Editorial Review

Alan Alda's autobiography travels a path less taken. Instead of a sensationalist, name-dropping page-turner, Alda writes about his life as a memory play, an exercise in recollecting his childhood, his parents (dad Robert was a veteran on stage, film, and vaudeville), and his career. You want to know about Alda's most famous work, the eleven years on Read more

Reviews (58)

Loved this book......
No, this is not a story about MASH.......
Not Funny
Alan Alda is a funny man. But his book is not. He jumps from here to there leaving one to wonder where he is going with his story. Our book club was anxious to read something different but it was unanimous - thumbs down.

An entertaining and informative read
I grew up watching M*A*S*H and watched Alda playing one of the presidential candidates on The West Wing.I also remember his campaigning for ERA.When I saw this book, I thought it would be interesting to know a little bit more about the man.This book was a quicker read than I would have thought and was a very interesting read.
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Subjects:  1. 1936-    2. Actors    3. Alda, Alan,    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography And Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    10. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    11. Individual Actors And Actresses    12. Personal Memoirs    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (104)

Sex,Drugs, and.... More Sex!
I absolitely LOVE the RHCP's, and I love this book. Though it's more about sex and drugs than anything else, it does take you inside the mind of a real rock star, and shows the rises and loads of downfalls stardom can take you to. i would recommend this book to anyone who loves the RHCP, it's a real eye opener.

What I Like About Scar Tissue
In this dissertation on the first forty years of his time on planet earth, Anthony Kiedis neither glorified his life(style) nor used what he had to say about it as a platform to make the point, "See how low I sank?" Kiedis was simply honest and left, one frequently gets the impression, nothing unmentioned in this memoir about a creative, sometimes sleazy life that was filled with risk-taking, extreme drug abuse, and excesses of every sort. Kiedis is a bright man with a questioning nature who doesn't try to hide anything he did along the way to where he is today, an unlikely survivor and spiritual pilgrim. Scar Tissue tells about death, crime, fame, music, sex, pain, loss, the celebrated and the infamous, and provides us with the ultimate backstage pass to twenty years of existence within The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Enlightening
I'm sure that there are many musicians/actors who would like to think they had a rough upbringing or caught some tough breaks in life.I have a difficult time imagining that many of their autobiographies can even come close to that of Anthony Kiedis.I was taken aback by the completely honest, naked telling of his life up until a few years ago.Unlike many other musicians, he has managed to maintain a high level of privacy to his love life and addiction.Most people would cherish that image and refuse to open themselves up for the whole world to see/read but Kiedis shares his personal trials and professional triumphs with mutual detail.I didn't want it to end and hope he'll write another one in 10 more years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Composers & Musicians - Rock    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    7. Genres & Styles - Rock    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Rock Music    10. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Reviews (56)

Meet Johnny Cash
What a fantastic book! Being a Johnny Cash fan all my life I wanted to read about his life, and, when I read it, I thought he was talking straight to me. He is really a great storyteller, he is straight and to the point, basically just tells you about his life, everything that made him who he was. He does't leave anything out. He tells about the good times on tour and at his childhood, and in the dark times with drug addictions. He really is good, so if your a Cash fan, and you want to learn more about him, Cash is the book to read.

Great Book
This is a great book.After watching the movie "Walk the Line" I wanted to learn more about Johnny Cash, his career and his family.

Meet Johnny Cash
On the cover, is the man, unashamed of his wrinkles and receding hairline, a man who defines the color black, a simple man who within the first sentence introduces the idea he is related to Scottish Royalty. This auto biography does not apologize for a lifetime of success. He admits to his drug addiction and his on the road philandering, wishing he had done different, but knowing he did the best he could. He admits to being a man who never expected to be perfect, but did his best trying to get over the imperfections pointed out to him.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Composers & Musicians - Country & Folk    5. Composers & Musicians - General    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Reviews (12)

