I picked this book up on a whim, and I was very pleased to read that someone had put together a book that contains much of my own philsophy of teaching voice. I'm only giving it 4 stars because the name-dropping throughout the book is irritating at best, and as some others have noted, his descriptions of what the vocal folds are doing during vibrato, etc. are not very scientific or accurate; however, the descriptions do help with visiualizations and it truly isn't necessary to know the science to learn to sing well.

Other things I like about the book are:
-connecting the speaking voice to the singing voice
-encouraging people to train their own ears by recording themselves
-exploring the middle voice
-the "do-it-yourself/imitation" approach; this works for many people

It's good that a CD is included; it really helps people hear the difference between doing it wrong and doing it right.

This is a good place to start if you want to learn to sing.

As an actor and would-be singer, I've read a lot of voice books and have taken a lot of lessons. This book is the FIRST thing that helped. It helped break bad breathing habits and made me understand the difference between making usable sound vs. just pushing breath through my throat. It has made speaking and singing a pleasure again. I put it to the test recently in a role with a 4-page monologue during allergy season. I had lost my voice from exhaustion (day job) and allergies, and the exercises brought it back. I didn't get into the vibrato or styling chapters, so I can't comment on that aspect. Highly recommended.

I've been focused on becoming a better singer for close to a year now with so-so results. During this time, I came to realize that speech rolls over into singing quite a bit. With this in mind, I picked up the book "Set Your Voice Free" a few weeks back in order to become better with speech and see if I could improve my singing abilities. What a revelation! I not only found the information I needed to help in speech, but also a wealth of information on singing. I had heard before of "Middle Voice" and how important attaining the proper setup for it is, but until I read this book, I never knew what it actually "felt" like. Now, the reason all of the gigs I've had were hit and miss became very clear to me as I realized that middle voice was what I was really after all of those times I'd tried finding that freedom and power that would only come once in a blue moon. I've only been studying this book for a few weeks now, but I feel I'm moving forward at warp speed. We had a gig a couple of weeks back, and our band received wonderful response. I know a lot of that was due to the new found knowledge I'd gained in freeing up my voice and finding middle. This was after only one week of applying the information I'd found within this book. I have a long way to go, but I feel I'm on the right path (finally) due to Mr. Love's clearcut teaching methods for turning around bad habits and reinforcing proper ones in both speech and singing. I strongly recommend this book to all speakers/singers, or anyone who wishes to gain more freedom in how they express themselves.

[THIS IS A REPLACEMENT REVIEW FOR AN INCOMPLETE REVIEW THAT I ACCIDENTLY SENT EARLIER TODAY.]

Here's a bad sign: Laura Schlessinger PhD ("Dr. Laura") gives herself top billing in "Dr. Laura Schlessinger's Where's God?" her children's book about prayer. God doesn't appear in this book as a character. He's the topic of discussion between a pop-eyed, misshapen creature named Sammy and Sammy's grandpa, who resembles a normal human being. (I can't say that I find Daniel McFeeley's illustrations charming: Sammy is too grotesque.)

Sammy wants to ask God "to go to the hospital and help Mommy's knee get better so she doesn't need surgery and can come home right away." (Well, prayer IS more effective than arthroscopy.) Sammy says he's figured out that he has to know where God is before God can hear his prayer. (Grandpa doesn't think that makes sense, either.) Sammy suggests that God may be in church or in heaven. Grandpa ignores these suggestions but leads Sammy to an answer to his question.

I'll give the author one star for not getting bogged down in a lot of theology. According to this book, God is at one with the universe, God hears our prayers, "God works through all of us." The author presents God as a good habit we can't quite break: whether we choose to be good or to be bad, God is always in us, "loving us and being patient." I'll give the author another star for daring to approach the problem of evil -- but she backs off promptly, with reassurances that this is the best of all possible worlds. Grandpa says we "must trust God" even when He says no to us, even when we're not satisfied with His response.

This approach does have its limitations. A bit ominously, Grandpa tells Sammy that God "let" Sammy get punished because he "earned that punishment and needed to learn from it." Is the implication that when bad things happen to us and the people we care about, we have it coming? That fear of punishment in this life is all we have to keep us honest? As for Sammy's mother, God is helping her through her doctors, and God expects her "to help Him help her by doing the exercises." Uh-oh: divine sanction for working out. This might not be the best book for a child whose sick or disabled parent doesn't have a good prognosis.

