Reviews (79)

Are their situations whenthere is no love that is too much?
I believe this book points to an important human problem , loving too much. And this when that totally devoted - self- sacrifical love is an effort to change a person who will not be changed, to please someone who will not be pleased. This kind of love as Norwood rightly points out often has its origin in our failure to have the love of a parent.
Concise and rich
The content in this book can be applied to adult children.
This book can save your life! 100 stars!!!
This is the best book out there for women who feel they are trapped in an abusive or substance abuse tainted relationship. It helps you understand how you ended up in the relationship in the first place, and then helps you proceed to put YOUR life back together, and to take care of YOURSELF. Yes! It really is OK to do that. More than OK, it's mandatory. Not only for yourself, which IS your primary concern, but to be honest, your getting your act together again actually helps plant the seed for your dysfunctional drug addicted or abusive mate to maybe start making the changes in his life that must take place for him. This is a MUST READ!!!!!! If you are in one of these types of relationships this is THE BOOK to read! There are some others I recommend as well, Claudia Black's "It Will Never Happen to Me! and the book "Perfect Daughters" by John Ackerman, and also the book "Codependant No More" by Melanie Beatty. These are all MUST READS for any of you out there seeking help and guidance in respect to your various dysfuntional relationships. I just got a call from an old friend who I never expected in a million years would call me and tell me she and her husband were splitting up after years of secretly keeping from us that she was in a drug-infested and emotionally unavailable relationship. I am taking my personal copies of all of these books to her today. That's how strongly I feel. Help YOURSELF, because when you try to help him, you just make it easier for him to stay the way he is. It's the truth. HE is the ONLY person who can help himself, and he has to get to a point where he is ready to do that. It can take a really long time for some men, and some men never get there, not even for the women and children in thier lives. But, YOU CAN have a happy life. Yes....whithout him. You can, you really can, and you will be well on your way if you're willing to do some reading and take the advice of other women who have been through it. Now is the time to invest in yourself. Do it. You wont regret it! Your happiness depends on it, and maybe even your life. Read. You wont be sorry you did. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Family relationships    3. Interpersonal Relations    4. Love    5. Psychological aspects    6. Psychology    7. Women    8. Women's Studies - General    9. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (1)

A Miracle of Human Connection: Turning Horror to Grace
This is the most honest, open and at the same time powerfully revolutionary book I have ever read. Not only because of the masterful truth-telling that leaps from its pages, but also because of the unique weave of Ensler's deeply personal story with her experiences from around the world. It is a moving convergence of emotional nakedness, fierce and factual reportage and the pure wonder of witnessing the miracles created by those who have learned, as Eve says, "to find freedom, aliveness, and power not from what contains, locates, or protects us but from what dissolves, reveals, and expands us." This book is one of those miracles. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. Case studies    3. Feminism    4. Feminism & Feminist Theory    5. Gender Studies    6. History    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Sociology Of Women    10. U.S. - Contemporary Politics    11. Women    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (49)

Necessary Read
This book is truly the only book necessary to read about men.It doesn't advocate games or 'rules' or useless techniques.Rather, it instills a mindset of being in control of YOURSELF.In the end, it really isn't about "getting" the guy or "figuring him out".Those days are "so over"!!You learn about how to treat yourself and in this manner you teach him how to treat you.See, it's a matter of HIM fitting into YOUR life... not your having to ACCOMODATE HIS WHIMS.Most important, by valuing who you are, you are helping to bring out the best in him!What a read!

Living it and Loving it
I wish I read this book years ago.I've definitely learned the hard way of the "nice girl" that she speaks of.I can relate to all the principles because I now practice them and its good to read a book the reconfirms the way I am to men.
Attitude is Everything
This is a must read for all women, single or married.Sherry's writing style and sense of humor are right on.I've already used a few of the techniques in this book on a guy I am currently dating and it works. My guy friend now calls me when he says and can't wait to see me.I am now the one in control of what I want in a man.Thank you Diva Sherry! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Courtship    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Interpersonal Relations    5. Life skills guides    6. Love & Romance    7. Love / Sex / Marriage    8. Man-woman relationships    9. Marriage    10. Psychology Of Women    11. Single heterosexual women    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Family & Relationships / Love & Romance    14. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Reviews (4)

