family-economics

If any book deserves negative stars, this one does! And that's what I wish I could give it!

It is disgusting and pointless. Rude and crude and contains inflencial, wrong concepts and ideas that will win over those who are weak-minded.

Don't waste your time with it. Move on to something else.

HORRIBLE!HORRIBLE!HORRIBLE!HORRIBLE!HORRIBLE!HORRIBLE!HORRIBLE!

First of all, I'd like to say that I can't imagine that the reader from England read the same book I did. There was absolutely nothing "rude and crude" or inflammatory in any way in the book, unless you consider the idea that a midwife could successfully deliver babies rude and crude!

This book made me think and it made me laugh. I particularly enjoyed Ms. Mitford's writing style, which was snappy and curmudgeonly all at the same time. I thought the historical info about the barber/surgeon guilds in England was probably the most boring part of the book. The info about the grannie midwives in the South in the early 1900s was the most interesting to me.

This isn't one of those books that you "have to read" if you're having a baby (which is good, since it's out of print). I'd recommend Sheila Kitzinger or Dr. William Sears for that. However, it *is* an interesting look at U.S. culture and trends which reflect/are reflected in images of women.

Maybe what the English reader objected to was Ms. Mitford's strong conviction that it's the woman who has the baby, not the doctor who "delvers" it? Who knows. If you're the kind of person who just likes to do what you're told, don't read this book, as it may upset you. If, however, you're interested in an exploration of birth in America and aren't afraid to hear that the doctor may not always know everything, look in Auctions or ZShops or your local library and read this book.

This historical account of childbirth in America is absolutely absorbing in its detail and fascinating in its accurate account of how childbirth was actually stolen from midwives. In the first few chapters the author shows alarming behavior by medical doctors due to their conceited attitudes. Many women's lives have been lost because of such pompus attitudes. If every pregnant woman read this book I am sure that the midwifery rate for childbirth in this country would skyrocket. I have been convinced. Obstetricians are overused in this country and it is time to get back to the basics and remember that pregnancy is not a "disease" that needs to be cured, but a natural event that just needs to be "monitored" in the RARE case of a complication. This book has my highest recommendation.

Though I've heard a lot about this author (KH) this is the first of his books that I have read and I must say I do not understand what all the fuss is about.
The book is not very long and none of what is there is new or useful except for a complete newcomer MAYBE. It also seems to me that the standard of the writing leaves a lot to be desired.
I suppose the authors are trying to be very positive or something but the way it came across to me was like it was one long but not very effective piece of self advertising.
Maybe it is just my sense of humour but I thought it was really funny that the they are trying to be all upbeat and positive and yet they call their book the 8 BARRIERS to communication. I felt it might have been much more useful if they had written about the 8 KEYS to GREAT communication.

Both authors make a big deal about telling us what experts they are. So why is the book so negative and mediocre? Surely an expert should be able to write something a whole lot better than this?
In my opinion there are already plenty of books which cover this subject area and do a much better job of it so this book just is not worth the money.

This book provides an easy to comprehend method of improving one's skills as a communicator. Stubbs and Hogan provide easily understood material and many real life examples of the reasons why people fail in communicating with each other.
While there are many examples of the pitfalls in communicating in family, business and inter-personal life, the things that most people mess up on, they also provide numerous ways and suggestions to avoid them as well. Their examples are simple to put into practice yet extremely effective. All in all, I found this book to be entertaining as well as informative and would recommend it to all my friends and family. My only complaint is I would love it to be twice as long so I could glean even more life lessons from these two authors.

Library Journal
People have misunderstood one another since the beginning of time-and, if the self-help genre is any indication, they continue to do so. Hogan, a well-traveled motivational speaker and expert on body language, and hypnotherapist Stubbs document common communication barriers (e.g., poor listening skills and being critical) and techniques to overcome them (e.g., distract the criticizer). Though initially a bit technical, the book smoothes out, presenting lucid examples to show readers that they should change themselves instead of trying to change others. The authors refer to research but fail to include their sources. Still, this effective and lively beginners' approach will find an appreciative readership. Large libraries can safely use this to supplement Kate M. Wachs's Relationships for Dummies; smaller libraries will do fine with either. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Ruff's been preparing for economic catastrophe for 30 years. Now he's added moralistic sermons to the cataclysmic mix. In the 1970s, Ruff told us to buy gold and fill our basements with silver and food, then nothing happened. In 1999, he told us to buy gold and fill our basements with silver and food for Y2K, then nothing happened. You think the gullible public will ever learn? Is this guy in the food or gold business? Or does he sell generators? Ruff blames America's problems on welfare and the breakdown of the family even though welfare rolls are reducing rapidly, he demonizes Clinton even though the economy is the best in 35 years, and he tells us sex outside marriage is breaking down America and causing (guess what?) more welfare and the breakdown of America, Social Security insolvency, and a pile of liars. Ruff has 13 children and 48 grandchildren so more power to him for his solid religious and family life, but it ain't exactly a model of restraint! He wants the government to be there with Social Security, but blames the government for regulations. His 70's book was poignant and thought-provoking; this one, for me at least, couldn't cut mustard.

