Des

Thriving - consider the flexibility of nature

Reviewed: 11-01-25

Dr White does a fantastic job of combining an underpinning metaphor with many stories and practical ways of thinking about this area. The book backs up the metaphor with lots of research. I have some experience in this field, and it is great to have a fresh way of thinking and discussing these concepts coupled to thinking about our own wellbeing. I particularly liked the use of short memorable acronyms, the concept of 'strong intention - light attachment' and to 'treat emotions as messengers'. Dr White connects ideas with stories and research like motar, firming up the foundations of how our minds can become more flexible to the reality we experience and thrive as a result. ‘The wind does not break the tree that bends.’

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teen classic

Reviewed: 24-12-12

I listened to this book as my son had suggested it was good and gave me another opportunity to connect with him in discussing the book. It is quite a common thing for kids, I suppose boys especially (I do not have girls), to be interested in the idea of zombies at some point. However it is not appropriate to show them most of the horror movies on the subject so this was an interest to me from the start.

I have listened to all the young bonds, by Charlie Higgson, with my son previously so was convinced that it would be well handled for the age group.

My other son is talking about zombies this weekend which made me reconsider this book. First son read it around 14th birthday and the 2nd may get the audio before he is 12, - I might listen to it again first to be sure.

Great read - well handled.

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gripping drama - great education

Reviewed: 06-10-10

Among many other things I am a trainer within the healthcare industry. While my interests are quite diverse I am always interested in ways the normal world can better understand those 'other' conditions that pepper our society and are generally little understood.

House Rules is a book that does just that. You remember the curious incident of the dog in the nighttime, well house rules extends that idea of the rest of us learning about conditions through dramatic stories.

In this storey the realities of Aspergers Syndrome are narated form several different perspectives. From outsiders with no understanding of the character, Jacob, to the family members mother, father, sibling. As I listened to the audio version of this from audible.co.uk I gained a real advantage as the different characters were read by different narrators. This was not a dramatisation - the book was narrated but as large sections are read by the person whose perspective we are seeing this meant that I fully believe an audio version is the best way to go.

No picking up the book and not remembering who was this perspective from. As all characters may say 'Jacob said' it would be important to the story to know who is relating that, something I could not have guaranteed for me if I was reading it.

While I have a reasonable understanding of Aspergers Syndrome both professionally and personally it was superb, for example, to hear Jacob's brother describe their life pressures from the first person.

It all works around Jacob being charged with murder giving the book a real grounding in a gripping story that holds you to the end even though it follows in a predictable direction. Damn good listen.

rest at http://dc13.com/ramblings/book-review-house-rules-by-judi-picoult.html

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1 person found this helpful

wow

Reviewed: 07-07-10

I don't care if you are in business or not this is a great book
and it is short on purpose. Everyone should hear it in the working world...........

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Must read

Reviewed: 07-07-10

This book was just brilliant - the stark realities of our fragile society............

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2 people found this helpful

Just stunning

Reviewed: 07-07-10

Nothing to add except listen to going postal first ...........

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3 people found this helpful

Almost perfect

Reviewed: 07-07-10

This is a brilliant piece of work with several authors in different ways writing about a shared earth of the future.

As each story is about 2 hours and independently set in the same world as the other stories, I have listened to all but one twice. It means a journey in the car can be a whole story and not leave you wanting more commuting ;-)

I love this take on our future and how given this ground rules it can be seen in such different ways - from technology altering lives for the better to harsh realities of post oil survival.
Great book.

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3 people found this helpful

As it says on the tin

Reviewed: 07-07-10

In fairness I am a fan of the film and had seen the film several times. I was unsure about getting the book as the films seem to usually be so different.
I was very impressed by this book and enjoyed it with the joy I got from first watching the film.

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1 person found this helpful