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source of evaluation. Descriptions without quotation marks represent Dr. Morris'
commentary.
Beyond Anger: A Guide for Men: How to Free Yourself from the Grip of
Anger and Get More Out of Life - by Thomas Harbin
"Free of fancy doctor talk and complicated theories,
Beyond Anger talks to men in everyday language and provides a wealth of
important resources. It is an invaluable guide for the many men struggling to
come to terms with their inner battles and to take positive action, and for
everyone who has an angry man in their life." I've recommended this book to
many men who wouldn't ordinarily even acknowledge their anger, but after reading
Harbin's approach have developed great insight into their emotional experience
and began to make changes in their lives that effect not only those they love,
but improve their day-to-day living."
The Dance of Anger: A Woman's Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate
Relationships - by Harriet Lerner This
book is a " renowned classic that has transformed the lives of millions of
readers. While anger deserves our attention and respect, women still learn to
silence our anger, to deny it entirely, or to vent it in a way that leaves us
feeling helpless and powerless. In this engaging and eminently wise book, Dr.
Lerner teaches women to identify the true sources of our anger and to use anger
as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting change." As a psychotherapist,
who has worked extensively with women, I my highest of book recommendations to
my clients are written by Dr. Harriet Lerner. This book is among the best,
particularly for women, as it recognizes that anger has traditionally been an
emotional expression socially sanctioned for males only. If you're feeling angry
inside, this book is for you. It will help you see your anger in a new light,
one of value and insight, rather than something that needs to be
suppressed. Also available as audiotape or as an e-book.
It's Perfectly Normal:
Changing Bodies, Growing Up, and Sexual Health - by Robbie
Harris Perhaps the best book available for pre-teens [ages
10-14] and their parents. Based on the principles of healthy sexuality, this
book presents sexual information to pre-teens with diversity, appreciation for a
variety of sexual values, and solid factual information. A great book for
parents and pre-teens to read together. It provides an opportunity for parents
to address questions and clarify sexual values and beliefs.
The
Period Book: Everything You Don't Want to Ask (but need to know) - by
Karen Gravelle & Jennifer Gravelle
"This user-friendly book about
menstruation and puberty doesn't just give the facts, ma'am: it addresses many
private worries that girls may have a hard time talking about and offers truly practical
tips that most girls have had to figure out for themselves -- the hard way.
Light-hearted cartoon illustrations help keep the tone sympathetic and upbeat."
I bought it for one daughter (who doesn't like to admit that she's curious about
her sexuality) and the other picked it up (this one has endless questions about
her body and sexuality). It's an upbeat book that answers many questions you
wouldn't even think to explain to your pre-pubescent daughters. A great resource
for parents of girls and the girls themselves.
For Parents
Everything You Never Wanted Your Child to Know about Sex, but Were Afraid
They'd Ask - by Justin Richardson and Mark Shuster
"Thoroughly researched, extremely well written and
chock-full of personal stories from parents, this 'survival guide' should be
required reading for any parent who believes in being open about these touchy
issues." A brand new book on the market to help parents figure out how to
talk to their kids about sexuality. A great resource for information about
sexuality and development (you may even learn something).
For Adults
The Guide to Getting it
On! (The Universe's Coolest and Most Informative Books About Sex)- by Paul Joannides
If
you thought you knew it all, this book is for you. Filled with information, and
presented in a light-hearted, but respectful manner, this book will offer plenty
of laughs along with some truly insightful guidance. I only recommend it to my
best friends, clients, and other people I care about. A must for any adult
whether you're alone, with a new partner, or have been with your partner for a
long time. It covers all the bases (no pun intended). After exploring the book
you may find some specific interests that really turn you on. You can use the
search box at the top of this page to find books on specific aspects of
sexuality.
Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man - by
Dan Anderson and Maggie Berman
"Who
is best equipped to give sex tips to heterosexual women about how to please a
man in bed? Why, gay men, of course. Who would know better than gay men what
makes men happy? Dan Anderson (gay) and best friend Maggie Berman (straight)
have collaborated on this how-to book for women who feel that their lovers are
afraid to ask for what they want." Geared specifically for women in
heterosexual relationships, this one gives us insight into the male body that is
beyond what we could have learned for ourselves or from other women."
