Our Best Self Help

Disappointing in its brevity, this book is little more than a pamphlet. Despite purporting to address issues of birth order, this book provides only a few pages on the entire topic, and covers the entire realm of possible “middle” children in less than two pages, without even bothering to address the issue of gender, which are at least mentioned for other birth positions. Furthermore, it claims middle children are likely to be “confused about their identity”, “less likely to take the initiative or think independently”, “the lowest achievers academically and the least likely in a family to go to college”, “often feel that life is unfair”, “become self destructive by becoming a gang member or a petty criminal (but rarely a big-time crook). Often they will just develop annoying habits”.

But don’t worry, “middle” children out there, according to Dr Richardson, there is a wonderful career waiting for you as a secretary or a waiter!!! I’m not sure how this is supposed to be helpful to someone hoping to understand the impact of their family of origin.
Rating: 1 / 5

Family Ties that Bind is exactly what the subtitle purports: “A self-help guide to change.” Richardson breaks down family of origin issues and how they affect us today. He makes it clear, simple and practical. This book does not require prior knowledge of family therapy issues. It really just requires readers to be willing to make an honest assessment of their family history and current relationships. Some of the learning will be eye-opening and life changing.

Richardson does not encourage examining family of origin dynamics just for the sake of identifying inadequacies with one’s parents. This book is not about blame but is about responsibility for improving current family ties. Richardson educates and challenges.

Throughout the book, Richardson has Question boxes for readers to answer by doing some introspection. I think these questions are where the rubber meets the road and gives the book the impact. I suggest reading and thinking about these questions and writing down the answers in a journal to get the most benefit from the book. I also suggest following Richardson’s instructions regarding doing a genogram.

Overall, this can be a very helpful book if readers take it seriously.
Rating: 4 / 5

Family Ties that Bind will help you to discover how and why you make the relationship choices that you make. Where you fit in. The exercises in the book are helpful in that they illustrate your relationships. Pointing out why we make the choices that we do based on our family of origin.
Rating: 5 / 5

Book arrived with in time frame and in good condition. Really enjoy ordering my books this way with such a reliable service.
Rating: 4 / 5

Very insightful book on family of origin, formation on one’s personality, and finding ways to heal from your past…
Rating: 5 / 5