. Betrayal happening to anyone, regardless of their public stature, is extremely painful. Being out of the public limelight doesn't lessen the pain and disbelief that will follow. Betrayal doesn't just happen in romantic relationships. Humans can feel betrayed by friends, politicians, public figures, just about anyone. During the current rough economic times, you may feel betrayal at the loss of a job, foreclosure, or any number of other situations. Friends betray us, leaving us discouraged and distrustful. Betrayal leads to feelings of worthlessness, depression, anxiety and anger. You may be grieving over the betrayal, or feel obsessed by the thought of what happened, or cling more tightly to those around you that haven't betrayed you. Holli Kenley has written a book that goes in depth to explain the how and why behind the feelings we have following a betrayal. By understanding more about why those feelings occur, one is able to validate them, understand the need for the feelings and offer encouragement and empowerment to move beyond betrayal and into a healthier, more peaceful mindset. Then recovery can truly take place. Section I of this book covers the knowledge and awareness of exactly what betrayal is, why we suffer negative emotions because of it. She'll clarify the different forms and levels of trust we invest into various relationships, allowing the reader to fully discover their feelings about the individual betrayal and learn to recognize the true depth and degree of the emotions you feel and what you have experienced. You begin to understand the only way to be healthy and whole emotionally is to acknowledge the painful emotions and work through them. In Section II, the discussion centers on other recovery considerations that may require attention. For example, codependency, which is basically overinvestment of personal resources into someone/something without an adequate return or replenishment. A level of codependency can complicate the journey to recovery. Grief is another recovery consideration. Grief is a natural outgrowth of betrayal, and to successfully recover from betrayal one must understand the degree of their grief and how to work to alleviate it. Section III is where we move beyond the "prep" work into the actual recovery process. Kenley breaks the process down into five distinct parts, followed by extensive information and techniques for successfully moving through each of the five parts. She includes very specific exercises and instructions for completing each level of the process. Additional resources that offer support are listed. Overall, this work will be extremely useful to anyone going through a betrayal personally, or trying to help a friend or loved one navigate their way through. Written in a style easy to understand and relate to, it offers help to anyone at any step of the recovery process. Because the book is well written and detailed, those in a helping profession can utilize these steps and activities with clients of any age who may be experiencing betrayal in any of its many forms. A valuable handbook to maintain in any permanent reference library, this reviewer highly endorses this fine work.
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Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing (Vol. II, No.1)
by
Dempsey, Ernest
crazypsychobooklover
, March 12, 2010
Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing Volume II, Number 1 January 2010 Edited by: Ernest Dempsey Published by: Loving Healing Press ISBN: 978-1-932690-83-5 Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing is the title of this quarterly journal created to explore the themes of recovery and healing through the use of various media. Each quarterly journal includes poetry, memoir, essays, fiction, psycho-education, humor and reviews. This specific issue covers topics that include recovery from an eating disorder, parenting, culture and ethnicity, abuse recovery, stress management, AIDS orphans and more. The contributors to this issue have a wide variety of life experience, education, outlooks and beliefs. I found each offering to be heartfelt, and all contained useful advice and insight. I learned something from each of the contributors, and my time reading was well and usefully spent. Submissions for future quarterly journals are accepted on an ongoing basis; and I look forward to reading future volumes of this well written journal. Yearly subscriptions are available, as well as purchase of individual issues. I think anyone with interest in psychology or simply any aspect of recovery would benefit from the variety of talented contributors. Something I find especially attractive about this journal is that it is not written with an eye towards just the professional reader, but anyone who is undergoing recovery from a trauma or impacted family members, coworkers or friends. They would gain useful insight and understanding.
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Children & Traumatic Incident Reduction Creative & Cognitive Approaches
by
Marian K Volkman
crazypsychobooklover
, March 12, 2010
Children and Traumatic Incident Reduction Creative and Cognitive Approaches (Book #2 in the TIR Applications Series) Edited by: Marian K. Volkman, CTS, CMF Publisher: Loving Healing Press ISBN: 978-1-932690-30-9 TIR is the acronym used for the phrase "Traumatic Incident Reduction". TIR is a therapeutic modality utilized by professionals in the fields of metaphysics, psychology, psychiatry, counseling, therapy and other helping professions. This anthology collects articles, case studies, explanations of concept and theory and related resources and information. The contributors are trained counselors, educators, researchers and psychologists held in high esteen by the professional community. The book is organized in a format that readily allows for reading through the book in it's entirety, or utilizing individual chapters depending on the needs and circumstances of the reader. Each section is well written and self contained. Taken in either whole or by chapters only, the ideas and information can easity stand alone. Part I of the anthology offers an indepth look at the tools and techniques used in the practice of TIR. In my view, one of the major advantages to TIR is that the basic techniques and treatment processes remain unchanged, regardless of the age or sex of the client. The underlying traumas that TIR can be used for are as varied and differing as the experiences of the clients themselves. Elements of TIR can be utilized as art therapy, among other methods of utilization. Excellent information is included on the use of art therapy, especially useful when working with children. Also included are excellent reference materials the professional can share with the parents of the client. This reference material is written in a style that is easily understood by laypersons, and would be excellent in helping parents understand the methods used by the therapist with their child/ren. Part II of this book covers the results of TIR therapy. It offers details of case studies, including some using art as a form of TIR, and numerous useful anecdotal evidence, reference and viewpoints. A specific article on dealing with at-risk youth is also included, along with a specific section covering use of TIR in an actual mental health clinic setting.. Part III is a compendum of background and theory, critical issues in TIR are covered in depth, along with PTSD coverage, an extensive glossary of terms, a brief explanation of unblocking, memory lists for children, and information on receiving training to learn more about using TIR. Anyone who works with kids in nearly any capacity will find lots of information within these pages. Laypersons as well as professionals will gain incredible insight into the use of TIR; it's a goldmine of knowledge for working with children. Very highly recommended addition to the permanent reference library.
