Average customer rating:
- Good and bad.
- Don't Waste Your Time
- Got under my skin a little...
- The Package Deal
- Not for me
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Perfect Match: A Novel
Jodi Picoult
Manufacturer: Washington Square Press
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Binding: Paperback
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Picture Perfect
ASIN: 0743418735 |
Book Description
What does it mean to be a good mother?
How far would you go in the name of love -- and justice?
Perfect Match
In the course of her everyday work, career-driven assistant district attorney Nina Frost prosecutes child molesters and works determinedly to ensure that a legal system with too many loopholes keeps these criminals behind bars. But when her own five-year-old son, Nathaniel, is traumatized by a sexual assault, Nina and her husband, Caleb, a quiet and methodical stone mason, are shattered, ripped apart by an enraging sense of helplessness in the face of a futile justice system that Nina knows all too well. In a heartbeat, Nina's absolute truths and convictions are turned upside down, and she hurtles toward a plan to exact her own justice for her son -- no matter the consequence, whatever the sacrifice.
Download Description
"Career-driven assistant district attorney Nina Frost knows the guilt familiar to all parents torn by the demands of home and office. But whereas most parents imagine the dangers that can befall their children, Nina witnesses them firsthand. She prosecutes child molesters -- and she has seen too many criminals slip through the system and walk free. Nina's husband, Caleb, is a stonemason, a methodical man who glories in his ability to construct physical barriers. But even the strongest walls cannot guard Nina and Caleb from the shattering discovery that their own beloved son has been sexually abused. Five-year-old Nathaniel is the only one who knows the identity of his assailant -- but the trauma has left him mute. Knowing the futility of trusting the courts to exact justice for Nathaniel, Nina finds herself in a grip of rage she can't deny -- no matter the consequence, whatever the sacrifice. What does it take to be a good mother? How far can a person go?
Customer Reviews:
Good and bad. .......2007-09-21
I read reviews of the book here before I started it, so in the back of my mind I had the negative comments swimming around. I don't know if that affected how I felt about the story personally, but I do agree with the consensus that Nina is very hard to like as a protagonist and the outcome of her trial is more than a little ridiculous.
One thing that bothered me was the stereotype of the Louisiana characters. I am a native of south Louisiana, from a town about 20 miles south of New Orleans. I am familiar with Belle Chasse and it is not a redneck city - people one might stereotypically consider a redneck are found more in north Louisiana. Sorry, but it's true. Her description of the 'my neck is red' deputy annoyed me so much because it's inaccurate for the southern city she I guess randomly decided to pick. I mean, come on, even a bayou stereotype would have been closer to the truth. It was a tired stereotype, and an incorrect one at that. Ms. Picoult is from the north, and so while I wouldn't expect her to be an expert on the different accents and cultures you find in the south, I also wouldn't expect her to just assume she knows. OK, I'm done with my rant about that.
Overall, Picoult knows how to write a page-turner - but she probably could have done it in a lot less pages. Then at least some of those who felt let down by the ending would have wasted a little less time.
Don't Waste Your Time.......2007-09-07
This book is probably the worst I have read in several years. The characters are unappealing and the child (Nathaniel) is unbelievable. In fact, I'm really not sure how this book was approved for publication.
There are two major flaws in Perfect Match. The first is the underlying "morality" of killing someone in retaliation for harming one's child and knowing that as a lawyer you have a good chance of finding a way to get away with it. It doesn't matter if the alleged (and this is a key word here) molester is guilty or not; it is enough that one thinks he is. Nowhere in the book does the author make her protagonist truly sorry for what she did. Evidently the end justifies the means and it's icing on the cake if you happen to get away without punishment.
The second major flaw is the character of Nathaniel. It's evident that the author has no clue regarding the mental and emotional capabilities of a five-year-old child. If she is too lazy to really research this area indepth before writing another novel that includes a child, she should stick to adult characters. It did not appear that the author consulted any type of child development journals or books before developing the character of Nathaniel. Consequently, the character is unbelievable.
I'll give the author one star, but only because she is able to string words together to make a coherent sentence. Evidently she listened in Junior High English Comp class. However, that's as far as her abilities extend in this book. I wouldn't pay a dime for it and if someone wants to loan it to you you'd do better to spend your time on something far more deserving.
