Sol-Gel Science: The Physics and Chemistry of Sol-Gel Processing

Book Description

Sol-Gel Science presents the physical and chemical principles of the sol-gel process at a level suitable for graduate students and practitioners in the field. This book defines sol-gel rather broadly as the preparation of ceramic materials by preparation of a sol, gelation of the sol, and removal of the solvent. The sol may be produced from inorganic or organic precursors (e.g., nitrates or alkoxides) and may consist of dense oxide particles of polymeric clusters. Brinker expands the definition of ceramics to include organically modified materials, often called ORMOSILs or CERAMERs. The emphasis of the author' treatment is on the science, rather than the technology, of sol-gel processing. Although a chapter on applications is included, more detailed discussion is available in proceedings of conferences and in the recent collection of articles, Sol-Gel Technology for thin films, Fibers, Preforms, Electronics, and Specialty Shapes (Noyes, Park Ridge, N.J., 1988), edited by professor Lisa Klein.

Customer Reviews:

A Compendium of Knowledge about Sol Gel Science.......2000-10-11

Perhaps it's trite to say this, but Brinker and Scherer's _Sol Gel Science_ is *the* indispensible desktop reference for the sol-gel chemist. Though now over a decade old, the topics covered (only a smattering of which are mentioned in the editorial review above) are so fundamental that it remains one of the most often cited sol-gel references, both in texts and refereed journal articles. The layout of the book takes the reader through the entire sol-gel formation process, from reaction to casting to drying, curing and other post-modificiations, with a chapter devoted to each step - permitting this book either to be read cover-to-cover (for the interested newcomer or as a text for a course in sol-gel science) or to be referenced as necessary by the more familiar reader.

C. Jeffrey Brinker, now affiliated with Sandia National Laboratories as well as the University of New Mexico, remains the preeminent researcher and one of the most-often cited authors in his field, continuing research on self-assembled nanostructures, porosity-tailored materials, organic-inorganic hybrids, and related topics.

George W. Scherer, professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of Princeton University, also maintains a professional involvement in sol-derived gels, glasses, and ceramics, among other areas of interest, and is the author of several patents, as well as innumerable scientific papers, in these fields.

Product Description

This series offers do-it-yourselfers of all levels TOTAL maintenance, service, and repair information in an easy to use format. Each manual contains: trouble codes, electronic engine controls, maintenance schedules, diagnostic charts, wiring diagrams, tune up specifications, and much more.

Customer Reviews:

Adequate guide.......2007-08-24

Adequate for simple repairs and a general understanding, cheap alternative to buying the factory shop manual.

Survival tool.......2007-06-02

It's got home mechanic information about civics, but I wish the descriptions and the instructions had more detail. It needs better pictures too.

very frustrating.......2006-07-09

Disappointed with this & all Chilton car books. If you are a complete beginner , the explanations & pictures are not clear enough to make you feel comfortable.
The descriptions are not clear & there is a need for a lot more & a lot clearer batch of pictures.
They may work for you if you have some car knowledge but take time to read through them before you buy.
I do not feel that I got my monies worth & wish that I had looked at other options.

Helpful Information.......2003-07-08

This book has saved me $$$ many times. Although it is not in depth as a Factory service manual. It is money well spent!

Chilton's Honda Civic and Del Sol 1996-00 Repair Manual.......2001-10-21

Adequate for simple repairs and a general understanding of the cars covered, Chilton manuals are a cheap alternative to buying the "real" shop manual. Unfortunately, for whatever the reason, they are fraught with errors and omissions. Wiring diagrams may not be correct, and often simple step by step instructions are unclear. I have had Chilton's manuals for several of the many cars that I have owned and I often swear at them more than I swear by them.

