Amazon.com
David J. Pelzer's mother, Catherine Roerva, was, he writes in this ghastly, fascinating memoir, a devoted den mother to the Cub Scouts in her care, and somewhat nurturant to her children--but not to David, whom she referred to as "an It." This book is a brief, horrifying account of the bizarre tortures she inflicted on him, told from the point of view of the author as a young boy being starved, stabbed, smashed face-first into mirrors, forced to eat the contents of his sibling's diapers and a spoonful of ammonia, and burned over a gas stove by a maniacal, alcoholic mom. Sometimes she claimed he had violated some rule--no walking on the grass at school!--but mostly it was pure sadism. Inexplicably, his father didn't protect him; only an alert schoolteacher saved David. One wants to learn more about his ordeal and its aftermath, and now he's written a sequel, The Lost Boy, detailing his life in the foster-care system.
Though it's a grim story, A Child Called "It" is very much in the tradition of Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul and the many books in that upbeat series, whose author Pelzer thanks for helping get his book going. It's all about weathering adversity to find love, and Pelzer is an expert witness.
Book Description
This book chronicles the unforgettable account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games--games that left him nearly dead. He had to learn how to play his mother's games in order to survive because she no longer considered him a son, but a slave; and no longer a boy, but an "it." Dave's bed was an old army cot in the basement, and his clothes were torn and raunchy. When his mother allowed him the luxury of food, it was nothing more than spoiled scraps that even the dogs refused to eat. The outside world knew nothing of his living nightmare. He had nothing or no one to turn to, but his dreams kept him alive--dreams of someone taking care of him, loving him and calling him their son.
Customer Reviews:
A Child Called "It" review.......2007-10-01
A Child Called "It" is an amazing book about the struggles of a young boy and his abusive mother. Though this book was disturbing and cruel, I thought it was very well written and the author had a great writting style. I thought some of the most disturbing parts were when David would be burned on the stove or locked in the bathroom for gas chamber sessions. I also hated that some of his greatest memories were at his favorite vacation spot and his mother ruined those for him. I think it is important that Dave let out his feelings and experiences in this book. I hope that he has found a way to move on with his life and not let the past ruin his present and future life.
Will make you cry, a must read.......2007-10-01
A Child Called it is and insperational true story about a young boy named David Pelzer being physically abused in his own home by his own Mother. The book shows how David made his way through life dealing with his horrific mother. He keeps his motivation through being drown, being burned, beat, forced to eat the contents out of a babies diaper, and countless other things while fighting for food in order to avoid starvation. He eats food out of trash cans, steals from students, and eats out of freezers in order to survive. This child's life was a living hell, but ahd the dedication to make his way through it with courage and bravery. This story is a must read that will bring you to tears and keep you motivated
I couldnt put the book down.......2007-09-27
I could not put this book down I read it in an hour and a half without stopping for anything. This story although so heart breaking needed to be told.. For the man who wrote this telling book 5 STARS and for the book aswell
Dave Pelzer is one courageous guy.......2007-09-24
I really have to speak up here. This review is for anyone who might be tempted to think that Dave made this stuff up. I am relatively sure it's all true because my childhood was similar to his.
Child abuse by parents really only came out of the closet, so to speak, in the 1990s. The myth was, and is, that ALL adult females are ALWAYS motherly. We now know that mothering is a learned skill, and is NOT instinctual in humans.
Take the story of Cinderella. It is too grotesque to think that a biological mother could be evil to a child, therefore the mother-figure is downgraded to "stepmother." For anyone who has been abused by one's mother such as myself, it is patently clear that this story is not about a stepmother -- it's about a biological mother. European culture could not face that a biological mother could betray her girl-child as in the story.
My experience of my biological mother (whom I call "anti-motter") was not unlike Dave's, only having occurred ten years earlier and in upstate New York. When I was about 18 months' old, she picked me up out of my crib and smashed me into a wall. I shouldn't be alive. By the early 1990s, these memories came flooding into consciousness. She never 'fessed up. If I did some small infraction like didn't finish my veggies, my anti-motter sent me to the cellar for 3-6 hours, and it was one scary cellar with its cold dirt floor, damp sump corner, and spiders. While other kids were out learning social skills by playing with other kids, I was forced to spend Saturdays scrubbing floors, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, doing laundry, starting in 5th grade.
There were no protections back then for kids. Abuse was not seen as abusive, and people in schools, libraries, neighbors, extended family did not put two and two together, and certainly did not "out" it. As the saying goes, when abuse was seen, people "minded their own business," and it just wasn't respectable to INTERFERE with other families' child-rearing techniques, and it was perceived as interference. Spanking was common. Until World War II, beatings were typical. Society in general thought nothing of treating kids harshly and without compassion. Child abuse was not on the map at all as a possibility. The "caregiver" (that is, abusive parent) could quite literally get away with murder. If a toddler fell downstairs breaking her neck and died, it was not investigated -- it was assumed to be "a terrible accident."
Anyone who doubts Dave's accounts and experiences has not been what I went through living with a brutal biological mother in the 1960s. A person could not think this stuff up if it were not true. Dave Pelzer does not seek attention -- he wants people to listen up and prevent it from happening to other kids. And it *will* happen to other kids unless we know the signs and risk stepping in as powerful adults. So just learn from Dave's many side-tales, and become aware.
