Book Description
Called "The Entitlement Generation" or Gen Y, they are storming into schools, colleges, and businesses all over the country. In this provocative new book, headline-making psychologist and social commentator Dr. Jean Twenge explores why the young people she calls "Generation Me" -- those born in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s -- are tolerant, confident, open-minded, and ambitious but also cynical, depressed, lonely, and anxious.
Herself a member of Generation Me, Dr. Twenge uses findings from the largest intergenerational research study ever conducted -- with data from 1.3 million respondents spanning six decades -- to reveal how profoundly different today's young adults are. Here are the often shocking truths about this generation, including dramatic differences in sexual behavior, as well as controversial predictions about what the future holds for them and society as a whole. Her often humorous, eyebrow-raising stories about real people vividly bring to life the hopes and dreams, disappointments and challenges of Generation Me.
GenMe has created a profound shift in the American character, changing what it means to be an individual in today's society. The collision of this generation's entitled self-focus and today's competitive marketplace will create one of the most daunting challenges of the new century. Engaging, controversial, prescriptive, funny, Generation Me will give Boomers new insight into their offspring, and help those in their teens, 20s, and 30s finally make sense of themselves and their goals and find their road to happiness.
Download Description
The Associated Press calls them "The Entitlement Generation," and they are storming into schools, colleges, and businesses all over the country. They are today's young people, a new generation with sky-high expectations and a need for constant praise and fulfillment. In this provocative new book, headline-making psychologist and social commentator Dr. Jean Twenge documents the self-focus of what she calls "Generation Me" -- people born in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Herself a member of Generation Me, Dr. Twenge explores why her generation is tolerant, confident, open-minded, and ambitious but also cynical, depressed, lonely, and anxious. Using findings from the largest intergenerational study ever conducted -- with data from 1.3 million respondents spanning six decades -- Dr. Twenge reveals how profoundly different today's young adults are -- and makes controversial predictions about what the future holds for them and society as a whole. But Dr. Twenge doesn't just talk statistics -- she highlights real-life people and stories and vividly brings to life the hopes and dreams, disappointments and challenges of Generation Me. With a good deal of irony, humor, and sympathy she demonstrates that today's young people have been raised to aim for the stars at a time when it is more difficult than ever to get into college, find a good job, and afford a house -- even with two incomes. GenMe's expectations have been raised just as the world is becoming more competitive, creating an enormous clash between expectations and reality. Dr. Twenge also presents the often-shocking truths about her generation's dramatically different sexual behavior and mores. GenMe has created a profound shift in the American character, changing what it means to be an individual in today's society. Engaging, controversial, prescriptive, and often funny, Generation Me will give Boomers new insight into their offspring, and help GenMe'ers in their teens, 20s, and 30s finally make sense of themselves and their goals and find their road to happiness.
Customer Reviews:
Fine book but doesn't account for some major factors.......2007-09-22
In and of itself this is a excellent source of clarity when one is trying to make sense of the Y generation. They aren't the easiest age cohort to understand or make sense of, in terms of thought processes, motivational factors, developmental forces, values, tastes, needs, or social drives. This often leaves the baby boom generation somewhat baffled by their seeming opacity. After a second reading of Generation Me, with extensive underlining and reflective contemplation, I think I'm beginning to get what makes them tick, and that's a valuable thing.
However, we are perhaps only now gaining an appreciation, and with that a sobering trepidation, of how powerfully medicated a generation the Y people are. This additional factor is all to easy to downplay or overlook, yet a high percentage of younger adults and adolescents are being medicated with strong mood altering medicines. Often these medicines are given for behaviors that would appear to be well within the envelope of adolescent normality 30 years ago, but today are framed as disruptive or antisocial. In my opinion, this is an exceedingly unhealthy trend as we develop institutional habits of "grinding off" any rough edges with pharmaceuticals, leaving nothing but a monotone consensus culture in their wake. Is this the collective form of life we truly desire ? Or have we been merely seduced by the low cost of medicating the young instead of alowing them to work through the discovery process of a rich, varied life experience ?
The second factor which is shaping the young of today is the legacy of the human potential movement, cults, and large group seminars which sought near instantaneous, collective Satori experiences and discounted the long, slow, saturnine process of becoming a fully formed human. We bought into this model of empowerment without reflection, much as we bought into the model that most problems with the mind were problems of chemistry.
In my opinion, it is the dual legacy which is very much derived from Baby Boom lifestyle and attitude, mind medicine and pop psychology, which has had a deep and woeful impact on the life arc of young people today.
I wish the author had devoted a thorough analysis of the origins and impacts of medicalization and psychologizing of the young.
Worthwhile reading, but with a grain of salt.......2007-09-03
I wanted to read this book to better understand the younger people in my life, and it is of value in many ways, as dozens of other reader/ reviewers have noted.
I also agree with some of her conclusions: For example, many of today's young people seem to have a very difficult time accepting criticism, and have an exaggerated idea of their own importance and abilities.
However, there is one area of discussion that I disagree with, and that is that 'Generation Me' has it harder than previous ones. Yes, there is more competition and fewer opportunities, partially due to corporate downsizing and shipping jobs to India, etc. But at the same time, some of the competition is due to the fact that both men and women are in the mix. In earlier generations, men would have had the field more to themselves. In fact, if the author had graduated from high school when I or my mom and grandmother did, she may not have had the opportunity to enter the field of sociology as a professional, let alone have a serious book published, and if she did, fewer would have read it because she's a woman, and women weren't taken as seriously in intellectual pursuits. Women of my generation had very little career or professional opportunities, generally, and fewer people were even able to attend college. (I'm not sure there were even Pell Grants) In addition, immigrants from other countries -- then and perhaps even now -- have a much harder time 'making it' in our culture...In this particular regard, her viewpoint seems as narcisstic as she may feel these kids are.
Great Book.......2007-08-04
If you want to know more about a generation & how to deal with this one, BUY THIS BOOK! She does a great job of explaining issues and citing facts with sarcasm, it's a wonderful read.
