Amazon.com
David Sedaris became a star autobiographer on public radio, onstage in New York, and on bestseller lists, mostly on the strength of "SantaLand Diaries," a scathing, hilarious account of his stint as a Christmas elf at Macy's. (It's in two separate collections, both worth owning, Barrel Fever and the Christmas-themed Holidays on Ice.) Sedaris's caustic gift has not deserted him in his fourth book, which mines poignant comedy from his peculiar childhood in North Carolina, his bizarre career path, and his move with his lover to France. Though his anarchic inclination to digress is his glory, Sedaris does have a theme in these reminiscences: the inability of humans to communicate. The title is his rendition in transliterated English of how he and his fellow students of French in Paris mangle the Gallic language. In the essay "Jesus Shaves," he and his classmates from many nations try to convey the concept of Easter to a Moroccan Muslim. "It is a party for the little boy of God," says one. "Then he be die one day on two... morsels of... lumber," says another. Sedaris muses on the disputes between his Protestant mother and his father, a Greek Orthodox guy whose Easter fell on a different day. Other essays explicate his deep kinship with his eccentric mom and absurd alienation from his IBM-exec dad: "To me, the greatest mystery of science continues to be that a man could father six children who shared absolutely none of his interests."
Every glimpse we get of Sedaris's family and acquaintances delivers laughs and insights. He thwarts his North Carolina speech therapist ("for whom the word pen had two syllables") by cleverly avoiding all words with s sounds, which reveal the lisp she sought to correct. His midget guitar teacher, Mister Mancini, is unaware that Sedaris doesn't share his obsession with breasts, and sings "Light My Fire" all wrong--"as if he were a Webelo scout demanding a match." As a remarkably unqualified teacher at the Art Institute of Chicago, Sedaris had his class watch soap operas and assign "guessays" on what would happen in the next day's episode.
It all adds up to the most distinctively skewed autobiography since Spalding Gray's Swimming to Cambodia. The only possible reason not to read this book is if you'd rather hear the author's intrinsically funny speaking voice narrating his story. In that case, get Me Talk Pretty One Day on audio. --Tim Appelo
Amazon.com Audiobook Review
"It's a pretty grim world when I can't even feel superior to a toddler." Welcome to the curious mind of David Sedaris, where dogs outrank children, guitars have breasts, and French toddlers unmask the inadequacies of the American male. Sedaris inhabits this world as a misanthrope chronicling all things petty and small. In Me Talk Pretty One Day Sedaris is as determined as ever to be nobody's hero--he never triumphs, he never conquers--and somehow, with each failure, he inadvertently becomes everybody's favorite underdog. The world's most eloquent malcontent, Sedaris has turned self-deprecation into a celebrated art form--one that is perhaps best experienced in audio. "Go Carolina," his account of "the first battle of my war against the letter s" is particularly poignant. Unable to disguise the lisp that has become his trademark, Sedaris highlights (to hilarious extent) the frustration of reading "childish s-laden texts recounting the adventures of seals or settlers named Sassy or Samuel." Including 23 of the book version's 28 stories, two live performances complete with involuntary laughter, and an uncannily accurate Billie Holiday impersonation, the audio is more than a companion to the text; it stands alone as a performance piece--only without the sock monkeys. (Running time: 5 hours, 4 cassettes) --Daphne Durham
Book Description
David Sedaris became a star autobiographer on public radio, onstage in New York, and on bestseller lists, mostly on the strength of "SantaLand Diaries," a scathing, hilarious account of his stint as a Christmas elf at Macy's. (It's in two separate collections, both worth owning, Barrel Fever and the Christmas-themed Holidays on Ice.) Sedaris's caustic gift has not deserted him in his fourth book, which mines poignant comedy from his peculiar childhood in North Carolina, his bizarre career path, and his move with his lover to France. Though his anarchic inclination to digress is his glory, Sedaris does have a theme in these reminiscences: the inability of humans to communicate. The title is his rendition in transliterated English of how he and his fellow students of French in Paris mangle the Gallic language. In the essay "Jesus Shaves," he