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Summary: Baby steps to a new life
Review: Until I read this book, I hid behind my job in telemarketing. I was comfortable talking to people only when I didn't have to see them and when I knew what I would say and what they would say back. But I froze if they tried to be more friendly or I had to talk to them in person. I've been applying the book's strategies at work and have found it's getting easier to respond to unexpected questions and conversation. Sometimes it's almost enjoyable. Maybe next I can start meeting people in person too.
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Summary: Helpful and encouraging
Review: Even though I love the title and cover because it's exactly how I feel, I bought the book because of the table of contents. I can't believe how comprehensive it is. It covers just about everything I can think of I want to know about. It talks about these things in detail not just a paragraph or two. I also like the personal but professional way the author writes. It makes me feel I know her and can trust her. I'm glad I have this book. I feel very encouraged by it.
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Summary: Life-affirming perspective - philosophy
Review: Two things from this excellent book have really stayed with me. One is that SA/SP insinuates itself into every area of your life and wraps itself around every fiber of your being. You have lived with it and through it for years and it has become a part of you. So when you reject SA/SP, you don't want to reject yourself. You need to accept yourself but reject your current ways of thinking and acting.The other important point is that the consequences of SA/SP are not necessarily all bad. In order to survive you had to develop sensitivity, understanding, compassion, empathy and a desire to reach out in your dealings with others. It is these qualities which make you a BETTER Human Being.
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Summary: Special
Review: Unusually sensitive to SP's needs and issues. Very compassionate. Talks about loneliness, dating, intimacy, my relationship with my dog and my parents and other things you don't usually find in SP self-help books. Showed me how to share my pain with others so I wouldn't likely be rejected. Guided me through an awakening and rebirth of the inner me.
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Summary: Provides help to many
Review: It does not matter whether you are shy, socially anxious, or behaviourally avoidant, this book's comprehensive and systematic programme is sure to meet all your needs. It is technically expert, clever, humourous, and well-written. It has all the information and guidance necessary to help you "significantly alleviate your social pain, improve your daily functioning, and effectively work toward your potential." I highly recommend it.
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Summary: Important contribution for SPs
Review: This book is impressive. At first I was intimidated because it is a big book packed with lots of information. But I found it is easy to read and understand and the way it is written keeps you reading. Before I got this book I was convinced nothing would help my fears and avoidance but somehow it is helping me. I finally spoke to my boss today after months of running away from him. It may not seem like much to some people but it was an amazing accomplishment for me. The book's sections on communication and assertiveness skills for SPs made it possible.
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Summary: Don't leave home without it
Review: Last year I turned 18, was accepted to college and discovered I had social phobia all at the same time. My first semester was a disaster because I so afraid of everything I avoided classes and teachers, hated myself and felt like a super failure. I was close to flunking out. Then in January 2000 as if by a miracle I found this book. It has made such a difference for me. In fact it has turned my life around. I know I wouldn't be in school today if it weren't for this wonderful book. If there are guardian angels, I know Dr. Dayhoff must be one.
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Summary: This book delivers
Review: What I like best about this book is the author comes across as a living, breathing, caring person who really wants to help those of us with SAD and isn't someone writing a book just to make a buck. She has had all my crazy social fears and done incredibly dumb stuff like me because of it. What a relief. I can really relate to that. I love the painfully funny story about her getting an award and feel better about myself whenever I think about it. But in spite of it all she applied the strategies she writes about in the book and got over her SAD. Her accomplishment continues to encourage me to keep working at it and know I'll finally make it.
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Summary: Good job!
Review: I can't believe how much useful material this book covers. I wanted to go on antidepressants for my SAD but found them too expensive. This book remedied that. It told me where to find free medication programs. It also told me how to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance and what to look for in my insurance coverage for therapy. I like how all the practical things I need to know to get on with my life are here. This book has everything and more.
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Summary: Best SP book ever
Review: This book is so insightful, thoughtful, and expert. It reflects its author who for years has unselfishly shared her insight and expertise with SPs on several lists and through her effectiveness newsletter (her Harry and Louise stories are wonderful). What is so special about this book is not only the comprehensiveness of the subject matter but also the author's compassion, dedication, and commitment which shine through every page. Reading it leaves one feeling illuminated, inspired, and motivated. I readily recommend this book because I believe this is the enlightened path to recovery.
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