Really Bad Girls of the Bible: More Lessons from Less-Than-Perfect Women

Book Description

When it Comes to Badness, There's Nothing New Under the Sun

In her best-selling book Bad Girls of the Bible, Liz Curtis Higgs breathed new life into ancient stories depicting eight of the most infamous women in scriptural history, from Jezebel to Delilah. Biblically sound and cutting-edge fresh, Bad Girls already has helped thousands of women experience God's grace anew by learning more about our nefarious sisters.

And there are more where they came from! With Really Bad Girls of the Bible, Liz reveals the power of God's sovereignty in the lives of other shady ladies we know by reputation but have rarely studied in depth: Bathsheba, the bathing beauty. Jael, the tent-peg-toting warrior princess. Herodias, the horrible beheader. Tamar, the widow and not-so-timid temptress. Athaliah, the deadly daughter of Jezebel. And three ancient women whose names we do not know but who have much to teach us: the ashamed Adulteress, the bewitching Medium of En Dor, and the desperate Bleeding Woman.

The eye-opening stories of these eight "Really Bad" women demonstrate one really life-changing concept: the sovereign power of God to rule our hearts and our lives with grace, compassion, and hope.

Customer Reviews:

So Very Disappointed.......2006-09-12

I had reservations about it when my small group decided to give this book a whirl, and although I was game and tried to like it, I just couldn't.

Liz's overfamiliar style, her judgemental tone, and pandering to churchy already-good-girls reads like a book that reinforces smugness among the churched.

I especially did not like the way she glossed over the difference in 21st Century standards for women, and instead just judged them against today's free-er women's options and opportunities.

I will say that we had many good conversations because we read the book, but in the end, we were all severely disappointed in the book itself.

Examples of what I mean: some of the "bad girl" scenarios seemed like she was stretching to fill pages, "bad for a good reason" - what?, or nattering on and on about David's sin with Bathsheba - wait, he's not a girl!

Great for Bible study.......2006-03-08

Our church's women's ministry used this book for our Bible study and enjoyed it tremendously. I could relate to so many of the characters and was so horrified by some of the others! I enjoyed reading about the many relatively obscure Biblical women. We had several elderly ladies in our group who were surprised to read stories they'd never remembered reading before. I liked that Higgs focuses on Biblical women who were strong leaders, even if they were bad for a season.

We laughed, blushed, cried, and enjoyed every minute of discussing this book and how it related to our lives. Her message of grace for bad girls is one we all need to hear. I look forward to reading and sharing more of Higgs' books.

An Excellent Kind of Bible Study, Different and Good.......2005-10-19

I have to say Liz Curtis Higgs sheds new light, at least for me, on a lot of those women in the Bible. You know, I've read about all these women in Ms. Curtis's book before, but somehow when I read my bible I missed a whole heck of a lot. I don't know how, because when I read this book I wanted to slap myself upside the head plenty of times. Duh, I'd mudder, how come I didn't see that? How come I didn't get it? Well I'm getting a lot of it now. As a Bible teacher, Ms. Curtis really excells and she makes it oh so interesting. I highly recommend this book.

Really Bad Girls is a challenge to us to grapple with the gray moral areas we face as did our Biblical sisters.......2005-09-25

Our church has a Women's First Friday Bible Book Discussion Group and we've just finished "Bad Girls of the Bible" . Now we're beginning "Really Bad Girls of the Bible" and boy are we ready. Liz writes in truly personal way, with intense, genuine passion. Her discussion questions make fabulous jumping off points for our women's group. Fantastic author, FABULOUS book!

Liz Outdoes Herself!.......2005-02-11

I got this book after having read the first one. I really enjoyed the first book, but Liz really outdoes herself with #2. When the title says, "Really Bad," she is not kidding. There are several stories that I had read several times in the Bible and not grasped the severity of them until having read Liz's modern day version. Yet there are some characteristic traits in these women that can be found in every one of us. A must read!

Perfect Victim: The True Story of "The Girl in the Box" by the D.A. That Prosecuted Her Captor

Average customer rating:

Scary that this could happen in Napa
Could have been better
depressing, yet uplifting
Interesting case! Book? Not so much.
The 'Oh, my God!' factor

Perfect Victim: The True Story of "The Girl in the Box" by the D.A. That Prosecuted Her Captor
Christine Mcguire , and Carla Norton
Manufacturer: Dell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0440204429
Release Date: 1989-07-01

Amazon.com

Some may find it unbelievable that a 20-year-old Oregon woman could be enslaved by a sexual sadist for seven years--that even after being able to move freely during the day, she would allow him to lock her into a wooden box every night. Perhaps it's a minor failing of this book that the authors do not elaborate on the psychology that made her such a "perfect victim." In other respects, though, the story is well told, with an impressive accumulation of details: the woman's capture, the tortures she endured, the brainwashing techniques, the fiendish contraptions her captor constructed, the slave contract he made her sign, and the increasingly strained relations within the peculiar family that included master, slave, wife, and child, all inside a single-wide trailer. As well-known attorney and author Vincent Bugliosi writes, "A gripping and disturbing story of the secret life of apparently normal people. At once, horrific and engrossing."