Females are no more "motherly" than a rock unless they had nurturing females who treated them with dignity and kindness growing up. My anti-motter was herself battered as a child, never recovered from it, and did pass it on to her kids. Thank God neither my brother nor I had kids because we likely would have passed the hatred to the next generation. Not having kids was the only way we knew how to "break the chain of violence." Some lineages deserve to die out.
Dave Pelzer is a life-saver. He has said what I had not the courage or awareness to. He is an amazing fellow for bringing his stories into the light of day. He deserves respect, not ridicule. He is hero. If I were Catholic, he'd be a saint.
h-oookay............2007-09-23
All these five star reviews and the apparently wet faces of the readers was an impetus for me to seize the book and read it the first chance I got. I'm a sucker for tear-shedding novels, so you could understand my excitement and my all-too-ready sorrow for this "non-fictitious" little boy. Unfortunately, for my great regret, for both the work and my wasted time, what I read from that book was not at all what I expected. From the first page the story just barfed at me "I'm fabricated, synthetic as can be." The whole story has no point whatsoever, except that of morbid, preposterous describtions of events that we can't even prove to be true. Even if it were true, why would the author write about something like that? Who is he writing to anyway? What kind of helpful message is THAT to anyone? A story about falling off your bicycle & breaking your arm and learning a lesson about caution and attentiveness is more practical and useful than this piece of dross.
I could never undestand why some particular people's minds function the way they do. If you really want to read stories about survival, skip this one and read actually a book from this world, that can actually be put to use, starting from The Diary of Anne Frank.
Book Description
Toddlers can drive you bonkers…so adorable and fun one minute…so stubborn and demanding the next! Yet, as unbelievable as it sounds, there is a way to turn the daily stream of “nos” and “don’ts” into “yeses” and hugs…if you know how to speak your toddler’s language. In one of the most useful advances in parenting techniques of the past twenty-five years, Dr. Karp reveals that toddlers, with their immature brains and stormy outbursts, should be thought of not as pint-size people but as pintsize…cavemen.
Having noticed that the usual techniques often failed to calm crying toddlers, Dr. Karp
discovered that the key to effective communication was to speak to them in their own primitive language. When he did, suddenly he was able to soothe their outbursts almost every time! This amazing success led him to the realization that children between the ages of one and four go through four stages of “evolutionary” growth, each linked to the development of the brain, and each echoing a step in prehistoric humankind’s journey to civilization:
• The “Charming Chimp-Child” (12 to 18 months): Wobbles around on two legs, grabs everything in reach, plays a nonstop game of “monkey see monkey do.”
• The “Knee-High Neanderthal” (18 to 24 months): Strong-willed, fun-loving, messy, with a vocabulary of about thirty words, the favorites being “no” and “mine.”
• The “Clever Caveman” (24 to 36 months):
Just beginning to learn how to share, make friends, take turns, and use the potty.
• The “Versatile Villager” (36 to 48 months): Loves to tell stories, sing songs and dance, while trying hard to behave.
To speak to these children, Dr. Karp has developed two extraordinarily effective techniques:
1) The “fast food” rule — restating what your child has said to make sure you got it right;
2) The four-step rule — using gesture, repetition, simplicity, and tone to help your
irate Stone-Ager be happy again.
Once you’ve mastered “toddler-ese,” you will be ready to apply behavioral techniques specific to each stage of your child’s development, such as teaching patience and calm, doing time-outs (and time-ins), praise through “gossiping,” and many other strategies. Then all the major challenges of the toddler years — including separation anxiety, sibling rivalry, toilet training, night fears, sleep problems, picky eating, biting and hitting, medicine taking — can be handled in a way that will make your toddler feel understood. The result: fewer tantrums, less yelling, and, best of all, more happy, loving time for you and your child.
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Love it.......2007-09-11
I bought this book because Dr. Karp's book The Happest baby on the Block saved my sanity. His advise really works, and helped me feel as if I had some control, and ways to cope with an unpredictable child. Even if only half of his advise works for your child it is worth it. Good luck.
Terrible book.......2007-09-06
Here is the book, in summary:
Your child acts like a caveman and pretty much is a cave man in every way. You act like a cave man too so that he understands you and he is happy.
Read the above paragraph 500 times. The end.
Good But Not Great!.......2007-09-02
I was expecting the amazing tips and tricks that Happiest Baby on the Block offered. I liked it but it wasn't as good as his previous book.
not the baby book..........2007-08-09
I loved Karp's baby book! Could not have made it through the first few months w/out it. Do NOT like this one though. I recommend 123 Magic 2-12yr old.
Very helpful with my 2-year old! .......2007-07-12
Dr. Karp provided specific examples with direct guidance about how to respond to challenging behavior. I tried the "fast food" response and it worked. I would skip to Chapters 8 & 9 if I didn't have enough time to read the entire book. These chapters were the most helpful.