Restoring Faith in Humanity
Years ago, when I lived in Washington, DC, I had the privilege to know Zainab Salbi when she was first starting Women for Women (called Women for Women in Bosnia at that time).There was a glow of inspiration in her face when she spoke of the plight of women and there was also incredible strength in her.In a time when I am often ashamed of the gross inhumanity we practice upon our fellow man, women like Zainab and the others courageous enough to share thier stories in this book, restore my faith that one day humanity will actually deserve to call itself civilized.Until then, we must rely on the courage of the few, who like Zainab, see beyond themselves and into the hearts of the world.

The Other Side of War- Captivating, Encouraging and REAL
Once again Zainab Salbi and Laurie Becklund have brought a riveting picture of the reality of war from the perspective of those who are left to hold the pieces together- the women. My organization, Soroptimist International, has been working in partnership with Women for Women International on a project called Project Independence Women Survivors of War for 3 1/2 years and I have had the privilege to go "to the field" on three occasions and meet women in the program. It is not an accident that this amazing organization, through the leadership of Zainab- was just awarded the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Award last month. They are the first women's organization to ever recieve it- and the impact of the $1.5 million dollar gift will continue to transform lives of women who are currently socially isolated and desperate and in one year- they will be well on towards their journey of becoming self sufficient and active citizens. These stories are genuine, courageous and TRUE "snapshots" of the unspeakable costs of war- particularly on women. This is a must read! Dawn Marie Lemonds, Soroptimist International

Beautifully inspiring
Zainab Salbi's new book is a beautifully inspiring example of photo journalism and the heart-rending story about the other side of war. It will make a wonderful gift for the holidays. The women in the pictures reach out from the pages and touch your heart, while Salbi's words touch your soul. The message truly inspires me to not only be more thankful for all that life has given me, but also more understanding to what life has given others and seek out more ways to help these women survivors of war. The organization, Women for Women International is an amazing organization, doing amazing work; this new book is equally amazing! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    2. Crimes against    3. Gender Studies    4. Military Personal Narratives    5. Social Science    6. Social conditions    7. Sociology    8. Sociology Of Women    9. Women    10. Women and war    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Cultural studies    13. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (278)

Sad, yet Excited Story
I am only about halfway through "Princess," yet I absolutely adore it. Seeing what actually happens in Saudi Arabia, even to princesses, makes me want to help them. Nobody deserves to be treated the way she does, and I hope that someday, I'll be able to help Sultana and many others fight for women's rights. It's time we took a stand.
A must read!!!!
I currently reside in Geneva, Switzerland and was curious to know more of the veiled women that I see walking the streets in the summer. This story is riveting to say the least and to know that these customs still exist is saddening. I would have never believed until I saw it with my own eyes. Saudi Royals in stretch limos, their entourage in tow, rolling out the red carpets, literaly, as 10 individuals empty out a Louis Vutton store. They were purchasing 10+ bags ranging over $2000.00 a piece. It was a site. Their wives following behind them like wounded yet well trained dogs. Sasson captures, what I believe, to be the true essence of Saudi Royal life.

Couldn't put it down!
This book...is overwhelming to say the least. But it's excellent. It really opens your eyes to the way things are over there. Some items will appall and make you sick but others will make you smile. Can't wait to read the rest in the series! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1956-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. General    7. Middle East - Saudi Arabia    8. Princesses    9. Saudi Arabia    10. Social conditions    11. Sultana,    12. Women    13. Women's Studies - General    14. Women's Studies   

Reviews (21)

Informative...but form your own opinion based on the facts!
I picked this book up at the library and I must say I have been unable to put it down. Dr Sax presents an array of informative facts, based on research and many valuable sources to help us understand the 'nature/nurture' debate in boys and girls. He presents the information in a clear and concise manner and offers various solutions and ideas for raising a well-rounded individual.
Worth Purchasing
This book is filled with a lot of recent research. Dr. Sax discusses carefully designed studies that found that more than half of normal men would actually rape a girl if they were assured of not being caught and punished (p123). And these studies focused on "nice guys" not Neanderthal cavemen. This is disturbing, but not surprising.

