Self Help Books

on November 2, 2011 · Leave a Comment

When we run into some sort of personal troubles in our lives, we often feel the need to consult some kind of self help book. We feel like we alone do not have enough information to take on our life’s challenges ourselves. We trust our futures to some famous person with a PHD in Psycology. We hope that they know better than us.

Having read a wide variety of self help books, I have realized that no one answer can work for everyone. Our lives and our personalities are so different. So much depends on emotions and circumstances. Also, many of these experts write very wordy books and fail to really get to the point. They often contradict their own statements as well. Sometimes real life experience is the best teacher. Although many people would do almost anything to avoid getting hurt and making their own mistakes.

In my opinion, mistakes and pain are a part of life. These things cannot be avoided. The world is not perfect and it is not realistic t expect that our lives will be perfect either. No amount of behavioral rules and PHDs will make your life error free and perfect in every way. Although it is great to dream about all that wonderful success you might have one day just by reading some book, real life tends to provide you with a much needed wake up call at some point. I think we all need that sometimes.

In the end, we all know what makes us happy. We all know what to aim for. I guess we may not always get what we want, but having enough love for ourselves will always help us get there. Before we can get what we want in life we must feel worthy of success. We must genuinly be committed to getting our way. We must have the right mind set and keep moving forward despite any setbacks that may get in our way.

Written by kosanya

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Top 5 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books

on October 27, 2011 · Leave a Comment

I’m taking a detour from the usual random off-topic ramblings I go off on and actually produce a list of my favorite science fiction and fantasy books with a very very short phrase or two explaining my reasonings. I don’t usually throw sci-fi and fantasy together, but I tend not to remember titles of books unless they are preciously memorable to me, and I came up with only 5-6…so a list of 5 it is:

Honorable Mention: DAGGERSPELL, by Katherine Kerr – Not only does it have one of the best titles in all of the fantasy genre, Kerr also manages to include the usual array of dark and light forces, daggers that glow, dweomer, elves, humans, etc. Great book, just not in the top 5 because it doesn’t fulfill my thirst for intrigue as much as the others.

(5) MAGICIAN, by Raymond E. Feist – You know the author has written a good book when it manages to crack anyone’s top five list with the main character being named Pug. Indeed, Magician is Raymond E. Feist’s best book (I don’t remember the others even though I’ve read them) where he manages to create and meld two cultures (Midkemian and Tsurani – inferences to a Western/Eastern type of conflict), magic that keeps getting better (almost unbelievably better), pickpockets becoming nobility, and etc. This creation has also led to the release of what many consider a stellar RPG (Betrayal at Krondor). And yet there’s 4 books/series I enjoy more…hmm…

(4) ELMINSTER, by Ed Greenwood – I’m not a huge fan of Dungeons & Dragons and their spinoffs, but this book, set in the Forgotten Realms world, was the book that sparked my interest in fantasy books. The book tracks the journey of a young boy, turned thief, turned into a girl, blessed by one of the many gods of magic, turned magician, and manages to keep you riveted throughout the whole process. It made me appreciate the slight flaws, both physical and mental, in character (the protagonist has a hawk-nose…which means its not the prettiest i think? and he gets in a lot of trouble). Definitely a book that incorporates much of what we think of as fantasy in a basic and exciting way.

(3) THE NAME OF THE WIND, by Patrick Rothfuss – This book was a little rough around the edges (it’s his debut novel), but I was so impressed and enthralled by the book that I almost put it at number 2. It incorporates narrative storytelling, and narrative storytelling within his narrative storytelling. It incorporates a unique system of magic, and a quest which although not the most epic, is one of the most compelling points of the book. Kvothe, the protagonist, is flawed yet majestic, the quintessential fantasy character with odd/attractive abilities. The plot involves politics, legends, dragons, but in a world that makes it all quite believable. Keep your eyes out for Patrick Rothfuss, he’s moving up in the fantasy world.

(2) THE MOON IS A HARSH MISTRESS, by Robert Heinlein – This is Robert Heinlein, and it involves Martians throwing rocks at the Earth to gain their independence. Enough said.