Got under my skin a little..........2007-08-22
I've been reading all of Picoult's books because I loved "Nineteen Minutes" so much, and I wanted to see what else she'd written. But the more I'm reading, the more I'm starting to see a common pattern: a speech about DNA, a tall black person which readers are constantly reminded is black but the race of the other characters are barely mentioned if at all, someone who answers questions by saying "Ayuh," and a trial. I like when writers leave their signature marks although I'm not too crazy about the CONSTANT need to bring up the black folks in her book as if we need the post-it every once in awhile, and for the life of me, I don't understand how the lone black folks in predominantly white towns manage to be so behind the scenes. I've been in small, white towns before and a brotha or a sista sticks out like an eagle, so how there are characters who manage to do hidden research and nobody knows who they are or where they are is so far-fetched to me.
But that's not what got me. This book rubbed me the wrong way for several other reasons. #1 I couldn't sympathize with the main character, especially when the DNA situation was resolved. #2 If I were on the jury and the ending hadn't been the way it did, I'd have voted the EXACT opposite of the final verdict! When I heard the results, I rolled my eyes and curled my lip. #3 Picoult has a habit of trying to talk like a child in those scenes with kids, but then going into too much grown-up vocabulary. There's a scene when Nathaniel is talking about a bird, but instead of just calling it a bird, he calls it the proper name for it. That's tedious, but it seemed a little odd to me considering his vocabulary throughout the rest of the book. Also, I wondered how Nathaniel immediately knew the bailiff was not a police officer considering the demeanor of both. To an adult, this would be fair, but to a five-year-old, it seemed too mature. #4 Throughout the whole book and as many times as the topic of the rape was brought up, I don't recall ONE scene where either of the parents, the babysitters, and even the psychiatrist told the boy it wasn't his fault. That was really aggravating me, especially when he vocally said he did something bad. I really wanted someone to sit down and talk to him and tell him he did nothing wrong and that never happened. #5 I almost took the book back when I read the line about Johnnie Cochran. Whenever people want to talk about defense attorneys who got their clients off, it always goes back to Cochran and usually hints at O.J. Nobody ever brings up how Emmitt Till's killers got off, trials like the ones the Jena 6 are going through, and so many other trials in small towns where people have gotten off scotfree. But Cochran is forever getting picked on, and I respect him (R.I.P.) a great deal. When I read that line about Cochran probably has nightmares about defending guilty people, I glared at the page, thinking of how many trials that Cochran has tried that meant so much to the Black community. I believe he slept well knowing the sacrifices he made to fight against racial profiling and so forth. That comment was my own personal hang-up, but considering Picoult felt the need to mention him in the book, I feel the need to mention it in my review.
However, there was one strong part of Picoult's book that kept me pushing through it. Without telling the story, there is a scene where Nathanial jumps up and Nina thinks he's going to run to Caleb, but instead he runs to Nina. My eyes immediately watered and I choked up, trying not to cry on a public, crowded train and look really crazy to other riders. That was the most memorable scene that I've read in all of her books because it was so raw, so open, so realistic, and very touching. Although I never want one, I think children are entertaining and enjoy watching them interact in stories and real life, and I'd become so smitten with Nathaniel (I wasn't buying that window/bathroom interruption at all--that whole scene should've been deleted because it did nothing for the plot). But as usual, I think Picoult is a fascinating writer. I'm going to give her books a rest for a minute to get over my grudge with the Cochran comment because that still bothers me, but I'll be back.
The Package Deal.......2007-08-11
It's rare in the world of publishing these days to find a book that not only provides you with a quality story, but with exceptional writing as well. Picoult offers us just that with "Perfect Match." She shifts perspectives throughout the novel to allow us into the hearts and minds of all of her primary characters and it is a unique reading experience that makes you feel so deeply involved in the story that you'll feel as if you could climb right into the book. You will find yourself sympathizing with even the most difficult of characters, and considering for yourself the true capabilities that we all quietly possess at the hands of love and despair. This book is about a struggle for justice in a world where right and wrong is a thousand shades of gray. Do not miss out on this precious read.
Not for me.......2007-06-17
This book convinced me that I'm no longer a Jodi Picoult reader. I get why some people would like it--the flowery imagery and heart-wrenching subject matter pulls at the heart; but I found the book to be overwritten and sensational. Besides, I couldn't identify with the main character who would add trauma to her already traumatized son by taking the law into her own hands. Picoult is known for her ability to end the story with an unforeseen twist and to effectively use various points of views; I guessed every twist in the book well in advance and I felt like each character had the same emotive voice, even the construction-worker husband. I like women's fiction, but this was a bit too much.