Book Description
Every day headlines are filled with examples of narcissistic individuals in positions of power who are nothing more than impostors plundering and wrecking havoc on the lives of others. From the corporate moguls of Enron and WorldCom to the clergy leaders of the Catholic Church, we daily encounter narcissists and the self-serving systems that enable them. Helping people reclaim their lives from this sinister exploitative force is the mission behind Payson's book, The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family. Using simple metaphors from the American classic, The Wizard of Oz, Payson illustrates how Dorothy's journey captures all the seductive illusions and challenges that occur when we encounter the narcissist. Empowering the reader with the ABCs of unhealthy narcissism and the unique problems that occur when a person becomes involved with the narcissist, Payson gives step-by-step practical tools to identify, protect, and heal from these destructive relationships. Largely un-addressed in the psychology and self-help literature, this ground breaking book offers hope and help to those who have been drawn into these devastating relationships. She includes illuminating case studies that identify the problems that occur in the different types of relationships, from co-workers, to friends, to parents, to lovers. Readers employing these insights and skills will find new abilities to identify and protect against the narcissist's manipulations and take back control of their lives.
Customer Reviews:
Helpful but specific.......2007-10-02
A friend was brave and wise enough to tell me she thought my adult sibling has this disorder. For years our family has been wondering about my sibling's difficult personality, focus on self, and lack of compassion for the rest of us. We have been living a life of self-blame and wondering what we did wrong. Receiving a "diagnosis" of NPD is like someone finally opening the window in a very stuffy room.
This book is good, but it makes for slightly more difficult reading than books such as the more colloquial _Help! I'm in Love with a Narcissist_. However, if you already know for sure that someone has NPD and are looking for answers to "what do I do?" instead of the "why," a book on setting boundaries might be more helpful--most books on NPD end up pointing you in that direction, anyway, but without much guidance themselves on the subject.
Unfortunately, most books on NPD (such as this one) seem to be about one or more of three relationships; an NPD: parent, boss, or spouse/significant other. It may be difficult for those of us who don't fit this mold to glean useful information from books which break down the NPD person into specific roles.
I also question the author's advice to write a letter to someone with NPD. A parent and I have been in correspondence many times with my sibling, and have always been surprised at how easily my sibling can misconstrue the written word, only to turn it around into a quick (or long) attack. Writing to my sibling is a scary endeavor. However, that's hopefully the only advice that seemed like it might backfire so severely, so most of the book is truly helpful and informative--especially if this topic/diagnosis is a new one.
Wizard of Oz, & other narcisists.......2007-08-07
Straightforwardly laid out with a crystal clear logic. I only wish I could have read this book 20 years ago. It would have saved me much heart-ache & confusion.
Narcissism, a how (not) to book.......2007-07-14
This book was a very in-depth study of the narcissistic personality disorder. It taught me how to recognize the pitfalls in dealing with narcissistic people, and how to manage your own behavior when embroiled in a personal/professional relationship with individuals suffering with this disorder.
Depends on what you are seeking.......2007-07-05
I am an adult child of a narcissistic parent. I found chapters 1 - 5 very interesting with a fascinating take on how different children within the same family can receive somewhat different abuse from a NPD parent and/or how those children respond to their individualized suffering. I found this book as helpful (but no more helpful) than the two others I had read in providing strategies to limit NPD abuse. From Chapter 6 on (roughly the last third of the book), the book was of limited use to me as it talked about having an NPD individual in an intimate love relationship or a social/professional relationship. I finished the book, but realized that for my purposes I had really finished it after Chapter 5.
recommendation plus.......2007-05-22
Having recently read several books on this topic, I found this author's work to be quite readable (well written) and generally applicable to current western culture. I believe most readers (with or without narcissistic tendencies) would find something of personal value from it.
Book Description
At some point, every guy--player, geek, mamas boy, "regular Joe"--meets a woman who makes him want to be a boyfriend. A good boyfriend. Problem is, unless hes had some first-rate training (by a previous girlfriend, a sister, a mom), he probably doesnt even know what that means. Felicity Huffman and Patricia Wolff come to the rescue with a rollicking--and whip-smart--handbook to navigating the minefield of male-female relationships. Directed at men (though of course its women wholl buy it, then leave it at their boyfriends place--accidentally on purpose), A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend lays out the many steps involved in becoming a good boyfriend, while still maintaining guy-dignity. It covers issues like: - Who decides when you become a boyfriend (answer: She does.) - How to look like youre listening, even when youre not (If youre busted, just say "Youre so pretty, Im distracted.") - Ten things never to say on the first date (#4: "I just did that to freak you out.") - Finding the middle ground between too cool (think third grade) and too eager (think surprise visits) - Why becoming a good boyfriend is a lot like training for the A team Filled with humour, ribaldry, common sense, and assorted outdoor skills, A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend is the next dating guide to dominate the bestseller lists.
Customer Reviews:
Haha.......2007-09-07
Haha, just try to get a guy to read this, if you can good luck, they just don't get it.
The book is a good, truthful, funny read....it just confirms we women think alike.
Pay Attention Guys.......2007-05-18
Want to know what women talk about when you're not around, guys, and how we think? Why we act crazy sometimes or fish for compliments? How to deal with it all without going crazy or getting stuck in a fight? Or worse, on the couch? Read this book. It has lots of truth and some really good tips for things like how to pretend to be hearing us while you're really watching that all-imporant playoff game, so that we don't turn the TV off and ruin everything by choosing just then to talk about our feelings. It's also funnier than most chick lit. Also pickup a copy of God Is a Woman: Dating Disasters, which is right on.