Overcome Extreme Adversity
Reviewed by Mary Simmons for Reader Views (9/06)
Story of survival and endurance
On October 21, 1993, Tutsi students and teachers from Burundi's "Lycee Kibimba" school were bound, stripped, herded into an abandoned building, then attacked with machetes and gasoline by their Hutu classmates, teachers and neighbors.
Touching beyond belief ... where is the free world?
As all books on the Rwandan genocide, this one is touching. It is a must read if you want to appreciate your freedom and understand others tragedies. It makes you question where are we, where are we when this is going on and we're off in other worlds fighting. The author details his experience and incredible forgiveness in minute detail and it makes you wonder how they survived with any normal feelings in tact. Worth the read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa - History    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Burundi    6. Christianity - General    7. Ethnic relations    8. Genocide    9. People of Color    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Race And Ethnic Relations    12. Sports - General    13. Tuhabonye, Gilbert    14. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    15. Christian Interest    16. Religion / Bible / Biography / General   

Reviews (17)

...Only because ZERO stars was not an option
I read this book only for its tell-all possibilities - if you're at all familiar with professional tennis, you know how tightly controlled the image of the sport has become; in other words, its ripe for a tell-all.And Spadea, a bitter outsider with access to players at every level, would seem to be in perfect position to deliver.Of course he doesn't, so any fellow gossip-mongers can stop reading here.Among the insights he does offer the reader: that he's painfully aware of being older; that he has a habit of dismissing perfectly reasonable advice; that he equates stubbornness with bravery and delusion with ambition; that at 31 years old, he will occasionally "mess around" with various girls; that he swings from sky highs to career-ditching lows like a metronome; that he intensely dislikes James Blake; that he desperately wants to be famous; that the standards of the publishing world couldn't get any more lax.
Great book.Thanks Vince
I coulnt put this book down until I finished it. Spadea makes us a mid lot professional player for a couple of days, you suffer when he loses, you meet Andre Agassi, you chase models, etc. If you love tennis, you will love this book, and you could even end pushing for Vince in the circuit.

white men should not rap
Especially tennis players.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Personal Memoirs    4. Spadea, Vince    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports - General    8. Tennis    9. Tennis players    10. United States    11. Biography: sport    12. Sports & Recreation / Tennis   

Editorial Review

Now a writer living in New York, Da Chen describes his youth in mainland China with engaging humor and affecting warmth. It's often a harrowing tale: born in 1962, Chen was the grandson of a landlord, which rendered his entire family pariahs during the Cultural Revolution. And though initially an excellent student, he was ostracized in school and told he could never attend college. He responded by making friends with a group of young thugs who drank, smoked, and gambled but were kind to him. After Mao died in 1976, the budding juvenile delinquent discovered that higher education might be available to him after all. Chen worked hard to make up for years of neglected studies, and his memoir closes with a jubilant scene as he and his brother Jin are both accepted into college; for his suffering family, "thirty years of humiliation had suddenly come to an end." Chen's lucid yet emotional prose unsparingly portrays a topsy-turvy society where unfairness reigns and the rules are arbitrarily changed without warning, but his zest for life and sharp eye for character make even the most awful moments grimly funny. This is no saga of victimization, but a thrilling account of an ordeal that fosters spiritual growth. Readers will cheer Chen's triumph over daunting odds. Read more

Reviews (62)

A very entertaining memoir
Chen Da's bestselling COLORS OF THE MOUNTAIN is one of the more entertaining memoirs I've run across in recent years.
Mountain Of Life
Da Chen's rendition of memories etched within his heart is very descriptive. I especially like this passage:
Interesting book
I enjoyed reading the book.I praise the author for his hard work and his motivation to improve himself and his life.I do agree with another reader that the author very often patted himself on the back, which I have concluded that it's a weakness of a person who had a difficult life.
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Subjects:  1. 1962-    2. Asia - China    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Chen, Da,    8. Childhood Memoir    9. Childhood and youth    10. China    11. Cultural Revolution, 1966-1969    12. Ethnic Cultures - General    13. General    14. History    15. Personal narratives    16. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (49)

