I'm about half-way through this book, and I can't put it down. I found it on the bookshelf of a friend who barely remembered having purchased it and who had never read it.

I had never before heard of the concept of counter-dependency, but I intuitively knew of its existence. While the copy I'm reading is plagued with editing mishaps, the authors have grabbed my attention with their colloquially informational style that presents not only a logical case for their theories but also a guide for continued personal growth.

This chance discovery comes at a time when I'm beginning to try my under-developed, 34-year-old relationship wings, and while I'm still afraid to "let go" as much as the book encourages, I'm excited to continue my journey of personal discovery with this book as my guide for the next leg of the trip.

Wolinsky states this book was written at the level of non-therapists. Much like "Trances People Live" Wolinksky describes hypnotic trances we create as children that unconsciously influence us throughout our lives. Wolinsky describes the trances of: age regression, futurizing, disconnecting, blocking out, illusioning, confusion, spiritualizing, amnesia, and trance dreaming. He gives strategies for uncovering and diffusing these trances.

I am totally into this author. I have read the 20th Anniversary Edition of "Mommie Dearest" over and over. This book has some more brief stories of Mommie, which I could listen to all day. Christina has definitely done her homework for this book, with extensive research and her own firsthand experience. Anyone looking for recommendations for Self Help books should surely give this book a try.

The book was not as good as I thought it to be. It does have some good inspirational ideas but it does not have much instruction or recipes for the beginner. I would recommend it if you can teach yourself and use the book for a few pictures.

Disillusionment is a bad thing.

It really is.

My opinion of George Rodrigue has slipped so far below respect as to be sloshing about in a sewage drain that empties its contents somewhere near to a cemetery.

Now that I know more than I should ever want to about this very simple, and very trendy artist, I find that my opinion of his actual work, his art, has changed.

Quite simply, I now see George Rodrigue as a trite dabbler in colors and emotionless boredom who's sole ambition is to make money.

Then again, the creators of Barney the Dinosaur and the Tela-Tubbies are inspired by just the same motivation and I don't see anyone criticizing them for it.

Perhaps I am being too hard.

To Barney the Dinosour, George Rodrigue, and the Tela-Tubbies, I express my most profound apologies.

This is a great book that showcases a terrific regional artist. Rodrigue's best Blue Dog work is found here (IMO) as well as wonderful Cajun lanscapes. If you are looking for "Pop Art" pick up Blue Dog Man, not this. This is regionalist work, and it is excellent.