Baumeister has a somewhat unusual approach among social psychologists -- rather than solely relying on surveys that supply easy numbers immediately, he gathers rambling discussions, written or spoken, and analyzes their content. He also draws on literary and historical data along with current empirical work (his own and others').

As the subtitle notes, Breaking Hearts is about the *two sides* of unrequited love. "The rejector's experience is of particular interest in this work because it has been shrouded in neglect and mystery. We shall seek to make clear what it is like to be the target of unwanted romantic affections, by relying on people's firsthand accounts of what they did and felt when they found themselves in such a situation" (p. 17). Of particular interest is the contrast between the accounts of the pursuer and the rejector as to "what really happened".

The authors look for and find commonalities among stories, AND they highlight individual statements that illustrate rules and exceptions. So we learn that, e.g., "roughly half of the people interviewed felt that...", but we also read detailed passages from individual interviews. The combination makes the book both engaging and believable. It's thorough scientific inquiry, the numbers are all here, but the subjective feel of things is presented too.

The writing's a little repetitive at times, but that's a minor detraction. Overall: quite interesting reading. Offers a new and deeper perspective than most of us probably have about something that's very commonplace.

Carefully researched and very interesting-this is a rare look into the nature of unrequited love from both points of view. Well written and insightful.

Sara Ambarian has masterfully compiled a
treasure trove of information for the bride-to-be in this beautifully illustrated book. A Bride's Touch is more than a guide; it's an indepth manual designed to help the wedding planner develop a plan, set goals and design a wedding best suited to her personality.

If you peruse through the A Bride's Touch Table of Contents you'll see that Sara Ambarian has extensively covered every aspect of the wedding preparations to help make this special day a treasured memory. The book is well organized making navigation to find the resources you need quick and easy. The book is ideal for *every* bride-to-be. One who wants to delegate many of the pre-wedding tasks to friends and relatives can simply direct them to follow the information supplied in A Bride's Touch. However, if the bride-to-be wishes to be directly involved in many, if not most, of the wedding preparations, she too, will find everything neatly packaged in A Bride's Touch.

If you know of someone who is now or will be planning a wedding in the very near future, do this person a *big* favor. Buy this book. It will be one of the most cherished gifts that she will ever receive.

With both of our children getting married in a year and a half (one last year and one two weeks ago), I needed some assistance! I found "A Bride's Touch" to be be extremely helpful and very clear in its approach. It is rich in tips and techniques and a pleasure to use. It is fairly obvious that the author has a great deal of experience in planning weddings. I recommend this book to anyone with a wedding in their future!

There are many books about Buddhism and why we should mediate, however, there are very few that describe the experience of those who meditate. This book helps fill that void. It gives insight into the daily struggles of monks in a Buddhist monastery and how they deal with the demands of monastic living as they try to free themselves of egoist conditioning.

Each of the twelve chapters is named after an aspect of the experience of monastic living, such as "Silence", "Intimate and Nonpersonal", "Compassion and the Paradox of No Escape", "Happiness", and "Solitude". The author begins each chapter by describing her own encounters with the aspect being discussed as she visited the monastery to interview the monks. Each chapter consists of one or two monks describing their experience in the monastery. These interview are mostly presented as a monologue.

The author has a pleasant writing style as evidenced as she warmly but succinctly reviews the subject of each chapter and how it relates to the goal of liberation. Below is part of her introduction to the chapter on "Solitude":

"Only when we look inward do we discover that we have what it takes to feel completely at home in the world, that we already are everything we need, that the sense of separation between us and the rest of existence is an illusion, with sad and destructive consequences."

My favorite passage on why we meditate comes from the Introduction:

"The blank expanse of wall in front of use is a reminder that the thoughts, emotions, memories, imaginary conversations, and that like that occupy us are enacted entirely upon the inner screen of the mind. Our task ... is to observe these phantasms ... long enough to see through their insubstantial nature. Once we cease to identify with our mental activity, cease to allow it to define who we are, we being to live from something that is true and deep and connected to all."

As someone who mediates every day (almost) I find that is it easy to forget why I actually sit on a cushion and stare at a wall for 30 minutes at a time. Its easy to get distracted with problems that occur in mediating instead of letting go of the problem and thus transcending it. By listening to each monk describe their daily struggles and triumphs in the monastery, I found comfort in the fact that I was experiencing the same problems that they were but also inspiration in that by working through these problems (not at them) they were able become both spiritually and mentally stronger.

I found this book a bit tough going at the beginning but it just got better and better! It tells about the experiences of Americans who practice with Cheri Huber, and they usually tell it like it is "under the skin." At first their comments seemed trivial and whiney until I realized how closely I identified with them. Then I realized what a gift they have to practice in that place with Cheri. Her own story comes last and it is definitely one of the highlights, but it helps to have seen her first through the students' eyes as almost a god-like being. She really isn't, at least in her own words.

