She Comes First: The Thinking Man's Guide to Pleasuring a Woman

As women everywhere will attest, when it comes to understanding female sexuality, most guys know more about what's under the hood of a car than under the hood of a clitoris. And while it seems that men have struggled valiantly since the dawn of time to find ways to reliably elicit the female orgasm, rare is the guy who has the modesty to ask: "What do I do?" Ironically, the answer has always been right there on the tip of his tongue.

Welcome to the world of She Comes First, where the mystery of female satisfaction is solved and the tongue is proven mightier than the sword. According to Ian Kerner, clinical sexologist and evangelist of the female orgasm, oral sex has long been deemed an optional aspect of foreplay, but, in fact, it's coreplay -- simply the best way for leading a woman through the entire process of sexual response.

Fun, informative, and easy to read, She Comes First is a virtual encyclopedia of female pleasure, detailing dozens of tried-and-true techniques for consistently satisfying a woman and illustrated step-by-step instructions to ensure success. These simple methods represent a new era in sexual intimacy, one in which the exchange of pleasure occurs on a level playing field and fulfillment is mutual.

She Comes First exuberantly offers a fresh new sexual philosophy that inspires every man to make a mantra of Rhett Butler's infamous line to Scarlett O'Hara, "You should be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how."

Interestingly Larry McMurtry has written three books of late that invite the reader back to the time of the Mountain Men. I've read all of them and while I love McMurtry's writing and the stories presented in Boone's Lick and in volumes 1 and 2 of the new Berry bender series, there is nothing like going back to the source for the real experience.

I first read Mountain Man by Vardis Fisher as a teenager. I read it in conjunction with the release of Jeremiah Johnson upon which the book is loosely based. At that time I was captured by this genre and have made a regular reading of Mountain Man a part of my program.

While I can enthusiastically recommend the newer editions to the Mountain Man genre, I would encourage interested parties in taking a look at Mountain Man first. While you're at it, rent or buy Jeremiah Johnson starring Robert Redford. The experience will be one that you don't regret.

Truth Or Dare Satisfy Me Asia Michaels and her friends find themselves tantalized by a quiet new arrival in their small town—and by its possibilities. One thing leads to another as truth leads to dare, and Asia's in the arms of a man who gives her answers to all of the questions she could never ask . . .

Indulge Me Shy Becky Harte has a private wild side. But she never thought she'd run into a secret crush like George Westin while buying some rather surprising items. George is more than intrigued at her purchases and would love to show the blushing Becky a thing or two. But it's George who becomes the student when Becky starts calling the shots . . .

Drive Me Wild Assertive Erica Lee is used to having the upper hand in business, her love life—everything. On a dare, she boldly approaches hunky, mischievous Ian Conrad with a scandalous proposal. Ian isn't intimidated in the least by Erica—and he's been hoping for just this opportunity. Seems like Erica might have finally met a man who can keep up with her . . .

Lipstick Jungle weaves the stories of Nico O'Neilly, Wendy Healy, and Victory Ford, numbers 8, 12, and 17 on The New York Post's list of "New York's 50 Most Powerful Women." But this is 21st Century New York, and to get ahead and stay ahead, these women will do anything, including jeopardizing their personal and professional relationships. Take for example Nico, editor-in-chief of Bonfire magazine, who betrays her boss to rise to the top of the entire magazine division at media mega-giant Splatch-Verner. As president of Paradour Pictures, Wendy may be poised to win an Oscar for her 10-year labor-of-love, Ragged Pilgrims, but her marriage is in shambles and her children care more about a $50,000 pony than their mother. And for single, 43-year-old fashion designer Victory, pleasing tough critics may be more important than ever finding the real relationship she's convinced herself she doesn't need.

This racy tale of women behaving badly manages to shrewdly flip the tables to show us how gender roles are essentially interchangeable, given the right circumstances. Whether that was Bushnell's intent when crafting this wicked tale is another story. --Gisele Toueg

10 Second Interview: A Few Words with Candace Bushnell

Q: Were Victory, Wendy, and Nico inspired by any real-life women?
A: The characters and situations in Lipstick Jungle were inspired by the real-life women I know and admire in New York City. As with Sex and the City, I spent a lot of time thinking about where women were today, and what I noticed was that there was a fascinating group of women in their forties who were leading non-traditional lives. They were highly successful and motivated, they often had children, and usually were the providers for their families, and yet, they didn't fit the old stereotype of the witchy businesswoman. Indeed, so many of these women were the girls next door, the girls who reminded me of my best friends when I was a kid and we used to fantasize about the great things we were going to do in life. Like the women in Sex and the City, the Lipstick Jungle women are charting new lives for themselves, redefining what it means to be a woman when you really are as powerful, or more powerful, than a man.

Of course, you probably want specifics, so I will say that there was a moment when it all clicked. Tina Brown used to write a terrific column in the Washington Post, and one of the things she was always mentioning was how there was a group of powerful women who were meeting and lunching at Michael's restaurant. They'd been working for over twenty years, their children were now in their early teens and didn't need them every minute, and now, in their forties or early fifties, they had time to strive for new career goals and to spend more time with their girlfriends. I thought, "Aha--that's the Lipstick Jungle."

