This book is wonderful, and I hate to hear that it's out of print. There's a little bit of Sheila to be found in all us girls, even though some of us would never admit it. Laughs are everywhere in this book--Parent has a way with words that makes Sheila seem all too real.

Sheila, darling, I miss you. I see you're out of print, and,boy, what a shame. Such a sad thing to happen to such a nice Jewishgirl. You embodied (and a nice body, what do you mean fat) the angst of all women who don't resemble Barbie Doll. I watched your mother plotz, I listened to you kvetch, and I empathized with your ever-postponed plan to commit suicide because no man would propose (even though you demonstrated you could cook and clean and do things in bed that nice Jewish girls weren't supposed to do). Who could resist your opening paragraph? "A few years ago, on the East Side of Manhattan, not far from Bloomingdale's, a man set up a business where he sold diet shakes, delicious chocolate milk shakes having only seventy-seven calories. Well, I tell you, fat young girls came from near and far and lined up around the block at lunchtime. Only seventy-seven calories and such heaven! I was one of the ones that had two for lunch every day..."

This is such a great book! I read it years ago, loved it, then lost my copy of it. I looked for it online, and was thrilled to find it again. This is a book that appeals to women of all ages, my mom loves the movie (you can't find that anywhere, either). I've told my daughter about it, because we both love the Bridget Jones books. (Helen Fielding & Gail Parent are very talented women). I am excited to hear that there will be a sequel, I have something to look forward to!

This book explains in simple terms the benfits and general information of newborn massage. It contains pictures and an excellent description on the different newborn massage strokes.

While difficult to find, this book is pure pleasure to read. A truly funny and insightful story of a woman whose biological clock is ticking. The OB/GYN sit-in and the great sex boycott are just two examples of why this is a must-read for any mature woman who'd like a good laugh.

Gail Parent is a fantastic writer. She always makes me laugh and my girlfriends and I fly through her books. There are several pages in the book you'll want to 'mark' to re-read to your friends/husband/boyfriend. Very good read!

Boy was it a relief finally reading a book that was so full of common sense and good advice. I'll definately use this stuff with my 5-year old and 8-year old. I learned stuff too. Wish this had been around earlier -Icould have used this as a primer when I was getting started.

As a parent of a strong-willed preschooler, The Pocket Parent is THE place to go for all the answers! The A to Z format allows me to pinpoint an issue I'm having with my child, whether it's anger, mealtime issues, tantrums etc., then I flip to the right page for some very positive and easy-to-follow advice with a touch of humor. The book is filled with personal anecdotes...some made me laugh, some touched me profoundly..all were very insightful.
This is the best parenting resource book I've found. It's easy and enjoyable to read. Best of all, it's so warmly-written and supportive, it's like getting a big reassuring hug with every turn of the page.
Thanks to Gail Reichlin and Caroline Winkler for a terrific book filled with practical, sanity-saving wisdom. It's perfect for any parent or caregiver of young children!

I have twin 2-year-olds and a new baby. Needless to say, I find my patience, parenting skills and sanity being tested daily! Sibling rivalry (including occasional hitting and biting), anger towards the new baby, not listening, whining, separation anxiety, bad words, tantrums in public...what's a mother (or father) to do when you've simply had it? "The Pocket Parent" has become a part of the essential "stuff" that I carry around with me. Because of it's size and A-Z arrangement of topics, I can look up some ideas to try on the spot. The humor and empathy throughout the book help comfort me in the thought that I am not alone and that I am a good mother in the midst of a very important and sometimes very challenging job. I have noticed that since I have been using this book that I often try to take a few moments to think before I speak. I am proud of that, because I find my communication with my children to be more respectful as well as more effective in gaining their cooperation. "The Pocket Parent" lifts my spirits-especially on one of those days when everything that can go wrong,does. I also appreciate the fact that there are many "Daddy" anecdotes included in the book. My husband and I found it very helpful to read suggestions together, followed by discussion for a few minutes before we go to sleep when we have a specific problem. I highly recommend "The Pocket Parent" for every parent that has questions about their preschooler.