Customer Reviews:

Scary that this could happen in Napa.......2007-06-08

This book was great. It went through the whole story and didn't leave anything out. The ending was great although I got really mad at the girl for staying with him. I don't want to give too much away about the ending. It's amazing that this could happen in such a small town as Napa but it did! I live close by but at the time this occured I was living in Florida and didn't hear anything about it. It was recommended by a co-worker and I have passed this one on for many friends to read. If you like true crime then this is a great book!

Could have been better.......2007-05-11

This book was sadly disappointing. I was expecting this elaborate book. What I read was a giant mess. The author skipped back and forth from when she was kidnapped to the court case. It made for a big huge puzzle of confusion and was not as good as it could have potentially been! I actually went through and read all the parts of her being kidnapped and what she went through and then went back and read the court case at the end. Then it seemed to make more sense to me but I still feel like I want my money back so I can buy a good true crime book, by a good author like Ann Rule....then I know I won't be disappointed!

depressing, yet uplifting.......2007-05-01

Four stars for the book, five stars for the story and five stars from my dearest sympathy.

From beginning to end, I experienced only .001% of what the victim must have experienced. It was just a smidgen, but I felt sad and I wanted to reach out to her... as well as beat the snot out of the sadist.

It's heart-breaking at times, but also uplifting with splashes of teeth-bearing disgust. Very notable for a true crime book.

Interesting case! Book? Not so much........2007-03-13

The story of what happened to Colleen Stan really is horrendous, and so therefore this book is automatically pretty interesting. Trying to imagine years - YEARS - spent in darkness and sensory isolation, periodically broken by abuse and rape, is pretty terrifying. It is a wonder that Colleen Stan was able to hold it together in any way and retain some fragment of herself. That head box is pretty horrifying to think about.

The writing is where this book falls short. It was a very bad move, in my opinion, to switch back and forth from Colleen's ordeal to McGuire's life. It was silly; going from this poor girl's trauma to the young prosecutor's new job in a redneck office. I was really, really, PAINFULLY aware that the author WAS the prosecutor. Growing more and more frustrated with updates on her marriage, descriptions of her daughter, and illustrated moments (holding her baby while juxtaposed against a backdrop of hardcore porn is one of them) written in third person, I became a wee bit annoyed with this book.

But, the facts of this case, the details of the "Company", the empathy you feel for Colleen Stan and the urge to understand what happened within her mind, all outweigh the prosecutor/author's fascination with herself, and make for a very interesting book.

The 'Oh, my God!' factor.......2007-01-10

Christine Mcguire did a wonderful job of telling this horrible true story. The crimes committed against these two women are almost unbelievable. I had a hard time putting the book down, because I became so ingrossed into finding out what happened. I needed to know if Colleen was able to move on with her life. Colleen is a remarkable woman. The only thing that I did not feel was necessary was all the information of the writer's life, while prosecuting this case. I felt that it took away some of the attention from the main story, and really wasn't something that the reader would really care about.

Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: The Frightening New Normalcy of Hating Your Body

Average customer rating:

Interesting
Interesting, touching, balanced between interviews and data
Cogent, intellingent, excellent.
A Brilliant, Vital, Raw and Compassionate Look at "the ugliness underneath all of our prettiness"
starts strong, ends not so strong

Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: The Frightening New Normalcy of Hating Your Body
Courtney E. Martin
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Eating Disorders | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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

ASIN: 0743287967

Book Description

"Why does every one of my friends have an eating disorder, or, at the very least, a screwed-up approach to food and fitness?" writes journalist Courtney E. Martin. The new world culture of eating disorders and food and body issues affects virtually all -- not just a rare few -- of today's young women. They are your sisters, friends, and colleagues -- a generation told that they could "be anything," who instead heard that they had to "be everything." Driven by a relentless quest for perfection, they are on the verge of a breakdown, exhausted from overexercising, binging, purging, and depriving themselves to attain an unhealthy ideal.

An emerging new talent, Courtney E. Martin is the voice of a young generation so obsessed with being thin that their consciousness is always focused inward, to the detriment of their careers and relationships. Health and wellness, joy and love have come to seem ancillary compared to the desire for a perfect body. Even though eating disorders first became generally known about twenty-five years ago, they have burgeoned, worsened, become more difficult to treat and more fatal (50 percent of anorexics who do not respond to treatment die within ten years). Consider these statistics:

Ten million Americans suffer from eating disorders.

Seventy million people worldwide suffer from eating disorders.

More than half of American women between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five would pre fer to be run over by a truck or die young than be fat.

More than two-thirds would rather be mean or stupid.

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychological disease.

In Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters, Martin offers original research from the front lines of the eating disorders battlefield. Drawn from more than a hundred interviews with sufferers, psychologists, nutritionists, sociocultural experts, and others, her exposé reveals a new generation of "perfect girls" who are obsessive-compulsive, overachieving, and self-sacrificing in multiple -- and often dangerous -- new ways. Young women are "told over and over again," Martin notes, "that we can be anything. But in those affirmations, assurances, and assertions was a concealed pressure, an unintended message: You are special. You are worth something. But you need to be perfect to live up to that specialness."

With its vivid and often heartbreaking personal stories, Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters has the power both to shock and to educate. It is a true call to action and cannot be missed.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting.......2007-10-07

While the writing and subject are interesting and the author obviously earnest in her intent, I don't feel she seperates well the different factors that create the environment for the development of an ED. While media, family, images, etc. plays a huge role, it is so much larger than that. While feminism is one stance to focus on, I would have liked to see more acknowledgement to the fact that this disease is extremely complex and rarely to individuals specifically set out to develop these disorders.

Interesting, touching, balanced between interviews and data.......2007-08-06

About: The obsession girls have with being thin

Pros: Moving, sad, nice use of both interviews and statistics, wonderful resources section.

Cons: Last chapter reads like a stream of consciousness laundry list

Grade: A-

Cogent, intellingent, excellent........2007-07-25

As an eating disorders therapist and fellow Barnard grad, I had heard excellent things about this book. I wasn't disappointed. Courtney goes fearlessly into the seamy place where few of us "professional feminists" have permitted ourselves to go - how our own personal and intimate hatred of our bodies circumvents our lives and drains our spirits.

One of my favorite parts of the book is about the humanity and fragilitiy of men. Their experience of our bodies, their objectification of us, and yet their search for true intimacy with us as women are all connected, as Courtney demonstrates.

This is done with writing that pulls you in, isn't condescending or facetious, but at the same time, makes one question how one personally lives at the edge of the eating-disordered culture.

Courtney's exploration of her own and others' relationship to the body and eating will not leave you indifferent to the next time you take your dressing on the side...

A Brilliant, Vital, Raw and Compassionate Look at "the ugliness underneath all of our prettiness".......2007-06-23

To say I was blown away by Courtney E. Martin's Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters, would be a huge understatement. I've read lots of books on eating disorders, having gone through a bout of anorexia and bulimia in college, and struggled with "disordered eating" and body image issues ever since. Martin's tone hits the perfect edge between journalistic and compassionate; one never gets the sense that she is talking down to her readers or has conquered all these issues and is now looking at them from a distance. By including her own stories and those of her peers, she personalizes the issue, as both someone who's been "on the edge" of developing an eating disorder as well as someone caring for people with eating disorders. One of the most poignant moments here, in fact, is when a friendship ends over one woman confronting another over her eating issues.

Martin is angry, but also hopeful, and, most of all, non-judgmental. Clearly, she doesn't like what she sees but rather than direct her wrath against her subjects, she takes a more nuanced, helpful approach. She feels for her subjects even as the culture (including families, friends, peers, coaches, and media) around them pushes them forward. She wants them to succeed, but not at all costs. In fact, in the last chapter, she praises these starving girls for their strength, albeit a twisted kind of strength. By highlighting the ways girls cut each other down and size each other up, Martin brings some needed honesty to the ways women try to please each other, and how harsh we can be about our own kind.

There are so many brilliant insights here, I cannot document them all. Sometimes, I was just swept away by the passion of her prose; Martin doesn't let any element of flow or storytelling slide even as she works in statistics and original research. There's a continuity to the book that allows her to connect "Sex as a Cookie," her chapter on sexuality and body to "Spiritual Hunger." Also, she wisely looks beyond the minutiae of eating disorders and their technical classifications to a broader problem that still needs addressing, whether the medical profession chooses to do so or not. By linking the urge to be "perfect" with body issues, Martin also explores other ways women push themselves to the brink, whether at work or school or in sports.

Martin talks about "the ugliness underneath all of our prettiness," and it's precisely because so many of the behaviors and feelings she documents are so hidden that we may think we're better off than we really are. It's not only about the ones who wind up in clinics, who are visibly ill. As Martin shows, it's about the hours spent obsessing, the ways that dieting and desiring to be thin are so normalized that Martin even faced doubt that she had something worthy to explore in her book.

To prove how powerful her argument is, even while I was reading this book, tabbing up pages as if to memorize them, I was still berating myself in exactly the ways she describes. I went to get an omelette for breakfast at a deli, and ordered a Western one, not realizing it had ham. Only after I got it did I notice I could've had one with spinach or a garden omelette with vegetables. Part of me was horrified that I "chose wrong," and I made a stern mental note next time to order one of the veggie ones. In part, yes, I love spinach and would eat it at every meal if I could, but the other part of me was ready to pick out the ham lest I have something too fatty, too gross, too not me. And the guy taking my order, who doesn't know me at all, even says, "She's on a diet," when I order my food with plain dry wheat toast on the side. "But she doesn't need to be, she looks good the way she is," he tells the cook.

