false 20 133 124 true 6015990 read 0 true 5330707 currently-reading 9 true 5330706 to-read 9 false 5506843 great-for-future-reference 5 false 6677035 best-of-the-best 1 false 8340352 short-story-collections http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77653019 to: Got Parts? An Insider's Guide to Managing Life Successfully with Dissociative Identity Disorder (New Horizons in Therapy) by A.T.W.
bookshelves: great-for-future-reference
We often see characters in tv shows and movies who have multiple personality disorder. They are usually not portrayed realistically. This book sheds a tremendous amount of light on a much misunderstood malady. Today, we refer to this disorder as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). This name for the disorder is much more descriptive of the actual disorder. Previously, it was believed by most to be an extremely rare condition, bought on by some sort of trauma. Today, psychologists understand that DID is a fairly common outcome of individuals, often young children, who have endured severe trauma, usually cruel and repeated physical, sexual, mental and emotional abuse. Additionally, the patient often lacks attachment to others.

To be diagnosed with DID, a person exhibits two or more distinct personalities. or identities that may alternate taking control of the person's consciousness, actions and behavior. While the person may exhibit a wide range of symptoms, the most common appear to be depression, memory loss, substance or drug abuse, panic and/or anxiety attacks, entering a "trance-like" state, sleeping or eating disorders, distrust of others, and lack of self care or hygene.

The author, A.T.W., is a survivor of DID, and has written a book of rarely seen depth and explanation of the disorder. The book discusses and explains the work and steps taken by the author, her Therapist and the therapy group. DID is a serious disorder, and while the book offers exceptional methods and techniques, it is not meant to work alone to handle the disorder. Individuals suffering DID would best be served by utilizing the exercises in the book with a qualified therapist. , it is not a substitute for intense therapy, but instead a worthwhile tool for use in conjunction with a qualified therapist.

A person with DID needs numerous coping mechanisms and an understanding of the disorder. With the proper help, it is possible for the patient to learn to work with his or her differing identities, integrating them to work together to allow the patient to live a fulfilling and satisfying life. Focusing on individual responsibility, I think this book could be a groundbreaking work in the field of DID. It offers a hopeful, helpful, understanding guide for those surviving with DID and their families. Highly recommended, and offers rare insight and understanding.

]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77590874 to: Something Hidden, Stories (Paperback) by Elaine Margolis
bookshelves: short-story-collections
If you love short stories, you need to add Elaine Margolis' collection, Something Hidden, to your to-be-read list. In fact, get it right away! This collection of 13 short stories truly offers something for every reader.

Ms. Margolis demonstrates an extremely keen eye for details, wonderful and well drawn characters, and amazingly inventive story lines. Stories range from the haunting " Two for One", the nearly heartbreaking story of a great love, unshared until it is too late. My personal favorite is "The Charm", a story that mixes generations, feelings and a special something in a way both eerie and memorable. My second favorite, "The Dragon Box" takes an elderly woman, recently widowed and traveling to find herself, to an obscure little shop in Bangkok, where something speaks to her heart.

The stories in the collection emcompass people of all ages, a wide variety of emotions and types of people. They are eclectic, and each offers something totally unexpected, sometimes haunting, sometimes heartbreaking, but always riveting and sincere. I plan to add Elaine Margolis to my list of favorite authors. After you read this stunning collection of stories, you will too!

]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76549705 to: Terror Time by William P. Robertson
I read this book on Halloween, and it was the perfect read for that day! William Robertson has taken a collection of his poetry and short stories and offers readers a book that is both thought-provoking and scary. A couple of the stories are written using characters from his previously published collections of stories, but they stand on their on as great stories too.

Several of the poems, while written simply, are haunting and will stay with the reader for some time. Robertson has a real talent for taking every day thoughts and events and adding a frightening twist.

I would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite story, I pretty much recommend them all....you won't be disappointed. If you enjoy cowboy/western type stories, there are a couple here you will enjoy. The author has written a series of books in that genre that I look forward to reading. They are added to my growing to be read list!

]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76017008 to: The Organ Grinder and the Monkey (Softcover) by Sam Moffie
Sam Moffie has gifted readers with a really outstanding and unusual read. In great detail and marvelous characterization, he shares a wealth of imaginative and unique life stories of three fantastically eccentric characters. All three of these characters share the same therapist. This therapist has a great impact on all of them, in most unexpected ways.

The stories told by our characters range from hilarious, sweet, sentimental to horrifying and heartbreaking and every feeling in between. Seymour, Constance and Irving come from three different cities (Steubenville Ohio, Boardman Ohio and Brookline Massachusetts) and three extremely different family backgrounds and dynamics.

Totally original and somewhat complex, the tale takes readers to an ending in New York City. Moffie is a talented storyteller, and brings all the gifts of his craft to this wonderful work of fiction. I can't recommend it highly enough!

]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76016769 Mourning Doves and other stories. (Kindle Edition) by Tom Upton
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75631886 to: The Test: A Novel (Hardcover) by Patricia Gussin
When Paul Parnell died, he left behind a fortune in the billions, adult children by three different mothers, and a number of grandchildren and in-laws. Prior to his death, Paul realized that one of the regrets of his life was not being active and available in the lives of his children. His trusted lawyer is instructed to create an iron-clad will that requires his 6 surviving children to examine their lifestyles, morals, and values, and make decisions on what is important to each. The final disposition of family fortune will depend on the decisions made by the children over the next year.