(1) A GAME OF THRONES (A Song of Ice & Fire Series), by George R.R. Martin – Political intrigue, crippled boys, direwolves(!), dragons, historical references (War of the Roses), one-armed swordsmen, war, war, and more war. I couldn’t ask for more, but I did, and he delivered. An author unafraid to kill of main characters, a household with the motto “Winter is Coming,” character development so deep and complex that I’ve read this book over 5 times and I keep learning more. Definitely my favorite sci-fi/fantasy novel…I just hope he doesn’t keep delaying the next book in the series indefinitey (it’s been about 3-4 years)…

And there you go, my top five sci-fi/fantasy novels… If you want to look into my non sci-fi/fantasy loves, here’s a few of them:

Ender’s Shadow, by Orson Scott Card (yeah it’s sci-fi/fantasy but it’s not as well!)

The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

First Love, by Turgenev

The Millionaire Next Door

The Alchemist I’ve linked them up with amazon for easy reviews/listings…enjoy!

Written by lotsgp

This short film sci fi book trailer is a fantastic voyage into the realms of the sci fi and fantasy writers who are published in L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 24. This short film takes you to the farthest reaches of the imagination with the best new science fiction and fantasy stories of the year. Of all the sci fi trailers this one is quite unique. The stories for Writers of the Future are selected by authors such as Orson Scott Card, Anne McCaffrey, Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, Kevin J. Anderson, Sean Williams, Tim Powers and other well-known authors in the field of sci fi and fantasy. Enjoy the fantastic voyage this sci fi short film takes you on.
Video Rating: 3 / 5

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One Author’s 12 Favorite Books

on September 29, 2011 · 25 Comments

Education of a Wandering Man

by Louis L’Amour

Author L’Amour is best known for all the Western novels he wrote, but this autobiography from him is my favorite of all his writings. Louis talks mostly about his early days in the 1930s before he became a full-time writer, his days working all kinds of jobs from mining in Death Valley to steam ships in the Pacific Ocean. He tells that one of the reasons he wanted to travel so much before settling down as a writer was so that he could experience all walks of life and meet all kinds of people to make him a better writer. Even if you’re not a fan of Westerns, you should read this book, because this isn’t a Western. It’s a story of a life well lived.

In Cold Blood

by Truman Capote

In my opinion, the best true-crime book ever written. Capote’s writing here is at his strongest, and whatever side you take on the death penalty, this book will question your beliefs. This non-fiction book looks into the 1959 murders of a Kansas family and the two men responsible for the slayings. You will never look at crime or crime stories the same ever again, the writing is that strong.

Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass

by Stephen King

Of all King’s books in his Dark Tower series, this is by far my favorite. It’s different from any of the other novels in this series in that most of the book takes a look back into the past of Roland Deschain, the gunslinger and the protagonist of the Dark Tower books. Without giving anything away, it is one of the saddest and most heartwrenching tales I have ever read. Interestingly enough, fans of the DT series are often split on this book, some loving it and others hating it because it halts the main action for a tale of Roland’s past. I come down on the loving it side.

Paradise Lost

by John Milton

This blank verse, epic poem was first published in 1667 and it concerns the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. With Satan as the main character for the most part. Yes, that’s right, I said Satan. And it’s one of the most beautiful stories ever told. Satan’s point of view comes across well in this tale, though he is still a bad guy. It’s just that he offers up his reasons for being what he is and for doing what he does, though his reasoning is futile and not always logical. If you are a Christian, you should read this story to learn a different viewpoint. If you are not a Christian, you should still read “Paradise Lost” for the beauty of the words. Also, Milton’s writings have definitely had their affect on Christianity over the last 500 or so years, and this is the place to find out just what he wrote.

Something Wicked This Way Comes

by Ray Bradbury

I don’t have children, but I do have parents, and in my opinion this novel by a science fiction great says more about fatherhood and boyhood than any other book I’ve ever read (about a thousand books at last count … yes, I keep track). But there’s also adventure here, and by today’s reading standards this is more of a horror novel (or maybe dark fantasy) than it is science fiction or straight-out fantasy. A definite must-read for boys, teen boys, fathers and expecting fathers.

Starship Troopers

by Robert A Heinlein

Military science fiction at its absolute best, but this novel is more than just action and combat (though there’s plenty of that, too). This novel touches upon patriotism and honor and machismo and all that goes along with it. If you’re one of those readers of modern military sci-fi from Baen and DAW, I suggest going back to the roots of the genre with this classic novel.

