Rating: 
Summary: Everything you need
Review: This book has been the only thing that has helped me. I don't know if it's all the comprehensive material the author presents or the way she presents it but it makes me feel motivated to learn, do the exercises, and practice, practice, practice. I used to think that doing these cognitive behavioral exercises once was all I had to do. Of course, that didn't work as I soon found out. This book has shown me the right way to work on my dysfunctional thinking and behaviors to rewire my neural pathways and it is working!
Rating:
Summary: Powerful
Review: For me SA/SP is like being in a football stadium with everyone staring at me waiting to see when I'll make a mistake. The author knows this overwhelming feeling too and shares her experiences and insights. I think it is especially helpful that the author is a recovered social phobic and a psychologist because she can see and understand SA/SP from many different angles. Very few SA/SP book authors can do this.I like how the book prepares me for recovery. Like most people I assumed all you had to do was do the exercises to recover but the author shows you why this is not enough. Until I looked at the pros and cons of changing my SA/SP, I thought I was ready. But it turned out I had lots of ambivalence and reluctance I was not aware of. These things were getting in the way of my committing myself to change. I had some important decisions to make before I could start. But doing this has made a BIG difference in how I work on my SA/SP. This time I know I can succeed thanks to Dr. Dayhoff.
Rating:
Summary: Personal and Professional - Recommend
Review: I got this book because an online counselor recommended it. What sets this book apart from other books on SAD is its focus on living with SAD. It has lots of informative and interesting history and origins material, more than most other books. It has lots of good exercises, tips, lists, suggestions etc. in lots of areas. It has lots of good case histories and stories too. But it is the author's personal understanding of SAD from 22 years of living with it that she shares that makes this book invaluable for me. It makes everything else make even more sense. I know the author knows first hand exactly what I do and feel from experience. She is speaking directly to me alone. This means everything to me and helps me work on getting better.
Rating:
Summary: Great self-help
Review: I have used this book since last August and see improvement in lots of areas, like talking to sales clerks and people at work and meeting new people. I was always too scared to meet new people or go to the mall or parties. I did not know what to say and knew I would come across sounding stupid. That is not as big of a problem now because this book shows me how to control my panic and gives me things to say. I really like how it shows me what my strengths are and how to build on them and reminds me to praise myself when I do something right. I never believed I did anything right before. I think this is an excellent book which can be used by itself or with therapy.
Rating:
Summary: A good start for sufferers
Review: First of all, let me tell you, this is not to be used alone. This book is simply to inform you about the social anxiety disorder and where its roots might have taken place. It informs you about choices you have to make, asks you questions, but if you are dead serious about reducing social anxiety, you must go to a therapist. This is an extremely informative book, but it alone only informs you of the disorder; it will not impact your social anxiety. This book convinced me to arrange my first appointment with a therapist; I know that I don't have to live in the shadows. Especially with a career like mine, speaking is absolutely vital. Please read this and other social anxiety/phobia books, but the only way to really start healing is through therapy.
Rating: 
Summary: Good if you're really serious about recovery
Review: If you want a small simple book on SA/SP this isn't it. This isn't a book you read in an afternoon. It isn't a few pages on SA/SP and a handful of exercises. It's 408 pages! This book says it wants you to know everything you need to know to be successful in recovering, like preparing for recovery. At first I thought who needs this. Get on with the exercises. But it became clear to me as I read why more understanding of SA/SP and preparing gives you a better chance at getting better. Now I think this is a very smart book because of how it makes you think and works with ALL the big problems us SA/SPs suffer from.
Rating:
Summary: Exceptionally helpful
Review: Because of my SP I do not write reviews but Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe has helped me so much I want other SPs to know about it. I would give it ten stars if I could. It is a big book which scared me at first but it is loaded with information, assessments, exercises, stories and practical examples. I like the baby step method. I wish the book had even more tips and personal stories. A chapter on manners and etiquette for SPs would be helpful too but I think the author is writing a separate book on it. It took me a while to accept I had to follow all the steps and guidelines and do all the exercises to start my recovery. Reading alone will not do it. The author says you can not snap your fingers and make SP disappear you have to work hard to make it go away. I started my recovery because of this book and it motivates me to keep working at it. My therapist says it is a good book to use with therapy too. I am getting better and am very hopeful about the future.
Rating:
Summary: completely on target
Review: This book is excellent. On practically every page, I found myself saying "Yes! That's me! There are other people out there like me!" Very comforting, especially when you consider that the author herself has dealt with social anxiety! At the same time, it also made me feel fortunate that I'm not as bad off as some people who suffer from SA/SP. The practical advice could be a little greater and a little more concrete. The exercises seem very simplistic, but don't just gloss over them because they will help you if you take the time to think about them. Overall, this book is very interesting to read, and very positive and uplifting. It made me actually think about my thoughts and did much more good for me than several months of expensive therapy. I would definitely recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Great for Shyness
Review: When I saw the cover and title I felt this book was about me. Comprehensive table of contents and cartoons made me buy the book. I am glad I did. It has been a big help to me as I try to lessen my shyness. I do not feel as self conscious any more. Strangers are less of a problem. I can talk to my boss when I have to. There are things I still need to do but every day in every way I am getting better and better. Thanks to this book.
Rating:
Summary: Everything you need in logical steps
Review: Good book. Technical but easy to read. Funny and touching. Author really has her fingers on the pulse of what people with social anxiety go through and what they need. I like the step by step method and life-strategy approach which helps me with so many issues other books don't. It's not just an exercise book. I am relaxing and controlling my arousal, seeing positive changes in how I look at things and act on them. The change feels good. I highly recommend this book.
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