Books

Lies at the Altar: The Truth About Great Marriages

Average customer rating:

I love this book
Surprised by some negative reviews!
good CD
eye opener
One of the best!!!!

Lies at the Altar: The Truth About Great Marriages
Robin L. Smith
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Marriage | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Physiological Aspects | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples
Emotional Blackmail: When the People in Your Life Use Fear, Obligation, and Guilt to Manipulate You
Love Smart: Find the One You Want--Fix the One You Got
Dispatches from the Edge CD: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival
You: On A Diet: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management

ASIN: 1401302564

Book Description

Dr. Robin Smith advises couples on how to take the wedding vows that were made in earnest and in innocence, to a level where they can be used to build a happy, healthy, satisfying and long-lasting marriage. Lies at the Altar is for couples who are planning marriage, are newly married, or who have been married for years. In Lies at the Altar: The Truth About Great Marriages, Dr. Robin Smith addresses the unspoken needs, unasked questions, outrageous expectations, and hidden agendas that often linger beneath the surface of the wedding vows and appear later to cause power struggles, suffering, and feelings of hopelessness in marriages. Dr. Smith discusses why its important to have ones "eyes wide open" in a marriage; how to write true vows to live by; and why its never too late to rewrite your vows. She illustrates her advice with detailed stories from her own life, as well as from couples that she has counseled. And in her inspiring conclusion, she invites couples to light up their lives by acknowledging each other as individuals, each of whom lights a candle, and who lights a third candle which represents "us". Calling "truth" the secret ingredient of great marriages, Dr. Smith teaches individuals and couples how to find the truth within themselves and their partners, whether they are heading to the altar, suffering in an unhappy marriage, divorced, or simply want to bring more satisfaction and intimacy into their relationship.

Customer Reviews:

I love this book.......2007-06-26

This is a must read for anyone who's thinking about getting married. This book will covers topics/issues that are crucial in a marriage but rarely discussed before the "I Do's".

Surprised by some negative reviews!.......2007-06-14

Let me start by saying that considering I am an avid reader, this is the first time I've felt compelled to write a review for a book. Also, I'm probably one of few women who isn't an Oprah "fan". I have nothing against her but I have simply not been motivated enough to be a regular viewer of her show. A big motivation for me to write this review has been from the negative ones I have read.

I personally found this to be a very good book about relationships and facing the truth about what marriage is truly about. As a some times head strong woman (which may be putting it mildly), this book actually made me step back and examine the ways I may have sabotoge my relationships in the past. It helped me to think of ways I can improve myself to thus be a better person for my next serious relationship. Therefore, I don't understand the negative reviews about how this was a male bashing book or that it was biased toward women. In fact, this is one of the things I liked most about the book because of its ability to force me to look at myself (which is what a few of my friends enjoyed about the book, also).

Though I am divorced, I still found this to be very helpful and thus don't understand those who bashed Dr. Robin for not being suited to write on the topic. Those comments are equivalent to someone telling me to never get married again because I failed at it the first time. I mean really do people not have the opportunity to learn and grow from their mistakes? The only thing she has done is applied both her experience and profession to help others, which I thank her for.

I disagree with the person who said this book is advocating people to jump ship in bad marriages. I believe if a couple is open minded enough to both acknowledge and learn from the lies they've told themselves prior to entering into their marriage that they can learn how to improve it. However, it is definitely something each person must first admit and improve within themselves first. For that reason I do agree with a few reviews that suggest this book is probably better suited for people prior to entering marriage. This is the reason I gave it only 4 stars - since it seems a bit harder to apply after you've entered marriage (which is probably when you need help most) as oppose to before. I am however going to suggest my potential marriage partner and I read this together, so we can avoid possible mistakes ahead of time to give us a better chance of having a great marriage.

Last, I was HIGHLY disturbed by a reviewer who said she did not see emotional abuse as a reason to end a marriage. I have very strong views about the sanctity of marriage myself and mourned not just the end of my relationship but also the end of the marriage itself. I say this to say until anyone has actually experienced emotional abuse, they simply CANNOT speak to say a person should have to endure a life under these circumstances. Emotional abuse is very real and sometimes just as destructive, if not more, as physical abuse. I speak from experience.

There, I know I've said a mouth full however, I would have been remised if I didn't take the time to at least speak to some of the negative reviews to give a person considering reading this book an opinion from both ends of the spectrum. It's a worthy read - if you're willing to look at yourself and apply it to improve the person you are in order to be a better mate to someone else.

good CD.......2007-06-13

I enjoyed listening to this CD. I really like Robin Smith. She's professional and not gimicky or commercial (unlike Dr. Phil).

eye opener.......2007-06-12

I enjoyed the simple, and solid points the book made. The questions at the end are on my to do list, and I think will be a great learning experience, and save me from "wrong" or at least wrong for me relationships.

One of the best!!!!.......2007-05-23

This was a great book. I was really able to examine myself and the relationships that I have been in. I love this book, and recommend everyone to read it.

Thanks

Life Laughs: The Naked Truth about Motherhood, Marriage, and Moving On

Average customer rating:

Skip It
You gotta love Jenny!
Not as good as her first two!!
Easy Read
Good

Life Laughs: The Naked Truth about Motherhood, Marriage, and Moving On
Jenny McCarthy
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Entertainers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Parenting & Families | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Direction & Production | Television | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Marriage | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Motherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Art Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Biographies | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Parenting Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Baby Laughs: The Naked Truth About the First Year of Mommyhood
BELLY LAUGHS: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth
Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay: And Other Things I Had to Learn as a New Mom
Burnt Toast: And Other Philosophies of Life
I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids: Reinventing Modern Motherhood

ASIN: 0452288290

Book Description

Jenny McCarthy, New York Times bestselling author of Baby Laughs and Belly Laughs, speaks candidly about the challenges and the humor to be found in balancing motherhood and the ups and downs of marriage.

Jenny McCarthy's honesty has made her a bestseller. In Life Laughs, Jenny opens up about all of the things no one told you before you got married and had kids. Of course there's plenty of Jenny's outrageous humor, but she also writes openly and for the first time about doing your best when marriage falters and about her own divorce, which made headlines when it was announced in the summer of 2005. Jenny doesn't pretend to be an expert in her books; she is instead something more valuable—a good girlfriend. Catch Jenny's take on growing older, finances, PMS, sex, dating . . . and again, mommyhood.

