By Sarah Brokaw
http://www.amazon.com/Fortytude-Making-Decades-through-Beyond/dp/1401341195/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1304294980&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
This is a
262-page book that is a well-written collection of stories that Brokaw
has drawn from her therapy practice in Beverly Hills, California. There
are many similar books, and there is no question that they make
interesting reading. There are a total of 46 notes, 27 of which come
from the Internet.
There are five
core values (1. Grace, 2. Connectedness, 3. Accomplishment, 4.
Adventure, and 5. Spirituality) that form the major parts of the book,
then each part has three chapters, which, along with an introduction and
conclusion form the eighteen chapters of the book.
Throughout the
book, Brokaw references her family (“Of course, my parents did not view
things this way” (p. 107).) the way she grew up (“Still, to this day, I
can struggle with the sense of not being good enough. . . .” (p. 09).) ,
and even how she occasionally seeks their opinion. “Naturally, I
consulted my mother and father for their opinion on this subject” (p.
86). Tom Brokaw, the former NBC news reporter, is her father.
Brokaw has a
master’s degree in social work from New York University, and throughout
the book she cites her work as a therapist as her basis for saying
things: “In my practice, I’ve observed that many people cheat. . . .”
(p. 93). “As a therapist, I’ve also learned that a lot of clients have a
hard time talking about sex” (p. 174). “As I work with couples, I
strive to help them understand. . . .” (p. 175). She dispenses advice
such as, “I generally suggest that single women not date online, go to
bars, get set up on blind dates, or buy tickets to expensive events if
they sincerely feel that they won’t enjoy themselves” (p. 194). Aren’t
readers lucky to have her advice?
You learn a great
deal about Sarah Brokaw from reading her book. She talks about her
upbringing, her education, her current status (“At 40, I am still not
married, though I have been in and out of long-term relationships” (p.
191).) And her advice is sprinkled throughout the book: “‘You can’t
change what’s happened in your life, but you can change your
narrative.’ This is something I say frequently to my clients. . . .”
(p. 225), or “It may sound strange to some, but I found deep spiritual
satisfaction in surfing” (p. 240). This makes the book a more enjoyable
read, it is true, and I can see why some readers will not just get
hooked on the narrative, but adopt her ideas as proven ideas.
Having read the
reviews of her book at Amazon.com, I am not surprised that most give her
book a five-star rating, however, I am a little suspect. I wonder
about the influence Tom Brokaw might have had in these. Perhaps, for
example, he passed the book to some of his friends who posted their
reviews and ratings. I am not saying the book is not deserving of these
reviews, I am just saying that it looks very suspicious.
Having examined a
number of books using this same format (narratives of clients’ lives as
the main support for the author’s observations (and even selecting five
core values, key principles, important concepts, or essential beliefs),
I find this book similar in kind. It is interesting, true, but I don’t
think it offers a large number of new ideas. It may be worthwhile for
those who need encouragement, support, or just an uplifting, inspiring
read. There is no question Brokaw can revitalize and give a shot in the
arm to those who are reaching or have recently passed their 40th
birthday.
Fortytude: Making the next decades the best years of your life—through the 40s, 50s, and beyond can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
American Idol: The untold story
By Richard Rushfield
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Simple-Living-Paths-Better/dp/1440204519
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
No, I am not a big fan nor a consistent follower of the program. I enjoy watching it when the contestants are narrowed down to ten or so. On one particular day in April, 2011, I watched the show (it featured rock-n’-roll selections), and I was shocked to discover that I enjoyed every song that was sung, and I thought that every singer had selected an absolutely appropriate song for their own vocal range and ability. Even the judges were amazed and noted that it would be difficult for viewers to select one of the contestants for elimination.
Since I don’t follow the show religiously, I really don’t care who the eliminated contestant is nor do I care who the winner might be. That is a casual interest if there ever was one.
I say all of the above for one reason. Unlike some of the reviewers of Rushfield’s book, I am unable to pick out errors—unless they are misspellings, grammatical errors, or typos (which are obvious and a few are present).
