Why Is It Always About You? : The Seven Deadly Sins of Narcissism

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If you can't "run for the hills"

Why is it always about you?

A lifesaver!

Echoing the concerns of other reviewers...

EXCELLENT book, especially for anyone going into Social Work
Why Is It Always About You? : The Seven Deadly Sins of Narcissism
Sandy Hotchkiss
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Children of the Self-Absorbed: A Grown-Up's Guide to Getting over Narcissistic Parents

The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family

Emotional Blackmail: When the People in Your Life Use Fear, Obligation, and Guilt to Manipulate You

Emotional Vampires: Dealing With People Who Drain You Dry

Loving the Self-Absorbed: How to Create a More Satisfying Relationship with a Narcissistic Partner

ASIN: 0743214285

Book Description

In this groundbreaking book -- the first popular book on narcissism in more than a decade -- clinical social worker and psychotherapist Sandy Hotchkiss shows you how to cope with controlling, egotistical people who are incapable of the fundamental give-and-take that sustains healthy relationships. Exploring how individuals come to have this shortcoming, why you get drawn into their perilous orbit, and what you can do to break free, Hotchkiss describes the "Seven Deadly Sins of Narcissism" and their origins. You will learn to recognize these hallmarks of unhealthy narcissism -- Shamelessness, Magical Thinking, Arrogance, Envy, Entitlement, Exploitation, Bad Boundaries -- and to understand the roles that parenting and culture play in their creation.

Whether the narcissist in question is a coworker, spouse, parent, or child, Why Is It Always About You? provides abundant practical advice for anyone struggling to break narcissism's insidious spread to the next generation, and for anyone who encounters narcissists in everyday life.

Customer Reviews:

If you can't "run for the hills".......2007-09-20

Great advice to run from a narcissist, especially when the person is someone you CAN leave. But there are relationships where it might not be possible to run (or running may have consequences you don't want to take on):

-- The narcissist is your graduate school advisor or department chair; running would mean you lose or postpone your degree;
-- The narcissist is a family member -- maybe your only surviving parent or sibling;
-- The narcissist is your CHILD (how does a mother or father run from their child?);
-- Your heritage and cultural background does not support you running from extended family members (like in-laws, parents, siblings), but really expects you to continue supporting them, even at your own expense.

I'm sure there are other situations where running isn't advisable or acceptable to the person dealing with a narcissist. This book is helpful for those people to first understand the monster, and more importantly to get a handle on their own boundaries.

Why is it always about you?.......2007-09-14

"Why is it always about you" is about recognizing the narcissism in yourself and coping with the narcissism in others. The book is not just about Narcissistic Personality Disorder which, the author says, is rare, but rather about that fact that we all have varying degrees of narcissism ranging from healthy tendencies to malignant mental illness.

I am unconvinced by the author's psychoanalytic theories regarding child development but some of the more practical advice on coping may be helpful. The last section, "Only you can prevent narcissism" is about how moral relativism, the misguided self-esteem movement, and certain parental attitudes have largely contributed to the raging feelings of entitlement so pervasive in this narcissistic society in which we live. This section alone is worth the price of the book.

A lifesaver!.......2007-08-23

I bought this book to help me with issues with my father and sister. What a lifesaver! I'm really not crazy! That's what narcissistic people can make you feel when they are "shame dumping." It gives me a sense of peace and empowerment having put a label on their behavior. I feel like I now have the tools and knowledge to protect myself. I'm recommending the book to many people I know!

Echoing the concerns of other reviewers..........2007-08-14

In my humble opinion, as someone who has done a good deal of reading on NPD and psychology in general, this book:

Is not a good jumping-off point for anyone interested in NPD, as it does not establish how to differentiate between a person high in self-interest and a truly disordered personality.
Is a little light on citations of scientific studies and instead reads more like pop-psych.
Includes a referendum on Western culture which is not truly constructive or educational.

EXCELLENT book, especially for anyone going into Social Work.......2007-08-11

This book was excellent. Informative, well-organized, easy to read, and thorough in it's presentation of Narcissicism at various levels, including narcissisim in teens, the elderly, parents, and in the work place. It also discusses societal implications and how the U.S. perpetuates narcissistic qualities. I highly recommend this book for anyone going into the social work field, particularly those who specialize in addiction. This book will not only help you to recognize the signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder in clients, but it will give you the tools needed to cope with narcissistic behavior in your personal life. Highly recommend.