Jenny McCarthy is a trusted, brand-name, bestselling author, and Life Laughs is poised to be her biggest book yet.

Customer Reviews:

Skip It.......2007-06-27

Belly Laughs was funny enough and an easy enough read to entice me to pick up Baby Laughs. This book offers very little by way of education or even entertainment. TOO often she uses the phrase "you'll see" to describe what you are about to embark on with your new little one. As if "you'll see" is the sage advice a new mother is looking for.

Overall the book is very low brow and reeks of her complaining and discontent with every little thing. Her days seem to be filled with not much more than watching Oprah, complaining about her weight and feeding her child (and herself) less than nutritous foods.

Further, you are forced to lament with her over the pain she suffered with having to quit smoking and exiling her once beloved dogs to the backyard for months. Mother of the Year? Not even close. If you happen to enjoy her low brow, expletive filled humor, go ahead and take on this quick read. I enjoy well placed profanity in a book to get a laugh across however in this book, expletives are seemingly used as cheap filler and become quite tiresome. Skip it.

You gotta love Jenny!.......2007-06-21

I previously purchased Belly Laughs and Baby Laughs, and couldn't read those books fast enough...they were GREAT! I was a little disappointed when I first starting reading Life Laughs because it started off more depressing than funny (unlike her other books). Once I got through the beginning, I started to enjoy the book more and more. Towards the end of the book, I just wanted to keep on reading because her outlook on life is rather inspiring. I love how she talks about anything that's on her mind, especially the topics that you can relate on but no one likes to admit or discuss with one another. I also love her quotes at the end of the book...they're nice to read again and again if you ever need a little pick-me-up. Overall, Jenny's usual spirit shines through by the end of this book and I can't wait to read her next installment.

Not as good as her first two!!.......2007-06-10

I was disappointed with this book. Her first two were so funny compared to this one.

Easy Read.......2007-05-29

Jenny McCarthy's Life Laughs is a humorous book filled with anecdotal stories about life from Jenny's point of view. The book was a very quick and easy read with some very funny moments. I'm sure that many people will be able to relate to the topics that Jenny discusses in the book and feel as though she is just one of your girlfriends sharing stories about her husband and/or baby with you.

This is a book that would be good for someone who needs something light to read during a trip or while lounging on the beach.

Good.......2007-05-07

If you like Jenny then you'll like her book. Although its not as good as the Belly Laughs

Average customer rating:

Flawless
another good one!
I love books with "forever" in the title!
The Truth
Forever She Wrote

The Truth About Forever
Sarah Dessen
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Love & Romance | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Being a Teen | Social Issues | Teens | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

This Lullaby
Just Listen
That Summer
Keeping the Moon (reissue)
Someone Like You (reissue)

ASIN: 0142406252

Amazon.com

With her sixth novel, award-winning author Sarah Dessen offers up another generous helping of finely crafted storytelling about real teens dealing with real life. In The Truth About Forever, when asked how she is coping with her father's death, invariably seventeen year old Macy Queen's answer is "fine," when nothing could be further from the truth. In actuality, she is drowning in grief while maintaining a flawless façade of good grades and unblemished behavior. Though she feels lost when her boyfriend heads to "Brain Camp" for the summer, she finds herself a job with the quirky Wish Catering crew, and meets "sa-woon"-worthy Wes, whose chaotic lifestyle is in direct opposition to her own. As the two share their stories over the summer, Macy realizes she can no longer keep her feelings on ice. Though it feels like her future endedwith her dad's death, Macy's learns that forever is all about beginnings. Dessen charts Macy's navigation of grief in such an honest way it will touch every reader who meets her. All of the Dessen trademarks are here: a girl in transition, a wonderfully fleshed out cast of secondary characters, and of course, the luminous, powerful writing itself. The Truth About Forever will more than satisfy Dessen's legion of fans, and will win her countless more as well. Highly recommended. (Ages 12 and up) --Jennifer Hubert

Book Description

Sixteen-year-old Macy Queen is looking forward to a long, boring summer. Her boyfriend is going away. She's stuck with a dull-asdishwater job at the library. And she'll spend all of her free time studying for the SATs or grieving silently with her mother over her father's recent unexpected death. But everything changes when Macy is corralled into helping out at one of her mother's open house events, and she meets the chaotic Wish Catering crew. Before long, Macy joins the Wish team. She loves everything about the work and the people. But the best thing about Wish is Wes—artistic, insightful, and understanding Wes—who gets Macy to look at life in a whole new way, and really start living it….

Customer Reviews:

Flawless.......2007-06-14

When I finished The Truth About Forever, I picked it right back up again and read all my favorite parts again--which meant that I almost read the entire book over. It was the first of Sarah Dessen's books that I had read, and even after finishing many of her other books (including This Lullaby and Keeping the Moon, both great), it is still my favorite.

The Truth About Forever is about sixteen-year-old Macy, who's father has recently died and who's mother has emotionally shut her out. She hides her loss behind a mask of perfection--everything has to be flawless...her hair, her boyfriend, her schoolwork. That is, until she meets the chaotic crew that is Wish Catering, who teach her things don't have to be perfect to be beautiful. She meets Wes, and through a continuous game of Truth with him, Macy learns that broken hearts, like her's, can be patched up again. Her rigid, ideal life begins to be chipped away, as she learns the real truth about forever.

The moral of The Truth About Forever is that life isn't perfect. Everyone has that dark secret in their past, has that huge hole in their road, or is that girl who saw her father die. We accept the imperfections and move on. I really empathized with Macy, because a lot of the time, I too feel that I have to strive for perfection, which makes me lose focus on the things that really matter. This book also makes you think--what would you do if you saw your father die? Would you shut out the outside world and plaster on a makes of happiness, as Macy does?

In The Truth About Forever, Sarah Dessen has flawlessly created the balance between humor and depression, between loss and love. The turbulent emotions of this book gripped me to the very end, and stayed with me long after I finished the book. I would recommend it to everyone, but especially teens.

another good one!.......2007-06-09

I've read six of Sarah Dessen's books. They are all kind of the same, girl isn't really satisfied with her life, and meets a guy (who is from a different crowd). They start dating, or this case don't know that they are. Conflicts happen, then the end result changes per book. Some how even though every book is the same, they don't stop being a fun, powerful book to read.