and his classmates from many nations try to convey the concept of Easter to a Moroccan Muslim. "It is a party for the little boy of God," says one. "Then he be die one day on two... morsels of... lumber," says another. Sedaris muses on the disputes between his Protestant mother and his father, a Greek Orthodox guy whose Easter fell on a different day. Other essays explicate his deep kinship with his eccentric mom and absurd alienation from his IBM-exec dad: "To me, the greatest mystery of science continues to be that a man could father six children who shared absolutely none of his interests." Every glimpse we get of Sedaris's family and acquaintances delivers laughs and insights. He thwarts his North Carolina speech therapist ("for whom the word pen had two syllables") by cleverly avoiding all words with s sounds, which reveal the lisp she sought to correct. His midget guitar teacher, Mister Mancini, is unaware that Sedaris doesn't share his obsession with breasts, and sings "Light My Fire" all wrong--"as if he were a Webelo scout demanding a match." As a remarkably unqualified teacher at the Art Institute of Chicago, Sedaris had his class watch soap operas and assign "guessays" on what would happen in the next day's episode. It all adds up to the most distinctively skewed autobiography since Spalding Gray's Swimming to Cambodia. The only possible reason not to read this book is if you'd rather hear the author's intrinsically funny speaking voice narrating his story. In that case, get Me Talk Pretty One Day on audio. --Tim Appelo
Customer Reviews:
Put down your drink to read this one.......2007-10-13
Sedaris is hilarious, and this is his best book. The "Rooster" chapter is so funny that I couldn't read it out loud to my husband because I was almost choking from laughing so hard.
David Sedaris...........2007-09-04
...Need I say more? He is hilarious. I have many books from him and this is really funny.
WHAT A MISNOMER FOR A TITLE.......2007-09-04
Let me start by saying I am a bibliophile and will sometimes buy a book just for the look of it. I ended up throwing the book away rather than offer it to any one else. If I could have given this book something less than one star I would have given it a negative fifteen (-15). I found this book gross, crass and inappropriate. I've read books with strong language in them, but never like this one that has filthy language just for the sake of using filthy language. I wouldn't have this book in my home and am sorry that I read the whole thing, but it was a private book club choice. As it turned out no one else finished reading it. DON'T BUY, READ or OWN THIS BOOK!
Always Enjoyable.......2007-08-30
Good book. Not laugh-out-loud funny, but it is full of the kind of humor you would expect from Sedaris. Well worth the price and effort.
Hilarious!.......2007-08-19
I love this book. My copy is completely worn out - I rarely re-read a book, but I did this one. I forced it on all my friends. Very sick and hilarious!
Average customer rating:
- Great book!
- Enough About You, Let's Talk About Me: How to Recognize and Manage the Narcissists in Your Life
- Ugly Ugly Business
- learning to cope with narcissistic behavior
- In a Nutshell
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Enough About You, Let's Talk About Me: How to Recognize and Manage the Narcissists in Your Life
Les Carter
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Interpersonal Relations
| Relationships
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Psychology & Counseling
| Health, Mind & Body
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| Books
Personality
| Psychology & Counseling
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
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General
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ASIN: 0787980633 |
Book Description
Those who are in the unenviable position of living or working with a narcissist have learned by sad trial and error that they are the only one in the relationship who can change the dynamic. Certainly narcissists don’t think they need to change. Enough About You, Let’s Talk About Me is a hands-on resource for helping colleagues, families, and spouses deal with people who exhibit narcissistic tendencies by learning how to change their own attitudes and responses.
Customer Reviews:
Great book!.......2007-08-10
This book was excellent in helping me relate in a healthy way with my husband. It was very encouraging and, rather than taking away hope, restored it. I would highly recommend it to anyone dealing with someone they love who has narcissistic tendancies.