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Buyer's Remorse
Worth avoiding
7 Deadly Wonders
Frustration? You're kidding me.
Great Action Book

Seven Deadly Wonders: A Novel
Matthew Reilly
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1416505067

Amazon.com

Mathew Reilly's 7 Deadly Wonders is a lot of things--fast-paced, clever, action-packed. But mostly it's perfect for a Jerry Bruckheimer treatment. The novel reads like a screenplay meets video game with one harrowing chase after another.

The breakneck action stems from an Egyptian sun cult which has hidden pieces of the capstone to the great pyramid in the husks of the seven wonders of ancient world, leaving clues that would flummox Indiana Jones. Here's the deal: whichever nation can locate and assemble the capstone in time for a cosmic event designed to end life on Earth will rule the world. Enter a ragtag team of commandos representing non-superpowers (read, in a Da Vinci Code context, not the European Union, the United States or the Vatican) who stand to lose in this eventuality. The team pits itself in a race against the formidable forces of the western world, cosmic calendar, and traps set by ancient-wonder-hider, Imhotep V. Complete with Mario-Brothers-style drawings, the book lurches from one great escape/victory/defeat until its final climax atop Cheops' Pyramid. It's a thrilling ride, perfect to enliven a lazy vacation or long plane ride. The real question is: Brad Pitt or Matthew McConaughey?--Jeremy Pugh

Book Description

AN ANCIENT SECRET . . . A TEAM OF HEROES . . . THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

A legend of the ancient world decrees that every 4,500 years, a terrible solar event will wreak worldwide destruction . . . but whoever sets the Golden Capstone atop the Great Pyramid at Giza will avert disaster and gain the ultimate prize: a millennium of world dominance.

Now the Sun is turning once again and nation will battle nation to retrieve the missing Capstone . . . but a group of small nations, led by super-soldier Jack West Jr., bands together to prevent any one country from attaining this frightening power. Thus the greatest treasure hunt of all time begins -- an adrenalinefueled race on a global battlefield.

From the Colossus of Rhodes to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the Great Egyptian Pyramid itself, unlock the thrills of

SEVEN DEADLY WONDERS

Download Description

Matthew Reilly, the New York Times bestselling author and "pedal-to-the-metal action novelist" (Publishers Weekly), is back in high gear on the greatest treasure hunt of all time -- a headlong race to find the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Customer Reviews:

Buyer's Remorse.......2007-09-13

I really could have found a better use for the eight bucks I spent on this book. I've read four of Reilly's books and have become a big fan. If I were new to his work and started with this one, I would never get around to the others. I'm about a hundred pages into it, and so far haven't seen much in the way of character development. It's hard to care about a character you don't know. Normally, I'd be rooting for someone by this point. Yes, there's a lot of action; in fact, too much action -- no time for the suspense to build up before the bullets or grenades or lava is flying again and the characters are somehow managing to avoid it all. And yes, there are way too many exclamation points. It's supposed to be exciting. I get it.
My advice for Reilly fans is to skip this one and hope his next novel is better.

Worth avoiding.......2007-09-06

Sometime ago I read Ice Station by the same author. While it was definitely outrageous, it was still fun and inventive. This book is really neither. I don't think there is an idea in the book that isn't ripped off from somewhere else. Badly drawn diagrams of the various locations supplement the bad prose.

The traps and the ways the team figure out to evade them is sort of like reading a narrative of someone playing a videogame. Activate the disable bullets gadget, jump left, dodge the oil, hit the "Call Falcon" button, jump over the crocodile, snatch the little girl before she's scalded by hot lava, and so on. Since none of the characters have any depth and the story itself is silly, reading this book quickly becomes a chore.

7 Deadly Wonders.......2007-08-31

For the science fiction and/or thriller fan who likes lots of action and impossible situations, this is a definite must read. A group of heroic agents from several small nations working together to either save the world keep things moving as they try to retrieve as many of the 7 deadly wonders as possible.

Buried in the annals of time, pieces of the capstone of the great pyramid have been divided up among what was then wonders of the ancient world. The pieces are needed to prevent a worldwide catastrophe, but the holder of them will also have power over the world for a thousand years. Jack West and his band of representatives from the small nations want to prevent the wrong people seizing power.