Stein on Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies

Average customer rating:

Thank you, Sol!
From a "Transient" writer
Sheer Genius
A Keeper...But!
Wonderful help for writer of fiction and nonfiction

Stein on Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies
Sol Stein
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fiction | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

How to Grow a Novel: The Most Common Mistakes Writers Make and How to Overcome Them
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ASIN: 0312254210

Amazon.com

"The best reading experiences," says Sol Stein, "defy interruption." With Stein's assistance, you can grab your reader on page 1 and not let go until "The End." Stein--author of nine novels (including the bestselling The Magician) and editor to James Baldwin, W.H. Auden, and Lionel Trilling--offers "usable solutions" for any writing problem you may encounter. He is authoritative and commanding--neither cheerleader nor naysayer. Instead, he rails against mediocrity and demands that you expunge it from your work. Perhaps the concept of scrutinizing every modifier, every metaphor, every character trait sounds like drudgery. But with Stein's lively guidance, it is a pleasure. Stein recommends that you brew conflict in your prose by giving your characters different "scripts." He challenges you, in an exercise concerning voice, to write the sentence you want the world to remember you by. He uses an excerpt from E.L. Doctorow to demonstrate poorly written monologue and a series of Taster's Choice commercials as an example of dialogue that works. Stein's bottom line is that good writing must be suspenseful. Your job, says Stein, "is to give readers stress, strain, and pressure. The fact is that readers who hate those things in life love them in fiction." --Jane Steinberg

Book Description

Stein on Writing provides immediately useful advice for all writers of fiction and nonfiction, whether they are newcomers or old hands, students or instructors, amateurs or professionals. As the always clear and direct Stein explains here, "This is not a book of theory. It is a book of usable solutions-how to fix writing that is flawed, how to improve writing that is good, how to create interesting writing in the first place." With examples from bestsellers as well as from students' drafts, Stein offers detailed sections on characterization, dialogue, pacing, flashbacks, trimming away flabby wording, the so-called "triage" method of revision, using the techniques of fiction to enliven nonfiction, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Thank you, Sol!.......2007-07-11

Thanks to what I learned from Sol Stein's marvelously written book, I am now a published author with a university press. It isn't just for you novelists. If you're a writer, buy it, read it, re-read it, and sleep with it.

From a "Transient" writer.......2007-06-30

First off, I like the book. It has some real gems of wisdom in it. About the only thing that bugged me is the constant reference to genre fiction as "transient" fiction. Yes, "transient" as in "transitional to a higher form" (at best) or as in "homeless transient demonstrating public incontinence" (at worst). I can only surmise that the "higher form" in this case would be literary fiction, which the author goes to great pains to tell us is the only fiction worthy of anyone's time. After the read I felt, as a published author of "transient fiction", that I owe it to the world to someday print a book discussing "snooty fiction", and its relative lack of worth, at great length.

Sheer Genius.......2007-03-31

This is just piling on but this has to be the best book on writing ever published. Stein is the master mentor, tough, specific, and relentless. The book is not easy because the content is so dense. He makes you see writing through a new lens and enlightens on every page.

A Keeper...But!.......2007-02-06

Four stars from me. I wanted an excuse to give the book 5 stars but it just doesnt rate 5. The author's HOW TO GROW A NOVEL is 5 stars, and contains most of the information this book contains. I think the other book is written better than this one.

What grabbed my attention in this book is the excessive use of auxillary verbs....is, am, are, was, were, have, had, has, etc. They have their uses, and they shouldnt be used where a strong verb works better alone. The passive-voice bothers me. The second thing that caught my eye is how Stein dilutes his advice. Too much anecdotal narrative and digressions. I like my advice straight without the cocoanut water and cherry. Again, Stein doesnt dilute things in the other book. And my final problem is Stein's tip-o-the hat to political correctness. Can we please get over trying to appease everyone on the planet! and tip-toeing around anything remotely controversial?

Otherwise the book is a good addition to your writing library. I bought the other book, HOW TO GROW A NOVEL, and if it persists in keeping my esteem I may dump this one...but not just yet.

