Out

Ok, so I listened to the audiobook. It actually was better to listen to the audiobook because I could hear the author reading her book with her emotion and specific points accentuating specific things, like how something should be said, or a tone you could try with your kids.

I have to say that this book has given me more ideas than anything I've read so far in any book about strong willed kids. Basically I need to find what motivates my child and never, ever, give orders. It just doesn't work. The author places a lot of focus on incentive, rather than punishment. She doesn't advocate that kids should be able to run wild, or use being "strong-willed" as either a character defect OR an excuse for "bad" behavior.

There is some focus on being Christian, just an FYI. This may be good for some people, but not others.

In all, fantastic book!!

Ah power struggles, common occurrences in a home containing two strong-willed adults that are parenting two strong-willed children. Yes, I am the parent of two persistent, determined, selective, high-spirited, adventurous children. Although exhausting at moments, I really prefer it this way. You see, given the knowledge and guidance, these children can utilize their strength in positive ways. They have the energy, force and talent to change the world.

But I need encouragement, guidance, and a full tool-belt in order to accomplish this parental task. One of the publications that has assisted me is You Can't Make Me (But I Can Be Persuaded) by author Cynthia Tobias Ulrich. This woman has a bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in learning styles, and she is founder of Learning Styles Unlimited. She and her husband John, have twin boys, Michael & Robert. She is author of many inspiring books including "The Way They Learn." My first awareness of this fine author was during a speaking engagement she held in May of 1997. Since then I have read many of her books, and gleaned great benefit from her advice.

Cynthia Tobias provides insight on the mind of a strong-willed child (I prefer to call mine spirited, as per Mary Kucinka in Raising Your Spirited Child). She aids you in recognizing the choice patterns your children partake. You literally learn to share control without compromising authority. We are encouraged to decide what issues are negotiable, nonnegotiable, and to really choose our battles carefully. She provides practical advice for avoiding power struggles and enabling cooperation. Being strong-willed herself, having raised a strong-willed child, and having worked with many parents, enables Cynthia to give proven advice for working with this personality type.

Rooted from her own Christian walk, she encourages us parents to seek God's help in this process. God can assist us with the unconditional love that children need to feel. She points out the abundance of mercy and grace that God has for us, and that we can in turn provide to our children. Insights are provided on methods to teach a SWC self-motivation. Pointed out is the fact that we sometimes need to allow children to experience the consequences of "not doing something". We are reminded that we can enforce rules, but can't enforce compliance. It is stated that these children don't have a problem with authority; they challenge with how the authority is communicated to them. We are provided with a plan of action for helping our children to prepare for the best of their lives. We are instructed that from early childhood through encouraging our children to pursue their interests, they can recognize their strengths and preferences.

Additionally, examples of when something drastic needs to be done are provided. We are encouraged to hang on to hope and to continue providing our child with unconditional love.

So, you think you've blown it? Plenty of workable advice is provided! We as parents always are capable of telling our children what we do like about them. Further, we are able to example forgiveness to them.

In the epilogue we are reminded that most importantly we need to realize that:

"You Can't Make Me."
~Don't back me into a corner and leave me no choice.
~Don't demand that I obey without question.
~Don't tell me what I can or cannot do.
~Don't insist on something that can't be done

"But I Can Be persuaded!"
~Do value my ability to see the world from a unique perspective
~Do find ways to inspire me to change the world.
~Do ask me for my input.
~Do recognize my uniqueness even if it bothers you.

I highly recommend this book to parents of strong-willed children! I firmly believe that all educators and others who work with children will benefit from reading this book. When we recognize the positive in children and teach them how to work with their strengths, we are providing them with a healthy outlook.

Ah power struggles, common occurrences in a home containing two strong-willed adults that are parenting two strong-willed children. Yes, I am the parent of two persistent, determined, selective, high-spirited, adventurous children. Although exhausting at moments, I really prefer it this way. You see, given the knowledge and guidance, these children can utilize their strength in positive ways. They have the energy, force and talent to change the world.