Now to this book it's not one of those books that everyone has to read, but it is worth the effort. There were well developed characters, that developed throughout the book. Also the plot was telling and brought the reader into what was going on in Macy's mind.

Some of the dislikes I had with it, was the end. It was very predictable, which was kind of dispointing. Also it was the sudden ending to the slow part before it. The ending was not really a let down, just could have been a bit more suprising. Also the conclusion wasn't very solid, it concludes what happened that summer, but left me think now what?

Over all, another touching book, the same in quility as her other books. Not a perfect book, but an enjoyment to read.

I love books with "forever" in the title!.......2007-06-05

Macy is a 17 year old (like myself) that had lost her father. She isn't really dealing too well, probably because of the fact that she won't face her feelings. Her mother has been married almost a dozen times and is on for yet another one. Her brother has even been sucked onto the marraige train and is preparing to marry a girl that Macy doesn't exactly love. She sits in a car dealership (that's where her new step-dad-to-be works) and this very nosy and persistant boy comes up to her. She tries to resist any feelings for him, but Wes pulls Macy into her web. He is the lead singer of a band, not the kind of guy she would go for since her dad was also a singer. She gets a catering job and at every wedding she hears the famous song her daddy wrote for her before she was born. I sense mixed feelings there, lol. Wes and his crazy friends help Macy to deal with life and grow up a little more. It's a MUST READ by the great author Sara Dessen. I give it a thumbs-up! You will love it!

The Truth.......2007-05-14

Most of Sarah Dessen's readers appear to be teenage girls. It's not surprising; "The Truth About Forever" has a certain fluff appeal. However, it IS a well-written book, it DOES engage the reader, and it certainly brings us into the minds of some interesting teenagers. All in all, it's a good read. I won't say what the story's about (plenty other people have already done that for you), but rather my feelings after finishing.

However, while a good book, it seems like TOO much is centered around the fluff. I found myself more drawn to the other characters than to the romance story. I wanted a thicker, more substantial plot to go on. At the end of the book, I was so hoping it would go on, not so I could go, "Aw, everything's good now", but rather so that I could catch another glimpse of the characters.

Dessen's writing style is very good. She portrayed everything clearly and in such a way that the reader is actually interested. Yes, I was interested, but I still hoped for more of the emotional growth and less of the "realization" that leads to more fluff and "aw"-cute moments. If the book has one major flaw it's that. It's not actually a flaw, because it's a MAJOR part of the book.

In other words, if you're looking for the more emotional and psychological aspects, you might want to search elsewhere. In that sense it IS a girl's book. While boys can read this (and enjoy it - the "fluff" is thankfully limited), they may enjoy it less than girls. While a stereotype that girls prefer romance-type books, this is written from the point of view of a girl and seems to be intended for teenage girls. It's a much better romance book than most, and that's thanks to the emotional aspects of it that makes the reader tear up.

All in all, a well-written book about an interesting subject. It just may not be for everyone.

Forever She Wrote.......2007-05-08

When Jason left for Brain Camp, Macy Queen was trying to be perfect for him and her mom. Jason's perfect, and to be his girlfriend, doesn't Macy have to, too? Once she meets the Wish Catering crew, though, perfect goes out the window as Macy quits subbing in for Jason's job and picks up the spatula. In this girl's fiction/drama book, Macy takes over for Jason at the library information desk while helping her mom with her house sales. Then Macy meets the Wish crew- Delia, Bert, "Monotone" Monica, Kristy, and sweet Wes. Macy is instantly drawn into the chaotic catering business and decides to join, dishing Jason's job at the info desk. With her new friends, Macy discovers a whole new person- a happy person. Will Jason and her mom be happy with her new personality? Or will they leave her behind like how she left the info desk?

The Truth About Forever is such a wonderful book, I would recommend it to all girls, even boys! You really get to connect with Macy since you get to know the Wish crew, you get to see how she feels about her dad, you can see all her thoughts; you can really understand where she's coming from and even how she's getting there. I'm looking for another of Sarah Dessen's books to read; some of her other novels include That Summer, Just Listen, and Someone Like You. Sarah Dessen is a talented best-selling author, and she captures the heart young women (aged around fifteen to seventeen) perfectly.

The Truth About Love: The Highs, the Lows, and How You Can Make It Last Forever

Average customer rating:

very good book
excellent, practicall and right on
A Life-Changing Read
Is the Magic Gone from Your 'Romance'?
The best I've ever read!

The Truth About Love: The Highs, the Lows, and How You Can Make It Last Forever
Dr. Patricia Love
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Marriage | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Physiological Aspects | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Hot Monogamy: Essential Steps to More Passionate, Intimate Lovemaking
How to Ruin A Perfectly Good Relationship
How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It: Finding Love Beyond Words
How Can You Tell If You're Really in Love?
The 6 Secrets of a Lasting Relationship

ASIN: 0684871882

Book Description

Don't break up before the breakthrough!

Have you ever believed that you have fallen out of love, or said "I still love him but I'm not IN LOVE anymore?" In this groundbreaking guide to the physiology and psychology of lasting love, Dr. Pat Love reveals that love has normal, predictable stages that include highs and lows, and that many couples mistake the lows for the end of love. The Truth About Love is an inspiring, practical guide that will teach you how not to break up before the breakthrough realization: You can create the true love you long for with the partner you already have.

Customer Reviews:

very good book.......2007-03-30

I thing every body should read this book at least once every few years as a reminder... even if we think we know enough about love by now....

excellent, practicall and right on.......2007-01-17

This book is full of good old common sense views on life and living with another especially in the context of having made a comitment to another. if your interested in the real basics behind maintaining and enjoying a comited relationship with another person, this is a great starting place.

A Life-Changing Read.......2006-12-03

My marriage counselor recommended this book but I had already made up my mind that divorce was imminent. Then the book came in the mail and I read it in one day. It was like Dr. Love wrote about my relationship! It forced me to look in the mirror and realize that if I made changes, instead of expecting only my spouse to change, my marriage might be salvaged. It is an extremely easy and quick read, written using simple language. I cried tears of joy after realizing that hope was not at all lost. The exercises provoked thoughtful discussions with my spouse and we are both now committed to trying many of Dr. Love's suggestions. True love goes through many transitions and you must be able to adapt to the different stages (which takes work!) Buy the book - it shows you how to recognize when changes are needed and how to make them.