Fantastic, engaging review of the generation.......2007-07-20
I thoroughlly enjoyed this book. Dr. Twenge does a great deal of research and presents it all in a non-confusing, non-overwhelming manner. It's an engaging book and gave me quite a bit to think about. I have recommended this book already half a dozen times to collegues and friends who are interested in engaging Gen-Me.
(disclosure: I'm a Gen-Me. I resonated with a lot of the book from that perspective although I originally read it to understand the younger part of the Gen-Me demographic.)
Any person involved in ministry must read this book!!!.......2007-07-20
I am a pastor to young adults (ages 18-35) at a large church in California and I was introduced to this book a few months ago. It really hit home with the trends I was noticing in most of the young adults I was working with (myself included) at our church, and other pastors agreed. I especially appreciated the commentary on the Christian obsession with the self.
I enjoyed the book so much we decided to do an 8-week sermon series in which we're discussing the trends of the Gen Me culture and then reflecting on what Scripture has to say, mostly in contrast to the self focused message of the last 35 years (Jesus - "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)).
Twenge's book is brilliantly, blunt research which I've found to be extremely useful to churches, who are as much in the sociological field as they are the theological one in an ever-changing culture.
Book Description
Why do people dodge responsibility when things fall apart? Why the parade of public figures unable to own up when they screw up? Why the endless marital quarrels over who is right? Why can we see hypocrisy in others but not in ourselves? Are we all liars? Or do we really believe the stories we tell?
Renowned social psychologists Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson take a compelling look into how the brain is wired for self-justification. When we make mistakes, we must calm the cognitive dissonance that jars our feelings of self-worth. And so we create fictions that absolve us of responsibility, restoring our belief that we are smart, moral, and right—a belief that often keeps us on a course that is dumb, immoral, and wrong.
Backed by years of research and delivered in lively, energetic prose, Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) offers a fascinating explanation of self-deception—how it works, the harm it can cause, and how we can overcome it.
Customer Reviews:
Has some good points but..........2007-10-02
Makes some valid points, but the primary purpose of this book in my opinion is to bash conservatives and their views. Examples of poor liberal decisions are few. I would assume liberals make mistakes too... If you are looking for something that gives good analysis without the severe leftward slant look elsewhere.
Why people rationalize and justify obviously bad actions.......2007-09-23
After hearing a NPR interview with Carol Travis, I sought out this book and was delighted with it. With ample basis in scholarly research, it was solid and had practical applications in my own life.
I have often been fascinated with why seemingly good people commit poor actions, and then go to great lengths to rationalize and justify their actions, at the expense of and to the detriment of others. Politicians and bureaucrats are those from whom I expect this.
But when it enters your own life, your interest in understanding the basis for it becomes necessary and vital in your own well-being.
The concept of cognitive dissonance and how it drives people to distort their perception of reality, so that the difference between their ideals and their behavior goes away, enters our daily lives. Of course, the problem with this is it reinforces the behavior that caused the dissonance in the first place, and it starts you down a road of deceipt and lies built upon more lies. Having lived the nightmare of being subjected to a "cognitive dissonant" of the nth degree, Travis assisted me in opening my eyes.
The political discussions by Travis will, no doubt, displease conservative readers, and was brave on her part to tackle. This book is strong and I highly recommend it.
The authors make a dry subject come alive!.......2007-09-14
Renowned social psychologists Carol Travis and Elliot
Aronson have written a truly fascinating book, MISTAKES
WERE MADE (BUT NOT BY ME). . . its subtitle made me want
to read it even more: WHY WE JUSTIFY FOOLISH BELIEFS,
BAD DECISIONS AND HURTFUL ACTS because I have long observed
this tendency--even in my own life.
The authors make what could be a dry subject come alive
by the use of many examples . . . in addition, I liked how
they incorporated much research--cited in nearly 40 pages
of endnotes--but made it come alive via a lively writing style.
When they explained how our memories tell more about
what we believe now than what really happened then, I had
to laugh . . . and recall the story of how I once took Risa,
my daughter, to my first home . . . from there, I proceeded
to take her to my elementary school, which I could have
sworn was nearly a mile away . . . in reality, it turned out
to be less than two short blocks away!
MISTAKES WERE MADE further shows how couples can
break out of the "he said,she said" spiral of blame and
defensiveness, and perhaps most importantly, how all of
us can learn to own up and let go of the need to be right.
There were many memorable passages in the book; among
those that most caught my attention were the following:
* The same DNA that exonerates an innocent person can be used
to identify the guilty one, but this rarely happens. Of all the convictions
the Innocence Project has succeeded in overturning so far, there
is not a single instance in which the police later tried to find the
actual perpetrator of the crime. The police and prosecutors just
close the books on the case completely, as if to obliterate its
silent accusation of the mistake they made.
* De Klerk, who had been elected president in 1989, knew that a
violent revolution was all but inevitable. The fight against
apartheid was escalating; sanctions imposed by other countries
were having a significant impact on the nation's economy;
supporters of the banned African National Congress were
becoming increasingly violent, killing and torturing people whom
they believed were collaborating with the white regime. De Klerk
could have tightened the noose by instituting even more repressive
policies in the desperate hope of preserving white power. Instead,
he revoked the ban on the ANC and freed Mandela from the prison
in which he had spent twenty-seven years. For this part, Mandela
could have found entirely legitimate. Instead, he relinquished
anger for the sake of the goal to which he had devoted his life.
"If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with
your enemy," said Mandela. "Then he becomes your partner." In
1993, both men shared the Nobel Peace Prize, and the following
year Mandela was elected president of South Africa.
