Editorial Review

"What is 'effectiveness' in a family?" asks author Steven R. Covey. He promptly answers with four words: "a beautiful family culture." Building this culture is the primary theme of Covey's parenting guide, a manual based on concepts introduced in his blockbuster, Read more

Reviews (43)

Life Changing
Some of this is just common sense. But some of this was life changing for my family.
Old concepts repackaged and regurgitated
All Covey is saying in his longwinded book, basically, is this: Listen to the people you love. Put the family first in all your decisions. Blah blah blah and something about synergy.
Well Packaged, Well Presented, Needful Message
I listened to the Audio CD version of this book.The presentation was well organized.With breaks built in for thought, action and reflection.
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Subjects:  1. Communication in the family    2. Family    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family Relationships    6. Family/Marriage    7. Parent and child    8. Reference    9. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Reviews (13)

Parenting from Inside the Parent Brain
While other authors have focused their attention on the brain of the developing child (What's Going on in There by Lise Eliot, Ph.D. and The Scientist in the Crib by Alison Gopnik, PhD, Andrew N. Meltzoff, Ph.D., and Patricia K. Kuhl, Ph.D.), in their book Parenting from the Inside Out: How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help you Raise Children Who Thrive, Siegel and Hartzell zero in on what's going on inside the parent's brain -- specifically how new research in the areas of neurobiology and attachment theory can help parents to understand why they parent the way they do and what they can do to use that knowledge to become better parents.
Will make you a better parent if you're willing to work for it.
This book is full of lots of fascinating information but it's the exercises and the thinking that goes into doing them that makes this book the eye-opener it is.Don't cheat yourself out of the full experience by skipping the exercises or setting them aside to "get to later."You and your kids will both benefit from the soul-searching Siegel and Hartzell invite at the end of each chapter.

The best book on parenting I have ever read.
This is an excellent book for parents and foster or adoptive parents and therapists.It is a book to be read slowly and experienced. It is about emotional and brain development in people and the lifetime effects of our connections with those around us. It is also a book about healing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. General    5. Parenting - General    6. Child care & upbringing    7. Family & Relationships / Reference   

Reviews (112)

Overall, OK, but beware of bias
You'll find lots of short, direct answers to a lot of common parenting and medical questions in this book.However, I was bothered by Dr. Brown's bias when it came to certain topics; she presents her opinions as established fact when at times it isn't.
Love this book!!!
This book is such a great reference for first time moms, like me. It has such straightforward advice and information for any level of parental education. I am a pediatric nurse practitioner in a large clinic and an experienced NICU nurse, and of course, you think that you know a lot. However, I can tell you that I learned so much with every page and chapter. I will recommend this book to my parents daily!! I am even taking it to my work when I return from maternity leave, in case I need a quick reference!!

ESSENTIAL for the first time mom
I don't think I can give enough praise for this book.It is so well written with humor and common sense.As a new mother I skimmed it constantly for answers to my daughter's latest skin issue, bowel movement, eating schedule, etc.I consider myself well-read.I am college educated and have a good head on my shoulders...but there was nothing that fully prepared me for motherhood once I got there at 30.This book was a blessing for both our family and our pediatrician's office who had one less phone call to answer!
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Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    5. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    6. Parenting - General    7. Reference    8. Family & Relationships / Infants & Toddlers   

Reviews (36)

Great book about marriage.
This is one of the better books I've read regarding the subject of marriage. I've always been hesitant about going the final step and tying the knot, but this book really helped clear up some issues for me. I bought it along with "How to Meet and Marry the Right Person" by Rolf Nabb and think that finally I am ready to take the next step.

Great resource for engaged couples
I have used this book for years with couples who come to me to get married (I am a pastor). The book begins with several mythical expectations that many have of marriage - which lead to greater disappointment during marriage. It helps the couple understand the nature of true love - as passion, intimacy and commitment. Though the authors do not point it out, the Parrotts' triangular view of love parallels the New Testament description of love as eros (passion), philia (intimacy), and agape (commitment).
One of the best in this genre.
Husband and wife Doctoral team, Les and Leslie Parrott have established themselves as the gurus of modern marriage counseling. This book, SAVING YOUR MARRIAGE BEFORE IT STARTS: SEVEN QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE (AND AFTER) YOU MARRY is, I believe, their best work.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. Marriage    7. Married people    8. Psychology    9. Reference    10. Religion - Marriage & Family    11. Religious aspects    12. Christian Interest    13. Marriage, family & other relationships    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (10)

Raillerie
Great book!General over view of many topics, everything from signals to choose a good date, to dating, to sex, striping, toys.Great for singles!

