Like Jackie Dial, I'm still moved by "Leah." I met Seymour Epstein only once, 1n 1978, after he awarded my first novel first place in a national writing contest. I loved his books and felt as if he were writing what Roth wanted to. Like Jackie, I'd like to know if the other Seymour is a junior and if/what Seymour senior is writing today. bhearn@pacbell.net

I found this book in my old bedroom while engaging in a hankering for fiction. It more than met my expectations, which had been somewhat blunted by a recent diet of newspaper articles and science fiction. The author not only handles words enticingly, in the manner of one who expects literacy of his readers; he adds such dimension to characters that one can no longer countenance the 2D variety that so often passes for adequacy in these times. I salute his talent, and also wonder if he is the same as (or the father of) Seymour Epstein, the cognitive psychologist. --an admiring psychologist

Thank you to Ms. Klein for taking the sometimes difficult, sometimes dry, and sometimes "mature" nature of the weekly Torah portions and making them accessible to kids. I use it with my own young children, who love the "claymation" art, and also with my Religious School third graders in my Torah lesson. If only there were accompanying worksheets or art projects! :)

In 1998, when Epstein wanted to update his book "You're Smarter Than You Think: How to Develop Your Practical Intelligence for Successful Living" (1993), he decided to add 2 rather academic chapters discussing Goleman's and others' views on Emotional Intelligence. Epstein's view is that emotions (as opposed to "moods") always occur after thinking, even if the thinking may be "unconcious" at most occasions. This view is the opposite from what others, such as Goleman write: they argue thinking come after emotions. Of course, both parties have "evidence" to back up their claims. My sugestion: the two views are useful!

The previous paragraph indicates that Epstein's book ONLY covers the "constructive thinking" part of developing emotional intelligence, and if you want a book for that, I must say that he did a great job, building on the work of rational-emotive theraphy and cognitive psychology. He includes a very interesting questionnaire which helps you to figure out how constructive your current thinking is and gives you tools to avoid boby traps of automatic thinking and to recognize typical patterns of destructive thoughts. Unfortunately, this book is too limited to be "the" book to increase your EQ in all its aspects.

This is one authentic book which shows practical ways to enhance emotional intelligence. The art of controlling emotions so that maximum benefit is derieved in daily happenings is well explained in the book. The book right through stresses the need for implementing the 'understanding' and the strategies explained are practical and implementable. The author has given a questionnaire to test the level of one's constructive thinking called Consructive Thinking Inventory.

I am drawn to the book because of its 'application-value'and to the chapter (VIII) dealing with achieving success in the workplace through constructive thinking - which is the need of the hour for all the executives and workers alike. The book also explains how constructive thinking can reduce stress and increase interpersonal adjustment, thus increasing one's emotional intelligence and control. The book has a wealth of conceptual wisdom on thinking and its effect on emotional well-being of people. One of the very well researched books to go through.

Prof.Dr.B.Janakiram, Mgmt.Dept. MSRIT.Bangalore.India

Several years ago I took a course on coping with stress and negative emotions with Dr. Epstein which used an earlier version of this book. The concepts Dr. Epstein presents in this book are powerful and life-transforming. This book provides exercises based on solid theory and research that enable the reader to unlock the potential each of us have for being happier and healthier individuals. By reading this book and taking Dr. Epstein's class, I learned to use my rational self to redirect my emotional self to deal with the events that caused me stress and to restructure my reactions to these events. Constructive thinking has helped me to lead a happier life and to deal with difficult situations (e.g., graduate school, relationships) in a much more positive and less stressful way. I recommend this easy to read book to people who want make a significant change in their lives, to academics/teachers who want to change their students' lives, and to clinicians to help their clients.

"The Magic Box: When Parents Can't Be There To Tuck You In," by Marty Sederman and Seymour Epstein (Magination Press/American Psychological Association, 2003, 32 pages. Ages: 3-7. Paperback,...) When children are faced with a parent's overnight absence, they can be frightened, angry or unhappy. Here's book that shows how families can cope with absences and even have fun with them.

It tells the story of Casey, whose father announces he has to leave town for work again. "Oh no! Don't go!" Casey pleads. Dad explains that although he misses Casey, he simply has to travel sometimes for work. Then he challenges Casey to plan what the two can do together when he's gone. The next day, Mom helps Casey locate where Dad is on a map, and, when he's particularly blue, she surprises Casey with a glittery magic box Dad left for him. The box is filled with hugs and kisses and new markers, the note says. Casey feels much better and decides to make a surprise for Daddy, too.

"The Magic Box" includes a note to parents by clinical psychologist Ann Rasmussen, who explains how temporary absences can actually be positive learning experiences when children find ways to plan for the absence, stay connected to the traveling parent and look forward to the reunion. Such skills, she says, will help kids later in life.

Although the traveling parent in "The Magic Box" is the father, this book may also help families where the mother must be out of town at times for work.

---Sonja Meyer...

In this busy and fast paced world we live in, it is becoming more difficult to keep family members connected. It is especially difficult if a parent has a job which requires a lot of traveling. Children often do not realize why a parent has to leave so often. This book provides a wonderful way for traveling parents to stay connected to the daily lives of their children. It also gives the child the knowledge that even when dad is not at home he is thinking of him.

Magic for children who miss their travelling parents!
At last a book that reaches out to children facing issues of parental separation of any kind!
I am a professional child-care provider and the mother of a four-year old. Some of the children that I read this book to have parents that are gone for weeks or days. For others, the parents are just out for the evening. But all the children who hear this book, including my son, identify with Casey and Whittnie and are comforted by the story. They are also captivated by the illustrations and are inspired to make magic boxes of their own.

Parents and teaches will find the "Notes to Parents" at the end of the book very helpful.
This book is a must for every home and school library. Definitely five stars.

Kimberly Thayer