Enough About You, Let's Talk About Me: How to Recognize and Manage the Narcissists in Your Life.......2007-03-26
I am not a big self help book reader but a friend told me to read this one and she was not wrong. This is one to keep as a reference book. It is great!! Cleanly written with great examples. I have to deal with narcissists in my work place and this book has become invaluable. I recommend it highly for anyone who has to deal with narcissists in their lives. The best one I have read on the topic....
Ugly Ugly Business.......2007-03-23
Before I stumbled onto this book , I had no idea this was a pychiatric personality disorder with a name, let alone that it had a whole small genre of books about it. To say that I feel satisfyingly validated for having read this book is a huge understatement. I want to give it 5 stars just for existing.
Every single suggestion in the book that the author offers, I have tried. The main advice, in a nutshell, is to be true to yourself and your values while being as respectful to the Narcissist as you can. While I have done this, and like to think this is my main M.O., I will also add that it never provides any sense of satisfaction that you have handled a sticky situation well. The author's argument is that if you act accordingly, at least you can feel good about yourself and probably prevent making the situation worse. I say maybe so, maybe not. Part of the frustration is that you never know! Given this, I say do whatever makes you feel best (blowing your stack at them sometimes feels really good).
While I am very grateful for this book, I am not giving it 5 stars for the following reasons:
1) Lopsided Content.
Anyone who has a Narcissist in their life, is already, sadly, extremely well-versed in what the characteristics are and how they manifest. I would have liked to have seen fewer pages on characteristic description and case studies reinforcing, and way more pages on useful tips.
2) Unanswered Questions.
The author (and others in the field) feels strongly that a Narcissist won't change. While I tend to agree, a couple of questions have always gnawed at me:
Why do they not emotionally and verbally attack small children - i.e. under age 10? ....... Or friend acquaintances?
That they choose not to, clearly indicates to me that they are aware of their behavior and can alter it when they choose. It shows they don't think it is worth attacking people who wouldn't "get it." So, if they can alter themselve to fit the audience and the situation, then why can't we get them to change?
As an aside, the part in the book about Narcissists being indulged as small children during the time when they need to be taught that, although, loved, the world does NOT actually revolve around them was very helpful. It perfectly fit to explain my Narcissist. It was also good for me to read as a parent of small children.
All in all, a good book which I recommend.
learning to cope with narcissistic behavior.......2007-03-03
This was a really great book on learning to identify someone in your life who is narcissistic and effective ways of managing their behavior (and yours!!) People who are always right, whose ideas and plans must over ride all others, who manage to draw attention to themselves for every positive thing that they do (and why!!) and who somehow always manage to leave you feeling guilty and/or angry at the way the situation turns out.....these are the people that are written about in this book. The strategy for coping with and deflecting the behavior of a narcissist was well thought out and can be implemented by anyone..........it just takes a bit of thought and the refusal to join into the narcissists' game.
I felt that this book had enough detail to inform and yet not overwhelm you. The look at the "heart" (they have one!?!?) of the narcissist was thought provoking but in the end the fact remains that you can not change that person no matter how hard you want to or how determined you may be. If you keep this individual in your life for whatever reason, you must learn to recognize their behavior and manage it in order for you to live a "normal" life.
In a Nutshell.......2007-02-23
This book describes narcissists, their behavior and their manipulations. If you are forced, either by relation or marriage, etc, to be around these people, this book helps you realize that YOU are not the problem, even though the narcissist thinks everyone else is the problem, not themselves.
If you don't have to be around them, this book tells you that is exactly what you should do. Avoid these people like the plague. And reading books like this may help us to recognize and avoid these rattlesnakes in the future.
I thought this was a very enlightening book.
Book Description
'The two worst times in a woman's life is when she is 13 and when her daughter is 13,' or so goes a popular maxim in psychology circles. During these adolescent years, mothers are constantly struggling with how to handle their daughters-and themselves around their daughters. WHEN WE'RE IN PUBLIC.... is a survival handbook that discusses such important issues as beauty and body image, public behavior (both hers and moms), privileges and punishment, and sex. Written by the mother of a teenage daughter and featuring expert advice from a noted child psychologist, the book also offers simple steps to avoid disaster (i.e. before you think of dressing like your daughter, remember one word: Cher) and practical wisdom culled from numerous interviews with mothers of teenage daughters.
