Social Sciences Books

This book was required for my class , but it is a very good book I recomend

This is the best text book I have ever used. For the first time I have found myself reading ahead to unassigned chapters. I want to note that I study sociology, not psychology (emphasizing the lack of bias) as this is more of a psychological discourse.

I bought this book for my sociology of interaction class, an I must say that I am enjoying it. The CD-ROM and the publisher's website are very helpful for my class, and the videos are actually interesting! =) The links offered are also very helpful in finding extra information on certain subjects. No real complaints!

Simply the best psychology book I've read. Fascinating and thoroughly documented. Entertaining and filled with humour as well. Lots of real life examples and applications.

For a graduate class, nobody looks forward to the boring textbook. This book, however, is very user friendly...I actually enjoyed it!

Good book and workouts. My friends and workout partners like some of the workout ideas but we have had greater results (added firm muscles and lost weight)from the book: Weight Training Workouts and Diet Plan that Work by James Orvis

The workouts are quicker and planned out, you just follow them.

But would recommend New Rules for variety.

I have watched many of my co workers use this work out and all have more strength and lost weight, looken great.
BUT IT IS VERY HARD WORK AND YOU HAVE TO STICK TO IT!!!!!!!!!

If you know anything about lifting weights, then this book is not for you. I've been lifting weights consistently and seriously for about 6 years now and the exercises in this book are not meant for an experienced weight lifter. There is nothing "new" or innovative about this book or the exercises in it. Are they good exercises? Yes. But they are traditional, basic, well known weight lifting exercises that are tried & true and have been around for a long long time. This book would be great for beginnings but experienced weight lifters looking for something truly new & innovative should not expect anything new & different in this book. You can find the same exact information by reading magazines like Oxygen, Fitness Rx, & Muscle & Fitness for Her.

This training guide is amazing. I come from a family of male body builders ... and being a woman it was a bit difficult for them to instruct me (They don't realize that women can and should lift in a similar way... read and you will understand)... So I had spent many years trying to figure out how to get stronger (running/cycling/swimming) but all those endurance workouts did was make me more efficient at lengthy/intense workouts and I wasn't getting "stronger" ... my pace was always the same even as the miles/laps increased. This book is amazing... It's what I have been looking for for years. It's a no nonsense manual to building muscle, getting healthy while dispelling countless fitness misconceptions. Information is backed by the authors apparent long history and wisdom while also referencing professional/medical studies. This book is both interesting, informative and easy to understand... The six months of workouts is great! All angles are covered... read it in two days and revolutionize your workout pallet. This is the only book I have ever bothered to write a review for...! I was wary of the "meal plan" section... I don't really like my fitness books to have meal plans BUT this one was really on point. INstead of cutting calories, Lou Schuler and Cassandra Forsythe explain that creating a calorie deficit while training is totally counter productive to building muscle and being healthy. You will like this book. Awesome.

As the mother of 11-month old, I am still in the process of losing the dreaded last ten pounds. Although most people tell me that I don't even look like I've had a baby, they don't know that I have to squeeze into the jeans that used to fit me perfectly because my stomach isn't as flat as it used to be. I'm one of those girls the magazines call "skinny fat"--thin with no physical strength or endurance. Between losing the baby weight and getting stronger, I looked for books that can help me do both.

This is the fourth weight lifting book I have purchased, and it is by far the most helpful. I used to abhor strength training. Three out of the four books I've read include exercises for every small muscle you can think of. As a result, I spent more time at the gym than I would like. There was a "lower body day", "upper body day" , and "abs day". I didn't like strength training to begin with, and having to spend more time on it than necessary made me dislike it even more. I eventually stopped.

Enter "New Rules...For Women". This book allows me to strength train without wearing me down with exercises for every small muscle. And these workouts are by no means easy. You're not using "Barbie weights" (as the author calls them). You are going to be using real weights that you will increase as you get stronger. I like the fact that the plan requires you to exercise 3 times a week (a rest day in between each session). To me, this is a realistic time commitment, since many of us don't have enough time to exercise like celebrities.