The Iliad

by Homer

Quite possibly the first classic adventure story in a written form, “The Iliad” tells of the Trojan War with the hero Achilles pretty much being the main character, though there are literally hundreds and hundreds of warriors and kings and princes and gods of all types throughout this epic tale. If you are a fantasy reader, I think you ought to check out this one. It’s an original.

The Road Less Traveled

by M. Scott Peck

It’s almost unfair to pick out this one book from those written by Scott Peck because this was the first book and it’s just the beginning of his writings and his own personal journey of faith. At the writing of this particular book, Peck is still what I would call a secular humanist, but 20 years later, book by book, he becomes a Christian. Whatever your thoughts and feelings on Christianity and secular humanism, this series of books, starting with “The Road Less Traveled” is worth checking out. You might not agree with everything Peck wrote, I know I don’t, but these books can open your eyes to a new way of looking at spirituality.

The Stand

by Stephen King

The King of horror makes the list again, and it is much deserving. “The Stand” is an epic tale for modern life. Part epic fantasy, part horror, this long novel follows both good guys and bad guys in a world that has been devastated by a vicious flu bug that has destroyed nearly all of humanity. Good and evil work against one another throughout this tale, leading to a climax that won’t please everyone but feels kind of right.

The Three Musketeers

by Alexandre Dumas

This novel has been made into a movie many times by Hollywood, but not of the films have done this story justice. And none ever will. It’s nearly impossible. “The Three Musketeers” is a complicated tale that roams all over the place and is simply too large and complex to venture onto the silver screen correctly, unless possibly a director did three movies based upon this single novel. Yes, you will find here the expected adventuring and good laughs often portrayed in the film versions, but “The Three Musketeers” is much more. There are darker tales lurking within, and tales of humility and humanity. Tales that stretch throughout all the human emotions.

Watership Down

by Richard Adams

This novel is about rabbits. I realize that sounds kind of cute and quaint, but the story isn’t. No, “Watership Down” is an epic tale on the level of Homer’s Odyssey or Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Yes, the rabbits can talk, but only to one another and some other animals. These rabbits can’t communicate with humans, so you’re not going to see something out of Disney here. What you will get is a tale of adventure, travels, life and death and struggles physical and even spiritual. Adams even created a sort of mythology for his rabbits, and a language, and it works quite well.

World War Z

by Max Brooks

The most modern of all the books on this list. Yes, it’s a zombie novel, but it’s so much more than that. Sure, there are some gross parts in this book, but emotionally and even spiritually this book goes far beyond the simplistic horrors of the walking dead. You get humor and horror, yes, but you also get hope and empathy and so much, much more. Really, this book has a bit of everything emotionally. And I really hesitate to call it a novel since it’s more of a collection of stories, though there is a theme that runs throughout. Even if you can’t stand horror, you should give this book a try.

Honorable mention – The Sandman

There’s one piece of literature I have to mention here among my list simply because I love it so much, and that is Neil Gaiman’s graphic novels called “The Sandman.” Truly, I believe Neil’s writing for this series is the best thing the English language has seen since Shakespeare, and I do not mean to exaggerate when I say it. If you are a fan of fantasy fiction, horror and similar tales, “The Sandman” series should be to your liking. Don’t push it aside just because you think it’s a comic book. “The Sandman” is much, much more than a comic book. It is sheer genius on the page.

Other book links

5 New novelists every fantasy fan should know about

5 Horror novelists you probably haven’t heard of … yet

5 Excellent books about history of the Old West

Written by jharmon
Fiction and article writer

Slideshow of the top one hundred sci-fi novels of all time (imho). I’m certain I missed a few so please post your responses/reactions/suggestions. Music: Black Wind (Electron Mix) Artist: Dhruva Aliman. Album: Hello Moon. Added it with AudioSwap.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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Our Self Help Books And Critics In Modern Life

on September 26, 2011 · Leave a Comment

You can find many advices for a happier life in so-called ‘self-help books’, which are widely sold in most of the countries these days. Many of these books are enriched insights from different psychological science based particulars on the newly developing ‘positive psychology’. Most of these books have some common themes including, personal growth, personal relations, coping with stress and identity. There is a lot of skepticism about these self help books. Another very dangerous thing we found that some of them were claim that they provide false hope or even do harm. Although there are also reasons to expect positive effects from reading such books. One very good reason is that the messages fit fairly well with observed conditions for happiness and another reason is that such books may encourage active coping. There is also evidence for the effectiveness of biblio- therapy in the treatment of psychological disorders. Like every medicine or treatment there are some positives and also some negatives consequence of self-help are a neglected subject in academic psychology. This is regrettable some time; because self help books may be the most important although not the most reliable channel through which psychological insights find their way to the general audience.