Join Jack and his group of eight as they face death and dangers you can't imagine in their search for the treasures. There are at least two other groups seeking these same pieces and Jack fears he may have a mole in his group.

Frustration and disappointment seem to dog the little band's footsteps, but they persever. A recommended read for any reader who likes high tension and a sense of almost constant movement in their reading. Talented Matthew Reilly takes you on a tour of the ancient world and reminds us of the things we've lost to wars and conquest.

Enjoy. I did.

Frustration? You're kidding me........2007-08-27

Reading so much about frustration after reading the book makes me laugh.
I had to *translate* this lame excuse for a book.
Even more hair raising is the prospect that it is very likely that I will have to translate his next "The Six Sacred Stones" (an after that probably "The Five Manuscripts of Evil", "The Four Satan Damnations", "The Hellish Threesome", "Two from Inferno" and "The One").
So stop complaining, you know nothing :)

Great Action Book.......2007-08-26

This was one of Matthew Riley's best books. I literally could not put it down until I finished it. It was action from the get go. What a mind this man has..........

Average customer rating:

Good, Trashy Read
What happens in Vegas...

Gluttony (Seven Deadly Sins)
Robin Wasserman
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 141690719X

Book Description

It's Vegas, baby! Anything can happen.

Reed has a (small) chance to win fame and fortune, thanks to his

"entourage," Beth.

Sick of feeling like a loser, Harper's betting she can win back her

life, starting with Miranda -- whose birthday wish just might come

true....

Adam's also getting lucky, with a certain ex-girlfriend.

Kane, as usual, is playing hard -- and not very nice.

Win or lose, it's going to be wild.

Customer Reviews:

Good, Trashy Read.......2007-06-30

This is a great sixth edition to the series! I admit, I was shocked at the coldness of many of the characters but I wasn't surprised after reading the previous books. This book left me very excited to read the seventh and final book of the series. While the whole series errs on the trashy side, this is the best guilty pleasure I've ever read. The story is about how the whole gang handles Vegas. People's secrets come out and you will probably be surprised at the way that the characters handle the truth.

What happens in Vegas..........2007-04-11

I couldn't help but fill myself up on this book. Gluttony is Robin Wasserman's sixth book in the Seven Deadly Sins series. I have read all the other books and all of them had seemed to get better as they went along. Although the fifth installment, Sloth, had fallen short of my expectations I was anticipating Gluttony to see if Wasserman still had that touch, and she does.
The majority of this sinful novel happens in no other place than Sin City itself, Vegas. It seems as though most of Haven High, makes a trip to Vegas. Harper and Miranda are trying to make up for lost time and regain each other's friendship. Kane and Adam also seem to be getting back to becoming the friends that they once were. Beth, good girl turned bad, and Reed are trying to forward their relationship.
Harper and Adam begin to spend more time together after Kane gets them a room at a swanky room at hotel. They are also sharing the room with Miranda and Kane who also seem to be spending a little bit more time together. Miranda, who's been chasing Kane forever, is finally feeling like giving up on him. Kane is all for living it up in the short time in Vegas. Beth and Reed are getting much closer until a girl names Starla seems to be getting in the way.
This book had to be one of my favorites in this series. As always, I love these books. The surprises in this novel were incredible. I didn't know what to expect starting this novel and I sure didn't expect some of the outcomes. I am very anxious to see how Wasserman will tie up the loose ends in the upcoming-and last-book of the series. I certainly can't predict how this series will end, and I am sad to see that it is almost over.
It's Vegas. Anything can go and anything will. Secrets revealed. Twist and turns. The road through Vegas is a full of lust, envy, pride, and anger. So go ahead and indulge yourself in this book.

The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry: A Troubleshooting Guide for Church Leaders

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The Seven Sins of Small Group Ministry
Where are the potholes in this road?
A useful tool for small group directors...

The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry: A Troubleshooting Guide for Church Leaders
Bill Donahue , and Russ Robinson
Manufacturer: Zondervan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0310267110

Book Description

A troubleshooting guide for church leaders. Assessment and solution for seven common obstacles to building small groups.

