Reviews (11)

Well-written, well-organized, and... ready to go to work
Why So Slow? The Advancement of Women, by Virginia Valian, is a book with a mission.It is not Professor Valian's objective in writing this book to discuss the issues of women in leadership positions with the limited number of other academics studying the issue.It is her objective to shake the people responsible for "the accumulation of disadvantage" of women, and to make them, or their supervisors, accountable for the recruitment and retention of women.
A true eye-opener!
Valian is a cognitive psychologist.I saw her speak at a local university and was impressed by the breadth of evidence she presented re: how ingrained gender discrimination is in the thinking of both men and women, but also with her logical suggestions for addressing this problem.(She, as a matter of fact, was invited by women students and faculty to help them strategize how to get more women into higher positions.)In her convincing talk, I was struck by the evidence that discrimination is not something "done" by men to keep women down, but is, in fact, "done" equally to women by both men and women. So I got her book and was more impressed when I read it. I can't stop recommending this book to every woman I know.
I waited too long to read Prof. Valian's book. Had I been armed with the knowledge offered in it earlier, I might have been spared some of the most unpleasant experiences and obstacles in my professional life. The breadth of the research covered, on everything from how young girls are channeled into certain careers or non-careers to the publishing patterns of men and women in academics, is its most impressive quality. I find myself referring to it often in everyday conversation, and recommending it to female friends and family members of all ages and levels of employment. If I have more confidence and a more positive outlook on my life's work now, it is in large part due to Prof. Valian's superb mega-study and her suggestions for moving forward. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Feminism & Feminist Theory    2. Gender Studies    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. Women's Studies - General    6. Women's Studies - History    7. Equal opportunities    8. Labour economics    9. Psychology    10. Women's studies   

Editorial Review

In the latter part of the 20th century, the adage "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" has evolved far beyond its original intent as an admonition against false vanity to become a cultural manifesto used to explain phenomena as diverse as the art of Andy Warhol and the rise of a multi-billion-dollar cosmetics industry. But is there something more to human reaction to beauty than a conditioned response to social cues? Yes, says Harvard Medical School psychologist Nancy Etcoff. Read more

Reviews (73)

Not scientifically robust, but maybe a good fit for a dinner talk
"Survival of the prettiest" is a very provocative title indeed and it is also a very ambitious subject to say the least. I expected from this book an identification of a phenomenon called "survival of the prettiest" if there is indeed such a thing, and if there is, a robust account of how it can be explained scientifically, because the subtitle of this book is no less than "the science of beauty." But, as a whole, this book fails to give us any satisfactory identification or explanation of the so-called "survival of the prettiest." In fact, I find the book often drifts away to somewhat trivial episodes of some biological or sociological findings to sustain readers' interest. I don't see how such things can be put together to establish the author's ultimate claim that our biological and sociological existence is so designed that the prettiest have been assured a better chance to survive to form the current world. Chapters are not thematically connected with each other and are not well-organized to deliver what the author intends to get across. I expected somehow solid scientific backing for the author's claim, but generally said, this book is a very light read that may not be called the "science" of beauty. I have no objection, however, for the readers who just look for some interesting subjects for light talks with families and friends at the dinner table. This book may be a good fit for that purpose.

Is beauty an honest advertiser?
Etcoff does a great job showing how our response to beauty is innate and deeply connected with our urge to reproduce. But I would have wished for a bit more exploration of the way beauty also might fool us. For example, she talks about men preferring women with hourglass shapes and more feminine features, because it signals health and fertility. But then she doesn't give information about whether this is true. Are more feminine looking women more fertile in reality? Are they healthier? We don't know.

That's hot
This covers the science of beauty, and explains why we say "that's hot!" to someone. Great statistics presented in an exciting way.I used this book for a college paper on attraction and mating--and have given it to several girlfriends since then for flattery!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - General    2. Life Sciences - Biology - General    3. Science    4. Sociology    5. Women's Studies - General    6. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (42)

Good source for information
While no book is really the end all be all in any topic, this book does give a great deal of information.Bridges, while not Emily Post, does cover topics that one my encounter in everyday life.He writes in an easy to read style that makes reading effortless.
Some Right, Some Wrong
I must absolutely agree with the reviewer who said that many of the author's "rules" of etiquette are merely preferences, not actual indicators of gentlemanly virtue.For example:
Excellent Resource
This small volume is packed with wisdom and insight.With humor and intelligence, Mr. Bridges gently instructs his readers in what is becoming a lost art. Other reviewers have commented that Mr. Bridges' book is not always correct.However, if it is not 100% on target, it is certainly above 95%, which represents an excellent effort.
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Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Etiquette for men    3. Men's Studies - General    4. Reference    5. Etiquette & entertaining    6. Reference / Etiquette    7. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (14)

Absolutely Wonderful!
If you are wondering about your purpose or or ust plodding along day to day, this is for you!!!!!

