Book Description
Explores the frightening world of BPD patients and helps readers understand their pain.
Customer Reviews:
Incredible and sensitive INSIDE perspective on BPD.......2007-08-31
I have a graduate education in psychology and biochemistry. I also have a deep interest in comparitive religion and "meaning making." In other words, I follow a multi-dimensional approach to understanding any phenomenon and I think this is necessary to capture the full depth of reality. This sets the context for my review.
I was very impressed by Lost in the Mirror and I couldn't put it down. It is a well-organized, thorough, balanced and sensitive approach to BPD as it is experienced from the inside. I think this inside perspective is particularly valuable to BPD sufferers and those that are close to them. It can help engender understanding, compassion and support as it helps loved ones make sense of the contradictory behavior, stormy emotions and other symptoms that accompany this disorder.
In some of the reviews below, Dr. Moskovitz is criticized for being overly empathetic for the BPD victim rather than the people on the receiving end of rage or acting out. I have been on the receiving end myself and I must say that I don't agree with this characterization. However, I have personally struggled with my own anger, confusion and feelings of disorientation.
The way I have made sense out of the above situation in my best moments is by trying to understand the inside perspective as it is presented in this book. I recognize at a deep level that both the BPD person is hurting and that others in their life are also hurting. I didn't get from reading Dr. Moskovitz that the person with this disorder is not responsible or completely off the hook, nor did I get a sense that he is bashing them for their behavior. It seemed like a balanced perspective to me.
There are two books that I think are "must haves" on BPD. One of them is this volume and the other is Sometimes I Act Crazy: Living with Borderline Personality Disorder. There are also many other great books on this topic, but these two together seem to give the most concise, thorough and deep treatment.
I particularly liked the way this book developed the topic and used just enough case history type content to bring the concepts alive. I also appreciated the powerful metaphors and great examples. Without sacrificing content, the author made a lot of difficult to understand material accessible to anyone. This is no easy feat with a disorder like BPD.
While I do admire this book very much, I also think it is important to have another perspective. I have found that with a topic like BPD, there are likely to be blindspots in any account. Therefore, I feel it's crucial to look at this terrain from as many perspectives as possible. Even with my psychological background, I must admit it was and is very difficult to get my arms fully around this complex disorder that causes so much suffering.
I wrote this review late at night partly because I feel this could be such a helpful book to so many people. I wanted to share with everyone who is seeking answers that this a unique and important contribution on this topic. I hope you find it as helpful as I did.
Lost ,Then Found.......2006-05-07
The beautiful writing style makes Lost in the Mirror rewarding reading. Learning of the probability of the woman I love being borderline BPD, I undertook learning as much as I could about the disorder.
LITM is the fifth book I've read in a series of excellent writings on the subject. It distinguishes itself through the genius of Dr. Moskovitz's presentation. I recommend it very highly. It is so well done I decided my dear lady friend would find it interesting with little chance of causing a disruption in our relationship.
It is working! She hasn't finished the book yet, but it surely has helped us discuss our "difficulties". As I expected, she believes I am the subject the doctor is referring to, but at least it has her seeing some "things" that have her realizing some of the symtoms describe her "inner" feelings.
I learned of her condition when I started therapy...and she will begin hers next week, with much thanks to this easy-to-understand, informative little book.
Not recommended for those with BPD--.......2006-03-21
I bought several books on BPD after realizing that someone
close to me has symptoms that match those associated with BPD.
I would not give this book to a person who is Paranoid
and/or is a dangerous trouble maker; traits that the BPD
person shows to some degree.
These types are out to destroy anyone whom they feel has
done anything to them---whether trivial or imagined.
This book does not sympathize with the BPD's victims but
finds excuses as to why the BPD person has been programed
to act in a destructive way--because of abuse as a
child, etc.
I know of 4 people in this certain family who show signs of
this illness and I can testify to the fact that none of them
were abused, either sexually, physically, mentally or
emotionally.
All 4 have caused family breakups, spread vicious lies, blamed
others for the negative feelings that they have of themselves.
I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE DANGEROUS.
They can be secretive, manipulative and devious.
I honestly do not believe that reading will help these people
other than TRYING to make them see that they need help.
And I have seen that therapy does little or nothing to help them.
The only positive results, that I have seen, are those who are
put on medication to change their moods, etc.
Something in the brain is not working.
To blame others for their problem only gives them the right to
continue their bad behavior.
6-22-07
For those who have taken offense to my review......
I am a most compassionate person who has much sympathy
for anyone who is hurting or has problems, whether physical,
mental or spiritual. You have read something into my review
that is not there.