Okay, as a non-fan, then, why would I even select this book for review? First, I enjoy some pop culture, and this book certainly is all about a pop culture occurrence. Second, I enjoy media events, and American Idol must be catalogued as a major media event. Third, I delight in well-written material that reveals (to some degree) what goes on behind the scenes. Rushfield certainly gets in behind the scenes. Finally, fourth, I enjoy an entertaining read. The interviews and stories are definitely entertaining.
There is so much here that is just fun. The material is well put together, reads easily, and covers a great deal of territory. From the back flyleaf, the background of Rushfield includes this comment: “For three years RICHARD RUSHFIELD covered American Idol for the Los Angeles Times writing hundreds of columns and conducting thousands of interviews with cast and crew. He is currently an entertainment columnist for The Daily Beast . . . .” Not only does his history of covering the show become easily seen, but his writing experience, too, is quickly revealed.
I loved the information on how the judges were initially selected, how Ryan Seacrest found his niche, how decisions about what songs were sung were made, various contestants views of the whole process (especially the exhausting rehearsals), and how the various aspects of the show came to be—the decisions that had to be made as well as the influences on those making the decisions. Even the decisions about how to handle the voting because of the different time zones in this country was interesting to read.
One thing I wished from first opening this book, is that the chapter titles were more descriptive of what was included in the various chapters. Some are obvious like “Creator,” but “Lightbulbs,” “Enter the Dragon,” “Pop Goes the Idol,” “The Crossing,” “Showtime,” “Once Upon a Time,” “The Exile,” “Goliah,” “Divas,” “Simon vs. Simon,” “The Anti-Christ,” “Detente,” “Ponyhawk,” “The Bubble,” Twilight of the Valkyries,” “The Pastor,” “Tweak House, “Leaving Idol,” and “The End of the Day.” Most of these titles reveal nothing, and if a reader was interested in reading just a portion of the book (knowing little before delving into it), how would he or she know where to look from just these chapter titles alone?
This book isn’t for everyone of course. Many will find it boring. Many will have no reference base for the material. Many, on the other hand, are likely to find it entertaining (as I did) and enjoy the insights and information.
American Idol: The untold story can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Simple-Living-Paths-Better/dp/1440204519
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
No, I am not a big fan nor a consistent follower of the program. I enjoy watching it when the contestants are narrowed down to ten or so. On one particular day in April, 2011, I watched the show (it featured rock-n’-roll selections), and I was shocked to discover that I enjoyed every song that was sung, and I thought that every singer had selected an absolutely appropriate song for their own vocal range and ability. Even the judges were amazed and noted that it would be difficult for viewers to select one of the contestants for elimination.
Since I don’t follow the show religiously, I really don’t care who the eliminated contestant is nor do I care who the winner might be. That is a casual interest if there ever was one.
I say all of the above for one reason. Unlike some of the reviewers of Rushfield’s book, I am unable to pick out errors—unless they are misspellings, grammatical errors, or typos (which are obvious and a few are present).
Okay, as a non-fan, then, why would I even select this book for review? First, I enjoy some pop culture, and this book certainly is all about a pop culture occurrence. Second, I enjoy media events, and American Idol must be catalogued as a major media event. Third, I delight in well-written material that reveals (to some degree) what goes on behind the scenes. Rushfield certainly gets in behind the scenes. Finally, fourth, I enjoy an entertaining read. The interviews and stories are definitely entertaining.
There is so much here that is just fun. The material is well put together, reads easily, and covers a great deal of territory. From the back flyleaf, the background of Rushfield includes this comment: “For three years RICHARD RUSHFIELD covered American Idol for the Los Angeles Times writing hundreds of columns and conducting thousands of interviews with cast and crew. He is currently an entertainment columnist for The Daily Beast . . . .” Not only does his history of covering the show become easily seen, but his writing experience, too, is quickly revealed.