The family dynamics are interesting and somewhat convulted here, much like they are in any family of step children, half siblings, etc. It's interesting to watch the interplay between the sons and daughters, and the way they view themselves and each other. The author uses recent political and international events to weave throughout the story, adding an additional level of realism. The novel chronicles the next year in the family, and marks numerous ups, downs, sadness and happy events.

In some cases, there is almost too much going on, and I found myself having to backtrack once or twice, just to check out familial relationships. In a novel with this many characters, plot twists and subplots, that's to be expected. Some of the twists the book used were easy to see coming, some were not. It definitely held my interest thoughout.

If you enjoy suspense and family intrigue, you will enjoy this book. I plan to read more of this author's work in the future.

]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75199800 to: Essentials of Premarital Counseling: Creating Compatible Couples (Paperback) by Sandra L. Ceren
We all know that a large percentage of American marriages end in divorce. These numbers are even higher for subsequent marriages. No one gets married planning to have it fail. However, many couples put more emphasis on planning the wedding than they do on planning the actual marriage. As a Therapist, you have a wonderful opportunity to assist couples in learning how to make the marriage work after the actual wedding ceremony and honeymoon end. Dr. Sandra Ceren has put together a remarkably easy to follow and understand counseling blueprint for couples considering marriage.

Real life case studies and examples will lead the therapist through a series of ten meetings and discussions with couples. Using her ideas and proven methods, the therapist can assist couples in finding areas of probable conflict, work through them, and emerge a stronger team after counseling sessions.

Dr. Ceren combines education and experence to assist couples in the "art of gracious compromise", lessons that would serve most of us in both our personal and professional relationships. The author writes frankly and honestly about the need to actually know a partner before marriage, and offers quizzes that can help your clients explore each other's personality, personal history and thought processes.

I found the entire book well written, excellently presented and very well organized. It's obvious Dr. Ceren has put much work into this guide. I firmly believe that any therapist hoping to include marital/premarital counseling in their practice should keep a copy of this book close by........it will be referred to again and again.

]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75055923 to: Timidity (Paperback) by Joe Wesley Rowland
bookshelves: best-of-the-best
Written in that marvelous style of the 1940's crime drama noir, Timidity can stand on it's own with novels by the likes of Raymond Chandler, Doris Miles Disney, James McCain and Horace McCoy. Joe Wesley Rowland has allowed us to take a step back in time and enjoy a real "old style noir" murder.

Taking place in the late spring of 1945, a hardworking woman, Annette Mosconi, husband missing in action in the war and a son readying for college; is thrown into jail, falsely accused of murdering her boss, a small town attorney involved in a case that could blow the lid off a scandal involving the wealthiest family in town. A corrupt sheriff and a deputy with more testosterone than brains conspire with the wealthy family matriarch to be sure that some secrets stay undercover.

Annette can only count on her son, Rick to help her. But Rick has problems of his own. Suffering from what he calls the "heebie-jeebies" (now known to be social anxiety disorder), Rick has inner demons to fight and conquer to assist his mother in escaping her harrowing ordeal and clearing her name.

I thoroughly enjoyed this well written and suspenseful novel. On a personal note, I also have social anxiety disorder, so I was able to understand what Rick was dealing with on a more intimate level. Filled with suspense, well drawn characters and a well put together story line and plot, any fan of courtroom drama, murder mystery, crime drama noir, or just a good read can enjoy this story.

]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/74560128 to: The Upside of Fear: How One Man Broke the Cycle of Prison, Poverty, and Addiction (Hardcover) by Weldon Long
bookshelves: best-of-the-best
I am recommending this book to everyone I know! The author delivers a true tale that is heartbreaking, funny, motivational, and feel-good, all rolled into one book.

Growing up, Wally had a father that was distant, and while never really in big trouble, he was a classic underachiever and didn't really fit in well. He married young, and it was a dyfunctional relationship. Neither he or his wife were happy, and neither really knew what was wrong, or how to fix it. One night Wally is out driving around aimlessly (pretty much the way he had lived life up to this point), when he picks up a hitchhiker. Together, the two of them decide to rob a store, and life goes rapidly downhill from there. For the next 20 years, Wally's live is a mess, over half that time is spent in prison, when he is out of prison the time is spent committing crime, drinking, using drugs, and having a son that he rarely sees. With a ninth grade education, he finally realizes in prison that the only way to change things is for HIM to make a decision, change his life, and make it the way he wants it to be. He begins by reading every self-help, religious and motivational text he can get his hands on. The story from there is nothing less than an inspiration. There is truly something here for us all to learn.

Weldon (Wally) Long pulls no punches here, and doesn't try to pretty up the truth of his mistakes in any way. The story is harsh and brutal, and sometimes it's pretty tough to have any sympathy for him. Written with honesty and from the heart, it will make the toughest reader feel a tug on the heartstrings. Teaching himself to share his loving feeling for his son through letters to the boy, he shares a tender and moving part of himself; one he wasn't even aware existed.

If you know someone struggling with life, and feeling that they are just unlucky and ready to give up, buy this book for them. Regardless of your views on religion, whether you believe in God, miracles, or anything else; this book will touch your soul and help you see things differently. I have already loaned it out to a friend, and actually have several more folks in mind to lend it to next. In fact, I plan on buying a couple of copies, one to keep for myself and a few more to share with friends, family and others.

]]>