Q: What kind of research did you do to cover fashion, film, and publishing in one book?
A: To research fashion, film and publishing, I did what I always do--I talked to my girlfriends! Of course, it helps that I've worked in magazine publishing and have had my share of experience with Hollywood. I'm also lucky enough to have a couple of girlfriends who are top designers, who offered to help me out with the specific details. I still remember the afternoon when one of my girlfriends and I sat down to talk--she was over eight months pregnant, and I was worried that we were going to have to run to the hospital!

Amazon.com's Significant Seven
Candace Bushnell graciously agreed to answer the questions we like to ask every author: the Amazon.com Significant Seven.

Q: What book has had the most significant impact on your life?
A: So many books have affected my life it's hard to pick just one. When I was a teenager, I was obsessed with Kurt Vonnegut, and Evelyn Waugh; when I was in my early thirties, a girlfriend and I re-read House of Mirth, and freaked out--we didn't want to end up like Lily Bart. Most recently I read Angela's Ashes for the first time and was absolutely stunned.

Q: You are stranded on a desert island with only one book, one CD, and one DVD--what are they?
A: Make Way for Lucia, by E.F. Benson, a book that I always hope will never end; Van Morrison's greatest hits; and Pride and Prejudice, the six-part mini-series..

Q: What is the worst lie you've ever told?
A: "My e-mail isn't working." I'm not a good liar. It's one of my flaws. I'm too forthright and usually have to apologize the next day for telling the truth the night before.

Q: Describe the perfect writing environment.
A: All I need is a desk, a chair and my computer. Once I start writing, I don't notice my environment. In fact, I've had people try to talk to me when I'm writing and I literally can't hear them. I see their mouths moving but no sound comes out.

Q: If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?
A: "I don't ever want to be asked about my own epitaph!"

Q: Who is the one person living or dead that you would like to have dinner with?
A: Tolstoy. I've read that he loved gossip. It would be great to have a good old gossip with him.

Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
A: Flying, of course. Who wouldn't want to be unfettered by gravity?

Book Description

In a way, Candace Bushnell's Lipstick Jungle picks up where her career-defining book Sex and the City left off, in the money-soaked, power-hungry, beauty-obsessed jungle that is New York City. This time around, the ladies are a bit older, a lot richer, but not particularly wiser nor more endearing than Bushnell's earlier heroines. Lipstick Jungle weaves the stories of Nico O'Neilly, Wendy Healy, and Victory Ford, numbers 8, 12, and 17 on The New York Post's list of "New York's 50 Most Powerful Women." But this is 21st Century New York, and to get ahead and stay ahead, these women will do anything, including jeopardizing their personal and professional relationships. Take for example Nico, editor-in-chief of Bonfire magazine, who betrays her boss to rise to the top of the entire magazine division at media mega-giant Splatch-Verner. As president of Paradour Pictures, Wendy may be poised to win an Oscar for her 10-year labor-of-love, Ragged Pilgrims, but her marriage is in shambles and her children care more about a $50,000 pony than their mother. And for single, 43-year-old fashion designer Victory, pleasing tough critics may be more important than ever finding the real relationship she's convinced herself she doesn't need. This racy tale of women behaving badly manages to shrewdly flip the tables to show us how gender roles are essentially interchangeable, given the right circumstances. Whether that was Bushnell's intent when crafting this wicked tale is another story. --Gisele Toueg10 Second Interview: A Few Words with Candace Bushnell Q: Were Victory, Wendy, and Nico inspired by any real-life women? A: The characters and situations in Lipstick Jungle were inspired by the real-life women I know and admire in New York City. As with Sex and the City, I spent a lot of time thinking about where women were today, and what I noticed was that there was a fascinating group of women in their forties who were leading non-traditional lives. They were highly successful and motivated, they often had children, and usually were the providers for their families, and yet, they didn't fit the old stereotype of the witchy businesswoman. Indeed, so many of these women were the girls next door, the girls who reminded me of my best friends when I was a kid and we used to fantasize about the great things we were going to do in life. Like the women in Sex and the City, the Lipstick Jungle women are charting new lives for themselves, redefining what it means to be a woman when you really are as powerful, or more powerful, than a man. Of course, you probably want specifics, so I will say that there was a moment when it all clicked. Tina Brown used to write a terrific column in the Washington Post, and one of the things she was always mentioning was how there was a group of powerful women who were meeting and lunching at Michael's restaurant. They'd been working for over twenty years, their children were now in their early teens and didn't need them every minute, and now, in their forties or early fifties, they had time to strive for new career goals and to spend more time with their girlfriends. I thought, "Aha--that's the Lipstick Jungle."Q: What kind of research did you do to cover fashion, film, and publishing in one book? A: To research fashion, film and publishing, I did what I always do--I talked to my girlfriends! Of course, it helps that I've worked in magazine publishing and have had my share of experience with Hollywood. I'm also lucky enough to have a couple of girlfriends who are top designers, who offered to help me out with the specific details. I still remember the afternoon when one of my girlfriends and I sat down to talk--she was over eight months pregnant, and I was worried that we were going to have to run to the hospital!Amazon.com's Significant SevenCandace Bushnell graciously agreed to answer the questions we like to ask every author: the Amazon.com Significant Seven. Q: What book has had the most significant impact on your life?A: So many books have affected my life it's hard to pick just one. When I was a teenager, I was obsessed with Kurt Vonnegut, and Evelyn Waugh; when I was in my early thirties, a girlfriend and I re-read House of Mirth, and freaked out--we didn't want to end up like Lily Bart. Most recently I read Angela's Ashes for the first time and was absolutely stunned.Q: You are stranded on a desert island with only one book, one CD, and one DVD--what are they?A: Make Way for Lucia, by E.F. Benson, a book that I always hope will never end; Van Morrison's greatest hits; and Pride and Prejudice, the six-part mini-series..Q: What is the worst lie you've ever told?A: "My e-mail isn't working." I'm not a good liar. It's one of my flaws. I'm too forthright and usually have to apologize the next day for telling the truth the night before.Q: Describe the perfect writing environment.A: All I need is a desk, a chair and my computer. Once I start writing, I don't notice my environment. In fact, I've had people try to talk to me when I'm writing and I literally can't hear them. I see their mouths moving but no sound comes out.Q: If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?A: "I don't ever want to be asked about my own epitaph!"Q: Who is the one person living or dead that you would like to have dinner with?A: Tolstoy. I've read that he loved gossip. It would be great to have a good old gossip with him.Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?A: Flying, of course. Who wouldn't want to be unfettered by gravity?