Book Description
This book is a must for anyone considering a canine addition to the family. Nearly 150 breeds are presented with a full photo for each and a complete checklist including personality and physical characteristics, as well as both possitive and negative attributes. Never before has there been such depth of truth and authority collected in one comprehensive volume.
Customer Reviews:
JUST A GREAT BOOK.......2007-05-19
I keep this book by my desk and use it a lot to get information on different breeds. It gives a quick easy analysis of each breed, giving the reader a real good idea of the breed's positive & negative aspects, the information a person considering buying the breed really needs to know. Things like what health problems are characteristic of that breed and to ask breeders about, what the breed is Best With (for example: "fenced yards, obedience, close human contact, industrial-strength vacuum") and Not For (for instance: isolation, robotic obedience, inactive people")
The author's comments on English Bulldogs is funny, honest, and a good example. "Sleeping is this breed's favorite activity. Eatng is next, but they do love a good belly rub." "After drinking, they carry water in their jowls, slobbering across the floor. A sense of humor about the breed's propensity for flatulence is a good idea."
Absolutely must PRIOR to buying a dog.......2007-04-13
This book helped me find the PERFECT breed for me. You know how people try to tell you all about breeds from what they hear, or dogs they've known, but often they are wrong, or just plain uninformed. This book is ACCURATE, concise and totally reliable.
A MUST HAVE for anyone who is interested in buying a dog and being educated and realistic about the dog's needs and their own.
Definitely worth looking at.......2007-02-20
One thing I've always disliked about breed selection books is that they seldom give you a balanced description of the dog. Often it's heavily weighted for a positive outlook which makes every single breed seem like it could be the one for you. This book is different, and that's why I like it.
Describing the AKC recognized breed as of 1996, as well as a few rare breeds, you get a snapshot of the good, the bad, and the ugly with each breed. All of the basics are covered (protection ability, energy level, behavior with children/other animals, grooming) as well as some not typically covered (health problems, working ability). It also describes ideal and less-than-ideal types of owners. For example, the Rottweiler is described as best with strong confident owners who will train and socialize it early, not for pushovers with an invisible fence.
While a more detailed and lengthy description of each breed would be useful, you have to remember that this book has to cover 150+ breeds in less than 200 pages. This book is intended to help you narrow it down to a handful of breeds you might like. Once that's accomplished you go to breed specific books and other resources.
I give it 4 of 5 stars simply because it's from 1996 and doesn't include some of the breeds known today.
Very Practical.......2006-03-21
The reviews were very concise and well focused on the criteria that a prospective owner should consider.
The book only covers breeds -- it would also be nice to have a chapter on "choosing a mutt" and what the criteria, benefits and pitfalls might be.
Color pictures would make it easier to recognize familiar dogs, but, ultimately, it's not vital to decision-making.
Buy the author's other book!.......2003-08-27
I rated this book only three stars because the same information, expanded and updated, appears in "Choosing a Dog for Dummies," by the same author. The newer version is worth four or five stars, I believe. Both are easy to use, thanks to the telegraphic evaluations preceding each write-up. Despite there being no color pictures, this is a good reference for the price.
Book Description
Whether fond of long and sleek or short and snug-hoods and pockets or cuffs, knitting enthusiasts have the opportunity to design and create the perfect sweater with this book. Offering instructions for more than 1,000 different sweater combinations, 1000 Sweaters provides readers with the know-how to knit the sweater of their dreams.
Knitters first consult the perfect body type guide, and then flip through each sweater piece, including options for sleeves, necklines, pockets, and belts until they have put together the look they want. Provides clear patterns and easy-to-follow instructions for combining and finishing sweaters. Suitable for all skill levels; even the most novice knitter will easily and successfully create each sweater piece.
* Offers options to mix and match pieces--sleeves, necklines, pockets, belts * Features over 1,000 different sweater combinations * Includes clear knitting patterns and detailed instructions
Customer Reviews:
I don't regret buying this book, but..........2007-08-12
I honestly don't know what to think of this book.
Pros:
- Lots of combinations
- Good for basics, you can add your own little twists and embellishments at whim.
- Great for learning more about sweater construction (different necklines and sleeves, etc)
- Great for inspiration
- Helpful for altering other existing patterns (Love the pattern you've got? Hate the sleeve? This will show you what other sleeves you can put on.)