Hilarious and oh so true.......2007-05-07
I left this book laying in the bathroom and now all of a sudden I'm getting flowers and champagne from my husband. He obviously was reading some of it. He started dressing nicer for me instead of the work clothes all the time and he makes a point to take me out on dates. I found the book humerous and worth reading for myself just to laugh at how nuts we women are. My husband started reading it because it was mysteriously the only new material to read in the bathroom :). It was truly worth buying.
Chick Lit For Guys.......2007-04-27
I picked up a copy of this book because it was recommended in several reviews of another book I liked alot. Suffice it to say that I was disappointed. This is just the same bad advice for girls in chick lit turned on its end for guys. It talks about how to pretend to be listening, how to manipulate to get what you want but make it look like you're really doing what the other person wants, and so on. It also talks about giving up alot and letting the girl have her way because you can't win. At least that's how I perceive these messages. I also don't think guys women would really be interested in would do any of this stuff. I know I wouldn't be interested in them. The other book I mentioned is God Is a Woman: Dating Disasters which I did like alot. Those are the only two books I've really read or seen with advice for men on women, at least that isn't about just getting into bed with us. I do think the book deserves praise for trying to help guys out, I just think it did it by telling guys to behave in a more womanly way and in truth that wouldn't really be all that appealing to women in the end.
It's funny.......2007-04-07
It's a funny book but I can only agree with about 50% of the advise. Most of it is really common sence info but its entertaining. Bottom line is buy it for the entertainment value.
Book Description
As many as one-third of all American women tiptoe through life as if they are walking on eggshells -- at home, they spend most of their time trying to avoid criticism, anger, put-downs, or cold shoulders from their husbands or boyfriends. This verbal and emotional abuse can erupt over anything and everything, matters large and small: housework, cooking, work, spending money, buying household items and clothes for the kids, and going out. Clearly, verbal and emotional abuse is a serious problem.
Relationship expert Dr. Steven Stosny has been featured on national media for the revolutionary techniques he uses in his Compassion-Power and Boot Camp programs, which help men rewire their resentment and anger, stop using emotionally abusive language and behavior, and compassionately recommit to their marriages and families.
Now, in You Don't Have to Take It Anymore, Dr. Stosny puts his effective, highly sought-after program into print, making it widely available for the first time for women who want to stop walking on eggshells. Drawing on his seventeen years of experience treating thousands of clients, Dr. Stosny explains the many different forms a verbally and emotionally abusive relationship can take. He explains how to identify abuse and why it's important to take action to change the relationship -- for not only is verbal and emotional abuse monumentally destructive to both the adults in the relationship, it also hurts their children. Dr. Stosny shows women and men how to apply his methods at home, shows women how to get their men to change, and demonstrates how they can know if change is permanent. Additionally, Dr. Stosny's program helps women recover from the pain and abuse by practicing self-healing skills so that they can reclaim their natural sense of competence and confidence. Using language that is more compassionate and accessible than in any other book on relationship abuse -- and different tactics from most other therapies and therapists -- You Don't Have to Take It Anymore presents a practical program that both women and men can use to stop verbal and emotional abuse.
Download Description
"As many as one-third of all American women tiptoe through life as if they are walking on eggshells -- at home, they spend most of their time trying to avoid criticism, anger, put-downs, or cold shoulders from their husbands or boyfriends. This verbal and emotional abuse can erupt over anything and everything, matters large and small: housework, cooking, work, spending money, buying household items and clothes for the kids, and going out. Clearly, verbal and emotional abuse is a serious problem. Relationship expert Dr. Steven Stosny has been featured on national media for the revolutionary techniques he uses in his Compassion-Power and Boot Camp programs, which help men rewire their resentment and anger, stop using emotionally abusive language and behavior, and compassionately recommit to their marriages and families.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Self-help For Individuals & Couples.......2007-05-08
Stosny's book is excellent! It teaches individuals how to heal from the pain anger has caused and how to heal relationhips damaged by anger in clear and simple steps. I have used the book in counseling with couples struggling in emotionally and physically abuse relationships. Doing the exercises and applying the principles in this book can bring peace and power to the individual and to the relationship.
The Best.......2007-04-29
In my opinion, the best book out there for healing angry, emotionally abusive relationships--for both partners. His approach has been tried and tested for years, and is much more effective than the typical anger management and batterer intervention and prevention programs.
No more walking on eggshells!!.......2007-04-23
This tremendous book is slowly chipping away at the walls of resentment, revealing a true sense of self that I thought was long since dead.
I'd also recommend "The Verbally Abusive Relationship" along side it. No matter what direction I choose, I am now positive that I will be much healthier and happier as a result.
The best book ever written on emotional abuse.......2006-08-09
I have read many books on emotional abuse and this book, by far, is the best. Dr. Stosny must have been a fly on our wall over the last 25 years to be able to reiterate "verbatim" some of the conversations and events that have happened in our home.
As a woman, I highly recommend this book for other women who either know they're being emotionally abused, or have that gnawing feeling deep down inside that tells them something just isn't right about their relationship.
Dr. Stosny provides you with insight into your situation, and a Boot Camp section for your husband/boyfriend to go through. He also provides advice on what to do if either party is unwilling to go through the process. Make no mistake - this is NOT a quick fix. The abuser must come to terms with the fact that the recovery process may take years to complete. But things can still get much better than they are now very quickly.