This is also the message of Martin's book but, and it's a huge but, one we can only learn for ourselves, from ourselves, for it to truly sink in. Martin's voice is so vital and necessary, close to her subject and close to her subjects in age. The vulnerability she shows, the tension between her strong feminist self and the voice(s) in her head, is real and relatable. The message here is not that Martin has all the answers, but rather that we need, individually and collectively, to look at "eating disorders," "body image," and "perfection" much more broadly. "What practices do *you* need to adopt in order to feel less weighed down by the burden of your own self-loathing?" Martin asks. For me, I am left with the task of trying to figure that out, something that may take a lifetime. This book is not only one of the best books I've ever read on eating disorders, it's one of the best books I've ever read and takes readers inside this "issue" without patronizing them. Martin knows there are no easy answers, but she doesn't let that stop her from fighting for the not-so-easy ones, and dreaming of and working toward a future not consumed by consumption.

starts strong, ends not so strong.......2007-06-22

The first 200 pages of this book are life-changing. Literally, it made me think about my life and my relationships with food and with school and with my family and friends, etc. in a totally different light. The last eighty pages, however, were a little too anecdotal, presumptuous, and sometimes downright sappy for my taste. I'd still recommend it though, if only for the first 200 pages.

Average customer rating:

No Thanks.
Gratuitously icky, even for a horror novel
Some Thrills & Chills, but Not Saul's Best
Not bad, but not Saul's usual standard
Not worth it.

Perfect Nightmare: A Novel
John Saul
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Psychological & Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0345467329
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Book Description

If you open your house to strangers, who knows who might come in. And what they might be after. Or whom. Now, ponder the unthinkable and surrender to your darkest dread, as sinister storyteller extraordinaire John Saul weaves a heart-stopping tale of lurking terror and twisted intent.

Every parent’s nightmare becomes reality for Kara Marshall when her daughter, Lindsay, vanishes from her bedroom during the night. The police suspect that the girl is just another moody teenage runaway, angry over leaving behind her school and friends because her family is moving. But Lindsay’s recent eerie claim–that someone invaded her room when the house was opened to prospective buyers–drives Kara to fear the worst: a nameless, faceless stalker has walked the halls of her home in search of more than a place to live.

Patrick Shields recognizes Kara’s pain–and carries plenty of his own since he lost his wife and two children in a devastating house fire. But more than grief draws Patrick and Kara together. He, too, senses the hand of a malevolent stranger in this tragedy. And as more people go missing from houses up for sale, Patrick’s suspicion, like Kara’s, blooms into horrified certainty.

Someone is trolling this peaceful community–undetected and undeterred–harvesting victims for a purpose no sane mind can fathom. Someone Kara and Patrick, alone and desperate, are determined to unmask. Someone who is even now watching, plotting, keeping a demented diary of unspeakable deeds . . . and waiting until the time is ripe for another fateful visit.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

Customer Reviews:

No Thanks........2007-09-16

I can only drum up the courage to give this novel two stars. The storyline is old but what I really didn't like was the wordy writing. This was not tight writing and certainly not a typical Saul piece of work. I guess what turned me off was the character inconsistencies...especially the girl's father. Anyway, I don't recommend this one.

Gratuitously icky, even for a horror novel.......2007-09-08

Many years ago, when I was a teenager, I read a bunch of John Saul books: Suffer The Children, Punish The Sinners, Cry For The Strangers, Comes The Blind Fury....I found the books as formulaic as the titles: prologue-- something evil and awful happens 50 or 100 years ago. Story-- ghost of the wronged individual takes over the body of modern-day person who then wreaks revenge on the townspeople. Epilogue-- just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...Here It Comes Again. But besides that, the thing that bothered me most was Saul's lingering descriptions of the most horrible details of suffering and misery, particularly that of children. I thought, he enjoys this way too much.

SO-- Perfect Nightmare-- I fiugred it must be 25 years since then, surely Saul's writing must have got better for him to be popular so long. I had a few hours to kill while my car was being repaired, so I read this. Yes it's suspenseful, the characters are well-developed, the writing style is just fine--- but still, those cringe-inducing descriptions of torment! These things could easily be left to the reader's imagination with the same effect. It's creepy--- a hair's-breadth away from literary S&M porn.

Some Thrills & Chills, but Not Saul's Best.......2007-04-16

John Saul, the author of Black Creek Crossing, Manhattan Hunt Club, and The Right Hand of Evil brings to us yet another chilling story of a predator stalking the streets of suburbia, sating his twisted desires on the blood of the innocent. The tension is high and the narrative taut, and though A Perfect Nightmare doesn't quite live up to other Saul thrillers, it's suspenseful enough to keep the reader up late at night, wondering what's hiding under the bed or in their closet.