Cons:
- 1000 combinations is pushing it. I don't consider adding a belt to an outfit "making a different outfit" so why would I consider adding a belt to a sweater "making a different sweater."
- The book never goes beyond basics. If you have some skill, you can make these all your own, but other than that these seem to be things you can find elsewhere. (A classic crew neck with a fitted sleeve is nothing new, and you could probably find a pattern somewhere that was better for you individually.)
- Sizing issues. Everyone has said it, I know, but trust me, it's just as tricky to size down as to size up. Honestly, offering only 3 sizes with no help for making them smaller or larger is crazy. The patterns I've found most helpful offer at *least* 5 or 6 sizes. People come in different sizes, patterns do too.
Overall, I would say that I do like the book, but I'll never make anything from it by following the pattern word-for-word. If you like to change around patterns (switch out sleeves and necklines, etc.) this book might help you. If you want to make basic sweaters, and you are an average size, this book would probably be great. If you love DK Rowan yarn, go for it. But if you fall on either end of the size range and you like funky patterns, details, chunky yarn, and super-fast knits - steer clear.
For the record, I too am neither British, Republican, or have a ton of free time. I'm also in the middle of re-sizing the fitted cardigan, so if this sounds too much like a rant, that would be why.
Park your mammaries at home - they won't fit under these sweaters........2007-05-06
I'm not a huge person. I wear things from 14-20, depending on what it is and where it's got to go.
I was thrilled with 1000 Sweaters, until I realized that it had that pretty hard limitation of 40" in all the bust sizes, for all the sweaters. Someone in another review said you could knit on it a bit and get it up to 42". Well, I'm a 50DD, and there is no way I could stretch or knit these sweaters well. I'm an intermediate, not a knitting engineer. =)
Anyway, I gave the book to a friend, someone I'd call "willowy". She has trouble making the patterns up due to the lack of complete plans. We have both run into trouble with the book on the "yuppie sweater" front, too. You expect people to have a bow and a matching vest for each one.
I give the book 2 stars, because it really could have been a good idea, and the layout is great.
An excellent concept.......2005-09-11
I think this book is for intermediate-advanced knitters, as you are still essentially making up your own pattern and need to use some judgement/experience in the process.
I agree with D G Van Velsen. I too live in Australia where 8-ply is most common and, while different yarn wieghts and larger sizes would be a wise inclusion, I am lucky enough to be quite average in size, so find this book quite accommodating.
Where previous reviewers have disliked the constant gauge (being 22 sts/4") I believe it would be much harder to mix-n-match the garment pieces if they were in different guages, as each gauge would require a different pattern I think.
Alternatively, making it up in a larger guage may be all that's needed to make the pieces in a size that suits, but this is where one's experience kicks in.
Also, one reviewer mentioned that the largest sizing is a finished measurement of 40". While the most common 'large' size is 40", there are body sections in 42" and 49".
It also has an indirect benefit of teaching you what you like in a pattern - sleeve-head types, neck lines, etc, and how they will suit whoever you're knitting for. Which, in the end, makes for a better knitter (no point knitting a wardrobe if it doesn't suit the owner).
One last thing: my copy's author is Amanda Griffiths (not Jane Crowfoot, as listed above) - although it has the same picture as displayed on this page. Odd.
So, overall, a good addition to the shelf - I'm glad I bought it.
A Neat Concept for a Book.......2005-04-07
This book has a really neat concept. It's a nominaly 128 pages of patterns. But what that doesn't say is that the patterns are broken down into parts. The top two thirds or so of the page is a picture and instructions for a basic bodice design. The bottom third is split separately so that it can be set to multiple sleeves, pockets, necks or whatever that fit with the bodice shown on the top of the page.
As a result, there are sixty four or so basic designs (picture on left, instructions on right, each in four sizes from 21.5 to 40 inches in bust size) and to go with them are another sixty four (I guess you would call them) accessories. Although I'm not so sure that a sleeve is an accessory. Combining all of these options enable you to make over a thousand different sweaters.
All of the patterns are set in the same gauge (22 stiches x 30 rows over 4 in.) and are calculated to produce this gauge using size 6 needles.
Terrific addition to my library........2005-03-30
I have spent part of my day playing with the mix and match possibilities of this book. I now have 5 sweaters I "have" to create yesterday. The only slight drawback - and then only if you have already bought yarn of a different gauge - is that all the sweaters in the book are in one gauge (22sts x 30rows = 4inches). Other than that, this is a terrific addition to anyone's knitting library and I know I'll be "playing" with it for a long time to come.
