Cheryl Richardson

Advantages: Gentle read, friendly and practical suggestions for improving quality of life
Disadvantages: Those who need this most won't have time to read it!

...The world is full of under-achievers! Many of us in our quieter moments of reflection will admit at least to ourselves that we have not achieved all that we might have hoped to do in our lives. A growing number of us are seeking help to overcome our dissatisfaction and increase our chances of success in life, however we choose to define this. Cheryl Richardson was an early practitioner of Life Coaching before the term was as widely used as it is today. With a background in tax consultation she found her clients wanted support on wider issues and she set out to provide it. She is now recognised as one of America’s top life coaches. In her book “Take Time for your Life” she draws on extensive experience of her clients and shares her recipe for “Creating the Life you Want”. This is not a book that I would have selected from... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Fills in lesser known history
Disadvantages: Still has a few gaps

...In Peter Richardson's new book, 'Herod: King of the Jews and Friend of the Romans', we are given a much fuller account of the king who has graduated to being an archtype, almost mythical character who is the embodiment of evil. 'Herod the Great, as he is usually called, was much like Henry VIII, Catherine the Great, or Peter the Great: talented, vigourous, lusty, skillful, charismatic, attractive, decisive, influential--but a disaster in his personal life. Like them, Herod changed his nation's history.' In a biographical study an author need not like the subject, but it helps if there is something to admire. Herod's personality is not attractive; had I been a contemporary I should not have wanted to spend much time with him. This having been said, Richardson does find much of interest and intrigue in the character and the deeds... Read review

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Advantages: peparation for the new additon
Disadvantages: none that I can see

...Big Panda, Little Panda by Joan Stimson, This is a delightful book with a story line that will appeal to parents and children alike. The story deals with a young panda’s passage into becoming the elder sibling in the family, and his subsequent adjustment to that situation. As such it could be very helpful in preparing young children for the birth of a sibling. It deals sensitively and realistically with the problems that this situation can bring. We are taken through the inevitable tiredness that all new mothers experience and how this reflects on the relationship between the older child and the mother. We are shown that in a relatively short time this is resolved and a caring, loving relationship develops between the Big Panda and the Little Panda, of the title. As one has come to expect of Meg Richardson, the illustrations... Read review

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