My anger is not towards the two victims...i.e. ,the people
with the disorder and the people who have to live with them.
My anger is towards "THE(so called) EXPERTS" who place blame.
Blame on parents, events that never happened, or people who
had nothing to do with causing this disorder. Every book
I have read at least suggests that there is blame to be
placed.
I believe that this disorder is caused by something not
working right in a person's body. Whether it be hormones,
genetics, whatever, Because I have seen it in families,
I think that it is hereditary.
It does NO ONE ANY GOOD TO SUGGEST OR ADVISE EITHER VICTIM(S)
THAT SOMEONE ELSE CAUSED THEIR PROBLEM.
IT ONLY MAKES THEM WORSE.
Finding the cause or easing the symptoms with medications
are the only way , I believe, that this problem can be helped.
I have experienced, first hand, how Paranoia and BPD can cause a
multitude of problems and have come to the conclusion that
these illnesses are the cause of much of the heartache, break-ups,
family division, etc.
Many times over something trivial or non-existent.
I hope and pray that the cause of these life-shattering
illnesses is found ....SOON !
BELIEVE ME, I HAVE MUCH EXPERIENCE AND KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING
ABOUT. IT HASN'T BEEN AN EASY LIFE FOR ME
Lost in the Mirror.......2006-03-02
This book takes a psychological and behavioral approach to understanding borderline personality disorder. Even if you have read "I Hate You, Don't Leave Me", you'll need to read this book to understand what the best treatment modalities available today. Of course, it was out of date the minute it was put on paper, as all books are, but it is the best that I have found to understand the causes and underlying compulsions that frustrate those who suffer from BPD.
Very Informative .......2006-02-26
This book was very easy to read unlike other books that are so confusing. I found this book very helpful in understanding BPD. I think it's an excellent read if you are looking to understand BPD.
Book Description
Parents will do almost anything to get their kids to eat healthier, but unfortunately, they've found that begging, pleading, threatening, and bribing don't work. With their patience wearing thin, parents will "give in" for the sake of family peace, and reach for "kiddie" favorites--often nutritionally inferior choices such as fried fish sticks, mac n' cheese, Pop-sicles, and cookies.
Missy Chase Lapine, former publisher of Eating Well magazine, faced the same challenges with her two young daughters, and she sought a solution. Now in The Sneaky Chef, Lapine presents over 75 recipes that ingeniously disguise the most important superfoods inside kids' favorite meals. With the addition of a few simple make-ahead purees or clever replacements, (some may surprise you!) parents can pack more fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants in their kids' foods. Examples of "Sneaky" recipes include:
-No Harm Chicken Parm
-Power Pizza
-Incognito Burritos
-Guerilla Grilled Cheese
-Brainy Brownies
-Health-by-Chocolate Cookies
-Quick fixes for Jell-O(R)
It's a book chock-full of strategies that will help any parent incorporate better health for the whole family.
Customer Reviews:
AWESOME idea and the food actually taste good too!!.......2007-10-11
I LOVE this cookbook!! I have made many of the recipes and they have all been a huge hit with my family. The burgers are fabulous and the sloppy-joes - which I have NEVER liked before - are now one of my favorite meals. You cannot go wrong with this book!! One of my kids is a great eater while the other won't eat veggies for anything. Now, he's eating veggies with almost every meal (w/o knowing it, of course). I have baked things for friends and for my kids' classes ... and everyone loves it!! The only thing we didn't like -- the cupcakes were horrible!! I am going to try to make them again ... I must have done something wrong. There is no way we could love everything else in the book but hate the cupcakes so much. :o)
Wonderful!.......2007-10-10
Two out of my three kids are picky eaters and they ate all of the meals I made from this book! It feels good to know that they are getting added nutrients that they wouldn't normally be eating. It does take extra time to prepare some of these recipes but it is worth it to me if my kids are getting nutritious meals. Great book!
A must have for every parent!.......2007-10-10
I was watching IVillage and the author was a guest speaker. She explained how easy it was to incorporate fruits and vegetables into basic recipes. I thought that was too good to be true but liked the concept. Since both my children are picky eaters I figured I would give it a try so I purchased the book. So far, every recipe I made from the book, they ate and ENJOYED! I even send in the cupcakes/cookies to school on their birthdays instead of sugary snacks (which the teachers love so the kids don't bounce off the walls). I wouldn't call this being sneaky, I would call it being smart! I highly recommend this book.