Ultimately, this book provided me with much needed peace of mind by showing me that I wasn't crazy to think that life HAD to better than this, and that I didn't have to live this way. If you are in this situation, or know someone who is and if you love them, PLEASE buy this book. It will be the greatest thing you could ever give them.
Extremely valuable and helpful book!!!.......2006-04-05
An angry or emotionally abusive relationship is overwhelming and confusing to both the husband and wife. Steven Stosny gives you a method with specific steps to take to get yourself out of this horrible situation, with both of you healing and hopefully saving your marriage. It is a remarkable book that has changed my life for the better. I have also been to his boot camp, which I highly recommend. Thank you Steven for giving my husband and I the tools to profoundly change our relationship back to a happy and loving one.
Product Description
Baby Sign ASL Flash Cards (set 1: First Words). We love these flash cards! Sign Babies Flash Cards introduce ASL signs to reinforce signs that your child is learning by watching Signing Time. Set One includes these 25 cards: Milk, Eat, Mom, Dad, Drink; Do
Customer Reviews:
I love these cards - Great tool for learning sign language........2007-04-05
These cards are very easy to use. My children and young nieces (ages 7-10) enjoyed learning from these cards. The pictures include instructions on how to move your hands to correctly make/carry out the sign.
clear and easy.......2007-03-11
I really like the flash cards because they are easy to follow and understand. You can quiz yourself since they are flash cards and it surely beats tring to learn sign out of a book. I bought all four sets!
signing w/2t.......2007-03-10
My daughter loves to learn new words/signs, however, these were not ones we used regularly, so it was not as useful as I thought.
ASL Flash Cards.......2007-02-20
We have a 6mo. old and a 3yr old. We are using these with both. Our 3yr old enjoys them very much.
Great cards! Try putting them in a 4 by 6 photo album! .......2007-01-25
These cards are wonderful! I have 5 children and have always taught them basic baby sign language to help them communicate before they could speak. I have always used the Baby Signs board books which I think are great. My youngest child is 22 months old and was just diagnosed with speech apraxia. Although he knew basic signs from the board books, his speech therapist gave me the first set of these cards to expand his signing skills. I bougth a $2 photo album from Wal-Mart and put the cards in the photo sleeves in order to protect them (they are a bit flimsy, unlike the board books) and my son loves to carry around his "book." I would recommend this product to any mom or dad that wants to teach their baby useable signs. Signing with your baby is fun and it is a great step in teaching your child how to learn.
Book Description
New York’s popular senior senator, who won reelection by the largest margin in the state’s history, offers a bold plan for change in the Democratic party
As the results of the last presidential election played out, it became clear that while Democrats call themselves the party of the middle, the middle class does not consider the Democrats their party. Now, Chuck Schumer, who has gained national prominence as the head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee, offers his plan for capturing the middle-class vote and moving his party back into the majority. Democrats can accomplish this, the senator explains, without abandoning their traditional principles.
Schumer envisions a hypothetical, average middle-class American family—he thinks of them as "The Baileys"—who spend "as much time talking about the cost of cornflakes as the cost of the national debt." He then details specific proposals he believes would keep America safe, secure, and on top; and support the aspirations of a prosperous and growing middle class while speaking to anxieties created in a world changed by technology and globalization. For example, he proposes to:
• increase the number of college graduates by 50%
• reduce property taxes by 50%
Customer Reviews:
The reviewer in the..........2007-04-23
NY Times Sunday Book Review section, who said he's a proud Liberal, called this a "bad book." What more needs to be said.
More than a sound bite.......2007-04-08
Most of the time, all we get are 30-second soundbites and talking points from our elected officials, either on the news or on the radio and television talk-show circuit. It seems to be about "moving the agenda" forward, or promoting the politician, or both. This makes it harder and harder for us, as citizens, to nail down politicians on their core positions. That's what makes books like this worthy, regardless of one's politics. If you're as liberal as Sen. Schumer, it moves your beliefs forward. If you disagree, it provides you with a clear view of your opponent's view, a requirement in any intelligent debate.
I wasn't particularly interested in Sen. Schumer's bio, but it does help to understand the origins of his views, and so it is a necessary part of the book. His multi-point plan for winning back the middle class has some good ideas, and there are some ideas with real holes in them. But what you get here is a clear definition of those ideas, and so, maybe, a better understanding of Sen. Schumer and, by proxy, his party.
I found the book interesting as a starting point, and weel worth reading, even though I didn't agree with the entire "50% plan". At least Se. Schumer had the guts to put his ideas in writing for all to see. By the way, I found Donald Trump's book - The America We Deserve - to be an excellent companion to the Schumer book. It's interesting to see the differences between the career politician and the mogul on the same issues.
The best!!!!.......2007-04-02
The book came to me in excellent shape thanks to the way you packed it for shipping...I appreciate the stellar condition the book arrived as it was a gift to a special friend.
The subtext is the real story.......2007-04-02
The first half of the book is disappointing if you are looking for policy discussion. It's a well written narrative about Schumer's political career. Not from New York, I knew little about him until reading this book. Schumer seems much more thoughtful and intelligent than most of the politicians I've encountered.