Customer Reviews:

The Seven Sins of Small Group Ministry.......2007-10-05

Our church is on it's second try when it comes to Smalll Groups. The first try was about ten years ago and in about 18 months they came apart. After reading The Seven Sins of Small Group Ministry, I realized that we had commited all seven of the sins or mistakes. This is an excellent book which is straight to the point and very easy to read.

thanks, Ed Covert

Where are the potholes in this road?.......2007-03-09

Why waste a year or two in your congregation's spiritual journey? Why drive blind into dangerous, program-breaking potholes if they are, in fact, already identified? This book is a great resource reflecting some gifted teachers who have looked back and debriefed about what could have been done better "if only they'd known". Well, now they do and their feedback is available here. It has been referred to actively by our leadership group frequently in our 18 months of planning pre-launch. Now we use it to check our status relative to potholes. Our eyes are open to the Deceiver's obstacles and there are many. Plus, ol' Mischief Maker wants us to think good things aren't and so makes good decisions seem dangerous, like: embracing Holy Spirit-driven movement when a group comes together in an unexpected way. Sometimes there is fear of the unplanned. Sometimes there is confidence in something which generally hasn't worked elsewhere. So when is an idea constructive? When might it be destructive? This book addresses the 7 'sins' Willow uncovered; the flip side is knowing how to avoid them or fix them right out of the chute. Thank you, Willow.

A useful tool for small group directors..........2006-12-15

I have read other books from Donahue and Robinson and heard them speak at several small groups conference, so the information in this book was relatively familiar to me. Nonetheless, "The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry" is a valuable resources in which these small group gurus share their experiences and failures in the hopes that others involved in small group ministry within the local church can avoid those same missteps.

One thing that I appreciate about this book is its straightforward format. The seven deadly sins of small group ministry, as assessed by the authors, each occupy two chapters. The first chapter on each sin describes the problem, and the second chapter provides some solutions. This allows the reader to pick and choose a particular issue and read about it in some detail without having to read the entire book. I appreciated the experience of reading it straight through but look forward to referring to it in the future on one or more specific topics, and the simple format makes that notion feasible.

The second thing that I appreciated most about this book was the author's experience and wisdom. It is clear that they have gathered insight from years of small group ministry, and they are honest in stating that they have actually committed almost all of the sins at one point or another. That humility (and the almost playful writing style throughout the book) makes the information very accessible. The suggestions are not coming from some perfect small group geniuses, but instead come from real people who have made real mistakes and can offer real solutions.

My primary criticism of the book is that a somewhat limited perspective is provided. It only makes sense that they would write from the framework of Willow Creek, where they both spent much of their ministry lives. However, they seem unable to extract themselves from the Willow way of doing things. Quite frankly, the assimilation structure that they suggest is nothing if not overwhelming. In fact, the entire book is rather formidable. Again, it is formidable because they have so much important information to share, but it might be more useful if they had eliminated some of the painstaking detail and emphasized the main ideas.

I am glad that I read this book, and I know that it will shape how I proceed in my role in leadership over the small groups at our church. We are actually committing several of these deadly sins right now, and I now have the ammunition to make some necessary adjustments. If you are willing to dive into the thick of Willow Creek's learning from groups, this is a great book. I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

Not the best of the series
A good book for a lazy day
Not bad...

Sloth (Seven Deadly Sins)
Robin Wasserman
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1416907181

Book Description

One of the seven is dead, and everyone's reeling:

Adam's done. With love, with school...with everything. Done.

Beth's doing her best to act "normal," but even Reed recognizes devastation, since all he does is fantasize about Kaia.

Miranda's lost too.

Did she ever really forgive Harper?

Only Kane is actually doing something: uncovering how the crash happened -- and why.

But there's no do-over with death.

There's only moving on -- to the most unlikely places....

Customer Reviews:

Not the best of the series.......2007-09-02

Compared to the previous books of the Seven Deadly Sins series, Sloth's plot seemed to be lacking in the expression of the sin which it was named after. Or maybe, the sloth was supposed to be seen through the author's writing-- which, frankly, could use some more work.

SPOILER: Kane starts to show some form of human side.