Parents who are trying to impart religious doctrine to their children will find a few aspects of this book unsatisfactory. That "Don't Bother God" sign on the wall of Sammy's church must be intended to elicit a chuckle. But what IS Sammy doing in church? Prayer is more than wishing. But there's no hint in this book about prayer as worship or gratitude. Sammy says he felt "funny about eating my salad" after the greengrocer told him that "God was in all growing things." How would Sammy feel about eating a communion wafer? Heaven is just something Sammy heard a TV preacher mention; as Sammy describes the concept, it seems absurd. (Hell doesn't exist for Sammy and Gramps; neither does Satan.) Although Grandpa describes God as the Creator, some may balk at his statement that "everything is part of God - even the weeds." People of a particular faith aren't quite so inclusive and vague in their concept of God.

At a time when God has been kicked out of our schools, offices, and even many of our religious institutions, it's a refreshing change to find a children's book that invites Him back in.  Dr. Laura's book teaches our precious children the power and beauty of prayer.  Her unique writing style and adorable illustrations make this book a special treat for bedtime; and the story is the perfect way to get your kids excited about a relationship with their creator.  I think this book is a must-have for every child's personal library.

This book is terrific in helping me talk to my children about God. I was actually quite amazed at all the different issues that arose from the "plot." It really opened my eyes to the different concerns my children might have about God. Also, I'm frankly annoyed by the person who gave this book only two stars and gave stupid criticisms - like the first one: Dr Laura's name is on the cover. What is that? I'm tired of those people with knee-jerk hate of religious principles. Loved the book.

While this book was a lot shorter (and smaller) than I expected ... the content was, in usual Dr. Laura style, direct and to the point. If your one of those guys who has, more than once or twice, saved someone in distress only to find out later, that she is evil, read this book. In a very short time I found out things about myself that I need to work on to avoid any of these unpleasant heartaches ever again.

The idea of writing a companion volume to _Ten Stupid Things Women Do to Mess Up Their Lives_ was a good one, and, by and large, Dr. Laura Schlessinger does a fine job of identifying and explaining many of the male character traits that cause problems in men's lives and relationships.

However, the book is guilty of some uncharacteristically fuzzy thinking, which allows Dr. Laura to vent against some of her favourite foes--that monolithic block of fanatics known as "The Feminists" (who are a bitter, undifferentiated and irrational crew, in Schlessinger's opinion)--and to excuse men, to some degree, from their irresponsible and self-defeating behavior.

According to Schlessinger, one of the main causes of male irresponsibility in contemporary society is gender-role confusion caused by a culture dominated by "feminism," which she seems to equate with a very rigid style of liberal feminism that denies all psychological and biological differences between men and women, and which is fundamentally anti-male. As a feminist, who has taught Women's Studies (another one of Dr. Laura's nemeses), I can vouch authoritatively for the fact that feminism is a much more complex phenomenon than this, and by no means unformly, or predominantly, anti-male. By blaming "the feminists" (equated with "culture") Schlessinger manages, to some degree, to let men "off the hook" for their reprehensible behaviour--although Schlessinger never allows women the same latitude(feminist claims that women have been oppressed by centuries of male dominated culture--as evidenced by mere historical details such as women's deprivation of legal and civil rights relative to men's over the centuries--are, according to Dr. Laura, illegitimate and irrelevant in explaining women's self-defeating behaviours).

Dr. Laura's aggressively pro-male stance, ironically enough, leads the reader (at least the female reader) to a sense of despair over "mankind." Her chapter on "Stupid Husbanding," for example, presents such a lengthy litany of male irresponsibility, insensitivity and just plain stupidity that any sane woman would run screaming rather than commit to a relationship with a member of a sex so clearly unsuited to matrimony. Moreover, her biological determinism--maleness is an "animal" trait which must be overcome, but "being a man" is "human," and to be striven towards--is rather insulting to men. Male biology somehow makes men less than human, and huge amounts of effort must be exerted in order for them to achieve human connection and civilized behavior.