But I need encouragement, guidance, and a full tool-belt in order to accomplish this parental task. One of the publications that has assisted me is You Can't Make Me (But I Can Be Persuaded) by author Cynthia Tobias Ulrich. This woman has a bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in learning styles, and she is founder of Learning Styles Unlimited. She and her husband John, have twin boys, Michael & Robert. She is author of many inspiring books including "The Way They Learn." My first awareness of this fine author was during a speaking engagement she held in May of 1997. Since then I have read many of her books, and gleaned great benefit from her advice.

Cynthia Tobias provides insight on the mind of a strong-willed child (I prefer to call mine spirited, as per Mary Kucinka in Raising Your Spirited Child). She aids you in recognizing the choice patterns your children partake. You literally learn to share control without compromising authority. We are encouraged to decide what issues are negotiable, nonnegotiable, and to really choose our battles carefully. She provides practical advice for avoiding power struggles and enabling cooperation. Being strong-willed herself, having raised a strong-willed child, and having worked with many parents, enables Cynthia to give proven advice for working with this personality type.

Rooted from her own Christian walk, she encourages us parents to seek God's help in this process. God can assist us with the unconditional love that children need to feel. She points out the abundance of mercy and grace that God has for us, and that we can in turn provide to our children. Insights are provided on methods to teach a SWC self-motivation. Pointed out is the fact that we sometimes need to allow children to experience the consequences of "not doing something". We are reminded that we can enforce rules, but can't enforce compliance. It is stated that these children don't have a problem with authority; they challenge with how the authority is communicated to them. We are provided with a plan of action for helping our children to prepare for the best of their lives. We are instructed that from early childhood through encouraging our children to pursue their interests, they can recognize their strengths and preferences.

Additionally, examples of when something drastic needs to be done are provided. We are encouraged to hang on to hope and to continue providing our child with unconditional love.

So, you think you've blown it? Plenty of workable advice is provided! We as parents always are capable of telling our children what we do like about them. Further, we are able to example forgiveness to them.

In the epilogue we are reminded that most importantly we need to realize that:

"You Can't Make Me."
~Don't back me into a corner and leave me no choice.
~Don't demand that I obey without question.
~Don't tell me what I can or cannot do.
~Don't insist on something that can't be done

"But I Can Be persuaded!"
~Do value my ability to see the world from a unique perspective
~Do find ways to inspire me to change the world.
~Do ask me for my input.
~Do recognize my uniqueness even if it bothers you.

I highly recommend this book to parents of strong-willed children! I firmly believe that all educators and others who work with children will benefit from reading this book. When we recognize the positive in children and teach them how to work with their strengths, we are providing them with a healthy outlook.

One of our teaching assistants came to me and begged for this title to be added to the library collection. After checking the book out online, I ordered it. To my delight, it arrived in my book order, and I immediately read it to my 2nd graders in library. We all fell in love with Clarence and Smoky. Both characters are well written and delighfully drawn. The simplistic storyline can easily be read by beginning readers. This is a must for every personal collection!

Clarence, a city dwelling little pig, sets out on his first big vacation to a dude ranch, out west. After a long and interesting bus ride, he arrives and meets Smoky, a very large and friendly purple horse who introduces him to all the pleasures of western ways. Smoky takes him on long rides through the mountains and canyons, teaches Clarence to play cards with the boys, line dance, and perform on the washtub in a cowboy band. They eat, nap, and even read stories together. It's a wonderful week. But as his vacation comes to an end, Smoky tells Clarence he's getting too old to work on the ranch anymore, and is going to be sold. Best friends are hard to come by, and Clarence can't stand the thought of never seeing his favorite horse again. So he uses all his bus money to buy Smoky, and together they begin the long ride back to the city. It may take years, but as long as they're together, they have all the time in the world..... Jean Ekman Adams has written a delightful story with a gentle message about loyalty, compassion, and friendship, that won't be lost on young readers. Her simple and engaging text, with its satisfying, happily ever after ending, is beautifully enhanced by her charming, bold, and vibrant illustrations, full of endearing ranch characters, and subtle, humorous detail. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, Clarence Goes Out West And Meets A Purple Horse, is a sweet and entertaining, feel good story, that is sure to put a smile on everyone's face. This soon-to-be classic, is a picture book youngsters will beg to read again and again.