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EFT for Procrastination
by
Gloria Arenson
crazypsychobooklover
, March 10, 2010
EFT For Procrastination Author: Gloria Arenson, MFT Publisher: Energy Psychology Press ISBN: 978-1-60415-042-1 How often have you put off doing something that you KNEW you needed to get done? Procrastination. Everyone has experienced it at least a few times. It can make your life miserable, and cause stress not just for you but for the others around you. Maybe it's a problem once and again,or maybe it's a frequent problem. You know what needs to be done, and you know how to do it. You probably even have the time, tools or materials you need to complete it, so why isn't it getting done? Gloria Arenson, MFT has written an extremely helpful book on dealing with a common difficulty. We put off doing a project because we want to avoid the feeling we have about it. There are a number of reasons for this. Shame, pain, bad memories or negative associations, or unpleasant experiences, possibly fear, anxiety or guilt. Many times, we really don't exactly know why we are putting things off at all. How do we move beyond procrastination? By breaking free of whatever is holding us back and moving forward. Sounds eaiser said than done, right? With the correct method, it can be done, and it can be done painlessly. With this helpful handbook, Arenson shows us just the tools we need to break free. EFT is the acronym used for Emotional Freedom Technique. Psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors and therapists have learned how to utilize EFT to help their clients. Gloria Arenson puts the same techniques into our hands, teaching us how to use it. It really is a simple and easy to do procedure, but it's not totally without a bit of thought and work. The basic premise of EFT is that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption somewhere in the body's energy system. When our bodies, mind, emotions, etc., are working in harmony, we have positive energy; the problems and stresses that occur in everyday life is what causes a disruption in our energy flow. Without the positive energy flowing easily through the body, mind and spirit, our personal energies are clogged along the way. The premise of EFT is actually the center of all Eastern Medicine, psychology and spirituality. It actually makes common sense when most people think it through, and allows the avoidance of medication or other medical intervention. Success rates have proven that EFT is a valuable and valid therapy modality. Gloria Arenson has provided the reader with the information and background needed to utilize EFT. Written in detail with concise instructions, encouragement and case histories, this handbook will help an unlimited number of people reach their true potential. I would consider this book to be an outstanding reasource for therapists and people in the helping professions, for parents wanting to help their kids overcome procrastination, and anyone having a problem in their life with procrastinating.
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Witches of Cahokia
by
Raymond Scott Edge
crazypsychobooklover
, February 03, 2010
Witches of Cahokia Author: Raymond Scott Edge Publisher: Redoubt Books ISBN: 978-0-9794737-2-2 Based on the Indian Settlement and Burial Mounds of Cahokia Mounds in Cahokia Illinois, this "reality-based" fiction novel is a true find. The story consists of 2 archaelogists, Daniel and Lauren French of Southern Illinois University. The Frenches are both teachers and researchers, who met and married during grad school and are now affliated with the same university they once attended as students. Residing in nearby Alton Illinois, they are called in by the University when a construction crew working on a new road stumbles upon what appears to be the skeletal remains of 2 Indian females. As the Frenches investigate the burial site, they discover that it appears to have been the burial site of dozens of ancient indians, strangely all female. This novel alternates between the current day study of the remains and the story of the group of women that have been laid to rest there. These Indian women span numerous generations of women gifted with healing and shamanistic abilities, and their stories are a fascinating study of healing herbs, ancient Indian medical practices, and local indian lore. Standing on it's own, these tales would make a fascinating educational and imaginative read. Add into this the discovery, recovery and research of the burial ground by the Frenchs and their students; and the story comes full circle with the ongoing learning of a truly fascinating part of American and local Illinois history. But this inventive author doesn't stop there; add to the mix an underground student anarchy cell determined to halt progress on the roadway and what they consider to be the destruction of indigenous flora, fauna and landscape. Working with other far-flung underground cells; these groups conspire to place stolen achealogical finds from other international sites at this burial site, thereby muddying both the waters of research and the economy of the local area, as well as the ongoing infrastructure of the new roadway. Can the University's archaelogical dig continue in the face of these intrusions? And will we ever truly learn what actually began here so many generations ago? The author, Raymond Scott Edge, has written a beautiful story mixing Southern Illinois Indian cultural heritage, the migratory study of ancient tribes, current academic research and an educational organization's "political" infighting and relationships. I look forward to reading the other work of this author; and hope he has plans to continue this line of research and sharing of local indian lore. Readers will find themselves drawn into these story lines, and the book offers wonderful characters and believable plot lines to hold the reader enthralled and enraptured from beginning to end. Bravo to Raymond Scott Edge for a novel that is truly innovative, entertaining and educational.
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A Truth Worth Tellin'
by
Toni Teepell
crazypsychobooklover
, January 27, 2010
A Truth Worth Tellin' Author: Toni Teepell Publisher: Ramsay Publications Toni Teepell's debut novel, A Truth Worth Telling; tells the story of a 12 year old girl and her life growing up as the child of a schizoprenic mother. Her father moves her and her mother to a small southern town. The family moves there because it's close to the mental hospital her mother uses. Maggie, our main character, is forced to grow up way to fast to deal with the hand that life has dealt her. Told with heartbreaking tenderness, humor and honesty, this novel takes us through her trials of getting accepted into a new small town, the stigma of mental illness, and isolation. Maggie is nervous about telling locals the story of her Mother's illness, so it takes her quite a while to find a friend. Her friend, another young girl in the town, is also a bit of an outsider. Daughter of an alcoholic mother who abuses her, her risk taking, cigar smoking and petty thief new friend, Samantha, has a world of troubles of her own. Rich in small southern town charm, we meet other characters who likewise seem true to life and somewhat eccentric. I found myself totally absorbed in the story, and truly cared about the people therein. When I finished the book, I wished there was more.....a part 2, so I could continue to share Maggie and Samantha's life. In my mind, that is the true hallmark of a well written novel; people you wonder about and care for when the book is over. I look forward to reading more by Toni Teepell, and thank her for a touching, sometimes hearbreaking novel. She shows great promise as an author.
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A Questionable Life
by
Luke Lively
crazypsychobooklover
, January 26, 2010
Jack Oliver thought he had it all figured out. He knew what he wanted, and was well on the way to his goal. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jack is a hard driving, work obsessed banking executive. He never wanted anything to do with the family plumbing business, his goal was long ago mapped out in his mind...becoming president at PT&G, Philadelphia Trust & Guaranty, the largest bank in Philadelphia. Jack charged ahead and worked his way up from an entry-level job to the second-highest position at the bank. When PT&G is bought out by one of the largest banking systems in the country, he is is forced to face with a harsh reality: the position he had long considered the pinnacle of his success is no longer a possibility. I wondered as I read, just how many other business executives are finding themselves in the same spot as Jack Oliver these days, in these unsteady economic times. It added another dimension to my reading, and made this already outstanding work of fiction seem more like reality than a fictious tale. For the first time in over 25 years, Jack, now 45,confronts the aftermath of having devoted practically each waking hour to work and getting ahead on that elusive ladder of success as he imagined it. His personal life is in shambles; he’s made difficult choices at the expense of others; he’s surrendered his integrity by turning a blind eye to greed, dishonesty, and questionable business practices; and now, the job that once defined and sustained him is in danger of either consuming him or perhaps just disappearing totally. Jack’s long time friend John Helms suggests that he is in need of a change and offers to introduce him to Benjamin Franklin “Benny” Price, the CEO of Citizens Bank in Roanoke, Virginia, Jack is initially doubtful and full of disdain. Why would Jack Oliver, a big fish in the banking world of Philadelphia, even consider a job in a hick town? And Benny? Jack wonders how a guy named "Benny" could offer him anything useful, what would a guy called Benny know or understand about the complicated world of big city banking? What could Benny, a seventy-year-old dinosaur of the small town banking world, have to offer him? Facing an unexpected health crisis, Jack realizes that his friend John may be right; perhaps it is time for a change of pace, a different sort of banking job. Jack reluctantly agrees to meet Benny one weekend. Jack discovers that Benny, a man with whom he assumed he’d have nothing in common, is not all that dissimilar. To Jack's amazement, Benny actually has a fresh perspective on life, work, and success. But Benny sure doesn’t have all the answers. Left without the success he once craved and the family he undervalued, can Jack, a man whose life has been punctuated by wanting more—more money, more power, more prestige—learn to embrace the concept of a new kind of ‘questionable life’? Can there be more to his life than working towards that elusive goal? Truly a novel for our time, author Luke Lively's book, "A Questionable Life", may offer all of us a new perspective on dealing with the blows of life, and learning the hard lesson that what we think we value the most really has no meaning at all. A compelling and well told story that will make the reader question his own goals and what really defines us.