There are number of scholars they have targeted self-help claims as misleading and incorrect. In the year 2005, Steve Salerno portrayed the American self-help movement with rather ridicules way, he uses the acronym SHAM: the Self-Help and Actualization Movement not only as ineffective in achieving it’s goals, but also as socially harmful. Another writer named Christopher describes the self help books in his words that “The only way to get rich from a self-help book is to write one.” I don’t think that all of these comments are acceptable. Because there are so many self help books are available in the market which really help a person to overcome his or her personnel problem.

Despite of these critics another fact is that every year there are 2,000 self-help books published worldwide. Some are fabulous, some are indifferent and some are positively harmful. So how do you pick your way through what’s on offer? Susan Quilliam chooses her ten favourites of all time – covering every aspect of personal development from self-esteem, through love, sex and family, to supporting other people.

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

This book is known as one of the great self help book of our time. It tackles the issue of fear, particularly for women, and how fear can hold us back. The book not only focuses on fear, but also on building confidence, positive thinking and overcoming low self-esteem. Jeffers has produced a number of follow-ups that build on the concept, but Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway is the ideal book for newcomers to the self-help book scene or to remind yourself of what you may have forgotten about personal growth if you are an old timer.

Written by RoniM_29

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Top 10 Self Help Books Available Today

on September 22, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Self help books are one of the most popular genres on the market today. Everyone would like a little help now and again with personal issues, healing traumas from the past or just keeping balanced in today’s crazy world. This list is comprised of the top 10 self help books available for you today.

One 
Self-Esteem: A Proven Program of Cognitive Techniques for Assessing, Improving, and Maintaining Your Self-Esteem 
Matthew McKay, Patrick Fanning

Seeing as the initial publication in 1987, this particular guide continues to be the primary collection of practitioners and informed readers searching for an extensive self-care method of enhancing self-image, raising individual energy, and determining central values. This publication offers help to countless readers helping them feel far better about themselves, accomplish higher achievement, as well as appreciate their own life to the maximum. 
2000, New Harbinger, 3rd edition

Two 
The Anger Control Workbook 
Matthew McKay and Peter Rogers

All of the truly increasing costs of anger are very well written about: sabotaging jobs, offending family and friends, increasingly poor health, producing physical harm. Published by a pair of well-regarded professionals within the discipline, The Anger Control Workbook presents a fresh and drastically simplified method of anger management. Step-by-step activities can support a person with determining, realizing, responding to and eventually handling their aggressive thoughts. 
2000, New Harbinger, 3rd edition

Three 
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook 
Edmund Bourne

Bourne shows certain techniques for conquering issues with anxiety, panic and fears. You can find details about the suitable utilization of drugs as well as herbal medicines. This is the sensible and respected source in treating stress and anxiety. 
2000, New Harbinger, 3rd edition

Four (This is a tie) 
Children of the Self-Absorbed: A Grown-Up’s Guide to Getting over Narcissistic Parents 
Nina W. Brown

Scores of people were raised by child like, self-absorbed adults who made their kids accountable for their own emotional and physical well-being, required appreciation as well as continuous consideration, and responded with judgments and guilt whenever their tiniest need went unmet. With this easily understood book, Brown aids adults in coming to terms with the outcome of this kind of an childhood, such as inclinations to comply with the needs of others above their own needs, pull away whenever a person requires taking care of as well as their absence self-esteem. 
2000, New Harbinger, 3rd edition

Mind Your Heart: A Mind/Body Approach to Stress Management, Exercise and Nutrition for Heart Health 
Aggie Casey and Herbert Benson

Casey and Benson provide a healthy and holistic strategy for a healthy heart which includes change in lifestyle along with leading edge medical treatments. Using this system you are able to decrease your blood pressure as well as cholesterol, shed pounds, improve physical health and fitness and aid the prevention of plus control cardiovascular disease. 
2004, Free Press

