Editorial Review

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Reviews (37)

Must-read for any woman or parent (especially working moms!)
I find myself raving about this book to every woman (and man) I know. This is the most astounding and thought-provoking book I've read in recent years.Professor Hrdy is an emeritus professor of anthropology at UC Davis who puts the behavior of mothers and infants into an evolutionary context, using a comparative approach and drawing from sociobiology, anthropology, and psychology. I enjoyed this book from my perspectives as a student who did doctoral research in behavioral ecology; as a scientist who's tired of the superficial stereotype of instinctive, selfless maternal devotion; and most profoundly as a mother who's trying somehow to balance the equation of doing good for my family, myself, and the world as an ecologist with a conservation group. I appreciated the fact that she did not just rely on her own research on langur monkeys, but extensively reviewed other studies (and pointed out the dearth of studies that challenge societal assumptions that all mothers should care for every infant under any circumstance). She also entertains different hypotheses instead of just staking out a prescription based on an idealized version from one point in human evolutionary history (i.e. romanticizing hunter-gatherer societies), as seen in anthropologist Meredith Small's "Our Babies, Ourselves", which is also a wonderful book, but lacks the breadth of Hrdy's scholarship.
A must read for any evolutionary psychologist
So many great little factoids. My favorite topics include family planning (abortion, infanticide), maternal bonding, the adaptiveness of menopause, females in social structure, and lots of other tidbits I wish more authors would cover. The most fascinating thing is that these topics come up in the animal kingdom, not just with us. Evolution from a female viewpoint
This is a fascinating look at evolution with particular reference to the female of the species.Packed with fascinating information about female behaviour through the ages. Descriptions of life among hunter-gatherer groups are particularly interesting.Subjects like infanticide, wetnursing, abandonment of infants, etc are gone into in great detail.I learnt a lot from this book.I particularly enjoyed the splendidly bloodthirsty lullabye from the Napoleonic era printed at the end of this book, my children love it.One small complaint, at one point in this book Ms. Hrdy compares housewives to laboratory rats.Now, I am used to the abuse routinely heaped on housewives, but this is really going a little too far.The big difference between a laboratory rat and a housewife is that I, a housewife, can leave my house any time I like (maybe it's different in America, perhaps housewives are kept locked up there, I don't know), and I frequently do.i have alot more freedom of movement than I would if I were, say, stuck in an office all day long.I quite accept Ms. Hardy' point that children do not have to be caredfor full-time by their mothers, but it would be nice if she could refrain from abusing those of us who actually enjoy being full-time carers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Life Sciences - Evolution - Human    3. Mother and child    4. Motherhood    5. Natural selection    6. Psychological aspects    7. Science    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Women's Studies - General    11. Science / Evolution   

Editorial Review

Ever wonder why women can brush their teeth while walking and talking on various subjects while men generally find this very difficult to do?Why 99 percent of all patents are registered by men?Why stressed women talk?Why so many husbands hate shopping? According to Barbara and Allan Pease, science now confirms that "the way our brains are wired and the hormones pulsing through our bodies are the two factors that largely dictate, long before we are born, how we will think and behave. Our instincts are simply our genes determining how our bodies will behave in given sets of circumstances."That's right: socialization, politics, or upbringing aside, men and women have profound brain differences and are intrinsically inclined to act in distinct--and consequently frustrating--ways.Read more

Reviews (71)

So much information.
I was very surprised at how much I got from the book. Off the top of my head the book says women can see clearly in their peripheral vision. That's just crazy talk to a man because OUR peripheral vision is blurry. I had no idea and never would have known without this book. I've verified it with quite a few female friends just to be sure and they all concur. This explains why you almost never catch a woman checking out a guy. It also explains why men get caught so much.
I finally understand why I caon't understand men
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/06)
How suddenly it all makes sense now, with the help of this book!
This is the first book that truly helps me (and my mother too, and she is over 80 years old) understand why man and woman behaves differently.Once I understand why man behaves in such a way, not that they choose to, but they are made up and born in such a way, I no longer put the blame on my husband when he does not behave the way I expect him to.This certainly has improved our life and our relationship.I enjoyed the humors in the book.It is so much fun to read.I have sent copies to my friends and relatives whom I think could use a little help on their relationship with their partners.I just love the book and thank the authors for writing it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Gender Studies    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Love / Sex / Marriage    7. Man-woman relationship    8. Man-woman relationships    9. Sex differences (Psychology)    10. Sex role    11. Family & Relationships / Family Relationships   

Reviews (40)

What is a man?
That is the key question for men born and raised under the infuence of a society burdened by political correctness and absent fathers.The most disturbing askers of this questionare young males themselves, who are receiveing so many inputs from so many unreliable sources.Robert Lewis has not only answered the question for himself and his sons, but provides a model based on the most noble parts of the mideval concept of knighthood.His answers are compelling, soundly based in Christianity, and illustrated with many "how to" methods that have worked for him and others.While the book is targeted at fathers with juvenile sons, it has meaning for all of us.