half good, half bad
I just finished reading this book.Fascinating, it only took a couple of days (despite being a mom of young children!)
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development    3. Child Development And Rearing    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Gender Studies    7. Parenting - General    8. Sex Roles (Sociological Aspects)    9. Sex differences    10. Sex role    11. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Editorial Review

An inspired blend of memoir and literary criticism, Read more

Reviews (287)

A book of books.
Nafisi's memoir, "Reading Lolita in Tehran", takes its readers deep into the life of a woman living under the ever increasing repression of the Iranian regime.She is an academic whose love of books drives her to use them as lenses through which to view the horrifying events that surround her. Each of the book's four sections takes the works of a different author and uses them to illuminate aspects of the oppressive Islamic regime under which she lives. The book presents a startlingly vivid picture of day to day life in Iran as suffered by a woman who, though very intelligent, is unsure of whether her allegiances lie with her government or with the west. Though Nafisi explains the political events surrounding the Iranian revolution and the Iran-Iraq war, she does so not from the view of the history that's been written, but from the view of a citizen living in the times, providing an essential shift in perspective.
A Stunning Reality
Although many people might question whether everything in this novel is true or not, it states on the front that it is a memoir, therefore that is how I thought of it while reading.As far as I am concerned, everything but the names and some situations ("to protect individuals") is the truth, and since I have not been to Tehran, I would not know any different.I found this book captivating in most every way from the detailed descriptions of the "girls" in the book club to the references to other novels such as The Great Gatsby.Although I have not read all of the books Nafisi referenced in her memoir, I still understood her story and appreciated her sharing the private (or public) moments with her readers.I was shocked when I read about some of the laws that women (and men) must obide by in Iran, and this book sparked my interest regarding the stunning ways of the country enough from the very beginning to encourage me to look even further into the culture.Being a secondary education English major, I would suggest this book to anyone from the age of 13 on, with hopes that he or she would read it, appreciate it, and try to gain some knowledge on a very different culture than our own while recognizing the everyday freedoms we take for granted on a daily basis.

A Vision of a Fundamentalist's Dream
If anyone wants to know what living in post-revolution Iran is like for a woman, this is the book.Great detail is given to how the messages of western literature apply to life in the theocratic totalitarian state. The scariest thing, for me, is how closely the vision of Iran held by muslim extremists conforms to the stated vision of the U.S. held by christian extremists.This touched me with reality the way The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood touched me with fictional possibility.
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Subjects:  1. American literature    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Books & Reading    7. Books And Reading    8. English literature    9. English teachers    10. Ethnic Cultures - General    11. Iran    12. Regional, Ethnic, Genre, Specific Subject    13. Study and teaching    14. Women    15. Women In Islam    16. Women's Studies - General    17. Biography & Autobiography / Women    18. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

When Terrence Real was studying to be a therapist, he acceptedthe notion that women suffered depression at rates several times thatof men. Now he believes that conventional wisdom is wrong, that therehas been a great cultural cover-up of depression in men. Real isconvinced of the existence of a mental illness that is passed fromfathers to sons in the form of rage, workaholism, distancedrelationships from loved ones, and self-destructive behaviors rangingfrom stupid choices at work and in love to drug and alcohol abuse. Menreading Read more

Reviews (71)

Great book for understanding the man inyour life
This book is very helpful in understanding depression in men.My husband and I have two copies and I have sent copies to others who are suffering from depression.
Brace Yourself
I am on my second reading of this book. My first reading profoundly moved and disturbed me. It's like having a veil lifted and seeing with a little bit more clarity some of those things about myself I've never been able to quite understand. If you've ever had those moments when you catch yourself wondering, "Why am I not feeling (emotionally) anything at this moment?" or "Why did I get that angry?" you might want to brace yourself for a very insightful and upsetting read. I went into this trying to do some research on what was going on with my son, only to learn a few things about what was going on with me, and also my father.