Not only does my daughter thoroughly enjoy Clarence & Smoky & the colorful illustrations, but I like the idea that she's getting fun lessons on compassion, friendship & priorities. Having lived in the big city & now finding myself in "the West," I truly enjoy this book myself. (Or perhaps it's my similar tendencies to pack my favorite snacks & not enough clothes when I travel...)This is one of the few books I don't mind reading 4 times before bed!

I had bought this book, thinking it would teach my teen how to be less defensive. What it did was teach me how to deal with her defensiveness. I found that, by using the book's techniques, I was able to defuse potential battles and our house is much, much calmer as I can now defuse the power struggles she initiates. I also found that I have used the techniques many times with others in the family and with those in various groups to which I belong. I have been reading and re-reading the book ever since I got it a year ago, to ingrain the techniques. I cannot recommend this book more highly. It opened my eyes and changed my way of communicating.

I happened upon this book surfing the net for something else, and when I saw the title, I ordered it right away hoping it would be good. I haven't finished it yet, because my husband and I are reading it aloud to each other whenever we get the chance. But we are well into it, and it is excellent. I can't believe it isn't more popular.

The first part of the book is about how we (as a culture) learn to communicate and use language based on a war model. She gives examples of every war tactic and how that plays out in real-life day-to-day situations. I guarantee, they will all be familiar to you. She doesn't miss much in analyzing how people unintentionally communicate poorly with one another. I went to a party after reading that section and was hyper-aware of how I and others communicated. It was very interesting and helpful. But I couldn't wait to get to the next section on how to communicate well!

The rest of the book is about how to replace the old unhealthy way of communicating with a healthy way of communicating that gives you power and confidence in your day-to-day interactions, and minimizes conflict. Her theory that we need to "take the war out of our words" before we can achieve peace at home and in the world, to me, seems like an obvious but brilliant perception. She seems very dedicated to spreading this message and educating people. I think she does an excellent job. This is the kind of stuff I wish we were learning in our schools! Great read.

Ms. Ellison has written a profoundly important book. Practicing the principles she lays out so clearly will promote the small changes we all need to improve our lives that can lead to larger change in society as a whole. The book contains no fluff or padding- unlike so many books in the "self help" genre- just simply stated useful information from first page to last. I am a family therapist who has been dealing with communications issues for a long time and i have learned enormously from this book and have suggested it to all of my clients and friends. The author has created a well thought out system to teach how being vulnerable, open and clear can make us inhabit our own power as well. The skills she teaches are applicable to all relationships in our lives. This is truly an important work of substantive contribution to our society.

A friend of mine recommended that I read this book...I was so impressed by the info. provided that I read over half the book in less than a day..(book has over 500 pages)...I also ordered three other books written by Mr. Givens...His advise, even though written some time ago, is very do-a-ble and easy to follow...I thanked my friend and recommend this book other books written by Mr. Givens to anyone who's serious about getting their finances in order.

It was that quote and article in USA Today that prompted me to buy "Wealth Without Risk" way back in 1989 and I have never regretted it.

According to the article, Givens was making some powerful, almost unbelievable statements like "earn 20% safely on your investments"(this was 2 years after the huge stock market crash!), "Reduce your income tax by 50%", "Better Life Insurance for 80% less", "Send Your Kids to College for Free" and "Spend your way into wealth." Sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong.

I started following Givens strategies back in early 1989. I took money out of cd's and savings and started to invest in no load stock mutuals and a no load bond mutual fund. By October of 1989, my aggressive stock fund was up to a 34% gain. Remembering that October is a bad month for stocks plus that Allen Greenspan was lowering interest rates, I sold off most of my stock shares and rotated into bond funds. By the end of 1989, the bond fund that I had invested in early in 1989 The Scudder U.S. Zero 2000) was already up 25.7%. I was also earning 8 1/2% in my money market fund. I was investing with no commissions and no risk.

Next area was auto insurance. I followed Mr. Givens advice in Wealth Without Risk and reduced by insurance by $280. Now I knew this guy was for real.

I also pulled my credit report and found numerous errors. They even had me intermingled with someone with a similiar name who had moved into an apartment complex that I used to live in years earlier. Needless to say, I got it corrected but never would have thought about doing this if I hadn't read this book.