The diet plan is excellent. I like the fact that you are not required to eat like a bird or cut out certain food groups entirely (I would die without rice and pasta!). You are by no means restricted to the food in this book, but I've tried a lot the recipes, and I love them. The food is flavorful REAL food that is healthy. I use a lot of other recipes that are similar in nutritional content (love Rachael Ray!) to complement the program.

So, did the advice work? A friend told me I looked much more fit in the upper body than I did a few weeks ago...and that was only 2 weeks into the program! I've gone from 129 lbs. to 122 lbs. in 4 weeks without cutting any calories. My jeans fit better, and even my husband noticed that my stomach isn't as "poochy" as it was a few weeks ago. I am going to start stage 2 of the workout a week from now, and I look forward to getting even healthier.

Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection summarizes thirty years of work by John Cacioppo of the University of Chicago and his colleagues.

Reading this book was not always a good time. I found myself feeling sad at times while reading the book, but the authors through in enough humor to lighten the tone.

Though it can be hard to get through at times, people can learn a lot from this book. The authors use a step-by-step approach to reducing a person's loneliness. It is worth the read.

From http://www.laurafreberg.com/blog

I just finished reading Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection, which is coming out towards the end of August. The book summarizes, in very accessible terms, thirty years of work by John Cacioppo of the University of Chicago and his colleagues.

It's initially hard to get past the title. William Patrick, John's coauthor, relates how a friend reading an early manuscript found the word "loneliness" to be disturbing, even more so than "rape," "murder," or "death." This reaction fits perfectly with the major theme of the book-we humans are a very social bunch, and being cut off from other people, as in solitary confinement, might be the very worst punishment of all.
What I especially liked about the book is the constant, seamless integration of what we call "perspectives" in psychology, harkening back to William James. In other words, the neuroscience, social psychology, and cognitive science is all woven together so that you get the big picture. In other writing, John has compared psychology to a symphony, with the different perspectives contributing to the whole of our understanding just as the score, musicians, instruments, and conductor join together to produce fantastic music. He and William have definitely succeeded in bringing this integration to the study of loneliness. Given the all-too-frequent Balkanization of psychology into little subdomains, this approach is refreshing and informative.

Like William's friend, I found myself feeling sad at times while reading the book. I don't consider myself a lonely person, as I am blessed by having a close family and good friends. But I know a lot of lonely people, and reading the various case studies brought these people to mind in a vivid way. The sad mood lifted, however, when John would throw in some of his modest and self-deprecating humor, as in his description of his trip to "Grenada." Enough said. You need to read the book to find out the rest.

In spite of the sober topic, I think many people will jump at the chance to learn more from this book. My mother-in-law, over at our house for lunch, snatched up my copy and asked to borrow it. My daughters are pre-ordering theirs on Amazon. Kristin has mentioned that loneliness is such a huge issue for her soldiers, not only while they deploy, but even more so when they return to families who can't begin to relate to the things they've seen and done in combat. She's hoping that John will take a look at the vulnerability of soldiers to PTSD as a function of their initial loneliness scores, following up on research listed on the Loneliness site.

Best of all, the authors do not stop after describing the origins and implications of loneliness. Instead, there is a careful, thoughtful, step-by-step approach to reducing one's own loneliness. Following the recommended steps is never presented as a magic bullet, or a quick fix, but just a practical way, grounded in good science, to move from point A to point B. No matter how lonely or not lonely you feel, there are suggestions here to make the social aspects of life more meaningful.
Finally, I'd like to end by pointing out that these authors really do practice what they preach. The website for Loneliness has a menu feature called "socialize." In one of the blog entries, William Patrick describes how John insisted that he should be a "full co-author," instead of receiving his usual credits.