The quality that I liked so much about this book is that it doesn't lecture AT you, telling you all the theory and the steps and the path, etc. It is much more subtle than that, much simpler yet extremely deep. What you get in the end is a feeling that a spiritual practice is not only possible but extremely beautiful and good. You almost feel as you though you've been given a kick-start into a good practice.

This book is excellently written with many enlightening stories to illustrate the authors' points about buying, selling, negotiating and more.
As someone who is toying with the idea of opening a booth in an antiques mall, I appreciated reading about the other selling options available such as holding antiques yard sales, picking for other dealers, or attending flea sales.
Although this book is not very long, it is the most helpful title I've found and is well worth its price. The authors concentrate on what the reader really needs to know: how to get started without getting in over one's head, how to buy and where (with the inside scoop on auctions and estate sales - fascinating!), how to sell most items at a profit and get rid of the mistakes, dealer discounts and possible sidelines to earn extra income.

Sara Pitzer and Don Cline map out an easy-to-follow trail of tips, etiquette, and guidelines for beginning antique enthusiasts. Even those not planning to become antique dealers will benefit from the sound advice in this book.

The chapter on auctions was an eye-opening book in itself. I only wish I had read this book before I found myself at my first auction, the dreaded estate auction. As I read this book, I cringed at the novice mistakes and blunders I made at that first auction. Ms. Pitzer and Mr. Cline are kind enough to let the reader in on some of the blunders and mistakes Don and other experts have made in the past. They point out how you can learn from their mistakes.

Thank you Sara and Don, you have taught me I can inch my way into the business. Your advice is sound, and the mistakes were reassuring. With your book, I now feel ready to face the auctions again!

This book is superior in every way. Intended to explore the university grounds from a primarily architectural perspective, the author's writing is both impassioned and objective in its analysis of the unique architectural qualities of this wonderful university. Yet despite a clear cut architectural purpose, this book also manages to provide the best single, practical guide to the university grounds available. The author organizes his well written descriptions around a series of walks, and provides in-depth information, photographs, and history for each building or site encountered. The result is the ultimate guide for newcomers exploring the university grounds for the first time, as well as for those who already know them intimately.

Students, parents, historians, architects, professors...this book is for you! This comprehensive tour guide is just what you need to stroll the grounds and surrounding area of UVA. The writing is superior; the beautiful photographs distinguish this from any other tour book of the university! Buy this for the new student OR the graduate!

Finally, an accurate account of the drug situation that took place around Miami, Bahamas and originating in Columbia. Interesting to read of the stand the Bahamian government played in all the dealings. An excellent read!

While reading the book you feel like you are there. Excellent book

Pigs and pig collectives are featured in this in-depth survey of the actual pig in fact and legend. From greased and flying pigs to pigs as pets and pig collectibles, this provides an entertaining history of the pig complete with full-page color photos of both swine and objects of art, perfect as a coffee table addition for the pig affectionado.

THIS IS SUCH A GREAT BOOK!!! I have always loved pigs and this book told me all these interesting facts. I have always loved the movie "Babe" and it is nice to know there are people out there that like pigs too. My friends who is obsessed about pigs liked this book too.

This book was great! I loved the character of Jemma, Vittorio was great. He was gentle, harsh and unrelenting but he wouldn't hurt Jemma;I like heros like that.This book was wonderfull. I read it a few weeks ago and I'am reading it again.

This is one of the best and most passionate romance books I have read so far. I like it because of the facts in the story. It tells us what happens when people gamble. The consequences of such actions. This book is based on Jemma whose brother Brian and sister-in-law Luisa die in a car accident. Luisa's cousin, an Italian Count, Vittorio, claims that he know owns Jemma and that he wants her to work for him in Italy. She has to agree. BUT Vittorio is VERY attracted to Jemma, and now that he owns her....... The thing is that you really can't tell that the hero is in love with the heroine because of his sudden mood changes and his cruelty towards her. Sure you can tell that he's marked her as his next pillow friend and that he get's very jealous when she mention's other men, but you can't tell that he loves her.

If Disney is your thing this is a wonderful book for you. It takes Disney characters and puts them into their own little Christmas stories. The stories iclude 101 Dalmations, The Little Mermaid, The Aristocats, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Winnie the Pooh, Bambi, Pinocchio, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Oliver and Company, Dumbo, A Bug's Life, Lady and the Tramp, Mickey Mouse, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tarzan, Robin Hood, and Toy Story.

Each story is enchanting in it's own way, and the illustrations are incredibly beautiful. Bring this book into your home this holiday season. You won't be disappointed.

This storybook is an elegant (complete with silver-edged pages) companion to other Disney stories. We have a 2-1/2 year old daughter who loves reading and is enjoying longer, more envolved stories. This book places her favorite characters in holiday stories that are consistent with what she is familiar with.

For example, the story of Snow White is set with the seven dwarfs during the time she is staying with them. It is easy to simply say that she stayed with them for some time before the Queen and Prince finds her in the forest.

Plenty of stories with all your favorites including Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Hunchback, etc. Each one is 10-20 pages long, so this isn't for kids with short attention spans.