Constructed in a unique manner, the narrative splits, giving a first person look into the mind of a killer as he meticulously hunts his prey. The chills are authentic, the fear palpable as the madman circles closer to his choice prey; young Lindsey Marshall, sixteen year old daughter to Kara and Stephen. Distracted by their stressed marriage and the pressure of finding a new home, they are unaware of the danger circling their family, like a silent, deadly shark...until it's too late.

The wealthy Patrick Shields knows all too much about loss; his wife and daughter's perishing in a fire just a year prior. When Lindsey Marshall is abducted, he is compelled to help Kara in any way he possibly can, even if only to help himself get over the loss of his own family. As he and Kara begin to investigate the darkness swirling around them, however, they are both confronted with an evil hiding much closer to home than originally thought, and whether or not they'll survive will depend greatly upon whether or not they will be able to stand against the darkness in the end.

A Perfect Nightmare is constructed in unique fashion, switching from the third person narrative of the main plot to the frenzied first person rambling of the kidnapper that stalks this Long Island suburb. This part of the novel is handled well; the shifts are smooth, and the first person musings of a madman add suspense to the storyline. This, however, is not one of Straub's better works; overshadowed by much better page turners such as The Right Hand of Evil and The Manhattan Hunt Club, especially.

A plot twist very late in the novel comes abruptly, and I suppose it could be read two different ways - shocking, unexpected, wrenching...everything John Saul stories have become known for. However, for some reason it didn't sit well with me; there are very little clues leading up the twist, which makes it feel a little out in left field, plus the resolution of the narrative was just not fulfilling. In suspense novels like this, emotional highs and lows...especially the lows, because they make us feel and associated with the main characters, producing empathy....are necessary, but in A Perfect Nightmare, the late plot twists leaves a bad taste in the mouth that almost overwhelms the whole story itself.

However, though it doesn't end greatly, A Perfect Nightmare is an engaging enough mystery to keep you figuring it out until that last, fateful plot twist. Just make sure you leave the light on....and make sure those doors are locked at night.

Not bad, but not Saul's usual standard.......2007-02-15

This book seemed to be geared toward a younger reader audience. There's nothing wrong with that, but I think it should be touted as a young-adult genre so that adult expectations aren't so high. I would have loved it a pre-teen. As an adult, it seemed rather mild and even a little hokey, especially for John Saul. What happened to his "Nathaniel" or "Suffer the Children" storylines? Maybe he's getting bored? Teenagers between 12 and 17 years-old would really enjoy this book.

Not worth it........2007-02-02

Saul has always been a dark writer, and I've enjoyed many of his books (Shadows, God Project, Creature)
This one turned my stomach when I read several portions. And when it didn't, it was just plain boring. Don't waste your time or money on this one.

The Internet Escort's Handbook Book 1: The Foundation

Average customer rating:

They WILL publish anything!
Highly recommended
So you want to get started?
highly educational
Wonderful!!

The Internet Escort's Handbook Book 1: The Foundation
Amanda Brooks
Manufacturer: Golden Girl Press, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback
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ASIN: 0978094409
Release Date: 2006-10-16

Product Description

Most people are curious; what is it like to work as an escort? According to numerous sex surveys, one of women's top fantasies is to be paid for sex. But escort work is not as simple as money for sex. Brooks, a former escort, has written a myth-exploding examination of what escort work requires from the escort while creating an honest and humane vision of a mysterious, maligned business.

The book is not a recruitment tool because the job is not for everyone. The Foundation is a reference written to create a realistic awareness of the pitfalls and bonuses of escort work for current and future escorts, as well as the curious public. Ultimately, safe and sane escort work leads to happier, healthier escorts. (And happy escorts make for happy clients.)

Customer Reviews:

They WILL publish anything!.......2007-09-17

This purchase was a way to delve into the lifestyle of an escort, since they've been involved in many sexual scandals lately. I wanted to find the value and thrill these men in the public eye have found in their encounters with these women. This was bought and read with an open mind, truly no expectations. I read it as a professional business woman, a mother, a wife, a daughter and a sexual and sensual being. There were some interesting revelations and candid discussions which opened my eyes to situations I was ignorant of. Her words were biting and cut-throat at times, but as she claims, it's about business not emotions. Kudos! However, I felt that it read like a chapter book for a 3rd grader, it was condescending, drab and simply not very well written. Granted this wasn't aiming to become the next literary accomplishment, but I just expect more from a book if someone, somewhere, felt it was worthy enough to publish. Interesting read, not certain that it would do to much to help anyone who MAY want to break into this field. It seems that the basic business information she provides is common sense to begin with.

Highly recommended.......2007-08-17

The Internet Escort's Handbook is truly a well thought out book written n in a holistic matter by an ex escort for all girls who are currently working in the industry, keen or curious about entering the industry. It gives an insight of what it is and what goes on in this industry; asks a lot of provocative questions; provides useful tips. I would strongly recommend this as the ONE resource you should read. I can't wait for the other books in this series to be out.