I loved the information on how the judges were initially selected, how Ryan Seacrest found his niche, how decisions about what songs were sung were made, various contestants views of the whole process (especially the exhausting rehearsals), and how the various aspects of the show came to be—the decisions that had to be made as well as the influences on those making the decisions. Even the decisions about how to handle the voting because of the different time zones in this country was interesting to read.
One thing I wished from first opening this book, is that the chapter titles were more descriptive of what was included in the various chapters. Some are obvious like “Creator,” but “Lightbulbs,” “Enter the Dragon,” “Pop Goes the Idol,” “The Crossing,” “Showtime,” “Once Upon a Time,” “The Exile,” “Goliah,” “Divas,” “Simon vs. Simon,” “The Anti-Christ,” “Detente,” “Ponyhawk,” “The Bubble,” Twilight of the Valkyries,” “The Pastor,” “Tweak House, “Leaving Idol,” and “The End of the Day.” Most of these titles reveal nothing, and if a reader was interested in reading just a portion of the book (knowing little before delving into it), how would he or she know where to look from just these chapter titles alone?
This book isn’t for everyone of course. Many will find it boring. Many will have no reference base for the material. Many, on the other hand, are likely to find it entertaining (as I did) and enjoy the insights and information.
American Idol: The untold story can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, July 16, 2012
The heart of simple living: 7 paths to a better life
By Wanda Urbanska
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Simple-Living-Paths-Better/dp/1440204519
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I did not know Wanda Urbanska, have little background regarding the whole “simple living” idea, and do not live (nor desire to live) the “simple life” by any stretch of the imagination. Then why did I select this book to review, you might wonder?
First, I enjoy discovering new things. I thought there was a chance that my mind would be opened to a new revelation, a fresh insight, or even a vibrant point of view. Maybe, too, there would be room in the “simple living” panorama, for a small little bush like myself!
Second, Urbanska is the author or coauthor of eight books, is the host/producer of a syndicated public television series, possesses an attractive publishing record (The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Mother Earth News, American Libraries, and Natural Home), and is a graduate of Harvard University. I actually thought she might have something to say.
Third, I thought that in the discussions of her topics, she might offer some new insights or suggestions. She covers such topics as financial independence, work, housing happiness, homemaking, kitchen and garden work, as well as community living.
For someone just starting out in life—with very little real-life experience—this might be a convenient place to begin discovering what life is all about. Also, for someone who has done little or no reading on any of these subjects, this book might serve as a primer to get you started. It covers the basics.
I was quite disappointed overall. I found Urbanska had little new to say. Her ideas have been well (thoroughly) discussed in other places — as well as in newspaper and magazine articles. This book has been drawn from other popular books as well as websites that anyone can quickly find. Also, it has been drawn from Urbanska’s wealth of common knowledge. Most of these ideas are simple, and one would discover them quickly from one’s daily experiences.
If all you are looking for is a delightful read, this is a good book. If you want depth, you won’t find it here. If you want to avoid your own common sense (or add only minimally to it!), this would be a good resource as well. I found the book rather trite and unnecessary.
The heart of simple living: 7 paths to a better life can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Simple-Living-Paths-Better/dp/1440204519
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I did not know Wanda Urbanska, have little background regarding the whole “simple living” idea, and do not live (nor desire to live) the “simple life” by any stretch of the imagination. Then why did I select this book to review, you might wonder?
First, I enjoy discovering new things. I thought there was a chance that my mind would be opened to a new revelation, a fresh insight, or even a vibrant point of view. Maybe, too, there would be room in the “simple living” panorama, for a small little bush like myself!
Second, Urbanska is the author or coauthor of eight books, is the host/producer of a syndicated public television series, possesses an attractive publishing record (The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Mother Earth News, American Libraries, and Natural Home), and is a graduate of Harvard University. I actually thought she might have something to say.
Third, I thought that in the discussions of her topics, she might offer some new insights or suggestions. She covers such topics as financial independence, work, housing happiness, homemaking, kitchen and garden work, as well as community living.