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Awakening the Eagle: A Guide to the Medicine Wheel
by
Ralph P. Brown (Tawennihake)
crazypsychobooklover
, January 24, 2010
Awakening The Eagle: A Guide to the Medicine Wheel Author: Ralph P. Brown (Tawennihake) Publisher: BookSurge Publishing I've always had a great personal interest in alternative thinking, especially in the areas of religion, spiritual belief and personal guidance. I thought I had a fairly good understanding of the various tribal lore of American Indian Tribes, but I always did want to learn more. For any reader interested in tribal lore, spiritual life, wisdom and guidance; Ralph P. Brown has written a fascinating and indepth study of the Medicine Wheel in his wonderous work, "Awakening The Eagle: A Guide to the Medicine Wheel". Ralph P. Brown is a Mohawk tribal member and spiritual advisor. His Mohawk name is Tawennihake. In this unique book, Tawennihake leads us on a spiritual journey along with a young Mohawk boy named Okwaho; and the elderly tribal sage, Lightening Eyes. Through the indian lore and fables Lightening Eyes shares with young Okwaho, we learn about the Medicine Wheel, the vibrant entity representing and reflecting the existence of everything within our universe. Through Lightening Eyes' use of parables, fable and indian lore, we learn more of the Native American culture and tradition, and begin to understand the powers of the Medicine Wheel. By viewing the medicine wheel as it relates to our lives and spiritual needs today, the medicine wheel will bring us to an understanding and recognition of our human potential and see how we relate to our world, whether in the abstract or the literal, the positive or the negative. The Mohawk use of the medicine wheel illustrates our universe; and ultimately ourselves as humans and earth inhabitants. Through understanding and interpretation of the medicine wheel, we can learn insight into ourselves and patience with those around us. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in indian lore and beliefs, anyone who is a student of theology or metaphysics; or any reader with a yearning to learn more about the potential of the universe and their personal life and spiritual health. It is an easy to understand and truly enjoyable read. In fact, I have read it twice already, and know I will continue to learn from each reading. I look forward to the opportunity to learn more from Tawennihake, he is truly a gifted and caring writer.
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Emotional Black Holes
by
Grant J. Hallstrom
crazypsychobooklover
, January 24, 2010
Think about your social circle, your family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. How many of those people are suffering from depression, addiction, and self damaging behaviors? For most of us, probably at least five to ten people we know, at any given time, are finding themselves in that emotional black hole, that void, the sadness that doesn't go away. Maybe you are suffering yourself. Recognizing the problem is the first step. Then comes finding the way out, and fighting for the life that is valuable and worth living. The journey out can begin with the book by Grant J. Hallstrom, Emotional Black Holes. The author has written a moving and thought provoking account of his own journey from his own "black hole". By using this book as a guide, you will see that you are not alone in the journey; and will glean helpful ideas for yourself or others. Chapters include dealing with lust, temptation, addiction, even the addiction of religion. You may know someone who is a control freak, or by reading this book you may realize that you are the control freak. There is hope for healing and help for everyone suffering from any form of depression and emotional emptiness or vacuum. Today's world brings trials and problems for all of us. Getting the help we need to deal with our trials and problems can be daunting; by reading this book you can and will be helping yourself or someone you know find the way out of that black hole. There is hope on the other side. Hallstrom has given us a valuable help in finding the way up and out.
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The Road
by
Cormac McCarthy
crazypsychobooklover
, January 01, 2010
I think this is probably the book of the decade. After everything that we have seen and experienced in the last 10 years, from 9/11; the Wars, The New Orleans flood debacle, swine flu, y2K worries, I can't imagine that any one of us did not have visions of the end of the world as we know it, in one way or another. Haunting, frightening, sobering and yet beautiful, this novel has stayed in my head since I the first reading; and I have read it many times since then. Humanity, take note, and learn.
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Gentling: A Practical Guide to Treating Ptsd in Abused Children
by
William E. Krill
crazypsychobooklover
, December 29, 2009
Gentling will acquaint the reader with a breakthough treatment approach for children who have survived physical, emotional and sexual abuse. It is common knowledge that most children who have survived abuse will also have acquired Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While PTSD adds an additional layer to the need for therapeutic work, it needn't make therapy an even more difficult or painful process for the child. PTSD takes many forms, and some of the symptoms seen in children may differ widely from adult PTSD symptoms. The Author of Gentling, William E. Krill, offers a groundbreaking and thorough look at the symptoms of PTSD in children, along with specific treatment modalities dependent on the individual child's symptomology. Written in an easy to use, understand and utilize format, Gentling will allow caring individuals, from parent, foster parent, caregiver, teacher, and clinician or psychologist to offer each individual child the personalized and caring treatment needed for his or her specific abusive history. Additionally, the book offers extremely valuable measurements to gauge the sucess of treatment and lead the way for further recovery. By adopting tried and true therapeutic approaches used on adults with PTSD; then modifying the approaches for children, Krill offers excellent advise for treatment on a continued basis, helping to ensure that children are given all the care they need for all the symptoms and results of the abuse. Ad additional resource offered by the book is the inclusion of "Quick Teach Sheets" which can be copied and shared with parents, social workers, and all caregivers who come into contact with the child. The book offers a complete and concise source of information to include the following: *Learn how to manage the often intense reactivity seen in stress episodes *Gain the practical, gentle, and effective treatment tools that really help these children *Use the Child Stress Profile (CSP) to guide treatment and measure therapeutic outcomes. Any adult who works with children in nearly any capacity can find much helpful reference material within these pages. I would feel confident recommending that all parents, teachers, foster parents, social workers, etc.; keep this book handy for continued reference.
