CHOOSING ME BEFORE WE: Every Woman's Guide To Life and Love

by Christine Arylo

Male/Female relationships are always a topic of interest. Too many women spend countless hours analyzing, complaining about and crying over finding the "right man." Far too often, women "settle" for the guy who seems like "Mr. Right," only to find out that he will never become their true partner.

Christine Arylo wrote this book with the knowledge of an insider. She almost married the wrong man for all of the wrong reasons. She shares her insight and wisdom about how it is possible to discover love, and live for "me" instead of starting with "he" or "we."

The author teaches women how to stop settling and/or to stop desperately seeking the fairy tale. Women need to start exploring and understanding what they truly want in themselves before they can begin to look for someone they want to be with.

• Know the truth about the real woman living inside you
• Find Truth and get honest about the lies an illusions influencing your life
• Love the woman you are today, was yesterday, and will become tomorrow
• Trust your bff - hello intuition!
• Honor your dsires so completely that you never settle again
• Manifest the partner and relationship you really want

Interesting and helpful, this is a book for all women and a topic of conversation women talk about more than any other subject ... our relationship with the men in our lives. What do you think?

To hear my interview with Christine Arylo, on my internet radio show INSIDE THE WRITER’S CAFÉ broadcast on www.webtalkradio.net, click on the link:

http://webtalkradio.net/index.php/show-hosts/3213-inside-the-writers-cafe-hosted-by-cheryl-nason Shows are available on-demand, so anyone anywhere in the world can listen at any time.

If you find an interview with a favorite author or one you particularly like, you can go to I-Tunes and download it free.

LONGING FOR DAD: Father Loss and Its Impact
by Dr. Beth M. Erickson, Ph.D.

I think when a reader sees a title like this one, they tend to interpret the title from their own experience. I interpreted the "father loss" in the title to mean the natural death of my father because that is my own experience. In truth, however, the book identifies seven different causes of father loss: death, divorce, single mothering, adoption, addiction, abuse and traditional fathering. The common element in all but one is that it is the father's choice to absent himself. A father's death, unless it is a suicide, usually is experienced differently by a child or an adult because usually it is not the father's choice.

The book discusses how the loss of a father affects child development. Also, how adults are better equipped to deal with the loss. The book is filled with real stories used to illustrate each cause of father loss. There are Action Exercises that are interactive for the reader. Suggestions for recovery and several appendices are used to address the role of a therapist in dealing with issues brought about as the result of the loss of your father.

This book is informative and down-to-earth in approach. Suggestions for dealing with the loss of your father, at any age, make sense and are "doable" by real people who may be struggling. A must read for anyone.

To hear my interview with Dr. Beth M. Erickson, on my internet radio show INSIDE THE WRITER’S CAFÉ broadcast on www.webtalkradio.net, click on the link:

http://webtalkradio.net/index.php/show-hosts/3213-inside-the-writers-cafe-hosted-by-cheryl-nason All shows are available on-demand, so anyone anywhere in the world can listen at any time. If you find an interview with a favorite author or one you particularly like, you can go to I-Tunes and download it free.

365 EXCUSE ME ...: Daily Inspirations That Empower and Inspire

by Mina Parker

This book is perfect for the chaos we find in our world and in ourselves. If you're in trouble financially or unemployed or just worried about your future, the ideas in this small book will help.

The book is based on the work of Lynn Grabhorn in EXCUSE ME YOUR LIFE IS WAITING. There are 365 messages in the book, as you might have guessed from the title. Each message is short and the bottom line is quite simple. Stop focusing your thinking on what you don't want to happen or what you want to avoid and start focusing your thinking on the more optimistic, positive things that you do want to happen.

It sounds simple enough, but many of us find ourselves feeding our fear by constantly looking at the negative. The book isn't unrealistic in its goal of getting us to think more optimistically. As a matter of fact, many of the messages it contains are about taking action and helping things happen through those actions. Just sitting around wishing won't get it done, you have to take charge.

I like the fact that I can open this small book anywhere and read an inspirational message to help start out my day on an optimistic, positive note. What do you think?

To hear my interview with Mina Parker on my internet radio show INSIDE THE WRITER'S CAFE on webtalkradio.net, click on the link:.. All shows are available on-demand, so you can listen when you want to. If you find an interview with a favorite author or one you particularly like, go to I-Tunes and download it free.

http://webtalkradio.net/index.php/show-hosts/3213-inside-the-writers-cafe-hosted-by-cheryl-nason

ROAD RULES:  Be The Truck.  Not The Squirrel.

