In the nature vs. nurture debate, relationship psychologist Driscoll supports the role of nature in many gender differences. He and fellow psychologist Davis draw on research from anthropology, biology, and sociology to explain why, for example, women are less satisfied in marriage and why young men want casual sex. Readers get a mix of relationship Q&As, background material, and suggestions for understanding the other gender. For college-educated readers.

In her practice, therapist Fuerstein has found that many of her female clients' core problems center on a negative body image and that this distortion was handed down by their mothers, grandmothers, and so forth. Readers learn how to rid themselves of this problem, as Fuerstein amasses research, case studies, and sound psychological concepts. An excellent addition to women's studies or psychology collections.

Goldsmith draws on his 20-plus years of experience as a therapist and his weekly "Emotional Fitness" column to help readers achieve a stronger connection with their partners. His 52 chapters include explanations and exercises for developing more intimacy, compassion, and understanding. While some of the tips, such as discussing one's vulnerabilities, require courage, others are just fun. Helpful if read cover to cover or in pieces. Recommended for all public libraries.

Just for fun comes this hilarious parody of self-help books by the editors of Mental_Floss magazine. Koerth-Baker provides step-by-step instructions, pictures, and checklists to help readers achieve amazing feats like swallow a sword and colonize a nation. Divided into categories like "Imitate an Action Hero" (e.g., become a ninja), "Ignore the Naysayers" (e.g., search for Atlantis), and "Master the Supernatural" (e.g., weigh the human soul), the book begs to be browsed. Heartily recommended for all libraries.

It may surprise many people to learn that most women age 50 and over are rediscovering themselves more than settling down. So writes Levine (Inventing the Rest of Our Lives), the first editor of Ms. magazine, who uses personal observations and case studies to encourage women to change what has not worked in their lives, develop connections with like-minded women, and take responsibility for their practical and emotional lives. Award-winning journalist Sammons (We Carry Each Other) covers some of the same territory but employs stories of both men and women to illustrate that it's never too late to reinvent one's life. The outcome is a manual of sorts to help readers dream, stay focused, and make the changes they want to see in the world. Both books are recommended for libraries seeking to augment an existing boomer collection.

Addressing the drought of authentic communication in the world, Martinet (The Art of Mingling) urges readers to talk to strangers and call instead of instant messaging. Acknowledging the anxiety inherent in having serious, face-to-face conversations, Martinet guides readers through initiating such encounters and nurturing existing friendships. She stresses inviting people over to one's home as the key to creating lasting and fulfilling interpersonal bonds. Martinet's direction is helpful not only for those whose social life is lacking but also for others concerned with the abundance of online-only communication. For public libraries.

As the creator of the Ms. Foundation's Take Our Daughters to Work Day and leader of the Make Mine a Million $ Business program, Merlino knows how to make a difference in her own life and the lives of others. Here, she encourages women not to wait for someone else—a partner, a parent, a boss, society—to change and to pursue their biggest goals and dreams now. Inspiration comes from Merlino's own story and those of other world-changing women, along with the elements of goal achievement—confidence, capital, and community. Best suited for larger libraries owning a core women's studies collection.

Motivational speaker Nichols, who appeared in the hit film and book The Secret, delivers sound advice to help readers focus on goals rather than worries and to live with hope in the present instead of fear for the future. With her guidance, readers develop various "muscles" (e.g., the faith-in-myself muscle) that allow for bouncing back from difficulties and achieving dreams. Psychotherapist Robinson (Heal Your Self-Esteem) has similar goals in mind and shows his audience how to view life's challenges as adventures rather than problems. To that end, Robinson uses ten "practices"—e.g., optimism, choice, and magnetism—that can lead to a clearer sense of direction, heightened self-confidence, and greater courage. The beauty of Robinson's book is its clarity, use of case studies, and grounding in psychology. Both books are recommended for public libraries, although Robinson's is preferred.

According to professional "clutter buster" and stand-up comedian Palmer, when people get rid of stuff they don't need, they also remove impediments to a happy life. Hanging onto things is a way to avoid change, says Palmer, and he trains readers to clean out work and home spaces, as well as their heads. Indeed, Palmer's discussion of the psychological aspects of clutter (it's both an addiction and a punishment) makes the book unique. Highly recommended.

Interweaving personal stories, practical tools, and scripts, TV writer Speyer assists readers in divesting themselves of bad relationships, romantic, familial, and otherwise. For each problematic person, Speyer delivers a scenario, a lesson she's learned in that situation, advice for laying the groundwork, and the steps and scripts to use when letting someone go. The book tackles a difficult subject in a humorous, practical, and helpful manner. Highly recommended.

Like Speyer, Vernon (The Philosophy of Friendship) tackles problems like disliking a friend's new lover and responding to a loved one's cancer diagnosis. Vernon presents each situation, explores it in philosophical and mythological terms, and discusses what's at stake. While the book contains useful how-to guidance, its most thought-provoking aspect is the analysis of modern-day trials and tribulations in the context of Greek myths, ancient philosophies, and great literature. For college-educated readers.

Editor in chief of Budget Travel magazine and the author of Wedding Chic, Willdorf has updated her delightful guide to living well on a dime. Although aimed at women in their twenties and thirties, women in other age brackets will also appreciate the author's hints for saving money in many realms of their lives, including home furnishings, make-up, entertainment, and laundry. Money-saving ideas range from exercising at home to storing food properly. The book's appealing layout includes bulleted lists, appropriate quotes, and drawings. A natural selection for public libraries.

Woolf, a columnist for Working Mother magazine, demonstrates how working mothers can apply their career expertise at setting clear goals and managing conflict to their parenting practices. Woolf's comprehensive guide covers everything from discovering one's leadership style and leading through crises to managing the growing pains of adolescence and balancing home/work priorities. It's a good bet that many mothers, whether they work outside or inside the home, will find her strategies, case studies, and personal experiences helpful and applicable. For most public libraries.