I have twin 2-year-olds and a new baby. Needless to say, I find my patience, parenting skills and sanity being tested daily! Sibling rivalry (including occasional hitting and biting), anger towards the new baby, not listening, whining, separation anxiety, bad words, tantrums in public...what's a mother (or father) to do when you've simply had it? "The Pocket Parent" has become a part of the essential "stuff" that I carry around with me. Because of it's size and A-Z arrangement of topics, I can look up some ideas to try on the spot. The humor and empathy throughout the book help comfort me in the thought that I am not alone and that I am a good mother in the midst of a very important and sometimes very challenging job. I have noticed that since I have been using this book that I often try to take a few moments to think before I speak. I am proud of that, because I find my communication with my children to be more respectful as well as more effective in gaining their cooperation. "The Pocket Parent" lifts my spirits-especially on one of those days when everything that can go wrong,does. I also appreciate the fact that there are many "Daddy" anecdotes included in the book. My husband and I found it very helpful to read suggestions together, followed by discussion for a few minutes before we go to sleep when we have a specific problem. I highly recommend "The Pocket Parent" for every parent that has questions about their preschooler.

Although this book is well written, I was disappointed that Kinn did not cover all types of adoptive families. Obviously, she had to limit the families she wrote about in some way, however, she neglected to include any gay and lesbian adoptive families. Kinn briefly states in the foreword that she did not include gay and lesbian families because the "children's issues spoke more to their unique family structures than to having been adopted." It is obvious to me though, that all adoptive children, regardless of their "unique family structure," would have some type of thought about the fact that they were adopted. My husband and I are in the process of adopting a child, and we think that the greatest part of adoption is being able to build a beautiful family that goes beyond stereotypes. I really feel that Kinn's decision to neglect certain adoptive children was unfair and biased. If you are going to show the true beauty of adoption, you need not forget the fact that adopting is a way for all types of people to create a family.

Adoptions was once an intensely private affair. With today's more accepting social climate (including the open records laws for adult adoptees seeking information on their birth parents) that is no longer a routinely imposed social custom. In Be My Baby: Parents And Children Talk About Adoption, Gail Kinn documents the diversity of adoptive families. The text is largely an interview based format, splendidly enhanced with the photography of Ken Shung and provides a warm, insightful, occasionally inspiring, and highly recommended reading, candidly revealing what the adoptive family experience is like in our contemporary culture.

Be My Baby provides a warm presentation for the entire family: a coffee table-type survey of adoption where parents and children share their feelings and experiences through interviews and photos. Ken Shung's black and white photos capture family units in this expressive, fine coverage.

In 1987 my girlfriend Allison recommended DAVID MEYER IS A MOTHER. The book held my interest but ultimately lacked a final act, a common ailment in fiction writing.

Turns out DAVID MEYER IS A MOTHER paralleled my relationship with Allison. I held her interest for a while but when I lacked the final act (marriage), she left me. That was no fiction!

DAVID MEYER IS A MOTHER is worth a look for author Gail Parent's depiction of self-centered David Meyer, the kind of guy who would ditch a girl because he didn't like the way her swimsuit fit her. We all have some of that ugliness in us, so that aspect of the Meyer character hits home. Keep this title in mind when you browse used books; it will be worth the twenty-five cents you pay.

Allison looked good in a swimsuit, even though she only wore a one-piece.

This was one of the funniest books I ever read, first back in the mid-80s. The only one which parallels it is Sheila Levine is Dead and Living in New York, also by Gail Parent. It is a shame she didn't use her talents more this way!

A self-indulgent, egotistical "lady-killer" caught in the sexual revolution of the 70s. My how the tables turn on him, and we get to hear it all. If you dated through the 70s, this is a must read. The snappy dialogue, witty insights, and irreverent humor are vintage Gail Parent. It took four months find, but it is a treasure.

This is a well written and intelligent view of the battle of the sexes. Insightful and realistic in the acceptance of imperfection in us all. I particularly identified with waiting it out and not giving up until you are sure you can take no more.

The suggestions offered in order to smooth the path of tantrum, which of course, follows Tantra, or as they call it, HEAVY GROUND, was well placed and more realistic than those who suggest getting out if he looks at you sideways. I suggest this is folllowed with, GETTING TO I DO, which gives a balance to the ideas written here. The titles of both these books detract from their content quite a bit. The parallel with ancient wisdom of the warrior was a bit thin.