Why Marriages Succeed and Fail . . And How You Can Make Yours Last - by John Gottman A seminal text for marriage and family therapists, but
readable and logical enough for anyone who's interested in improving their
marriage, "psychologist John Gottman has spent 20 years studying what makes
a marriage last. Now you can use his tested methods to evaluate, strengthen, and
maintain your own long-term relationship. . . .Dr. Gottman tells you how to
recognize attitudes that doom a marriage -- contempt, criticism, defensiveness,
and stonewalling -- and provides practical exercises, quizzes, tips, and
techniques that will help you understand and make the most of your relationship.
You can avoid patterns that lead to divorce, and -- Why Marriages
Succeed or Fail will show you how." Some people like the tests, other's
don't. After reading the book, you probably won't need the tests to figure out
where the problems lie and what you can do to fix them.
Born for Love: Reflections on Loving - by Leo Buscaglia One of my favorites and an easy read. Leo Buscaglia can make
anyone feel good about themselves and people they love with a realistic view of
the meaning of love. "The man who first brought love to
the classroom offers a postgraduate course for people in every kind of
relationship and for those who yearn for love. In powerful short takes, Leo
Buscaglia turns the light of his wisdom on every facet of the priceless jewel of
love and discusses: Love that is more than a comfort zone; Creating an 'Us'
without destroying the 'Me;' The value of differences, and so much more. These
challenging lessons in loving will enrich your life for as long as you
live."
Passionate Marriage: Love, Sex, and Intimacy in Emotionally
Committed Relationships - by David Schnarch "Living in a "dead"
relationship? Want to make it more passionate? More intimate? More loving?
Schnarch (Constructing the Sexual Crucible, Norton, 1991) takes the reader
behind the scenes as couples describe similar feelings as well as their explicit
sexual encounters during dramatic therapy sessions. The book is divided into
three sections. The first section gives the reader a framework for understanding
his or her existing relationship so that it can grow. The second section gives
detailed instructions on ways to make sex better and more intimate. The last
chapters show how sex and intimacy operate together in marriage." David
Schnarch is a well-known and well-respected researcher and practitioner in the
field. This book will provide a valuable resource for anyone interested in
bringing passion into their relationships."
The Seven
Principles to Making Marriage Work - by John Gottman & Nan Silver "Gottman debunks many myths about divorce (primary among
them that affairs are at the root of most splits). He also reveals surprising
facts about couples who stay together. They do engage in screaming
matches. And they certainly don't resolve every problem. "Take Allan and
Betty," he writes. "When Allan gets annoyed at Betty, he turns on
ESPN. When Betty is upset with him, she heads for the mall. Then they regroup
and go on as if nothing's happened. Never in forty-five years of marriage have
they sat down to have a 'dialogue' about their relationship." While this
may sound like a couple in trouble, Gottman found that they pass the love-lab
tests and say honestly that "they are both very satisfied with their
relationship and they love each other deeply. Through a series of in-depth
quizzes, checklists, and exercises, similar to the ones he uses in his
workshops, Gottman provides the framework for coping with differences and
strengthening your marriage. His profiles of troubled couples rescued from the
brink of divorce (including that of Rory, the out-of-touch doctor) and those of
still-happy couples who reinvigorate their relationships are equally
enlightening"
After
the Affair: Healing Pain and Rebuilding Trust when a Partner has been Unfaithful
-by Janis Abrams & Michael Spring "After the
Affair is the first book to help readers survive this crisis. Written
by a clinical psychologist who has been treating distressed couples for 22
years, it guides both hurt and unfaithful partners through the three stages of
healing: Normalizing feelings, deciding whether to recommit and revitalizing the
relationship. It provides proven, practical advice to help the couple change
their behavior toward each other, cultivate trust and forgiveness and build a
healthier, more conscious intimate partnership." Clients love this book. It
really puts the experience into perspective for both partners and provides solid
advice about making choices while moving forward.
Surviving Infidelity: Making Decisions,
Recovering from the Pain - by Rona Subotnik & Gloria Harris "What
Now? Not all extramarital affairs are the same, nor do
they all call for the same response. In Surviving
Infidelity, therapists Rona Subotnik and Gloria
Harris examine: 1) The different kinds of affairs (and
why they happen); 2) The effects of an affair on the
marriage; 3) Strategies for coping with hurt and
betrayal; 4) Life after an affair-from deciding whether
to continue the marriage to undertaking the challenge of
rebuilding it; 5) The Importance of sincere apologies,
communicated with empathy, in re-establishing a couple's
relationship. Drawing on their clinical experience,
Subotnik and Harris offer a nonjudgmental and
compassionate look at infidelity from the spouse's point
of view, emphasizing practical approaches to recovery.