GreatBook!
This book has great advice and the pictures are a plus!It is a great bed-time read!

not THAT super!
I did not learn anything new that i have not read in cosmo (the magazine). Actually I would rather read cosmo then this book...There are a few positions to try... nothing new. And a few suggestions on oral sex and other things such as turn ons. Overall, the book was ok, the pictures were a let down and i would not recommend this book to anyone. I was not that impressed with it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. Human Sexuality    4. Love & Romance    5. Love / Sex / Marriage    6. Reference    7. Sex    8. Sex education    9. Sexual Instruction    10. Sexual excitement    11. Sexuality    12. Family & Relationships / Sexuality   

Reviews (2)

You need not be Dummies to benefit from this book
Finally! A book that gives a clear overview of pretty much every aspect related to autism spectrum disorder: from "classic autism" to Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. It covers diagnosis, medical and biochemical interventions, sensory issues, learning environments, education, social skills and relationships from pre-school through adulthood. And much more! How can one book address so many topics on one book? Even I'm dumbfounded it can be done...and I guess that's the point. It's Autism for Dummies, which means it gives the briefest most concise explanation. It is written in a clear and understandable manner than ANYONE can simply pick it up, scan through it and get a good handle on what autism is. This is an excellent reference book that every school and parent should have in their library to quickly thumb through for a quick explanation. I, as a parent of three children with ASD, have purchased SEVEN copies (so far!); one for myself to use a continual quick reference book, and 6 others for the professionals who work with my kids.
A very complete and helpful guide...
Over the past three years since we began to suspect my grandson was autistic, I have accumulated a large library on the subject.Many of the books covered or advocated specific types of treatment, or information on school special education, or finances and autism, or possible causes, or personal success stories or even stories of acceptance when success didn't happen.This book covers them all, and more, and does it well.I'm getting another copy for my son and daughter-in-law, although by now they are experts, not dummies.. This is a really EXCELLENT contribution to the available literature on this increasingly common developmental condition.Don't miss it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Autism    2. Children with Special Needs    3. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Mental Illness    6. Psychology    7. Reference    8. Abnormal psychology    9. Health & Fitness / General    10. Popular medicine    11. Psychiatry   

Editorial Review

In the thoughtful and provocative Read more

Reviews (69)

negative reviews?
The negative reviews of this book are completely off the mark.It is NOT anti-female and Mr.Gurian is NOT a "closet misogynist" nor is he promoting a "dangerous" book.The author does reveal alot of passion and genuine concern for the problems facing boys,and he recognizes something that all teachers and parents should recognize,that boys and girls are different(hate to repeat the phrase,but people dont seem to be getting it)and that boys should NOT be feminized at home or in school.Being more physical,more aggressive,more competitive,is hard-wired into a boys being..it is not something that should be stifled with medication or unnecessary punishment.Boys need some boundaries and some discipline,sure,but they dont need to have what makes them boys taken away from them.This book does not have an "agenda",but the fems who condemn it certainly do.

The book is a valuable resource
I'm shocked this book has gotten such bad reviews here. I've read it twice in my son's first year! I will probably read it again in a few years. I wish everyone who cares for or teaches boys would read this book. He tells about the differences between the male brain and the female brain. He stresses the importance of teaching boys spituality (not religion, just spirituality) and responsibility. There is a section in the book about how to talk to boys about sex and why it is so important. As a mother, I find this book to be very important and I've marked sections for my husband to read. Let's be realistic about the differences between boys and girls. While there are always exceptions, boys and girls do tend to be different in certain ways and this book is about how to raise and discipline a boy.

Not all "boys will be boys"
Yes, it is true that social and medical science have established a physiological basis of greater aggression among boys:namely testosterone, which should surprise no one.
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Subjects:  1. Boys    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child Development    4. Child rearing    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Parenting - General    8. Psychology    9. Child care & upbringing    10. Family & Relationships / Reference   

Reviews (3)

keep the age in mind
This is a well written babysitters guide. Just keep in mind that many states require that babysitters be 13 years old and have a babysitting class. If you aren't sure about your state's requirements (or didn't realize they existed), call your local department of Family and Children's Services and ask them the home-alone and babysitting age requirements.