So you want to get started?.......2007-08-11

Thought the book by Amanda Brooks was well put together. Gives you ideas of what you need to do if you chose to go into the business. But, it does not stop there. Need to go to Book 2 which is not available yet. I do recommend the book for starters.

highly educational.......2007-07-05

This is not a sex book. The style is simple and direct. there are lots of very interesting topics. I loved the part about "taking care of physical appearance". This does apply to women in general, not only escort business. The part about protecting yourself from STD is a little paranoiac but since this job is exposed to high risks, it is good to know what the risks are. I would recommend this book for all women and men (even if this is mostly for a women audience), curious about this underground world. It is more about the facts and the technical aspect than about the morality, although the author mentions the psychological part and the fact that it often leads to a double life. This book is intended to be a how to guide, but it can be read for entertainment only as well. I am a married man and I have more respect for these women after reading this book. They are normal women, often educated and running a home business, with all the administrative part of it.

Wonderful!!.......2007-06-19

I have to say that Ms. Brooks hit it on the head! This book is a perfect read for anyone that was interested in this line of work, how and where to start! She dispels the myths of drug addicted, sexual abused women are the only ones in this profession. She gives common sense answers to questions that the average person may not have thought of! Gracious and beautifully written, this book pays homage to the women that have gone before and prepared the foundation. It sheds light on the facts (and fictions), gives hope and laughter to anyone who reads this book. This book is not for everyone, but for everyone who is privy to it, it is a joy to read! I truly enjoyed it!

No Body's Perfect: Stories by Teens about Body Image, Self-Acceptance, and the Search for Identity

Average customer rating:

No Body's Perfect
Insightful and very helpful
This is an awsome book!
Awesome!
A disapointment

No Body's Perfect: Stories by Teens about Body Image, Self-Acceptance, and the Search for Identity
Kimberly Kirberger
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0439426383

Book Description

Kimberly Kirberger, co-author of the best-selling CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE TEENAGE SOUL books and a renowned expert on teen issues, addresses the topic of body image in LOVING YOUR BODY / LOVING YOURSELF. Many problems in girls' lives stem from a lack of self-esteem and self-love: eating disorders, depression, drug use, and more. Through powerful stories and poems from real teens, as well as personal tales and advice from the author, this book strives to help girls learn to accept, love, and appreciate their bodies--and, in turn, to love themselves.

Customer Reviews:

No Body's Perfect.......2006-01-11

I read the book No Body's Perfect. It was written by Kimberly Kirberger. It's written about teens and struggles with their everyday life, including eating disorders, boys, and learning who to hang-out with and who not to hang-out with.
This book gets points across to you, for example, "Accepting yourself just the way you are may seem like a pretty big challenge. It may even seem impossible. But it's not." This is one of the great quotes in this book.
This book would be very helpful and influential to teenagers struggling with these problems. I recommend this book to 12- 18 year- old girls. You will love this book!

Insightful and very helpful.......2005-03-27

I will admit; I have been struggling with body image and "looks" for about as long as I can remember. This book by Kimberly Kirberger helps me to realize that no body is perfect, and that you need to embrace what you look like and have. If you can totally accept yourself the way you are, then you are on your way to success.

After reading this book, I came to realize, and "saw the light" so to speak, about body image, self acceptance, and the search for my identity. I definently think that this book was very helpful in helping me to overcome the "stereotype" that you have to be 105 pounds to be considered beautiful. Now I know that I am perfect in every aspect of my life, and I now love and accept who I am inside...and who I am inside is all that really matters.

I definently strongly encourage those girls who are currently struggling with self acceptance, body image, and the search of who they are, to read this book, and also fill out the Nobody's Perfect Journal as well. This book is very helpful, and insightful, and it will get you back on the right track in life, and make you realize that life isn't all about looks and popularity...rather, it is a journey to love and acccept yourself for who you are!

This is an awsome book!.......2004-04-01

This book tought me everything a girl sturgels with and how to fix the problems! Every one should buy this book. It shows you how to handle your problems without exploding over every little thing. There are so many stories about girls who have had problems that i face in life and i learn from them mistakes instead of making them again. This book is the best book i have ever read. It talks about everything... including the serch for you intersoul and inner bueaty... ( seeing whats on the inside that counts) this book it tottaly worth your money!

Awesome!.......2003-09-23

This book is my bible! i love it to death. It shows you simple things you forget back into the light and can truly change the way you think about yourself. It makes you realise that you're not alone out there with either eating disorders, abusive relationships, heart aches, suicides, or any situations that are hard to held with emotionally and physically. I've never really got into the chicken books myself, but this book took only a second to love it! i recommand this book to everyone!