By Andrew Sherman

This book has nothing to do with dead animals.  Andrew Sherman is using the metaphor of the highway to represent life, and the decisions we make behind the wheel for the decisions people make on a daily basis.  It's very effectively and humorously done.

Sherman uses statistics,  pop culture references and life terminology to elaborate twelve rules of the road.  One example is Be The Truck.  Not The Squirrel.  Sherman explains that forty-one million squirrels get run over each year because they scamper back and forth across the road, dodging traffic, with no strategy or plan other than to find the nuts.  A truck, on the other hand, is big and powerful.  Trucks and truck drivers carry valuable cargo.  They have a plan, a destination, a road map, and an understanding of basic rules and laws so that they don't cause accidents, or get lost.  There are also eight critical concepts that are essential to "being a truck."

I really enjoyed this approach.  Sherman has done his homework.  What do you think? 

hear the interview

ADDICTED TO STRESS: A Woman's 7 Step Program To Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity In Life

By Debbie Mandel

Women deal with different stressors than men. Women seem to rush from one activity to another with no time for themselves for any kind of rest or relaxation. They juggle enormous responsibilities, but where is all of this pressure coming from? Research shows that the presence of so much stress i our lives has become so familiar, we are actually uncomfortable if we don't have it. What's up with that? Women have become "addicted" to their stress!

Here are the 7-steps in the program Mandel explains in the book:

Step 1: Be Aware of Your Own Stress Addiction

Step 2: Reclaim Your Identity

Step 3: Learn to Become a Healthy Narcissist

Step 4: Build a Healthy Body

Step 5: Cultivate Your Sense of Fun and Humor (A personal favorite of mine!)

Step 6: Jump-Start Your Libido (That means she talks about sex!)

Step 7: Reframe Your Thoughts (It really is all in your head.)

The book focuses on self-esteem, self empowerment, exercise, self-care, healthy narcissism, and renewing the humor in our lives. This is a terrific book. I not only enjoyed it, but really like many of the ideas and techniques. What do you think?

hear the interview

TAO NOW:  Daily Wisdom from Mystics, Sages, Poets, and Saints

By Josh Baran

The book is an interesting melding of philosophies from Budda to Alanis Morisette.  I found myself opening it at random and reading.

The bottom line is to live now, stop looking over your shoulder at the past.  In the introduction, Baran writes "Stop now and look.  It is in front of your nose.  In the palm of your hand.  In the light in your eyes.  In the taste on your tongue.... Nothing is required.  No new meditation practices, therapies, ceremonies or gurus.  No path.  Everything you need is already here, unfolding before you in every instant.  Right here, right now."

This is a small book that is invaluable companion for anyone seeking some calm or peace, regardless of spiritual experience.  You will see how this collection is unique and you can use it as a daily call to "presence" and to remind each of us that the only reality we ever truly experience is here and now.  Helpful advice in these troubling times.  What do you think?  

hear the interview

THE LAW OF ATTRACTION PLAIN AND SIMPLE

By Sonia Ricotti

The book is a delightful combination of motivational quotes and good, solid advice. Sonia makes the ideas behind the Law of Attraction "plain and simple," just as the title promises.

One thing I particularly like is the interactive element. Ricotti presents a step-by-step way to move forward. The steps she proposes include:

• Affirm What You Want
• Determine Your Thoughts and Feelings
• Keep the End in Mind
• Connect Mind, Body, Spirit
• Choose Friends Carefully
• Accept Positive Change

At the conclusion of each short discussion, the reader is given an action to take to reinforce the ideas. Research shows that if we interact with information within 24 hours of hearing or reading it, we are more likely to incorporate it into our behavior. This is an excellent little book to reinforce the powerful effects of positive thinking in these difficult times. I plan to give copies as gifts and recommend the book to the students in my Stress Management classes. What do you think?

hear the interview

THE PURSUIT:  Wisdom for the Adventure of Your Life By Pat Williams

In this small, but powerful book, the reader is introduced to a man, Mr. R. E. Littlejohn, who influenced the life of Pat Williams through his wisdom and philosophy of life.

There are six key principles the author learned from Mr. Littlejohn.  

1.  Control What You Can

2.  Be Patient

3.  Pay Your Dues

4.  Keep It Simple

5.  Don't Run From Problems

6.  Pay Attention to the Little Things

Pat shares his personal growth under the watchful eyes of Mr. Littlejohn.  Pat has spent more than 45 years in professional sports from farm club baseball to co-founder of the NBA Orlando Magic where he currently serves as Senior Vice President.  He shares with the reader how Mr. Littlejohns wisdom transformed his life and the book is a tribute.  Pat also believes it is now time to "pay it forward" and pass on some of the wisdom he has learned.  What do you think?

hear the interview

ARE YOU READY?  Take Charge, Lose Weight, Get in Shape, and Change Your Life Forever

By Bob Harper

The title really says it all, doesn't it?  Bob Harper is a fitness trainer on the reality television show "THE BIGGEST LOSER."  