Customer Reviews:

Not a bad read!.......2007-10-03

I enjoyed the book as a light read, the ups and downs of the older women sometimes were so easy to relate to, even though they are 20 years older than me. I enjoy the in-depth look of each of the characters and even though I would have like to have read about these characters prior to the time period given in the book, Candace did a great job explaining each of their backgrounds.
Read on your lunch at work, you will be done in a few days, or take with you to the beach...

Hard to Find Likeable Characters In This One..........2007-08-26

"Lipstick Jungle" is about women fighting for definition by their own standards separate from those of a male-dominated society. Though offering humorous moments, it suffers from a fault common to literary cynicism: there are no characters or causes worth rooting for.

Victory Ford is an award-winning fashion designer; Nico O'Neilly one of the youngest magazine editors in town, and Wendy Healy an acclaimed director at a New York film studio. Each has relied on their own wits for success, are "self-made"; two of them have forged a delicate balance between success and family, the third is a confirmed "bachelorette".

Though witty at times, "Lipstick Jungle" offers few positive resolutions. Nico engages in a risky affair simply because she's bored with her disinterested, distant husband; Victory entangles herself with a spoiled billionaire and proves herself just as spoiled, and the most likable character, Wendy, is so consumed by her career she's barely aware her family is falling apart around her.

Though sexism is unjust and wrong, there's very little inspiration found here to champion against it, especially for us "regular folks". At best, the novel offers voyeuristic glimpses of the rich and powerful. The men are weak, conniving, disinterested or petty; and the main female characters lack depth as much as the men do. Good "Chic Lit" always revolves around the banner of "girl power", but this is the worst kind of Chic Lit, because the desired power simply makes these women just as shallow as the men they take it from.

Her Best Yet.......2007-08-12

Anyone who enjoys Manhattan high-society as much as I do will once again be lured to Bushnell. Again, I waited months and months until after this book came out to finally read it. Whereas in the past the characters in her books have been almost loathesome and the plot/storyline almost choppy, Lipstick Jungle had three distinctive female leads who were all likeable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as for once I was able to sit back and enjoy her wonderful description of life in New York without having some annoyingly negative characters get in the way. Her best yet, by far.

Ready For More?.......2007-07-26

I'm pretty sure we're going to be hearing a lot more about this book and Bushnell once again given that NBC is developing a TV version of the book for 2007/2008...and we all know how successful her last adaptation was (Sex & The City).

I had mixed feelings going into this book. On one hand, Bushnell is a noted writer because of the TV adaptations I mentioned above, which means she must be doing something right...On the flip side though, I really didn't like "Four Blondes" - Bushnell's collection of novellas, and I hadn't heard the greatest things about Trading Up, which I have yet to read (FYI - there is a crossover mention of the character of Janey from 4B & TU in this book). Sex & The City is known to be a big (and better) departure from its book version as well.

Truly though, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this story - I devoured it in three short days! The book is about three women in their early 40's - Victory, Wendy, and Nico, who are corporate magnates in their glamorous fields, fashion design, executive movie producer, and magazine editor respectively. Being powerful women doesn't come without its challenges though as these women deal with the boys in a messy corporate sandbox filled with gender expectations and rules that the women are both striving to break and afraid to.

Victory is negotiating her financial stability between business obligations and relationships as she tries to blossom into a huge-name designer. Wendy is trying to deal with intense pressure at work and intense problems at home when her stay-at-home husband gets fed up with her. Nico is trying stuck in two scenarios where she is trying to KO the other person before they KO her. Their storylines interweave with the fact they are best friends (although missing the camaraderie one would expect from Carrie Bradshaw's creator) and they have a ton of mutual people in common among the society set.

The things I liked about this book were the fun, fantastical lifestyles of the women and the light easy prose of the book that felt neither flaky nor overdone, and managed to stay fresh. I also enjoyed the girl power aspect that shed some harsh and some enlightening light on what it's like to be a corporate top gun as a woman...almost like a business world Valley of the Dolls.

The ending was a bit - wow, okay it's done? - but left plenty open for further exploration in say, a TV show? My one concern with reading this book is the slightly skewed nature of the girl power aspect. While these woman are powerful and manage to work things out in very creative and strong ways, they can really only afford to do so with money. Although the money aspect of the story definitely adds to the interest level, it also is a bit disheartening that you can only solve problems with oodles of dough at your fingertips.

Still a great, fun read and one I would surely reccomend - by far the best of anything I've read by Bushnell.