Not bad, but...
...about half way through this book I started to realize it's more a collection of stories intended to give this disorder a context for readers, rather than concise descriptions of what the disorder is and how to treat it. That said I'm sure many men recognize themselves in the stories and thus hopefully get some help or help themselves somehow. Worth reading... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression (Psychology)    3. Depression, Mental    4. General    5. Masculinity    6. Men    7. Men's Studies - General    8. Mental Illness    9. Mental health    10. Psychology    11. Coping with personal problems    12. Self-Help / General   

Editorial Review

Ariel Levy’s debut book is a bold, piercing examination of how twenty-first century American society perceives sex and women. Writing vividly, she brings her readers to places she visited to make her assessment; the elevator of Playboy Enterprises with women auditioning to be Playmates in the fiftieth anniversary edition, a Florida beach where sunbathers urge a woman to take off her bathing suit for the camera crew of Girls Gone Wild, a San Francisco Italian restaurant where a lesbian worries she’s not dressed up enough for her date, a CAKE party in New York, with women grinding each other’s pelvises in time to pulsating dance rhythms, and outside a juice bar in Oakland where a beautiful high school student shares disappointment at her experiences with sex. Read more

Reviews (58)

Another Guys Perspective
I just finished reading FCP, and have to say it was one of the most engaging books I've read in quite a while. It was a quick read (one day) while still being extremely thought provoking and engaging. I won't waste my time summerizing the book (plenty of others do that below)...but I truly enjoyed the way she challenged (gently to my mind) the widely prevailing point of view of women's sexuality and power. She did a terrific job of setting up the context, looking at the different historic and social forces that have shaped the current state of affairs, and made, overall, quite a compelling case.
Must Read
Amazing book that gets you thinking. So important for the (especially young) women of America (and the world) to read. I've recommended this book to every female friend and they've gone on to share the book with their sisters and friends. If the book can generate word of mouth like that you know it's worth reading.

How did we come to this?
Are women helping the chauvinist pigs stay in power? That's the argument Ariel Levy makes in her book. After reading the first chapter which is a behind the scenes look at the video phenomena "Girls Gone Wild," it's hard to say that she doesn't have a point. While I thought the book petered out at the end when she started looking at the fringe elements of raunch like strippers and prostitutes (for better insight read Tracy Quan's novel, Diary of a Manhattan Call Girl), Female Chauvinist Pigs does do a great job of summarizing the chronology of the feminist movement. Unfortunately, just like Maureen Dowd in Are Men Necessary?, Levy is unable to supply much insight into how we got from there to today where young girls (even the highly-educated ones) have apparently "gone wild." She does offer one incredibly insightful clue, however, when she writes: "FCP's [Female Chauvinist Pigs] have relinquished any sense of themselves as a collective group with a linked fate. Simply by being female and getting ahead, by being that strong woman we hear so much about, you are doing all you need to do, or so the story goes." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Feminism & Feminist Theory    2. Popular Culture - General    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. Women's Studies - General    6. Social Science / Feminism & Feminist Theory   

Reviews (30)

It doesn't get better than this book.
In this excellent workbook, Laura Davis shows each survivor of child abuse {of all kinds}how to turn the traumatic and the shocking into the simple and the ordinary. A thorough and very important book championing the quiet and personal recovery of the child and the adult while advocating for the social recovery of a society stuck in its own ignorance and injury. Very simply, every man and women needs to own this book.
Workbook is my Guide to Healing
Just as The Courage to Heal was my Bible in helping me get through the crisis stage of sexual abuse revisited, helping me to decipher what it was I was feeling, and that it was perfectly normal, probably more normal than anything in my life ever had been, and letting me know what I may be going through next, and how people might react to me, ect.....This Courage to Heal Workbook is my homework in learning to become the person I should have started out as. I do a chapter a day, but you can do it a chapter a week, or at your own pace. Pre-reading The Courage to Heal is not necessary, either. It's all self-explanatory. Encourages one to give lots of deep thought to differing topics and to answer honestly and in depth. I strongly recommend this workbook to anyone struggling to heal the wounds of childhood sexual abuse. It allows you to get to know the real you inside all of the protective layers that have been unconsciencously piled on over the years....not who you want people to know, but who you really are, and who you were really meant to be.A bright shining star!