It was an eye opener by a master politician, showing just how much of campaigning is just raising money. In reading, you see that the ability to raise money is the glass ceiling to political power in the U.S. If you can't raise money, and lots of it, you don't get in the club. Forget any other qualifications that might get us good people to represent us. If you can't raise money - it's over. Sadly, I'm sure this is enough to select out many good people, and select in many less desirable ones.
The second half of the book is a list of initiatives that Schumer outlines. In other reviews he is chided for not doing these during the last 10 years, but realistically his party was not in power then, and it's obvious from the book that politics are for parties not for the people. The books second lesson is that the way the political system works is that there are two teams and he is a democrat. His goal is to get and keep his team in power. You stay in power by giving people happy. Some times I though his tone was condescending to the average "Joe Bailey", his mythical constituent that he "listened to" (polled). I think this is typical. Politicians seem a lot like stock brokers - they claim them work for you, but the reality is they use our wealth to their own ends. They just try to keep us happy enough not to fire them. By the time we do, typically half our wealth is gone.
His policy baloons were interesting, mostly good ideas, but largely too little to overcome the deep dudu that I think the country is headed for. He is Pollyannaish in his optimism - but once in a while you see his views slip though. I was glad to see him state that the mono-national immigration policy is dangerous - having nearly all immigrants coming from Mexico is not a good policy, and I give him credit for realizing it. He comes close to saying that mono-importaion (exporation of wealth) to China is just as dangerous. However, from reading, I don't expect him to do anything about if except drops some hints as he did in the book. About once a chapter he slips in reality, but mostly he shows great hope.
The book was worth reading. Here is one of the better politicians, one who seems to really care about America, and having government that makes it stronger. But it shows me we can't rely on the political system to fix what's wrong in America.
Poorly Thought Out; Uninspiring.......2007-03-30
Senator Schumer's intent is to provide a Democrat replacement for Rep. Gingrich's "Contract With America." Unfortunately the 11 actions he proposes offer little other than substantial government expenditure increases. Examples:
Increase Reading and Math Scores by 50%, largely through tripling federal education spending and reducing education funding through property taxes by raising income taxes on the rich. Reality: Inflation-adjusted per-pupil expenditures have tripled in the last three decades with little/no improvement in high-school graduate achievement scores or graduation rates; in addition, most private schools cost far less than public schools.
Increase the Number of College Graduates by 50%. Reality: Outsourcing American jobs has resulted in college graduation no longer being a silver bullet to achieving the good life. (Schumer's book relates the story of a recently laid-off/outsourced computer programmer, but fails to realize how this example negates his proposed solution. We need to revisit tariffs and other import barriers.)
Reduce Illegal Migration by at Least 50%, and Increase Legal Immigration up to 50%. Reality: Meaningless because easily accomplished by legalizing what is now illegal; also fails to address the need to raise the competency levels of American immigrants - fewer uneducated likely to become welfare beneficiaries.
Increase Our Ability to Fight Terrorism 50%. Reality: Better yet would be a program to reduce terrorists by 50% - eg. take a much more even hand in Palestine-Israel negotiations, and get out of Iraq.
On the other hand, Schumer's goal of reducing dependence on foreign oil by 50% is very sensible, led by doubling CAFE standards and ultimately shifting to renewable energy sources.
Another section of "Positively American" was interesting - where Schumer related that Democrats win the middle-class ($30,000-$75,000) vote ONLY because they have an extraordinary lock on African-American votes. Looking at the white middle-class only shows that Democrats lost by 6 points in the last election!
I read "Positively American" in hopes of finding support for major initiatives in universal healthcare, stopping the flood of illiterate immigrants from Mexico (eg. stop flooding their country with subsidized U.S. agricultural products, making their farmers unable to earn a living), reducing oil use (improves environment, reduces trade deficit and terrorist funding), reducing the enormous amounts of money wasted in healthcare (administrative overhead, medical mistakes) and education, and addressing our outsourcing problems (reduces incomes and the ability to fund healthcare, government, and retirement). We can do better than one out of six.
Average customer rating:
- Lots of Information in an Easy to Read Book
- Thank you, Dr. Kutscher!
- Expectations fulfilled to the max
- fantastic
- kids in the syndrome mix
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Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Asperger's, Tourette's, Bipolar, And More!: The One Stop Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Other Professionals
Martin L., M.D. Kutscher
Manufacturer: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
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Binding: Hardcover
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Accessories:
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Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer
ASIN: 1843108100 |
Book Description
Kids in the Syndrome Mix is a concise, scientifically up-to-date, all-in-one guide to the whole range of often co-existing neuro-behavioral disorders in children—from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder, to autistic spectrum disorders, nonverbal learning disabilities, sensory integration problems, and executive dysfunction.
Dr. Kutscher provides accessible information on causes, symptoms, interactions with other conditions, and treatments. He presents effective behavioral strategies for responding to children who display traits of these disorders—whether at home, at school, or in other settings—along with case vignettes and practical tips.
The author's sympathetic yet upbeat approach and skillful explanations of the inner world of children in the syndrome mix make this an invaluable companion for parents, teachers, professionals, and anyone else who needs fast and to-the-point advice on children with special needs.