Nitwitlit.......2007-07-16

A co-worker loaned me this book and it failed my "first paragraph" rule which is, if I'm not hooked by then I usually pass. But I gave it a try for the sake of camraderie. How does the stuff Bushnell writes get published? Do her editors actually read this pap? It's not literature, it's nitwitlit. My rating? Two eyelids down. If amazon allowed a rating of less than 1 star, I'd give it.

Play or Be Played: What Every Female Should Know About Men, Dating, and Relationships

Average customer rating:

Required Reading for Aspiring Macks
So-So
Refreshing look at men and women
IF YOU WANT TO BE UP ON GAME READ THIS
He might be an "ex-pimp" but he's still a misogynist and sexist

Play or Be Played: What Every Female Should Know About Men, Dating, and Relationships
Tariq "K-Flex" Nasheed
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Dating | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

ASIN: 0743244923

Book Description

Got Game?

It's a fact. Every woman needs game. Take Oprah, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Beyoncé Knowles. All three of these women have the one intangible quality that every mack, male or female, must possess: they all have game. In other words, they have intelligence, hustle, and common sense that they apply to every aspect of their lives -- especially in their relationships.

Play or Be Played is an instruction manual for women who are tired of being played by men and who want to be players themselves. Though women may not want to play games, the truth is men often do. So women who hope to win in the game of love must first learn the rules. Bestselling author and true mack, Tariq "K-Flex" Nasheed shares:

ways to spot a scrub
what it takes to get with a baller
why men cheat
how men really judge women
the top three mistakes women make in relationships

Street-smart and straightforward, Play or Be Played will help you get with a king without being a hoochie, groupie, or a chickenhead.

Customer Reviews:

Required Reading for Aspiring Macks.......2007-08-06

What Is It About?

This is Tariq's version of the Art of Mackin for Women. It promises to give women advice about men, dating, and relationships.

What Did I Get Out Of It?

I learned what king flex has to say about dating and seduction and got to hear what he advises women to do.

The Good News

The book is excellent and does deliver. It spells out the problems with men, the problems with women, what women really want, and why they think they want what they say they want. It also details the different type of males / females that exist in the dating world. The book is basically a hand book on dating and relationships and should be required reading for all women and most men.

The Bad News

There is relatively little bad news concerning this book. It is a bit short and I leisurely read it over the course of a weekend but, I consider that a good thing. Tariq is short and to the point and doesn't attempt to sugar coat things or pander to women with this book.

The Bottom Line

Any aspiring Mack man or women should have this book. It breaks down women and men and will help both parties do better with the opposite sex.

So-So.......2007-07-30

While I understand the basis to his philosophy, I feel that in repeating the stereotypes he perpetuates negativity sub-consciously. The laws of yesterday are not the same today. While he gives an overall view there is little uplifting and solution based strategy offered in this book. Does every group have it's faults? Yes, but if you have so much knowledge why not churn out something of higher value. Overall- smart brother, but I think he (and we) can do better.

Refreshing look at men and women.......2007-07-27

This book is a straight-forward and honest approach to man-woman relationships. The author writes in a friendly and frank manner. These words of wisdom are offered in a clear, thoughtful, and real form.

"The word game in strict terms simply means intelligence, hustle, and common sense. And having game means being knowledgable in every endeavor you choose to engage in." This book helps a female who makes bad choices in men, become a sophisticated, interesting, and confident woman who is comfortable with herself.

The reader is offered ten "Play or Be Played" tips, and also is given ten ways a woman can improve herself-in the form of game tips.

My favorite chapter dealt with the types of men:
-player
-professional
-pushover
-parolee
-the urban renaissance man
It was so interesting to find out about the different types of men, and to be made aware of their qualities.

The types of women are also displayed. Tips are also offered for a woman to improve her personality.

This book/guide applies to all aspects of life. It was entertaining and educational.

Here is a link to my book-Dreams in August: Life, Love, and Cerebellar Ataxia

IF YOU WANT TO BE UP ON GAME READ THIS.......2007-06-01

This book broke the laws of physics down. K-Flex begins by letting you know that anything y0u do in life will fail or succeed depending on your game. He is not telling us ladies to play on guys, but just letting us know how guys think and how to overide their plan to get in our panties.

K-Flex goes on to let the ladies know how to up your game so you can be that girl that every every guy wants.

On top of all that he asks that you be real with yourself and tell YOURSELF (not others) what your true agenda is with your relationship. Basically he's saying that if your a gold digger then admit it to yourself, if your a ho admit it to yourself... & so on.

He might be an "ex-pimp" but he's still a misogynist and sexist.......2007-04-06

Do not buy this book unless you want to be insulted. This book is based on the baseless opinions, ridiculous generalities and the WORST of gender stereotypes. He argues that "women are not born to be leaders" and "women are emotional thinkers." This book is inane, illogical and downright offensive to any women or girls who respect themselves. Quite frankly, I am angered that anyone even published this book.

Average customer rating:

Too much in one story
Modern day "Fairytale" - Yawn!
A frothy bit of Chicklit
Sleeping Over, the Next Sex and the City
Pick one point of view and stick with it

Sleeping Over (Red Dress Ink)
Stacey Ballis
Manufacturer: Red Dress Ink
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Friendship | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 037389516X

Book Description

Meet Jess, Robin, Anne, Lilith and Beth…five thirty-somethings living in Chicago and trying to navigate work, men, life and love with humor, intelligence, and - most of all - friendship. Though each woman is very different, and clearly on her own path of discovery, the strength they find in each other makes their individual journeys a little easier.

