I studied this work about 20 years ago and incorporated it's concepts into my life and dealings with people. It has been an enormous help. I have returned to my study notes on this book many times such was the density of this work and usefulness. Other works covering the same broad areas which are more technical and obtuse are at best less useful then this wonderful work on how to better communicate with family, friends, coworkers etc without feeling that your being manipulated in the least. If anything, I would think that some people would need to consciously restrain themself from being too assertively aggressive using these techniques. I didn't, as I'm a good egg by nature. I have steered a few people onto this path in the intervening years and recently got a copy of this work as presented for children for my girlfriend. It takes some study and practise over a few months and your best to work on each skill at a time and to work on your note taking as this is a dense work compared to most self help books. You will be rewarded with if not already present, a great sense of confidence in your ability to cope with most anybody in just about any social situation. I worked in security for 11 years dealing with drunk and sometimes violent people and this was a huge aid to me.

Pat Hill, Dublin, Ireland. ( )