Wonderful help for writer of fiction and nonfiction.......2007-01-23

I live in Sweden and here it is not many book about writing with this quality. Me and a writing friends has got a real kick of the book and discussed many topics that Stein write about. It has moved our projekts forward and we want to thank Stein for the help. We really recommend it for writer, who is not so experienced. It is also a good help for all kind of writing. As we write novels I will also buy Steins book about that. Both me and my friend are happy that the computer world has opened up the possibility to buy books from english writer. Earlier it was only possible when travelling.

A New Approach to Sight Singing, Fourth Edition

Average customer rating:

Order in advance
Not such a great approach to Sight Singing
A Not so New Approach to Sight Singing
Too much money for an exercise book.
Great book, but older editions better

A New Approach to Sight Singing, Fourth Edition
Sol Berkowitz , Gabriel Fontrier , and Leo Kraft
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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Tonal Harmony
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ASIN: 0393969088

Book Description

A time-tested classroom performer! In this text the authors place sight singing in the context of musicianship as a whole, offering readers a coordinated body of carefully graded melodies, duets, and short pieces for voice and piano while reinforcing their comprehension of tonal and post-tonal harmony. The flexible structure of this new Fourth Edition and the wealth of material it contains combine to make the book completely adaptable to the individual needs of today's developing musicians. A brand new chapter contains over 150 melodies from the standard classical and folk repertories, providing a transition from sight-singing exercises to the literature students will encounter throughout their careers in music.

Customer Reviews:

Order in advance.......2007-09-28

The item was perfect but the time it took to get here was a bit disconcerting. Be sure your not ordering this book from the UK. Delivery is a bit slow. No fault of the seller, just buyer beware to order it in plenty of time.

Not such a great approach to Sight Singing.......2006-05-23

I am a music student at the University of Miami and this has been the required text for three levels of ear training. I must say that I found this text less than helpful in teaching you how to sight read. It was full of complicated melodies--but no suggestions or hints on how to become a better sight singer. If you're looking for a book of exercises that make no sense--go for it. But if you're looking for a teaching tool--this is not the text to turn to.

A Not so New Approach to Sight Singing.......2005-09-14

The text is really quite old. I didn't see anything especially novel in it. In the end, if you want to learn something you have to exert an effort.

Too much money for an exercise book........2005-08-12

This book HAS ONLY NOTES IN IT. The instructions are just on a few pages. I think the author could have spent some hours more in writing (and this is true EXPECIALLY IF WE LOOK AT THE PRICE).

I'm at intermediate level in sight singing, and quite advanced in sight reading, I bought this book to improve my skills.

I'll try to study on this book, I won't just let it "rust" on a shelf, but I EXPECTED MORE INSTRUCTIONS. MAY BE THIS CAN BE A WONDERFUL BOOK IF YOU PRACTICE ON IT CONSTALNTLY, but in these days, where self-teaching is more important than in the past I think this book has an OBSOLETE-APPROACH.

THIS IS A BOOK FOR A SIGHT-SINGING CLASS IN SOME INSTITUTE. PERIOD.

Great book, but older editions better.......2004-12-04

I bought this book mainly because I was using an older
edition of the book I borrowed from library. Comparing
that to the available literature, I found it extremely
educational and well organized. It is a great book
that takes you slowly through different skills of
sight singing, with plenty of exercises for each one.
The exercises are sorted from easy to more complex
ones. The book is fit for people both singing in
chorus or solo. The rest of the book are exercises
that are more like music pieces (rather than
exercises) and come with piano accompaniment and one
chapter is dedicated to duos.

However to me it seems that this edition is a little
more simplified and less serious than the previous
ones. Also I think for the price you pay, you deserve
a more decent cover than plastic comb (the earlier
editions are hardcover).

Average customer rating:

The Encyclopedia of Yacht Designers
Excellent Coffee-Table Book
An instant classic
Classic maritime reference work
The Untimate Yachting Book

The Encyclopedia of Yacht Designers

Manufacturer: W. W. Norton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0393048764

Book Description

A complete, international reference book of yacht designers from the early 1800s to the present day.