Customer Reviews:
Lots of Information in an Easy to Read Book.......2007-08-27
As an Occupational Therapist I focus on the obstacles my students face in their everyday lives and particularly in school. Often my students have received a diagnosis of ADHD but actually present with symptoms that, in my opinion, are better represented by other disorders such as Aspergers and Central Auditory Processing Disorders. Dr. Kutscher's book emphasizes the co occurence of various disorders and confirms that a single diagnosis is the exception and not the norm in these complex students.
The book is packed with information that includes essential vocabulary and concepts, web sites,and reference to experts in research and treatment. While Dr. Kutscher jokes about how he may be oversimplifying concepts and brain function, he actually includes many key concepts that can greatly clarify the struggles of children in the syndrome mix. Some examples of the information presented in the book that, I believe, would enlighten teachers, pediatricians, parents,etc. include the following: the demoralizing result of receiving a zero on a school paper;the Connor's checklist;contextual clues and reading; phonological dysfunction and early signs of dyslexia;Fry's Instant Word List; establishing a hand dominence by 2; the 4 areas of communication;Theory of Mind; an adult using "child speak" to help a child develop social skills; social stories; using the child's special interests to engineer friendships; and sensory integration dysfunction. If the reader takes advantage of the suggestions in the Further Reading section then more in depth knowledge of subjects that are only touched upon in the book can be obtained.
Dr. Kutscher reminds us not to treat these complex children as typical because they are not. One can view them as having a wonderful uniqueness or as having a disability that needs to be accomodated for. I agree it is very important not to expect typical behaviors from these children. For them to become all that they can be and to have good self esteem, they need special consideration and help.I enjoy working with these children and I am often impressed by their uniqueness and gifts.
Thank you, Dr. Kutscher!.......2007-07-30
I want to know how the author knew my kid to a "T" without ever having met him! This book was amazing and tied together several of my son's challenges in ways that no one ever had before! Instead of dealing with each "diagnosis" in isolation, they were related to one another and the interactions - positive and negative - were examined. Just knowing why something that "should" work didn't - in such clear and reasonable language - takes SO MUCH of the stress off of us as parents, advocates and caregivers.
The language, terminology and humor made this a very accessible and comfortable read. The density of information made it a reasonable slow but very rewarding read. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to any parent, teacher, grandparent, friend or cargiver of a child (or adult)with any of the neurodevelopmental disorders it covers. You'll most likely find out that the picture is more complex but definitely more manageable and less frustrating when all the variables are considered.
Thank you, Dr. Kutscher!
Expectations fulfilled to the max.......2007-06-09
i received the book in perfect condition and a timely fashion. A pleasure!
fantastic.......2007-06-08
OK, this book covers it all! My dear daughter is still waitng for a diagnosis and this book just pegged so many of her problems. I have read, re-read and highlighted it! If your child has been labled with ANY of the topics in this book then this book is for you! Thanks so much, really very very good!
kids in the syndrome mix.......2007-05-13
I had first read this book at the library but it had so much helpful information that i decided i needed it in my home library as a reference guide to go back to-this book is one that any parent who has a child with emotional disorders should read.I have recommended it to my sons therapist/counselers/doctors/teachers and my own support group.
Book Description
Finally--the book you've been waiting for to help you find and keep the right partner and make love last. Best-selling author and renowned relationship expert Barbara De Angelis reveals everything you need to know about compatibility and shows you how to create the fulfilling relationship you deserve whether you are:
Married, and wondering if you could be happier.
Single, and wondering how to avoid another wrong partner.
In love, and wondering whether your partner is the right one for you.
With powerful advice and groundbreaking techniques that have helped thousands of people transform their lives, Dr. De Angelis will show you the formula for creating love that lasts, and help you to understand yourself and the one you love as you never have before.
Discover:
How to avoid making the biggest mistakes in love.
The six essential qualities to look for in a mate.
How to spot fatal flaws in a partner.
How to create the sexual chemistry you want.
The compatibility formula to make your relationship work.
Customer Reviews:
Bad Relationships? GET THIS BOOK!.......2007-10-04
I never understood what made me chose bad relationship after bad relationship. This book makes you take an honest and sometimes funny look at what caused you to make certain life choices. I was going through a current bad relationship and decided to read this book to my then boyfriend :> He and I shared an epiphany... in our current state we were NOT good for each other. (Note: I did not say he was a bad person, just not the "...One For Me!") Also, he said that he was very glad I gave him the book because he realized areas he needed to focus on for personal growth. In addition, I learned my own faults...which we will never completely correct; but, I'll continue trying! You will especially enjoy the section on writing your own advertisement for bad relationships! I cannot tell you enough to add this book to your collection.
If you've ever had a bad relationship..........2007-09-10
This book is a MUST READ for anyone who has ever had a bad relationship, and typically that's everybody who's ever had one. As a practicing psychotherapist, I often recommend that my clients read this book and DO THE EXERCISES. It helps to increase one's awarenss of how "emotional programming" from the past, or what I would call unconscious patterns, plays out in relationships. Although the book is geared towards a heterosexual audience, it is equally appropriate and valuable for GLBT readers. Although it's easier said than done, if you can successfully avoid the 10 relationships that won't EVER work (e.g., addict, emotionally unavailable), the quality of your life will increase tenfold. If, after reading this book and doing the exercises, you are still not having healthly relationships, you may want to consider seeking out a therapist for guidance and support. It's the brave souls who ask for help! One more thing...don't be turned off by the cheesy book cover; it belies its content.