Raising Boys Into Men of Honor
By far, my greatest joy in life is being "Daddy" to my toddler son.I take that responsibility very seriously, and am constantly looking for ways and times to refine my performance in that critical role.Robert Lewis' excellent book has given me some different and exciting perspectives on my dad role and responsibilities that can and should be contemplated by dads everywhere.
Help for Single Parent raising a Son
Excellent Book!Wonderful insights into how and what a parent should think about and do to raise a son into becoming a good, solid man of G_D.Mom's need all they help they can get and this book provides insights for both Mother's & Father's. A book for "Every" parent to read who is raising a son! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Men's Issues    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Parenting - Fatherhood    6. Parenting - General    7. Religion - Marriage & Family   

Reviews (22)

Boundaries with Kids
GREAT!!!!!I only wish that I had read this book when my children were toddlers.If children came with a book, this would be the one.As parents, our ultimate goal should be to raise responsibile independent adults.This book gives a whole new perspective on parenting.Highly recommended.

Great advice
I suffered from terrible verbal abuse as a child, and now as a mother have had a very difficult time seeing our daughter in any pain.This book has helped me to understand more clearly that true, Christ-like love gives us the strength to help our children to live assertively, and that while we work to protect them from harm, to try to protect them from every day life and consequences hurts them significantly more in the long run.It did a great job of teaching how to parent with high though realistic expectations of your children, while always giving them the unconditional love and encouragement that they need to have happy, successful lives.

Boundaries With Kids -# 1 Parenting Book!!!
I have to say that this book is absolutely my favorite parenting book thus far (and I have read many!)As a Christian parent attempting to do the best I can with the 3 beautiful kids that God has entrusted to me-this book has been the most helpful in giving practical insights and advise with how to deal with the day-to-day challenges of raising great kids.I love the understanding that is imparted as to healthy child developement and the encouragement and inspiration this book infuses to its readers.Parenting for Teens is also an amazing book - My oldest child is an 11 yr old girl and this book is chalk full of great advise to learn and implement as your kids are approaching their teen years-not just applicable if your kids are older! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family Relationships    5. Parenting - Discipline    6. Religion - Marriage & Family    7. Advice on parenting    8. CHRISTIAN LIVING RELATIONSHIPS PARENTING    9. Family & Relationships / Family Relationships    10. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Reviews (13)

One of the Most Toxic Books of the Last Two Decades
As a very successful child of a "good divorce," I cannot think of a more destructive book published in the last 15 years.Despite the fact that a divorce is sometimes necessary (in the case of abusive marriages, for example), the phrase "good divorce" is an oxymoron!The ruin--and yes, divorce ruins things even when it may make certain things better--of 50% of families in America is anything but good.
Good self help
Offers a good framework for understanding how relationship (may) evolve throughout divorce. Helps one understand what is and what could be.

Good Divorce
Good book. Full of useful and practical info. Describes the meanings of both emotional divorce and legal divorce. Goes through emotional stages of the divorce process. Bring the historical perspective. Helps to avoid mistakes during the divorce process. Offers the idea that divorces don't necessary have to be pathologized. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Divorce    2. Divorce & Separation    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. General    7. Longitudinal studies    8. United States    9. Family & Relationships / Divorce   

Reviews (5)

