I have to admit to being somewhat skeptical about this book's premise. After all, most of the parenting books I've read lately tend to dwell on the importance of strict rules, discipline, and the pitfalls of being a pushover parent. Given that, what's to negotiate?

Actually, a lot of things. After a certain age, I found it physically impossible to "make" my child do anything. On the few occasions I tried, usually because of perceived lack of time or energy, the net effect was a much greater cost of time and energy for both of us. Of greatest concern to me, however, was the potential for damage to our long-term relationship. Eventually I came to realize that the negotiation approach is the only way to realize a happy, peaceful domestic life, and had been (perhaps subconsciously) using it to help my child behave more responsibly. Mr. Brown's book helped me view these interactions as part of a well-understood process, and provided me with some valuable new tools to employ. I would highly recommend it to any parent.

By the way, the techniques covered in the book are equally effective with other family members (such as one's spouse!)

Scott Brown has given my life with my children more perspective than any other book. This book is amazing, and yet, nothing in there is all that earth-shattering.

I took away from the book a few key points:

1. Keep your emotions in check.
2. Don't respond emotionally to your child, but do show your emotions (read the book to find out how!)
3. Name yours and your child's emotions
4. Truly try to understand what is going on in your child's head -- and don't guess why, ASK!
5. Involve your child in decision-making -- and this includes when you decide the consequences!
6. Persuade, don't coerce, your child to see your point.
7. Be willing to be flexible and allow your child to change your mind.

I had a revelation as I read the book that the way he talks about handling your children is how I handle conflict at work. At work, and even in my personal life (other than the kids) -- I am pretty universally known as a consensus-builder. I never force people to do what I want them to do, but I work really hard at persuading people to work with me to come up with a win-win solution for all of us. Yet with my kids, I yell at them to do what I want, when I want, how I want. I don't treat them, and their opinions, with the respect I give my co-workers and friends! How sad is that?

The best thing about the book is in the description of conflicts that we all have with our kids, and the way the same situation could have been solved using his methods. All the arguments are so accurately written that I actually laughed out loud (and was sometimes a little sad). When Brown re-wrote the scenario, using a negotiation method, it all made perfect sense. Does it take longer to negotiate? Yes. Is it really hard to keep your emotions in check? Unbelievably! But it really seems to work.

In short, buy this book. I intend to buy copies for everyone I know.

An easy read that can change the way you interact with children immediately. The sample negotiations are realistic, practical and engaging. So many books of this ilk are too preachy or verbose; not only is the book helpful, but it is enjoyable to read.

I could not put this book down until I had devoured every word! My only regret is that this is her one and only book! How I hope to see another soon! "Birdbaths and Paper Cranes" is not only humorous, poignant, thought-provoking and, at times, heartbreakingly sad, but it is a quick easy read, with lessons from her life that will enrich yours!

Each individual passes through his single experience of being human, encountering his existential moments one by one, and studying with fascination, appreciation, and wonder those with whom he is meant to involve himself as mate, parent, friend, or any of those other myriad encounters that are often altered by events(birth, marriage, suicide, divorce, career, and death), and by myriad emotions (jealousy, resentment, love, sorrow, hurt, commitment, and grief). So it is with Sharon Randall who has described all those existential moments, those events, and the emotions accompanying the days of her life in BIRDBATHS AND PAPER CRANES. This book is a boon to any parent who is not paying enough attention, not creating a record of each child's life, any spouse who is taking a marriage for granted, any individual who assumes that life will proceed unaltered and unchanged, not through stupidity, but just because that is the "way we are." This book is a wake up call for each of us to pay attention, live it well and fully, and above all, create a record for our genealogy, more precious than gold. Sharon Randall shows us how. She demonstrates through a series of her columns "Bay Window" collated from "The Monterrey Herald" that her life is a special experience, lived sensuously and lovingly, and, somehow, gives the reader pause to ponder the special moments of his life and ask himself: AM I REALLY PAYING ATTENTION?

Birdbaths and Paper Cranes is a wonderful collection of stories from a woman who has obviously lived a very colorful life. The stories are edited together brilliantly create a seamless appearance despite the fact that many columns took place over the course of months and years. This is an excellent book to share amongst family.