A good book for a lazy day.......2007-01-04

Wasserman came back again for the fifth installment in her Seven Deadly Sins series with "Sloth". Although it had some shoes to fill with the fourth book "Wrath". I found this book to overall be good but not as good as the previous book. At the end of "Wrath" Harper and friend Kaia went to escape the world and their troubles by driving as fast as they could to get away from their small town. But after being drugged by Beth Harper was in no condition to drive and the girls ended up in a car accident with one dead. Although unkown at the end of the last book within the first few pages of this book we find out who died, and as said in a previous review for the book it was Kaia who died. After the accident everyone is dealing with the death in their own way. Harper keeps havin dreams in which Kaia is still alive and speaking to her, and Harper can't help but feel guilty for being the one driving the car. Adam is trying his hardest to be nice to Harper because he feels semi-guilty for shoving her away in the last book. Kane is trying to figure out how everything happened. Reed is dealing with the loss of a girl he loved. Beth has a total change in her personality knowing that it was her fault that Harper was drugged when the accident happened. Miranda as always is dealing with being second to Harper, and she and Harper again have friendship problems. I didn't find this book as good as the last one (as a usually do with these books). This book was not bad but it seemed of more of a transition between "Wrath" and the upcoming "Gluttony". This book seems to lay a lot of groundwork for "Gluttony". This book didn't seem to have a complete ending either which makes it feel like there needed to be a book between "Wrath" and "Gluttony" to tell you the moods of everyone. Overall this book was not bad and as always I can't wait for the next!

Not bad..........2007-01-01

This book wasn't too bad. I liked number 4 (Wrath) the best. This book could have taken on a couple more interesting events. Aside from Harper and her problems, this book became a little dull at times. Beth is a good girl gone bad. Adam tries to be nice to Harper because he feels sorry/guilty for her. Kane is surprisingly less of an idiot that her normally is. I don't know... Maybe this book is laying the groundwork for the next one.

The 7 Lively Sins: How to Enjoy Your Life, Dammit

Average customer rating:

LOTS OF WORDS PLUS BEAUTIFUL PICS
sinfully fun to read...I lusted and was for more, more, more
Was it a sin to buy this book?
Perfect Pick-Me-Up

The 7 Lively Sins: How to Enjoy Your Life, Dammit
Karen Salmansohn
Manufacturer: Celestial Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1587611732

Customer Reviews:

LOTS OF WORDS PLUS BEAUTIFUL PICS.......2005-10-08

I was about to write a review and read what the person below me wrote and Im shocked! This book is very very text dense -- as well as well designed with appealing graphics. I learned a lot of good psychology concepts from this book. The author discusses many psycholgoical theories cincluding "masochistic equalinitrium" where people self sabotage themselves subconsiously -- due to the familiar pain they experienced in their chlldhoods....bring themselves back to the their familair comfort zone -- or rather discomfort zone --as the author explaiins. I also learned about why I might repeat negative behavior in my career -- the author writes about "Keeping Down With The Jones' Syndrome" -- about how we might feel guilty overshadowing friends and loved ones -- epsecially we women. The book was very informative and I recognized myself a lot in these pages. I loved the graphics -- they made understanding the psycholgical terms more fun and more memorable. This book is MUJST for anyone who feels like they have "bad luck" -- and makes you wonder if you are subconsiosly doing things -- perhaps feeling bad about feeling too good for subconsious reasons. The author then goes on to give some very helpfyul techniques to combat against this. Thanks to the author for creating such a great read!

sinfully fun to read...I lusted and was for more, more, more.......2004-06-06

I am a big admirer of Ms. Salmansohn's books...from her humor books to helpful, insightful psychologically oriented books like this one. I enjoyed this book so much I wound up reading it twice within the week I purchased it...and then bought another for a gift to give my friend. I now just ordered HOW TO BE HAPPY DAMMIT and am eagerly awaiting its arrival! I thoroughly 10000% recommend this book.

Was it a sin to buy this book?.......2003-05-05

I just bought 3 copies of this book to give to friends. It is a beautiful piece of art with powerfully organized advice about the important stuff that keeps all of us from living life to the fullest.

I was reading my copy of it in the gym this morning. The lady on the exercise machine behind me asked "what is that book you are reading?" I told her about it and she said "I have many friends who should read it." I have many friends who should read it too, but I'm not going to lend my copy to any of them without having a backup at home for myself and one to share with the members of my family.

I'm not going to say that this book has changed my life, but I do think that having read this book twice will help me change my life.

Perfect Pick-Me-Up.......2003-05-02

I'm a 22 year-old (Catholic) student about to embark upon the daunting "Real World," and my mom just gave me this book. I'm buying it for all my girlfriends as a graduation gift; I've found it entirely self-helpful in a witty, stop-complaining-and live-in-the-now, NOT-your-mom's-advice pocket-sized book. And with each page's creative graphic eye-candy, and laugh-out-loud quotable counsel (I have) it's just incredibly difficult to put down. I'd like to shake Ms. Salmansohn's hand.

Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business: Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins That Destroy Family Businesses

Average customer rating:

Down-to-earth
Anyone with a Family Business must read this!!!
Must read for familys who work together
More Truth Than Many of Us Want to Admit
okay, although I understand that it's the best of it's type

Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business: Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins That Destroy Family Businesses
Quentin J Fleming
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0684856042

Book Description

Family businesses epitomize the best of the American Dream: you work hard, you're your own boss, you leave a lasting legacy to your children -- or do you? Statistics show that only 30% of family businesses survive to the second generation, and a paltry 10% survive to the third generation. Family businesses are in trouble, and their survival is crucial to us all. Their success ensures our country's success -- and their failure can drastically affect our economic health.

In Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business, family business expert Quentin Fleming has identified the Seven Deadly Sins that are invariably responsible for a family business's demise. Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business presents practical and accessible advice geared toward the average family business owner or employee and is an invaluable tool for helping family businesses not only survive but thrive.

Customer Reviews:

Down-to-earth.......2007-03-26

I wish I'd had this book years ago! My husband's family business was recently in bankruptcy and was bought out by another company. They committed practically all of these "deadly sins". The information is practical, appliable, and very real life advice. Heed his warnings!

Anyone with a Family Business must read this!!!.......2007-01-27

I spent ten successful years working for my fathers very successful business. He told me I would take over the business "someday", he had a heart attack and retired but could not give up control. This is VERY common as I learned from this book. I spent the last 3-4 years waiting for him to deal with the future of his business. This book and some others I read finally convinced me to move on with my life. It was a difficult decision, but ultimately freed me to begin my life on my terms. If any owners of a family business are reading this, please read this book and talk with your heirs. Eventually you will die and someone will have to keep your business alive, if they have the desire and interest it may as well be one of your children... This was the best of the family business books I read (I made it through 6). Good luck!!!

Must read for familys who work together.......2006-01-25

This book, in a very neutral way, captures where families can go wrong, in the family business. Must read for all generations, both in and out of the business. Even if things are going great right now, read this book!

More Truth Than Many of Us Want to Admit.......2004-05-16

As a family business counselor and consumate reader, I continually look for new materials that can help clients--family members and non-family managers--better understand the family business enterprises in which they are employed...or enmeshed.

The title of this book turned me off. I know of no family business that can avoid the "socalled 7 deadly sins." Family baggage is part of family business.

Nonetheless, I recommend the book. My usual use of the book is education of non-family managers who work for family business. My favorite reading references for professional managers are by John L. Ward: Keeping the Family Business Healthy, and his revised, expanded update, Strategic Planning for the Family Business.

Family members may be willing to read the book, although I have limited experience with that. I would refer them to books like Working With The Ones You Love by Dennis Jaffe.

okay, although I understand that it's the best of it's type.......2003-05-13

Depending upon the health of your family (and family business) most of this book does not really apply. The author also openly states that. However, he does say that it only takes one of the "7 sins" to take down a family business and it does allow for some forewarning of things that should be avoided.

He does cover a lot of ground, including immigrant businesses, a good section on succession of the business, and touches on both small and large family businesses.

I found quite a bit of it to also be his sales pitch, implying that every family business should hire, in the foreground or background, a consultant, a lawyer, an accountant, and possibly a therapist =D

Overall, it's an okay book covering topics which hopefully most people are aware of and warning you about things you may not be. If you are facing problems, this book may help you either diagnose it yourself or he suggests things to look for in an outsider to help you diagnose it.

Book Description

One of America's most thoughtful ministers adds a startling new twist to the Seven Deadly Sins. Our world is awash in false dichotomies: "You're either for us or against us, good or evil, 'born again' or 'left behind.'" Virtue is virtue, and vice is vice, but is it really that simple? Are the rules of proper conduct that black and white? With extraordinary clarity of thought and word, Dr. Robin Meyers argues that there are seven vital, life-affirming attributes everyone must embrace to lead a full life-and that in fact not only are these virtues not the opposite of evil, but that each is based on urges and instinct that are similar to the Seven Deadly Sins. Pride is a sin; Self-worth is essential to life. Envy is a sin; Emulation is essential to life. Anger is a sin; Righteous Indignation is essential to life. Lust is a sin; Holy Eros is essential to life. Gluttony is a sin; Communion is essential to life. Greed is a sin; Wanting Wisely is essential to life. Sloth is a sin; Contentment is essential to life. This isn't a philosophical treatise (although after reading this book no reader will ever think about morality in the same way again). The Virtue in the Vice uses personal stories, pop culture examples, and anecdotes from both the contemporary world and the Bible to create a practical plan for living. This book will help people embrace the ambiguity of life and the moral clarity that comes with honoring their own rights and needs and those of their fellow man.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Jewish, Christian, and Classical Reflections on Human Psychology