We meet the ladies in flashback at a Valentine's Day slumber party, establishing the connections between them, and giving us a snapshot of where the women are in their lives. We then move to present day, two years later, and each of the five tells her own story as it happens. Part Sex and the City, part Little Women, with a dash of Slaves of New York (well, Slaves of Chicago, at the very least), Sleeping Over examines relationships both romantic and platonic, (and platonic wanting to be romantic), and looks at all the various configurations of what it means to "spend the night" with someone.

Jess has just returned from a two-year Peace Corps tour in Kenya, and is crashing at the condo of her cousin Mark's best friend, pediatrician Harrison. Dealing with a return to Western Civilization, her long-divorced parents dating each other again, and the feelings she is trying not to develop for the dashing doctor she is living with, may in fact make her crazy at any moment. Then again, if the doctor reciprocates, she just might be on the road to real joy.

Robin relishes her job as executive sous-chef in a trendy little restaurant almost as much as she relishes her friendship with its owner, Michael. But while Michael may think that their cuddly sleepovers are just friends being affectionate, Robin knows that she wants much more. But how do you make someone who knows you so well look at you with fresh eyes? And if he does, will it spell disaster at work?

Beth and her sister, Anne, have recently opened up a boutique together which is managing to keep afloat in spite of the economy. Beth isn't really concentrating on much besides the store, fixing up her loft, and playing with her dog Petey when unexpected reconnections with three men from her past throw everything into turmoil. Ex-boyfriend Sasha has decided they should be friends again, as has grad-school lover Eric…all while Beth is in the infancy of a romance with Jeff, a guy she detested in college who has suddenly become the opposite of detestable. It is either an embarrassment of riches, or a nightmare from the tenth circle of hell, and she will need loads of support from the girls to puzzle out her next move.

Anne loves Beth, and Beth loves their working partnership, but the store isn't Anne's dream, and while the sisters share almost everything, Anne's secret desire to go back to school to pursue a career in occupational therapy is keeping her up nights. Lucky for her, these nights are no longer spent alone, after a bizarre series of events brings Chris into her life - and for the first time, Anne knows what it means to be completely swept off her feet.

Lilith has finally returned to her work in theatre after nursing her father during his ultimately unsuccessful battle with cancer. But getting back in the game has her stuck in the worst kind of triangle. While she and boring boyfriend Martin are temporarily "seeing other people," she meets Noah, a deliciously enigmatic actor, for whom she falls head over heels. Problem one, Noah is married. Problem two, Noah isn't the least bit interested in Lilith, except as a friend. But Jay, on the other hand, is very interested. He is younger, brasher, nothing Lil ever expected to want or need…but nevertheless intriguing. Lil struggles with letting go of the idea of Noah to see if she should be more open-minded about Jay.

There are surprising twists for each of the women, separately and together, including one major disaster which threatens to change their friendship forever. But at the end of the day, five is always a happier number; and sometimes, whoever else you may be sleeping with, sleeping over with your girlfriends can be the best thing to do.

Customer Reviews:

Too much in one story.......2007-07-20

The book starts to get good in certain areas, but there are too many characters and points of view. I actually tried to write out a cheat sheet w/ characterstics of the 5 main women, but it was still too confusing. That in itself ruined the book for me :(

Modern day "Fairytale" - Yawn!.......2006-10-10

I am usually easy to please when it comes to chick lit, but this book is over the top. Give me a break! Every female character in this book gets their dream guy under picturesque circumstances by the end. The characters are flawed, but are never really developed, and instead of caring about them, they become needy and a tad annoying. This book that leads you to believe it is about 5 fabulous, independant women turns out to be the story of Sleeping Beauty x5 without conflict or climax and straight to the happily ever after...
For good Chick Lit, try Emily Giffin or Jennifer Weiner.

A frothy bit of Chicklit.......2006-04-09

In the fairy tales of old, the heroine was beautiful, demure and rescued by the handsome prince. In Sleeping Over, the heroines have flaws, and struggle with their careers and love lives. The men however, are just as unrealistic as the princes in fairy tales of old. They may enter the scene with flaws, but alas, they are diamonds in the rough, and we end up in the same happily-ever-after scenario that makes an old fashioned romance novel.

A realistic look at the search for love among young urbanites? No. An enjoyable book? Yes.

Sleeping Over, the Next Sex and the City.......2006-01-26

This is one of the best books I have every read. I am not yet finished with it but can't wait, I figure I will done by morning tomorrow (since I only get to read on the train to and from work, an hour and a half each way). I hope they make your book into a movie or TV show just like Sex and the City. I could use a good chick TV show again, SATC was my favorite and I would watch Jess, Robin, Beth, Lilith, and Anne any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

Pick one point of view and stick with it.......2005-12-15

After breaking up with her boyfriend before he could dump her, and spending two years in Africa with the Peace Corp., Jess is returning to Chicago and into the fold of her four gal pals, Beth, Robin, Anne, and Lilith.

First stop is to find temporary lodging with Harrison, her cousin's best friend, who happens to have quite a reputation as a ladies man. They share a bed platonically until they both realize that they are into each other. And she also has to stand by and watch her divorced parents date each other again.

