Adams Media

WTF? Women: How to Survive 101 of the Worst F*#-ing Situations With the Ladies

gita — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:00:00 +0000

The first time I flipped through this book, I felt like throwing it in the trash. The humor is crude and the tone misogynistic. But then I sat down and read it more carefully (not that it necessarily requires a careful reading). And I discovered that reading it was a lot like watching the performance of a stand-up comedian. Turns out that's not coincidental, since the creator of the WTF? series actually is a stand-up comedian out of LA, as is his co-author.

I'm not a man-hating feminist. But if I took this book seriously, I'd probably turn into one. Men aren't exactly depicted in the most flattering light. Fortunately, you don't have to take it seriously. And if you're an adolescent boy I think you would find it hilarious.

The 101 situations that are depicted in this book progress through the life cycle of a relationship: from being too shy to approach girls to what to do about sex if you're a senior citizen. After each situation is described, the reader is given several options to choose from for how to deal with it. For instance, #15 is “Dating a Virgin” and the options are: 1) embrace it; 2) run; and 3) sell her because virgins are in demand.

I think there's a lot of honesty in this book about how men do feel about women. But there's also a lot of satire, exaggeration and just plain poor taste. The vocabulary used comes right out of a porn film. If I give the authors the benefit of the doubt, I would characterize the book as a tongue-in-cheek look at male-female interactions. I would even go so far as to say that it says a lot (beneath the jokes) about how clueless and frustrated men are when it comes to the opposite sex. But for those who don't have a sense of humor, it's going to come across as a manual for how to treat women like bitches and sex objects.

That's why you should be careful who you buy this book for. It would be great as a gag gift at a bachelor's party, or as an addition to your bathroom library. But I would definitely hide it from your mother.

Written by: Ellen Keim, March 12th 2011

Freak Nation: A Field Guide to 101 of the Most Odd, Extreme, and Outrageous American Subcultures

gwen — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0000

By Kate Stevens

Adams Media

As the subheading states, Freak Nation is truly a field guide to American subcultures. Its format presents each group as if it were a species of bird in a bird-watching guide. For instance, you can learn where they are typically found, what their most distinctive trait is, and how to recognize one in “the wild.” Much of this humorous book plays upon stereotypes and pokes generous fun at these subcultures and what makes them so, well, fascinating.

The subcultures are divided into the following categories: collectibles, fashion, art, food and drink, lifestyles, music, sports and games, pastimes and careers, politics, sex, society, and technology. It’s a bit difficult to determine what criteria the author used in selecting these categories and deciding whish group should be placed in each. I would argue that a great many of them would fall under the general heading of lifestyle. The entire “food and drink” section, for example, certainly qualifies as a lifestyle (i.e., vegans, macrobioticists, etc.). “Pastimes and careers” is another general heading that could include all of the sports players and fans, as well as the tattoo artists and slam poets. Qualms about categorizations aside, a great many of Stevens’ vivid descriptions had me guffawing and thinking of friends and acquaintances that perfectly fit into the various stereotypes.

Although many of these groups were already familiar to me, there were a few that were completely new or foreign to me. For instance, I had never heard of Bilderbergers, or major political and business figures from the U.S. and Europe that meet for an annual hush-hush conference. I was also unfamiliar with Bennies, who are apparently people that spend their summers at New Jersey beaches. The name BENNY is an acronym of the places from which these people hail: Bayonne, Elizabeth, Newark, and New York. Even if you do already know all about these various subcultures and groups, this book still makes for a fun, tongue-in-cheek guide to some of the more extreme and adventurous members of our society.