This is a very handsome book - of great interest for architectural buffs or historians. It pairs two great architects - Robert Venturi and Irving Gill - in a unique, engaging, and informative way. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (in La Jolla, California)is one of the finest small museums in the country, well worth a visit to see outstanding architecture as well as cutting-edge contemporary art.

This is an outstanding book for anyone interested in the work of two great architects - Robert Venturi and Irving Gill. The combination of their work at the museum in La Jolla is masterful, and this book gives a fascinating look into the museum's history and Venturi's thought processes as he sought to restore the historic "Scripps House" while expanding and modernizing the Museum of Contemporary Art. A great find - makes me want to visit La Jolla and see it for myself!

Buy this book even if you've never been to the La Jolla museum it describes. If you've been to the museum, it's worth buying to give you pause to reflect on what you've seen. This book offers both the history and theory behind Venturi's reshaping of a wonderful museum in an attractive location. Those of us who remember the museum in the old days have got to be impressed with what Venturi has done. Although this text is all too brief, it provides the illumination needed to appreciate more fully this California classic.

For anyone who struggled to understand why the nephron concentrates, then dilutes, then concentrates again the urine, this book will do much to ease your pain. Since medical school I've purchased Editions 1, 3, & 5, just so that I could keep up with my interns & residents. Here's how he does it:
#1: short book, (you know how intimidating those tomes can be)
#2: lots of diagrams
#3: end-of-chapter questions (with answers & explanations)

If you want to understand the Kidney, no matter where you are in your studies or practice, I wholeheartedly recommend this text.

Renal physiology can be very difficult to truly understand, and yet an understanding of it is essential to understanding so many aspects of physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Studying diuretics for cardio pharm is nightmarish unless you understand the physiology of the loop of Henle. Vander takes this difficult yet important subject and makes it easy to understand. The book reads extremely quickly, and the flow-charts and diagrams are amazing. I never even opened Berne & Levy for renal phys--I read Vander's book (which is no longer than B&L's renal chapters) and cruised through renal phys. I am writing this review now, a year after I took physiology, because I am now studying for the USMLE Step 1. I have not looked at Vander's book in a year, but I still remember renal phys, and reviewing it now is the easiest part of my studying (the only easy part, in fact). That is because, thanks to Vander, I actually understand renal physiology. A great book!!

For any medical student that needs a comprehensive, but easily understood explanation of the structure and function of kidneys, I highly recommend Renal Physiology by Vander. It is very well written, and covers all the basic principles that you will need to know to understand pathologies associated with the kidneys.

The book is a must read for young and old, African Americans and Caucasians, especially anyone who grew up in the South. Rev. Scott is truly one of the unsung heroes of the civil rights era. We read a lot about Dr. King and others who lead marches and demonstrations, but the stories of those who stayed in the small towns and endured the daily humiliations of a racist society are little known. Cleo Brown is to be commended for bringing her father's story to a broader audience.

Book should be on everybody Black Hitory reading list!

Wow, so much history packed into 289 pages. Cleo Scott Brown has done an excellent job of letting the world know the thoughts and dreams of her father. And what's so funny is that I live in the place that is mentioned in this book. All my life I have heard stories about what it was like to live here, from my elders, family members, friends and teachers, but no one had the spirit to put it down on paper. That is why tell all the kids that I meet two things: 1. Read and 2. Never forget your past...learn from it. This book is a must read for all those reared in Louisiana, not just the Northeast section, not just African Americans, but the whole state(all races).

A lot of unknouwn facts, and timely lessons are learned starting at page one of the book. I intend to suggest it as a book selection to other reading groups.(I must confess I read it in one day...I just couldn't put it down)

Mrs. Cleo Scott Brown, S.W.E.R.(Sistah's Who Enjoy Reading) gives your book a standing ovation.