"Pathway to Purpose for Women" is the BEST!!!
I have read many, many books for women, and in particular, books about Christian growth."Pathway to Purpose" is a MUST READ!Ms. Brazelton has a unique perspective on women and how God sees us ...really sees us!She takes the ordinary day stuff and makes us recognize that everything we do as women has a purpose for Christ!IF you never read any other book, you must read this one.I am reading "Praying for a Purpose" simultaneously which is really a devotional book and complements her original "Pathway" book.I'll NEVER loan my "Pathway to Purpose" out!!!

Pathway to Purpose for Women
I am using this book as a guide for a study group for women. It is most thought provoking and helpful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian Life    2. Christian women    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues    6. Christianity - Theology - General    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religious life    10. Sociology Of Women    11. Vocation    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Christian Interest    14. Christian spirituality    15. Religion / Christian Life   

Editorial Review

"This book was born out of anger," begins Cathi Hanauer, which seems appropriate considering the book's title: Read more

Reviews (70)

And women wonder why?
... men don't want to commit to marriage in this day and age? This little missive should put to rest any of those doubts - permanently.
'Two people in the same circumstances, having different experiences.'
I read this book, then followed it with its bookend, 'The Bastard on the Couch'. It was a very interesting combination.
First Comes Anger, Then....
I wasn't sure what I'd think of this anthology, but I really responded to the honesty and intelligence of the essays.I think that part of what makes this anthology successful is the quality of the writing itself:These authors know how to tell a good story, and they also know how to write well.The same kind of heightened imagery and phrasing you see in these pieces is what you find in the authors' novels, stories, and memoirs.It would be a great oversimplification to say that The Bitch in the House is just a bunch of women griping about their lives.These essays contain stories that are full of brilliant characterization, conflict, and resolution.
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Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Essays    3. Interpersonal relations    4. Social Science    5. Social conditions    6. Sociology    7. Sociology Of Women    8. United States    9. Women    10. Women's Studies - General    11. Literary Collections / Essays    12. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (112)

Half the fun in life is the joy of being a girl, woman!
Why that is a controversial statement for many is a mystery to me!
a mix of good and VERY BAD advice
The first half of this book was fairly entertaining and interesting, though I disagreed with some points I felt I gained some from it.However, when I read her suggestions for getting revenge I was revolted and put the book down.I don't want to waste my time on really, really bad advice.Why would I want to clutter my mind and heart hanging on to hurts?No thank you.

Great lessons from a southern woman
I read Ronda Rich's book cover to cover within days. I enjoyed it very much. She has a lot to offer women not from the South. The author makes it very clear that there's more to a Southern woman than her accent. I actually tried several things after reading certain chapters. One example, I did an experiment by modeling what she talked about in one of her stories that makes a point. Not only did it work but it showed me an important lesson. The author touches on many subjects and will make it easy for the reader by bolding words and go into good detail in what she means. I highlighted the major points in the book so I could go back later to use as a guide. I recommend this book highly! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Personal Growth - Success    2. Psychology    3. Sociology    4. Women's Studies - General    5. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (1)

College Textbook
While the text offers important thought provoking articles and essays on Race Gender and Social Issues, it is not Student friendly text. A text with such a wide array of information should offer a section of review at the end of each reading. By having a review "for students", it ensures an understanding of concepts and objectives. Furthermore, it offers students a place to review when studying for exams. I give the text a 5 star rating for the informative articles and essays but 1 star for none existing review material. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1980-    2. Anthropology - Cultural    3. Archaeology / Anthropology    4. Ethnic Studies - General    5. Gender Studies    6. Government - National    7. Pluralism (Social sciences)    8. Social Science    9. Social conditions    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - General    12. United States    13. Social Science / Sociology / General    14. Sociology, Social Studies   

Editorial Review

"Literacy has promoted the subjugation of women by men throughout all but the very recent history of the West," writes Leonard Shlain. "Misogyny and patriarchy rise and fall with the fortunes of the alphabetic written word."Read more

Reviews (144)