Written by: Shana Mattson, February 26th 2011

Love Your Body, Love Your Life: 5 Steps to End Negative Body Obsession and Start Living Happily and Confidently

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:01:00 +0000

By Sarah Maria

Adams Media

I have not had a good relationship with my body over the years. I was underweight during adolescence and early adulthood, then freaked out when I started to gain weight during my senior year of college. I also could not understand why my friends were telling me I looked fine when I felt I was overweight. After reading Sarah Maria's book, Love Your Body, Love Your Life: 5 Steps to End Negative Body Obsession and Start Living Happily and Confidently, I realize I had been living with Negative Body Obsession (NBO). According to Maria, “NBO is a condition marked by a near-constant critical rumination on one's appearance.”

Maria does an excellent job with this self-help book, taking the reader through all the steps to help her realize how she is viewing her body, and what she can do to stop NBO from taking over her life. The book follows a five step program: the first step is to step up a powerful intention, where the reader identifies what she wants regarding her body and food. The second step is for the reader to identify her negative thoughts and replacing them with positive body thoughts; instead of thinking “I am so fat,” the negative body reaction is changed to “I am inherently beautiful.” The third step involves finding the true person on the inside. The fourth step has the reader befriending her body through meditation, laughter, music, and other “healing” methods. This culminates in the fifth step where the reader lives for a purpose by focusing on the things she is good at , setting goals, and helping other people. Maria goes into great detail with each of the steps, with exercises and inspirational stories.

The tone of the entire book is uplifting, and Maria writes in a warm, inviting tone that helps the reader in this self-help journey. What was appealing to me was Maria's reference to different scientific research, such as psychology and physics : if she was referring to a particular method, such as how intentions can change an outlook on life, she backed everything up with multiple studies. All of the studies she refers to are listed in the resource section.

The steps that Maria uses to help readers to overcome body issues are helpful for other problems. I found myself tackling abuse issues from my past, which were also tied into some of the issues with my body. Love Your Body, Love Your Life definitely puts a new perspective on body image, and can be a helpful tool for anyone who has been struggling with self-image, food, and weight.

Written by: Elizabeth Stannard Gromisch, February 15th 2010

My Dad Is My Hero: Tributes to the Men who Gave Us Life, Love, and Driving Lessons

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:21:00 +0000

Edited by Susan Reynolds

Adams Media

My Dad Is My Hero, edited by Susan Reynolds is a passionately spun collection of essays about fathers. What I most appreciate about these narratives is the diversity. Reynolds' choices cover nearly every possible definition of a dad. While the entire collection moves me to contemplate not only my father, but all the male role models in my life and appreciate their efforts, I have my favorite essays in this book.

“The Day Will Rogers Died” by Kathryn Thompson Presley is a poignant story about a father struggling to raise his small daughter alone as he attempts to salvage something from the brutal dust storms ravaging Oklahoma. This story is about lending a voice to those who feel they don't have one at their worst moments.

“Ruffling Feathers” by Wayne Scheer conveys the thoughts of a son to his deceased father. The author displays how differences do not dilute the powerful feelings that exist between dad and son. This dad is dearly loved by the author, and I walk away knowing I was provided a peek into the depth of an intricate relationship.

“The Colonel To The Rescue” by Reynolds herself shows how dads do not have to be blood related. This story takes place when the author is attempting to get out of an abusive marriage. If not for a close friend's father, Reynolds' exit might have been much more traumatic.

“Daddy Versus The Golden Gate Bridge” by Susan B. Townsend makes me smile at the predicaments we get ourselves into as children. The calm words of a father bring reason to a stressful situation. And finally, “Stepping In” by Elizabeth King Gerlach tells the story of a stepfather who is inspired to be an artist and turns the hall into his studio, where he paints instead of watching sports in his off time. It is his dedication and sincere comments that lends to the author's courage to chase her dreams.

This book is full of moving essays that go straight to one's heart. My Dad Is My Hero is for anyone looking for a good, old fashion, comfy, and inspirational read.