A disapointment.......2003-08-07

Well, I love the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul books, which are coathured by Kimberly Kirberger, and so when I saw this book I lept at the chance to buy it. But I felt a bit let down; I think the Chicken Soup books were MUCH better. This book is filled with input and advice from Kirberger that at times seem too fake to actually appreciate. Yes, some advice is actually helpful, but I found myself gritting my teeth at the near cheesiness of Kirberger's words... I want to read OTHER people's stories, not Kirberger's souped up advice that isn't very original in the first place--most stuff I've heard time and time again.
AND... This book is pretty narrow-minded. Basically all of it is about weight problems. Either, the person was insecure because they couldn't stop eating, or they were fat and stopped eating all together. I can't really relate, because I'm UNDERweight and always hoping and wishing that I will gain some pounds. All these girls are blah blah crying about how fat they are... but not everyone is fat, what about them? They still have insecurities that need looking at.
Some of the stories were interesting, all by someone other than Kirberger. This book focuses on too much of the same thing though and I skipped a lot of Kirberger's blah pages. If you're an OVERweight teen and need comforting, go ahead and read this. If not, skip this book and try a chicken soup one.

Las Vegas Little Red Book: A Girl's Guide to the Perfect Vegas Getaway

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Las Vegas Little Red Book: A Girl's Guide to the Perfect Vegas Getaway
Molly Sullivan , David deMontmollin , and Hiram Todd Norman
Manufacturer: Justin, Charles & Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1932112480

Book Description

Saucy insider Molly Sullivan shows you that it's not your boyfriend's, husband's, father's or brother's Vegas anymore! Molly's Las Vegas Little Red Book is the perfect entree to that unforgettable no tell weekend for single gals on the prowl, soccer moms on holiday, and all those fabulous fun-seeking women in between!

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Equestrian story for young adults
Lame!
Pretty good.
Do yourself a favor
Realistic

The Perfect Distance: A Novel
Kim Ablon Whitney
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fiction | School & Sports | Teens | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0375832432
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Book Description

Seventeen-year-old Francie Martinez rides with one of the best equitation trainers in the country, and works as a groom to pay her way. She’s dreamed of winning the Maclay finals, and now that it’s her last year to compete the pressure is really on. But just when Francie needs to focus more than ever, everything turns upside down, and soon she’s not so sure if winning is really all that important, much less the point.
In this fast-paced coming-of-age story, brimming with fascinating details about the competitive horse world, Kim Ablon Whitney has drawn on her own experiences to create a backdrop perfect for Francie’s story as she tries to figure out who she wants to be and what really matters in life.

Customer Reviews:

Equestrian story for young adults.......2007-08-02

This was a fun story of a young girl immersed in the hunt for an Equitation Medal. Plausible, moves rapidly, satisfying ending.

Lame!.......2007-04-08

so, like, i read this book over March break cuz i dont like to read, but my teacher said we hav to read 1 book over break. i read this. i think it was soooooooooo bad!!!!!!!!! 1st of all, i dont know about horses and reallie dont care much, so it was like a total snoozer! Plus, also, i think it was way too much about the kid called Francy; i wanted to hear more about the kids at her school, like Becca and Traci. They seemd so cool. Francy was , like, not cool!
Last but not least i do not think taht this is a good book because it is unrealistic. I went to riding camp when i was like 8, and yes, it was Western, but STILL the instructor let me LOPE after a week, it was not hard! and we are supposed to believe that these West hill Stabls kids Have been training for "equitaton/medals THEIr WHOLE LIVES???????????? I mean come on i don't think so! If youre looking for good book, i heavily suggest "Goosebumps" series and if you like horses, side with a book entitled, " Diablo My Dream Horse"... even thouh i'm not "horsy" i still liked it!

Pretty good........2007-03-20

Except for starting out shaky and dropping some of the plot points so agonizingly built up, this book was pretty good. Rob, the trainer, was so realistic (and horrible) I was reminded of all the reasons I hesitate to compete: the lack of respect of and thought for the horse and its wellbeing, the verbal and emotional abuse that so many riders put themselves through just to be "the best," and the snobbishness and racism that are such a prominent part of the horse industry.

Do yourself a favor.......2007-02-24

If you're a fan of Jean Slaughter Doty's "The Monday Horses" or Barbara Morgenroth's "Last Junior Year," buy this book now while it is still in print. It's an excellent portrayal of the "A" horse show circuit.

Realistic.......2007-01-23

This book was wholly satisfying in a way that many "horse books" can't seem to reach.

Essentially, it all comes down to Francie - a horse loving 17 year old whose father is the groom at the elite West Hills Stable - her friend Katie - who is rich and can't get over the fact that Francie is poorer and a better rider - and the new boy, Colby - who is "amazing" and likes Francie, not Katie.

I was pleased that this book avoided some cliches like Francie actually winning, or Colby staying back at the farms for her, or Katie magically getting over herself, or Rob getting due punishment for his outrageous behavoir. Thankfully, none of these things happened.

However, I was slightly disappointed that the author had to drag in the most cliched horse-book cliche in the history of equine fiction: insurance fraud. Many, many horse books seem to dance around this subject.

I highly recommend this book to anyone - the author did a fantastic job at realism! If you aren't too nerdy with all the technical show jumping terms, don't be afraid - it won't prevent you from enjoying this outstanding novel.