Too long a journey for me....
The author, a writer and professor, spent a year riding the buses with her mentally retarded sister, Beth, in Pennsylvania. Cool Beth, as she'd sign off her letters, enjoys riding the buses and gets to know the bus routes, schedules and drivers very well. Sometimes the other passengers are mean to her, even to the extent of asking the driver to kick her out of the bus but some drivers become firm friends with her. She even has a crush on one of them! I can imagine what a challenge it must be for the drivers to become friends with a mentally retarded person who talks loudly in the buses and almost letting all her secrets out in the open. It's also a challenge I think for the author to take the bus rides with her only to find that there are passengers on board who did not think that Beth deserves compassion and friendship. Some even demand that the driver checks Beth's bus ticket to ensure that she is not getting a free ride.
Not for everyone
While this book seems to have little but rave reviews, I can't say I was overly impressed by it. Frankly, I felt that I'd read the story before. Just because it's a true story doesn't mean that it can't be hackneyed and annoying, and this certainly was. Rachel was your typical clueless, booksmart girl, and Beth was your typical wise-beyond-her-years-if-retarted inspiration. The story itself is episodical--don't read this if you're looking for a coherant plot. It reflects real life, which appeals to some, but not to me. "Riding the Bus" is very well-written, which at some points was its only saving grace. But even the style can't save the disaster that was an epilogue, that completely threw me out of the story and had my head shouting "where did that come from!?" Overall, it may be someone's cup of tea, but not everyone will enjoy it.

Lessons Learned
Life cannot be easy for developmentally disabled adults. It's alsonot easy for their families. The reader sees both sides of the coin in Simon's story of spending 12 months with her mentally retarded sister, doing what Beth loves best -- riding the city's buses.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Authors, American    3. Biography    4. Family relationships    5. Inspirational    6. Motivational & Inspirational    7. Pennsylvania    8. People with mental disabilities    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Self-Help    11. Specific Groups - Special Needs    12. Women    13. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Editorial Review

Like the carefully engineered dies which created his company's first products--steel pitons and carabiners which climbing enthusiasts would recognize as primitive forerunners of today's sleeker gear--Yvon Chouinard is if nothing else an original. How many other shy French-Canadian boys become surf-and-climbing bums, then blacksmiths forging their own play tools, and eventually founders of world-renowned sports equipment and apparel companies like Patagonia? How many other heads of multi-million dollar enterprises open their memoirs by stating bluntly, "The Lee Iacoccas, Donald Trumps, and Jack Welches of the business world are heroes to no one except other businessmen with similar values. I wanted to be a fur trapper when I grew up." The proverbial mold from which Chouinard was cast got broken.Read more

Reviews (28)

Practical and Inspiring
Chouinard provides both an historical account of Patagonia's (and his) growth and a point-by-point account of what he sees as the important aspects of each part of his business.Chouinard has developed a full understanding and appreciation for how brand and customer experience touch every aspect of a business, from materials selection to returns.This is a quick and valuable read for any entrepreneur, especially if manufacturing is part of your business plan.It will save you from making a few mistakes.

All businesses should be run this way!
I was enthralled with this book--it's refreshing, entertaining, and a wonderful tale of how one can operate a business with ethics, making a lot of money and doing a lot of good. I love the freewheeling atmosphere he creates in his workplace - there are pictures of barefoot employees in relaxed positions working on computers. Patagonia hires people who actually use the products involved in adventure sports--rock climbing, surfing, etc. Their flex time is really flex time--Chouinard says you don't plan to go surfing next Tuesday at 2:00 - you go surfing when the surf is up! A great read, with an environmental message for all of us that will spur you to action.