Are you the one for me?.......2007-05-31
Excellent book for people who have a shown an inclination to make bad choices for a mate. I highly recommend this for any seeking a new relationship.
Break Out of Your Patterns.......2007-05-09
Spot your relationship patterns and learn what you're doing right and wrong. Then you'll truly be able to find someone who's good for you.
Some good things, some not so good.......2007-05-05
Bear in mind the author is on husband number 5 and clearly knows her topic thru experience. Oh, and her Ph.D. is from a non-accredited school -which she had to know would be noticed.
Book Description
Emergencies:
--when to call your child's physician immediately
-what to do in case of burns, bites, stings, poisoning, choking, and injuries
Common Illnesses:
-when it's safe to treat your child at home
-step-by-step instructions on dealing with fever, infections, allergies, rashes, earaches, croup and other common ailments
Behavior Problems:
-proven strategies for colic, sleep disturbances, toilet training problems, thumbsucking, and the video game craze
-no-nonsense discipline techniques for biting, temper tantrums, sibling fighting, and school refusal
Health Promotion: From Birth Through Adolescence:
-essential advice on newborn baby care, nutrition, cholesterol testing, immunizations, and sex education
-ways of preventing spoiled children, picky eaters, overeating, tooth decay, accidents, and homework problems
Customer Reviews:
Packed with useful information.......2007-08-10
I bought this book after reading several reviews and have been pleased with what I have read so far. There is so much information, which is a plus. I will more than likely only read certain pages when my child's health pertains to that particular subject. Would recommend as a sole source for a new parent.
If an "Instruction Manual" exists for kids, this is IT!.......2007-06-12
This book is an ESSENTIAL reference guide for all parents, grandparents and caregivers. A friend of mine who is a pediatrician reccomended this book when I asked her favorite child care book was. It gives the straight nuts and bolts of every issue that could arise with your child, from colic to strange rashes to jellyfish stings(!)
The book has come through for me so many times when I have had questions - is this serious, should I call the doctor now or in the morning? What is that RASH? Why is my infant making that wierd noise? As someone else said in another review, it's tuly like having a pediatrician on speed-dial.
My only sticking point with recommending it is the advice on child rearing, which I believe should allow for more grey areas than the black and white answers Dr. Schmitt provides. I agreed with many of his points. His "How to Spoil a Child" bulleted list is hilarious, and spot on. Likewise his advice on how to curtail tantrums.
But there were a few things that we definitely did not see eye to eye on (ex: vegetables are NOT "overrated" in my opinion, and darnit my kid's gonna eat 'em!) Those of you who are fans of co-sleeping may not like his sleep advice. Another reviewer called these "cultural differences," and I agree the book does not really take them into account. Take this advice with a grain of salt and go with your gut.
But if your kid just vomited and then went back outside to play like he was fine, leaving you a little puzzled and panicked about what to do, this book is for you. And get a copy for the grandparents' house, too.
Great for the whole family.......2007-05-26
This is the best medical guide I found for my child. I use it for my husband and me too. Efficiently written, it gets to the point so you can find the information you need quickly, which is important when your child is sick. It is very thorough and has covered every topic I've needed.
A Must Have.......2007-05-21
I have brought 8 or 9 copies of this book and given them as gifts to new moms. They all have found the book useful, especially the first time breast feeding moms. The book was recommended to me when I had my daughter and it helped me so much. My daughter is now 3 and most recently with the allergy season upon us, I foud myself looking up the treatment and dosage for itchy and runny noses.
A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY PARENT.......2007-04-07
** This is the single best medical reference book for parents. ** It is clear, concise and in an easy-to-use format. Medical conditions can be looked up by chapter in the Table of Contents at the front of the book OR alphabetically in the index at the back of the book by symptom (like rash) or location (like eye). Each condition has a breakdown of symptoms, what to expect as the condition runs its course, any home treatments, when to seek immediate medical attention, when to call your pediatrician within 24 hours, critical symptoms to watch for, etc.
I purchased the earlier edition when my 6-year-old was a baby and now that I have a 3-year-old, I'm thrilled they released a newly updated edition. When I was a new parent it really helped to have some frame of reference for when to worry and when not to worry, and I still use it today! Every parent should get a copy!!
I've tried other reference books like this over the years, but Dr. Schmitt's book is the best!! It is the easiest to use, has the clearest format and is written in plain terms so that you don't have to be a doctor to follow it. Every expectant parent's bookshelf should have a copy of "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and right next to it, a copy of Dr. Schmitt's "Your Child's Health", ABSOLUTE MUST-HAVE'S FOR EVERY PARENT.
Books:
- A Photographer's Life: 1990-2005
- A Taste of My Own Medicine: When the Doctor Is the Patient
- Adobe Photoshop CS2 Classroom in a Book
- Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book for Digital Photographers,The (Voices That Matter)
- Afterglow
- Afterimage: Film, Trauma, and the Holocaust (Emerging Media: History, Theory, Narrative)
- Alfred Stieglitz: Photographs and Writings (Alfred Stieglitz)
- America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
- America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
- An Idiot Girl's Christmas: True Tales from the Top of the Naughty List
Books Index
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Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