What really appealed to me is that "Wealth Without Risk" doesn't offer any pie-in-the-sky get rich quick schemes. Instead, iy gives you more than 250 savvy, instantly accessible money strategies--proven, powerful plans for accumating wealth through personal finance, tax reduction, and investing. Some of the other topics that appealed to me were:

* Cut the cost of borrowing money by 30%-50%

* Slash premiums by 50% on homeowners, mortgage, disability,
liability, and rental car insurance (we travel a lot)

* Make your vacations tax deductible (ditto)

* Shift assets between family members and turn family expences
into tax deductions

* Start a small business for fun, profit, and huge tax
deductions

* Create a million dollar retirement plan where you work

* Earn a safe 20% a year with mutual funds (we did that PLUS)

* Make 15%-20% government guaranteed interest with TLC's

* Realize over 20% a year in nontraditional IRA and KEOGH
Investments

* Recognize the 10 biggest investment mistakes

Another thing that impressed us was that Charles J. Givens had been named as one of the 20 most successful people in America and had dedicated his life to teaching people the practical wealth-building techniques that made him financially super successful. Givens was on a mission and was passionate about teaching people how to achieve "Wealth without Risk." Quite a departure from others.

Givens also exemplified the character qualities that Dr. Stephen Covey refers to in his groundbreaking book, "The 7 Habits of Effective People." Qualities like integrity, high values and human dignity.

I loaned my copy out and bought several more copies for friends and family members. More Wealth Without Risk is the updated version of this classic. I also recommend Financial Self-Defense and SuperSelf, all great books by Givens.

Back in January 1989, I purchased "Wealth without Risk" at our local bookstore. What a ride it has been!I was able to cut our family auto expences in half, increase my take home pay, reduce taxes to almost zero and start a investment plan.I also recommend Financial Self DeFense and Super Self.

I really enjoyed this book it captured the feelings of the entire country and I think it expresses what the government and the armed forces really feel about this situation. I had trouble putting the book down, i read it to the wee hours of the morning and glad i did. I recomend this highly. i hope this book recieves the recognition it deserves. A satisifed and appreaciative reader. I hope their are more books to follow

I really enjoyed the easy flow of the writer but yet intense enough to hold your interest and now everything in the book is coming out in the news . I don't know if the writer had a crystal ball or what but it is remarkable how he predicted the situations before they occured. Intense and at the same time intriguing . I couldn't put it down.I am looking for other books by same writer.loved it.

It was an intense book to read a real page turner, I had trouble putting it down I wish we had more Major Slade books.He got right to the problem and went out and recruited the right people for the job and got it done. I was cheering him on all the way.

It just keeps getting more and more better. Aaron gets busted with Kate. Kate gets her nose busted. Aisha is finding herself in a little bit of a man situation. The only thing missing was Mendel vs. Cabral. You can feel the tention when these guys get within 200 yards of each other, let alone being 2 inches from one another. Benjamin really needs to get over himself. I once thought he was a great. He was in my top ten all time great novel characters. Now he is no my all time...[bad] novel characters list. However, I do wish Lucas would have connected with Aaron instead of Kate. I am still a K-berger fan.

What can you say about this book without giving anything away? This is an awesome story line, filled with everything you've come to expect from Katherine Applegate in this series. I loved this book because we have a new main character introduced and we get to see things from his view point. As always, it has the emotional roller coaster so many of us have to do deal with. People are falling in and out of love, and making a breaking friendships. Excitement at one hundred miles an hour.

I loved this book! Katherine Applegate sure knows how to write 'em! The only thing I didn't like about this book was Benjamin. He really needs to get over himself! I am sick of his complaining! He and Nina used to be so cute, and I think he lost the best thing for him! I couldn't believe the ending! I waited for three weeks to get the next one. If you get a chance, read all you can. I have been reading them since last summer and I plan to read them as long as they are coming out!

K-Berger and Jake in AA. Christopher gone to the Army. Aaron and Claire hook-up. It just keeps going and going. I really enjoy these characters; because they are easy to relate to. I really had hoped Benjamins vision would be restored, that would really raise the stakes of this storyline.

This book is one of Applegates best. The character truly develop into the people we can only hope really exist. It was smashing!

These books are really great. My friends use to make fun of me for reading them but once I got them to read one they have read the whole series so far. The books are so great that sometimes I think I live on the island too! I got hooked. I recommend these books to any teenagers.