This book is hard work but good
I am not sure why people whose lives are being "ruined" or hurt by "unfounded" repressed memories are being so hard on the authors of this book.Sounds like the psychiatric professionals that their loved one or they themselves are seeing need to be held to task for the "bringing forth the memories" problem - not the authors of this book.
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Subjects:  1. Abuse - Sexual    2. Adult child sexual abuse victi    3. Adult child sexual abuse victims    4. General    5. Psychology    6. Reference    7. Rehabilitation    8. Self-Help    9. Self-help techniques    10. United States    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Child abuse    13. Coping with personal problems    14. Health & Fitness / General    15. Sexual abuse   

Reviews (262)

Pretty good
But never pretends to be a tell-all... simply a year-long narrative from inside.

A step backwards
This book really made my heart sink. I am in a sorority and if Robbins were to come spend a year in my sorority she would have reported a very different story. I think Robbins generalizes way too much in this book and purposely gives greek life a bad name. We greeks know that we have a stereotype we are all trying to break and the stereotype was layed out perfectly in this book. It is important to understand that every greek system is different from campus to campus. most campuses have a hazing policy and greek life is nothing like what is reported in this book andvery few do not have a hazing policy and personify the behavior of this book. Robbins decided she was going to focus on that small percentage and help to give greek life the horrible stereotype it allready has. I would like to see Robbins travel to a smaller non-state school and follow the sisters there. If she were to do this all she would find is good times, community service, and sisters with an undying love for one another. I strongly urge all women out there who are considering greek life to go through recruitment, there is no obligation and it will give you a look at what sorority life is really like, unlike this book. Be brave, step outside your element, and don't fall for the stereotypes.

Entertaining... But not surprising!
I went to a Southern university.I was not in a sorority.I never saw the point of "buying friends."However, I feel that Robbins went into her project with a view that sororities are bad.The ONLY bad aspects of sororities, I think is the conformity and superficiality.I remember watching girls during rush, focusing so much on appearance.I remember when my roommate was in tears b/c only the "ugly" sorority wanted her.I remember how sorority girls in the top sororities would only really talk to me, an independent, when their sisters were not around.I remember how my friends who were in sororities couldn't be themselves around their sorority sisters.I also think eating disorders really may be more prevalent among sorority members.On several occasions in the dining hall, I recall overhearing one sorority sister admonish another not to eat too much or to avoid carbs etc.
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Subjects:  1. College Life    2. Conduct of life    3. Education (Higher)    4. Greek letter societies    5. Higher    6. Social Science    7. Social aspects    8. Sociology    9. Sociology Of Organizations    10. Students & Student Life    11. United States    12. Women    13. Women college students    14. Women's Studies - General    15. Social Science / Popular Culture    16. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (11)

What every woman should know!
I read about this book - actually, I consider it a textbook - when searching for tools on expanding my career. I usually wouldn't buy something like this, and instead look for similar information from free 'Net sources. But on a whim, I bought it, and am so glad I did. I'm not even halfway through and what I've learned already has helped me to speak and express myself in a way that gets people's attention, and has improved my professional image. One of the best tips, which comes early in the book, is catching myself using the "I think/like/don't like" phrase when I want to discuss facts. I do it, so I don't look like a know-it-all. Dr. Mindell, however, shows several ways to express facts without appearing as though I have all the answers.
Review by the Business Librarians of the Carnegie Library, Pittsburgh
The lights go down. The speaker strides confidently towards the podium, pauses and makes eye contact with the audience. And from the very first moment you know, instinctively, that it's going to be an excellent presentation. An experience like this reinforces your desire to create your own unique aura of self-confidence. What can you do to make this happen?
Not Helpful
I bought this book at a womens' leadership conference a couple of years ago.I read it cover-to-cover and decided to try the skills covered when communicating in my office.My supervisors' opinions of me changed drastically - they began to view me as surly and defiant.I didn't think any of the verbage alternatives were rude, but in the organization where I was working, the higher-ups expected you to consider them omnipotent and not have an opinion of your own.Ultimately one should consider their audience and adjust their language accordingly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business Life - General    5. Business communication    6. Business presentations    7. Business/Economics    8. Businesswomen    9. Communication In Business    10. Language and languages    11. Self-esteem    12. Women & Business    13. Women In Management    14. Business communication & presentation    15. Language Arts & Disciplines / Communication    16. Public speaking / elocution    17. Women's studies   