Average customer rating:

meh...
As a retired call girl, I read with great interest
A compelling, informative, eye-witness introduction
Lucky One
Eye-opening

The Call Girl Actress
Erica Black
Manufacturer: McKenna Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 193217222X
Release Date: 2007-02-05

Product Description

"The Call Girl Actress, Confessions of a Lesbian Escort" is a personal memoir from a former upscale, high-end and sought-after escort, a call girl if you will. The author entertained men of means, manners and who had a burning desire for sex. She was their physical sanctuary, an oasis of pure uncomplicated pleasure. She was their trip to paradise, filling the void in their sex life. Erica was blessed with beauty. She had a stunning, tight, toned body, a beautiful face and flawless skin. She was also extremely intelligent. This book is also a breakthrough expose on the "hobbyists," the men who pay women for sex out of habit. Was it mentioned that Erica was and is one hundred percent lesbian? They never knew, and for the most part she never told them. She was the "Call Girl Actress."

Customer Reviews:

meh..........2007-07-27

If you don't know anything about the "business" and want something honest and titillating, buy this book. There is a lot of basic information about how the industry works and you'll love reading about it, I'm sure.

As far as the writing quality goes, however, it was mediocre. Regardless of the content, I expect a book to be well-written and unlike other readers, will not give extra points because the topic is so "taboo". What could have been an amazing story if written well, became an OK story, simply written (replete with large type), and very short.

One thing kept bothering me, however. With all of the screening she did and how picky she claimed to be, why would she complain about clients with bad hygiene? Why not refuse to see them or provide service? She turned others down for less...just curious as I found that inconsistent with her general business attitude.

As a retired call girl, I read with great interest.......2007-07-07

I retired from the business some twenty-two years ago. I'm now 59 years of age. I've read most books by former providers, but this is the very first to offer a full and clear picture of the hobbyists who frequent the girls. If you're interested in learning about what girls who work in this business have to put up with, you must by this book. My great kuddos to Erica Black.

A compelling, informative, eye-witness introduction.......2007-06-04

"The Call Girl Actress: Confessions Of A Lesbian Escort" is the personal and candid memoir of Erica Black. Before retiring from her profession, Erica was an upscale, high-end, and much sought after call girl who functioned as a personal escort for men of means, authority, and power. She provided these men with a fantasy fulfillment of their sex lives with her female beauty, wit, charm, humor, and articulate intelligence. What these men did not realize and never knew was that Erica was also a lesbian. Indeed, Erica was a virgin when she had intercourse with her first client. Exceptionally well written and highly recommended reading, "The Call Girl Actress" is a compelling, informative, eye-witness introduction into the underground world and life of an expensive and successful prostitute whose performance as a provider of heterosexual fantasies for a price was flawless.

Lucky One.......2007-04-18

It was my exceeding good fortune to know Erica Black. I will attest that she was/is magnificent. Stunning. Sensuous. Statuesque. Brilliant conversationalist. Truly a 21st century courtesan. She was most certainly a Mercedes as well defined in her recent book ... although I viewed her as more analogous to a dynamic, sleek, purring Porsche. I am delighted she chose to chronicle her experiences. Meanwhile, we are left only to envy her Lesbian Lover. Read and find out ...

Eye-opening.......2007-04-13

Read this book twice. Definitely not your typical hooker book with the lurid details of her trysts with clients. It's raw and powerful. I loved the way she describes the different types of call girls and the types of men that use their services. I found myself laughing out loud. That broad has a set on her to be able to pull it off. What I was quite shocked at was the fact that some of her clients knew of her sexual preference and still saw her. Well ya know Hollywood is full of actors and actresses, why not the escort business. A lot of this book was very informative and easy to read

Seventeen's Guide to Your Perfect Prom: A Planner & Scrapbook

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Seventeen's Guide to Your Perfect Prom: A Planner & Scrapbook
Joanna Saltz , and Seventeen Magazine
Manufacturer: Hearst
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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ASIN: 1588165515

Book Description

Prom—when girls dream of dressing up like a princess and dancing with their Prince Charming. It’s such an important event that Seventeen creates an annual special Prom issue. With this spiral-bound planner and scrapbook, prom-goers can take advantage of Seventeen’s wisdom and create a personal memory book, too. Attractively designed and superbly organized, it features dividers, folders for stashing memorabilia, stickers to flag important information, and a space in the cover to frame a personal prom photo. Fill-in sections include calendars for the months, weeks, and days leading up to prom and even a prom diary. Every detail is covered, from dating and budget advice to makeup and hairstyle ideas. And, of course, pages and pages dedicated to helping her find The Perfect Dress. Every chapter features celebrity and industry experts, quotes from Seventeen readers, hilarious stories, plus checklists and spots for her to paste in her photos, notes, and memorabilia. And, to keep prom night safe, there’s advice on issues such as drinking and sex from the source she trusts most: Seventeen.

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