Their work is bringing new hope to couples who confront
these painful issues."
Crazy
Time: Surviving Divorce - by Abagail Trafford
A book that's stood the test of time. Written nearly two decades ago,
this book explains the emotional process of going through divorce.
Everyone who's been there can relate to some portion of book. A must
read for anyone anticipating or going through divorce. It puts things in
perspective and offers hope and guidance.
Mom's
House, Dad's House: Making Two Homes for Your Child - by Isolina Ricci
"Mom's
House, Dad's House guides separated, divorced, and remarried parents through
the hassles and confusions of setting up a strong, working relationship with the
ex-spouse in order to make two loving homes for the kids. This expanded and
revised edition (the book was originally published in 1980) includes emotional
and legal tools, as well as many reference materials and resources. As one
parent said of the first edition, 'This book is my friend.' " - And a
friend to your children, too!
Joint Custody with a Jerk - by Julia
Ross & Ross Corcoran
"This hands-on, practical guide
offers many proven communication techniques that will not only help readers deal
with a difficult ex-husband to ex-wife by describing examples of common
problems, but also teach them how to examine their roles in these sticky
situations."
Misconceptions:
Truth, Lies, and the Unexpected on the Journey to Motherhood - by Naomi Wolf
"Naomi has done her research, and she doesn't sugar-coat
anything in this impressive work. Birthing in the United States has indeed
become medicalized, and it was refreshing to uncover the straight facts, even if
they are a little frightening. Most birthing women in the U.S. find that they
are ignored by their health care practitioners and rendered powerless during
their births, often receiving unnecessary medical interventions that take the
birthing experience and power away from women and hand it over to physicians.
This certainly isn't a new revelation--our male-dominated American society has
for many years taken power away from birthing women by making them feel
dependent on their male physicians for birthing expertise."
The Price of Motherhood
- by Ann Crittenden
"In the pathbreaking tradition of Backlash and The Second Shift,
this provocative book shows how mothers are systematically disadvantaged
and made dependent by a society that exploits those who perform its most
critical work. Drawing on hundreds of interviews and the most current
research in economics, history, child development, and law, Ann
Crittenden proves that although women have been liberated, mothers have
not.
The costs of motherhood are everywhere apparent. College-educated women
pay a "mommy tax" of over a million dollars in lost income when they
have a child. Family law deprives mothers of financial equality in
marriage. Stay-at-home mothers and their work are left out of the GDP,
the labor force, and the social safety net. With passion and clarity,
Crittenden demonstrates that proper rewards for mothers' essential
contributions would only enhance the general welfare. Bold, galvanizing,
full of innovative solutions, The Price of Motherhood offers a
much-needed accounting of the price that mothers pay for performing the
most important job in the world."
Growing a Girl: Seven Strategies for Raising a Strong, Spirited Daughter
- by Barbara Mackoff
"In the post-women's movement period of the 1990s, many
parents, even those committed to gender equity, are "amazed" at the
seemingly inborn differences between the genders. And most parents
committed to raising their children free from gender bias give up when
the kids are in preschool. Barbara Mackoff, in Growing a Girl,
takes to task these postfeminist ideas. She stresses that, instead of
focusing on gender, parents should see children in terms of their
individuality, while at the same time wearing "gender glasses" and
teaching their daughters to be aware of society's gender biases. Mackoff,
a consulting psychologist, suggests the concept of "equalist" parents,
who create equal opportunities for their daughters in a loving,
supportive way. Mackoff gives readers specific, valuable tools for
raising spirited, strong daughters and helps parents teach their
daughters to enjoy being girls without limiting the opportunities that
lie beyond society's gender bias."
Raising a Son: Parents and the Making of a Healthy Man - by Don
Elium & Jeanne Elium
"In this wide-ranging volume, the Eliums (he is a
marriage, family and child counselor; she leads support groups) explore
both sides of the nature vs. nurture argument. They believe that the
male sex hormone testosterone is the root of both male development and
behavior. They also emphasize the need boys have for a strong male role
model. Some of their discussions may strike readers as too New Age or
vague to be of use, but still, there is solid information here. What the
authors do best is to illustrate how both mothers and fathers need to
set limits for their sons and enforce those limits when necessary. They
do this by citing examples and case studies, which will stir recognition
in many families. The authors remind parents that they, too, will have
to undergo some self-examination and changes of attitude in dealing with
their sons. A handy index of publications, networks, and organizations
that can help parents is appended. The Eliums' book may not be the final
say-so in child-rearing, but it's an interesting signpost along the
way."