Is the Magic Gone from Your 'Romance'?.......2006-11-10

Not enough pizazz in your relationship? No more thumpity-thump in your heart when it comes to 'romance'? Before you decide to dump your significant other, read this book. Both my husband and I can honestly say that the information went a long way in saving a perfectly good marriage - we just didn't know that we had one. Now we're pretty sure of it and hope to spend many more happy years together, truly in love.

The best I've ever read!.......2005-09-24

This book is poignant in nature and is spiritually, mentally and emotionally satisfying. This is by far the best book about Love that I've read in a l-o-n-g time. I haven't read a book yet that remotely comes close to the insightful content of this particular book. "Dr. Love" really knows how to get her distintive message about love across to such a wide array of audiences. Thank you, Dr. Patricia Love for helping me redefine love and utilize your practical skills for keeping the true love that I have with my partner of 9+ years alive. I highly, highly recommend this book for anyone struggling with how to keep love alive or/and how to redefine true love in ways you may have thought of but never put to use.

The Ultimate Truth (About Love & Happiness): A Handbook to Life

Average customer rating:

Truly ultimate!
The Ultimate Truth
The best help you can find.
A book of life and truth
Save this one for last.

The Ultimate Truth (About Love & Happiness): A Handbook to Life
Lester Levenson
Manufacturer: Lawrence Crane Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

No Attachments, No Aversions: The Autobiography of a Master
The Power Of Love: Learn How To Be In The Now
The Abundance Course: The Lazy Way to Riches, Health and Happiness
Happiness Is Free: And It's Easier Than You Think!
The Sedona Method: Your Key to Lasting Happiness, Success, Peace and Emotional Well-Being

ASIN: 0971175535

Book Description

With his back to the wall and only 3 months to live, Lester was forced to search for the answers to life. Lester decided to ask himself, "What is it that we all want?" The answer he came up with is, "We all want to be happy!" Having discovered what he did, Lester was healed and went on teaching what he learned for another 40 years.

This wonderful book of aphorisms on love and happiness capture the spirit and wisdom of Lester's message. Indeed, it is truly a handbook to life.

Customer Reviews:

Truly ultimate!.......2007-05-13

This is a deep book, one not to be read quickly. Take your time, underline, and let it really soak in. Great truths are in here!!!!

The Ultimate Truth.......2007-03-19

The title speaks for itself. This book is more valuable than the Bible. It has changed my life and continues to do so. I now recognize the source of my happiness and joy in this world and am sharing it with all I meet. This book is priceless!!!

The best help you can find........2006-11-02

Open this book to any page and there, the answer you have been looking for will be, and more.

A book of life and truth.......2005-08-04

This book is truly a book about finding the answers to life. Lester Levenson is a true master and will inspire you to be "all you can be". If you are a seeker this book is an absolute must! If you are considering Lesters book 'The Keyes to the Ultimate Freedom' and if you can afford to pay $300 (its out of print) then the 'Ultimate Truth Book' is the biggest bargain that one could ever find. And in my opinion it is just as good and in some ways even better.

Save this one for last........2004-11-02

The Ultimate Truth by Lester Levenson, contains loads of life changing wisdom, in the form of aphorisms and sayings, that Lester shared during his lectures and teachings. To fully appreaciate the material, I would really recommend starting with the story of his life and how he came to have these realizations. That book is "No Attachments, No Aversions: The Autobiography of a Master". (I believe it's listed in the section above on what other books people read who've read this one). That book explains the struggles Lester faced, and the decisions he made, and it helps put everything else he shares into perspective. Without starting there, these might just seem like wise sayings. But once you've read his background, how he struggled with life, business and even "success" until he was on his death bed, then the genuineness and power of his convictions really shine through. I've read all three books by and about Lester. This one is great but I would save it for last. Start with "No Attachments..." and then "Happiness is Free". Savor this one for last! Hope this helps.

Undressed: The Naked Truth about Love, Sex, and Dating

Average customer rating:

Must have for ALL single Christians
Highly Recommended
Great Read!!
Awesome READING!!! Everyone should read this book
This is a must read for teens, single adults and parents!

Undressed: The Naked Truth about Love, Sex, and Dating
Jason Illian
Manufacturer: FaithWords
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Dating | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Sex | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Understanding God's Will: How To Hack The Equation Without Formulas
Holding Hands, Holding Hearts: Recovering a Biblical View of Christian Dating
Dating with Pure Passion: More than Rules, More than Courtship, More than a Formula
One Yard Short: Turning Your Defeats into Victories
Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is): Sexual Purity in a Lust-Saturated World

ASIN: 0446526746

Customer Reviews:

Must have for ALL single Christians.......2007-06-06

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Jason has a way of writing that is very conversational. It feels like talking to a friend. With a witty sense of humor and a strong knowlege of the Bible, this book is very entertaining but doesn't sugarcoat anything. He tells you what God's word says about sex before marriage, while also telling you why sex outside of marriage is a relationship killer. This book is one of the best purchases I have ever made, and one I am sure I will read again and again.

Highly Recommended.......2007-05-07

This is an easy weekend read. I recommend it to anyone serious about dating in God's will. Illian has done his research. If you like Jason's book I would recommend John Eldridge, Wild at Heart and Captivating.

Great Read!!.......2007-03-28

I've never been one to read a "self-help" book. They are just not my thing but after seeing Jason on the Joni show on the Daystar network I thought I would give this book a shot. I'm so glad that I did! I found myself laughing, crying, and changing my perspective on dating. This is a great read for Christians who want to find a balance when it comes to dating. Jason does an excellent job stating that it's NOT about turning your back on dating nor about having sex with each person you date but instead waiting on that man (or woman) who you are meant to share the rest of your life with. It's okay to date and meet new people, otherwise how else are you going to get to know your significant other? Like he said, "God has His part and we have our part." Our partner isn't just going to fall out of the sky one day but we also don't have to go out and make ourselves look desperate by looking for him or her. I personally am content with waiting on the Lord but this book definitely gave me insight on what "waiting" really looks like. Clearly it's not about checking out the ring finger of every gentleman that I meet. Who knew? LOL

This is a GREAT read!! I highly recommend it to anyone who is single and looking to start dating.