Customer Reviews:
99% of this book is GREAT!.......2006-08-15
I have a 13 year old daughter, and this book really resonated with me. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I already fit in the "Uncool Mom" category, but I still learned a lot from the common sense tips. I also really enjoyed the way that this book is written, with humor and anecdotes that keep you in stitches while helping you understand your daughter just a little better.
My one problem with the book was when the author recommended not teaching abstinance. I do think that it's naive to ONLY teach abstinance, but I think teaching kids that abstinance is an option is very important. By not teaching abstinance at all, but teaching kids about safe sex, what they will hear is that they are expected to have pre-marital sex. When you teach abstinance AND safe sex in conjunction, you are telling them that if they don't want to, it's a valid choice and they should feel confident in it, and if they do choose to have sex, here's how to stay safe.
Easy read with a few laughs.......2005-08-18
I am preparing for a teenage daughter (in about 3 years) and am trying to open myself up to a variety of tactics to handle those bouts of emotions. This book was an easy read and came with a few laughs, to prepare for the onslaught of teenage cruelty. The author shares her experiences with the rest of us, but it is up to us to decide what is best for our children. As an Uncool mom in training, I recommend this book to glean different perspectives in adolescent separation.
excellent with one big BUT...........2005-06-03
I really liked this book except for one thing which echoes what a previous reviewer said. teens can and do abstain. I know quite a few of them. people in the media saying that kids cant abstain so teaching abstinance leads to a downward spiral: who wants to try and do the impossible.
this aside though, this is an excellent book. I read some of the parts to my husband and we wondered if this woman has been in our home eavesdropping.
Laughing all the way to adulthood.......2004-07-24
I am the mother of a 14 year-old girl. She's a great kid, but when she went away to camp for a month and people asked me if I missed her, I said, "NO."
I'm a pretty good mom; I used to teach teenagers, and I have some clue about what this age is about. Still, Borowitz's book had me laughing out loud, and while I was laughing, some new ideas slipped in. Life post-camp is looking a little brighter.
Hilarious and helpful.......2003-12-03
Okay, I'm not a parent, let alone parent of a teenager...but I will be someday, and I'm interested, so I'm thinking about it and reading up. Here's what I'm thinking about this book:
I love it. It's wryly funny -- even occasionally hysterical -- and much of it rings true from watching my relatives bring up teenagers, being one not too long ago myself (though I didn't have some of the more extreme issues I notice in others), watching my own mom cope with me, and seeing the daily struggles between my peers and their moms when we were teens. There's a lot of "common sense" here, but don't let that statement fool you into thinking the book's useless; the best of us sometimes forget to exercise our "common" sense.
I particularly appreciate the ("common sense?") idea that moms should not fall into the trap of being "clueless" or the opposite trap of being your daughter's "cool" best friend. The best way to be both parent and friend is to be what Mrs. Borowitz calls "the uncool mom:" setting good boundaries, remaining in control, being yourself, picking your battles, and butting out when your daughter needs to manage on her own (which is more often than you think.) My own mother did a generally great job of this, and we are now what one might call "best friends" as adults -- still very much mother-daughter, but with mutual respect, friendship, and tolerance built out of (usually, and usually this was Mom's doing) handling our conflicts in a healthy way when I was a minor. This book is written by a mom who sounds a lot like mine...but even my mom could have learned something from her.
Book Description
Free of technical jargon and easy to use, this book is for speech pathologists, speech assistants, and parents who wish to teach a child how to say the "r" sound and use it in conversation. Everything you need to know about teaching a child to say and use the "r" sound is clearly shown in a step-by-step format. Each lesson builds upon the successes of previous lessons so that the child is challenged to use the "r" more often until she is able to use it in conversation. The book comes complete with worksheets, suggestions for games and fun exercises, and a certificate of achievement.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book!!!.......2007-05-20
This book actually lays out a lesson plan on how to teach your child to pronounce his "r"'s. I am most grateful. The step by step instructions make teaching this sound easy. My son for the first time is making his "r" sounds. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Review of "Help Me Talk Right" teaching the "r" sound.......2007-02-08
This book gave me a few additional ideas that I am using with 2 of my speech/language students who are having a difficult time achieving correct production of the /r/ sound. It also reinforces the techniques that I already use with other students working toward production and carry-over of the /r/ sound.