This long-awaited volume is a majestic guide and a tribute to the world's great yacht designers. Ten years in preparation, and with an expert editorial board giving it direction, The Encyclopedia of Yacht Designers defines the field with fascinating entries by eighty experts and over 800 photographs and drawings. In these pages such legendary figures from the past as William Fife, L. Francis Herreshoff, and John Alden share space with contemporary designers such as Jon Bannenberg, Germán Frers, and Ron Holland. They are joined by over five hundred others who have contributed to the colorful history of yachting, producing some of the most beautiful and swift vessels, whether sail or power. 800 duotone photographs.

Customer Reviews:

The Encyclopedia of Yacht Designers.......2006-07-03

A Truly magnificent book, all the photos and drawings a boat enthusiast could ever want. I nice broad range of vessel types covered from racing multihulls to powerboats to keel boats and gaff rigged schooners.

Excellent Coffee-Table Book.......2005-12-09

This book is very impressive and the years of extensive work to create and publish this book is amazing! A great conversation piece on a coffee-table. Anyone who enjoys yachts would enjoy this book, whether you have an interest in yacht designing or not. Or maybe I'm just a little partial, as my Dad, William H. Shaw, is one of the yacht designers written about in this book and I'm very proud of him.

An instant classic.......2005-11-21

An instant classic. This is an indispensable resource that has been too long in coming. The research is amazingly put together and the depth of entries is impressive. I was particularly interested in the research on Walter Pinaud and the yachting activity around Cape Breton at the turn of the century. Also, of less importance than the material in the book but still notable is the appearance of the book. It is a very attractive volume and the price on Amazon can't be beat.

Classic maritime reference work.......2005-10-26

Long awaited, this magisterial reference work by Lucia Knight and Dan McNaughten about the world's yacht designers will rapidly become a must have book for anyone with an interest in boats, sailing, yacht racing and racing rules, the evolution of yacht design, and many other facets of the maritime world. It's stunning, authoritative and comprehensive.

The Untimate Yachting Book.......2005-10-20

This monumental book, ten years in the writing covers virtually every yacht designer of the century. The length of the entry for each designe is based somewhat on their prominence or the prominence of their designs. The designs come from about the turn of the century (I really like some of the steam powered racing yachts.) to quite modern designs. The size of the yachts vary from small under twenty foot (7' is the smallest I see)) personal boats to the yachts of kings that may be 400 feet plus.

The statistics of the book are amazing in their own rights:

Ten years
87 of the world's finest yachting writers
525 of the world's best yacht designers
650 drawings and photos of represntative boats.

In on book, here is a history, a technical reference manual, a commentary, a picture book, a reference on the designers. In short, here's an encyclopedia.

Theoretical and Applied Mechanics 1992: Proceedings of the Xviiith International Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Haifa, Israel, 22-28 (Ictam ... of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics)

Average customer rating:

Theoretical and Applied Mechanics 1992: Proceedings of the Xviiith International Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Haifa, Israel, 22-28 (Ictam ... of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics)
Sol R. Bodner , and Josef Singer
Manufacturer: Elsevier Science Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0444888896

Food-medication Interactions (Food Medication Interactions)

Average customer rating:

Med-interactions
Extremely Helpful Guide
Liz
Food Medication Interactions

Food-medication Interactions (Food Medication Interactions)
Zaneta M. Pronsky
Manufacturer: Not Avail
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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ASIN: 0971089620

Customer Reviews:

Med-interactions.......2007-03-08

This book was required for a nutrition class, and it's quite a wonderful resource. Everything is neatly labeled and in order, making it easy to find the medication and all interactions/warnings. A great resource for anyone who wants to understand more about the meds they are taking, or for those who care for them!

