Rating: 
Summary: An improvement
Review: For simple coverage of a complex subject, this book is a worthwhile improvement over its predecessor. I find the over-simplifications a little annoying; however, if you don't want or need solid research and if you want a simple introduction to personality type theory, this is good. Then move on to Jung (with the Quenks, Kirby, Kroeger, et al interpreting him with the MBTI) and into the theory and more mature applications.
Rating: 
Summary: A "Must Read!"
Review: This book is a "must" for anyone interested in understanding how others tick, perhaps even in understanding a bit about themselves! It describes basic patterns of human behavior which are, in turn, products of innate temperament. Many specific examples from history and literature are given, to illustrate the concepts; such vivid examples make the book even more interesting, and the theoretical concepts easily understandable. (It is noteworthy that some examples involve illustrious political figures and that Keirsey is also co-author, along with Ray Choiniere, of the book "Presidential Temperaments", which describes how temperamental differences were often instrumental in political decisions in American history) In addition to the more general chapters, Keirsey also treats us to insights on how each temperament approaches leadership, parenting and mating. What you want in romance depends largely on your temperament; Cupid must use a different brand of arrow with an "artisan" and an "idealist" if each is to fall in love.Overall, a "two thumbs up", 5 star, "must read" rating!
Rating: 
Summary: A good reference but a boring read
Review: The book has a lot of detailed information on the different Myers-Briggs types, including different types of intelligence and a lot of remarks. However, the book is better used as a reference to greater understand a specific type than as a book to be read for amusement.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing book if used correctly
Review: I've been working with this book for over a year now and it has really helped me in my relationships with others and in understanding why I do the things I do (it's pretty refreshing). It clarifies the different motivations behind the different types. I have made everyone I know take the test and it has helped me in understanding differences b/w myself and others. The only problem with the book comes if it is used to overgeneralize people (which is more of problem for the reader not the book).
Rating:
Summary: Please Understand Me II
Review: I was glad to see Keirsey write a follow-on book to his first book, Please Understand Me. While his first book emphasized temperament, I appreciated his focusing on type in this book. For the novice just learning about type, this book may be a little too cumbersome. But for the person more versed in type, he has taken a perspective not seen in other type books. Keirsey's book is well suited for use in the business environment for improving communication, understanding and team work. However, if you are looking to improve your lifestyle habits in a way that is compatible with your type, you should look at the book, YOUR PERSONALITY PRESCRIPTION by Roberta Schwartz Wennik, MS, RD. It would serve as a great companion book to Keirsey's presentation of type (since you never can get too much information on type!). Both books are definite must reads.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Resource
Review: This book provides a way to look at others with deeper understanding, in spite of how they may differ from oneself--the chapters on mating, parenting, leadership are very useful--it is easy to see the patterns of behavior in one's own life, when thinking about family and workplace, and how the various styles interact. As Keirsey says "Differences are all around us and are not difficult to see, if we look. Unfortunately, these variations in action and attitude trigger in us an all-too-human response. Seeing others as different from ourselves, we often conclude that these differences are bad in some way, and that people are acting strangely because something is the matter with them...There is much to be gained by appreciating differences, and much to be lost by ignoring them or condemning them." The best way to really utilize this method, is not only to find one's own profile, but to try to identify the temperament of those around one--looking at people with this set of lenses greatly enriches life in general. Many of the examples given in the section on "Leading and Intelligence" are drawn from the American Presidents. In this election year, with many pundits pondering the "character of the candidates", this model provides an excellent way to assess them. I recommend reading "Presidential Temperament" by Choiniere and Keirsey, to further understand how this system works. In describing 41 presidents, men who held the same job, and examining their differing temperaments, vivid examples help the reader to grasp how this model works, by seeing an Artisan like FDR in action, versus a Guardian like Truman, or a Rational like Lincoln. Whether to look at national leaders, a boss or co-worker, a spouse, child, mother, father, sibling, this system teaches the reader to understand people in enormously valuable ways.