So, you want a night out?
Before you entrust your precious children to a babysitter, have them read this book. It is an indispensable and practical guide for babysitters.
Nice
This book is really good.It teaches you how to change diapers and things like that.It gives you step-by-step instructions for everything.There is even a first-aid section. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Babysitters    2. Babysitting    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Child care    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. First aid in illness and injur    8. Parenting - Child Rearing    9. Parenting - General    10. Reference    11. Health & Fitness / First Aid    12. Parenting & Childcare   

Reviews (12)

Excellent Guide Book for Raising Sons!
Michael Gurian gently takes us through the stages of development in boys as he sees them and has a knack for challenging us and at the same time feel more comfortable with the process. As a father of a severely autistic boy and a typical boy, I can use tips in this book to help Ryan understand his special brother and help him feel less alienated and closer to his family.
Long Overdue Focus on Raising Young Men
"The Good Son" by Michael Gurian (a therapist and educator) is a book for parents designed with the intention of helping them raise a morally grounded son. Subtitled "Shaping the Moral Development of Our Boys and Young Men", I felt Mr. Gurian did a great job by dividing up the chapters into specific age groups (infant, toddler, teen, etc.). I am not inclined to read these types of books (self-help, how-to), but with heavy pressure from my fellow parents and their strong recommendations I'm sure glad I did. We are presented with the physical, emotional, and psychological growth that we can expect and how this will effect the behavior of our boy(s). The book is crammed with excellent examples - some quite inspiring - from Mr. Wolfe's practice as well as practical guides to discipline, "rules to live by", and the "range of normal". Despite the subtitle the book is not moralistic or preachy, but rather focuses on helping parents instill their own belief system into their child. In our politically correct world, I particularly enjoyed the explanations of the differences between boys and girls and how they interpret the world around them (they're different! Who knew?) Throughout the book, medical research is presented (some well known and some fairly recent) to back up his ideas. In our politically correct and gender neutral idealized society it is refreshing to hear someone unafraid to speak the obvious. Ultimately, the information is neither bound to dry medical text nor religious ideology, but rather, a very readable and fun resource for parents.

Easy reading
This book is suggested to anyone who has to raise a son in todays world.I have bought this book for 2 women raising boys. It has open a new world for me-the understanding of why my boy is the way he is.The author suggest structure and rules will help your young boy blossom into a confident young man. Ever chapter he touches on "the Range of Normal" which you can apply to your child at his age level. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boys    2. Child Development    3. Conduct of life    4. Developmental - Child    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family/Marriage    8. Parenting - General    9. Psychology    10. Advice on parenting    11. Child & developmental psychology    12. Family & Relationships / Reference   

Editorial Review

The original Read more

Reviews (10)

Contrarian View from a young guy
I bought the hardcover edition of The Joy of Sex several years ago. This morning I picked it up and read it from cover to cover. I enjoyed it greatly. The new edition is beautifully printed with elegant line drawings and full color photographs. It preserves the quirky charm of the original edition, but this may be its biggest flaw.
Hippy Arrogance To This Day! Ignorant Vandalism?White Person Please!
When I saw this allegedly updated version of this mavenish oracle in the library I couldn't help but think back to the time my friend Gayle and first snuck into it as 4th or 5th graders and were duly grossed out and appalled. We couldn't figure out why they were worried about garlic (avoid it unless you both have it, this genie of getting it on advised)when that chick had hairy armpits! Well it may be a different pic of a different chick but the hair's still there! I cannot begin to tell you I've never been prouder of being an "ignorant vandal" in all my life.
The Joy of Heterosexual, Monogamous, Married, Vanilla Sex
This is a how to manual for conservative couples who are already married, are completely monogamous, and yet seem to have difficulty understanding the basic concepts of penetrative sex.
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Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. General    5. Love / Sex / Marriage    6. Reference    7. Sex customs    8. Sex education    9. Sex instruction    10. Sexual Instruction    11. Family & Relationships / General   

Reviews (8)

Good resource
I have a 2year old son and want to get him on the road to reading as quickly as possible...with the result of loving it.Studies show that by the age of 8, if boys are not shown how important reading is, they will just simply quit doing it, unless they have to.THis book will help you get good books in their hands and get them loving reading.

