Rating:  Summary: Only two stars because someone took the time to write this!! Review: I did not receive this book from amazon.com. Luckily I got it for free, because if I would've purchased this book I would have been pissed. This book does not apply to any relationship I know of. It is a total piece of crap! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY! There are so many other relationship books out there, that actually are helpful, useful, and practical, this is not it.
Rating:  Summary: I wonder Review: I wonder if John Gray actually is a heterosexual, and if these techniques can really work for actual married couples in america. the ideas are so simplistic, and they don't really focus on the most intimate areas of life for couples, instead concentrating on surface issues that aren't so important. If you want to get to the real meat and potatoes of what makes a couple bond and have true intimacy, look at the dvd "New Sex Now." Unlike John Gray, Clint Arthur is definitely straight.
Rating:  Summary: Silly and shallow Review: If anything, a 'how to' guide such as this one could lead to further misunderstanding in many relationships. The pat 'this means that' would be far off the mark in more cases than one could count.Here is a simple example (which I, as a woman, have a right to make.) Gray's assumption that women are invariably empathetic listeners, instinctively understand what other women say, and that their unsolicited 'constructive criticism' is an expression of caring and love, is laughable. Respectively, in many cases the 'empathy' is merely looking for key words in the other's speech in order to respond with one's own 'wisdom,' the assumption of 'understanding' means very poor listening ability (often accompanied by answers to questions no one asked), and the meddling, excuse me, 'constructive criticism' is an ego game. No one is ready to explore knowledge of the other in relationships unless one first tries some honest self-knowledge. This is merely a 'how to' book for assumptions, accompanied by a smug 'I'm this way because I am from Mars/Venus'.
Rating:  Summary: very disappointing Review: John Gray considers himself an expert in relationships, and he claims to understand women. So, why is he surprised when his wife cries after hearing that he wants a few affairs on the side, although - the considerate man - naturally would keep it secret from the neighbours? How can he be so proud of his frequent "quickies" with his wife, meaning quick sexual intercourse purely for the man's satisfaction? How can he confuse his "proudly dodging his wife's stories" with real listening? Does this man understand women? I seriously doubt it. If you need advice, look elsewhere
Rating:  Summary: Venus Envy Review: While "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" is a useful guide to maintaining a healthy relationship with one's mate, I can't say I agree with the title. I don't mean to sound like a raging misogynist, but the planet Mars is typically associated with invasions, ruthless attacks, and unspeakable horrors. Considering most guys I know are laid-back schlubs who want to spend all day on the couch, who does this sound more like? For example, I recently decided to play "Cap'n Sensitive" and help out around the house by making the bed. Now, aside from the pillows that my wife and I actually sleep on (the purpose of a pillow, unless I'm mistaken), we have seven "cute, cozy, decorative" pillows that rest on top of the bedspread. Apparently, there is a very specific order to follow when placing the pillows. It's partially based on rank (i.e. size) and color, but logical analysis would be unable to determine the proper structure upon first glance. Needless to say, my head was removed when my wife learned of my ignorant pillow-placement. She spent five minutes "explaining" that the one with the frills goes flower-side-out, because "nobody wants to see vertical stripes on the bed." Why she felt the need to impart this information at the top of her lungs is beyond me. My point is this: Mars is often depicted as a hostile aggressor to quiet, unsuspecting planets. I'm definitely the quiet, unsuspecting planet around here.
Rating:  Summary: Wonderful Book Review: As all married people know.. there are times when your spouse just completely makes NO sense. That's why I really love this book.. it reminds me that men and women ARE different.. and that's ok! It provides insight into why your spouse comforts you differently than you do for them.. listens differently.. interacts with your friends differently. We're different. This actually was my second purchase of the book.. lent the first to a friend who was having problems in her marriage. I like to underline the parts that mean the most to me and sit down with my husband and read them to him. That way he can get the benefits of the book without having to read the whole thing, and it gives us the opportunity to discuss the parts that I find important.
Rating:  Summary: Good advice again and again and again and again Review: I liked what it was trying to tell you. But I feel like he could have done an excellent job summing it up in 20 pages... or less. He mentions at the end that you need to hear something 200 times before you really learn it. Well, it seems like everything is repeated more than that. After getting through half of it I found myself getting aggrivated with its redundancy. If you are the type of person who does not like being told to do something several dozen times (hem, hem... I'm sure that is most men) then don't buy this book unless you run across some cliff-notes or something. If I were to advise John Gray I would have written two editions. The Venutian edition would be thick explaining men and their caves to women while the Martian version would be thinner, to the point, and only repeat things two or three times on women and their wells. Other than that, I thought this book was really good and contained a lot of useful information that I have used and will continue to use to communicate with my wife and other Venutians in my life.
Rating:  Summary: Makes a difference in a relationship. Review: John Gray explains the differences between men and women. He explains all of the different viewpoints that both men and women face. Because I am a young lady and in a relationship, it helped me understand why men act some of the ways they do. I also read the passages that were written about women, and I came to realize that it was a reflection of myself. This is a very well written book that helps many couples come closer in a relationship because they can see the other's point of view. John Gray has a very interesting viewpoint on how men and women met long, long ago. He states that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. The Martians lived on their planet happily, alone. As time went on, they began to feel as though a part of them was missing, something they had never known. Being skillful the Martians built a telescope to see what else was out there, and they found the Venusians. The Venusians were also lonely and feeling as though something was missing, so the Martians built a ship and went to Venus. Together they moved to Earth and started life together. Life was good until little arguments arose. The Martians and the Venusians were realizing their differences, and could not find a way to get around them. This book helps us realize our differences and provides suggestions on how to work them out. If you are in a relationship and are realizing that you argue over the little things, then this book is for you. It will help you understand and respect each other's differences.
Rating:  Summary: Good ideas that are repeated again and again and again Review: By no means this is a good book that provides both men and women new sharp tools to have beautiful and promising relationships. The main drawback is that there are three or four main ideas that are repeated again and again... Probably with half pages it would be equally useful. There is no need for 20 examples that are exactly the same. Regards,
Rating:  Summary: Great read; believable insights Review: I attended a speach by Mr. Gray recently in NY -- he is as exciting in person, as he is in writing. The book is informative, lively written and an excellent guide for both genders. As I examine myself and my relationships, I certainly encounter many of the gender-specific traits that Mr. Gray describes. While one may argue that the descriptions are stereotypical, I believe they are nonetheless notable and make communication and interaction easier.
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