First and foremost, "Sleeping Over" is a relationship drama - between the women, their lovers, their families, and themselves. In essence, each character could have her own story, and because of that, none of the characters or couplings is completely fleshed out to the point where the reader really feels like they have gotten to know them, though Jess and Harrison are the most compelling.

There are too many characters, too many "voices," and there is just too much going on - it is just a mess. Each chapter is told from the point of view of one character. All this first person has the reader confused. At times, I had to back track to the start of the chapter to see if it started with Jess, Beth, Lilith, etc. I like first person stories, but 5 interchangeable points of view is taxing on even the most patient reader. Thank goodness I checked this one out of the library.

Both Sides Now: One Man's Journey Through Womanhood

Average customer rating:

Damn!
a true inspiration
A fantastic, emotional, page-turning read.
Living in and through his body
One great read

Both Sides Now: One Man's Journey Through Womanhood
Dhillon Khosla
Manufacturer: Tarcher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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Transgender | Nonfiction | Gay & Lesbian | Subjects | Books

Transgender | Biographies & Memoirs | Gay & Lesbian | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1585424722

Book Description

The courageous and heart-wrenching story of a man's decision to risk it all to be true to himself.

Imagine waking up one morning in the wrong body-and that body is the wrong gender. What would you do? Would you experience the world differently? Would your politics change? Would you just accept that this was how you were destined to live out the rest of your life? Or would you fight with every ounce of strength you have to find your way back home- to the body that is familiar and comfortable, to the person you know yourself to be?

Both Sides Now is a vivid and compelling account of how one man's search for wholeness led him through multiple, complex, and life-threatening surgeries that transformed him not only physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. Born with the body of a female, Dhillon Khosla never felt fully at ease in his own skin. He knew very early on that his true identity was male, but spent nearly twenty years repressing this knowledge and trying to embrace his female form. Shortly after turning twenty-eight, he came across an article about men who were born with female bodies and had undergone surgeries to reclaim their male identity. As soon as he began reading their stories, Dhillon felt flashes of recognition stirring within and-for the first time-hope.

In this spellbinding memoir, Dhillon discusses openly and honestly what it has been like to live first as a woman and now as a man. Through anecdotes from his work in the courthouse, and his experiences on dates, in bars, and at strip clubs, he shares unique and profound insights into the sexes and our social mores. He also shows us that experiencing life as both genders leads to the understanding that the spiritual consequences of our actions are far more important than the political ones. But ultimately, Both Sides Now is a story about what it truly means to love oneself: the willingness to endure numerous trials and tribulations to be true to your inner voice, even in the face of extreme adversity, and no matter what the cost.

Customer Reviews:

Damn!.......2007-10-04

I started off whizzed off at this book 'cause I wanted 'Both Sides Now' for MY memoir title. Khosla doesn't mention Joni Mitchell once, grr. I suspect he prefers stronger stuff, at that. OK.

From the text: "I had been in Reno for two days [of sex shows, cigs, booze and gambling], and yet I felt as if I had become somehow aged. Like that little boy was on his way to becoming a man."

There it is: Khosla is a yuppie, lawyer, aspiring indie rocker, tattooed tough dude - totally superficial. His revelations are rarely internal. He's a wall-punching, skirt-chasing MAN.

So, that's the idea. Little genuflection, a lotta physical descriptions. His world rocks on appearances, appointments, accomplishments. No doubt here, Dhillon is a DUDE.

I wouldn't date 'em myself, but, hey, I don't trust MEN.

So ... the chronicle of his journey is ... perfect, crystalline. Terse. Male. Shallow. Feral. Uncompromising as as a credit card.

a true inspiration.......2007-01-05

This book changed my life...I mean really. The writter struggled with the very same things I did...that is until I read his book! After reading it I aquired the same courage that he did and solved the same problem. I only wish that books and other information such as this had been made avalible sooner. I found it hard to put down. I laughed and cried along the way. I would recomend this book to anyone struggeling with similar innertermiol and you will no longer feel alone!

A fantastic, emotional, page-turning read........2006-09-06

READ THIS BOOK! You don't have to be a transsexual, homosexual, male, or female to get a lot out of this book. I'm a married heterosexual female and read this book with an open mind, and am so glad I did so. Kholsa's transition from a female body to a male one that matched his male brain offers insights on the societal and biological constructs of gender and how our bodies are hard-wired to think and behave in certain ways by our hormones, our sociology, and so many other things. The fact that Kholsa has experienced both sides can help you learn more about yourself and the opposite sex than you ever thought possible.

Written in gorgeous, dramatic prose that will keep you turning pages well into the wee hours. Fantastic! A great choice for your book club, too---sure to inspire hours of lively discussion.

Living in and through his body.......2006-07-10

Dhillon Khosla, in his book, Both Sides Now, offers readers an intimate chronicling through which he presents his bodily transformations from female to male. His chapters are broken down by the month and range from July 1997 (when Khosla is twenty-eight years old) to November 1999, moving readers through various steps in his transitions as a transsexual man.

Although not exclusively focused on the various medical and surgical procedures Khosla undergoes (including, but not limited to a full mastectomy, testosterone shots, hysterectomy, and metoidioplasty) Both Sides Now does center heavily on such bodily transformations. Khosla's memoir makes evident the extent to which he lives in and through his body, and the utmost significance it is to his well-being (mental, emotional, physical, etc.) that his body not only match his gender identity as a man, but also that others in the world receive him as a man and his body as male.