Change Your Worldview
This is a book that every businessperson should read, in fact must read, for the future survival of our planet.I run an environmental organization and, before beginning the book, thought that I would already know most of what Yvon has to say.I was wrong.His words opened many new doors for me, and made me think about the world in a completely new way.He is the zen master of corporate responsibility, the guru of a worldwide movement towards a more sustainable way of living.Pass this book along to your friends.He has proven that the world can be both pro-business and pro-environment, and if all CEO's ran their companies like he does, we would most certainly live in a better world, and leave a better legacy to our children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Business    3. Business & Economics    4. Business Ethics    5. Business/Economics    6. Entrepreneurship    7. History Of Specific Companies    8. Industries - Textile Industry    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (24)

Makes You Wish You Had Known Him
This is a good story about a pig who lived a good 13 years with a loving family of hens, a dog, his guardians - Sy and Howard, and most of the town in which they lived. I enjoyed the story of Christopher the pig.It is a very heart-warming book.The only negative criticism I have is when the author gets off onto a different path from the story of Christopher, stories of her travels and such. Mostly the book tells the story of Christopher, how he affected so many people with his wonderful personality. I found myself laughing and crying throughout. I didn't want the story of Christopher to end.But Christopher lives on in his story and his life continues to affect people who read about him as you can see in the reviews. As for me, I prefer not ever eating pork again. I can't imagine killing a soul like Christopher just for a piece of meat. I would rather all the Christophers in the world live and enjoy the life God gave to them too.That is how his story affected me. All in all, this is a very good story.

The Blah Blah Pig
I found the story to be somewhatflat.I finally gave upand put the book down permanently around Chapter 7.That said, I found the reviews to be over-rated both on here and elsewhere.
a truly wonderful love story
This is the kind of book that makes you wish it would just keep going and going.It's the kind of book that you enjoy picking up and leaves the reader feeling good after putting it down.Hopefully it will make people more aware of how beautiful and intelligent these animals are, and give them the respect they deserve instead of treating them like inatimate objects and sending them to slaughter.I was a vegatarian even before reading this book, but the book just justifies what I already know.Sy is a wonderful author and very compassionate person.She totally gets the concept of animals. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography And Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. General    8. Human-animal relationships    9. New Hampshire    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Pet owners    12. Swine as pets    13. Women    14. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (50)

Books and bullets have their own destinies
My first impression upon completion of this classic World War I memoir is one of amazement. I am amazed that Mr. Junger-or anyone in those trenches-survived the hellish onslaught of trench warfare. In gruesome yet elegant detail, the author recounts his experiences as a front-line German soldier in his battles against the French and English. As the book proceeds, it seems that virtually everyone around Junger is killed or critically wounded. He is wounded himself on a regular basis, and between the constant sniping and merciless artillery bombardments, it is a wonder that anyone survived. There is no discussion of politics or even the reasons behind the war. It is simply the story of a front-line soldier doing his duty. Junger writes about his experiences in war as an almost mystical event that at times transcends the physical senses and becomes almost spiritual. I personally found this fascinating. And while the details of the book are often gruesome, the author's writing is downright exquisite. So whatever you think of him, Mr. Junger certainly had a way with words, and this memoir is a masterpiece that deserves the title of "Classic."
Very good
I enjoyed this book very much. In some reviews people comment that the book was hard to get for many years because it glorifies war. I didn't find that it glorified war. What I got was an incredible respect for any of the WW1 soldiers fighting in the trenches & Ernst Junger in particular. He wasn't just a regular trench soldier - many, many times he risked his life in daring raids on the enemy lines.
A hidden gem of a war novel
Storm of Steel is an unusual contradiction of a war novel. As a description of trench combat on the Western Front of WWI, this book has the immediacy and authenticity of direct reportage, or at least battlefield notes. It was written soon after the author's own service in the German army, and has the unconstructed feel of a series of direct experiences.
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Subjects:  1. 1895-    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Diaries    5. Fiction - General    6. General    7. Germany    8. Junger, Ernst - Prose & Criticism    9. Junger, Ernst,    10. Literary    11. Military    12. Military History - World War I    13. Personal Memoirs    14. Personal narratives, German    15. Soldiers    16. World War, 1914-1918    17. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (7)

refreshing
I read this one right after finishing Julia Child's memoirs. What a great decision! I fell in love with Julia then fell in love with Julie. This is a funny book, meant for those interested in cooking and for those who never will put a pan on the fire but just like a good underdog story. You won't get direct recipes (though you will get loads of good advice, like stay away from aspic) but if you're looking for detailed directives you should go to the source anyway and order Mastering the Art of French Cooking. This book is about accomplishing what you set out to do. It sounds simple, but most of us wallow in excuses and self-pity, things Julie tries valiently to avoid.