An insightful and well-written book on depression
In this important book, Tracy Thompson tackles the seldom talked about topic of maternal depression and has done a phenomenal job of exploring how, for far too many women, depression can intermingle with and transform the experience of motherhood.Drawing upon her own experiences with depression and including the stories of hundreds of women she interviewed, she paints a picture of maternal depression that is honest, compelling, and perhaps most importantly, empathic.Moreover, she has deftly woven this evocative descriptive material with a careful review of the medical literature, creating a work that is scholarly and engaging.
Insightful book on Depression ....
If I hadn't seen an ongoing discussion with the author online and heard about this book, I probably would not have picked it up since I do not suffer much from depression. But the discussion has sparked an interest and since I do have relatives that suffer from depression, I was intrigued enough to read it.
Excellent Read
Anyone who has suffered from depression and is a mother must read this book.Who knew that a book about depression would be uplifting.The author interviewed other women that have suffered from deqression and anxiety.It makes you realize that you are not alone!Millions of other women like you are out there.The number one lesson is to get help! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression in women    3. General    4. Mental Depression    5. Mental health    6. Mothers    7. Parenting - Motherhood    8. Postpartum depression    9. Psychology    10. Psychology Of Women    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (6)

Excellent Resource
This book succintly provides critical information for judges, therapists, parent evaluators/GALs, and most importantly parents trying to protect their children from harm.It highlights the many misconceptions present in the legal system that enable abusers to continue to victimize their children and spouses, and explains how these situations should be addressed, backed by data to support the authors' conclusions.This is a credible well-written book that provides a rational counter to the awful theories of Richard Gardner.

For Public Consumption
As a former severely battered wife and for two decades as an advocate for social justice: this book is long overdue. Specifically, the authors address the untenable situation of a
Male "victim" is obviously a perpetrator
Anyone with real experience and knowledge in the realm of domestic violence can clearly see that Bancroft is on target. He is one of the few authors who truly understands the dynamics of abuse and can accurately assess those who are truly abusers ... many of whom call themselves the "victims." There are definitive signs of men who abuse, though they work so hard to hide it that they get angry when they discover their attempts don't work with Brancroft.
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Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Abusive men    3. Criminology    4. Dysfunctional Families    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family violence    7. Interpersonal Relations    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. United States    11. Victims of family violence    12. Wife abuse    13. Domestic violence    14. Family & Relationships / Abuse   

Reviews (10)

The BEST investment that I have made to personally enhance my well being.
I have to pass this along because if I didn't I would feel that you are missing out on an amazing story. One that will touch each and every one of you.Once you start reading you will have a hard time putting it down and once you do for that split second your brain will not stop processing all the ideas that start charging at you. Then once you find a sheet of paper to start writing them all down on, before you know it you'll take up a spiral notebook. Then you'll pick up the book and again to read and BAM... more ideas.
Working Mothers Unite!
Carol Evans is an inspiration to all of us who don't think we have the energy to take on another day. She also made me feel good about all the choices I've made, whether they were to ramp up or slow down my carrer, given the stage of life I was at. I bought two copies with a new-mom friend in mind, but this is not just for new moms - it's for all carrer women if for nothing else, to gain some perspective.

This IS How We Do It
What a joy to read Carol Evans' book.It is inspiring and fun and helps us see that the life of a working mother does not need to solely be about guilt, stress and dodging the bullets from stay-at-home moms.Her book is inspiring and real.How refreshing to hear a corporate executive talk in such a familiar and engaging voice.This is as good as any great advice from a girlfriend except that it is jam packed with great research and cold, hard facts about what we can do to make it work and which companies in corporate America are helping working moms make it work.Every working mother should have this book as a reference! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. General    4. Parenting - Motherhood    5. Personal Guidance    6. Sociology    7. Sociology Of Women    8. Women's Studies - General    9. Working mothers    10. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (2)

Compassionate, In-Depth And Packed With Great Tips
I read this book as a biological parent and a stepparent. I really appreciate the author's deep and compassionate understanding of the primitive connection between parents and their biological children in stepfamilies-a connection that can leave stepparents feeling like outsiders. Because the author honors this important bond between divorced parents and their kids, she does a beautiful job of explaining the incredibly complex nature of relationships in stepfamilies. I love the author's warm, personal approach and her ability to create empathy for all members of a stepfamily. She does a great job of helping stepparents view the world from their partners' and stepchildren's point of view. She also offers very helpful tips about how to bond with stepchildren, including sample conversations about difficult topics. The bonding tips include "Conversation Starters That Get Stepchildren Talking" and other creative ideas. This book is a gold mine for stepparents!