For those of you on Facebook, hope you join the Science of Loneliness group. There's something inherently ironic about that statement, but I hope to see you there soon. --Laura Freberg

Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection

Great book, really helps you get perspective on what kind of people you want your kids to be. I liked it because it reinforced my own beliefs and helped articulate some thoughts I had about parenting. 10 Conversations You Need to Have with Your Children

This is a great book! I read it all and now I want to go back and read each individual chapter. This is more than a parenting book--it will really help you reflect our your own life. The writing is non-judgemental and easy to read. The author comes off as very friendly. I don't agree with the reviewer that says the religious chapter at the end ruins the book. It has a base in Judiasm but comes across as more spirtually based that can be applied to any religion you are. I am a psych nurse and have used these techniques in dealing with my adult inpatients so the information is very transferable to all aspects of your own life, not just your life as a parent.
This is a great book!

I must admit that I am a bit biased towards Rabbi Shmuley - I am a huge fan of his TV and XM radio show. I found this book to be yet another example of Shmuley giving practical pointers that truly help parents navigate in this crazy world where many people seem to be traveling w/out rudders or sails! The book is not going to tell you something you don't know....but it is written in a way that helps you articulate important, sound, common sense advice to your kids. I am already incorporating several of his suggestions into our home, and it is definitely reaching my children. These are important conversations that all parents should be having with their families!!

I've seen Shmuley on TLC's "Shalom in the Home" and I really like the advice and counsel he gives on the show. When I saw that he also wrote books, I decided to check this one out. I ended up reading this book in one day. I could not put it down.

Shmuley uses situations from his own life raising eight children as well as stories from the people he meets to illustrate the importance of a parent's role in their child's life. He has inspired me to be a better role model for my children, and also inspired me not to be afraid to discuss some of these critical topics with my children. This book has had a HUGE impact on how I look at my role as a parent: not simply as making my kids do what I want, but inspiring them to be the best individuals they can be. To discuss these deeply important topics, like what kind of person they want to be, the importance of dignity and forgiveness, being happy, how to ignite their passion for knowledge... these are critical things we simply are NOT teaching our children, which I believe is the reason why so many children have such a hard time dealing with the challenges of life today.

This book has also helped me see that I can integrate these concepts into my own life to be an inspiration for my children. Many people tend to focus on Shmuley's Jewish beliefs, which he clearly articulates in this book. Come on! He's a Rabbi! Would you expect him NOT to write about them?? I am not Jewish nor Christian. I choose not to label or identify myself with any organized religion. Shmuley writes in the last chapter about the importance of teaching children about God. He gives very compelling reasons why this is important. He also gives examples of how America was founded "Under God," which is true. Shmuley simply states why he believes children need the concept of God, and of course he's going to talk about it from a Jewish perspective. Like I said, he's a Rabbi!! If people take his discussion on God as a condemnation of their own beliefs or some kind of Jewish recruiting ploy, I think they missed the point completely.

This is a wonderful book that will inspire you to be a better person and parent.

This is such an important topic to address in our busy 24/7 world. Raising healthy and happy children requires that we have that special relationship with them where the communication gates are open wide. A must conversation that every parent must have should address the issue of bullying...which is so prevalent. Bully-Proofing Children: A Practical, Hands-On Guide to Stop Bullying is a fabulous must-read book for every parent on raising empowered children who will never become bullies or victims.

This is a typical mammoth intro textbook, which means it is far from adequate for intro courses. The authors assume that the student is going to devote eight hours a day to the intro course alone, a rather unrealistic expectation. There are dozens such textbooks, none practical. What the point in a many-page bibliography, which not even one in a thousand is even going to consult? It's about time we came down to earth, and started writing intro textbooks for intro courses.

This book was exactly what we ordered and came in a timely manner. It was also in excellent condition.

The delivery time was satisfactory. The book was in good condition with the exception of some pages in the front that were dirty.

After studying an entire semester with this book, I must say that I am not satified about the organization of the book (not the content which is very interesting). I feel like there are too much informations on the same page and it gets easily confusing.

The (distinguished) authors give a newcomer to sociology an indepth introduction. Explaining the main concepts in the field. While also trying to imbue the student with an enthusiasm for sociology. The text is well polished, as it should be for a fifth edition.

The book surveys various human communities throughout the world, to give a basis for comparative analysis. By doing so, the reader should gain an appreciation for other modes of living. And also how to analyse one's own society or subsets of it, in an objective manner.