Awesome READING!!! Everyone should read this book.......2007-03-13

This book is excellent in the helpfulness of Dating and Sex. I laughed, cried and learned there's more to a dating relationship then just sex. I couldn't put the book down. There are alot of truths and hard facts in this book. It would be beneficial for everyone to read this, in case you run into someone dealing with this very issue. It's not just teens, or college kids, but those who are divorced, widowed, etc. that need to know the issues surrounding sex and dating and waiting. What is acceptable and what is not. I had now idea what is acceptable and what wasn't, this book helps put things into perspective,and gives you things to think about.

This is a must read for teens, single adults and parents!.......2007-03-08

Once you start Jason's book you cannot put it down. A lot of decisions in our lives are based on feelings of wanting to be accepted, and those decisions can definitely land us in hot water or lead us down a road where deep down we know we shouldn't travel. Jason delivers a message of WHY we can choose to say no to sex outside of marriage. He equips single people with some "answers", so when the situation presents itself, it eases the confusion and on-the-spot panic...Come on, think back to when you lost your virginity, were you happy about it, or were you like a deer caught in the headlights? I think many girls/women have sex to "keep" a guy...and then it leads down a rocky and painful road...As a mom of two girls and one son, this book is a must-read for not only singles but for parents as well...are you parents ever caught in the headlights without the answers, or do you just say "You really shouldn't do that..." Well, here is some practical help! Not to mention it's a great book...

The Conception Chronicles: The Uncensored Truth About Sex, Love & Marriage When You're Trying to Get Pregnant

Average customer rating:

Its pretty good!
GREAT!!
Just what I needed
Finally what I was trying to find.
I just finished this book

The Conception Chronicles: The Uncensored Truth About Sex, Love & Marriage When You're Trying to Get Pregnant
Patty Doyle Debano , Courtney Menzel , and Shelly Sutphen
Manufacturer: HCI
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Sex | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Fertility | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Parenting Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health
Fertility and Conception: A Complete Guide to Getting Pregnant
Making a Baby: Everything You Need to Know to Get Pregnant
A Few Good Eggs: Two Chicks Dish on Overcoming the Insanity of Infertility
The Everything Getting Pregnant Book: Professional, Reassuring Advice to Help You Conceive (Everything Series)

Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0757302386

Book Description

When we first started down the baby-making path, we thought we'd be pregnant in no time. We'd just toss out our birth control pills and before we knew it, we'd be rocking our little one to sleep. Little did we know what was in store for us, or the energy it would take to face all of the crazy, unpredictable and (sometimes) irrational emotions we felt along the way. Neither did our husbands. Sound familiar? If your idea of foreplay is screaming, "I'm ovulating; it's time!!!" to your oblivious husband... If your ovulation schedule is ruling your life and every trip to the drug store includes a bulk purchase of pregnancy sticks... If you're running out of answers to the chronic questioning from the pregnancy paparazzi about your plans for parenthood ... Then this is the book for you. Whether it's been three months or three years since you've been trying, the more complicated and overwhelming the process becomes. The Conception Chronicles shares candid humor, hold-nothing-back banter and practical advice on everything that goes along with trying to start a family: from dealing with your fertile friends to the battery of tests you may have to face; from surviving "sex on demand" to navigating the ins and outs of high-tech fertility treatments. This book will guide you through the emotional journey to motherhood, offering compassion and laughter like only your best girlfriends can. And we promise you'll never hear us say, "Relax and you'll be pregnant in no time."

Customer Reviews:

Its pretty good!.......2007-06-26

This book is a really cute book and you learn about your body in a light hearted kind of way. After getting half way through the book I realized I wasn't learning anything new that I didn't already know. I really like Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Its a huge book filled of so much information and a book I can always refer to. If you want to get a book that is easy to read and you know nothing about your body and your cycles then this is the book for you.

GREAT!!.......2007-05-14

This book is smart and funny! A very candid look at the joys and struggles of trying to get pregnant!

Just what I needed.......2006-12-30

My husband and I have been trying for nearly 2 years and I was feeling quite alone in the process. This book helped me not feel so alone. There are other women out there struggling to have a child and the feeling I was having were common and normal. It gave some simple insight to the different treatments. I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with infertility (took me a while to say that word). You aren't alone.

Finally what I was trying to find........2006-08-21

This book is awesome. I am just TTC (trying to conceive) and this book really detailed the ups and downs of each month as you ride the roller coaster of your cycle. I also was reassured that if I have to take the next step, seeing a doctor, not all of the options for getting pregnant with help are as scary as I thought.
I highly recommend this book if you are just starting to TTC. Also, it mentioned the spit test (OVATEL) that not few of my current friends that are moms had heard of. It is an ovualtion tester that uses just your spit and can be reused a million times.I bought mine on-line for $22. Cheap and it seems to work.
Get this book.

I just finished this book.......2006-07-21

I just finished this book and wanted to check out what others thought and was surprised that there were people who hated this book so much. First of all, I have to remind these folks that this book is not supposed to be a medical book about infertility. Nothing about this book, from its cover design to the book description indicates that it is a medical reference or how-to book. Granted, I picked this book up at B&N and flipped through it first before purchasing it, that's why I don't feel duped by the contents in this book. I feel this this book is funny, original, interesting, and has plenty of good advice and descriptions of fertility treatment procedures. It's meant to be subjective and lighthearted. And for those of you going through torturous fertility treatments, it's understandable that this book will seem like it's making fun of the situation, but I don't think that that was what the authors intended to do. Anyway, this book is perfect for those that have an open mind, have been trying to conceive for no more than six months, and have a sense of humor.