7 Steps to Bonding With Your Stepchild
We are a treatment foster home and Suzen was our clinical specialist for almost a year.I have a step child that I was having problems with and Suzen suggested that we read her book and see if it would help.It helped me because I at times seemed like I was in competition with my step-son for his father's attention.It showed me new ways to deal with this and how to come to terms with it.It also helped me with the foster children in our home and really had a large impact on how I dealt with those children.I feel Suzen writes from the heart and some very good points in her book.I would recommend this book highly to any family which is dealing with difficult step-children.It is worth every penny. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child rearing    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Parent and child    6. Parenting - General    7. Parenting - Stepparenting    8. Stepchildren    9. Stepfamilies    10. Stepparents    11. Advice on parenting    12. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (2)

Help for Navigating the Season's of a Man's Life
I found Morley's book to be exceptionally well written and full of substantive, easy-to-understand, and useful-for-living insight for men based on a solid Biblical foundation.
Men should read this book for guidance and advice
This book represents Christian experience and suggestions for the day-to-day issues Christian men face in the world.This book is well written, is an easy read, and is highly recommended.Once you have read this book, you will want to read it again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Men's Issues    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Parenting - Fatherhood    5. Religion - Christian Life    6. Christian Interest    7. Family & Relationships / Fatherhood    8. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Editorial Review

Mary Pipher, author of the bestselling and groundbreaking Read more

Reviews (32)

Well worth reading
The author of the bestseller Reviving Ophelia this times takes us on a journey through the lives of our elders. Following the lead of Bernice Neugarten at the University of Chicago, she distinguishes between the "young-old" and the "old-old". This book focuses mainly on the later, telling the stories of people who are coping with loss and illness.
Another Country:Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders
This book is written in a readable style that holds your interest.I bought it to help understand my elderly father who is suffering from dementia, but I found it told me a lot about myself and what I will want and need in the next 20 years.Mary Pipher's insightful and easy to understand.

Another country: the tourist perspective
Not being "old-old" myself, with both parents dead, I picked up this book out of curiosity.Piper does not mince words. She says at the outset, "Old age is not for sissies," and she goes on to describe life as an old person in a country designed for the young.It's an apt metaphor: the old learn a new language and a new terrain.Read more

Subjects:  1. Aging - General    2. Aging parents    3. Care    4. Eldercare    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family relationships    7. General    8. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    9. Psychology    10. United States    11. Elderly    12. Marriage, family & other relationships    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    14. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (70)

a lighthearted read
The book was a lighthearted read, meant to make fun of all of the "overachiever" moms out there. It inspired me to think about what is really important, but more than that, it made me laugh. Wish I had read this one before I spent $80 on my son's infant "gym" toy....

I'm so happy for Muffy
It must be fabulous, simply FABULOUS to have perfect children and be practically perfect in every way!!
Don't Fall for This Marketing Gimic!
This book is not for the modern mom:the mom who plays with her children, looks for the best schools for them, tries to prevent them from injuring themselves, and actually takes photos of them.Muffy proudly denounces all of these practices.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child Development And Rearing    4. Child rearing    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Mead-Ferro, Muffy    8. Mothers    9. Parent And Child    10. Parenting    11. Parenting - General    12. Parenting - Motherhood    13. Topic - Family    14. United States    15. Child care & upbringing   

Reviews (8)

Pretty good
This book is pretty good. But when I went shopping for a professional interventionist, every one I interviewed suggested that I read the book "Love First." I've read both, but Love First really lays out the whole process in detail and takes you through it step by step. And yes, the intervention was successful. Thank God!

Here's a thought ...
How to deal with someone who doesn't want your help?Here's a really radical idea: leave the person alone.

A Classic Text
...the disease model is settled science. The American Medical Association has recognized alcoholism as a disease since the 1950s and long-term research of high validity supports the fact that addiciton is a disease...I do hope potential readers of this classic text will not be dissuaded by an unknown source's unfounded personal beliefs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Drug And Alcohol Abuse Treatment    3. Drug abuse    4. Family Relationships    5. Rehabilitation    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. Treatment    10. Alcoholism    11. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    12. Drug addiction & substance abuse    13. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (9)

A fun bit of light entertainment
I enjoyed the book for light entertainment.Best read in short segments. A fun little read.