Thank you so much for the book. It was in great condition, and was shipped quickly. Hope to do business with you in the future.

The book is well written, factual and easy to read/understand. Chapters and concepts are not too overwhelming.

If this book is required for your anthropology course, then you're in luck! I appreciate that the authors genuinely enjoy the subject matter, and that it comes through in their writing.

The book is very well organized. You can look forward to chapters of reasonable length -- usually 25 to 30 pages, at most. There are lots of colourful pictures and diagrams, though some flowcharts seem like page fillers to me. The margins are used for definitions of new key words and concepts, a very useful feature.

Aside: There's a little bit of "handwaving" in the early chapters introducing concepts of genetics. That's unfortunate, but necessary at the same time. So if you're interested in the details, I encourage you to pick up a genetics textbook (I liked Concepts of Genetics), or better yet, take a genetics course.

There are certainly debates and controversies in the field. This makes sense, since there are so many unknowns. I appreciate that the authors make mention of differing perspectives and points of view when appropriate.

An Excellent book, I learned so much about the world around us and why people do what they do. It really makes you take a closer look at yourself. Love it, everyone should read this.

Good price and fast shipping. Although class required it, I never opened it. Shipped in great condition though. I plan to pass it down to a freshman.

I read the previous edition of this book in Spring of 2004 for one of my Enlgish courses in college and it literally changed my life in many shapes and forms. My intellectual knowledge has expanded tremendously on the issues of gender, racism, racial prejudice, ethnic cultures, sexism, and classism thanks to this great scholar book. On my 22nd birthday I was given this new edition and I am glad a new edition was released with more updates and information.

I recommend this book to any person interested in those issues and concepts that shape our everyday life and our sociological evolution as humans. I am a university student of history and I have found this book to be a valuable tool for research papers and self-education.

I strongly recommend this book. If you are willing to read on the social issues that are absolutely necessary to understand our political, social and economic system, please read this book.

The "RCG" text edited by Rothenberg is truly a gem. It offers a myriad of perspectives from all Americans not just those with doctorate degrees or trapped in their ivory towers. I have used the text for my courses and have not had one student indicate that it was a nothing book or that they did not learn something of value from the book. Moreover, when the book is updated, the publisher and editor put an effort into demonstrating the changing landscape that is race, class, and gender bias in the "United States of America."

Thank you very much for the experience, although, being that I reside in the State of Hawaii, I was a little "foggy" once I purchased the product. I could not find anywhere on the page on how to adjust the "shipping", is it "because" I live in Hawaii that I am only allowed the "standard" media mail option? There is no such thing as 2-3 business day shipping? I would really like this clarified before purchasing again. I am willing to pay more for the shipping, as long as I can receive my product in a timely manner. If I need to allow additional time for "standard shipping", then I need to know! Because I am definitely planning on purchasing again now that I have gone back to school! Thank you very much for your time.

While some of the lesser known religions and cults are left out of this book, it does a fabulous job of providing a clear overview to the most influential religions in the world. The historical and cultural perspective provided by the author brought the appropriate perspective to the student.

For almost $100.00, you'd think they'd at least give you a hard-cover. But that's what you must expect from college text books. Thank goodness for Amazon!

This is the review of the 3rd edition.

This is a good introductory textbook. Each religion is introduced with a "First Encounter", based on the author's travels. The chapter then proceeds to describe the history, timeline, basic teachings and practice, and art and literature. Photographs give a taste of the iconography, temples or shrines, and worshippers of each faith, all done in a respectful manner. The chapter on each religion concludes with personal story from the author (for example, visiting the Dalai Lama or inside the monastery on Mount Athos), and then thoughts on the contemporary developments on the religion. These reflect the author's opinion at the time (2005), and I suspect would change from edition to edition. The final chapter "The Modern Search" is perhaps more of an essay on the authors own view on contemporary issues, and perhaps seems focused on the west. At times the text seems like a travelogue, but I do think that allows the reader to focus on cultural aspect.