You Didn't Hear It From Us: Two Bartenders Serve Women the Truth About Men, Making an Impression, and Getting What You Want

Average customer rating:

Great Insider Advice Served with a Twist
Single women will LOVE this book!
Like selling ice to eskimos
the boys hooked us up!!
Good Info

You Didn't Hear It From Us: Two Bartenders Serve Women the Truth About Men, Making an Impression, and Getting What You Want
Dushan Zaric , and Jason Kosmas
Manufacturer: Atria
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Happiness | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Self-Esteem | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Think Like a Guy: How to Get a Guy by Thinking Like One
Make Every Man Want You (or Make Yours Want You More): How To Be So Damn Irresistible You'll Barely Keep From Dating Yourself!
Men, Love & Sex: The Complete User's Guide for Women
The Manual: A True Bad Boy Explains How Men Think, Date, and Mate--and What Women Can Do to Come Out on Top
What Men Won't Tell You but Women Need to Know

ASIN: 0743293436

Book Description

Ever wonder how the great flirts do it? How they manage to attract a man's attention, even in the distracting setting of a crowded bar? And then, once they've got it, how they keep him focused? The people standing behind the bar watch this game play out night after night. Now, two of the best in the business, Dushan Zaric and Jason Kosmas, are ready to spill all the secrets of the hookup game. In this groundbreaking book, they tell women everything they need to know to pick up men (the right men).

A good bartender doesn't just know how to mix drinks -- he knows how to read people, too. Dushan and Jason have witnessed every kind of hookup (and screwup) you can imagine. They know who is going to send over a drink before he even thinks of it. They can tell if a man's a bully, a loser, or gay as soon as he walks in the door. Most of all, they know what women have to do to make guys want to get their number.

Drawing on their own observations as well as surveys of their patrons, Dushan and Jason show women what men are really thinking and how to use that information to their advantage. They provide step-by-step advice on everything from how to approach a guy to how to tell if he's worth it, and how to make an exit if he's not.

Filled with street smarts, bar lore, and, of course, delicious cocktail recipes, You Didn't Hear It from Us is ultimately about more than dating -- it's about learning how to present the best parts of yourself, thus making the world your martini glass.

Customer Reviews:

Great Insider Advice Served with a Twist.......2007-03-21

The most important message that bartenders Zaric and Kosmas give in their book is that it is truly all about attitude. Though the theory is often preached, it's a little harder to practice when you're standing in a dark, crowded bar where first impressions are served up as often as cocktails. I found reading this book was like talking to my best girlfriends, hearing advice from a good older brother, and getting insight from potential bar-mates all at once! I'm recommending it to everybody, especially now with Spring Break season approaching. Seeing Lauren reading it on The Hills only supported the reality that the authors so often find overlooked by their patrons; everyone feels a little uncomfortable and out of place in this hook-up/bunk-up/break-up world we often find ourselves in. However, with a little positive reinforcement, insider knowledge, and a ton of hilarious anecdotes, You Didn't Hear It From Us will definitely have you smiling all the way to the bar and back!

Single women will LOVE this book!.......2007-03-21

This book has such great advice about grabbing a man's attention in a crowded bar or party setting. It gives you very specific tips on how to open the conversation and how to flirt in a way that really will hold his attention--the suggestions are so helpful, especially if you tend to get a little shy or intimidated by these situations. The authors also tell you how to read the subtle signals a guy is sending you that tell you more about his personality than he's actually saying, so the next morning you don't regret giving him your number (or taking him home)! I also really enjoyed all the funny stories from their customers that Jason and Dushan interspersed throughout the book. All in all, the book worked for me and I want to buy a copy for all of my friends--especially those who go home sad at the end of the night because they didn't hook up.

Like selling ice to eskimos.......2006-12-10

this book is fine, but seriously--a book on how a woman can go to bars and land a man??? the answer, ladies is in the question: go to bars--the men will most likely take it from there. (it helps if you're hot). i have an idea, to test the efficacy of this book: go to a bar--like employees only--and take a look around and note how many women (again, being attractive helps) are standing around alone and unnoticed. my guess is they have a drink in one hand and pepper spray in the other. i suppose the point of this book is to "teach" women how to "get" the man they want, but really, anyone with a modicum of social intelligence knows that women usually get the man they want (or at least deserve)--it's men who need a clue as to how to speak to/pick up women. maybe next these authors can pen a book detailing the best way for fat people to gain weight.

the boys hooked us up!!.......2006-11-16

What a great read......its clear these two gentlemen have heard and seen it all. Buy the book and visit Employees Only (the establishment they own in the west village) and you have a killer combination . The advise to hook the man you want and the venue perfect for a date with devine food and cocktails. Why am i such a fan?? i met my man at Employees Only over a year ago so had to buy the book for sentimental reasons and everything i read made a hell of alot of sense!! GREAT XMAS GIFT FOR YOUR GIRLFRIENDS TOO!! Thanks boys for taking care of the ladiesx

Good Info.......2006-11-15

In the never-ending battle of the sexes, it's always a good idea to enter the arena with as much information about your opponent as possible. This book gives advice to women on what to do to get men. As a guy, it helps to know what things women are looking for and how to interpret the signals they are sending. Trust me on this one, the more information you have the better equipped you are to play the game. Reading this book is like spring training. It's not the majors, but it gets you ready for the real thing. Reading this book hasn't made me any better looking but it has made me smarter and that definitely translates into more success with the opposite sex.

I'd really like to thank Dushan and Jason for giving us guys more amunition for the battle. I know that guys aren't the intended audience, but I think they will get as much out of it as women will. And it's a refreshing change from the usual garbage that's directed towards women like "He's just not that into you", which just makes us all look like jerks.

Average customer rating:

Deeper than the ones before
Only Two Stars
Soulful "artiste" reveals innocence via painting (oh please, spare me!)
Lacking Something...
Gave up

The Truth About Love (Cynster Novels)
Stephanie Laurens
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Perfect Lover
On a Wicked Dawn (Cynster Novels)
All About Passion
On a Wild Night (Cynster Novels)
What Price Love? : A Cynster Novel (Cynster Novels)

ASIN: 0060505761
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Book Description

Bold, passionate and possessive, the Cynster men let nothing stand in their way when it comes to claiming the women of their hearts.

Gerrard Debbington, Vane Cynster's brother-in-law, is one of London's most eligible gentlemen. Uninterested in marriage, his driving passion is to paint the fabled gardens of Lord Tregonning's Hellebore Hall -- an opportunity that is now at hand...if Gerrard agrees to create an honest portrait of Tregonning's daughter as well.

Gerrard chafes at wasting his talents on some simpering miss, only to discover that Jacqueline Tregonning stirs him as no other. Certainly, she is beautiful, but it is her passionate nature that strikes sparks with Gerrard's own, igniting desire and sweeping them into each other's arms, convincing Gerrard that he has found his ideal soul mate -- the lady he must have as his wife.