All this said, the book provides a wealth of detail and insight on men's behavior that will be illuminating to both men and women readers.

Dr Laura goes over the ways that men can avoid mistakes in relationships. Using a humorous touch, she provides examples from her radio show's listener's letters and faxes in telling her readers how to avoid the pitfalls of a disasterous relationship. Behind the humor, she provides significant insight into what can cause relationships to be destructive to both individuals, as well as methods for either avoiding bad relationships and/or mending those that can be saved. Well worth the time spent reading this book.

Are you ready to finally put down your childish, male ways? Want to grow up and learn what real responsibility is all about? Then this is the book for you. I really enjoyed reading this book. I learned that to be a man means more than drinking beer, going to the bars with "the guys" or sitting in front of the tv watching sports all day. Being a man is about taking responsibility for your life, and making the most of yourself and your relationships with others. Dr. Laura has great advice on relationships; with friends, family and those special ones in our lives. Do yourself a favor and read this book and when you're done, pass it along to your girlfriend, sister, mother... even they can gain great insight from this book. And guys, when you're done, move on to "ten stupid things women do..." I just started reading it and it's great so far. Like reading the thoughts of women.

Sometimes a mother loves her children so much she can't put her feelings in to words. I found this book an excellent way to express what she feels. I gave this to my 19 year old son. I wanted him to look back on this book and see the exact way I felt towards him. Sometimes this makes these feelings easier to understand.

What an excellent book to share with children of all ages! This is one of my favorite childrens book. It helps explain to children what it means when you say " I love you". Sammy's questions to his mother are questions many children have, but don't necessarily ask. Reading this book helps them to understand that no matter what they do-good or bad, their parents will love them always. They may be angry with them or upset, but that dosen't mean that their love for their children has stopped. I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read. This is a message everyone should hear and understand no matter what age.

This book deals in a meaningful and appropriate way with the emotions and fears that come up in children. As a pre-school teacher I spend a large amount of time in the bookstore in the constant search of fine books. I found this book by chance, reading my way through many, many books, while I was looking for the perfect birthday-gift for one of my students. I had never heard the authors name before. I was immedetialy in awe with the book. Every single word seemed so meaningful. True - this book is written on a subject that is quite obvious for us grown up's and we probably take it for granted. But what a powerful way to tell and remind children that your parents love is unconditional. I'd like to highly recommend it !!!!

I enjoyed Parenthood by Proxy very much, mostly due to the fact that I agree with the message. Unlike the other review written for the book so far, I do listen to Dr. Laura and agree with her stance on being an at-home parent. Media and gossip magazines are calling Dr. Laura a "bigot", but unless you listen to her regularly you should not listen to those reports. She is a woman of God and reminds us daily of our obligation to children. Most parents today take the easy way out when they have a child and allow the child to grow up in a day care facility because they still want "a life of their own" and the new cars, the big house and "stuff". I hope that every pregnant woman (and expecting fathers!) read this latest book by Dr. Laura and make the life change that's necessary to raise a loved, confident and moral child.

To those who have read this book and find Dr. Laura brash & doesn't have a grip on modern day realities....you must be feeling some sort of guilt and she's struck a cord. How can anyone deny that children nowadays are unruly, disrespectful and voilent? Ever stop and wonder why? Dr. Laura hits it right on the nail--it begins with the parents. The message in this book is not a new theory that pychologists love to discover every few years. It is a back-to-the-basic message about actual parents raising their own children. How can you stick a child in daycare 8+ hours a day--that's the majority of their waking hours!--and think it doesn't have an impact? I ask everyone of you---as a child, would you want to spend your days in daycare or at home with your parents? Why is Dr. Laura persecuted for stating the obvious?

The bottom line is that you are either going to love this book or hate it. If you are into parenting and doing it full time then Dr. Laura will confirm your family values. If you think anyone can raise your kid as well as you can (daycare, sitter, your own mother)then you will hate it. This book is for TRUE parents who want confirmation of their choice to make sacrifices in order to stay home, these parents will hear a resounding "YES, you are doing the right thing!" from Dr. Laura. If you are thinking about having kids and want to hear the truth about what a baby/child really needs then please read this book so you can make an informed decision on whether or not you are ready to parent. (MEANING THAT YOU RAISE YOUR OWN CHILD)If you are not into raising your own children and you are letting someone else parent your children 20+ hours a week...you are going to hate this book.