For someone just starting out in life—with very little real-life experience—this might be a convenient place to begin discovering what life is all about. Also, for someone who has done little or no reading on any of these subjects, this book might serve as a primer to get you started. It covers the basics.
I was quite disappointed overall. I found Urbanska had little new to say. Her ideas have been well (thoroughly) discussed in other places — as well as in newspaper and magazine articles. This book has been drawn from other popular books as well as websites that anyone can quickly find. Also, it has been drawn from Urbanska’s wealth of common knowledge. Most of these ideas are simple, and one would discover them quickly from one’s daily experiences.
If all you are looking for is a delightful read, this is a good book. If you want depth, you won’t find it here. If you want to avoid your own common sense (or add only minimally to it!), this would be a good resource as well. I found the book rather trite and unnecessary.
The heart of simple living: 7 paths to a better life can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, July 9, 2012
The gift of anger: 7 steps to uncover the meaning of anger and gain awareness, true strength, and peace
By Marcia Cannon
http://www.amazon.com/Gift-Anger-Uncover-Awareness-Strength/dp/1572249668/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1303868249&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
“The power of anger comes from its narrowed focus, from the blinders it puts on your vision so that you can’t see the whole of the person you’re angry at. All you can see is their injurious behavior. Take the blinders off by completing this step and you make room for the other person, for their difficulties as well as their shortcomings. With this widening focus, this increased ability to see the other person, your anger is much more likely to dissipate” (p. 130).
With a Ph.D. (and an MFT—marriage and family therapist) and fifteen years as a marriage and family therapist, Cannon writes practical information with confidence and knowledge. The quotation above reveals the practical nature of her approach, the basic viewpoint she holds, and her writing style.
From the California Marriage and Family Therapists’ website it says this about marriage and family therapists: “Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are relationship specialists who treat persons involved in interpersonal relationships. They are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive marriage, family and social adjustment.”
With respect to California requirements for an MFT, this site goes on to say,”Requirements for licensure include a related doctoral or two-year master's degree, passage of a comprehensive written and oral examination and at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience.“ I mention this for two reasons: 1) I knew nothing of an MFT, and 2) an MFT truly adds credibility to Cannon’s expertise and experience.
After discussing anger, its power, and the nature of beliefs and feelings (an excellent background into the roots, causes, and persistence of anger) she offers seven steps: 1) Acknowledge your anger and safely regain your emotional balance, 2) Notice your thoughts and feelings, 3) Give yourself validation, 4) Identify your unmet need, 5) Take action to meet your need, 6) Explore the other person’s frame of reference, and 7) Free yourself with forgiveness.
The book is full of case studies, exercises, and summaries in the form of “The Gift-of-Anger Process” found at the end of each chapter.
This is a practical, valuable, and handy reference tool for those who have anger issues. It is a great book to give to others you know who have anger problems. To have this book available is useful (once you have read it) to be able to pull it off the shelf and review it. It is that practical; it is that effective; and it is that important.
The gift of anger: 7 steps to uncover the meaning of anger and gain awareness, true strength, and peace can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Gift-Anger-Uncover-Awareness-Strength/dp/1572249668/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1303868249&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
“The power of anger comes from its narrowed focus, from the blinders it puts on your vision so that you can’t see the whole of the person you’re angry at. All you can see is their injurious behavior. Take the blinders off by completing this step and you make room for the other person, for their difficulties as well as their shortcomings. With this widening focus, this increased ability to see the other person, your anger is much more likely to dissipate” (p. 130).
With a Ph.D. (and an MFT—marriage and family therapist) and fifteen years as a marriage and family therapist, Cannon writes practical information with confidence and knowledge. The quotation above reveals the practical nature of her approach, the basic viewpoint she holds, and her writing style.
From the California Marriage and Family Therapists’ website it says this about marriage and family therapists: “Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are relationship specialists who treat persons involved in interpersonal relationships. They are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive marriage, family and social adjustment.”