Roseann Bucca - Brooklyn, NY
Book Description
The best-selling Perfect Glass of Wine introduced budding aficionados to the pleasures of the vine. Now The Perfect Match takes readers to the next level: exploring the perfect partnership of wine and food. The Perfect Match is both a guide to the principles of pairing wine with food and a glorious collection of mouthwatering recipes. Author Brian St. Pierre takes the intimidation out and puts the accessibility in, and lists grapes by varietal with descriptions of their principal flavors, virtues as a companion with meals, and the foods they go best with. This artfully photographed volume offers over 70 delicious recipes, many based on the classics of the great wine-producing regions of Europe, as well as contemporary cuisine from the New World. Additional topics include flavors that are difficult to match, how special occasions influence wine choices, and the big cheese question: red, white, dry, or sweet? With two handy indexes, one by wine and one by major ingredient, finding the perfect match has never been easier.
Customer Reviews:
Delicious, simple, and practical.......2005-10-12
The book wasn't over fussy with an overubundance of ingredients for the recipes. It is simple and easy and a book that a beginner can learn from.
Match Made In Kitchen & Table.......2005-09-24
Is there any other more wonderful match than food and wine? Those that have had a few such match events will profess, no.
Here in this volume are some classics, plus few new creative examples. Volume is exquisite with full color photos and good discussions on wine production, selection, storage, etc. Then highlight, recipes and matched wines.
Some of these are classics one will find in many cookbooks, e.g. Braised ShortRibs in Red Wine, Classic Burgundy Beef, however, there are unique recipe creations e.g. Pan Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Basil Minestrone; Prawns and Chorizo on Risotto Cakes; Trout Packages in Champagne; Cornish Hens En Cocotte; Hazelnut Chicken Breasts with Dijon-Yogurt Sauce. There are great accopmpanying offers such as: Almond-Parmesan Stuffed Onions; Marsala And Goat Cheese Cake;
Average customer rating:
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A Perfect Match (Kismet #23)
Manufacturer: Meteor Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 187870222X |
Product Description
1990 pbk,
Book Description
After twenty-six years of marriage, Donald and Helen seek their pleasures elsewhere. But affairs turn decidedly insidious, when Donald's mistress, a rich widow, turns up murdered in a boating park, and Helen's missing young lover is the last to be seen with her, although the two had never met. It would appear that the perfect crime has been committed at last. Leave it to Detective Inspector Lloyd and his charming young detective seargent Judy Hill to sort it out--if anyone can. Guilt is in the details, they know, and in the details is where to find the murderer.
"Low-key and engrossing, and pleasantly English."
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Customer Reviews:
Very Very British.......2002-09-26
This is the second Jill McGown book I've read and the first in the series. I really enjoy her writing and her plots. Many people try to write in the English cozy style, but few are that effective. It's easy to tell while reading this book, that it is written by a British person. The style of writing, the characters and the actual mystery are reminiscent of some of the great British detective writers - Christie, Allingham, Sayers (but set in a more modern setting). Affairs and sexual deviancies are common in Lloyd's and Judy's world. That being said, Lloyd is good character. He's sensitive, a little unsure of himself in his personal life, and he has a conscience. That doesn't stop him from loving his perfect Judy though. Judy is also a good character. She is not afraid to show her uncertainties and her own guilty conscience. This is a really good series, and even though I had figured out the murderer before the book was finished, it was still masterfully written and kept my interest.
Average customer rating:
- Two And A Half Stars, Also Titled "But What If I'm Both Ways?"
- Great Help In Finding A Partner
- An alternative (to Cate's) view
- Not sure the value of this book
- Looking for Love?
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Finding Your Perfect Match
Pepper Schwartz
Manufacturer: Perigee Trade
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Binding: Paperback
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Book Description
Dr. Pepper Schwartz helps readers identify the eight specific personality characteristics that they need to understand about themselves-and others. And the Duet(tm) Total Compatibility System, a sophisticated yet easy-to-follow series of self-tests that have helped thousands of people in their search for love, gives them an intimate and honest appraisal of who they are, what they want, and ultimately, who they should be with.
This approach not only helps reveal each person's unique romantic profile, but also identifies five major lifestyle issues that can have a dramatic impact on the long-term success of their relationships: money, sex, children, core values, and social life. Readers will also be able to uncover the deal-breakers, to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and to determine whether someone is a potential match before getting deeply involved.