Found this book used before the hype about Dr. Laura being a physiologist not a psychologist. Although the advice and benefits on Stay home mothers makes perfect since, who wouldn't want that option, the work force doesn't not make for a Family Friendly system-Wealthy or not. One has to question the authencity of a known hypocrite (see websites on the Dr. Laura in the Buff). I got a since of sour cynicism in the books tone and a diehard unforgiving conviction. I wouldn't recommend taking advice from someone taunting "high" morals while she herself doesn't practice what she "preaches". On a scale from one to 10. Hmmm. I give it a 1 do by it used to see for yourself if your still not convinced she unfit for the books title.

There really is nothing edifying about sanctifying America's Best-known hypocrite! While Pastor Ray (writing from a very biassed position, in not just faith, but from being a buddy of Laura's), provides mere opinion and conjecture - (which this book ultimately is), Victoria Bane's book on the REAL Dr Laura, deals with incontrovertible facts.

Dr laura : The Unauthorized Biography by Victoria Bane is a much better read. Fans of Laura must read that book in order to be objective.

What a great little book. It's packed with valuable information for anyone wishing to understand how our lives intertwine with God's word. The author really knows his stuff. I especially liked chapter 4, page 76 "Imperial Selfs as a Standard." The retelling of a Calvin and Hobbs classic reminded me of my old thinking before the Bible. And after reading page 79, I thank God for sending Grandma Ida Mae. Thanks for the lessons!

Richard Cohen's brilliant book shows the TRUTH about homosexuality - it's not innate, nor benign, nor unchangeable. Even a famous gay rights activist like Andrew Sullivan (who writes for the New York Times Magazine Section) admits that Freud was right when he called homosexuality "arrested sexual development." Those misinformed about this subject should read Andrew Sullivan's latest book, "Love Undetectable," in which he honestly discusses his extensive research about homosexuality and his inevitable conclusion that Freud was right. Sullivan admits that five years of extensive psychotherapy would probably be enough for many individuals to transition to heterosexuality. Why is this information being "BLACKED-OUT" by the media? It is tragic to know that the average homosexual male dies 30 years earlier than the average heterosexual male - how can this possibly be a normal lifestyle? Why doesn't the therapeutic and medical community care about these men and how can they possibly believe this self-destructive lifestyle is caused by homophobia? EVERY parent I know who has a homosexual child deals with almost unbearable pain when they think of their child's lifestyle. Many say, "What can I do? I have to accept it." Now, because of brave men like Richard Cohen, there is something the parents can do. Buy Mr. Cohen's book for everyone they know and buy a copy for their library. There is hope but only if grieving parents speak the truth - parents must come out of their closet - the world needs to learn the truth - homosexuals can and do change. We need more and better therapies to help those unhappy with the false identity of homosexuality - not a politically correct steam roller which flattens anyone who speaks out about the unfulfilling nature of same-sex relationships. Our common sense tells us that G-D, nature, and evolution all point to the male and female design of all the animal kingdom - humans are no exception! Let's reach out with love and help those who struggle with same-sex attractions and teach their families that homosexuality is a family problem, not an individual problem - no parent should ostracize a homosexual child because the parent was inadvertently a part of the problem in the first place. Family healing is imperative and Richard Cohen points the way.

Don't make any assumptions one way or another until you actually read this book. If you're looking for help for yourself or trying to understand a loved one, get a copy. If you're gay and loving it, get a copy anyway and see for yourself if this guy's for real.

Like everybody else, I heard and believed reports in the press about the "homosexuality is genetic" studies. But did you know that the authors of those studies ALL backed away from their findings after the studies were found to be flawed? The proof's right there in quotes Cohen draws from reputable publications like Newsweek, Discover and Scientific America. Cohen himself weighs in on the problems with the studies and offers concrete insights into the real reasons why he and others have been drawn to the gay and lesbian lifestyles.

As a counselor, I'm thrilled that this is the complete package I've been looking for. Besides the thorough and sensible examination of homosexuality's real causes, the book has clear, do-able instructions for the difficult journey out of homosexuality if someone chooses to leave it.