Written by: Ann Hite, September 12th 2009

A Cup of Comfort, Women of the Bible Devotional: Daily Reflections Inspired by Scripture's Most Beloved Heroines

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:09:00 +0000

Edited by James Steward Bell, Susan B. Townsend

Adams Media

Let’s face it, regardless of our daily routines or obligations we can all use a bit of comfort from time to time. As such, I would strongly recommend A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional, which I found to be less of a daily devotional and more of a mystical adventure. It seemed that each day’s message had been distinctly crafted just for me. There was always something valuable in the words that were shared—whether via the narratives or the quotes that lingered with me as I tended to the myriad of responsibilities that clamor for my attention each day.

This is actually one book that you can judge by its cover. True to its name, this daily devotional provides comfort and inspiration to a world weary soul, supplying the ideal amount of biblical wisdom to get your day started on the right foot. What I found particularly endearing about this devotional is the fact that it is the heroines of the Bible whose wisdom and experience is highlighted and presented. Prior to becoming a Christian I explored nearly every other mystical path out there: Sufi mysticism, New Age philosophies, Kabbala, Wicca, Buddhism, Taoism, and (she states somewhat shamefully) Hedonism.

What I enjoyed most about exploring these other paths was the central theme that allowed for focus on devotion to the balance of life, the essential connection between yin and yang, light and dark. Until I began reading this devotional I wasn’t able to see that Christianity also offers the balance of opposing forces. With each passage I was able to recognize the value of the feminine aspect of Christianity, which was something that had not been apparent to me via the most widely available Christian materials.

The reflections on life provided by the various contributors helped me to appreciate the wisdom that can be gleaned from the trials and tribulations that we all face. It is in difficult times that we often learn our most valuable lessons. If there was no dark, how could we recognize the light? It is the chiaroscuro of life’s travails that gives us our depth. Just as with a work of art, it is the light, the dark, and the myriad of shades in between that give feeling to the experience and texture to our vision.

Although I can’t say that it happens often, there have been times in my life that are akin to a fresh glass of lemonade on a hot summer’s afternoon: those moments of peace, when there are no proverbial fires to put out, no one screaming mommy, and no deadlines to meet. This is exactly where this particular devotional brings me: to a warm summer’s afternoon, with a fresh glass of lemonade in hand, a day’s work complete and time to reflect upon and marinate with all that has unfolded.

Written by: Susan G. Reyes Vasquez, September 8th 2009

My Mom is My Hero

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:11:00 +0000

Edited by Susan Reynolds

Adams Media

If you're searching for a warm, soothing bowl of soup for the soul, look no further. This collection of lovely essays on the importance of mothers is sure to strike a chord with every reader. Each of the fifty authors of My Mom is My Hero has contributed a very personal piece, describing key events, special memories, or extraordinary displays of love from Mom. Universal motherly themes emerge, such as nurturing, encouraging, giving, and forging life paths.

The contributors are diverse, including men and women of a variety of ages, representing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Each story is unique, enhancing the reader's understanding and appreciation of mothers. Some essays are uplifting, such as Kathryn Godsiff's "The Care Package Queen," which chronicles the author's mother's undying efforts to send goodies, no matter the distance. Others are inspirational, like "The Writing Desk," Charles W. Sasser's story of his family's lifestyle as cotton pickers and how his mother's sacrifices paved the way for him to become a writer. Still others are humorously bittersweet, including "There is No Such Thing as a Perfect Vacuum" by Chavawn Kelley, which will have readers smiling with nostalgia at the images of Sunbeam mixers and Electrolux vacuum cleaners.

What surprised me most about My Mom is My Hero was the variety of points of view and experiences it provides. I expected a collection of feel-good stories about the love of mothers, and I thought that was where it would end. But this book is so much more than that. Mothers are undoubtedly in the spotlight, but others receive standing ovations as well, including grandmothers, fathers, other relatives, and neighbors. In addition, we get candid looks at the life inside the writers' minds and families. Reading about how the writers and their mothers coped with tough situations and individuals is enough to get us on our feet, ready to take on the world. A great gift for Mom, or for yourself!

Written by: Amanda Moss, August 28th 2009