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Repair Your Life: A Program for Recovery from Incest & Childhood Sexual Abuse
by
Margie McKinnon and Marjorie McKinnon
crazypsychobooklover
, November 30, 2009
If you or someone you care about is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, this book should prove invaluable to your recovery. Most people realize that childhood sexual abuse is traumatic, but not everyone understands or recognizes the serious and often life-long effects. The author of this valuable book, Marjorie McKinnon, has written extensively how survivors can work to move beyond the trauma of abuse. With hard work and patience, it can be done. She pulls no punches, and never trivializes the difficulty of dealing with this problem. She has set the program forward with a really useful acronym, REPAIR, to illustrate the steps a survivor and their friends and family or therapist needs to take to begin the process of healing. Written in a style that is very easy to understand and to follow, the survivor will work through 6 different steps to recovery. Numerous therapists have recommended this process, and I believe it could be an invaluable tool both for professionals and caring friends and family members of survivors. Any one wanting to move beyond the trauma of incest and childhood sexual abuse can find hope, healing and care within these pages. Information is also given about support groups and finding them, an invaluable resource that many people are unaware are available to them.
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Wyatts Revenge
by
H Terrell Griffin
crazypsychobooklover
, November 29, 2009
I think the main character in this great novel is one of my new favorites. Matt Royal is a retired trial lawyer, now a laid back beach bum enjoying the fruits of his years of hard work as a trial lawyer. When a good friend Laurence Wyatt is murdered, Matt is torn about what to do. He wants to solve the crime and avenge the death, but he knows the local police force is on the job, and will do their best to solve the crime. Our laid back beach bum starts his own investigation, and with a personal interest in the case, it becomes a very serious quest. Following his lead, he becomes the hunted by a group of relentless and heartless criminals, who will kill with impunity. Knowing he is in trouble, Matt contacts 2 good friends to help him out. The investigation takes them into dangerous territory, from Florida to Germany and spots in between. However, Matt Royal is no man who backs down from a challenge, regardless of the danger. Filled with twists, turns and suspense, this novel is enjoyable and great fun to read. The characters are well drawn, and the reader finds himself taken along on a dangerous and suspenseful ride towards an ending that may lead them outside the bounds of the law to solve the crime. I really enjoyed the character of Matt Royal, and look forward to reading more of his adventures. He may be a retired beach bum, but he is also a very exciting fellow!
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Something Hidden, Stories
by
Elaine Margolis
crazypsychobooklover
, November 12, 2009
If you love short stories, you need to add Elaine Margolis' collection, Something Hidden, to your to-be-read list. In fact, get it right away! This collection of 13 short stories truly offers something for every reader. Ms. Margolis demonstrates an extremely keen eye for details, wonderful and well drawn characters, and amazingly inventive story lines. Stories range from the haunting " Two for One", the nearly heartbreaking story of a great love, unshared until it is too late. My personal favorite is "The Charm", a story that mixes generations, feelings and a special something in a way both eerie and memorable. My second favorite, "The Dragon Box" takes an elderly woman, recently widowed and traveling to find herself, to an obscure little shop in Bangkok, where something speaks to her heart. The stories in the collection ecompass people of all ages, a wide variety of emotions and types of people. They are eclectic, and each offers something totally unexpected, sometimes haunting, sometimes heartbreaking, but always riveting and sincere. I plan to add Elaine Margolis to my list of favorite authors. After you read this stunning collection of stories, you will too!
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The Organ Grinder and the Monkey
by
Sam Moffie
crazypsychobooklover
, October 28, 2009
Sam Moffie has gifted readers with a really outstanding and unusual read. In great detail and marvelous characterization, he shares a wealth of imaginative and unique life stories of three fantastically eccentric characters. All three of these characters share the same therapist. This therapist has a great impact on all of them, in most unexpected ways. The stories told by our characters range from hilarious, sweet, sentimental to horrifying and heartbreaking and every feeling in between. Seymour, Constance and Irving come from three different cities (Steubenville Ohio, Boardman Ohio and Brookline Massachusetts) and three extremely different family backgrounds and dynamics. Totally original and somewhat complex, the tale takes readers to an ending in New York City. Moffie is a talented storyteller, and brings all the gifts of his craft to this wonderful work of fiction. I can't recommend it highly enough!
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The Test
by
Patricia Gussin
crazypsychobooklover
, October 24, 2009
When Paul Parnell died, he left behind a fortune in the billions, adult children by three different mothers, and a number of grandchildren and in-laws. Prior to his death, Paul realized that one of the regrets of his life was not being active and available in the lives of his children. His trusted lawyer is instructed to create an iron-clad will that requires his 6 surviving children to examine their lifestyles, morals, and values, and make decisions on what is important to each. The final disposition of family fortune will depend on the decisions made by the children over the next year. The family dynamics are interesting and somewhat convulted here, much like they are in any family of step children, half siblings, etc. It's interesting to watch the interplay between the sons and daughters, and the way they view themselves and each other. The author uses recent political and international events to weave throughout the story, adding an additional level of realism. The novel chronicles the next year in the family, and marks numerous ups, downs, sadness and happy events. In some cases, there is almost too much going on, and I found myself having to backtrack once or twice, just to check out familial relationships. In a novel with this many characters, plot twists and subplots, that's to be expected. Some of the twists the book used were easy to see coming, some were not. It definitely held my interest thoughout. If you enjoy suspense and family intrigue, you will enjoy this book. I plan to read more of this author's work in the future.
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Essentials of Premarital Counseling: Creating Compatible Couples
by
Sandra Levy Ceren
crazypsychobooklover
, October 20, 2009
We all know that a large percentage of American marriages end in divorce. These numbers are even higher for subsequent marriages. No one gets married planning to have it fail. However, many couples put more emphasis on planning the wedding than they do on planning the actual marriage. As a Therapist, you have a wonderful opportunity to assist couples in learning how to make the marriage work after the actual wedding ceremony and honeymoon end. Dr. Sandra Ceren has put together a remarkably easy to follow and understand counseling blueprint for couples considering marriage. Real life case studies and examples will lead the therapist through a series of ten meetings and discussions with couples. Using her ideas and proven methods, the therapist can assist couples in finding areas of probable conflict, work through them, and emerge a stronger team after counseling sessions. Dr. Ceren combines education and experence to assist couples in the "art of gracious compromise", lessons that would serve most of us in both our personal and professional relationships. The author writes frankly and honestly about the need to actually know a partner before marriage, and offers quizzes that can help your clients explore each other's personality, personal history and thought processes. I found the entire book well written, excellently presented and very well organized. It's obvious Dr. Ceren has put much work into this guide. I firmly believe that any therapist hoping to include marital/premarital counseling in their practice should keep a copy of this book close by........it will be referred to again and again.