With respect to California requirements for an MFT, this site goes on to say,”Requirements for licensure include a related doctoral or two-year master's degree, passage of a comprehensive written and oral examination and at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience.“ I mention this for two reasons: 1) I knew nothing of an MFT, and 2) an MFT truly adds credibility to Cannon’s expertise and experience.
After discussing anger, its power, and the nature of beliefs and feelings (an excellent background into the roots, causes, and persistence of anger) she offers seven steps: 1) Acknowledge your anger and safely regain your emotional balance, 2) Notice your thoughts and feelings, 3) Give yourself validation, 4) Identify your unmet need, 5) Take action to meet your need, 6) Explore the other person’s frame of reference, and 7) Free yourself with forgiveness.
The book is full of case studies, exercises, and summaries in the form of “The Gift-of-Anger Process” found at the end of each chapter.
This is a practical, valuable, and handy reference tool for those who have anger issues. It is a great book to give to others you know who have anger problems. To have this book available is useful (once you have read it) to be able to pull it off the shelf and review it. It is that practical; it is that effective; and it is that important.
The gift of anger: 7 steps to uncover the meaning of anger and gain awareness, true strength, and peace can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Why normal people do some crazy things: Nine fundamentals of human behavior
By Kevin Davis
http://www.amazon.com/Normal-People-Some-Crazy-Things/dp/0981934307
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II , Ph.D.
The first thing that concerned me when I began this book was where the “nine fundamentals of human behaviors” originated. I searched the back of the book for notes, sources, or a bibliography and found none. I looked at the back of each chapter and even at the bottom of pages throughout the book and found none. I checked within paragraphs to see if citations were included, and I found none.
Then I found the answer. Davis says, “I wrote this book to share some of my perspectives about why people behave the way they do. I call these broad categories of motivations that underlie people’s actions, ‘Fundamentals’ of human behavior” (p. 5).
These are Davis’s perceptions that “gelled over time as I worked with clients” (p. 5). “In developing these Fundamentals, I attempted to categorize large variations of human behavior into simplified, understandable and usable concepts” (p. 5).
Davis’s nine fundamentals are: 1) “Everyone is terrified and therefore unreliable...until they’re not,” 2) “No one wants you to succeed too well or fail too badly,” 3) “Genuine interest in and attention to others is a rare commodity,” 4) “Most relationships, and their recurring problems, are based on power dynamics,” 5) “Everyone is rushing toward the white picket fence,” 6) “The Immature Masculine tries to run from or dominate the Feminine,” 7) Everyone points the finger,” 8) “We all have multiple personalities,” and 9) We are all addicted to intensity.”
“Ultimately,” Davis writes, “these Fundamentals are ‘one man’s opinion’ and they are intended to serve as a starting point for discussion” (p. 7). Discussion starters. The problem, as I see it (and this is just one man’s opinion!), is that there are no sources to support these fundamentals. Why couldn’t the author expand readers’ perspectives, reading opportunities, and research possibilities with “further reading”suggestions?
The answer could lie in one element: The author only has an M.A. He has not researched his own ideas. He has no fundamental knowledge base except his own. Throughout the book, to support this possibility, he includes shaded boxes labeled “Author’s personal experience,” “From actual conversation,” “Excerpt from coaching session,” and “From actual event.” These are his sources. I wonder if Davis has ever considered the fact that single instances, no matter how significant they may seem, do not prove a point, and, too, can be slanted in any direction to make or prove a point! They are not—by any stretch of the imagination—evidence!
Now, I want it to be clear that this is not an indictment of the book. After all, Davis admits what he has done. Further, he is not asking readers to accept his fundamentals as fact, truth, proven points, or validated conclusions. He is presenting them as discussable issues. They are designed simply to promote discussion. And, certainly, with that in mind, they may well serve that purpose.