Very Happy Mom.......2007-10-10
The Sneaky Chef - I'm so glad I found this! I took about a month of weekends to get the freezer stocked with the purees - am using them now. The pbj muffins, the choc choc chip cookies, the tuna (salmon) patties, all hugely successful. My extremely picky child, who doesn't miss a thing, is eating the treats with the mom-approved hidden ingredients.
I used my ice cube trays to freeze the purees, so 2 cubes = 1/4 cup.
I also like it for myself, I won't take the time to prep fresh veggies, especially cauliflower, but now I'm eating better too, using the purees.
I love this book!.......2007-10-10
This is such a great book. I love that the recipes are all child friendly and I think the concept is brilliant! I have learned not only how to make her recipes, but also how to use her techniques for the recipes I already make at home. I found the extra hints and tips to be very informative and helpful and I loved that she used ingredients that are readily accessible and easy to keep on hand. My kids have eaten a ton of extra veggies and they can't even complain because they don't know it!!!
Book Description
If we want our children to grow up healthy and strong, we need to include more fresh foods in their diets. More and more children and adolescents are now considered over-weight or obese. Fast food and poor-quality ready-to-eat meals are becoming a regular part of the average diet. These processed foods account for 75 percent of the saturated fat and salt that children consume. The good news is that cooking more healthfully for your family doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming.
In Favorite Family Meals, bestselling children's food author Annabel Karmel applies her signature fresh, creative cooking style to focus on the family and shows how you -- and your children -- can enjoy time spent in the kitchen preparing everyday dishes that are delicious, nutritious, and often just plain fun to make and eat!
Here is a collection of all-time favorite recipes with that key ingredient, child appeal. Parents will find inspiration for meals for all occasions, including burgers and chicken nuggets, low-fat dishes, nutritious lunch box fare, family suppers, and even adult dinner parties.
If you're a busy parent stuck in a rut serving the same meals week in and week out, or if you're tired of making different meals for each member of your household, this book is for you. Karmel offers practical guidelines designed to give families a "food makeover" by organizing a healthy pantry, refrigerator, and freezer, and by providing time-saving tips for making meal planning easier.
Favorite Family Meals offers realistic ways to improve your whole family's diet, as well as advice on promoting good nutrition to children, because it's not good enough to prepare healthy food for kids -- they have to want to eat it, too!
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book!.......2007-03-13
I bought this book after I saw the author on The View. I have two small children at home and I wanted easy meals to make that they would eat, along with my husband and me. i found these recipes to be easy to make and delicious! I am not a cook but this book has helped me feel less intimidated by the kitchen and actually made me feel proud that I can cook meals that the whole family eats and likes. great book!
Deja vu all over again.......2006-07-16
Don't get me wrong...I'd have given this 5 stars had I not owned Karmel's First Foods, but as I flipped through this book I had serious deja vu! Not only were many recipes the same as those in First Foods, but several of the beautiful pictures were of the same items! It may take some time to idenify just how many are essentially the same since some recipes have new names ~ though some are as easy as Jell-o boats (FF) and Gelatin boats (FFM), mini-muffin pizzas, fruit smothies,
Despite the repeats, I am excited about the new book as is my almost-5-year-old! She has looked at the colorful photographs and pointed out several items she "can't wait" to try ~ including many with vegetables she had previously labelled "yucky". If Karmel's innovative presentation takes a few more minutes but can encourage my kids to break out of the hot dog/ mac and cheese routine AND sample new veggies, I'll glady buy her next cookbook too...even if it has a few recycled recipes!
Finally they're eating their VEGGIES!!!.......2006-07-09
I am absolutely thrilled with this cookbook. My frustration level with feeding my family was sky high! My 6 and 11 year old kids have been so good about eating the recipes from this book. Most recipes require chopping up a variety of veggies so there is some prep work (which you can do ahead of time) but that is the point. My problem has been getting them to eat something other than broccoli...I'm so happy my kids are eating healthier and I really believe I have this book to thank for it. Thanks Annabel!
Fun food and happy presentations.......2006-07-08
I am a new grandmother and wanted to get this book for fun foods for my grandson. These recipes are a treat for young or old. These are easy to make recipes with delightful presentations. Not only taste good but look good.
These Recipes Really Work.......2006-03-23
I used to have to prepare several different dishes for each meal because my children usually don't like the same foods. However, with Favorite Family Meals, my children and I decide together which meal I will prepare and now we can all eat the same delicious and healthy meal together. So far, my favorite recipe is the Salmon Teriyaki. My kids, of course, love the desserts, particularly, the Teddy Bear Cupcakes.