Teaching the R sound in 15 easy lessons.......2005-10-17
This book provides a step by step approach to teaching the R sound. It is simple enough to be used by a parent and also a great resource for the school based therapist.
Excellent book, my four year old son can say the R correctly.......2004-03-01
As a former teacher and stay home mom, I fully know that many speech difficulties are outgrown with time. My son was very verbal at an early age, but had great difficulty with the R and L sounds (he replaced them with a W, saying Sawa instead of Sara or Wove instead of Love). After he turned four I decided to buy the R book.
We did a few of the lessons (no pressure) and I was pretty skeptical that it would even work. I must admit we didn't even complete the book, and since my son is pretty little we were more flexible than the written lesson, I just tried to make it fun. That's why I was so surprised with the change.
The tongue placement exercise changed his world. We were watching the Christmas movie with Rudolph and Herbie the elf. We had done a few lessons (without any real signs of change) and during the movie he said HerrrRbie (instead of Hewbie). I couldn't believe it! Over the course of 3 months his R became stronger, we reminded him about 'making a muscle' with his tongue when he would attempt to say a word with an R.
He is now able to say the R no matter where it is in the word, beginning/middle/end (That came in stages...middle came first).
Just as I was about to buy the L book he really seemed to gain so much control over his tongue. He seemed to think about where he had to put it to mimmick sounds. He is pronouncing his L correctly and I feel that is largely due to the control he gained with our R lessons.
Thank you for saving us loads of time and money. I can't say enough thank you's to the author.
Excellent book, noy only for children........2002-12-28
My husband could not pronounce the letter R, as a child and teenager. This was almost resolved with many differrent speech therapists' input and his personal efforts. Nevertheless, a slight imperfection remained, which caused significant anxiety.
I helped him to correct his R with the help from this book and the results are absolutely perfect. He can even pronounce the double spanish RR, without any problems. He is now a transformed person, in terms of self esteem.
I would like to emphasize the following:
1. Although the book is simple and suitable for children, it is perfectly suitable for adults as well.
2. It is imperative that the "teacher" is as motivated as the "student", and specific time is set aside for the lessons.
3. The first chapters (production of the sound R) are crucial and very well written. Please don't do them in a hurry and pay attention to details.
4. I wish we had discovered this book earlier!
Book Description
Free of technical jargon and easy to use, this book is for speech pathologists, speech assistants, and parents who wish to teach a child how to say the "s" sound and use it in conversation. Everything you need to know about teaching a child to say and use the "s" sound is clearly shown in a step-by-step format. Each lesson builds upon the successes of previous lessons so that the child is challenged to use the "s" more often until he is able to use it in conversation. The book comes complete with worksheets, suggestions for games and fun exercises, and a certificate of achievement.
Customer Reviews:
Useful book.......2006-03-26
My 7-yr-old's lisp was pretty mild, and the pace of this was very easy for him, but he enjoyed having such easy success. And it is helping. It is certainly a lot easier and cheaper than going to a speech therapist regularly!