Rosie M.
S.W.E.R Reading Club founder/president

Plant growth habit and culture notes are all too rare in succulent and cacti volumes. This expertly assembled book captures the succulent plants at their optimum phase and accurately records botanical names and growth requirements. I also utilize to accurately identify plants that I use to create living succulent wreaths. The section of 'Bringing the Desert Indoors' is a welcome invitation to indoor gardeners every where to enjoy these sculptural beauties year around.

One of few books dealing with gardening in the dry southwestern climates. Most of the book is devoted to "Plant Selector" which describes the plants, hardiness, cultivation needs, etc. Other sections deal with "Garden Design", "Techniques" (cultivation etc.), and, " Special Conditions." If you have one book on succulent gardening, this should be it.

This book is a great illustration of the 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach. Brown describes all of the many story lines that made this tournament so compelling. Stories of Tiger Woods' domination, Jack Nicklaus' final US Open; memorials to Payne Stewart and many other story lines are captured by Brown's words and telling photos.

This book is a fantastic compelation of photos and articles onthe US Open. Scott Brown has done a great job weaving the stories ofTiger Woods' domination into the many other stories from Pebble Beach.The photos from the Payne Stewart Memorial and 21 Drive Salute arechilling.

I purchased this book as a second thought, and found out I got more than I bargained for. The level of expertise and experience with God impressed me initially, but it was the depth of each topic presented by each of the authors that shocked me. When dealing with God and spiritual subjects in books, there are so many approaches, and many that are really weird, but in this book the contributing authors do much to show by scriptures and experience the reality of the need for the church to be seeking God's power, holiness, and evangelistic outreach to the human race. This is not a book of testimonies alone, but scriptures and the reality of the topics listed in the title. Another book that assisted me in certain sections of this book was I Give You Authority by Charles Kraft. Though much different in subject, it assisted me in understanding some things that are occurring in the South American churches. I highly recommend this book for one's bookself, not only for reading, but as a text book for what is happening in Christianity today.

The chapters are written by individuals from various backgrounds who are sensing the Holy Spirit drawing them into a closer relationship with God. This purity of heart has been documented in past and present revivals around the world.

This is a neat coffee table book for hockey fans. Because it's compiled under the supervision of the NHL, it isn't going to reveal anything that Gary Bettman doesn't want you to know. I did find some interesting content in it, though. It's loaded with some great photos and short essays on the daily doings of the NHL as they happened on March 23, 1996. What I mainly liked about it was that it didn't just stick with a few teams, but almost all of them appear in one part, or another. It also talks about travel, workouts, pre-game prep (including what equipment crew are doing when ESPN and Fox Sports Net aren't around), ice rink conversion, press, fans, games, coaches, the dressing room, hotels, broadcasters, Gretzky, Keenan, St. Michael's, kids, arena crews, and trainers. It doesn't give the whole picture on everything, but it's an adequate scratch at the surface.

I have been trying to find this book for sale for about a year without any luck.Maybe this note will bring this book to my possession.I am just your average Joe looking for a book that has my picture in it next to the Stanley Cup.I would love to purchase this book if anybody has it.

I find this book to be really interesting. What makes it the most interesting is that the person on the front cover of this book is me. I found this out by just happening to be in a book store and looking at hockey books. I looked under the Tampa Bay Lightning and their was my picture with my name by it. I really made me mad. No one told me they were going to put my picture in a book or my name. I don't even have a book for myself. I wish they still made them so I could have one. I feel they should have sent me a book or at least told me I was on the cover and my name was inside the book. Don't you think.

I'll be honest. The book compelled me for the most part. I couldn't put it down for the most part. I truly felt pain for poor Adam, and can't imagine going through anything like this story and still bouncing back. The only complaint I have is the book is too drawn out towards the end. Pehaps it was written to soon, perhaps the author felt the need to repeat himself 3 or 4 times. Still, once you get past this, the book is a good read and an amazing story. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to be inspired.

After finding out that Adam Taliaferro couldnt walk again ever. His father and mother urged him to push on. His spirits were high always no matter what. This is a triumphant story about courage and self-determination and a little help from some up above

This book is good for anyone whether you are a football fan or not. I personally am a football fan, and I would especially recommend this book for those football fans out there. This book is inspirational and well documented. It is also at a good price now, and it is a quick read.