Average customer rating:

A jewel
Sloth as the worst?
this book was a wonderful documentry of the sins
beautiful eye-opener in radiant truth
Fantastic book for those who study their character.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Jewish, Christian, and Classical Reflections on Human Psychology
Solomon Schimmel
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Clinical Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Ethics & Morality | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Psychology | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0195119452

Book Description

All of us are engaged in a personal, ongoing battle with sin and vice. The seven deadly sins--lust, greed, envy, anger, pride, gluttony, and sloth--are our main antagonists in this struggle. They are primary causes of unhappiness and immorality, and because of their pervasive nature, have been of perennial interest to religious thinkers, philosophers, dramatists, and poets. Although our anger doesn't make most of us murderers, our lust doesn't make most of us rapists, and our greed and envy don't make most of us outright criminals, they, together with gluttony, arrogance, and sloth, often make us, and those who have to live with us, miserable. One need only read the daily paper to see that these seven sins are alive and well, deadlier than ever, spawning violence and suffering, illness and anxiety, loss of meaning and depression. An arrogant yuppie considers suicide after losing his job on Wall Street, which had been the fragile basis of his false pride. A distinguished senator and a prominent judge destroy their careers and wound their female victims with their lust. Millions of men and women, distraught about their body image, subject themselves to liposuction, breast and hair implants because of their gluttony or vanity. People at the pinnacle of economic power fall into the abyss of prison because they could not control their avarice. In The Seven Deadly Sins, Solomon Schimmel explains why psychology must incorporate many of the ethical and spiritual values of religion and moral philosophy if it is to effectively address the emotional problems faced by modern men and women, be they believers or agnostics. Drawing on the psychological insights of the Bible, Aristotle, Maimonides, Aquinas, and Shakespeare, among others, he shows how all of us can learn from them about the relationship between virtue and psychological well-being and vice and emotional distress. This insightful and fascinating work guides us to master our passions rather than be enslaved by them so that we can become more humane and build a happier, caring society.

Customer Reviews:

A jewel.......2004-12-28

This is a beautiful book written by a man extremely well educated in religion, psychology, ethics, and philosophy. The wonder of the book is how the author manages to both contrast and integrate the different schools of thought. The main premise is that secularism has not provided adequate replacements for the ethical (and other) religious teachings, and that it should do so. His suggestions is that modern psychology should incorporate the wisdom of the saints and philosophers, which is has not so far done. His discussions go to the heart of the matter, even dealing with issues of free will versus determinism. The discussion is often very concrete with stories of specific persons and their problems. A fascinating integration of ancient and modern thought. Schimmel was propetically named by his parents, as was the biblical Solomon, he is very wise man. This is a great book to read and re-read for anyone seeking to heal themselves and those around them.

Sloth as the worst?.......2002-11-09

Sin is a dirty word in most modern psychotherapy. How refreshing it is to find a book that tries to revitalize the notion of sin while tempering it with modern thinking. But make no mistake: this is no religious rant, no fundamentalist tract. Far from it; here is a wise, cautious attempt to marry modern psychotherapy with traditional wisdom. The author's rather conservative (or at least traditional) Judaism shows on every page, but he is still a thoughtful and tolerant writer.