Having met the author personally several times, I know that he truly does walk the talk. This book deals not only with y2k preparation, but, generally in getting your life financially and generally prepared for any catastrophe. If this book falls short in any area it would be that it focuses on those who are already financially set. It would seem absurd for anyone living from pay check to pay check to aquire some of the basics the author recommends. Also, Howard paints a picture of gloom and doom, which may put some readers off a little. However, as he writes in his book, "hope for the best possible scenario, but prepare for the worst." Personally, I would love to see Howard Ruff, or someone with his inegrity to run for president. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, cover to cover.

A am glad to see an author of Howard Ruff's reputation weighing in to the fight for truth. He was there in the 1970s and again two decades later to shine a little reality on a foggy situation. Clear, understandable advice on what is likely to happen with the banking systems and social security and how to assess the impact on one's life, health and finances.

I also recommend The Survivor's Guide to The Year 2000 by David Epp as it had compelling reasons to invest in the metals because of Y2K - and most interesting - even if it were not for Y2K. With the FED printing money at over 10 percent, inflation is sure to raise its ugly head very soon. The question is what next and when? These two books clarified that for me perfectly. I am ready and will be prepared thanks to two very well researched books.

I found that this book is not nearly as easy to use as some of the websites out there. Also, when looking for any problems with taking several different medicines, the web is preffered.

I got this reference book soon after I was diagnosed to check all the prescriptions that I was bombarded with from my doctor. Based on the Physician's Desk Reference, this guide is the most comprehensive reference on medications and essential for patients with IBD. I've used it probably a hundred times, mostly to prepare for questions about medications for my doctor. It contains a wealth of information on thousands of medications: indications for use, how each drug works, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications. The PDR is also indexed by manufacturer, category, and brand and generic names. It will definately help you gain more control over your medical care. On CCFA's book list

This book condenses all the information from the Physician Desk Reference that doctor's use into an understandable guide for everyday people. I take about 10 different medications at any one time and this guide helped me sort it all out and make sure that I was safely taking my meds. Also has detailed information about potential side effects of hundreds of drugs. A handy reference book.

No question in my mind why this book is no longer in print! One of the repeated themes in this book is to not shop with your children because they will just whine and beg you to buy all of the snack foods they see on TV. The author then goes on to say that for an entire summer they utilized only kerosene light as they watched TV to save money on their electric bill. DUH! TURN OFF THE TV! There is also a fascinating segment toward the back of the book on how to prepare "shrubs" which can replace the cost of alcohol in your budget. ??? I was waiting for her to tell me how to build the still! Full of sarcastic humor...brownie recipes that contain 3 cups of flour and 5 cups of sugar....save the money you would have spent on this book and apply it to your grocery bill!

Although most of these ideas in this book are pretty good, I draw the line at purchasing $.49 per pound hotdogs at Aldis to save on "meat" costs, or feeding my dog and cat the cheapest pet food available, to save money (it won't save money on vet bills). She even suggests you just get a smaller pet to save money! Not an option. But overall she does give some good ideas on buying in bulk, comparison shopping, stretching foods, etc. Probably a good buy for someone starting out, but I would round it out with other books such as Tightwad Gazette or some basic cookbooks.

Learn how, where, and when to shop, smart ways to eat out, and how to use food you might have otherwise thrown out. Money saving tips include cheap cleaning solutions, and advice on growing your own harvest. Ideal for young people just starting out.

I wanted to write a review of this book and when I saw it has dropped to 100,000 on the Amazon.com list I wondered what is the point. Nobody will ever seee it.

So if you happen across this review, this is my thinking. Without Schwab's name this book is dead. It is okay, but nothing special. It covers the basics of planning, but so what. There are a zillion books that do.

Leaves me underwhelmed.

Jack in Toronto

The airline stock information is in your grandfather's wardrobe. The coin collection is behind the Meow Mix on the back porch shelf. Your older sister is going to stab you in the back. Your brother's neurosis may be an act. You're a good kid, but you won't pass "GO." Better make your own money.

I was always afraid of investing. This book is a great guide. It does a wonderful job of demystifying money issues that always have intimidated and scared me. A friend of mine recommended this book (her book club is reading it). I've read some of it out loud to my husband. We've talked about things we should have discussed years ago. It's an easy read, and a necessary one (at least for me). FIVE STARS ALL THE WAY!!

..if you really want to learn how to work a room. The book is written for women who are shy. Even if that describes you, there are better books to read. Most of the book addresses the issues of how to shake hands, how not to wear see-through blouses, and how to avoid having sex at trade shows. Unless these are burning issues for you, you will find nothing of value in this book. I am a professional consultant and attend conferences and networking events several times per month. I bought the book in an airport, read the first half, skimmed the second half and left it on the plane for the next person. It was a waste of an hour and a half and [my money]. Save yourself the time and expense, unless you are a 22 year female college grad in her first sales job who needs instruction on who to flirt without getting in over your head and need to be told that you shouldn't have sex at trade shows.