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Timidity
by
Joe Wesley Rowland
crazypsychobooklover
, October 19, 2009
Written in that marvelous style of the 1940's crime drama noir, Timidity can stand on it's own with novels by the likes of Raymond Chandler, Doris Miles Disney, James McCain and Horace McCoy. Joe Wesley Rowland has allowed us to take a step back in time and enjoy a real "old style noir" murder. Taking place in the late spring of 1945, a hardworking woman, Annette Mosconi, husband missing in action in the war and a son readying for college; is thrown into jail, falsely accused of murdering her boss, a small town attorney involved in a case that could blow the lid off a scandal involving the wealthiest family in town. A corrupt sheriff and a deputy with more testosterone than brains conspire with the wealthy family matriarch to be sure that some secrets stay undercover. Annette can only count on her son, Rick to help her. But Rick has problems of his own. Suffering from what he calls the "heebie-jeebies" (now known to be social anxiety disorder), Rick has inner demons to fight and conquer to assist his mother in escaping her harrowing ordeal and clearing her name. I thoroughly enjoyed this well written and suspenseful novel. On a personal note, I also have social anxiety disorder, so I was able to understand what Rick was dealing with on a more intimate level. Filled with suspense, well drawn characters and a well put together story line and plot, any fan of courtroom drama, murder mystery, crime drama noir, or just a good read can enjoy this story.
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Upside Of Fear How One Man Broke The Cycle of Prison Poverty & Addiction
by
Weldon Long
crazypsychobooklover
, October 14, 2009
I am recommending this book to everyone I know! The author delivers a true tale that is heartbreaking, funny, motivational, and feel-good, all rolled into one book. Growing up, Wally had a father that was distant, and while never really in big trouble, he was a classic underachiever and didn't really fit in well. He married young, and it was a dyfunctional relationship. Neither he or his wife were happy, and neither really knew what was wrong, or how to fix it. One night Wally is out driving around aimlessly (pretty much the way he had lived life up to this point), when he picks up a hitchhiker. Together, the two of them decide to rob a store, and life goes rapidly downhill from there. For the next 20 years, Wally's live is a mess, over half that time is spent in prison, when he is out of prison the time is spent committing crime, drinking, using drugs, and having a son that he rarely sees. With a ninth grade education, he finally realizes in prison that the only way to change things is for HIM to make a decision, change his life, and make it the way he wants it to be. He begins by reading every self-help, religious and motivational text he can get his hands on. The story from there is nothing less than an inspiration. There is truly something here for us all to learn. Weldon (Wally) Long pulls no punches here, and doesn't try to pretty up the truth of his mistakes in any way. The story is harsh and brutal, and sometimes it's pretty tough to have any sympathy for him. Written with honesty and from the heart, it will make the toughest reader feel a tug on the heartstrings. Teaching himself to share his loving feeling for his son through letters to the boy, he shares a tender and moving part of himself; one he wasn't even aware existed. If you know someone struggling with life, and feeling that they are just unlucky and ready to give up, buy this book for them. Regardless of your views on religion, whether you believe in God, miracles, or anything else; this book will touch your soul and help you see things differently. I have already loaned it out to a friend, and actually have several more folks in mind to lend it to next. In fact, I plan on buying a couple of copies, one to keep for myself and a few more to share with friends, family and others.
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Unbreak Your Health: The Complete Guide to Complementary & Alternative Therapies
by
Alan E. Smith
crazypsychobooklover
, October 12, 2009
During these trying economic times, more and more people are looking into complementary and alternative medicine to help them deal with stress related and other ailments, diseases and medical conditions. Besides the use of Western, or traditional medicine, there is a growing interest in the use of alternative therapies. Many people are intimidated by the wide variety of alternative/complementary medical processes and procedures that exist. There is a wealth of information available, not all of it is reliable, and people are unsure where to start researching, and question whether they should even try. This book is probably the most useful reference I have seen in this large field of study. It's exhaustively researched, and contains information that ranges from A to Z on the spectrum of alternative medicine. It's written in an easy to understand style, and is set up in a very useful format. I especially appreciated the various comments garnered from people who have actually used these treatments, and their opinions and results. In addition to being a great overall reference, it's a great manual for people just beginning to look into these therapies. Additionally, there are available podcasts and interviews with leaders and researchers in this growing field of medicine. If you have researched alternative and complementary medicine at all, you know that the field is crowded with books and publications, and knowing where to begin your research is daunting, to say the least. Often, traditional medical providers are less than helpful in this area, and the patient is left floundering on their own in trying to understand what is available to them. I think this book has a place on the reference shelves of anyone interested in better understanding this field, and would be invaluable to any beginner in starting their study of the field. In fact, I think this book can easily replace 5 or 6 other books on my shelves, a testimony to it's comprehensive coverage of alternative and complementary therapies. I discovered great information on age old practices, as well as information on brand new therapies that are not available elsewhere. Any one interested in taking a more active role in the health and wellbeing of themselves and family members could greatly benefit from this comprehensive work. I applaud this author for a truly groundbreaking reference on an important subject for us all.
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Torn
by
Amber Lehman
crazypsychobooklover
, October 11, 2009
For some people, discovering their actual sexual identity is easy; they are heterosexual and always know that without questioning it; or they have always known they were homosexual. Times have changed, and I think it's probably easier in today's world to be gay or lesbian than in the old days. However, I would imagine that not knowing for sure one way or the other would still be pretty rough to deal with. This novel deals with a group of teenage friends. When a new girl moves into town and joins the group, the dynamics seems to change a bit. As a teenager, alliances change, petty jealousies come and go, and there seems to be a minor drama going on constantly. In this work, the author introduces us to a group of teens with more than just the minor drama; it's major stuff here. Some of the characters are well drawn, and you feel invested in their life and the goings-on. Some of the characters seem to drift, and it''s much harder to care what actually happens to them. For a first time novel, that's somewhat to be expected; hopefully in future works the author will paint her characters more fully. There is a lot of sex here, and some graphic depiction. In other instances, it's so glossed over that you are unaware of whether anything actually went on or not. There is actually no real parental involvement anywhere, which I also felt was less than realistic. No one ever seems to have an actual parent giving rules, punishments, etc. Granted, lots of kids today don't have proper supervision; but it bothers me that there is no parental involvement here at all. I think that might have made the story seem more real, and easier for today's teens to identify with. There were some older brothers that seemed in charge of the family dynamics, but that doesn't really ring that true to life. I'm definitely not a prude, and have no problem with sex when it furthers the plot or seems right for the situation in the story; but some of it is so gratuitious that it isn't really moving the story along and seems to be added just for sex sake. Thjat being said, I do think the story will appeal to teenagers, but it should be older teens, as the author suggests, not younger teens. I found the story line interesting, and I think that there are many good points here. For teens unsure of the sexual route they are taking, it would probably make them feel better to read about kids with the same issues. I am happy to see that the author made mention more than once of safe sex. That message can't be put forward often enough, in my opinion. I finished reading this two days ago, and wanted to give myself time to digest and think through the story before reviewing it. There are many redeeming features to the story; but I think too much is left unsaid and unexamined. Life is not full of pat answers to problems, and the book sort of stops at a point that seemed unrealistic. I may be looking at this from the wrong perspective; I am coming at this from the other end of the spectrum, a person 30 some years past the teen years, and with more life experience I tend to view things much differently now than a teenager would; perhaps they would not be disappointed in where the story ends at all. In all, I do think the author has a bright writing future ahead of her, and would look forward to reading her future work.