* Making mistakes is central to the education of budding scientists
and artists of all kinds, who must have the freedom to experiment,
try this idea, flop, try another idea, take a risk, be willing to get the
wrong answer. One classic example, once taught to American
schoolchildren and still on many inspirational Web sites in various
versions, is Thomas Edison's reply to his assistant (or to a reporter),
who was lamenting Edison's ten thousand experimental failures in
his effort to create the first incandescent light bulb. "I have not failed,"
he told the assistant (or reporter). "I successfully discovered 10,000
elements that don't work." Most American children, however, denied
the freedom to noodle around, experiment, and be wrong in ten ways,
let alone ten thousand. The focus on constant testing, which grew
out of reasonable desire to measure and standardize children's
accomplishments, has intensified their fear of failure. It is
certainly important for children to learn to succeed; but it is just
as important for them to learn not to fear failure. When children or
adults fear failure, they fear risk. They can't afford to be wrong.
That said, you won't go wrong by reading MISTAKES WERE
MADE . . . I was so impressed by it that I now plan to get
copies of the book for many of my colleagues at my college,
in that they will be able to relate to much of it . . . so will you.
Understanding and motivation.......2007-09-09
This is an extremely readable, perceptive and important book. It explains clearly and undoubtedly accurately how many people think and act.
I bought book after reading a friend's copy, just so I could reread it and make notes all over it.
Scary and hopeful - everyone should read this.......2007-09-03
I was impressed by the wide varieties of topics in how this self-justifying thinking can occur. Examples ranging from worldwide US politics and war, to prosecutors and detectives, to the average husband and wife, to the elderly taken by scams, to education, in order to show how we self-justify and coerce others into believing "our side" is right.
I would consider this essential reading, especially to US citizens. Our culture has been one of being duped time and time again by the media, politicians, that become so engrossed in this behavior of deceptive emotional rationalization, we accept it as normal and do it ourselves. We live in a "hot potato" culture that quickly throws the hot potato (the blame) in someone else's lap and then justifies it. This must stop.
I felt the writing was easy to read and interesting. I didn't have to "strain my brain" to get the point. There are plenty of footnotes to support what is being said. Others have talked about liberal slant. I didn't see that. When speaking of Christian/Islamic relations, negatives were shown on both sides. How is that liberal? Seems rather unbiased to me to point out the flaws of both sides in order to support how the escalation of violence and war has occurred over the past millennium. As well, US political leaders were picked from both Democratic and Republican parties to use as examples. Where is the slant in that?
I give it 4 stars as I noted some grammatical errors, and some of the flow could have used some better editing. But hey, "mistakes were made" let's move on. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone in a position to dramatically influence other's lives, such as lawyers, doctors, politicians, journalists, judges, teachers, etc. But change starts at home, and so everyone should give this book consideration in order to create a society that is more harmonious and less dissonant.
Book Description
One woman's story of why she left the culture of Islamic Jihad to support American liberty and tolerance
Why are so many Muslims embracing jihad and cheering for al-Qaeda and Hamas? Why are even the modern, secularized Arab states such as Egypt producing a generation of angry young extremists?
Nonie Darwish knows why. When she was eight, her father died while leading Fedayeen raids into Israel. Her family moved from Gaza back to Cairo, where they were honored as survivors of a “shahid”—a martyr for jihad. She grew up learning the same lessons as millions of Muslim children: to hate Jews, destroy Israel, oppose America, and submit to dictatorship.
But Darwish became increasingly appalled by the anger and hatred in her culture, and in 1978 she emigrated to America. Since 9/11 she has been lecturing and writing on behalf of moderate Arabs and Arab-Americans. Extremists have denounced her as an infidel and threatened her life.
In this fascinating book, she speaks out against the dark side of her native culture—women abused by Islamic traditions; the poor and uneducated mistreated by the elites; bribery and corruption as a way of life. Her former friends and neighbors blamed all the their troubles on Jews and Americans, but Darwish rejects their bigotry and calls for the Arab world to make peace with the West.
The only hope for the future, she writes, is for America to continue waging its War on Terror, seeding the Middle East with the values of democracy, respect for women, and tolerance for all religions.
Customer Reviews:
An Informative Perspective.......2007-09-15
If you're like me, you might know very little about Mideastern culture and life. This book is a highly readable and personal account of one woman's life, experiences and views on Muslim culture. I'm enjoying it; she puts a "human face" on this part of the world and it's issues.
Eye-opening insights into the causes of Islamic extremism........2007-09-11
The author grew up in Egypt under Nasser's dictatorship, but later moved to America. Her father was an Egyptian military officer killed in Gaza by Israel because he organized raids to cause mayhem inside Israel. She reports on the problems in Egypt and Gaza, and on the government and religious propaganda which is polarizing the Islamic world to the point of Jihad. This is an eye-opening read, and it gives insight into how difficult it will be to ever correct this problem.
EXCELLENT BOOK.......2007-09-01
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO TRULY UNDERSTAND HOW THE MIDDLE EAST FEALS ABOUT AMERICA AND WHY. NONIE DARWISH IS A VERY BRAVE WOMAN AND I THANK GOD SHE HAD THE GUTS TO WRITE THE TRUTH.
Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I renounced Jihad for America, Israel and the War on Terror.......2007-08-25
This is an excellen book for those seeking to understand Arab Muslim perspectives. The culture is based on a background, history and value system entirely foreign to our way of thinking. The author relates her life from early childhood, through her school years and early adulthood living first in Gaza then Cairo. She is from the upper middle class, the daughter of a high ranking military officer who is martyred. She describes what it is like to be a woman in the arab muslim world. She raises the issuesleading to a lack of trust both within the society and in relation to other societies. She discusses the inner thinking and the daily propaganda regarding Israel. She also gives important information on the Arab view of Palestines role in the conflict. She distinguishes between the radical Islamic movements and moderate Islam. She notes the purpose and intent of fundalmentalist Islam is the eventual overtaking the world. She discusses how this is being taken to countries throughout the world to bring about this change. We need to understand those with whom we are dealing. This is a book that is easy to read, direct and highly informative.
Demonstrating the Power of Love.......2007-08-15
Now They Call me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad for America,
Israel, and the War on Terror, by Nonie Darwish.