Extremely Helpful Guide.......2007-01-12

This is more of a guide book that fits quite nicely in your lab coat pocket. As nutrient and medications are explained, there are many more advantages such as references to specific lab values and thier normal limits, nutrient and micronutrient food sources, height-weight tables, ideal body weight calculations and more. A must for any health professional not directly working with medications.

Liz.......2001-08-07

Excellent pocket refrence for any dietetic student, dietitian or nutritionist. Fits easily into pocket for easy access and provides valuable information for todays healthcare enviroment.

Food Medication Interactions.......2000-04-10

Excellent resource for any dietetic student, dietetic intern, medical intern, registered dietitian- provides accurate and up-to-date information on how medications can affect and be affected by food-which plays a vital role in providing accurate care to for your clients.

Honda: Civic, CRX and del Sol 1984-95 (Chilton's Total Car Care Repair Manual)

Average customer rating:

Bad Reference!!
Better than Hays
Poor graphics, lack of detail, poor coverage of all models.
Overall it is a great book for repairs of any level.
Good help for Civics in general, but not for 92-95 ones.

Honda: Civic, CRX and del Sol 1984-95 (Chilton's Total Car Care Repair Manual)
Chilton Editors
Manufacturer: Haynes Manuals, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0801986834

Book Description

The Total Car Care series continues to lead all other do-it-yourself automotive repair manuals. This series offers do-it-yourselfers of all levels TOTAL maintenance, service and repair information in an easy-to-use format. Each manual covers all makes format. Each manual covers all makes and models, unless otherwise indicated. :Based on actual teardowns :Simple step-by-step procedures for engine overhaul, chassis electrical drive train, suspension, steering and more :Trouble codes :Electronic engine controls

Customer Reviews:

Bad Reference!!.......2002-10-23

This book is chock full of errors. I don't have any faith in the contents of this book. Color codes of wires are incorrect in troubleshooting areas, and there is poor coverage of all model years, especially newer ones. The book tells you what fault codes are but it does not tell you how to access them. I own two Hondas and I end up using the internet to get the information this book, more often than not, neglects to include. Purchase at your own risk -- it's too bad that it is the only book on the market for many Honda models.

Better than Hays.......1999-07-07

This is a fair book. Deffinatly better than Hays. Where hays explanes things in one sentence Chilton uses an entire paragraph. However it does not contain all the diagnosis I wanted and it is plagued with misprints and occasionaly contridicts itself.

Poor graphics, lack of detail, poor coverage of all models........1998-10-30

This was disappointing. The "Total Car Care" repair manual had non-detailed drawings instead of photos leaving you with only a vague idea of where the part that you are looking for is in relation to the rest of your car. The text was about as good as the graphics... it could have been more detailed and/or descriptive. Another probelm was that the graphics gave only a single example of the procedure being described (as shown for the '84-'87 CRX... not very helpful to orient you to a 95 Civic). Compared to the other manuals that I have seen (Haynes and Clymer mostly) this one left alot to be desired at about twice the price. This one will give you a ballpark idea of what you will need to do to fix your Honda, but I would consider purchasing a single-model specific repair manual at a cheaper price.

Overall it is a great book for repairs of any level........1998-06-19

The book is a well put together repair manual covering virtually ever aspect of maintenance and repair. I, being an inexperienced mechanic, was still able to do many of the repairs. I did find the text a bit difficult when it came to figuring out what part they were referring to. The detail they gave was excellent with a diagram for all models. It is a must for any Honda Civic owner.

Good help for Civics in general, but not for 92-95 ones........1997-11-12

I was looking for help for my 94 Civic.

Good:
- Clear diagrams/illustrations.
- Clear index.

Bad:
Compared with the diagrams shown for other years of Civic, I'd say there are fewer diagrams and illustrations for the 92-95 one. For example, the book shows a diagram on removing the fan/heating switch from the front panel of a model before 92, but no diagram for the 92-95 one. Also some terms used in the illustrations are not explained clearly, so I was not sure which part(s) they're referring to.

Book Description

Are you really in love?

Is your partner committed to your happiness?