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Humanizing Madness Psychiatry & the Cognitive Neurosciences
by
Niall McLaren
crazypsychobooklover
, October 07, 2009
There seem to be as many schools of thought on psychiatry as there are individuals in the practice of psychiatry. This excellent work by Niall McLaren M.D. takes a comprehensive and concise look at the major theories of the practice of psychiatry. The book is well done, set up in a very easy to follow format. Each theory is explained in detail, and the author offers his opinion on the flaws and fallacies of each. It's obvious that much research and study has gone into each review, as well as into the problem areas and better working models. Will everyone agree with every opinion delivered by McLaren? Of course not. However, the review and research does lead to a rethinking of each theory; and many excellent and thought-provoking statements are made. I was particularly interested in the way the author viewed the theory regarding panic and anxiety attacks. It offered me an interesting perspective I had never considered before, and one that actually makes a lot of sense and is practical. I have suffered from panic and anxiety attacks personally for many years, and found much to ponder in his ideas and views. This is not a book for beginners in psychology, psychiatry, or neuroscience. I believe that to really understand and appreciate the depth of work that went into this publication, a reader would need a somewhat more intense understanding than just the basics of the science. I would recommend it to anyone with a working background in the field, and believe that they would find it as thought-provoking as I have. It will definitely remain on my shelves as a future reference. I fully expect that at some point it will be recognized as a groundbreaking work in the field.
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Regaining Control: When Love Becomes a Prison
by
Tami Brady
crazypsychobooklover
, October 07, 2009
Independence means different things to different people. Tami Brady, the Author of Regaining Control: When Love Becomes A Prison, has written an excellent book that speaks to all women, regardless of their personal situation and views on independence. It's a sad fact of life that many women will live at least part of their lives in poverty, or at the very least, have a tough time making ends meet, often while attempting to raise their children without a spouse or helpmate. Oftentimes through no fault of their own, they will be left in less than ideal circumstances. Reading this book and following the steps and guidelines can help you move beyond your current circumstances. Written in an upbeat, easy to understand style, Regaining Control helps lead you through the questions you need to ask yourself to plan for your future well-being. Touching on many types of problems, personality issues and lifestyle situations, the author shows that change is possible, and lays out in great detail how to succeed to meet your needs. Any reader will find the checklists, questionnaires and forms to be useful. The book will help you find what's truly important to you, and guide you through the process of setting goals and breaking them down, turning them into steps that are easier to reach, and less overwhelming than looking at the big picture without a gameplan. My daughter works with abused women in an emergency shelter. When she saw this book, she was excited and impressed to have access to an easily understood, easy to follow manual that she could recommend to her clients. That speaks volumes, in my opionion, about the usefullness of this book.
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101 Tips for Survivors of Sexual Abuse: A Pocket Book of Wisdom
by
Amy Barth
crazypsychobooklover
, October 05, 2009
This is a great book for any survivor of sex abuse, of nearly any age. Written in a very easy to understand format, it is simple and straightforward. The main point is made over and over again.....IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT! This little gem of a book reminds survivors over and over, and that's a needed reminder, as most abuse survivors do tend to blame themselves. The book doesn't cover any new ground in the fight against sexual abuse; but it's purpose is really to assist survivors, not give professionals more knowledge. I have worked with sexual abuse survivors in the past; and all these topics will prove helpful and help with the healing process. Reminding people that there are good days and bad days is essential. It's not like having an illness or disease; it never totally goes away. But working through it can make recovery possible. If you have a loved one or friend that is dealing with abuse, they will find this book helpful. Read it yourself, and you will gain insight into helping those you love deal with what can be a devasting incident.
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Water Landing
by
Jonathan Slusher
crazypsychobooklover
, October 04, 2009
Pretty often, the day to day grind of lfe gets in the way of really living it. Unfulfilled dreams, relationships, life-long goals etc., can often take a backseat to the day to day. Usually, we need a real wake-up call to become aware of this. In this novel, our main character, Lukas Kettle, is doing just that. He wants to write, but is working a lab job to make ends meet. His last relationship was several years ago; he still hasn't moved on. In fact, he still sees her everyday at work. He reconnects with a childhood friend, Sara, and they seem headed to a real relationship. Only one problem, Sara is suffering from cancer, and has a few months left to live. Jonathan Slusher, the author of Water Landing, uses a really interesting technique of story telling. Going back in time, he recounts the relationship with Sara, and lets us in on the daydreams and hopes that Lukas pins on this relationship. Near the end of her life, Sara cuts herself off from Lukas, leaving him without closure on the relationship, with only his fantasies of making it work left to him. Lukas travels back to his hometown for Sara's funeral, and to hook up with some old highschool buddies. In the process, he reviews his life and where circumstances have gotten him thus far. Told with excellent insight and tenderness, Jonathan Slusher has written a novel that stays with the reader after finishing it. You'll examine your life, and possibly look at things from a different slant after reading. You come to care about Lukas, and mourn Sara's passing with him. I could not put this book down, I found it captivating, well written and satisfying. I look forward to more work by this very promising author.
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Day of Vindication
by
James William Rupe
crazypsychobooklover
, October 01, 2009
Regardless of your religious or political leanings, I think everyone in America is aware of the potential of another terrorist attack, or perhaps the end of the world as we know it. One has only to read newspapers, online news or watch the evening news on tv to see that this is a real threat to today's world. Day of Vindication is a chilling story, and one that should give pause and concern to us all. Imagine: A major US City in Texas suffers a massive explosion, numbering millions of deaths and crippling the local law enforcement system. For some time, the rest of us would be unsure just what happened. Newscoverage would be everywhere, but basically telling us nothing new, hour by hour. Then, as confirmed reports come in, we realize it is the worst possible scenerio; nuclear attack. The search is on to find out who is responsible, and if worse is planned. The story centers on two elite counterterrorism agents, Cassandra “Army” Armendorfer and her partner Raphael Guerra, lead government specialists on a hectic chase. The search for the bombs and terrorists travels far beyond our country's borders. Could the entire world teeter on the brink of annihilation? This is definitely a well written, well thought out nail biter! The author seems to have done his research homework thoroughly. I don't want to give away too much of the story': suffice to say that it is nothing less than frightening and sobering.