Cohen and others he quotes are wildly courageous in taking on this controversial subject, revealing their souls and hurts of the past in the hope of being able to help others who feel trapped in a life they don't want.

I've seen this guy on national tv interviews and even when his opponents are shouting personal attacks, he maintains his dignity, sincerity and sense of humor in presenting his personal experience, observations and objective facts he's unearthed on the topic.

This book is pure logic, presented lovingly. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, this is a smart read.

Recently I was at a conference in the states and Richard Cohen was giving his testimony of the struggles that he had through his life. He described the pain of emotions and the results of the trauma that he had been through. He went on to tell of the healing that has taken place over the past several years and how he has turned his story into a career, comitting his life to those that struggled as he did in so many ways. Richard's book "Coming Out Straight" is the most comprehensive and thorough book I have ever read on the subject of homosexuality. His approach is honest and challenging, yet very loving, caring and very hopeful for those who would choose the truth that can set them free. I have read some of the reviews, many who have not read the book,who had much to say. It truly is amazing to me that many who demand to be heard, to have their freedoms,their rights and opinions are not willing to allow others to have theirs. Yes, it is about freedom of choice, but those who want to "come out straight" need to be allowed that option of choice as well. I applaud Richard for his love, compassion and commitment for these people. He is NOT homophobic, he has committed his life to seeing people set free. This books program of therapy with suggestions for other resources is absolutely awesome for those who struggle with same sex attractions or with other sexual dysfunctions. I have begun to use it with the people that I counsel and am seeing great results.

I thank God everyday that Richard Cohen chose to write it in spite of the price he knew he would pay.

The only thing that surprised me about a book titled "The Wit and Wisdom of Cal Thomas" was that it was 207 pages long. Initially I just assumed that it was either a typographical error (maybe 27 pages?) or that the font size must be very, very large. Instead, it appears that the disjointed ramblings of a seriously creepy man can indeed take up that much space. Thomas' opinions and polemical approach are much better suited to the read-once-then-discarded op-ed venue. Collecting them in book form only allows the reader to discern the utter lack of perspective that might remain otherwise remain hidden. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone needing to level a table with one short leg, or who desperately needs reading material but is unable to find any comic books. Other than that, the only thing commendable about this book is that it's recyclable.

..."Why?" you ask. Simple: if a book has a three-star average rating with nothing but five-star and one-star reviews, then I *know* it has to be worth reading. I'm ordering my copy today!

Several years ago there was a not so popular TV program called J.J.Starbuck. This eccentric Texas millionaire used many short stories and one-liners that speak to the soul of folks and a nation that often left folks with a befuddled look but at the same time the hearer would contemplate the thought over what was said. The Wit and Wisdom of Cal Thomas is such a similar presentation. Each one of the stements that I read in the book just adds to my list of those that I like to reflect on and share with others. A much needed and pleasent way to retort others with something catchy and lasting and really nonthreating. Great work Cal!

This book has good words in it. They are hard to swallow from the source that they come from. If you forget about this pysiology doctorate's immoral history and hypocritical behavior it is okay reading. Many people who watched Jimmy Swaggert stopped watching him calling him immoral no matter what he preached. The same works for Laura. How can you take her word for anything if she does not follow her own advice. She may be a good mother but she is not a good example to follow.

Dr. Laura has some interesting ideas on "Abstaining" from sex outside of marriage and keeping children in the dark about it. Her preaching "sounds" good, but her standards of morality are in complete conflict with our biological reality. In Biblical times (and even in our own timespan a hundred years ago), children did not reach puberty until mid to late teens (which generally corresponded with the age they married). Now, with better nutrition and medicine, children generally enter puberty around the age of 12 or 13. We live in a society that encourages education and college, which means that the age of marriage for most people would be early to mid 20's. That means that Dr. Laura is advocating that a person who is sexually mature do absolutely nothing about it for a period of 9 or 10 years! When standards of morality conflict with biological reality, something will eventually "give" and my bet is on the morality.

Tom Allen writes with solid evangelical convictions. He does not endorese Schlessinger on every issue, but is overall, affirming of her prophetic stances. The author has had access to Dr. Laura and his views fairly represent where she is at. This book is a "SHOULD" read.