An interesting and frustrating book
I am all over the map in rating this book.In the end, I am unconvinced, and I think it has a lot of errors and inconsistencies, but it asks interesting questions that are worth examining whether or not the author's thesis is correct.There are parts that deserve five stars and parts that deserve one.
Mind-blowing, a new tint for your filter
Science always begins with a hypothesis.What Leonard Shlain has done here is present a mind-blowing hypothesis, melding the best of recent anthropological discoveries with the best in cognitive research.While in places he stretches to argue his point, for the most part his hypothesis is brilliant and incredibly well-supported.I feel he is unfairly criticized by people who are expecting "fact" to be derived from this, when in fact much of the time period explored is unrecorded history--a time during which we will never know "exactly" what happened. (Never mind the manipulations of recorded history that have followed!)Their very criticisms point to their overdependence on their left brain to evaluate this information in a manner that is literal and unimaginative.
Eye Opener
I read Shlain's book in 1998, a few years before 9/11.If you've read Steven Covey's Seven Habits - you will appreciate this book.If you recall the habit- seek to understand then to be understood.This books gives you a framework to help you understand people and their politics.
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Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Feminism & Feminist Theory    4. Literacy    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Women's Studies - General    8. Social Science / Women's Studies    9. Reading Group Guide   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Businesswomen    5. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    6. Management - General    7. Women In Management    8. Women executives    9. Women in the professions    10. Women's Studies - General    11. Business & Management    12. Economics, Finance, Business and Industry   

Reviews (8)

Excellent Resource
Leila Ahmed's "Woman and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate" is an outstanding contribution to the field of Middle Eastern Women's Studies. Ahmed explores and effectively dissects the many intersections between women, gender, and Islam. Her book is readable and makes an excellent sourcebook for those who are interested in the historical foundations of women and Islam.
Everyone should read this
By far the best scholarly and historical work amidst the increasing number of books on this topic.Particularly interesting is the discussion of how Muslim caliphs adopted the Persian custom of having huge imperial harems.Of course, this is one of the aspects of "Muslim" culture that really tantalized the early Orientalists, as discussed by Edward Said in his book on the subject.

Good history book
This is a good book for anyone to read who doesn't know much about Islam.The author gives several chapters of in-depth history of the rise of Islam.It is interesting to read--not dry and boring like a lot of other detailed history books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arab countries    2. Attitudes    3. General    4. History    5. Middle East - General    6. Muslim women    7. Sexism    8. Social conditions    9. Sociology    10. Women    11. History / Middle East    12. Islam    13. Islamic studies    14. Women's studies   

Subjects:  1. Feminism    2. Feminism & Feminist Theory    3. Feminist theory    4. Gender Studies    5. Sex Roles (Sociological Aspects)    6. Sex role    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (17)

redefining
After taking me the first 3 chapters to get going, I found that I couldn't put it down.I never really thought about how I fight and what I fight for.What an eye opener.

More than worth the read!
"Fight Like a Girl" is empowering, honest and relateable. Once again, Lisa clearly communicates truths that so many women are searching for. In an understandable ways that encourages your intellect without insulting your intelligence, she encourages you to be the women you are. Femininity is strength. Kudos to Lisa for once again succeeding in reaching each and every generation and blessing them with a strength that can alter the course of their lives for the better!

Lousy
How could any educational book be taken seriously when every other work in it is god? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian Life    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues    4. Inspirational - General    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Women And Religion (General)    8. Women's Studies - General    9. Combat sports & self-defence    10. Religion / Inspirational    11. Women's studies   

Editorial Review

In a new introduction to the 10th-anniversary edition of Read more

Reviews (20)

Quick and Clean
The seller shipped this book to me immediately and with the exception of a few notes in the margin (which they warned about) it is in remarkably good condition.Would reccomend.

Imagine Honduran Women makes Clothes in a Sweatshop...
ing clothes....think of the Butlerian strategy of it all!
Consider women working for slave wages in Honduras
making clothes....think of the Butlerian strategy of it all!
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Subjects:  1. Femininity    2. Feminism & Feminist Theory    3. Feminist theory    4. Gender Studies    5. Human Sexuality    6. Identity (Psychology)    7. Sex differences (Psychology)    8. Sex role    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Sociology Of Women    12. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (46)

Changing your life and luck
A completely different philosophy of life for women...easy to incorporate,with immediate results.....has really made a difference for me both at work and my private life. Who knew that satisfying myself first was the key to true happiness and love? I recommend it to anyone who was raised in the old pleaser tradition.

I thought Mama Gena was an Italian restaurant!!!
Well, you'd in in for quite a surprise if you made the same mistake! Now that I've read this book I can assure you, a whole other kind of satisfaction awaits!