Sentinel, Penguin Books, 2006, 258 pp
From our first encounter with Nonie Darwish, through her articles and first web site, we felt that she was someone special. We were attracted by her open and obvious love for America. That web site disappeared, only to reappear as [..] , with this unique opening statement:
To Muslims and Arabs across the globe: Reject hate, embrace love. Bring out the best in Islam by showing your compassion, gratitude and forgiveness. Make the holy land truly holy by giving Israel and the Jewish people the respect they deserve in their tiny little country. This is not a crisis over land. It is a crisis of the soul; a crisis in our faith, judgement and self confidence. Israel should not be regarded as an enemy, but as a blessing to our neighborhood. We need not fear peace, but embrace it.
These are remarkable words to be coming from the daughter of a "shahid" (a martyr for jihad) who was assassinated while serving as a high-ranking Egyptian military officer stationed in Gaza specifically to be of assistance to the Palestinians.
The September 2001 attack on the twin towers in New York was life-changing for many people. From that moment on Nonie Darwish felt compelled to take a stand. It led her to write her life story "Now They Call Me Infidel" which is a pure gift to all of us. She also stepped out into public life with all its demands of speaking engagements, and the disapproval she was bound to experience.
After reading her book with eagerness, I would suggest that it is the perfect book for supplemental reading by all High School students. Let them hear about Islam from someone who has experienced it fully from birth and has turned to Christianity and America for a better life. Let them sense her loyalty and love for her new country. As she describes it--"Many immigrants come to this great nation in search of material gain, which is fine; however, the biggest prize I gained was my religious freedom and learning to love. For me it was nothing short of cataclysmic. I had turned from a culture of hatred to one of love."
In her book she describes her impressions of America. We Americans need to see our country through someone else's eyes, so that we can withstand the propaganda that insinuates that we are the culprit and instigator of all the troubles of the world. It is eye-opening to read through the chapter "A New Beginning in America" and find out why the following words are in italics; and learn just how much our culture differs from the Muslim culture in Egypt. This is specially applicable to the difficult life programmed for women. She considers "friendliness and helpfulness"," courtesy", "diversity and multiculturalism", "self-sufficiency, pride in labor", "generous, honest, and open", "informality", "women's relationships", and "child rearing".
Gradually, to Ms. Darwish's horror, she discovers that her beloved land of refuge, her America which means so much to her, is being attacked from within. She is painfully aware of those old patterns of hatred, as they eminate from mosque after mosque.
She lashes out at terrorists who are invading the Western countries: "America's Islamic enemies and critics--even those who love living in the United States - are nothing more than pirates. That's what Islamic terrorists are - pirates. Instead of building their own society as a model of what Islam should be, they leave it in ruins and look to conquer hard-working successful lands.....They cannot stand to live in a Muslim culture, and they have their eyes set on beautiful and welcoming democracies, not to blend in, but to rob those democracies of their soul and ruin the value system and culture that made them great...." p. 185. You need to get hold of this book and sense the depth of Ms. Darwish's feeling as she begs you to save our precious country from the onslaught she sees coming.
She describes her shock at the Arab world's response to 9/11. They dared to rejoice over the tragedy. When she phoned family members and close friends, whose opinions she had formerly trusted, she could not believe that many thought America deserved to suffer.
The last chapter is "Jihad Comes to America". Nonie dismisses the popular and over-used definition of jihad as merely spiritual pursuit: "there is only one meaning for jihad, and that is: a religious holy war against infidels." p. 201. She remarks that she is shocked by the radicalism she encounters on the American campus. "I am stunned to see them choose to revive the worst of Islamic culture in America rather than be part of America and demonstrate the best of Islamic culture."
On page 159 there is a moving description of Nonie's introduction to Christian worship when she and her husband and family attended a church and "listened to a message of compassion, love, acceptance, tolerance, and prayer for all humanity." There had been some violence in the Middle East and the pastor prayed for everyone--"Muslims, Jews, and Christians. It was very different message from the prayers to `destroy the infidels' that I grew up with....I learned the most important command in scripture was `Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Nonie had found what she was hungering for: "In this church, that day, my soul was revived and nourished with the love of a tolerant and forgiving God." Knowingly she was willing to be called an infidel.
After a remarkable experience of visiting Israel Nonie explains: "I now fully understand why the United States supports Israel and rightfully so. My love of America now extends to Israel." Hence the name of her new web site!
We salute another brave woman, and heartily recommend that you read this extremely important book.
Product Description
Subtitle: An Executive's Guide to Using Probabilistic Thinking to Manage Risk and to Make Better Decisions. Patrick Leach draws on his extensive consulting and teaching experience to present a compelling, insightful, and understandable case for using probabilistic analysis as part of every day business decision-making. Practical examples and case studies are clearly presented.
Customer Reviews:
Why Can't You Just Give Me the Number.......2007-02-09
This is an excellent book and very well written. I purchased this book because I was impressed with Mr. Leach's writing in his papers. All I need now, is to get our senior management team to read this book. The other 5 star reviews on this page are most appropriate.
I'd love to have a beer with Patrick.
A perfect balance between theory and practical application.......2007-01-09
I've known Mr. Leach for several years now and have seen him in action before a class of business resources as well as facilitating project teams. In both settings a consultant/instructor must be aware of how he is communicating to the audience. Too basic and he will appear simplistic, too theoretical and he will seem academic. Mr. Leach walks this line extremely well. He is entertaining, insightful, and thought-provoking. These same attributes are applied to his book and it is truly a delight to read. The anecdotes ring true for the reader, and the concepts can be easily applied to the reader's experiences.
I highly recommend this book to those just getting started in probabilistic analysis as well as the experienced practitioner. It should also be required reading for the executive tasked with understanding the nuances of a project team's analysis.
Why Can't You Just Give Me the Number.......2006-12-01
This book is an excellent read, and covers a technical subject in an interesting often humorous way. This book should be read by all decision analysts and decision making executives/managers, its obvious intended target, but likewise should be read by everyone who is at risk in the world -- that's everybody.
