According to clinical psychologist Alasko, deception is everywhere. Whether it's a casual "I forgot" or political deception, it is corroding trust and breaking down community. Alasko details how people try to escape from the negative emotions of anxiety, anger, fear, and pain by using what he terms the "toxic trio" of denial, delusion, and blame. One first ignores or minimizes a fact or responsibility, then creates a more favorable reality. When things fall apart, one simply shifts the responsibility onto someone or something else, and the cycle repeats itself. The author provides numerous case studies of these principles in action and instructs how to satisfy core needs to eliminate the temptation to lie. Well done and applicable to all readers; recommended.

Although male psychology expert Blazina admits that there are many similarities between men and women, crucial differences between the two genders keep them from enjoying true connection and communication. Blazina explains that most men have been taught since childhood to hide their feelings, a practice that has resulted in aggression and other barriers that need to be resolved before intimacy can take place. Blazina discusses in detail how to help one's man (or partner, friend, or son) make peace with his past and share those parts of himself that remain hidden. A particularly helpful chapter explains how to offer constructive feedback to a man carefully and compassionately. Blazina concludes his book by discussing how a guardian can help boys grow up to be healthy men. Containing valuable information about the male psyche and destined to be read by female patrons, this is recommended for all libraries.

There are many ways to get a man into the wedding chapel, including taking the traditional route and using ancient Indian meditation, as these two books indicate. Psychologist Block and relationship writer Neumann explain that commitment really means exclusivity, thoughtfulness, and availability for both parties; one needs to be able to spot someone who is ready for these realities. The authors advise women dating men who show signs of unwillingness to commit to date other people. Robin and Michael Mastro, nationally known for their expertise on the art and science of vastu shastra (Sanskrit for "home instruction"), provide basic principles for creating positive romantic relationships in terms of space and energy. They offer Indian versions of feng shui principles to help readers (women or men, really) free the flow of energy in their homes to support a more receptive self and eliminate stress by balancing the five elements in the environment. Both books provide more than adequate coverage of the subject and might effectively be paired with books on divorce for a little perspective. Recommended for larger libraries.

The practice of mindfulness, or stepping back to pay attention to purpose, has grown over the last few years, helping many people relieve stress, attain goals, and even eliminate addictions. In their latest entry in the "Five Good Minutes" series, Brantley, a consulting associate in Duke University's department of psychiatry, and Millstine, a certified holistic nutrition consultant, turn their attention to accepting and nurturing one's physical body. The simple exercises designed to do this entail such practices as listening to one's breath and stopping all activity for five minutes. The beauty of these exercises is that they can be done anytime, anywhere and offer immediate benefits. Presenting a respite in a society of high expectations and critical messages, this book is highly recommended for all libraries.

Terming meditation "an Eastern tool for Western results," Davich (8-Minute Meditation) recommends breathing techniques, contemplation, and reflection for achieving success at home and in work and love. His Stop, Look, and Listen system instructs readers to slow down and defog their minds and attune to their "best self." Davich shows how to identify self-limiting, judgmental thoughts (which he dubs "The Panel") and implores his audience to confront them at every opportunity by conjuring up the best self. Davich writes for average Joes and would most likely appeal to blue-collar readers. Recommended based on community.

In the first four sections of her book, Denise (Naked Relationships) lays out her treatise that much personal misery is owing to feeling "not good enough." People spend their lives struggling in vain, she says, to validate their worth outside themselves by living up to society's values of having money, good looks, education, and accomplishments. These are dead ends, she points out, and continues in the book's last half to help readers let go of fear and negativity so that love can reside within. While Denise draws on personal experience, research, and quotations from Eastern and Western religion, her message comes off as a repetitive opinion piece. An optional purchase.

Licensed psychologist Huszczo (Tools for Team Excellence) builds on the fundamentals of the Myers-Briggs Inventory to help readers identify their personality type to use their strengths to benefit others. Exercises allow for assessing one's preference for introversion/extroversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving. Huszczo then devotes single chapters to the four personality types—stabilizers, harmonizers, catalysts, and visionaries—in which he discusses each type's ability to help others, be dependable, communicate, and motivate others. While the author advocates self-understanding, his chief objective is to encourage readers to look outward to find inner satisfaction. Recommended for all libraries.