Some good suggstions, but not boy-centered
Some good recommendations, but I was hoping for more books that would provide great role models for my son.Instead I found many books that seemed to be aimed at teaching diversity - a worthy goal, but surely not the only goal for our sons.I was also disappointed by the number of books about boys with absent or downright rotten fathers. The lists provide a great start!
According to essay writer Bruce Brooks, he believes that society makes it hard for boys who like to read, especially as they get older. His interpretation is that if boys are reading, they are questioned as to why? and coaxed to engage in other things instead of reading. He doesn't see society treating girls this way when they are reading.
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Subjects:  1. Bibliographies Of Juvenile Literature    2. Bibliography    3. Books & Reading    4. Books and reading    5. Boys    6. Children's Literature - General    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Language Arts & Disciplines    9. Library & Information Science    10. Library Services For Specific Groups    11. Reference    12. Reference / General   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Child Development    2. Child psychology    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Elementary    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Reference    8. Review    9. Child & developmental psychology    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Child Development   

Reviews (5)

Too old fashioned
This book had some good ideas if it were 1970. It's very outdated. I'm sure it was a good book when it was still current, but in 2006, it's just a a waste of time and money.

simply life-changing
I bought this book at a homeschool conference about 15 years ago.It literally changed my life.I have fond memories of sitting down at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and my "Bonnie" book.Bonnie became like a friend, offering great advice and encouragement.Her writing style is warm and uplifting.She made me want to succeed at organizing my home.I learned how to organize my kitchen cabinets, and ever since my mom has recommended ME to organize the kitchen when someone in the family moves!And I was the family "messy!"Her suggestion on implementing Minimum Maintenance made the difference for me in keeping my house clean and presentable.I highly recommend this book for anyone who struggles as I did with managing all the STUFF/CHORES in her home.

Wonderfully Helpful for the Disorganised Homemaker
I just loved this book.I would give it ten stars if I could.It was so full of down to earth and helpful advice and very entertaining to read.There were hints on clutter clearing and how to tackle a home that has got a bit out of control.Lists of daily jobs and what Bonnie calls minimum maintenance were a great help.If you find it hard to keep on top of the house and it seems forever in a cluttered mess (like mine) this is the book for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home economics    6. House Plans    7. Reference    8. Household hints   

Reviews (5)

The BEST book on bullying
This is a must have book for anyone that deals with kids.Our schools have a problem with bullying that the district is presently denying. I hope to start a support group soon - and this will be the one book I highly recommend reading.
Excellent Incite
Excellent Book on the actual personalities of Bullies, their victims and the people who don't step in to help the victim.

The Bully, the bullied and the Bystander
It is a book that should be owned definitely by every parent, and also by everyone. It helps with understanding of how and why we came here, why we are who we are, and how to make it better for our kids and actually for every one around us. It describes how a family should treat our kids with respect and freedom. It is one book which I think is a must read. It gives insight into how we can change despite of bad experiences while we grew up. I would recommend it to be bought before buying a crib when you expect a baby! It is like a bible for a christan, Geeta for an Indian, Koran for a Muslim. It tells the three kinds of families, two dysfucntional and how they make long lasting deficiencies in kid's psyche. Then it explains how a backbone family gives freedom and respect to a child and makes him independent and loving. It takes a while to read as it has painful stories of kids who killed themselves because of bullying. This book should be talked about in parent teacher's organizations, at churches, temples , Sunday schools and so on. It is one book that will make a difference in our society. It describes the importance of difference between teasing and taunting and how taunting can lead to suicides, hurts not only the bullied but also instills fear in the bystanders. It weaves the relation of parental upbringing into making a kid a passive bystander as opposed to helper for the bullied. It tells signs to be seen in your child to detect if he is bullied, questions to be asked. It tells the life destroying long lasting effects on his own life if a bully is not stopped! It gives non humiliating strategies how to stop a bully and how to empower a bullied and the critical role of bystander and how to make him help the bullied. A fantastically written book. A life changing book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior Management    2. Bullies    3. Bullying    4. Education    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family/Marriage    8. Parenting - General    9. Prevention    10. Reference    11. School violence    12. United States    13. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (4)

Aren't charm and manners available to everyone?
This book is DEFINITELY for you if you want your coaching in the social graces served up with a generous dollop of Christianity, including a story of a cook who prayed "Dear Lord, You are in the redemption business. Please redeem this turkey". However, if you're like me, preferring etiquette books to be available to all, regardless of faith, you may want to look elsewhere for a book dealing with charm and manners.

Loved this book
I loved reading this book.It is well written and everything in it is useful.Parts of it bring back memories of my childhood.I wish we could all slow down, remember our etiquette and be more gracious.