But something is horribly wrong at Hellebore Hall. Evil and lies are reaching out to ensnare Jacqueline -- and Gerrard will have to move Heaven and Earth to protect the remarkable woman who, for him, personifies the truth about love...

Download Description

When New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens created the Cynsters, a phenomenon was born. Now, Stephanie Laurens has written her most romantic and powerful novel to date, one that dares tell The Truth About Love. Gerrard Debbington is one of the chosen few -- the gentlemen who've learned their social and amorous skills at the feet of the masters. Handsome and wealthy, protégé and brother-in-law of Vane Cynster, Gerrard is part of the charmed Cynster family circle. Now Gerrard travels to Helleborn Hall, a dark and mysterious place. His lure-- unlimited access to sketch the Hall's famous but rarely seen gardens. But what seems like a simple exchange grows more and more complicated from the moment Gerrard meets Jacqueline, the beautiful daughter of the house. Determined to understand her , he tries to dig deeper into Jacqueline's identity, but she is shrouded and secretive. The gardens have been hidden from outside eyes for so long because they are hiding something themselves, and though Gerrard knows he should leave these secrets undisturbed, his developing passion for Jacqueline cannot be ignored, even as danger grows ever closer to them both.

When New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens created the Cynsters, a phenomenon was born. Bold, passionate, and possessive, the Cynster men let nothing stand in their way when it comes to claiming the women of their hearts. Now, Stephanie Laurens has written her most romantic and powerful novel to date, one that dares tell The Truth About Love.

Gerrard Debbington is one of the chosen few -- the gentlemen who've learned their social and amorous skills at the feet of the masters. Handsome and wealthy, protégé and brother-in-law of Vane Cynster, Gerrard is part of the charmed Cynster family circle. One of the most eligible gentlemen in the ton, Gerrard is constantly besieged by offers from London's most sought-after beauties, but as the ton's foremost artistic lion, there's only one offer he wants to accept -- the chance to paint the fantastical but seldom-seen gardens of reclusive Lord Tregonning's Hellebore Hall.

That chance is dangled before Gerrard, but to grasp it he must fulfill Lord Tregonning's demand that he also create an open and honest portrait of the man's daughter. Gerrard loathes the idea of wasting his time and talents on some simpering miss, but with no alternative, he agrees ...

Only to discover that Jacqueline Tregonning inspires him as no other lady has. Certainly she is beautiful, but Gerrard is stunned by the deep emotions she stirs and is captivated by her passionate nature and innate goodness. He is soon convinced that Jacqueline is the soul mate he needs as his wife.

But something is horribly wrong at Hellebore Hall. Evil lurks in the beautiful gardens and along the rambling pathways. And that evil reaches out to ensnare Jacqueline, trapping her in a web of insidious whispers -- whispers that paint her as a double murderess.

The rumors are false, but someone is actively spreading them. Convinced that Jacqueline is innocent of all wrongdoing, Gerrard is confident his portrait will open others' eyes to the truth he sees, but when a long-dead body is discovered in the gardens, the campaign to blame Jacqueline escalates -- Gerrard and she are running out of time. The days they spend together lead to nights of sweeping passion -- and Gerrard vows to move heaven and earth to protect the woman who, for him, personifies the truth about love.

Customer Reviews:

Deeper than the ones before.......2006-10-15

I have read several of the classic Cynster novels, but The Truth About Love is one of my favorites by Laurens. The chemistry between Michael and Jacqueline is amazing; you can feel it leaping off the pages. The characters read each other so well, and they don't need words to express anything.
This book is all about feelings and their struggles with the concept of love. I fell deeply in love with both of these characters and this book.
Laurens is an exceptional writer, and this novel portrays that.

Only Two Stars.......2006-10-12

I usually adore the Cynster novels by Stephanie Laurens and buy them as soon as they are released. This one I really could have done without reading. What is really strange is I am not sure why. The story sounds interesting, but it really wasn't. The plot dragged on and was unrealistic. I did not like the characters and could not even finish the book. I have never read a book this bad by Stephanie Laurens before. I'm only giving it two stars because occasionally there was a few funny sentences in the sections that I did read.

Soulful "artiste" reveals innocence via painting (oh please, spare me!).......2006-08-31

I am a big Stephanie Laurens' fan, but this book is not up to par. The premise is ridiculous, the hero paints a portrait of the heroine to reveal her innocence in the death of her mother and fiance. Um, yeah right. And the soulful artiste thing was just irritating, I was rolling my eyes throughout the book.

I like Laurens' work for the most part, but why does every single book have the same hero (practically) and he seduces the female before thinking about asking her to marry, and she is always a virgin (even when she is a widow!) or was deflowered ages ago by the same hero. And they never seem to worry about getting pregnant. I am pretty suprised that the female never holds out for marriage before giving it up.

But I did love the cover art, it's the best thing about this particular Cynster novel.

ADDENDUM: I just finished Mary Jo Putney's 'River of Fire' which was also about artists, and it was so much better than 'The Truth About Love'. The story had much more depth and I found it more satisfying, and the portrayal of the artists and the artistic process was much more believeable. Get 'River of Fire' instead of 'The Truth About Love'.

Lacking Something..........2006-08-27

This installment of the Cynster series of novels never did capture my attention. I'm still having trouble defining exactly what it was that the novel lacked.

Gerrard Debbington as our hero is familiar as the brother of Patience, now married to Vane Cynster. Jaquelyne is our heroine, and her last name is no more pronounceable than it is spellable. That was one slight irk for the book.

Another, more obvious break took me out of the action in the very last chapter. A heretofore unmentioned skill in which our hero is supposedly an expert appears out of thin air. Might have been more believable if the skill had been mentioned earlier.

The focus on the portrait and what it will or won't show also gets a bit tiring. I was, however, grateful that Laurens had toned down the frequency of her sex scenes. The last novel of hers I read was chock-a-block full. Not that I don't enjoy the sex as much as anyone, but overdoing it is possible.

In the end I'll say this isn't the best Cynster novel by far. Actually, I believe I'd place this squarely on the bottom. It wasn't neccessarily a bad book, but it certainly wasn't one of Laurens' best.

Start with Devil's Bride, the first of the series, to get a better sense of what Laurens can do as an author.