A fun, irreverent read
I read this book under the old title, too-- still not sure how folks might have mistaked it as a cookbook!Or a "serious" food book.The author has an irreverent, caustic, yet accessible style of writing that I could really relate to and enjoy-- even though I do not at all aspire to ever attempt a similar project in my life.However, it has inspired me to look at my life and perhaps attempt to do something which might not make a bit of practical sense, but may enrich me in unforeseen ways as the Julie/Julia Project did for the author.This woman reminds me of a close friend which helped me to enjoy it all the more.It does seem aimed towards a "younger" crowd.

Fun
This book had its ups and downs, but mostly it was a fun read. The author is young and disillusioned, and she expresses a lot of anger in the book that she was feeling at the time. But I found it to be about living a weird life in New York City at a weird time, doing a weird project. It is certinly not a cookbook as some reviewers have mistaken it for, and it is really not that much about cooking. Be prepaired for angst. I liked it. It also uses a lot of bad language, which I liked at times, but others may not. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Cooking    3. French Cookery    4. Personal Memoirs    5. Regional & Ethnic - French    6. Women    7. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

In the bold and heartbreaking Read more

Reviews (343)

I know, I know, it's not all true .....
We all are more than aware that James Frey's books are not all based on his experiences but that doesn't change the fact that both "A Million Little Pieces" and "My Friend Leonard" are powerful stories. The characters are riveting, the story line is completely engrossing, and Frey's writing style adds so much to the story. "My Friend Leonard" was intense, funny, painful, and inspiring.I just finished it last night and would recommend it to anyone.I think that people/the media need to stop judging James Frey for taking creative license in his writing and just accept both books for what they are: very strong, readable stories that draw you in from page 1 and move you.

A wonderful book, even if it is fiction...
I remember vaguely hearing about James Frey and the whole Oprah thing, which seemed a little ridiculous. But I was still curious about his book "A Million Little Pieces". So I bought the book and read it, I loved it. For me it was eye opening, everyday I work with criminals and drug addicts but I have never been one myself. As much as I want to help them, I don't understand what they have experienced. Mr.Frey's books have laid out a story of addiction and recovery that is butural, yet honest and accurate. "My Friend Leonard" is a touching story that nicely finshes off the saga that "A Million Little Pieces" begins. I would recommend them both to anyone, they are captivating and honest about the horrors of drug addiction. Even though parts of what Mr.Frey wrote are not true, you cannot deny good writing and a good story.

that man can write...
regarless of the controversy over the fact that portions of this book, along with "a million little pieces" is fictional... there is one undeniable fact... james frey can write. i loved this book... i cried though over half of it... he easily sucks you into his life... you root an cheer for his relationships, mourn for his loss' an feel a sense of pride with every good decison he makes. this is a must read for everyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Drug And Alcohol Abuse Treatment    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    8. Ex-convicts    9. Frey, James,    10. Male friendship    11. Penology    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Prison Life    14. Psychopathology - Addiction    15. Recovering addicts    16. United States    17. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Subjects:  1. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Marriage, family & other relationships    7. Non-Classifiable    8. Wines   

Reviews (172)

Living The Truth
Louis Rodriquez writes the truth! I know I lived in the Lomas during the time Louis writes about being in Garvey school and at Mark Keppel. I lived in Lomas from 1959 to 1972. Fortunately, I survived the madness in Lomas. This was our life as we knew it, the gangs, drugs, girls and of course the parties. It brings back memories of our life in the barrio L's...