This book is in its second edition -- updated in the 90's to include information about HIV and AIDS. One of the things that it stresses when coming out is to make sure to include the statement "BEING GAY DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE TO GET AIDS." -- a few times if necessary.

I have felt the need to come out to my family for a long time about my own emotional/sexual status. This book helped me a lot as far as planning my strategy, what to say, etc. It contains a TON of useful info concerning how to make "coming out" as painless as possible -- *for all involved*.

To sum it right up? Here I am at 31 years old, and after reading this book, the notion of coming out to my family scares me less than the thought of smoking in front of them (which I am sure I will probably feel the need for a few cigarettes before this discussion is over...)

... not to mention -- it has some wonderful information in there for family members too, so definitely lend it to them after you have come out, or if you are a family member who is still looking for some more answers as to how your child's/sibling's/parent's(') sexual orientation might effect your relationship with them -- BUY THIS BOOK!

I just finished reading this book since it was recomened by so many. I can say that the author put allot of time into this book and has done a wonderful job.
As you read through this book you start to understand what you and your parents go thorugh in certain steps of your life and coming out.
I have been out to myself for just about a year. It was not until I accepted to myself that I am gay can I expect others to accept me for who I am.
After reading this book, I thought allot about my life, how I do not share it with family, then I realized it was time for me to come out to my parents and family.
I now have the courage thanks to this book. I hope you read this book and come to the conclusion that you too have the courage.

Coming out to my mom and dad was the most terrifying prospect I ever had to deal with, but I knew the day would come eventually when I had to face them with my being gay. Like so many gay people, I had no idea how to do it or even how to know that I was ready. Thank God for this book! It helped to make a potentially horrible experience better for me and for them. Thank you, Ms. Borhek!

This was an enjoyable yarn, written with Foster's easy touch and sense of character.

My sole complaint was with a few glaring problems with continuity that spoiled the story for me somewhat. (It's hard to give an example without giving away the storyline, but watch for references to the characters' eyes.)

Despite the technical goofs, I still enjoyed the book, as I've enjoyed nearly all of Alan Dean Foster's works.

Fans of Alan Dean Foster are familiar with his "cute" science fiction (Flinx and Pip, Quozl, etc.) and all of his novelizations, but Into The Out Of is a unique, quasi-horror, exploration of an African mythology.

Our protagonist is is pulled into a struggle between light and dark by a tribal wise man. I do not wish to give away any of the plot, but our heroes must fight "demons" from the other side who are trying to enter our world.

The story appears to be very well researched (except the author seems to think that glass eyes are functional and not merely cosmetic (the only real flaw in the story)). Into The Out Of was followed by Foster's Maori, after which the author seemed to leave the dark continent for good (although he did revisit horror with Vanishing Point).

Truely a good book.

It's been many years since I've read this book and it still remains one of my favorites. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a good horror story. I've tried to read other books by Alan Dean Foster. In general, his type of science fiction books don't generally appeal to me. This book was definitely the exception.

Brian Nold's first book, The Voyage of the Maxed Out, is a wonderful read. The notion of two brothers traveling from mid-Missouri all the way to Key West in a 17 ft. sail boat with a tiny engine is very adventurous ... if not a little crazy. Nold does a nice job of weaving in the personal story of an uncle who influenced his life along with the ride he and his brother experienced following the Great Flood of 1993.

I highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a good page-turning account of a real life adventure. While Nold, a former corporate pilot, sometimes lacks literary polish ... he more than makes up for that with an incredible tale that keeps the reader turning pages.

Everyone I know who has read the book makes the same comment. It's simply hard to put down. Readers want to know how the voyage ends and successfully keeping the reader engaged is a talent many seasoned writers struggle to achieve.

Nold's enthusiasm shines through and makes reading The Voyage of the Maxed Out a very worthwhile experience.

This book will have you gripping your armchair with white knuckles when your not laughing your (beep) off! Brian and David Nold are NUTS!

If you're looking for a fantastic real-life adventure, here it is! Brian describes a trip that 99.9% of us would wisely choose not to make; however, his narration had me both laughing out loud and gasping with disbelief. His account of the more dangerous parts of the journey will have you questioning his sanity while his insights into self and his observations on society will assure he is quite sane. His story is fun and scary -- proof that the truth is better than fiction.