Gave up.......2006-07-31

Long time fan of Stephanie Laurens but this book is awful to the point that I couldn't even get half-way through it. Maybe next time her editor won't just rush to publish because of a deadline.

The New Male Sexuality: The Truth About Men, Sex and Pleasure

Average customer rating:

Very informative
great book for men
The new Male Sexuality, revised Edition
EXCELLENT BOOK - BUT DR ZILBERGELD BADLY NEEDS TO DO AN UPDATE
This book is in tune with men, but not women.

The New Male Sexuality: The Truth About Men, Sex and Pleasure
Bernie Zilbergeld
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sex | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

For Each Other: Sharing Sexual Intimacy
For Yourself : The Fulfillment of Female Sexuality
Sex Matters for Women: A Complete Guide to Taking Care of Your Sexual Self
Coping With Erectile Dysfunction: How to Regain Confidence and Enjoy Great Sex
Becoming Orgasmic: A Sexual and Personal Growth Program for Women

Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0553562592
Release Date: 1993-05-01

Book Description

The New Male Sexuality addresses the most urgent questions of men today--and of the women who love them. Bernie Zilbergeld reports findings from his twenty years as a psychologist specializing in human sexuality, as well as those other experts in the field, and shares his own and his clients' experiences. the result is the most comprehensive guide ever to enhancing desire and arousal, focusing on pleasure rather than performance, and keeping sex exciting and fulfilling.

Clear, comprehensive, witty, and refreshingly realistic, The New Male Sexuality is destined to be a classic of the nineties and beyond.

Customer Reviews:

Very informative.......2007-05-25

This book carries a lot of info, and was quite helpful to my situation.

great book for men.......2007-01-04

I found this book really helpfull. You can read it and it has some excercises that are helpfull. You can almost immediately feel a SLIGHT improvement after reading the relevant chapters

The new Male Sexuality, revised Edition.......2006-11-07

Very useful book for both health personel and public. Very useful exercise tips for improvement of sexual function

EXCELLENT BOOK - BUT DR ZILBERGELD BADLY NEEDS TO DO AN UPDATE.......2006-07-16

I've just read The New Male Sexuality and I've got to say, I'm really impressed... It is so rare to find a self-help book FOR MEN (most of that genre is very female oriented) and Dr Zilbergeld is very male-positive...

I also liked how he discussed the socialization of little boys - how young males learn that they should supress their feelings - "boys don't cry" - and the doctor's theory that this is the cause of much misery for adult males...

I heartily agree with Zilbergeld's conclusions here...

I only have a few criticisms...

Dr Zilbergeld tends to have a sociobiological view of modern behavior - he tends to present cultural gender roles as if they are biologically determined... This tends to undermine his arguments about male socialization (and, due to the radical differences in gender behavior in different societies, this view is fundamentally incorrect)

Also, Dr Zilbergeld tends to assume that every male is in a long term monogomous relationship... This is far from true (hell, that's the reason that I brought this book in the first place) and it would be helpful if he focused more of his advice for guys like me who don't have a woman..

Finally, the biggest flaw...

Apparently, Zilbergeld originally wrote this book a long time ago (the copyright info says the first edition was published in 1992)... and it shows...

Women (especialy women my age and younger - I'm 38) have changed a whole hell of a lot...

When Zelbergeld did the surveys, apparently most women were still looking for love and didn't like sex for sex's sake, like men stereotypically do...

THIS IS NO LONGER THE CASE...

In my experience over the last decade or so, many women these days basically dislike men...

They need males because men, on average, make more money than women (but women have a higher cost of living) and, of course, most women want to have babies, and you can't do that without male DNA... other than cash and genetic material, they'd rather not be bothered with us...

Also, many modern women can be as crass, vulgar and unemotional about sex as only men used to be...

For instance, in the section on penis size, Dr Zilbergeld claims that "size doesn't matter" to most women and women are, supposedly, very understanding about males who are 'undersized'

I beg to differ...

In my experience, women are VERY much concerned about size... and you WILL get ridiculed if the woman you're with thinks you are inadequate in that department....

The same for performance issues - if you aren't up to the task, many women will get really mad and start insulting you (they might even accuse you of being gay)

Women aren't as nice as they used to be....

There probably wern't that many of these women out there when Dr Zilbergeld did his original surveys....

There most certainly are now (especially in places like Manhattan, where I live)...

It's not as simple as it used to be... and assuming that all women aspire to a deep emotional connection above all else can be a very dangerous thing to do...

Basically, I think that Dr Zilbergeld needs to do an updating of this otherwise excellent book (but with all new interviews of this new generation of women - who are VERY different than their mothers and grandmothers when it comes to sexuality)

Still, this is an excellent read and a must buy for men looking for serious relationship advice intended for a male audience...

This book is in tune with men, but not women........2006-02-22

This book deserves credit for addressing men's needs for good sex, but is hit and miss for women.

A quote from the book:
"We men have taken a lot of heat in recent years for our attitudes about sex. We are told that we are obsessed with sex, expecially sex without love and commitment; that we push too hard for it and in inapproporate ways in both new and old relationships; and that we pout when we don't get what we want. Such attitudes, we are told, are immature and maybe downritght sick. But I think the criticisms themselves are wrongheaded and destructive. Males can't help having their attitiudes, which are probably due at least as much to physiology as to learning. Sex, afterall is live affirming, and there's no point in feeling bad about that." End quote.

I believe that men have often hurt women (and their relationships with women) to fullfill their sexual urges, but author severely downplays this as if it were uncommon and less harmful than it actually is.

The author gives a role-playing example on how to deal with conflict:
MAN: I find myself in a strange place. I agree with you that it's your body and I shouldn't touch you in ways you don't like. So I'll do my best not to touch your breast roughly. But I can't guarantee never to do it. What feels rough to you comes from a strong feeling of lust. I'm not sure I can always catch this impluse before I grab you. I think I can do it most of the time. But there my still be a few occaisions when I don't catch myself in time. I may already be squeezing your breast before I remember. It would help me a lot to know that you're not going to get upset if that happens occasionally. Maybe you could just remind me of what I'm doing.

End quote.

In my opinion the woman SHOULD get upset to the degree that it makes her feel violated. If it does not bother her much, a reminder is all that is needed. But what if it really does hurt her?

Women are very vulnerable during sex, and we need to feel safe. I would feel less safe with a man who read this book.

Books:

Books