Of necessary reading for me, was once again the section called heavy ground. As LOVE and being IN LOVE, was, is, a new forum to me, I had begun to believe I may be heading for the basket in the near future. So I was relieved to read:

Passion rules - sexual attraction overwhelms the both of you. If the sex is dizzying, then you want to live with this kind of vertigo forever.

Since exclusivity keeps the relationship intimate and on heavy ground, be aware, clear your head, and try to confront serious issues. You'll have a very hard time doing this because heavy ground is the only time a woman's mind and body separate. You want and need to be touched and are not thinking. You crave to be held and are becoming addicted to his body.

The measure of emotion is more intense with this man. Separation makes you scared. You worry when he is out of your sight and fear he may not return. Daily separation feels like abandonment. There is a dependancy that you feel. This is the time you should retain your independence, but it's hard for many women to do because they lack the confidence in themselves.

The one critism I have on this segment is the suggestion that only if you are in a heavy sexual relationship can you feel this. That is not so. In fact, the truth is, you can feel this way more intensely if your relationship has yet to be consumated and you have been deeply in love for a long period of time, say two years! A soul connection is this way from the onset, however, it moves slower and more thoughtfully toward sexual gratification. The intention being, mind, body and spirit. Deferred gratification or, deprivation, intensifies the desire for both male and female alike.

Nevertheless, wise words, well constructed and worth the money.

I like this book. I agree with the others who say that the first part is worth the price of the book and the contribution by Gail Parent could have been left out.

I am using this book to reinforce what I do well and raise my skills in other areas. I have used the little exercises (fill in the blanks, etc.) to learn more about myself. I have used the affirmations when I felt down and I am starting to see that they work! I used to worry that I would not meet someone with whom I could have a "healthy" relationship. Lately, I worry less about that and I expend more energy in becoming healthier myself. What that boils down to is accepting the truths; some painful but some reassuring. For example, feeling needy. I never really wanted to admit that I felt needy at times, but now I realize what an advantage I have if I can simply observe it and decide how to handle myself. I have read the book through my tears once or twice. I have actually chosen to "be my own best friend" when that was the right thing to do. I'm feeling pretty optimistic these days. My current relationship is going well and if it folds, I'll be that much better for the next one. This book covers every area of relationships and I find it to be a solid handbook (owner's manual, if you will) for all this relationship stuff.

I have read this book over and over. I agree with other reviewers that the first half is better than the second half. However, that first half is really worth the read. As I write this, the book is out of stock so try and find a used copy. Do not be put off by the title that deals with war. As Dr Cowan states in the book, if you were doing anything else, say at work, you would be careful to research your subject and know as much about it as possible. Do not approach love half blind, knowing only your own side of how things work. Dr Cowan gives many valuable insights that you need to know if you are a woman trying to find a man, or trying to attract that one elusive man that you can't quite seem to win over. I have read many books on this subject, and there are many useful texts and perspectives, but this one really makes you realize some things about yourself, about men and about the male/female relationship. In particular he talks about women needing the security of a relationship to feel safe having sex, and men needing sex, to feel safe enough to enter a relationship. At one point you find yourself thinking it is amazing that any relationship ever gets off the ground when you realize the different ways men and women approach the whole thing. But you read on, and you read it over, and somehow it all starts to fall into place. This book gave me the knowledge and the courage to persevere with the one man who I was truly interested in and some tools to put to use in pursuit of him and I am so grateful that I did not give up. This book has really helped me.

Thsi Book Is basically abotu a girl whos mother died when shewas little. her mom had cancer and batlled the deases for many years till she couldnt do it no more. She had been living with her father for 11 years and now he decided it was time to move on. So hes dating and she doesnt like it. Her older sister is dating to so she feels left out. She doesnt like her dads g/f so shes acts up . and thats all ive read so far. I think this book is good so far. Megan Somerset, Mass

I remember reading this book when I was about 11 or 12 and loved it. I borrowed it from the library when I was a child and it has stuck with me all these years. I am now 24 and from time to time the titles of childhood favorites pop into my head out of nowhere and I look around for them. This is the first place I looked and I was disappointed to see that there aren't more reviews. For all the young readers out there, I promise you that you will enjoy this book. It takes a good look at a young girl's thoughts and feelings in regard to her family. I think that it has to say something for the book just by the fact that of all the books I read in my youth this one stuck with me!