Many may not understand the depth of the despair Khosla feels whenever he is addressed as "ma'am" instead of "sir." I certainly don't purport to fully understand the utter dejection Khosla conveys at such instances. But, to his credit, Khosla tells his story in such a manner that demonstrates to readers the necessity of such bodily transformations for him, if not for readers themselves.

With this said, I would expect Both Sides Now to appeal to other transsexual men looking for affirmation for their own choices to undergo various sex-alignment surgeries, while possibly being met with some skepticism from those transgender and genderqueer people who find themselves in various relationships to the question of hormones and surgery, whether in favor of some surgeries but not others, against any hormones and surgery whatsoever, and all other possible options.

An element concerning his various surgeries that I especially appreciated was Khosla's descriptions of his pre-surgery routines and his post-surgery recuperations. Khosla gives us several glimpses of the processes circumscribing surgery--from researching surgeons, scheduling appointments, finding the money to pay for surgeries that health insurance won't cover, getting home after surgery, dealing with drainage bulbs and catheters, as well as adjusting to the external physical changes (or lack thereof) accompanying surgery.

The struggles to find money to pay for transsexual-related surgeries are certainly not a new topic within transsexual narratives, nor are the concerns about post-operative satisfaction. However, I did find Khosla's discussion of various pain medications and post-op recoveries (with and without complications) to be rather unique. It is in large part due to his struggles around surgery that he is able to so convincingly sway readers as to the vitality of surgery for him. (And, I doubt that we were even privy to the most gruesome details his post-op experiences.)

Another element that could have proved unique would have been if Khosla had said a little more about how his race came into play in his transition (he was born to an East Indian father and a German mother). We get glimpses of his racial identity in relationship to food, language, and growing up outside of the U.S., but never really in terms of his sexual or gender identities (with the exception of the name he chooses for himself).

[Hopefully race will figure more centrally in the book I picked up alongside Khosla's, Max Wolf Valerio's The Testosterone File: My Hormonal and Social Transformation from Female to Male.]

One great read.......2006-06-15

This is much more than a story about a man born in a woman's body who then went through life threatening surgery and alot of sole searching to become the person he is today. It is also a study in determination and perserverance. I saw Dhillon Khosla on the View and immediately bought his book. I could not believe that he was born a woman. When I received his book I read it through in one night (something new for me) because I had to know the whole story. While this book will interest those who feel they too are trapped in the wrong body,it is also the story of an incredible journey full of sandtraps and brick walls. The intimate story is told with intellectual honesty and is an excellent read.

Average customer rating:

Author of Mama and us
Bad, bad, bad, bad, badder and worse.
Turn off the lights
What a great discovery!
Good almost great

Cover Girls
T. D. Jakes
Manufacturer: FaithWords
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0446692913

Book Description

Bestselling author T. D. Jakes pens a powerful tale of God's ability to heal the scars of the past and rejuvenate hope for the future. COVER GIRLS is a compelling novel of real faith that follows four African American women throughout one year as they learn to balance children, estranged husbands, boyfriends, and problems at work with their heartfelt belief in God. Meet Camille, a young woman determined never to be used again--by a man, by her family, or by her boss; Tonya, Camille's boss, who feels she is losing her power and dream to Camille; Mrs. Judson, the office supervisor, who is in charge at work but fears she has lost control of all she holds dear at home; and Ms. Ida, a devout and saintly woman who will have the last word, helping these disparate women find themselves and each other. These are the COVER GIRLS--four women who learn to drop their cover, be themselves, and open up to friends and family without the fear of rejection.

Customer Reviews:

Author of Mama and us.......2007-04-07

T.D.Jakes as yet done it again in bringing to life the different challenges and lessons that each individual soul has to experience and then learn from, by becoming a better soul, a better teacher, a better vessel for God. I am baffled each time as I read, listen or experience any of the subjects that this pastor shares with people all over the world. Although a bit bland,for my taste, still: a good message book to read.

Bad, bad, bad, bad, badder and worse........2006-11-16

The Cover Girls by TD Jakes was in our lunch room (kind of like a lending library thing) so I picked it up. A girl who usually has similar reading tastes as mine had read the book so I thought it'd be good but dang, this book SUCKED!

The guy who wrote it is some sort of preacher/bishop and I really did appreciate the message he was trying to get across but it was just a BAD book. The writing was mediocre at best but the worst part was the tedious stretching of the parable. Dude, the message is good (great, in fact) but you don't need 256 pages to share it.

Before anyone gets on my case because the main characters were black (and I'm one of the whitest people around), it's not that. While the cultural stuff was a bit odd (some of the words, phrases, uses, etc.) and caused a small amount of confusion, the message was still there and that's cool.

But the real problem, in my mind, was the predictability of it all. And the dragging out of the plot. We don't need a section from each woman, we really don't. And if we did, those chapters could have been written much better to prevent the repetition of the same stuff over and over and over and over again.

Miz Ida's section was just terribly tedious and boringly predictable.

And a final note: Jakes thought he was being cute by naming the sections as seasons of the year. Spring, Fall, etc. But if you really believe this book takes place over the course of a year, yer nutz. Not even Jakes' tedious monotonous poorly written attempt to string out the parable could make it cover a full year. The whole thing takes place over a few weeks - maybe two months tops. He thought he was being cute by assigning each woman her own season. The younger woman was Spring. The middle aged woman was Fall. Old Miz Ida was typed as Winter but crossed out & penned in as Summer - trying to say she's only as old as she feels.