Mr. Leach has provided a wealth of insights here that I haven't seen anywhere else. As well, his writing is clear, to the point, and doesn't waste your time. I guarantee any reader will find something, probably many things, to apply and benefit from in the future. The book will help all, even quality decision makers, uncover some of their own biases and weaknesses.
In summary, I am an independent consulting decision analyst (engineering background), and I was greatly impressed.
Insightful Rationale for Probabilistic Analysis and Potential Traps to Avoid.......2006-11-16
First, I'm biased because I've heard Mr. Leach speak (he's an excellent speaker) and I know him personally. He wrote the book because during his classes on decision analysis, participants consistently told him that they needed a book that they could give to their bosses that would explain on a high level what probabilistic analysis is all about and why it should be used. He has succeeded in meeting this objective - the book is very clear and is a good, interesting read. Mr. Leach has presented insights here that I've never seen expressed anywhere else and he concisely summarizes some very interesting research in a concise, readable way. I highly recommend this book for managers, executives, senior professionals, and decision analysts.
Book Description
A fully updated and revised edition of the classic album-by-album, song-by-song study of the Beatles.
A unique combination of musical analysis and cultural history, Tell Me Why stands alone among Beatles books with its single-minded focus on the most important aspect of the band: its music. Riley offers a new, deeper understanding of the Beatles by closely considering each song and album they recorded in an exploration as rigorous as it is soulful. He tirelessly sifts through the Beatles discography, making clear that the legendary four were more than mere teen idols: they were brilliant innovators who mastered an extremely detailed art. Since the first publication of Tell Me Why in 1988, new primary source material has appeared--Paul McCartney's authorized biography, the Anthology CDs and videos, the complete Parlophone-sequenced albums on CD, the Live at the BBC sessions, and the global smash 1. Riley incorporates all the new material in an update that makes this a crucial book for Beatles fans.
Customer Reviews:
Getting the Beat out of the Beatles.......2007-05-03
I did not like the Beatles when I first heard them in high school, but by the time Sgt. Pepper came out, I had matured enough to discover that they were a very special phenomenon. Now there are so many books about them that it is hard to know what to read to get the best sense of their contribution to music. I recommend Tim Riley's book for that purpose. The best thing about this book is that it will increase your sensitivity to the Beatles creative art as you listen to their songs. If you pay attention, you will be able to hear the way Paul brings the bass in to support the lead guitar or to counter the drums. You can hear how Ringo changes the beat in accord with what the song is trying to convey, and you have a better sense of how the words and music work together.
As other reviewers have noted, it does require some knowledge of music, notably chord theory, to understand some of the details, I do not think it is entirely necessary. I know just enough about chords to understand major and minor changes and what they mean to the music, but I get lost when he goes into descriptions of the tonic and dominant. You will also need to know a lot about percussion, because he refers not generally to Ringo's drumming, but to what he is using (high hats, tom-toms, snare, etc.). It is clear from this book that Ringo contributed more to the group than he is usually credited with doing. He is the one, according to Riley, who was able to subdue his ego and try to keep everything together with his beat and ability to complement everyone else.
Riley likes John Lennon the best and tends to favor whatever Lennon did, albeit not uncritically. He gives Paul a rougher time, putting down any song that lacks an edge or an angle as another "silly love song" unless it rises to the level of a standard such as "Yesterday." Unlike other reviewers, I did not find his analysis of George Harrison's contribution to be all that insulting, but I do think he understated Harrison's contributions as a forward looking instrumentalist. Riley has a low opinion of the vocal abilities of both Starr and Harrison, but it is true that both (and a lot of other singers) suffer in comparison to both Lennon and McCartney, whose vocalizing was overshadowed by their composing talent.
You also need to understand that he is writing his opinions of the meanings of the lyrics and the reasons the Beatles did certain things musically. His bias shows clearly. He admires the group and his disappoint over some of their less than stellar creations is palpable. It is a very high standard that they set for themselves and, although Riley acknowledges the timeless nature of their best work, he is scathing in his criticism of their more mediocre efforts. Bruce Greenfield's review is correct in saying that Riley pontificates a bit too much. I also found it irritating that he claims to know exactly what the lads were trying to do with each note and word. Again, these are only Riley's opinions. Another problem I had with that is that he goes into great detail on the songs he likes and admires, but if a song does not measure up to that, he will give it a sentence or two, dismissively.
I found value in the book from his ability to explain some of the innovations the Beatles developed from the very beginning of their career. A few of these are almost common knowledge to rock fans, such as the use of feedback at the start of "I Feel Fine" to George Harrison's introduction of the sitahr. There are some very good insights that never occurred to me, though. Riley points out that the lyrics to "She Loves You" break new ground in that although it is sung in the first person, the singer is speaking to a friend rather than to the listener. Their music conveys a sense of excitement and joy in carrying this good news. Another example is from McCartney's bridge in "Day in the Life," which is marked by a quicker sharper beat from Ringo. Riley notes that this beat evokes the "corporate precision" of every day life, but notes that while this may seem like waking from Lennon's nightmare verses, it becomes hard to tell who is singing about the real nightmare.
You really have to listen to the song while reading the book and even then, it is often hard to hear what Riley is writing about. He devotes a lot of words to explaining how different sounds come from the right, left or center in stereo, but I found it hard to detect these even after numerous playing. Perhaps, as others have pointed out, it is very hard to hear without the 1982 masters.
Riley uses the albums that were originally issued on Parlophone and neither the US Capitol releases (which were a greedy manipulation of the buying public while sacrificing the art of the Beatles created in sequencing the songs) nor CDs. Younger readers will have difficulty relating to his idea of endings and beginnings of vinyl sides, which CDs have rendered meaningless.