Five (This is a tie) 
Why Is It Always About You?: The 7 Deadly Sins of Narcissism 
Sandy Hotchkiss

Hotchkiss describes just how to handle overbearing and egotistical individuals that are not capable of the essential cooperation which sustains wholesome relationships. Ms. Hotchkiss demonstrates the way to identify the key points of harmful arrogance: shamelessness, magical thinking, narcissism and jealousy, feelings of entitlement, exploitation and poor boundaries. 
2003, The Free Press

Stepcoupling: Creating and Sustaining a Strong Marriage in Today’s Blended Family 
Susan Wisdom, Jennifer Green

Joining together a pair of established families into just one natural whole is a task experienced by countless remarried couples in America nowadays. Diverse parenting models, financial circumstances, interactions with ex-spouses, lawful concerns — each may disintegrate your partnership unless you consistently help to make your union important. This unique and crucial remarriage handbook can assist you in making the stepcouple a basis of your powerful, contented, and flourishing stepfamily. 
2002, Three Rivers Press

Ten Days to Self-Esteem 
David Burns

Dr. Burns provides effective, distinct and thoughtful techniques to assist the reader in determining the cause of emotional swings along with how to create a far more optimistic perspective in living. This guide stresses that negativity does not come about because of the difficult elements that transpire in your life yet how you respond to these kinds of situations. Burns supplies a ten-step system to building self-esteem; the book is loaded with records, graphs and step-by-step instructions. 
1999, HarperCollins

The Self-Esteem Workbook 
Glenn R. Schiraldi, Matthew McKay

The Self-Esteem Workbook provides a training course in building self-esteem determined by fresh research studies and sensible concepts. Checklists, forms to fill in and activities demonstrate to readers exactly how thoughts, feelings, physical health, and actions effect their self-esteem. Regular check-ups enable them to evaluate their development, and remaining portions provide techniques for avoiding backslide. 
2001, New Harbinger

Six 
Blending Families: A Guide for Parents, Stepparents, and Everyone Building a Successful New Family 
Elaine Shimberg

Nowadays a lot more people in America are often a member of a 2nd marriage family than the usual first marriage family. These kinds of recently combined individuals are faced with unique dilemmas – psychological, economic, disciplinary, and social. This specific problem-solving guidebook presents solid options and contains real-life experiences by households that have already been through the adjustment phase. 
1999, Berkley Publishing Group

Seven 
Thoughts & Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life: A Workbook of Cognitive Behavioral Techniques 
Matthew McKay, Patrick Fanning, Martha Davis

This guide provides a easy and simple to comprehend discussion on ways to use the concepts and approaches of cognitive behavioral solutions to help you manage anxiousness, depression, emotions as well as develop high self-esteem in your daily living. 
1998, New Harbinger

Eight 
Getting Through the Day: Strategies For Adults Hurt as Children 
Nancy Napier

Napier offers sensible methods to coping with the prolonged implications of childhood neglect and abuse, especially dissociation, or “leaving your body and mind”. This particular survival tactic has helped countless kids make it through a demoralizing childhood, but it frequently presents difficulties in their adult years. This guide shows several successful techniques for reaching the requirements of adult life when healing the acute wounds of their childhood. 
1994, Norton

Nine 
Coping with Premature Ejaculation: How to Overcome PE, Please Your Partner and Have Great Sex 
Michael Metz and Barry McCarthy

Metz and McCarthy happen to be top authorities in premature ejaculation. This particular publication looks at a bio-psychological and multi-dimensional method of working with this challenge and support to strengthen a person’s sexual partnership. Several misconceptions of male sexual capability and men’s sexual interest can be discussed. The writers instruct on the various kinds of early ejaculation and offer diagnosis exercises for the man to find out which kind of PE he experiences. The authors recommend organized symptom-specific solution techniques according to emotional, relational, and physical methods. Created as a reference for partners, this kind of guide is a highly effective tool for generating support and beneficial improvement in your own intimate relationship. 
2004, New Harbinger

Ten 
Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping You Decide Whether to Stay In or Get Out of Your Relationship 
Mira Kirsenbaum

This publication provides a concentrated method to handle the painful decision on whether to stay in or get out of a struggling relationship — a single crucial problem at a time. The guide is sympathetic and also full of stories that demonstrate how others have reacted to comparable difficulties. 
1997, Plume Books

Written by RoniM_29

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