Excellent "do-it-yourself" manual for the motivated parent.......2004-03-10
My three and a half year old daughter had been doing private speech therapy (at $100 an hour) for her lisp for about one month before we moved to German-speaking Switzerland. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find a native English speaking speech therapist in Switzerland, so I bought this book before we left the U.S. We have completed this book and it went very successfully. There are three important things to know however: (1) don't be deceived by the "15 lessons" title. There are 15 chapters, but each "lesson" is followed by 2 or 3 practice sessions. You can only do one lesson or practice session a day. Overall I think there are over 50 days of lessons/practice sessions. (2) You must be motivated to do this. The sessions are not difficult, but you must be consistent in actually doing them on a fairly regular basis. I failed miserably at this at first until I decided to do speech therapy with my daugher every day immediately after dinner. She couldn't get dessert until she had finished her speech therapy. (3) Even when you are done with the 50 or so sessions, your child's speech will not be perfect yet. After we were done with the book, my daughter could correctly make the "s" sound when reminded to do it, but she couldn't always remember to do it. You have to constantly remind your child to properly pronounce the "s" sound. The better you are about correcting your child's speech the faster he/she will progress.
Overall this book was a tremendous help to our child, and well worth the purchase price.
Light on Lateral Lisp.......1999-03-12
My interests are in what's called a 'Lateral Lisp', where the air escapes laterally (from the sides of the tongue rather than straight out the front) during the 'sh', 'ch', and 'zh' (like measure). So if you are looking at this book for use with the more traditional lisp, this review doesn't really apply to you.
The book contains an appendix that addresses the lateral lisp, but it only has about five pages of helpful information and instructions. And although this appendix suggests that the rest of the book is appropriate for a lateral lisp, the exercises there concentrate on the 's' sound, and not the 'sh' sound, which is the problem in the case of the lateral lisp.
Although ambiguous on the point, the appendix for lateral lisp seems to imply that a speech pathologist is required for this kind of speech problem. What I was looking for was a description of some techniques and hints that might be used to correct a lateral lisp. But there just wasn't enough in this book that focused on that topic to allow me to recommend this book for those with interests in the specific topic of a lateral lisp.
Book Description
Wendy Ewald asked children a compelling question-What is the best part of you?The resulting book captures children's thoughts about their bodies in striking photographs and disarmingly honest words.Sometimes funny, sometimes moving, always provocative, The Best Part of Me is a distinguished, deeply personal book that is sure to be welcomed by teachers and parents looking for creative ways to discuss body image, self-esteem, and diversity and children.
Customer Reviews:
Inspiring Idea.......2006-11-06
I shared this book with my third grade class in the beginning of the year. Each double page spread has a child's writing (best self-edited) and a black and white photo. Since the writers were close to their ages, they could model their own writing after the writing in the book. Each child chose their "best part" to write about and then posed for a picture of their hair, feet, etc. I used a digital camera to take black and white photos. The lack of color really emphasized their work. These are now mounted on their lockers for all to see and I have never had as many comments on student writing. This book could inspire writers of many ages.
Interaction at its Best.......2006-09-17
Great book. What an easy way to get children involved with writing associated with literature. Not only does The Best Part of Me expose children to engaging prose, which they can relate to, it also gets them thinking about what they might say about their own bodies. This is an easy and instant writing project for any classroom, K-12, and the end project creates a terrific bulletin board. The book is worth every cent.
Photos that touch your heart.......2002-05-29
My wife, Marilyn, did a Best Part of Me project with one of the classrooms she consults with. The children who wrote and the shildren and adults who saw the photos and the writing about them were engaged.
Wendy Ewald is an amazing person who uses a camera as a way to learn.
knees & elbows & necks, oh my!.......2002-03-08
Immediate, poetic & bright this big book brings you up close & personal with children's feet, hands, eyes, backs, hair, elbows in award-winning Wendy Ewald's magical photos.
The poems penned by these 15 youngsters are funny & eloquent, touching & proud. As is usual with children, it's more about what they don't say as much as it is about what they do.
Bound to get kids thinking about what they like about their bodies, might even get them writing little ditties about it too! A must in a classroom or school library!
The poems & black & white photos in THE BEST PART OF ME are drawn from Literacy Through Photography, a program Wendy Ewald originated in the public schools of Durham, North Carolina.
