Boundaries (Fireside/Parkside Recovery Book)

Rating:
Summary: Not for women only!
Review: As a male, I disagree with the reviewer who said that this book is for women only. On the other hand, I will state that many men may find it difficult to read. But that is not a good reason to avoid grappling with the concepts that are presented here.

Several years ago I attempted to read another book on boundaries that caused me to reach the conclusion that "boundaries" can add to division in marriage. Fortunately, someone encouraged me to try this excellent volume by Anne Katherine.

What makes this book potentially challenging for men is that many of the cases presented here involve women whose boundaries (physical, sexual, emotional, social, etc.) have been violated by men. One can easily come to the conclusion that all men are jerks. But a man can also begin to reflect on these cases and perhaps see similarities to things he has done to others (women, children, parents, coworkers, etc.) over the years.

Any growing human being wants to learn from their mistakes. But sometimes it takes a book like this to cause an individual (male or female) to see the extent of the damage he or she has done by violating various boundaries. Seeing the pain and hurt expressed on these pages might cause individuals to examine similar pain they may have caused in others.

So, while one begins to come to grips with--and begins to honor--the boundaries of others, the reader can also begin to reevaluate his or her own boundaries. In my case, I immediately thought of a physician I sometimes see who is also a friend of the family. Since I value his friendship, I now realize that it would be better for me to see other physicians in his clinic in the future.

So, men, go ahead. Give this book a try. It can only help you grow as a human being. It will most likely improve your relationships at the same time.

Rating:
Summary: A Must For Anyone Who Wishes To Learn About Boundaries!
Review: Excellent for anyone who is trying to get a handle on what interpersonal boundaries are and how they work.

The concept of interpersonal boundaries can be hard to grasp, but Anne Katherine's book makes it easy, even for a layperson. Clear and concise, this book can be read on a single afternoon, but keep you thinking for days.

Including exercises designed to help increase awareness of boundaries, and life stories that illustrate how boundary dysfunction occurs, the book paints a clear picture of boundaries, enmeshment, and triangulation.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be a good parent, have a successful marriage, resolve childhood and current issues, or even manage a well functioning workplace with good employee relations.

Rating:
Summary: Worth for the few insights it provides.
Review: I found the exercises at the end of each chapter quite childish. Like the one about disagreeing with your favorite talk show host and the one about rewarding yourself a penny for each time you've spoken assertively.
Another downside of this book was that it repeated certain themes. It gave me the impression that sometimes the author run out of insights or tried to cover too many types of boundary violations.
Some valuable knowledge I found here was how boundary violations happen and what to do when they happen.

Rating:
Summary: MUST READ
Review: I recommend this book for students who want to acquire an understanding the situation and context of their to-be-clients.

You learn to determine your own boundaries and to evaluate your clients within their family system which allows you to offer formidable professional help.

Rating:
Summary: Do People Grow Up Not Knowing This?
Review: If you don't want to answer a question or get personal with someone, then don't. PERIOD. Was an entire book neccessary?

Rating:
Summary: Do People Grow Up Not Knowing This?
Review: This book is simply amazing! It illuminates and teaches in the most gentlest of ways. More importantly, it reminds the reader that their story can be found in the stories of others reaffirming our indelible connection to others. I disagree with a previous review that stated that this book is only for women or for victims of sexual abuse. That statement only serves to generalize and minimize what this book can truly offer. Both men and women can appreciate the wisdom found in this book. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Basic Information for Life
Review: This is a short book that is essential reading for anybody who was brought up in a dysfunctional family (over 90% of us, by most estimates). Before reading this, I did not know that boundary violation could occur when people got too near or too far away for the given relationship. My own boundaries were violated by parents that were too distant, which has caused lots of problems in my adult life. This book explained this very clearly.

Rating:
Summary: A must read for those interested in personal relationships.
Review: This is an excellent book to help in the understanding of what consitiutes a boundary in interpersonal relationships with family, friends and co-workers. If everyone recognized boundaries then there would be little need for therapists and counselors. Sometimes a boundary exists where it isn't readily recognizable and that's where this book comes in very handy when working with my clients. It's written in relatively "jargon free" simple style so one can concentrate on the content of the subject matter, not the vocabulary of the author. For those interested in personal growth, this is a winner!