In the second edition, Riley gives a bow to Mark Lewisohn's book "The Beatles Recording Sessions," which is a description based on Lewisohn's hearing of all of the Beatle's master tapes. This book has its own insights and I would recommend it as a less harsh book than this one. Riley did not have the use of Lewisohn's book in writing "Tell Me Why," and it is clear that he would have benefited from it. The two authors disagree on a number of points so it would is useful to have the balance of their opposing views.
A Celebration of The Beatles' Music........2007-04-05
I loved this book. I don't know why so many people seemed to have a problem with it. Tim Riley is a knowledgable music critic,schooled in musical theory and an expert on classical music. He also absolutely adores the Beatles' music. With very few exceptions,he loves everything they ever did and tells,in great detail exactly what it was musically,that made them so special. Each and every song from Love Me Do to Let it Be,just like the title says,album by album, song by song. Actually,my love of the Beatles' music is a viceral thing. From the moment I first heard the opening chords of I Want to Hold Your Hand,this music seemed to enter my blood stream. I still get the same feeling whenever I listen to certain favorite songs,or hear their voices in harmony. But I never understood it in musical theory terms. The chord progressions, changes from major to minor chords in the same song, this had never been done before in pop music, only classical,until the Beatles. This is what excited everybody about their music but only other musicians can describe it accurately. Us lay people just think, "that song makes me cry" or "wow, I've never heard anything like this before". Riley dissects each song,practically note by note,every guitar lick,bass line, and drum fill. He particularly loves Rubber Soul and Revolver sighting them as two of the greatest albums of all time. He also loves Please Please Me, With the Beatles, and A Hard Day's Night. So he doesn't just give their later music a lot of acclaim,which would have been annoying. He feels that all of these albums were important, along with Abbey Road and the White Album. He describes them in a way that makes you think of them as little works of art. Each one pivotal and ground breaking in their own unique way. He also describes why each Beatle was wonderful and essential to the greatness of each song and album. He never lets you forget that they were an ensemble. He worships John and Paul's singing, calling McCartney's voice, "peerless". He details their songwriting and George's. He talks about how BOTH Lennon and McCartney were melodists, not only McCartney. He points out Paul's melodic,inventive bass lines,George and John's brilliant guitar work (not just George's like other books have). And he loves Ringo,calling his drumming underrated, because it was. He goes into so much detail about Ringo's drumming that it made me sit up and take notice of it also. Listen to 'Rain' and 'Ticket to Ride' and Ringo's live drumming, which he also loves. He dissects the Live at the BBC cds, and after reading that long section,I've begun to listen to all the things he hears on them. I see what a great live band they were. This book made me listen to their music from a fresh perspective, and I realize that I never really HEARD their music until now. There is so much going on, on their records. So much to listen to. While reading this book you need to have a cd player handy and a good pair of head phones with a bass booster. You need to be able to hear what he's talking about. In this new edition there is a section added which details the 3 Antology CDs, Live at the BBC,and others that have been released since the first edition of this book came out, in 1988.There is also a section on the solo records. You don't have to be a musician to enjoy this book either. You just have to be a fan of Beatle music.
Beatle Theory.......2007-02-13
I love this book. The author's trenchant, insightful analysis of the Beatles' music is nothing short of scholarly. He brilliantly discusses what the Beatles used to create their own unique sound. Fans will no doubt love and appreciate the Beatles all the more.
Tim Riley's research into the background of each Beatle is accurate and well done. He piques readers' interest in the group all the more by making them more aware of the influences that led them to create the songs they did.
This book is one musicians, guitarists in particular will love. Readers are treated to discussions of chord progressions so as to play Beatle songs the Beatles' way.
Very Enjoyable Book.......2006-09-22
I enjoyed this book immensely. I appreciated the song-by-song analysis from someone who obviously is a true scholar of music -- his articulation of what were the ingredients that went into making the Beatles' music so great truly enhanced my appreciation of them.
His knowledge of biographical and historical information -- such priceless vignettes as John's gleeful enjoyment of an obscure, chaotic Side B by a one-hit wonder group -- puts their music in a wider context, further deepening our understanding of how their music developed.
I dabble in music theory so I did appreciate the technical aspects of the book, such as getting into chord progression and such. I read this book many times -- it has provided me with many enjoyable hours.
Not for the Casual Fan or Non-Musician.......2005-12-31
"Tell Me Why" is a good look at the Beatles for what they are remembered for: the music. Long after all the gossip and backbiting and innuendos are forgotten, that is all that remains. And if you are a casual fan and only have "Tell Me Why" to guide you, I wish you the best luck in the world.
Tim Riley is a professional music critic, which means apparently that he thinks his audience will understand every musical notation cited in the text. If you really love discussing the difference between G chords and A chords, this will make your day. But for the rest of us, it's a bit much at times.
To be fair, though, if you get through the musician-speak without beating your head against the wall, you'll find that the book does a fairly fantastic job of getting at the heart of the music. By eschewing flowery discussions of the Beatles' history and concentrating on the music itself, Riley ends up creating a look at the creative process rarely dissected with such skill.
Riley has his opinions and isn't afraid to state them, especially in regards to what he considers the "fallow" period of late 1967 (after the release of the much-hyped Sgt. Pepper). Riley also pulls no punches in holding Paul McCartney's feet to the fire for his abandonment of the risk-taking that characterized his partnership with Lennon, instead becoming the pop-song behemoth that we all love to hate. The portrait that emerges of the Beatles as a group is that of a multitalented band with endless streams of talent on which to draw, with even their lesser efforts (Magical Mystery Tour, Let It Be, etc) having some worth not found in other music from the era.
Mark Hertsgaard's masterful "A Day In The Life" is probably a better selection for those who are casual or half-hearted fans, because it covers much of the same territory with little of the dedication to music-speak that colors some of the best passages in this book. But for a simple, nuts-and-bolts look at what made the Beatles' music special, and as a discussion of each and every song they ever recorded, "Tell Me Why" is hard to beat.