Customer Reviews:
Two And A Half Stars, Also Titled "But What If I'm Both Ways?".......2007-07-14
While I admire Dr. Pepper Schwartz's attempt to expand upon the Myers-Briggs method of personality testing to create her eight-category "Duet" system, I am still not completely satisfied that this type of testing really accomplishes what it sets out to accomplish.
I have been subjected to Myers-Briggs personality testing at least two times, if not more, during the course of my lifetime. Initially enthusiastic, I always dutifully maneuver through the test hoping that it will tell me something about myself that I didn't already know. Each time that I reach the end and get my four-letter personality "code," or whatever it is called, I end up disappointed. Not only does the test fail to tell me anything I didn't already know, i.e. there is never an "ah-ha" moment, it places me into a personality type that I do not feel reflects my true personality at all. It is my own personal feeling that the very nature of the test makes it incapable of truly testing anything except a person's ability to work with others in a professional environment. The categories are too rigid and do not allow enough space for people who fall somewhere in the middle.
The same problem is inherent in Dr. Schwartz's Duet compatibility system. Expanding the four dimensions of Myers-Briggs into eight still does not solve the problem of placing people into categories that are too broad and all-inclusive. A typical example is this: In the chapter titled "Predictability," the reader is asked to answer a seven-question true/false quiz. A higher number of true answers places the reader into the "Predictable" category and a higher number of false answers places the reader into the "Variety" category. Explanations of each category are then given. But wait, what if you're not highly predictable or highly changeable? What if you're somewhere in the middle? What if sometimes you like to go to your favorite restaurant every day for a month, and then sometimes you like to change it up and try new restaurants? The test does not allow for any middle ground.
Every quiz chapter is like the one mentioned above except that the categories change. Readers are either determined to be all "high energy" or all "relaxed," all "optimistic" or all "cautious," all "flexible" or all "structured" and so forth. I cannot speak for other people, but some aspects of my personality change depending upon what I am doing and who I am with. I hate being placed into categories such as these. It is as if I can't have a bad day if good days are what I usually have. I can't act in a predictable way if I'm usually hungry for "variety." It is always one broad, sweeping category or the opposite broad, sweeping category. Although this failing of the test may seem minor to some people, there is no such thing as a person who always acts one way in a given situation all the time. Just think about that. And if it is the purpose of this book to enlighten people as to their romantic wants and needs in order to help them find that "perfect match," then this failing takes on a much greater importance then, say, determining who is going to be the leader of the group at work.
I don't need seven-question quizzes to tell me how I am, and many of these are no-brainers, unless you are a person with no self-analysis abilities at all. It is not helpful to get advice at the end of the chapters like "It is usually better to pick someone similar on the predictability scale" or "If two people are more closely aligned when it comes to personal energy levels, it allows them to create a mutually satisfying lifestyle more easily." Really? Well, I would never have figured that one out. There is a high "well duh" factor to many of these.
Ultimately, this is a very scientific, clinical method of finding love that makes some huge generalizations about people by placing them into very broad categories. If that's what you want, go for it.
Great Help In Finding A Partner.......2006-04-27
In her new book, "Finding the Perfect Match" , Dr. Pepper Schwartz, who helped put the "perfect" in Perfectmatch.com, brings three crucial attributes to the seemingly impossible task of helping people find and hold onto a mate worth having: intelligence, experience and a sense of humor. Building on more than 30 years of experience, not only doing her own research, but communicating the findings of several major areas of research and current thought to a wide variety of audiences, Dr. Schwartz lays out a means of first analyzing "what makes you tick" and then finding out what sort of other person is or is not likely to make a good fit with you. You don't want to be "the energizer bunny married to a sloth" any more than being a "glass-half-full" optimist married to someone always "raining on your parade". Dr. Schwartz uses a series of rather painless but probing questionnaires to lead the reader to an understanding of a series of eight major characteristics about yourself and any prospective partner you might currently, or sometime in the future, be considering as a mate. She then explains in readily digestible form, the meaning and implications of the answers to these questions and how they can guide you into making the best relationship decisions of your life - both in avoiding those painful mismatches that have driven you nuts in the past and in pursuing the one that just might finally put it all together for you. She waves no magic wands of course, and there are no written guarantees at the back of the book, but if you want to get a better sense of who you are and who you should be looking for out there, Dr. Schwartz lights the path exceedingly well while making the pitfalls a whole lot easier to see.