Book Description
What could be better than family and friends gathered around a table laden with laughter and good food? The Food Network's Cat Cora is the perfect companion in the kitchen to help create meals and memories to share and remember. With recipes inspired by Cat's Greek heritage and her roots in the American South, honed by her experiences in restaurants in France and California, Cat Cora's Kitchen shines with simplicity and flavor. Organized by menu, these dishes tempt palates with specialties such as freshly baked Spana-kopita, the traditional Greek favorite of spinach, dill, and feta in pastry, and savory chicken stew, redolent of wine, garlic, and cinnamon. Desserts are also not-to-be-missed, with treats such as the Orange-Scented Almond Cookies or an unusual rolled version of Baklava. The pantry offers basic recipes for homemade stock and a resource section gives suggestions for finding unusual ingredients. With gorgeous photographs throughout, these approachable, elegant dishes will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Customer Reviews:
Beware of errors.......2007-01-11
I have made a couple of recipes from this book, including the Koto Kapama, which was very good. But I just made the olive oil cake (p. 22) and the recipe is completely WRONG. It calls for 1/2 cup of flour, which results in something that doesn't qualify even remotely as cake, and does qualify as completely inedible and disgusting (sad to say, as I just wasted about $15 worth of ingredients and my even more precious time on this mess). The same recipe on the Food Network site, which also features Cora, calls for 2 cups of flour--a bit different! I just wish I could find a way to stop others from making the same mistake; in any case, it certainly saps my desire to cook ever again from this book, which also has a rather confusing layout and organizational style. Too bad--I wanted to support a fellow Greek.
creative and easy.......2006-02-26
I like the style of the book with clear information and tips. I also appreciated the great
photos and personal tid bits Cat adds.
Some flaws.......2005-10-02
This is an engaging book, with some interesting variations on a number of basic dishes. It is limited in its ambition, a niche book. I have enjoyed using it as inspiration for a number of meals. However, one recipe that was appealing was a total failure. Her Olive Oil Cake turned out to be a soggy mess, dumped in its entirety. I suspect the amount of flour called for, 1/2 cup, was wrong. If I were a better baker, I might have caught that, but then I believe in giving a recipe by a distinguished chef a fair try before changing it. This one will be changed. Nevertheless, I really enjoy this book.
Spreading Her Wings.......2005-09-13
I am a long time fan of Postino which Cat worked for a number of years. It is inspiring to see her style beyond the Micheal Chiarello's (of Tra Vigne fame / Napa Style) which she took on at Postino. She has created an inspiring cookbook with very good recipes.
My slim but delicious Greek cookbook. Highly recommended.......2004-10-08
Cat Cora and her very southern American accent always presented something of an anomaly when she appeared on the Food Network with Rocco DiSpirito doing the Greek half of the Mediterranean food segments paired with Rocco's Italian dishes. This book fills out the explanation given on TV that Cat (Catherine) was born and raised in Jackson, Alabama to Greek parents embedded in a strongly Greek neighborhood with all that entails, as seen in detail in the movie `My Big Fat Greek Wedding'.
Cat has been working several different Food Network shows as well as several of her own California culinary shows and appearances on network talk shows for the last few years, establishing herself as a culinary celebrity staple equal to Tyler Florence and Sara Moulton, and just a notch below fast cooking diva Rachael Ray and super food nerd Alton Brown. This is her first book of recipes / memoirs and she has matched the quality of her equals, Tyler and Sara, and has made a very worthy contribution to the literature on Greek cooking.
This is not a reference book on Greek food like Diane Kochilas' `The Glorious Foods of Greece' nor is it a popular survey of Greek cooking such as the recent `The Olive and the Caper' by Susanna Hoffman. It is a personal history of Cat's food experiences in her childhood Jackson home, in the ancestral home of her family on the Aegean island of Skopelos, Greece, in her California restaurant kitchens in northern California, and in her modern home kitchen. This orientation with the liberal notes on the niceties of Greek ingredients, her experiences with famous influences such as Julia Child, Jacques Pepin, Thomas Keller, and Alice Waters, and stories of her US and Greek family members make this a more than usually entertaining personal cookbook.
Although the recipes are divided between four different venues, there is not a lot of differences between, for example, the dishes prepared in Jackson and the dishes prepared on Skopelos. They are all Greek recipes, methods, and ingredients. The Jackson recipes are the least Greek, as there is some Johnny Reb influence in some barbecue recipes, but every single recipe has both an English main name and an Greek name. Extra points to Cat for consistency in uniformly providing both names. Makes things much easier when comparing her recipes to standard works such as Kochilas' book.