In the end, there is just the music. And it is a body of music worthy of such discussion as to have countless books written about it. But "Tell Me Why" is a nice one-book source for much of the motivation behind each song the Fab Four committed to vinyl, even if it's overboard with the musical composition language. If you can overcome that, you might find a good book about why the Beatles matter long after their last performance together.
Average customer rating:
- So FUNNY it makes being bad look good!
- Jen Lancaster's world
- HILARIOUS!
- HILARIOUS
- If you don't get the humor, I'm sorry no one can help you!
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Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me?
Jen Lancaster
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ASIN: 0451221257 |
Book Description
Jen Lancaster hates to burst your happy little bubble, but life in the big city isn't all it's cracked up to be. Contrary to what you see on TV and in the movies, most urbanites aren't party-hopping in slinky dresses and strappy stilettos. But lucky for us, Lancaster knows how to make the life of the lower crust mercilessly funny and infinitely entertaining.
Whether she's reporting rude neighbors to Homeland Security, harboring a crush on her grocery store clerk, or fighting-and losing-the Battle of the Stairmaster- Lancaster explores how silly, strange, and not-so-fabulous real city living can be. And if anyone doesn't like it, they can kiss her big, fat, pink, puffy down parka.
Customer Reviews:
So FUNNY it makes being bad look good!.......2007-10-03
Jen takes on temp jobs while waiting for her advance check from selling her first book. To fill the extra hours, she has written a hilarious memoir about her ordinary life experiences. Cross her and you may be the lucky recipient of one of her crafty letters that you wouldn't believe someone would have the nerve to write. (And what a great tool for releasing anger) If your one of her stay at home friends, you may be on the recieving end of funny daily scoops that rival a soap opera drama, and much more interesting by far. -The thing is you never read any e-mails from them, so their lives must be dreadfully boring in comparison.
I've never had a book make me laugh out loud (even in public) like this one did! This girl has lightning quick wit and humor. Actually, reading this made me feel a little more sane. (Thanks Jen:) I thought I had an overactive mind, she's definately got me beat, and her thoughts are way funnier than mine could ever be! Her behavior and mouth are so excusable because she's just hilarious. She really does make being bad look good.
This is a keeper. When I'm feeling low and needing a good laugh, I'll be reaching for this. Reading this will make passing the time (in line or Dr's office or anywhere) much more pleasant. Just know that it is very likely to make you bust out laughing in front of everyone!
Jen Lancaster's world.......2007-09-27
Bitter is the New Black, Jen's first book, was wonderful. This second book is great, but I feel it falls a little short of the fullness of BINB. Not as much of an actual story line, just tons of funny scenarios and banter - which are all great, but I'm not as anxious to find out what happens next (when does Jen find a job, how will they survive the next month, etc). It definitely still keeps me chuckling page after page though. Since there is not much drama in this book, I am enjoying getting to know Fletch a little more.
HILARIOUS!.......2007-09-10
I couldn't put this down, it is so funny! I was laughing and chuckling so hard that I even annoyed my husband (who is not nearly as patient as Jen's husband, Fletch). She writes what the rest of us are thinking, but are now too politically correct to say out loud. Awesome. I check www.Jennsylvania.com every morning in my little cube farm for a chuckle. I can't wait for the next one.
HILARIOUS.......2007-09-06
I loved bitter and didn't know how the author, Jen Lancaster, could create anything funnier and then I read this! While reading it I was reminded of the first time I saw wedding crashers. The whole time I am thinking I have to go back and reread this because there are sooo many funny things going on here! This is a great read and a great gift for friends!!
If you don't get the humor, I'm sorry no one can help you!.......2007-09-03
I loved Jen Lancaster's first book and this follow up was even more brilliant and funny than the first. She is a caustic bitchy broad with a keen ability to throw in enough self deprection to let you know she doesn't take herself to seriously. If you cannot appreciate the humor I'm afraid no one can help you. The only bad part for me was that it had to end. I cannot wait to read the project she is currently working on. I know it will be a great escape just like this one.
Customer Reviews:
Gimme a break!.......2006-10-28
That first review bugs me. Another zealot who does not wish to be confused by the facts. This book is wonderful...period!
The clearest teaching that I have EVER encountered!.......2006-10-05
I have never, EVER encountered a sprititual teacher or teaching that is more clear, provable, truthful and simple to apply in my life. There is an obvious reason that both James Redfield (The Celestine Prophecy) and Colin Tipping (Radical Forgiveness) recognize Michael Ryce as a primary souce of insights and inspiration for their own teachings. More "big name" mainstream spiritual teachers utilize Michael's insights than would EVER admit it! Pay attention and you will see his influence everywhere, he is the "teacher's teacher" and the "healer's healer". Being a spiritual guide and teacher myself, I cannot imagine my life without Dr. Ryce's work. I recommend not only this book, but ALL of Dr. Ryce's work wholeheartedly and without a single reservation whatsoever. This book can change your life!! PERIOD!!!!
Healing you never imagined possible.......2006-07-28
When I was a therapist in private practice, I asked all of my clients to buy this book. It was the foundation of every therapeutic building block that I offered. Issues that "used to" take years ( sometimes) in the recovery process, I witnessed healing an incredible rates. This book will expedite the growth of anyone who chooses "responsibility" for their own recovery.
This book has power to heal!.......2005-12-23
This book will touch you on all level. Spiritual, emotional and physical. I met Michael Ryce at the workshop and he is a great teacher. His work is far superior to anything that I encounter so far, on mind/body connection. This book is a must for anybody interesting in personal growth.