Adolescence
Ophelia
Speaks: Adolescent Girls Write about Their Search for Self - by Sara Shandler
"At age sixteen, Sara Shandler read Mary Pipher's Reviving Ophelia, the
national bestseller that candidly explored the unique issues that challenge
girls in their struggle toward womanhood. Moved by Pipher's insight yet driven
to hear the unfiltered voices of today's adolescent girls, Shandler yearned to
speak for herself, and to provide a forum for other Ophelias to do so as well.
A poignant collection of original pieces selected from more than eighthundred
contributions, Ophelia Speaks culls writings from the hearts of girls
nationwide, of various races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ranging
in age from twelve to eighteen, the voices here offer a provocative and
piercingly real view on issues public and private, from body image to boys,
politics to parents, school to sex. Framing each chapter are Shandler's own
personal reflections, offering both the comfort of a trusted friend and an
honest perspective from within the whirlwind of adolescence. In these pages, you
will see your best friend, your daughter, your sister--and yourself. At once
filled with heartbreak and hope, in these pages Ophelia speaks."
Get Out of My Life, but first could you drive me and Cheryl to the mall?:
A Parent's Guide to the New Teenager -by Anthony Wolf
"When Anthony E. Wolf's witty and compassionate guide to raising
adolescents was first published, its amusing title and fresh approach won it
widespread admiration. Beleaguered parents breathed sighs of relief and
gratitude. Now Dr. Wolf has revised and updated his bestseller to tackle the
changes of the past decade. He points out that while the basic issues of
adolescence and the relationships between parents and their children remain much
the same, today's teenagers navigate a faster, less clearly anchored world.
Wolf's revisions include a new chapter on the Internet, a significantly modified
section on drugs and drinking, and an added piece on gay teenagers. Although the
rocky and ever-changing terrain of contemporary adolescence may bewilder
parents, Get Out of My Life gives them a great road map."
Ophelia's Mom: Women Speak Out about Loving and Letting Go of Their
Adolescent Daughters - by Nina Shandler and Sara Shandler
""Why do I hurt so much when she pulls away?" "What did I do wrong?" "Are we
ever going to be friends again?" "Why is she friends with that sleaze and dating
that fungus?" "I know I'm supposed to let her go, but I don't know how and I'm
terrified." From the mother of the author of the bestselling Ophelia Speaks,
this is the first book in which mothers of adolescent girls speak out about how
the changes in their daughters' lives are prompting cataclysms in their own.
Reviving Ophelia and Ophelia Speaks explored the painful challenges faced by
teen girls. But where's the support for the mothers of those teen girls? In
Ophelia's Mom, Nina Shandler, Ed.D., gives the mothers the chance to speak out
about feelings and uncertainties too often considered taboo. Culled from written
submissions and interviews with hundreds of women from all walks of life and
from every part of the country, the concerns voiced in these pages reflect the
universal experience of mothers facing one set of life changes while their
daughters are facing another. With humor, pathos, insight, rage, sadness, joy,
and ultimately, optimism, these mothers talk candidly about rejection and
separation, feminism versus Girl Power, love and sex, friends, school, drugs and
alcohol, divorce, menstruation and menopause, the mother-daughter bond, and much
more. As these mothers reveal how this life passage has reshaped them as
well as their children, you'll realize that you're not crazy, and you're
certainly not alone in your frustration, confusion, and exhilaration over
raising an adolescent daughter."
Uncommon Sense
for Parents with Teenagers -by Michael Riera
"This question-and-answer book helps parents understand and cope with
issues of modern teenage life: alcohol, drugs, and parties; academics; sex;
eating disorders; homosexuality; divorce and remarriage - while encouraging
parents to move from being their child's manager to being their consultant. The
author's upbeat, unpatronizing approach to teenagers promotes true communication
and understanding between parents and teens."