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Human Services: Elimination of Evil
by
John Rislove
crazypsychobooklover
, September 28, 2009
We all know the terrible toll, financial and otherwise, that repeat offenders take on our lives, financially and emotionally. Daily, we read and hear about a person with a long criminal record, known for violence, being released from prision only to reoffend, usually in a horrible manner, only to return to jail again. Over and over, the pattern repeats itself, with heartbreaking results and impact to society and victims and their family members and friends. Now, imagine you have worked tirelessly with offenders, trying to ensure that they have learned not to commit crimes again, and to return to society and live as law-abiding citizens. This is the case with this novel. A man has given a large portion of his life, emotions and energy to working with offenders, trying to keep them from reoffending. One night, he gets a call, one of the men he is working with has been picked up, charged with a horrendous and nightmarish rape and murder of a beautiful young teenager. When he arrives at the police station, he inadvertently meets the parents of this young girl, and is haunted by their grief and anger. He decides it's time to change professions; he hasn't the heart to work with these inhuman offenders again. A wealthy and powerful man offers him another option-large sums of money, everything he needs to carry out the job, if he will kill these offenders before they can wreck havoc on society yet again. The people that will be killed are the worst of the worst, people who have committed horrendous crimes against innocent people over and over again, playing the "go to jail, get parolled, offend again" game for far too long. It's a fascinating proposition. All that money, our taxes, that could be better spent on education, welfare, services for good and law-abiding citizens in need. Taking the wealthy man up on his offer, our main character begins their "novel" approach to crime fighting. Highlighting long time societal issues and problems, this novel takes a unique and fascinating view of an alternative answer, and the ramifications. Well written, and filled with suspense, this thought provoking novel will have you questioning the current judicial system, and the problems it has. Wonderful storyline, great characters, and a unique plot make this a great read.
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Critical Conditions: The Essential Hospital Guide To Get Your Loved One Out Alive
by
M. a. Martine Ehrenclou
crazypsychobooklover
, September 27, 2009
It's an unfortunate fact of life; medical errors and misjudgements occur regularly. By reading this book, you can be prepared to advocate safe hospital care for yourself and your loved ones. The book consists of over 100 interviews with people who were the victims of serious medical mistreatment and errors. The reader can learn how to best handle problems when they arise; and how to be proactive enough to possibly avoid the problems in the first place. Without undue blame or discrimination against the medical profession, the author shares information on questions to ask, being sure you understand the why and how of treatments and medications. You will learn who is responsible for specific areas of patient care within the hospital, and how to be sure your questions and concerns are addressed immediately and by the proper person. My father is currently undergoing cancer treatments at a prestigious medical facility in our area. While I and other family members have confidence in the care he is receiving, we also realize that the major responsibility for his safe care rests with us. In today's world of rapidly changing health care, new technology and medicines, etc., it is more imperative than ever that we remain vigilant. This book will help those of us not involved in the medical profession understand how care works, and what to watch out for. I highly recommend this book as required reading for anyone who cares about the quality of healthcare they personally, as well as friends and family members are experiencing. A must read and great book to have on hand for future reference
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Finding the Moon in Sugar
by
Gint Aras
crazypsychobooklover
, September 27, 2009
Written in a most unusual style; I found this book to be a real winner. The author, writing as our narrator and hero, Andrew Nowak, uses the language (profanity and poor grammar) that we would expect from a stoner and aimless drifter. I thought that was a great touch, although it did make it a bit more difficult at first. It just took me a little time to get into the style of the writing, but once I did, it added realism and a certain sort of grace to the story and the character. Our hero, Andrew, is a down on his luck pot smoker and dealer, with the dysfunctional family that tends to go along with that lifestyle. I really loved the character of his Grandma, and actually enjoyed his Mom, who would be great on either the Jerry Sprenger show or an episode of Maury. I can enjoy characters without liking them, personally. However, I know some readers have a difficult time with characters that seem unlikeable. That may lead some people to have objections to the storyline. I would recommend they try to look past that, because the tale here is a gem. Andrew mets up with a beautiful woman in a laundromat, where he waiting for his "connection" to arrive. His appointed purchaser is running late, and he and Audra, the woman strike up a conversation. She makes him an interesting proposition, and Andrew goes home with her for a little bit of boy-toy prostitution. She's beautiful, mysterious and wealthy. Needless to say, our hero falls for her in a big way. She's come to this country from Lithuania, as a mail order bride. When she takes off for her country of birth, Andrew is heartbroken. Using the logic only a stoner/idiot would have, he decides to come up with the money to follow her, and win her undying love. Of course, Andrew hasn't thought this through very well. Upon his arrival in her hometown of Vilnuis, he realizes that he hasn't a clue how to find her, much less win her back. He finds a cheap place to stay, and decides to try his hand at detective work. He finds a bar and new friends to get high with; and through a comedy of errors manages to hook up with his beloved Audra. Away from the stablizing forces of her husband and life in the US, Audra has returned to her real self-narcisistic, self absorbed, and spiraling out of control. Andrew finally realizes this, after numerous strange and weird, sometimes sad and alternately hilarious twists and turns. He decides to return to America, but needs some cash. From there, things take even larger unexpected turns, and change his life in a way he could never have imagined. I took some interesting insights into human nature from this tale. It illustrates the sadness and aimlessness of some lives, and the amazing transformation that falling in love with the proper person can bring to a messed up soul. A very unusual story, written in an entertaining and provocative manner. While this book will not suit everyone, I think many people, myself included, will enjoy the unexpected direction and oddball characters.
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Return of the Dittos
by
Dale Andrew White
crazypsychobooklover
, September 27, 2009
Return of the Dittos Author: Dale Andrew White Publisher: BookSurge Publishing Dale Andrew White is very strange, dark and kind of "pervy" (in a good way!) . And we are so lucky that he is! This book, Return of the Dittos, is a collection of short stories. Be careful where you read them, because if it's in public, people around you will wonder about your sanity. I read it while waiting for my Dad to finish a doctor's appointment. I can't tell you how many times I realized I was laughing (actually snorting in a ladylike way) way too loudly. I know I got more than my share of stares, worried glances, and those looks you get from people who are watching to see if you are someone harmful. His writing style varies from old school storytelling to broad satire, to rather bawdy and definitely R rated . The subjects of his 20 short stories are as varied as one can imagine. From the catfighting world of the junior leaguers, to lowly boxboys at the local grocer, to family life at it's most hilarious. There is something here for everyone, and it's all rowdy, raucous and fun. Whoever would think we could laugh at the end of the world? And I certainly didn't know the revisionist humor that was the voyage of Christopher Columbus. Showcasing his variety of storytelling, I actually found myself tearing up with sentiment, not laughter, at one story. The Author of Moe Howard Died for Our Sins has done it again. It's a Wild Ride, and nobody does the driving any better than Dale Andrew White!