The first overall impression is the omnipresence of lemon as an ingredient. It is so pervasive that I wonder why Nancy Harmon Jenkins did not feature lemons in a chapter of her excellent `The Essential Mediterranean'. Another oddity is that the recipes from the island of Skopelos contain no fish. While Cat makes no note of this fact, it confirms an observation I saw in a book on Greek island cuisine that all the good Aegean fish is carted off to Athens to be sold. Little of it is eaten at home.
Menus of dishes that typically go together organize all the recipes in the four sections. This enhances the use to which books of this type are most commonly put, as sources for themed entertaining. If you want to do a Greek dinner, this book is an excellent resource.
Cat has the usual litany of praise for fresh ingredients and the usual tips for finding them. She has some special comments on important Greek ingredients such as feta. Apparently, most non-Greek Feta is bland when compared to the real thing, and, Dutch feta seems to be especially off the mark, but Cat does not elaborate. She is also especially fussy about getting red pearl onions instead of white for several dishes.
I have made several dishes from this book and these I have found uniformly tasty and relatively easy to make. As all recipes are organized by dinner menu, there are a roughly equal number of appetizer, main dish, salad, and dessert recipes. The star of many of the dessert recipes, of course, is phyllo dough. I wish she had not mentioned that our freezer staple phyllo dough is a pale, fragile product compared to fresh phyllo, but I'll live, and may even seek out a local source for fresh phyllo.
Like the Italian cuisine, there are lots of recipes for wild and bitter greens, beans, artichokes, tomatoes, bread, shellfish, and sardines. There are also plenty of recipes for chicken and lamb, some recipes for pork and rabbit, and not many for beef, although veal stock does play an important role as a pantry item. There is a really super lamb and cheese sandwich recipe and a fair number of grilled food recipes.
This is very much the kind of cookbook you want to get if you just happen to be in an adventurous culinary mood, but don't want to spend a lot of loot. The book has just the right mix of easy recipes, showoff recipes, and unusual tastes.
Highly recommended for a good read and a very good culinary change of pace.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent little book.......2006-06-20
This is a fantastic little cookbook. Although it is obviously too small to be your primary cookbook, it does have some great recipes. The cornmeal biscuits and the hushpuppies are outstanding. The main dish recipes range from the familiar (fried chicken, fried catfish, etc.) to the more exotic (pecan stuffed pork chops, shrimp stuffed eggplant, etc.). There are a variety of side dishes (black eyed peas, dirty rice, etc.) and sweets (beignots, peanut butter pie, etc.) The book is also very attractive. All of the dishes are accompanied by a full page picture. Within the recipes, there are adorable little sketches of food and palm trees. Many recipes also include cooking tips that would be applicable elsewhere.
Customer Reviews:
Fast, Good, Healthy, Kid-Friendly Recipes.......2006-03-30
This book has many great recipes, including many recipes that my picky kids like, such as Chicken Parmesan and Lasagna with No-Cook Noodles. There are many others that I can't wait to try. They are quick and easy to cook - great for busy parents. I also recommend Weinhofen's other "Updated Recipe Box" cookbook.
Average customer rating:
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Slow Cooker, Casseroles & More
Manufacturer: Lincolnwood, IL : Publications Internati
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0785376194 |
Product Description
Imagine mouthwatering pastas, robust chilies, and delicious slow cooker recipes, all prepared with unbelievable ease. More than 600 fabulous slow cooker, casserole, and one-dish recipes. Over 150 stunning color photos and recipes from America's most trusted food companies, such as Kraft, French's, Lipton, Lawry, Del Monte, and Birds Eye.
Average customer rating:
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All Time Family Favorites: Casseroles & One-Dish Meals
Manufacturer: Publications International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
 General
| Baking
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0785313095 |
Customer Reviews:
From the Back Cover:.......2006-02-23
Add fresh excitement to dinner with this outstanding collection of 125 savory one-dish meals from your favorite brand name companies. You'll find fabulous recipes for scrumptious stews, quiches and pot pies, plus delicious casseroles, skillet dinners and stir-fries that are absolutely perfect for weeknight family dinners or casual get-togethers. With Casseroles & One-Dish Meals, you will be able to treat your family to one of these heartwarming homemade meals any night of the week!!!
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I Hate You, Don't Leave Me: Understanding the Borderline Personality
Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care about Has Borderline Personality Disorder
Sometimes I Act Crazy: Living with Borderline Personality Disorder
Get Me Out of Here: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder Demystified: An Essential Guide for Understanding and Living with BPD