I read it, re-lived it and loved it!
Well written book by one of my favorite Authors.Louis is an awesome person who is committed to his work and community.Book can be used for anyone looking for a real life reference to the history of Chicano/a Gangs in Southern California.I read it, re-lived it and loved it!

Always Challanging
Many young people face the same perils Luis Rodriguez shares in this auto biographical coming-of-age story; some overcome these challanges, while others succumb. But, how many rise as far above them as Rodriguez has?
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. California    6. Criminals & Outlaws    7. Ethnic Cultures - General    8. Ethnic Studies - Hispanic American Studies    9. Gangs    10. General    11. Hispanic Americans In The U.S.    12. Los Angeles    13. Mexican American youth    14. Personal Memoirs    15. Sociology Of Youth    16. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (94)

average
This book was engaging at times, and very honest.But for the most part, I found Stephanie Klein to be very self-absorbed, and just not all that interesting.

Can I Get My Money Back?
A friend who read the author's blog fanatically reccomended the book to me, so I picked it up a few days after it was released.
Rode Hard and Put Away Fried.
Actually, the best title for this book would have been "Me! Me! Me!" as that's Stephanie Klein's real focus during the tale. What we have here is an infantpiece devoted to self-absorption. There appears to be little she is capable of noticing about the external world which does not directly concern her. This young lady's emotions and perceptions appear to be an end in them self. Our self-described artist states that she is frighteningly open, but this may well be due to there being nothing of substance to hide.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Dating (Social customs)    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Literary    7. Love & Romance    8. Man-woman relationships    9. Mate selection    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Sex Relations    12. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (1)

Tiny cataclysm
This little book was purchased as a result of a review in a recent NY Times Sunday Book Review.At first odd, it takes you deeply into your own life and feelings through this remarkable French memoirists' candor and insight into himself.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (28)

The most amazing book I've ever read
This book touched me where no book has ever donw before... it changed my life and i think everyone should read it, because it applies to everyone with problems. What none of us realize is that borderline personality disorder is a much more common problem that any of us percieve it to be. Borderline Personality Disorder is just a name for a much deeper issue dealing with one's childhood that causes them to act the way they are. This is your neighbor that screams at her kids, this is your mailman who hates his job, this is you parents that you fail to understand, this is you and almost everyone around you. Everyone needs to read this book, once again, I'll repeat, it changed my life.

A must read!
While reading this book, I realized that I had experienced so many of the same things the author experienced.After 8 years of therapy, I realized along with my diagnosis of PTSD, I also suffer from BPD."Get Me Out Of Here" helped me face some of my own issues and has helped me open up new dialogue with my therapist so that I can heal too.I encourage anyone who suffers from BPD to read this book.I am on the road to recovery and consider this book to be a turning point in my own recovery.Thank you, Rachel Reiland, for your honesty and willingness to share your experience.

Essential reading for mental healthcare counselors
Okay, I did not know what to expect when purchasing this book, but I was intrigued by the synopsis. As a Board Certified Member in Expert Stress (BCETS)and a member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS) actively involved in treating veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, I suggest this should be required reading for EVERYONE in and considering on entering into the mental healthcare profession. Rachel eloquently elaborates on, not only what it is like to live with BPD, but describes the epitome of professionalism in counseling -- transference, boundaries, self-disclosure, and counseling metodology. I wish that I had read this book early in my journey in counseling. It is directly applicable, not only to BPD, but as dissociative identity disorder (DID) and other DSM-IV-TR disorders resulting from trauma in which transference is an issue. A 5-star rating is an understatement. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Borderline personality disorde    4. Borderline personality disorder    5. Mental Illness    6. Mental health    7. Patients    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Personality    10. Psychology    11. Reiland, Rachel    12. Specific Groups - General    13. Treatment    14. United States    15. Clinical psychology    16. Psychiatry    17. Psychology & Psychiatry / Personality    18. The self, ego, identity, personality