Help for the Hillbilly
Social Graces was a big help in knowing how to tip waitresses, bell boys, ect... Working in a tourist town and knowing who to tip or not can sometimes be a concern for most people. Especially for those of us that don't get out of the hills much, so the book was very helpful. I would like to see more manner books on social conversation and answering gracefully in difficult situations. So keep writing Aunts! (You will understand that statement when you read the book!) Buy it today. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Inspirational - Gifts    5. Reference   

Subjects:  1. Demography    2. Directories    3. Reference    4. Research    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Statistics    8. Vital Statistics    9. Social Science / Research   

Reviews (35)

I should have read it sooner.
As a Christian man who got involved closely with two psychopathic women, I also understand that dating is a two way street. This book, more than a handful fo times, showed where not only I was wrong but where I should have also put up some boundaries in order to save myself some frustrations and heartaches.
Good consul for the rest of us.
Many Christian authors insist that courting or betrothal systems are God's way for us to avoid pain and find a "soul mate."These methods are often based on a dubious patchwork of Bible verses or an adaptation of Old Testament cultural norms.We can learn from the past, but duplicating it is not the answer.For those Christians who live in 21st century culture and deal with age-old relational issues, "Boundaries in Dating" is a practical resource.
Challenged pretty much everything I thought about dating!
Excellent Book.I read their other book "How to get a date worth keeping" first.That totally did a paradigm shift for me on dating. This book really goes into explaing why dating relationships go bad and how to identify the warning signs and how and when to confront a dating partner and what issues are central to a healthy dating relationship.A super good book.You will understand what it means to have a healthy dating relationship.These concepts can be used in a marriage also.If you want a healthy real dating relationship, this book is the one to get.I've had a number of my friends read both books and we love them both!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Love & Romance    5. Reference    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Christian Interest    8. Christian religious instruction    9. Family & Relationships / Love & Romance   

Reviews (7)

it is what it is...practical advice
i too felt as if my daughter was described perfectly in this book. i have begun to implement a lot of the suggestions in the book and keeping notes on what works and what doesn't.this is the first book that i add to my library on the adhd subject and it was a great buy! it's very easy to read...read it during a 4 hour wait in the dentist's office! there are sections in the book that don't pertain to my daughter yet but i know i'll find useful advice as she grows older. i welcome any suggestions on other useful books that i should read and add to my library. thanks!

A GREAT BOOK FOR PROBLEM SOLVING
This book is really great for those looking for solutions to everyday problems. We bought this book because we were tired of all the "medical stuff". We wanted a book written by parent of children that actually have it.
Not the best book on ADHD
This book is a very basic handbook.If you dont know anything about ADHD, it will be helpful, as it answers most of your questions.For more experienced ADHD parents, this book will not tell you anything you already know.Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    3. Child rearing    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family And Child Development    7. Family/Marriage    8. Learning Disabilities    9. Parenting - Hyperactivity    10. Popular works    11. Reference   

Reviews (4)

Easy to read and understand.
This book is very colorful and full of little facts. It highlights the important information and provides a little extra for those bookworms.I found the information to be interesting and well presented.The pictures and graphs helped with my understanding and are great if you need to refer back.

The answer to all your infertility questions and problems
Zita West has taken great care to write a comprehensive guide to conception that encompasses all areas of fertility & infertility.In this book Zita West helps couples to prepare mentally, physically and emotionally for conception and pregnancy, whether it be a fairly simple endeavour or one which requires assistance.I purchased this book because it was recommended to me, and I am more than happy to pass the word on!!

A Must-Have!
This is the most comprehensive book on conception and fertility I have ever come across. With this book, you don't need other books. It is super easy to read, beautifully presented (lots of photos) and packed with practical tips and great information that works! This is a must-have for all couples who wants to have the big picture but also want the practical information that no one talks about! Zita West is a bright light in what could be a very complicated world of fertility... she keeps it simple and guides you through the process... basically all you wanted to know but didn't even think to ask. Her knowledge on alternative medicine and western medicine is vast and knows how to weave the two worlds when it's necessary in a seamless way.The books leaves no stone unturned as it covers all areas of the conception and fertility process... whether you decide to conceive naturally or IVF etc.Her bookwill bring greater confidence to all couples who embark in this journey and assist them in focusing on what really matters!Here's to Zita!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conception    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. Fertility, Human    5. Health & Fitness    6. Infertility    7. Popular works    8. Pregnancy & Childbirth    9. Reference    10. Reproductive health    11. Family & Relationships / Reference   

Reviews (7)

A great way to improve your relationship
This book is really about finding your OWN center in life - knowing what you enjoy in life, what you want from a partner, and that you deserve to be happy and with someone that makes you happy. It then helps you look at the relationship you're in, and with open eyes determine if it's a healthy one for you. Love and Self Portraits
I am usually not one for reading self-help books,but I was given this one by a good friend of mine and ordered to read it.So I did, and what I read was quite impressive.The title of the book is certainly what the book is about, but the book is also about gaining self-knowledge.