Self help book reviews

There are many self help books and personal growth books on the market these days, here are my thoughts on a few of them. Some of these books are aimed at professionals in the field of therapy and others are for general use, but they are all interesting.

I’m not sure if all the content in these books is true, however, I enjoy  listening to many theories and pulling what I feel are the best aspects together for use in my therapy toolkit.…………

Warriors, Settlers & Nomads – Terence Watts

9/10 – This is a great book for anyone who is prepared to look at themself and realise that perhaps they are not all they think they are. This tool elegantly exposes the conflicts that we have within ourselves and shows you how to go about expanding the resources that we all already have within ourselves to over come them.

The Four Agreements – don Miguel Ruiz

10/10 – Just love this book and the concepts about how to live life with less emotional turmoil and conflict. His four agreements make a lot of sense when wrapped up in the metaphors and stories he tells.

Agreement 1 – Be impeccable with your word – Speak with integrity, say only what you mean, avoid using words badly against yourself or others.

Agreement 2 – Don’t take anything personally – Nothing others do is because of you, what others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless emotional worry or suffering.

Agreement 3 – Don’t make assumptions – Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

Agreement 4 – Always do your best – Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Life’s a Game So Fix The Odds – Philip Hesketh

9/10 – This book explores techniques to influence and persuade; it is especially pertinent if you work in any sales or marketing environment. This book is very well worth reading, well written and funny too.

Frogs into Princes -Richard Bandler & John Grindler

8/10 – One of the first books on NLP and still a classic, you do need to either understand NLP or be very interested in communication and observation to take it all in.

Power vs. Force -David R Hawkins

9/10 – I really love this book. I am not sure that I believe in it all, but I love the concepts and it certainly paints a good picture of how to live a much calmer life. I have experimented a lot with the concepts and I have found a happy balance of what works for me and that which I choose to take with a pinch of salt.

The Psychology of Persuasion -Robert B Caldini

9/10 – Great book. Dr. Caldini explains in simple terms why we behave how we do, how to influence others and how to protect yourself against people trying to influence you.

Molecules of Emotion -Candace B Pert

5/10 – Disappointing, I bought this book after watching the film ‘What the  bleep do we know?” Which is really worth watching. Candace has done wonderful work and her message is profound, however, I felt the book was more autobiographical than a clear explanation of how she believes our thoughts and emotions affect our health.

The Impact Code -Nigel Risner

7/10 – Nigel is quite a character and an exceptional speaker, his book is full of inspirational stories and acronyms for getting change. Perhaps more focussed on change within the business community, however, plenty of good concepts and rah rah motivation.

It’s a Zoo Out There -Nigel Risner

9/10 – A simple to read (and understand) look at the four main personality types which Nigel divides into  lions, monkeys, dolphins and elephants, exploring how these personality types function and how to communicate effectively with them. A great book that everyone should read, especially, all children over 12 years old as it would give them a great head start in life with respect to communication and influence.

NLP in 21 Days -Harry Alder & Beryl Heather

8/10 – A very good novice guide to NLP whilst taking you through a 21 day programme to get appropriate changes in your life.

Who Moved My Cheese? -Spencer Johnson

9/10 – Love or hate it  – It’s a modern day motivational classic that should be read by everyone on January the 1st each year. It only takes 50 minutes to read and, in my opinion, is 50 minutes very well spent.

Emotional Intelligence -Daniel Goleman

8/10 – For years I have loved the whole concept of EQ v IQ and how people with high EQ often outperform people with high IQ in business. Daniel explores the notion that emotional intelligence, which includes, self-awareness, impulse control, persistence, empathy and social deftness plays a huge role in our success in all aspects of life.

The Art of Effortless Living -Ingrid Bacci

7/10 – I didn’t really enjoy reading this book, however, it did have quite a profound effect on me and introduced me to experiencing relaxation in a new way.

People Watching -Desmond Morris

7/10 – I have always loved people watching and exploring body language, this book is a great introduction to some of the core principles.

Fish -Stephen C Lundin

8/10 – Much like ‘Who Moved My Cheese’ this book has become a modern classic business change book. Exploring how to change attitudes at work and appropriate management styles.

Personal Development for Smart People -Steve Pavilina

8/10 – I find it good to read a self-help book that has been written by an author who has actually lived through and done what they write about. A good book and very well worth reading, I especially like the fact that Steve talks about ‘oneness’ as this is a value I feel is very important.

Why Men Don’t Listen & Women Can’t Read Maps -Allan Pease

9/10 – A lot of fun and an uncomfortably accurate look at the differences between men and women. You should read this if you are dating and certainly buy a copy for any teenagers you have as it may stop them making the mistakes most people do within relationships.

The Human Mind -Robert Winston

9/10 – Anything Robert Winston does is top quality, great book.

Right Hand, Left Hand -Chris McManus

8/10 – Strangely I have a fascination with handedness and this book goes a long way to explore why people have handed orientations and the way the brain manages it.

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari -Robin S Sharma

9/10 – A lovely story of personal change, full of metaphor and self discovery.

Be Unreasonable -Paul Lemberg

9/10 – If any of you reading this are business people – check out Paul’s website and this book – both are great, full of wonderful ideas and concepts.

The Truth About Lying -Stan B Walters

8/10 – Anyone doing therapeutic change work should read this as it explores lying (and lying by omission), also fun to just be aware of these techniques as it is good to know if someone is lying to you.

The Enneagram -Don Richard Riso

8/10 – This is not for the faint hearted or anyone not interested in character profiling! But if you are, it is a gem. It profiles various personality types and then charts how they change as a person slips through stages of ‘depression’ or lack of self worth.