Reviews (85)

A mirror to my soul
I cherish this book and I read it over and over again .The work of a brilliant woman who becomes ones voice for one so silent . You find yourself agreeing with the author and learning to love the instinctual gifts we as women possess. It is a book for every woman who feels the injustice of a world which undervalues us .
Read IT, LOVED IT 12 years ago and still do
When I see young women who don't trust their gut feelings, who don't envision their full potential, who allow abuse, who lack self-confidence, I WISH THEY WOULD READ "Women Who Run With Wolves."This is not an "easy read," but DO READ IT and become a powerful woman on the inside -- a woman whose soul is steady and strong -- a "Wild Woman."The author of this book taught me the wisdom and lessons of ancient "fairy tales."This author taught me to strengthen my core, my soul, trust my own wisdom, listen to myself and stand tall and firm and strong.
enlightning
This is a serious book on psychology,
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Subjects:  1. Folklore    2. Folklore & Mythology - Folklore    3. General    4. Literary Criticism    5. Psychology    6. Sociology    7. Wild women    8. Women    9. Women's Studies - General    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / General    11. Women's studies   

Editorial Review

Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio offer advice for "both the leader and the led" in this entertaining and useful guidebook for today's working woman. Through quizzes, personal anecdotes, and interviews, Friedman and Yorio help readers to identify their leadership style and share support and encouragement from experts to help women become better (and more comfortable) leaders. Want to know more? Check out Friedman and Yorio's "Top 5 Reasons to Buy This Book" for the inside scoop.Read more

Reviews (7)

Practical advice for women leaders
The Girls Guide to Being a Boss (without being a bitch) is a down-to-earth guidebook for women in leadership positions. It is written how we might talk amongst friends, in a straightforward manner. The bulleted lists, succinct paragraphs, personal anecdotes, and interviews with women leaders made the book a quick read.
Great Info!
This book is right on the nose as they say.Everything you have to deal with as a female manager.This book really makes you realize your NOT crazy, and you can handle anything.Its all about how you do it.Thanks for such a helpful book."AFruitFli"

Female manager
As a first time manager, I was thrilled to see advertisement for this book.It really was the title that attracted me to it.I was delighted to learn that my intuition about my employees behavior was not my imagination, and this book nailed it.It was interesting to read about people behavior, gossip, reluctunce of male counterparts to cooperate in workplace.This easy to read book was pure blessing with its down to earth advice and excellent reference index.Once I finished reading this book, I was able to continue my management education thru referring to other book materials that address leadership issues and what is means to be a female manager.This is great book for both managers and employees.It does not matter is you work in corporate world or you own your business.Advice from this book applies to all work environments. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Career And Vocational Guidance    4. Career/Job    5. Careers - General    6. Careers / Job Opportunities    7. Handbooks, manuals, etc    8. Human Resources & Personnel Management    9. Leadership    10. Supervision of employees    11. Women & Business    12. Women In Management    13. Women executives    14. Women supervisors    15. Women's Studies - General    16. Business & Economics / Careers   

Editorial Review

This book caused quite a ruckus when it was released 25 years ago because it directly quotes the sexual fantasies of dozens of women, ranging from the "very common" rape fantasy to lesbian affairs to unusually explicit scenarios that are unmentionable here. While author Nancy Friday maintains that Read more

Reviews (20)