Using empathy, encouragement, and common sense, Linamen (Chocolatherapy: Satisfying the Deepest Cravings of Your Inner Chick) convinces women that, yes, they can make desired changes in their lives. The way to do that, according to the author, is to hone one's "change skills." Suggestions for doing this range from the obvious (e.g., learn from the past) and the creative (e.g., borrow some great habits) to the immediate (e.g., try something new today). Linamen intersperses some of her text with suggestions for reading the Bible that could be read or skipped over, but most of the book tends to be concrete and practical. The author's upbeat style and realistic case studies will make this a popular book for public libraries.

In order to help people overcome the bullies they inevitably encounter in life, martial arts expert Lung (Mind Penetration; Mind Control) has compiled a comprehensive guide detailing strategies of psychological warfare gleaned from the ancient philosophies of Moshuh-Nanren, the Chinese ninja. Lung first helps readers know their enemy by describing a bully's motivation and mindset. Then he offers tactics for repelling this bully—calling on the "Sleeping Tiger," or one's untapped mental and physical power, which includes both "tiger cunning" (winning the mental game) and "tiger claws" (winning the physical game). Lung advocates walking away with strength but admits that is not always an option and gives advice for discerning the difference. The author tackles a difficult issue with finesse. A valuable addition to most public and academic libraries; an author talk would be a sellout.

Psychologist Papadopoulos of Celebrity Fit Club fame has written what would make a good workbook for Blazina's The Secret Lives of Men (see above). Using cognitive-behavioral therapy to analyze how faulty perceptions lead both genders to inaccurate and detrimental emotional responses, she deconstructs common thinking errors, including "all or nothing thinking," "personalizing everything," and "jumping to conclusions." For instance, when a man is in a bad mood, his female partner automatically assumes that it's her fault. Papadopoulos highlights her material with case studies and typical scenarios (e.g., confronting commitment issues) to drive her points home. This easy read will help both men and women decode each other. Recommended for all libraries.

And just for fun and inspiration comes this incredibly uplifting book by "butt-kicking woman" and author Rachanow (If Women Ran the World, Sh*t Would Get Done), who tells readers they can actualize their dreams right now, in the minutiae of everyday life. Rachanow draws from the American Heart Association (check out www.goredforwomen.org), Lucille Ball, and Whoopi Goldberg to generate numerous suggestions for making the world a better place and having fun doing it. Those looking to help themselves might find the solution in helping others. Highly recommended for all public libraries.

Yoga instructor Repka here suggests using breathing exercises to discover one's self and goals. In a combination memoir/instructional handbook, she details techniques taught by renowned yoga instructor Finger to help readers ease self-destructive tendencies, develop compassion for others, and release creativity. Each of the ten exercises is two pages long, which means that approximately 230 pages are devoted to Repka's experiences of an ill-fated move to New York City to be with her boyfriend. While the author does apply the practice of yoga to emotional/psychological issues, the actual self-help content is minimal. An optional purchase.

Award-winning journalist and former writer for SmartMoney Taylor has assembled lessons for living from 30 of the most successful minds in today's world. He organizes the offerings into five categories, including giving back to the world, pursuing one's passion, getting in touch with oneself, stretching one's horizons, and nurturing body, mind, and spirit. Writers in each category recall defining moments in their lives and give advice from their experience. For example, NBA All-Star Chris Webber shares that life is about more than stardom, and New York Times reporter Jennifer Lee argues for the necessity of a "screw-up" fund. The guidance contained in 30 is valuable for people of any age but particularly for those young enough to apply it to a lengthy span of years. Highly recommended for all libraries.

Like a good mentor, Minor is gracious with his advice. He shares his secrets of success, drawn from his experience as a musician and music director for major award shows, the Super Bowl, and American Idol. To achieve celebrity (or other goals), he outlines three main ingredients. First, he emphasizes the need to build inner strength: getting to know and be honest with yourself gives you a center to work from, which will assist in conquering self-doubt, one of the biggest obstacles. Second, Minor explains the value of treating people with respect, honesty, and integrity, and he gives several examples of the power of positive working relationships. Finally, he encourages readers to make the extra effort, splashed with preparation, determination, and perseverance. He invites us to venture forth, armed with these tools and the temerity to accept, initiate, and invite change and risk. Minor shows through his examples that stressful situations can be handled with grace. His encouraging guide to making dreams come true is recommended for public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/1/08.]—Lani Smith, Ohlone Coll. Lib., Newark, CA