I like the approach he takes with this book.  It's simple and straight forward.  I particularly like the idea behind Part I titled "Your Inner Compass."  Bob's philosophy is truly a mind, body and spirit approach.  I have always found exercise to be a wonderful stress reducer.  

There are assessment tools throughout the book as well as a series of illustrated exercises at the back of the book.  If you're looking for a resource to help you kick off a spring/summer "self make-over," this is an excellent book to help you get started.  What do you think?

hear the interview

EXCUSE ME, YOUR SOULMATE IS WAITING By Marla Martenson

Professional matchmaker Marla Martenson says "Your lonely days are over. There is someone out there for you, and you can find that person." This timely book is filled information and advice if you're in the dating race.

Marla tells all:

How to get ready for love and how to know you're ready

How to figure out what you're looking for in a companion

What to say on the phone

How to keep a positive attitude while dating

And so much more!

I wish this book had been around when I was dating. It's such a good, sound approach it seems to me that it takes some of the uncertainty out of the whole issue. What do you think?

hear the author interview

LET BUSTER LEAD:  Discovering Love, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Self-Acceptance By Deborah Dozier Potter

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an often under diagnosed illness, affecting an estimated 6-7 per cent of the U.S. population.  This inspirational book is the story of how the author's beloved dog, Buster, helped her reclaim her life from PTSD.  

The author's life is filled with a whirl of social engagements, meetings, and all of the activities associated with a the life of someone married to an attorney.  Tragedy for Potter struck when she suffered a major trauma after a horse accident.  After the accident, Potter found herself unable to function among people and developed an aversion to being touched, even by the husband who loved her.  As her panic and reclusiveness increased, Potter found that Buster was her only comfort.  Potter was diagnosed with PTSD.  She turned to Buster for help as a service dog.  He helped her manage her PTSD symptoms and become an active member of society again, and he even helped save her marriage.

The book is well-written with an equal measure of laughter and tears.  I enjoyed reading the book.  My hope and the author's, is that through the story of Buster, more people will find out about PSTD and get help.   

listen to interview

365 WAYS TO BECOME A MILLIONAIRE (Without Being Born One) By Brian Koslow
Koslow uses 12 "Time Tested Principles For A Lifetime of Prosperity and Success." They are integrity, relationships, credibility, reputation, negotiation, listening, entrepreneurial ism, money, productivity, time, confrontation and leadership. I like this format for an advice book. I enjoy little bites of information. Research actually shows that the brain processes little bites more effectively. Each one of the 12 Principles has an introduction that validates why that particular principle is important and there are a series of short, succinct tips for each section. I like the tips particularly. The book will be useful, not only for it's personal advice, but also for quotes during presentations! I love quotes and am always looking for more. Let me know if you become a millionaire as a result of Koslow's book. I know several millionaires personally and while I am not one, I think I would enjoy that lifestyle too!

THE FIVE SECRETS YOU MUST DISCOVER BEFORE YOU DIE By John Izzo Ph.D.

Wow, this book will make you think and enjoy yourself while you're doing it! Izzo and his colleagues interviewed 200 "wise" people who are over 60 years of age. Why over 60? Who are the people he chose and why? What makes them "wise?" You'll have to read the book or listen to our interview to find out!

The book is filled with joy and a few tears. I was so moved by the personal stories. This book is valuable for so many reasons. First and foremost, it's really interesting. Second, the author gives his readers insight into how the interviews changed him personally and he shares the lessons he learned. In this overly connected, too-busy-to-think, hurry, hurry, hurry world of ours, John Izzo gives us pause for introspection. I really enjoyed the book. This is a gift to give yourself.

listen to interview

MENDING THE BROKEN BOND by Dr. Frank Lawlis

As a renowned psychologist, researcher, counselor, and the Chief Content Advisor for the Dr. Phil Show, Dr. Frank Lawlis has been involved with families and counseling for nearly 40 years.

The goal of this book is to help parents channel their love for their children effectively in order to raise children who aren't so "entitled" or behavior problems, or teens who aren't rebellious. This sounds like a tall order, but this book has real world ideas and solutions. The techniques and strategies offered in the book are taken from the work Dr. Lawlis does with families at the Lawlis and Peavy Centers for Psychoneurological Change.

The book contains assessment tools and questions for parents to answer to find out the truth about where they are with parenting. It is a "must read" for any parent.

listen to interview