Does your relationship energize you?

Can your love survive change?

Do you trust your mate?

Are you satisfied with your level of commitment?

Is your relationship realistic?

Do you have to be together all of the time?

Whether you're single, in a relationship, or already married, how can you tell if you're really in love? In this groundbreaking new book, Dr. Sol Gordon provides fresh and surprising answers to your most pressing questions about love and romance.

Dr. Sol Gordon's newest book is packed with:
Quizzes and self-tests that can help you evaluate your romantic relationships
Fresh perspectives on love
Dozens of real-life examples of couples who are really in love
Ingredients of a successful relationship
Tendencies that lead people to the wrong partner
Patterns to avoid in relationships

How Can You Tell If You're Really In Love? redefines what true love ultimately is. It will help you determine whether your current or prospective mate is the right one for you!

From the author of the self-help classic Why Love is not Enough - over 200,000 sold!

Customer Reviews:

If you are at a crossroads.......2007-07-09

This book is not a gloom as the reader who gave it one star makes it seem. I did start reading out of fear that my relationship is coming to a crossroads, and that maybe a change is needed (and since you can't change people...) He is honestly PRO-love and PRO-relationship, if it is the right one. Some of the material is directed at people in physically abusive relationships, but the rest is valid for most of us. Especially, in this, the age of people meeting on the internet or getting married after knowing someone for a whopping three months! I have never done any of these things and I still needed to read it. I will say it is helping me. I see my boyfriend in a different light and is helping me to open up and communicate.

I remember how frustrating dating can be, but the hardest parts come after the romance wears thin. Whether you are not sure if you are with "the right one" or even "a good one", or are just coming out of something terrible, you should read it. If you can be honest with yourself, you should read it. If you are going to play the blame game, then skip it.

humane, sane advice that's in tune with modern realities.......2007-06-22

I bought this book when I was questioning the future of my relationship, and was looking for resources on the development of romantic relationships over time. I was happily surprised to find that this little book is far more than its title would ever suggest.

Alterate titles could be
-"A Humane Approach to Modern Love Relationships"
-"You May Not Like It But It Works: Dispelling Fantasy in Love Relationships"
-"Get Real and It'll All Work Out: Love without BS"

As I read the book, I was amazed at how straight-forward and sane much of the advice is here. Some of it may seem pathetically obvious, but in today's society, advice to consider non-traditional partnerships (cohabitation, same sex, etc) or to have your own life in order before bringing another person into it feels refreshing and smart.

More than a "Mars/Venus" approach, this book's tone assumes its readers are grounded, have common sense, want a good and healthy relationship, and are mature enough to accept that no one person can fulfill another person's every need. Throughout this little book are reminders that we are the architects of our lives, and ergo, our love lives. For those who have forgotten, this book offers many gentle reminders and seem so fresh and modern in an over-complicated society where love relations are at the top of the "complicated" list.

Sol Gordon is a psychologist and sex educator. His progressive, liberated, and humane ideas about love and sex are right in tune with how things are now. Gordon is a humanist, and that background informs his ideas and this book. The advice is neither overly optimistic, overly simplified, or overly pessimistic. This tome and his other books, including "Why Love is Not Enough," encourage a REALISTIC view about relationships, that there is no "perfect person," and that loving is a process in which two human beings open to it can find balance and joy, if they simply open their minds and hearts.

Teenager Resource.......2007-03-18

I have given the book to my teenager, and she is reading the book and find it very interesting.

A great way to improve your relationship.......2001-12-08

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.

The book isn't wishy-washy about this. He says quite openly, "By the way, about the dumbest thing anyone can do is to marry for sex. If sex is the only thing to look forward to in a marriage, don't marry at all. It's not worth it." That's the tone of a lot of the book - common sense. Don't put up with someone that enjoys insulting you. Don't confuse that rush of hormones in the first few weeks of dating as "true love which will last forever". With his years of experience, he helps you see common mistakes people make, and how to get through them.