The book is laid out in a very plain fashion: an introduction ("The Persistence of Sin"), chapters for each of the seven sins, then a conclusion ("Sin and Responsibility"). There are abundant references to Chaucer, to Shakespeare, to lesser-known Jewish and Islamic thinkers of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The sin # 1 chapter, Pride, gives us the Satan of Milton's PARADISE LOST as the prime example. Sin # 2, Envy, has Shakespeare's Iago; the third chapter, on Anger, has King Lear's opening scene featured (see pp. 106-107), and discusses the American mania for lawsuits as a means of vengeance. The Lust chapter is the most delicate one in the book; Schimmel here has to temper modern notions of healthy sexual self-expression against the dangers of lechery and overindulgence. This chapter fades nicely into Sin # 5, Gluttony, which we moderns might call Overindulgence - of food, sex, or drink (or even drugs, but Schimmel oddly doesn't go there). The wisdom of the ages has no consensus on which sin is the most deadly, but Schimmel's placing of Greed as the sequential penultimate Sin seems far from arbitrary. Think of the obsession in the modern West with what the Canadian thinker and politician Eric Kierans recently called the "accumulation" mania, a sickness summed up by the 1990s bumper-sticker, "he who has the most toys when he dies, wins."

Onto Schimmel's seventh and final sin: Sloth. Here is the book's most troubling and troublesome chapter. Sloth here is only minimally what we usually associate with the word: laziness, laying-about, being a couch-potato. Far more important is Schimmel's attachment of Sloth to what we might call "existential despair." Sloth is not only physical, but intellectual. If we lay back, hide, retreat, take cover because life is just too overwhelming, then we are guilty of Sloth. It seems to me that Schimmel is here (and only here) a bit cruel to those of us who may have biochemical imbalances and severe mood swings. But this chapter seems to urge us to carry on even if we are clinically depressed and intellectually despairing. It is odd how Schimmel, elsewhere in this book so adept at linking the ancient wisdom to the modern, can go on about Job (194-95) but never mention someone like Samuel Beckett.

Here's an activity for a serious dinner-party or an intelligent classroom: compare the sequence of the seven sins in this book's chapters with the progression of the seven in the late 1990s movie SEVEN (with Brad Pitt as Bad Cop, Morgan Freeman as Good Cop, Kevin Spacey as psychopath villain).

this book was a wonderful documentry of the sins.......1999-01-12

I have read many such books and I find this one to be the most informitive and well-written

beautiful eye-opener in radiant truth.......1998-09-18

Anyone who wonders what he or she is about today will find great directives in this book. It is so full of old cultures and tradition, the genuine feel of which we seem to lack to-day in our hasteful, almost superficial world. From viewpoints of ancient times comes a timeless voice, rich in human experience and wisdom. It is the great accomplishment that ancient knowledge has been made accessible in a modern, somewhat therapeutic way. The book is clear, honest and compassionate, and renders a good insight in what sin is precisely, and our human ability to make good and beautify our souls and existence. To everyone withdrawing once in a while to be with themselves: read this book!

Fantastic book for those who study their character........1998-01-01

Schimmel defines the sin and then describes the results of this defect of character. Examining each sin from a classic Greek, Jewish and Christian perspective Schimmel then recommends secular pschological remedies. This, I feel, is the books only failing. I must say I loved the book and everyone I have loaned my copy to has loved it also. I treasure my copy and have gained insight into my character by studying it's every word.

Sinning Like a Christian: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins

Average customer rating:

A subject not talked about in liberal Protestant circles
Calling sin what it really is - sin

Sinning Like a Christian: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins
William H. Willimon
Manufacturer: Abingdon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0687492807

Customer Reviews:

A subject not talked about in liberal Protestant circles.......2007-05-29

I don't know what prompted me to pick up this book. Like many liberal Protestants, I prefer to focus in on God's grace and power to save everyone. But sin is not talked about enough in the circles I run around in, and, as this book suggests, maybe it needs to be talked about more. As Willimon stresses over and over, Jesus came to save SINNERS. Of course, we are all sinners, just as we also all are beloved children of God.

Willimon gives an honest, updated look at the Seven Deadly Sins, including their origins, not just in the Bible, but in early church history. He explains why these sins are still sins, even the ones we like to say aren't so bad, like Pride and Lust. Interesting reading, and a lot of good irony. He does focus on these individual sins at the expense of more systemic sins, which is where I tend to focus my theology, but then it occurs to me that systemic sin is rooted in the Seven Deadly Sins as much as individual sins are. Anyway, it's hard reading for us liberal Protestants, but well worth it.

Calling sin what it really is - sin.......2006-07-28

Bishop Willimon is not afraid to "swim" against society's view of what sin is - and isn't. This is not a book for the faint hearted. Willimon is opinionated and frank about sin - in our lives individually and our lives corporately. A great eight week Sunday school study or a study where one's goal is great dialogue - and an honest appraisal of sin's effect on one's life.

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