For Every Grandmother
A very quick reading book , but by far one of the funniest I read. It's a book for all grandmothers everywhere and when the grandmothers are finished pass on to your daughters who will also enjoy the read. It hit home in so many ways, with truths that moms and daughters everywhere share as they grow up together. Just an enjoyable hour well spent reading why I love being a grandmother (well really a grandjoy)
Another great gift...
Purchased this for the wife of a business associate who was becoming a grandmother for the first.She loved it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. General    3. Grandmothers    4. Humor    5. Parenting - Grandparenting    6. United States    7. Family & Relationships / Grandparenting   

Reviews (8)

FANTASTIC!
Cheryl Lage's "Twinspiration: Real-Life Advice From Pregnancy Through the First Year for Parents of Twins and Multiples" is an outstanding resource for expectant parents of twins.She covers all the stages of pregnancy and what to expect, pre-natal testing, birth, and all the real life scenarios that come after the babies arrive.Cheryl writes from real-life experience with wit and humour.She does include cautions about things that can go wrong, but what I really love about it is that she does this in a NON-alarmist way.I had ZERO panic attacks while reading this book, but at the same time, I feel that I have gained INVALUABLE information from Twinspiration.The writing style in this book reminds me of a big sister telling it all how it is.Let's just say that I was freaking out when I found out there are two in there, but now I am ready to face it all head on and I can credit a lot of that to this book.Thanks Cheryl, you have done a great thing with this book!
Not a scary thought in it
Too many books about pregnancy and in particular, multiple births, have scary facts and issues that really make you not want to read them.This book is funny, amusing, and very informative.Some of the things mentioned in her book worth looking forward to... "Turn the computer off", "Baby's first bloodshed (daddy did it!)" and all the oops' and laughs along the way.It makes up for all those horror stories that seem to pervade the pregnancy shelves of every book store.

Must-have for parents of twins
As a new parent of twins, I could not read this book fast enough - flipping pages while nursing, and even sacrificing much needed sleep to read the informative chapters.Lage writes from the heart, making you feel like she is with you through your own twin trials and tribulations.It is so refreshing to read the true-to-life account of her experiences in the early days - the good, the bad, and the ugly.She shares the mistakes and triumphs of motherhood with twins with honesty and a level head.While drawing from her personal experiences, she does not give too much information as to exclude those with different circumstances, i.e. not telling you the exact time her babies started sleeping through the night!
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development And Rearing    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Infant Care    6. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    7. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    8. Multiple birth    9. Multiple pregnancy    10. Parenting - General    11. Popular works    12. Pregnancy & Childbirth    13. Siblings    14. Twins    15. Family & Relationships / General   

Reviews (1)

Why Marriages Suffer
"Can you recall a time as a child when you were upset and someone comforted you?"
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    3. Family Relationships    4. Marriage    5. Marriage (Christianity)    6. Religion    7. Religion - Christian Life    8. Religion - Relationships    9. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (23)

Would Give Even More Stars If I Could
The information in this book is invaluable for anyone who has a difficult older parent.It takes you through a number of scenarios and then shows you how to better deal with those situations.Just reading this book and incorporating some of the suggestions has taken a huge weight off of my shoulders.
Book is a recap of material already out there
The book really didn't offer much that I hadn't read many times over on relating to difficult people.
This book was a lifesaver
Five years ago, I was struggling with the gut-wrenching dilemma of how to care for my widowed mother, who lived 5 hours from me and vacillated between smothering love and unmitigated rage. Her physical, financial and emotional deterioration and over dependence on me to be her savior were crippling.
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Subjects:  1. Adult children of aging parent    2. Adult children of aging parents    3. Aging    4. Aging parents    5. Care    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family relationships    8. Family/Marriage    9. General    10. Parenting - General    11. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    12. Psychology    13. Self-Help    14. United States    15. Self-Help / Aging   

Reviews (26)

things my mother never told me
this book is a gold mine of information about verbal abuse and domestic violence relationships...how to tell if you are in one...types of verbal abuse...how to respond and protect yourself...and how to get out of the relationship

Verbal Abuse--Survivors Speak Out
I read this author's first "Verbal Abuse" book last year.It was the best I found on the subject.I just read her 2nd book "Survivors Speak Out."I can't say enough about how it gave me the strength I needed to begin recovering from verbal abuse. I'm a independent successful businesswoman, who learned the hard way how low grade consistent verbal abuse caused long lasting damage to my stomach. Both books are a "must" for any woman feeling she & her mate are "talking a different language" (see back cover of first book.)

Educating Yourself about Verbal Abuse
This book is a good tool for counselors as well as people in recovery. It identifies verbal abuse in the many forms that it takes. It also gives insight on some of the patterns and dynamics involved as well as how some have turned their lives around. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Family violence    3. General    4. Interpersonal Relations    5. Interpersonal conflict    6. Invective    7. Psychological abuse    8. Psychology    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. United States    12. Bullying    13. Social welfare & social services