An alternative (to Cate's) view.......2006-04-17
Cate said that the attempt at modeling the Myers-Briggs technique, doesn't work for her, as she is already introspective.
Personally, I appreciate and respect Cate's courage and honesty in offering her thoughtful opinions. The following is offered in the spirit of that appreciation and respect:
I may be wrong, but it is my understanding that the purpose of this book is to establish a common set of traits so that folks can begin to examine their mutual compatibility in an objective, apples-to-apples manner. I don't see it as primarily an auto-psychometric tool, intended to lead someone primarily to understand them self, alone.
Myers-Briggs is about self-examination. This book is about independent, mutual examination. I can't speak to the question of "hokey", but the approach of this book does seem to succeed at modeling Meyers-Briggs' Jungian analysis. Of course Myers-Briggs is broader and especially deeper. It is for professional use. The book is about a proto-relationship reality check, not an in-depth analysis.
As to the library, I heartily agree about examining a book before buying it. I do that myself, most of the time.
Thank you for taking the time to let me share my thoughts with you, thoughtful reader.
Not sure the value of this book.......2006-02-18
I guess I'm in the minority here, but this book didn't do much for me. The author tried to develop a Myers Briggs type technique, but it doesn't really work. Maybe if I were lacking self-awareness, this book would give me some insight. Otherwise, I don't get the value.
The author's technique seems hokey and contrived to me. Myers Briggs is far more valuable - more depth, more basis for conclusions, and more relevant to the real world.
If you really want to read this book, I'd suggest you get it from the library. You'll likely breeze through it and never look at it again.
Looking for Love?.......2006-02-05
This is a book that I have found useful both at
the personal and professional level. The author begins with a simple, but powerful proposition: you have to know yourself before you can have a lasting love relationship with someone else. Of course, that is a big task- maybe no one ever completely knows himself or herself. Still, additional
insights are welcome as long as they really are new information and they help orient you towards the kind of person you should be with, and away from someone who ultimately will either disappoint you-- or vice versa.
What I like here is that the book doesn't ask you, for example, if you are an extrovert or an introvert, but measures that personality type by seven well-chosen, and well-explained, questions. Sometimes the findings are unexpected-which could make you feel like the test was inaccurate--but instead, because all the measurements are explained, they're persuasive.
I also like the last part of the book that helps you think about HOW important certain things are to you-- like money, sex,
and values--among other things. I think those tests help you stay honest with yourself- which can be harder to do than it sounds.
The book reads well, fast, and I think it has something to offer to those witha partner as well as those who are searching for one. I also think that, except for a few places, it would work for same-sex as well as opposite-sex relationships. It is
fun to read- but its not lightweight. I would highly recommend it.
Book Description
Detailed historical and archaeological essays give insight into the many people groups who interacted with and influenced ancient Israel.
Book Description
Ellie Karlson arrives in Deep Haven to fill the job as interim fire chief. The locals in this small town, including Pastor Dan Matthews, a volunteer firefighter, are shocked that a woman would take over this dangerous position. But as Dan and Ellie work together to solve a string of mysterious arsons, their mutual respect for each other builds. Another delightful story of love and forgiveness from rising author Susan May Warren.
Customer Reviews:
S. Warren's The Perfect Match.......2007-01-06
This was a sweet story. If you're into romance this is a good one.
Wish it wasn't the end of the series..........2006-06-08
Each book was unique yet tied together so well. I love them all and have read each one at least three times. But something is missing...where is Liza's story? The series is NOT complete without that story.
Perfect Ending.......2006-03-31
The Perfect Match was the perfect ending to the Deep Haven series. Not only was this well thought out story wrapped up with beauty, we got to check in on the couples from the previous books, "Happily Ever After" and "Tying the Knot."
With this series, Susan May Warren climbed her way right onto my list of favorite authors.
Fun afternoon read.......2006-01-30
This is a fun and cozy series. The plot isn't as deep as some of her other books, but very enjoyable.