Pussy On, Sisters!
This book is absolutely fabulous, in a life-changing, joyous celebration of the power of the feminine kind of way. I picked this book up as I was recovering from a heartbreaking divorce. After reading the book a few years ago, I was so interested and inspired by Mama Gena and her school of Womanly Arts, I took her correspondence classes, and today, my life has never been happier or more fulfilling. I wish I could buy stacks of Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts and leave them in the waiting rooms and lobbies of OG/GYN offices across the country. THANK YOU, Mama Gena! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conduct of life    2. Gender Psychology    3. General    4. Personal Growth - Success    5. Pleasure    6. Psychology    7. Self-Help    8. Sociology Of Women    9. Women    10. Women's Studies - General    11. Popular psychology    12. Self-Help / General    13. Sex & sexuality   

Reviews (136)

This book is helpful in some ways
I don't agree with most of the advice regarding marriage in this book, but the lady does know how to keep a clean and orderly home. This book changed my life in that way. I followed the housekeeping advice and am much happier, organized and more capable of handling whatever life throws at me because my home is in order.
2 stars just because it's a great coffee table book
I found this book years ago in my mother's library. My crazy aunt Gail had given it to her for her wedding. My parents spent many hours of their honeymoon hooting with laughter while reading aloud from it.
Straight from the "Saint".

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Subjects:  1. Gender Studies    2. Inspirational - General    3. Interpersonal relations    4. Love / Sex / Marriage    5. Marriage    6. Religion    7. Sex role    8. United States    9. Popular psychology    10. Religion / Inspirational    11. Women's studies   

Reviews (25)

WONDERFUL!!!
This book supplied the inspiration necessary to break free of an eating disorder. It is truly incredible how the author weaves modern issues into traditional stories. This book is a must for anyone struggling with an eating disorder, body dissatisfaction, or anyone who knows someone with these issues.
Powerful and Inspiring!
This was an interesting book, quite true to its name, Johnston uses myths, metaphors and storytelling to help illustrate some of the core "problems" with women's thinking regarding food and eating habits.While I definitely do NOT have problems on the level of examples used in this book - I do not now, nor have I ever been anorexic or bulimic or had any medically treatable eating disorder...I do make "bad" food choices and eat for reasons that are not related to physical hunger...so I got a lot more out of this book that I thought I would based on the target audience alone.
not another handbook
Anita Johnston doesn't give you another book of clinical criteria and personality tendencies. She writes with recognition that her audience has an intimate relationship with the reality and intricacies and seduction of their eating disorder. Even for the professional, she provides a new avenue to access thoughts, behaviors, symptoms. johnston's diction can be startlingly honest - denial is not easy here. But all along, she is telling myths that are safe to consider, to discuss, to debate, and ultimately to embrace, becauase they are not real and my (our?) eating disorders are not at attention and armed for battle. I think this is a beautiful book and one that I have utilized, and seen utilized in hospital and group therapy, a thousand times on the long road of recovery. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative treatment    2. Compulsive eating    3. Eating Disorders - General    4. Inspiration & Personal Growth    5. Mental health    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - Eating Disorders    8. Self-Help    9. Storytelling    10. Therapeutic use    11. Women    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Family & Health    14. Self-Help & Practical Interests    15. Women's studies   

Subjects:  1. Bibliography    2. Encyclopedias    3. Gender Studies    4. General    5. Information technology    6. Reference    7. Sex role in the work environment    8. Women & Business    9. Women in computer science    10. Human-computer interaction   

Reviews (10)

Crone for my cronies
This book is The Birthday Gift for my girlfriends, sisters, cousins and co-workers as we turn 50.Many shudder at the word "crone" but I am proud to be entering the ranks of the wise women and continuing to make efforts to connect with women of all ages to learn and to teach.This book is great encouragement!Be Juicy!

Very Pleased
My book arrived in great condition in a timely manner. Thank you very much for the excellent service!

Juicy Couture Could Take On a Whole New Meaning
Jean Shinoda Bolen's latest work playfully and sharply offers women thirteen qualities to cultivate during the third phase of their lives ( Maiden-Mother-Crone).She wisely seeks to re-install the title `crone' as an aspirational honorific connoting wisdom acquired through years of living; a woman to be revered and respected.
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Subjects:  1. Crones    2. Middle aged women    3. Middle-aged women    4. Personal Growth - Happiness    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Sociology    8. Sociology - General    9. Women's Studies - General    10. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    11. Popular psychology    12. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (50)

Friedan and Freud
All right.
You'll never quit your job after reading this book
I read this book in high school, and was very happy to read it again in my 40s. In each instance, the urgency, and the modern-day applications of this work hit me in the face: the American woman exists in a world with extraordinary pressures.The pressure to get married; the pressure to let a man support you; the pressure to fully believe that unless you live your life through your family and solely through your family that you are somehow a failure.
Gives insight into feminism's history
First of all, I recommend everyone to read the book in order to have an idea where a lot of modern day values come from.
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Subjects:  1. Feminism    2. Feminism & Feminist Theory    3. Psychology    4. Social Science    5. Social co