My issue with the fundamentals is simply that for any reader who has done any significant amount reading (or has a significant amount of life experience) will find Davis’s “fundamentals” as common knowledge. How do you discuss ideas that are fairly commonly accepted behaviors?
With all of this said, Davis is a fairly good writer, has a sense of humor, and offers a variety of interesting examples. If you are just looking for an enjoyable book that may keep your interest for a couple of hours, this is a worthwhile purchase. If you are looking for deep thinking, well-researched ideas, or insights that you won’t find in numerous other places, this book won’t help you at all. Davis, however, offers practical information that has the potential to remind you of a variety of interesting insights that may or may not offer you useful ways to look at daily behavior.
Why normal people do some crazy things: Nine fundamentals of human behaviors can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Normal-People-Some-Crazy-Things/dp/0981934307
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II , Ph.D.
The first thing that concerned me when I began this book was where the “nine fundamentals of human behaviors” originated. I searched the back of the book for notes, sources, or a bibliography and found none. I looked at the back of each chapter and even at the bottom of pages throughout the book and found none. I checked within paragraphs to see if citations were included, and I found none.
Then I found the answer. Davis says, “I wrote this book to share some of my perspectives about why people behave the way they do. I call these broad categories of motivations that underlie people’s actions, ‘Fundamentals’ of human behavior” (p. 5).
These are Davis’s perceptions that “gelled over time as I worked with clients” (p. 5). “In developing these Fundamentals, I attempted to categorize large variations of human behavior into simplified, understandable and usable concepts” (p. 5).
Davis’s nine fundamentals are: 1) “Everyone is terrified and therefore unreliable...until they’re not,” 2) “No one wants you to succeed too well or fail too badly,” 3) “Genuine interest in and attention to others is a rare commodity,” 4) “Most relationships, and their recurring problems, are based on power dynamics,” 5) “Everyone is rushing toward the white picket fence,” 6) “The Immature Masculine tries to run from or dominate the Feminine,” 7) Everyone points the finger,” 8) “We all have multiple personalities,” and 9) We are all addicted to intensity.”
“Ultimately,” Davis writes, “these Fundamentals are ‘one man’s opinion’ and they are intended to serve as a starting point for discussion” (p. 7). Discussion starters. The problem, as I see it (and this is just one man’s opinion!), is that there are no sources to support these fundamentals. Why couldn’t the author expand readers’ perspectives, reading opportunities, and research possibilities with “further reading”suggestions?
The answer could lie in one element: The author only has an M.A. He has not researched his own ideas. He has no fundamental knowledge base except his own. Throughout the book, to support this possibility, he includes shaded boxes labeled “Author’s personal experience,” “From actual conversation,” “Excerpt from coaching session,” and “From actual event.” These are his sources. I wonder if Davis has ever considered the fact that single instances, no matter how significant they may seem, do not prove a point, and, too, can be slanted in any direction to make or prove a point! They are not—by any stretch of the imagination—evidence!
Now, I want it to be clear that this is not an indictment of the book. After all, Davis admits what he has done. Further, he is not asking readers to accept his fundamentals as fact, truth, proven points, or validated conclusions. He is presenting them as discussable issues. They are designed simply to promote discussion. And, certainly, with that in mind, they may well serve that purpose.
My issue with the fundamentals is simply that for any reader who has done any significant amount reading (or has a significant amount of life experience) will find Davis’s “fundamentals” as common knowledge. How do you discuss ideas that are fairly commonly accepted behaviors?
With all of this said, Davis is a fairly good writer, has a sense of humor, and offers a variety of interesting examples. If you are just looking for an enjoyable book that may keep your interest for a couple of hours, this is a worthwhile purchase. If you are looking for deep thinking, well-researched ideas, or insights that you won’t find in numerous other places, this book won’t help you at all. Davis, however, offers practical information that has the potential to remind you of a variety of interesting insights that may or may not offer you useful ways to look at daily behavior.
Why normal people do some crazy things: Nine fundamentals of human behaviors can be purchased at Amazon.
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