Book Description
Fashion model Eve Dupree is fed up with being labeled 'the pretty one' while her sister's called a genius. Eve's got loads of brilliant ideas, not the least of which is the invention she's building in her garage. But when she turns to the nerd next door to help get it off the ground, she finds herself on dangerous ground.Charlie Shepherd has discovered that there's more to Eve than meets the eye. But it's not just her body he likes-it's those sexy brains of hers. Romance is a complication he doesn't need right now. The problem is, she has something he needs and he can't seem to resist her. Keeping her creation under wraps is harder than Eve expected-as is denying her attraction to Charlie. But when a saboteur starts sniffing around her project, she questions everyone around her, even her nerd in shining armor. Can opposites attract or will they ignite a fire they can't control?
Customer Reviews:
Endearing characters.......2007-09-07
Heroes in contemporary romance all stem from the common mold of Navy SEALs, bodyguards, sports athletes, billionaires and detectives. Known for amusing yet uniquely sensual "nerdy" books, Vicki Lewis Thompson's TALK NERDY TO ME managed to strike a fresh appeal with its 6-foot-5 electrical engineering hero (tall, dark and handsome of course) and fashion model with very creative aspirations building inventions. Common interests in science and technology, yet profoundly contrasting backgrounds and personalities, weld the attraction in TALK NERDY TO ME and shortly thereafter, the love. I found all the characters in TALK NERDY TO ME very endearing and the h/h chemistry crackled with a resounding electricity. The sexual innuendo in the technical jargon was generally funny and sexy too, though a bit cheesy at times. I overlooked some of the technical inconsistencies mainly because Vicki Lewis Thompson definitely has a knack for making brainy talk sound like an aphrodisiac. I really enjoyed the first half of the novel, but I thought much of the later parts in this 357-page paperback failed to maintain the first half's excitement and engagement. The resolution to the primary plot at the end was quick and empty, and I found the Where-Are-They-Now epilogue four years after-the-fact, extremely on the cornball cheesy side. Over-the-top careers were handed out to everyone in the epilogue. Much of the novel takes place over the course of one night, and it felt like a draining, episodic marathon: pizza, fix washer, take Manny and Kyle to see Rick and Eunice next door, eat, drop off Rick, block off damaged back door, make love, head over to mom & Aunt Myrtle's, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera, you get the point. The plotting and pacing are subpar, the settings deficient, the prose below average. Still, the likable, refreshing characters and light-hearted tone relays an entirely readable experience, and for half the time, an entertaining fare. The sensuality isn't bad, but Anne Stuart's INTO THE FIRE (***) still takes the prize for the most sizzling contemporary romance I've read to date (admittedly, that list is limited).
Another winner!.......2007-01-01
I love these Nerd books by Vickie Lewis Thompson. I first discovered her Harlequin titles and fell for her inventive stories and characters. She has continued that trend with her Nerd series.
Loaded With Quirky Fun.......2006-05-30
As a long-time fan of Ms. Thompson's, her latest book wasn't quite as good as my expectations for it, but I still enjoyed the story. The heroine and hero are both unique and supported by a quirky cast of secondary characters. If you are first-time reader of Ms. Thompson's I wouldn't suggest starting with this book, but do pick it up for a fun afternoon read.
Romance & Comedy.......2006-04-18
New York fashion model, Eve Dupree dreams of being an inventor. Modeling is what pays the bills; inventing is what feeds Eve's soul. Eve is currently working on a top secret project in her garage. But she needs a little help from the local nerd to get her invention off the drawing board and into the air.
Engineer Charlie Shepherd finds Eve's intellect incredibly sexy. Add that to her great looks and Eve presents Charlie with quite a complication. For Charlie has big plans. Plans to move away to pursue a goal he can never achieve in small town Middlesex, Connecticut. But Charlie finds Eve a temptation he cannot resist.
Eve finds Charlie pretty irresistible too. But someone is trying to shut down Eve's project and Eve doesn't know who to trust. She has to question the loyalty of everyone around her. Including her sexy nerd, Charlie.
Talk Nerdy to Me is my first "nerd" experience. The title caught my attention and I decided to give it a try. I enjoyed my afternoon with the nerds, Eve and Charlie. This is, however, a book that will not appeal to all readers as it is very quirky with quite a few unbelievable elements. Lucky for me, I don't let reality interfere with my reading experience.