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A Death for Beauty or an Immortal
by
Alberto Rios Arias
crazypsychobooklover
, September 12, 2009
It is not often that I read a novel that I would personally consider to be a masterpiece. Alberto Rios Arias has done just that with A Death For Beauty. Making no apologizes for the character and lifestyle of Virginia Mae Mercy, her story is laid bare before the reader. Love her or hate her, you will definitely be moved by the story of her life. Filled with rich imagery, I was totally enthralled through the whole story, laughing on some occasions, and actually weeping in others. The depth of the author's study and research of the particular time frame in American history is without equal. I found the situations and characters to be true to life, and no effort was made to "sanitize" or make allowances for the characters and their failings. Life hands some of us some truly horrendous circumstances, and good or bad, we are shaped by them. I found Mr. Arias' ability to see into his character and bring her to life to be extraordinary. There is a truly magical and redemptive quality to the novel. I found the actual autobiographical information about the author and his fight with Marfan's Syndrome to add an additional depth to the story, and I felt the personal journey of his own life added even more depth and character to his perception of Virginia Mae Mercy. I urge all readers to carefully and thoroughly read both the prologue of the story, and the additional information about the author. Some readers will find this a difficult read, and in some cases, it is. However, you will find yourself moved and touched by the character of Virginia Mae Mercy in ways you can't truly understand until you read her story. I strongly urge you read this book. It may very well change how you view certain aspects of life, hardship and death.
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Beyond Psychology An Introduction To Metapsychology
by
Frank A Gerbode
crazypsychobooklover
, September 12, 2009
In reading this book, I discovered a true gem. I have done extensive research and study in metapsyhics and metapsychology. I believe this to be the absolute best foundation for the study of metapyschology I have ever read. I sincerely wish it had been available to me many years ago. There were certain aspects of the study that always seemed confusing to me, and I spent much time trying to grasp a better understanding. Frank A. Gerbode has amassed a truly excellent and workable knowledge of the subject. It is offered in easy to comprehend, extremely readable style. The appendix, glossary and other additional information were stellar. I have long believed that the practice of psychology was incomplete, in that it did not accurately take into account a person's life history and frame of reference for making personal decisions. The practice of metapsychology leads the practioner to use the personal frame of reference, history, experience and belief system of the individual client. Anyone with an interest in the study of psychology, or just in better understanding their loved ones' decision making processes, would find much helpful information here. I will definitely be using this book again and again in research and review. Well done!
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Butcher
by
Gary C King
crazypsychobooklover
, August 29, 2009
Count me among the many fans of Gary C. King. As an author, he meticulously researches the crimes he covers. I know that when I pick up one of his books, I will read more details than I will get anywhere else about the story. If you are a true crime junkie like me, you want to understand what the killer was thinking, and what makes him or her behave the way they do. Not that knowing the background of the killer gives him any excuse, of course; but as a student of psychology, I find it truly fascinating. At any given time in the country, it is believed that there are numerous serial killers at work, many unknown, their crimes yet connected or possibly discovered. The tale of "Butcher" illustrates this point well. The crimes had been occuring for years, and while police felt sure that they were connected, it took quite a while for it all to come together. King makes a point of including much information about the actual court case, photos, transcripts, etc. I feel that I have personally been in court for the cases he covers, and I can always count on one of his books to be the most thorough and detailed for information on the crime. I heartily recommend you add him to your must read list if you appreciate detail and in depth study of the criminal mind, law enforcement techniques, and victimology.
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Love Lies & Murder
by
Gary C King
crazypsychobooklover
, August 29, 2009
As with the other books I have read by this author, I was hooked from page one. As a true crime junkie, I follow television, internet, newspaper coverage of these cases with great interest. I personally believe that NO OTHER WRITER covers the intricacies of these cases like this author. A word of warning, if you tend to be a "big picture" reader, you will find this book too detail oriented. For those of us who follow these cases closely, we crave this level of detail. Nothing fascinates me more than learning indepth about the working of the criminal mind, what the killer was thinking, why he did what he did, and how he tries to extricate himself from the crime. Additionally, the police procedural work, the courtroom theatrics, etc., all add tremendously to the details of the whole case. Nothing clarifies the actual case like words taken directly from the mouths of the involved....the criminal (or the accused), the victim or survivors, the families and friends of both, and the law enforcement officials involved. I recommend this book and author to anyone who needs the details of the cases.
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Every Man Sees You Naked An Insiders Guide to How Men Think
by
David M Matthews
crazypsychobooklover
, August 29, 2009
Yes Virginia, men can be pigs. But didn't we already know that? Written with truth, humor and more than a bit of satire and pathos, author David Matthews tells us that what we already thought is true; to some degree. Then he further clarifies the why for us all. In an enteraining and enjoyable way, he explains why they think this way, and perhaps how women may also be at fault for this thought process. As a woman, you either know it, accept it and work with and around it, or you spend a lifetime looking for something that doesn't really seem to exist. Does he paint men as shallow, sex-driven critters? Yes. Does this reflect poorly on them? Sure. While many women and probably some men will be insulted and consider this to be a step back for us all, taking exception to everything written; even more of us will laugh and recognize our loved ones and ourselves within. And what's wrong with laughing at human nature now and then? I loved this book, and wish I had come across it years ago, back when I was young, naive and innocent (ok, maybe I was never that naive or innocent)but it can help you take the blinders off and look at the game of relationships and the dating game in a more realistic manner. I heartily recommend it to anyone with a sense of humor about life.
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Almost Perfect Murder
by
Gary C King
crazypsychobooklover
, August 14, 2009
Author Gary C. King is truly a master at the true crime genre. Join him as he tells the story of a hard-pushing political powerhouse, Kathy Marie Augustine. She pushed her way through the "good old boy network" in the Nevada legislature, rising at the time of her death to the elected position of State Comptroller. A nationally known political figure, her death made headlines around the country. Even bigger headlines followed, when it was discovered she was brutually murdered, and who the culprit was. I recall following the case on Dateline, the Nancy Grace Show, and 48 hours. As a true crime buff, I was fascinated by it. I was anxious to find out more, and the author of this book definitely did not disappoint me. Kathy's killer thought his plan was foolproof. Had he kept his mouth shut, it just might have been foolproof. Choosing a poison that left no physical evidence behind , Kathy's husband, critical care nurse Chaz Higgins, had seemingly pulled off the perfect murder. Kathy had been a political powerhouse, a beautiful, wealthy and sexy woman. It was easy for friends of the couple to see how Chaz had fallen for her. Her domineering attitiude eventually got the best of Chaz, and rather than risk losing the "good life", he committed murder. Were it not for a hardworking Nevada detective, the case would never have been solved. Chaz Hggins made a thoughtless comment to a coworker, and that coworker had a good memory. If not for the continual questioning and probing, the detective may never have heard a report of the comment Chaz made. Go beind the healines to a story even more riveting than the best work of fiction. Gary King brings details to light that were unmentioned previously, and his insight is very helpful and adds much to the story. I look forward to reading many more books by this author!
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2009 Writer Watchdog Self-Publishing Directory
by
Deana Riddle
crazypsychobooklover
, August 12, 2009
Wow! I've read several self publishing help books/directories, and this is by far the most extensively researched and helpful one I have come across. Any question you have about self publishing is sure to be answered here, in an easy-to-understand method and very thoroughly. This book will definitely stay on my reference shelf, and I will be sure to watch for updates by this author as they become available. Anyone considering or planning to self publish will thank themselves for buying this book. It will prove to be a valuable timesaver, moneysaver and sanity saver.
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