So yeah, the message is great but Jakes just cannot pull it off. The book was atrocious. Just awful. Terrible. Ick! Ptooey. Don't waste your time or your money.

Turn off the lights.......2006-10-27

This story was putting me to sleep. Mr. Jakes is a great motivator! No one can take that away from him. But a fiction novelist he is not! This is one boring book! I just simply could not get into this book. I've tried, for the sake of the author, but I just could not. Now I'm wondering if he really wrote it (with his busy schedule and all). Let's just say that maybe--perhaps--just perhaps, a ghost writer could have written this story. If Jakes, however, did in fact write it, he's probably embarrassed about it. This book needs to be revised and re-edited with some upbeat to it. I wish I had gotten it from the library instead of buying it. Another thing. The cover was pretty provocative for a Christian fiction, don't you think?

What a great discovery!.......2006-04-24

This book is about how 3 womens live's intertwine with each others. It is amazing how god brings us together and teaches us different lessons! Great book to read and discover your inner feelings and actions toward other people.

Good almost great.......2006-04-02

TD Jakes is as awesome preacher and delivers a poignant story with this novel. While not as gritty as Woman Thou Art Loosed it is still very applicable for those already in the church. While very predictable and stereotypical I recommend this book especially to those who prefer to read more conservative fiction and as a gift for those who know someone like the women in the story but don't know how to tell them they are in need of help. The light and easy story line and good moral content warranted Cover Girls a Bronze rating.

Average customer rating:

Star-Crossed
Linda Collison
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0375833633
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Book Description

Patricia Kelley has been raised a proper British lady--but she's become a stowaway. Her father is dead, and her future in peril. To claim the estate that is rightfully hers, she must travel across the seas to Barbados, hidden in the belly of merchant ship.

It is a daring escapade, and the plan works--for a time. But before she knows it, Patricia's secret is revealed, and she is torn between two worlds. During the day, she wears petticoats, inhabits the dignified realm of ship's officers, and trains as a surgeon's mate with the gentle Aeneas MacPherson; at night she dons pants and climbs the rigging in the rough company of sailors. And it is there, alongside boson's mate John Dalton, that she feels stunningly alive.

In this mesmerizing novel of daring, adventure, tragedy, and romance, Patricia must cross the threshold between night and day, lady and surgeon, and even woman and man. She must be bold in ways beyond her wildest dreams and take risks she never imagined possible. And she must fight for her life--and her love.

Average customer rating:

A gem of a novel
A Great Sunday Read...
don't expect a happy ending
An Interesting Little Story
Very engaging.

One Sunday Morning: A Novel
Amy Ephron
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Friendship | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0060585528
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Customer Reviews:

A gem of a novel.......2006-06-07

This is a wonderful new novel from Amy Ephron, it delightfully captures the decadent mood of twenties New York. Ephron easily shows the hypocrisy as well as the fun of the time with free flowing alcohol despite prohibition and party girls staying up all night.

Although this is not a long story the characters are well formed and interesting. This is the perfect novel to read on a lazy Summer afternoon. I can't wait for her next offering.

A Great Sunday Read..........2006-06-06

I read Ms. Ephron's 'A Cup of Tea' and really enjoyed it, and I wasn't disappointed with 'One Sunday Morning'. It did seem to go a bit slower than 'Cup of Tea'...but it was a good read nonetheless.

This book only took me a couple hours to get through, and held my attention the entire time. Granted you don't find out the meaning of everything until literally the last two pages, but your need to know keeps you turning them.

I can't say the character's were very well developed, or that the story had much meat to it, but keep in mind...it's a tiny little book that's more for passing the time then challenging the mind.

Overall I definitely recommend this if your looking for a light, quick read on a nice day, or if your in between books, and are looking for a filler. Ms. Epheron sure knows how to tell a good short story, and I'll absolutely be keeping an eye out for her future work.

don't expect a happy ending.......2006-04-10

This novel is set in the 20s but could be present day; Mary and her society friends witness a scandalous, as they think, scene between a friend and a friend's fiance one Sunday morning! The story weaves around this observation with the girls' lessons on life and love no matter the era. It was Jane Austen-like in parts.

I was rooting for Mary and her beau but as the book atests, relationships are never simple. The characters were defined well but the end of the story just ended, and left me not as satisfied as I had hoped. Entertaining short read for a cozy afternoon but not one with a tidy ending, beware!

An Interesting Little Story.......2006-03-27

This is the story of Mary Nell and her society friends in New York during the 1920s. One Sunday morning, 4 women watch out a window as another member of their group leaves a hotel with the fiancee of a friend. Tongues begin to wag and tales begin to travel, weaving in a murder mystery and several love affairs.

This is a very fast read and well done, but without much depth. If you are hoping for a complex tale of 1920s society, this isn't it. The ending is anti-climatic at best. However, overall the story is engaging and light, perfect for a rainy afternoon. I would like to read more about these people to discover what happens next. A good read in general.

Very engaging........2005-10-25

This book kept my attention and I couldn't put it down. I am still puzzled. Who was the dead guy and what did Lizzie have to do with it?

Our characters are delightful enough but there isn't much depth into them or anything really. I did feel like I was on the ship but that is about as much detail as we get.

Don't get me wrong. I loved it. We have four ladies who upon seeing ONE thing presume and the dominos start to the chain of events that makes this book. This book didn't end happy ever after but I want to know those few things!! Please write another one!

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