What
to Do When Kids are Mean to your Child- by Elin McCoy
Why is Everybody
Always Picking on Me: A Guide to Handling Bullies - by Terrence Webster-Doyle
Helping
the Child Who Doesn't Fit In: Deciphering the Hidden Dimensions of Social
Rejection - by Stephen Nowicki & Marshall Duke
Odd Girl Out: The
Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls -
by Rachel Simmons
"Although
more than 16 years have passed, Rhodes Scholar Simmons hasn't forgotten how she
felt when Abby told the other girls in third grade not to play with her, nor has
she stopped thinking about her own role in giving Noa the silent treatment.
Simmons examines how such 'alternative aggression' where girls use their
relationship with the victim as a weapon flourishes and its harmful effects.
Through interviews with more than 300 girls in 10 schools (in two urban areas
and a small town), as well as 50 women who experienced alternative aggression
when they were young, Simmons offers a detailed portrait of girls'
bullying." A new book on an old problem. An important read for parents of
daughters, and even the daughters themselves.
Childhood Disorders
The
Explosive Child - by Ross Greene
Help Me I'm
Sad - by David Fassler & Lynne Dumas
Recovering from Depression: A
Workbook for Teens - by Mary Ellen Copeland & Stuart Copans
Preventing
Childhood Eating Problems - by Jane Hirshmann & Lela Zaphiropoulous "This book offers a common-sense, relaxed approach to healthy eating
for children of all ages. The authors present evidence that children will
naturally self-regulate their eating if rigid rules are not imposed upon them.
They also address parents' most common concerns such as when, what, and how much
kids should be eating, how to handle peer pressure, the sugar controversy,
body-image problems, special situations, and eating disorders. This book will
help both parents and children make peace with food." An excellent resource
for parents who struggled with food or weight issues in their lives. It helps
provide a sound method of allowing children to rely on their bodies to regulate
food intake and evade the power struggles that can lead to eating disorders
later in life.
Breaking the Patterns of Depression -
by Michael Yapko
Depression Workbook: A Guide for Living with
Depression and Manic Depression -by Mary Ellen Copeland
I Don't Want to
Talk about It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression - by Terrence
Real
When Someone You Love is Depressed: How to Help Your Loved One
Without Losing Yourself - by Laura Epstein Rosen & Xavier Francisco Amador.
"Through
compelling real-life stories and step-by-step advice, the authors offer methods
of protecting relationships from depression's destructive impact. 262 pages,
paperback, 1997" ISBN 0-684-83407-3
When Bad Things Happen to Good People - by
Harold Kushner
A classic book, now 20 years old, but
nonetheless compelling. Sometimes life is not fair. "
On Death and Dying - by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
"One
of the most important psychological studies of the late twentieth century, On
Death and Dying grew out of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's famous
interdisciplinary seminar on death, life, and transition. In this remarkable
book, Dr. Kübler-Ross first explored the now-famous five stages of death:
denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Through
sample interviews and conversations, she gives the reader a better understanding
of how imminent death affects the patient, the professionals who serve that
patient, and the patient's family, bringing hope to all who are involved."
Beginning
to Heal: A First Book for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse - by Ellen Bass &
Laura Davis
The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women and Men Survivors of
Child Sexual Abuse - by Laura Davis
The
Sexual Healing Journey - by Wendy Maltz
Sexual Abuse and Eating
Disorders: A Clinical Perspective - edited by Mark Schwartz & Leigh Cohn "The complex relationship between sexual abuse and eating disorders is
explored in chapters on: prevalence, prevention, clinical perspectives, and
treatment strategies. Featuring a first-person prologue by a woman who was
sexually abused as a child and then developed an eating disorder, the book
closes with an epilogue outlining the controversial subject of "false
memory syndrome." Covers body image disturbance, medical presentations, a
feminist psychodynamic approach to treatment, dissociation, reenactment, and a
dialogue on revictimization and backlash."
What About Me?
A Guide for Men Helping Female Partners Deal with Childhood Sexual Abuse - by
Grant Cameron
Stop Walking on
Eggshells: Coping When Someone You Care about Has Borderline Personality
Disorder - by Paul Mason, Randi Kreger, & Larry Siever
The Stop Walking on Eggshells Workbook: Practical
Strategies for Living With Someone Who Has Borderline Personality Disorder - by
Randi Kreger & James Paul Shirley
Lost
in the Mirror: An Inside Look at Borderline Personality Disorder - by Richard
Moskovitz
New Hope for People with Borderline Personality
Disorder: Your Friendly, Authoritative Guide to the Latest in Traditional and
Complementary Solutions - by Neil Bockian, Nora Elizabeth Villigran, &
Valerie Porr