I found Ms. Thompson's humor delightfully flakey. The characters were engaging and well-rounded. The plot, however, was a little over the top. If this book were a straight contemporary romance, I'd be completely unforgiving and unable to suspend disbelief. What saves this book is it's comedy element. Comedies allow me to accept elements that normally would cause me to roll my eyes. If you enjoy comedy in your romance, you'll enjoy Talk Nerdy to Me.
Annabelle
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
Fun characters, but the nerdy talk . . . ew........2006-04-07
Good parts: The characters are a hoot. While many were farfetched, they were believable enough to suspend disbelief and just enjoy. The book was fun, and I laughed many times.
Not as good parts: The plot behind it was kind of predictable, but that wasn't a major problem because the people were interesting. However, the "nerdy talk" during sex was just too over the top. It was just kind of . . . icky, for lack of a better word, and really turned me off the book every time I got to one of those scenes.
Customer Reviews:
A excellent book to get to know someone better!.......1999-07-05
I like this book very much because it is great to get to know someone. If you are shy on conversation or just don't know what to ask someone, this is a great book to get. This book is also great for reflecting on yourself. I really like it and I think everyone should read it at least once!
The quantity and conversational quality are unmet........1999-02-11
As a Marriage and Family Therapist I deal with couples and groups daily. "Talk to Me" provides a fun and inviting way for famillies,couples,friends etc.,to communicate. Before you know it you will end up revealing more of yourself, and knowing more about your partners.
Excellent for couples who want to get "reaquainted".......1998-03-05
My husband and I love this book. We take this book with us to dinner when the kids are not with us and make a point NOT to talk about the children and get reaquanited with each other and sometimes reminisce about our dating days. When we go out with friends who we know only on the surface we bring it with us to get to know them at a more intimate level. This is an excellent conversation starter book.... FOR ADULTS!
Book Description
Are you tongue-tied at parties, terrified by confrontation? Do you fret and worry after every conversation? This book—a sassy, nuts-and-bolts guide—teaches you to find your silver tongue and become a sparkling conversationalist. With bite-sized chapters like: "Wallflowers Anonymous (Starting Conversations, Speaking Up)," "The Old Switcheroo (Changing the Subject)," and "Shock the Monkey (Spicing Up the Conversation)," find savvy, usable tips to improve small-talk skills, speak up with confidence, and make everyday social interactions more interesting and engaging. Learn to beat that awkward feeling. Speak with your own unique and captivating voice. Look forward to casual conversation.
Customer Reviews:
Talk to Me: Conversation Tips for the Small talk challenged.......2007-03-08
Great book, good shape. Thanks.
Nothing useful or path breaking in this book.......2005-09-29
Title of the book is misleading. I thought it would help me with "small talk" but there are only 4-5 pages about that. ALL of the book is common sense stuff with nothing special to help you in small talk situations.
Useful and Interesting.......2004-07-16
This is definitely one of the best books on conversation and social interaction--and specifically, on small talk and dealing with those aspects of social life that are integral in getting what you want and creating satisfying relationships. The book is brief, but packed with good ideas and very enjoyable to read.
Average customer rating:
|
What Works for Me: 16 Ceos Talk About Their Careers and Commitments
Thomas R. Horton
Manufacturer: AMACOM/American Management Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0814477062 |
Books:
- Napoleon Hill's A Year of Growing Rich: 52 Steps to Achieving Life's Rewards
- No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II
- Now Face to Face
- Nuthin' but a "G" Thang: The Culture and Commerce of Gangsta Rap (Popular Cultures, Everyday Lives)
- Parenting With Love And Logic (Updated and Expanded Edition)
- Parents as Partners in Education: Families and Schools Working Together, Sixth Edition
- Party of the Century: The Fabulous Story of Truman Capote and His Black and White Ball
- PDR for Nutritional Supplements
- Power of a Positive Mom
- Power to the People! : Russian Strength Training Secrets for Every American
Books Index
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