Celebration of Woman's Fantasies
Friday intended for My Secret Garden to be a candid celebration of woman's fantasies.A ground breaker. As with any book that dwells on such subjects some will think it is just a soft porn book. Friday tries hard to give the book a serious edge and to show it for what it is a book that attempts to free a woman's mind and her conscience.Friday looks at a wide range of subjects in the book. Believe it or not it isn't 307 pages of woman telling the world they to put it crudely want a good seeing to by a well endowed man. The fantastisies are written in the woman's own words so the style and language used does differ from page to page.
My Secret Garden by Nancy Friday
I am online to purchase more of this amazing woman's work.I found her open mind to the hidden world of women's fantasies refreshing.She also opened my mind to how thoughtless I have been as a lover.It is a great book to travel with, the person sitting next to you will either "not bother you, due to the subject" or "start an interesting conversation, because of it".I am ready for the next adventure, thank you Nancy Friday.

Will Steam Glasses
Nancy Friday asked women around the world, to send in their sexual fantasies and experiences. What she got even shocked her. Some of, if not THE most provocative fantasies and experiences ever published. I have owned(notice I said "have owned") a couple of copies of this extraordinary book. But each time I bought one, someone would want to "see it", and I would never get it back. Like Forbidden Flowers (a similar publication by Nancy Friday), anytime someone seen me reading a copy, they'd want to read a page. Only thing is, I never had anyone who could only read one page. They would be so captivated by its contents, they'd read more and more. I've had as many as 5 women at a time, come up to me and inquire as to what I was reading, then ask to let them "read a page". As they read, mouths dropped open, eyes would widen, faces would turn flush, and giggles galore would occur. It's amazing how a book can make women in their 20's 30's 40's and 50's act.
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Subjects:  1. Erotica - General    2. General    3. Love / Sex / Marriage    4. Sex (Psychology)    5. Sexual behavior    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Women    9. Women's Studies - General    10. Family & Relationships / General   

Reviews (103)

Don't support this writer by buying this piece of trash
A friend recommended this book which I unfortunately bought.I feel sorry for people who think that this is "writing."The author not only contradicts herself but the writing is shallow and lacks any depth.If you want to feel good, buy yourself a bottle of wine, not this book.

Reflective & Thought-provoking
I found this lying on the table at a bookstore during a one-nighter with my husband, which we both desperately needed as we're always surrounded by the things that needs to be done, two growing boys who demand all of our attention and time ~~ and reading the back of this book, I briefly thought of a friend who is going through her midlife crisis right now. So I picked it up.
You Have to Like the Genre
Before I begin this review, let me state that I have experienced most of the life changes that Joan Anderson describes in her book: from getting older to empty-nesting to (in my case) a divorce to wondering who and what I am. So I am not unsympathetic to any woman's struggle with the above.
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Subjects:  1. Anderson, Joan    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Cape Cod    7. Feminism & Feminist Theory    8. Massachusetts    9. Regional Subjects - New England    10. Women    11. Biography: general    12. Social Science / Feminism & Feminist Theory    13. Women's studies   

Editorial Review

Geraldine Brooks spent two years as a Middle East news correspondent, covering the death of Khomeini and the like. She also learned a lot about what it's like for Islamic women today.Brooks' book is exceedingly well-done--she knows her Islamic lore and traces the origins of today's practices back to Mohammed's time. Personable and very readable, Brooks takes us through the women's back door entrance of the Middle East for an unusual and provocative view. ... Read more

Reviews (129)

Disappointing rehash
I guess it is a good market now for anything about Islam. This is all old news, looks like reworked columns. Not insightful, not fresh, just tired old stuff mainly about middle to upper class women. Save your money.

Slightly dated but still very informative book
Nine Parts of Desire by Geraldine Brooks details, as the subtitle says, the HIdden World of Islamic Women.Brooks is an Australian reporter who spent the late 80s and early 90s doing a lot of Middle East reporting, and spent a lot of time with Muslim women in various Middle Eastern countries at a time when fundamentalism was on the rise and had already triumphed in a few countries.She spoke with women who embraced a return to traditional women's roles (often symbolized by taking on the veil or chador or otherwise covering oneself and turning away from Western fashion and styles) and those who resisted it in countries like Egypt and Lebanon, which had had a more liberated tradition, and those trying