He points out that too many of us are raised on quick-fixes these days. Magazines talk about the "27 signs you're in love" - featuring things like "you read his horoscope". People break off relationships as soon as they get the slightest bit difficult. He instead talks about the ways you really can know if the relationship is good for you, and that it's worth working on and getting to last.

Like all books, not every suggestion applies to every person, or to every situation. However, if you're able to read this with an open mind, and accept that your own perceptions might be causing some of the problems in your relationship, he'll help you find ways to change and grow into a more healthy situation.

Love and Self Portraits.......2001-06-20

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.

Gordon himself says at the end of the introduction, "This book is about encouraging you to go on a self-discovery - to find your own voice." The book not only helps you examine your relationships and determine what you need in them, but it also helps you examine yourself - especially learning about negative things that you may carry into a relationship. The downside to this is that once you see all the negative characteristics staring you in the face, you become depressed and feel that you are not ever meant to be a relationship, let alone a good one. The upside is that once you look past the negativity, your mind starts turning, and you begin to realize that you can change things about yourself, and possibly about your relationship, but only if you want to.

Let me give you a personal example. I have been dating the most wonderful man on and off for the past 4 years. For at least 3 of those years, I was pretty certain that we were not meant for each other, but I wanted to be with him and couldn't reconcile my feelings. He didn't do things the way I wanted him to, he didn't say things I wanted him to say, and so on. Yet he was the sweetest, handsomest, kindest man in the world, and he was and is still completely in love with me. So what happened to change my mind? What happened was that I was given this book to read, and after reading it, I took a good long look, not only at our relationship as a whole, but at myself, and what I found was appalling. I began to see all these negative interactions that I would create between us, just because I had always done so with other partners. I began to realize that part of the reason he wasn't getting through to me, was because I wasn't letting him - not because I didn't want him to, but because that was the way I had always been. I realized that something had to be done, because I wanted to be with him. So I began to change. I viewed every interaction or exchange with him as a new challenge to me to see if I could respond in positive ways. I cannot express in words how incredible it was to see the change. I became a totally different person around him. He picked up on the positive vibes and began to react to me positively and affectionately as well, just like I had always wanted him to. I actually LIKED myself, and I finally fell in love with him. All I can say is that our relationship has been truly wonderful ever since, and I'm grateful that he stayed with me.

Customer Reviews:

A staple for children's gifts.......2005-10-31

I don't know how many copies of this book I've purchased over the years to give away as gifts for all the children I've encountered through family and friends. It's a wonderful story that breathes tolerance, humility, and respect and appreciation for one's differences. This is one of my favorite books! It's visually stimulating and speaks so much to the tradition of oral storytelling in Mexican culture. I also love the fact that the Lucia is gorgeous, and brown with deep black hair. It's empowering for little girls of color to see a strong protagonist of color---my students love her and connect with her character.

Beautiful Book.......2003-08-25

This is a powerful and beautiful retelling of this story. This book is written in Spanish and in English and anyone interested in Latino storytelling will buy this book for their collection. I also highly recommend DRUM, CHAVI, DRUM! by Cuban author, Mayra L. Dole, and TRINOS CHOICE, by Chicana author Diane Bertrand.

beautiful story with strong female protagonist.......2000-09-22

Unlike the usual simpering heroine, Lucia is strong, mysterious, natural, and good. Children who are different from others--foreign, language difficulty, intelligence higher or lower--will appreciate how this stranger bounced back from hurt.

A beautiful tale of forgiveness and respect.......2000-06-16

This retelling of the Legend of Lucia Zenteno is beautifully illustrated with vibrant colors and imagination. The text is given in English and Spanish. It is the story of Lucia who has the most beautiful long hair. It is so beautiful that the river that runs throught the town falls in love with her, and when the people of the town, because of their fear, drive her away, the river and all its inhabitants leave with her. The town has to learn humility and they try to get her to return. A wonderful book with a strong female hero.

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