The Best Deep Haven So Far! .......2004-09-15
Wow! This book was great! I have read all of Warren's Deep Haven novels now, and while I have really enjoyed them all, this is my favourite so far. The story was faced paced and action packed from the first sentence to the last. I couldn't put it down! It was also unique in that it delved into the question of the role of women in certain professions (such as firefighting) confronting common stereotypes on the issue, but from a Christian perspective. And, once again, Warren has demonstrated the ability to integrate a quality story line that intrigues and delights with solid biblical truth. That is definitely one of the things I love about her writing. Although she's writing romance, her stories are never just fluff. They are stories about the transforming work of Christ in the lives of ordinary people who face common struggles and confront common misconceptions about the true character of God and his love and grace. With every one of Warren's books I seem to learn more about who God really is, and that, to me, is the mark of good Christian fiction. The fact that Warren is able to weave that into a story that is so intriguing and enjoyable that non-Christians would also enjoy it is a mark of her skill as a writer. Overall, this book is a great read and I highly recommend it!
Book Description
Stop dating the wrong people and get the right results. Whether you're new to online dating or you've flirted with e-dating disaster, this up-to-date, easy reference guide saves you time, energy, money and potential heartache. Find out where to look, what to look for, how to create an irresistible profile, what to say and what to avoid. Filled with secrets and strategies from experts who have researched thousands of sites and stories, this book goes beyond the how-to and focuses on who-to online date. Get expert profile writing tips, sample headlines and responses that work. Learn to be a stimulating conversationalist in 4 words or less. Find out if they are who they say they are with background checks and sample Fact-finding, Character-telling, Baggage-revealing, Red-flag and Stop-sign questions. Reality checks and compatibility checklists help you avoid mistakes. Get the secrets to find and attract your perfect love match. Eliminate the guesswork and start getting results today. About the Author Stephany A. Crowley is an author, speaker and international e-datingExpert coach who's "been there, done that" and survived e-dating disasters. Regularly featured in national dailies, radio and TV shows, her dating/relationship advice entertains with personal experience and reveals the e-dating Secrets that thousands have learned the hard way. For over 14 years Stephany's unique Advertising/Marketing and PR/Communications background has helped companies, authors and prominent politicians craft public profiles and reach their target audience. Today, as founder of e-datingExperts.com, she's on a mission to inspire people at heart to find love, live love and give love and help you find the love and romance that you deserve. Book Reviews All of us have more love potential than we are manifesting. E-datingSecrets can get you to where you want to be with fearless confidence, finesse and panache.-Mark Victor Hansen, Chicken Soup for the Soul Series No one knows more about the online dating industry or how to get the right results. I can count on her credible advice for my radio/TV call-ins. - Sue McGarvie, Therapist, The Love and Romance Show The question section alone would have saved me from two failed marriages.the e-dating guide that could save the rest of your life - Suze Baez, International Speaker e-security secrets most people wouldn't think of. You'll be more confident wooing, when you know you're not being wooed for the wrong reasons. R.Craig Petersen, e-Securityguy.com invaluable for soul-searching and soul-mate searching singles - Sharif Khan, Psychology of the Hero Soul Sassy, knowledgeable, humorous, right on! A personal journey of discovering yourself and what you want.-Lynn Rose, Singer, Speaker, Radio/TV Host
Customer Reviews:
I wish I could give this 2.75 or 2 and 1/2 stars.......2006-11-11
This is currently the best book on the topic of online love searching tools and advice especially for people without special needs which I know is the smaller percentage of those possibly online love searching. But, the books on this topic need major improvement. I will write more of a review latter but this author is connected also 2 more online supports for you on this topic. Through other paid merchandise and love coaching and such. You can find this advice mostly on certain sites for free like e-harmony, chemistry, match, the relationship exchange, and yahoo personals. Or you could easily learn it for yourself using any/some of these sites!
This is what I've been waiting for........2004-10-26
This book is of incredible value to anyone who desires to meet the person of their dreams online. It is easy to read and full of priceless information as well as powerful insights and exercises. In addition to being straightforward and containing simple, easy to follow "how to" steps, it also has lots of enlightening suggestions and anecdotes.
I wish it had been offered to me before I embarked on "e-dating." In addition to saving me a lot of time, money, disappointment, and disillusionment, I certainly would have had a lot more fun and undoubtably would have been much more successful.
Like anything else it takes some work to implement all of the author's suggestions and get the full value that is intended and available. On the other hand, the book offers suggestions that would even have great value to people who meet offline or those who only take the time to read parts of it. The author also does a very good job off addressing the distinct and, at times, vastly differing perspectives and experiences of women and men.
Additionally, the author offers a website that can be used in conjunction with the book, which I find to be a useful ongoing and continually updated resource.
This book fills superbly what appeared to be a huge gap in the marketplace of "e-dating" information.
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