Rating:
Summary: A useful book, even if somewhat cumbersome
Review: I've discovered I'm an ENTP, which gives me great comfort. It was also good to read about the other temperaments so I can better understand the motives and internal priorities of others with whom I have to deal. I must admit though, I found the book a bit cumbersome to read. I thought it went a bit overboard on the theoretical side and was short on practical suggestions as to how I could better get along with others. However, I just read a book called WINNING WAYS, by Dick Lyles and my need for practical application was satisfied. I highly recommend reading it as a companion work to PLEASE UNDERSTAND ME II. It may be unfair to ask one book to do so much, but I wish the author had gone more in the direction of practical application and less in the direction of theory in volume II. If you're truly interested in developing powerful interpersonal relationships, Winning Ways is a must read (along with Please Understand Me II).
Rating:
Summary: What Color is You're Parachu. . . um...I mean...Pigeon Hole?
Review: "What Color is You're Parachute?", the ever popular "self-help" book now in its 100 gazillionth printing, was primarily focused on helping an individual identify a career compatible to their personality. "Please Understand Me II", is an interesting, and seemingly accurate, methodology for identifying an individual's temperament. Are you an NT (intuitive & thinking - Rational), an NF (intuitive & feeling - Idealist)? If you are an "Idealist", have you ever heard/read the Greek mythological story of Pygmalion? As to the issue of accuracy: A certain curious individual took five different tests, from a variety of sources, all based on this temperament methodology, and arrived at the same conclusion as to temperament every time. I was amazed (oops). Ok, is was me. So what; this is about you anyway. Each time I took the test I was in a different mood, I think, and it was at varying times of day/night. My temperament description it dead-on according to many that have known me for a while. Many issues are discussed, including mating, work, communication, and a thorough overview of the temperament orientation. This is not at all like astrology. The types are carefully defined, and divergent in orientation. And no; it is not all touchy-feely. You may not like some of what you hear. However, I promise you that everyone, in varying degrees of course, will benefit from this book. Use it to understand you relationships; your attitudes; your communication style; and for plain-old fun (and it is great fun). By the way, I am a Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judger (INTJ), a "Rational-Mastermind" temperament (wow, that's a little embarrassing to say out loud). If the book is correct, I would definitely tell you if I thought it was a load of hooey. And I am enjoying it thoroughly.
Rating:
Summary: Understanding Yourself and Others
Review: I recently started therapy as a means of helping myself to combat ongoing depression (in conjunction with medication). My therapist loaned me this book. I could not put it down! Now I'm ordering one for myself so that I can study it even more. It has helped me to understand more about myself, my spouse, my child, and my family relationships. It has helped me to become much more accepting of myself and of others. It has helped me to accept our differences and to appreciate the strengths and uniqueness of each individual.
Rating:
Summary: For all the 'weirdos' out there...great comfort
Review: I discovered this book by accident..the features of my type were so spot on it was '''wow'''If you ever find yourself decrying the fact that 'people just don't understand you' or ' why do other people behave so contrary' this is a great source. ONe of the things lacking was a more depth on some of the other traits for eg SP's. IT was great that they gave so much time to explaining my type, INTPs but when I came to trying to type others it seemed difficult, as the anyaysis on other types didn't seem quite as in-depth as for INTP's. Maybe that was deliberate on the AUthors part, knowing that INTP's especially value depth and complexity. I think there could be more information about mate matching, child rearing, and career matches since those are some of the major practical applications for personality typing....I can't wait for the update. I appreciated and applaud the depth and comprehensive exploration of the types which was a freshing break from so many other 'helf' books which seem bent on over simplfying/over generalizing important distinctions ignoring the fact that there some people like ---INTP's--- who value complexity and depth and that within each type there a unique preferences still which should not be glossed over. Another good thing was it was not fill with the useless fluff and dialogue like so many other books. This is definately not a story book. But it's so fascinating and insightfull and well written that it read like one. I could not put it down. I still refer to it from time to time to try to understand other people. 2 enthusiastic thumbs up! And especaial note of graditude to the editors..great job!
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