How to Work a Room includes very practical common sense ideas that can help overcome fear and shyness as well as offering encouragement for putting the ideas into practice. Ms RoAne set our to write a book that would enable anyone, particularly someone prone to fright at large crowds, to walk into a room and connect with people. Her techniques can help wallflowers move into the mainstream of a business or social gathering and have a more satisfying time (and have more fun). For example, one of Ms. RoAne's more powerful techniques is to encourage moving from guest behavior to hosting behavior. The idea is simple and non-threatening, yet by providing a purpose to interact with others at a gathering, a user of this technique can turn a situation that is usually intimidating into a good experience. Other techniques and strategies are also useful and all are summarized in the final chapter as the ten commandments of connecting with people.

A reader focussing mostly on the techniques presented by the author and not taking some of the examples too literally will benefit most from this book. I have seen her strategies and techniques work first hand and recommend this book.

How do you judge whether a "How-to" book is worthwhile? With business books, I ask one simple question: After reading the book, did I bring away at least one thing that made a positive, measureable difference in my life? If so, it was worth the time and money spent on it. "How to Work a Room" is just such a book. I picked this book up while waiting for someone, opened it to a random page, and read the short section on meeting people at parties by "acting like a host instead of a guest". A week later I went to a meeting of an organization I wanted to join, and found that I arrived at the same time as the woman in charge. Remembering what I had read, I immediately pitched in (before even introducing myself, and ignoring her pro forma protests) to help her get set up. Along the way, we introduced ourselves, and as the other officers drifted in, I was introduced to them (with the president's obvious stamp of approval), and so on until not only was I known to everybody there, but I was in the thick of things as a comfortable part of the inner circle. Now, maybe everybody else in the world already knows this stuff, but this kinda shy 40-something man didn't. I made more friends and business contacts in 3 hours than I had in the entire month before. Bottom line: I haven't even read more than a few pages yet and I've already got my positive, measureable difference! Buy it, read it, use it.

This was an interesting book if one is new to the frugal lifestyle. I am more of an intermediate tightwad, so I was already doing most of these things and didn't learn much that was new, except the prayer aspect. I am a Christian and I think Yorkey's emphasis on prayer and scripture was comforting. That said, if you are looking for new ideas to your already frugal lifestyle, this is redundant. I am definitely planning on loaning this out to my spendthrift friends as an introduction to cutting back. Mike Yorkey has written a thought-provoking book for anyone who wants to examine their spending habits.

I think so often we old-timers in the frugality movement get so used to our frugal ways, we forget how "odd" and "weird" the choices we make can seem to others who are still caught up in the buy/spend/buy mentality. Yorkey's book offers an approach that won't shock any readers who may be new to the idea of living frugally ("What?!! You want me to NOT buy my kids designer jeans?? How SHOCKING!"). Of course, most people aren't that extreme, but I think this is a really good book for newbies to frugal living, or as a gift to give to your non-frugal friends who are starting to wonder how to cut back a little here and there without sacrificing their middle-class "sensibilities." Yorkey is a religious man (I believe he works for, or used to work for, Focus on the Family), so there is some emphasis on the spiritual aspect of living frugally. But I think most readers won't be too offended by his treatment of the topic (unless they're adamantly set against any passing mention of topics such as prayer, etc.). All in all, I found it a worthwhile book to read and I'm glad I have it on my shelf to lend to friends just starting down the path to a frugal life.

I found this book very helpful and use it as a reference often. I would recommend it to anyone needing practical advice on how to save money.

The book is ponderous garbage. The last third of the book is devoted to a one-sided account of the inter-family trademark infringement lawsuit that Gallo Winery won after a trial and won again on appeal. As one who is intimately familiar with the case, I can tell you that her account is pure fiction - - wishful thinking on the defendant's part.

If you're in the business you should read this book.

This is an excellent book. The author does an outstanding job of telling both sides whenever a conflict arises. Obviously a great researcher, Hawkes pulls out information that was deliberately hidden.
Hawkes does an amazing job of showing the personality of the subjects with an even hand.
This is a fair, balanced account. If one had to find a criticism it would be that Hawkes was too reluctant to be accusatory when the facts are clear.
If you have even a slight interest in the subject, this book is worthy of searching for.

I don't mean to be mean, but this book gave me no new information about ADD. It is the same info from everything else that I have read.

Those of you who have read other books by Barkley have already read this one. It is the same thing over and over and over again. Don't waste your money.

My main reason for writing is to point out that the earlier reviewer who criticized Barkley for the passage about the 3 Little Pigs completely misunderstood the point Barkley was trying to make. Barkley was not saying that he thought that ADHD people deserved what they got; he was saying that some people who misunderstood what ADHD was all about might believe that ADHD people deserved what they got. The reviewer did not read Barkley carefully.