It works for teens!.......2004-11-04
I read this book at my mother's insistence. I was having teenage relationship problems...AGAIN. Then I did a worksheet from the back of the book. It really works. The difference between what was actually happening in my world and the "reality" in my mind about that event were totally different things. Once I learned the tool for holding to love and releasing the goals I held - the anger and frustration left. To understand that I have the keys to my life and can change the events that keep reoccurring is empowering. Thank you to Dr. Ryce for writing this book and for making the tools available and to Mom for making me read it. ;-)
Amazon.com
What do teenage girls really want from their mothers? British Psychologist Terri Apter offers uncommon wisdom about the "tricky equation" between a daughter's identity and that of her mother. Challenging the idea that girls want to reject dear old mom, Apter suggests that most battles between mothers and daughters are fought to transform the relationship rather than trash it. Arguments become a daughter's way of asking two essential questions: "How can I get my mother to see me the way I am or the way I want to be?" and "How can I keep this important relationship up-to-date and useful to me?" By focusing on how daughters can remain attached to their mothers as they grow, each chapter underlines conflict as means for a daughter to define herself. Apter avoids generalities and targets smart specifics with examples, strategies and sample conversations. She offers an anatomy of a mother-daughter meltdown, nails four patterns of teen lying, and offers guidelines for dialogue about rules and risk assessment. She explains how to navigate food fights, discouraging words, harsh hyperbole ("you are ruining my life!") and the "I know that already" sex talk. Battle fatigued mothers--and the daughters who want to love them without leaving them--will welcome Apter's hopeful, insightful approach. --Barbara Mackoff
Book Description
Understand what your teenage daughter really means—and learn to use your arguments to strengthen your bond with her.
Mothers and teenage daughters argue more than any other child-parent pair—on average every two-and-a-half days. These quarrels, Terri Apter shows, are attempts to negotiate changes in a relationship that is valued by both mothers and daughters. A daughter often feels her mother doesn't know or understand her, and by fighting hopes to force her mother into a new awareness of who she really is, how she has changed, and what she is now capable of doing and understanding. But mothers often misinterpret their daughter's outbursts as signs of rejection, and they may pull back feeling hurt and confused. Through case studies and conversations between mothers and daughters, Apter shows mothers how to interpret the meanings behind a daughter's angry words and how to emerge from arguments with a new closeness.
Customer Reviews:
useful, but not necessarily helpful.......2004-12-22
I'm a mother of 3 daughters - the eldest a teenager. I was excited about a book to help me throught these very difficult years.
I found the book to be very well researched and an easy read. The author was amazingly detached though she is the mother of 2 daughters. The author offered her sympathy to mothers - that's certainly appreciated.
The dialogs were interesting; specifically repeating the horrible things that other girls say to their mothers. The dissections of various conversations were wothwhile.
However, while I understand that including other family members make any analysis more difficult, the fact that these pairs seemed to exist in a vacuum (very little mention of other parents and especially siblings) made the situations appear unreal and therefore difficult to apply to normal families.
The book was useful in interpretting the hidden meanings of some accusations that a teenage girl uses. The strategies and advise on how to improve one life with a teenage girl as part of a familty were scant. Only in those extreme cases of eating disorders were several approaches discussed. In essence, the message I took away was, "we should just get thru this knowing that it can't last forever." I could accept this about the pain associated with childbirth, but not the behavior of a nasty teenage daughter - it can go on for years and affects not only the long suffering mother but everyone in the house right down to the dog.
I found it painful to finish this book since I had some pretty high hopes when I began it and the author clearly understands her subject well. I think fathers could benefit from reading this book as they don't typically understand what might be going on. I would recommend it to other parents.
Book Description
WAYMISH means Why Are You Making It So Hard...for me to give you my money? A "Waymish" is any dumb mistake made when dealing with a customer. It's the disastrous effect of one minute's lousy service which loses a customer ready and willing to spend money.
One "Waymish." One customer lost. All future profits gone.
The book's examples make excellent staff training material.
Book Description
What's on your mind? Is it your biology final? Is it the fight you just had with your best friend? Is it Jesus? Staying close by Him is the best way to make it through this crazy life, but it can be hard to keep Jesus on your mind morning, noon, and night, especially when so many people think that being a Christian means you're weak, nave, or uncool. As a result, maybe you find yourself at the most exclusive parties just to prove that you're not the boring loser your classmates think you are. But you don't need to prove yourself to them, and here's why: God's opinion of you is the one that really matters. He is the only one who completely understands you, and He wants to help. This book, filled with enough devotionals for an entire year, equips you to hold fast to values like maintaining sexual purity, having a good work ethic, and being a great friend. Rediscover the power of God's love, and you'll remember why it was so important for you to stick by Him in the first place.
Customer Reviews:
God book.......2004-02-22
This is a really good book for middle school - high school age kids. I recieved this book as a gift from a friend because everyday i had the worse time at opening up my locker. I read it off and on...now a couple years later I have revisited it and found it very enlightning. May fave idea from the book is...give it to God cause there is nothing you can do about it with out him.
my guide.......2003-11-15
years ago i picked this book up from my church's library and took it to work with me. it turns out that this book changed my life. reading it opened my eyes to accept Christ. i've been looking for it ever since. it cuts straight to the chase and gives clear reasons for following God.
A No-frills, Straight to the Point Devotional.......2001-07-31
After searching a long time to find a devotional just right for me I picked this one up a my local library. Unlike many of the devotional guides I've encountered this one is very direct and doesn't waste a lot of space trying to keep you entertained. It speaks right to the point, without being too blunt or preachy. Althought it's not especially funny it WILL draw you closer to God. If your looking for a real condensed devotional, then this is the book for you; if you want something more lighthearted, try one of Martha Bolton's books. I'm so glad God gave me this book!!!!
Hand of God.......2000-01-18
It was awhile back when I recieved this book as a gift. I can't recall who gave it to me, or even why. I do remember it setting on my bedside table and picking it up from time to time. I remember that each time a read one of those short chapters that I understood a little more about God and my personal relationship with Him. I felt closer to Him. I thank God for giving me this book. It was a significant step in my journey.
Books:
- Happy Birthday to You! (Classic Seuss)
- Hard Facts, Dangerous Half-Truths And Total Nonsense: Profiting From Evidence-Based Management
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
- Henry and Mudge and the Funny Lunch (Henry and Mudge Ready-to-Read)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
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