Relationship Criticism

These widely acclaimed essays from the besteselling author of Infinite Jest — on television, tennis, cruise ships, and more — established David Foster Wallace as one of the preeminent essayists of his generation. In this exuberantly praised book — a collection of seven pieces on subjects...

Do you catch yourself getting defensive—even when you don’t need to? Does feedback feel like a personal attack, even when it’s meant to help? If Criticism Makes You Anxious, Frustrated, Or Ready To Argue… This Book Is For You. No one likes being told they’re wrong. But if your first instinct is to shut down, argue, or avoid feedback altogether, defensiveness may be holding you back—without you even realizing it. If you've ever… Felt the need to explain yourself when someone gives feedback Found yourself arguing a point just to prove you’re not wrong Shut down or lashed out ...

From the author of the highly acclaimed heavy metal memoir, Fargo Rock City, comes another hilarious and discerning take on massively popular culture—set in Chuck Klosterman’s den and your own—covering everything from the effect of John Cusack flicks to the crucial role of breakfast cereal...

Why do people suddenly become defensive? Why does a simple comment trigger anger, denial, or withdrawal? Why do conversations that begin calmly sometimes turn into arguments within minutes? The answer is rarely the surface issue. It is the emotional trigger beneath it. The Psychology of Emotional Triggers explores the hidden mechanisms that cause people to defend themselves, escalate conflict, shift blame, or shut down when their identity feels threatened. Drawing from behavioral psychology and real-world social dynamics, this book reveals the invisible patterns behind everyday reactions ...

This program is read by the author. A dark romance evolves between a high schooler and her English teacher in this breathtakingly powerful memoir about a young woman who must learn to rewrite her own story. “Have you ever read Lolita?” So begins seventeen-year-old Alisson’s metamorphosis...

Living with Avoidant Personality Disorder can feel exhausting, isolating, and painfully misunderstood. Managing Avoidant Personality Disorder is a compassionate, practical guide for people who struggle with social fear, rejection sensitivity, low self-worth, and the urge to withdraw even when they deeply want connection. Inside, you’ll find realistic coping strategies for managing anxiety, handling criticism, understanding emotional triggers, building healthier thought patterns, and taking small, workable steps toward stronger relationships and greater confidence. Whether you’ve been ...

Do disagreements with your spouse turn into arguments that leave both of you hurt, angry, or emotionally distant? Conflict is a normal part of marriage. But the way you communicate during conflict can either protect your relationship or cause wounds that remain long after the argument is over. In How to Resolve Conflict Without Damaging Your Marriage, Roger Ali Bocus provides practical Christian guidance to help husbands and wives disagree, address problems, respond to criticism, apologize, and pursue reconciliation without tearing each other down. You will learn how to: • disagree ...

In this award-winning novel that Maureen Corrigan of NPR’s ""Fresh Air"" deems “exquisitely crafted...witty, nuanced, and ultimately moving,” a wise, septuagenarian woman who has lived life on her own terms finds herself thrust into the center of her family’s various catastrophes. A...

"The Psychology of Bluey" delves into the vibrant world of the beloved Australian animated series, exploring the intricate layers of emotional intelligence, family dynamics, and societal values woven into its storytelling. With each episode, Bluey and her family embark on adventures that are not just playful escapades but lessons in resilience, empathy, and the complexities of human emotions. This book offers an in-depth analysis of how the series impacts both young minds and adult viewers, making profound observations on parenting, childhood development, and the power of imaginative play.

A Most Anticipated Book of Fall from: Los Angeles Times * Boston Globe * BookPage * Book Riot * The Millions * Publishers Weekly * LitHub * St. Louis Post Dispatch * Town & Country A taut, groundbreaking new novel from bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth McCracken, about a writer’s...

Shakespeare’s plays and poems remain as beloved in the twenty-first century as they were in the sixteenth. For all the years between us, the world he inhabited was much like our own—afflicted by political turmoil, divisiveness, war, extreme weather, recurrent plagues, the fouling of natural resources on which everyone relied, and discrimination against people who were different. The bard’s remedy for these troubles was to offer respite and inspiration to his audience through his writing.

Cultural criticism and pop culture history intertwine in this important book, which dissects how hip hop has sidelined Black women's identity and emotional well-being. Do you have a “ride or die chick” in your life? A “ride or die chick” is a Black woman who holds down her family and...

Amanda Keeler is a bestselling novelist, famed for her martini-soaked parties. It's a glamorous life, paid for in full by marriage to a tedious, teeth-grinding newspaper tycoon. When a meek friend from her provincial past arrives in Manhattan, Amanda plots to use her as cover for an affair-until...

Introducing "The Feedback Effect," an insightful and empowering e-book designed to help readers become masters of both giving and receiving constructive criticism. In a world where feedback is often misunderstood or poorly delivered, "The Feedback Effect" focuses on transforming your perception of criticism, empowering you to use it as a tool for personal and professional growth, rather than a source of stress or conflict. Broken down into comprehensive chapters, 'The Feedback Effect' sheds light on everything from the psychology behind giving and receiving criticism, to delivering ...

The vibrant and surprising lives of the women in Augustine's Confessions While many know of Saint Augustine and his Confessions, few are aware of how his life and thought were influenced by women. Queens of a Fallen World tells a story of betrayal, love, and ambition in the ancient world as seen...

Dating can feel painfully complicated when you want closeness but fear rejection, judgment, embarrassment, or being truly seen. Dating with Avoidant Personality Disorder: A Practical Guide to Rejection Fear, Vulnerability, Texting, First Dates, and Trust is a compassionate, practical guide for adults who struggle with avoidant personality patterns and want to take small, realistic steps toward romantic connection. A delayed reply can feel like proof you said something wrong. A quiet moment on a date can replay in your mind for days. A good connection can feel exciting and terrifying at the ...

Byron and Bob is dedicated to the most important literary relationship in Byron’s career—that with the Poet Laureate, Robert Southey, whom he hated, and to whom he “dedicated” his most important poem, Don Juan. Drawing on much-unseen manuscript material, Peter Cochran shows that although Byron’s antipathy towards Southey was at first a normal literary distaste, it became a projected self-distrust, a dislike of everything in himself with which he was unhappy. This second edition contains the two Visions of Judgement, Southey’s original and Byron’s travesty, as well as a new ...

Break free from the cycle of perfectionism and anxiety that has shrouded your life for years, embracing change even if you believe it's impossible. This is not just an audiobook; it's your guide to transformation, shedding light on the behaviors that link these two oppressive forces and offering strategies to finally set yourself free.

End chronic overthinking and quiet your harsh inner critic to finally experience lasting emotional inner peace. If you look highly functional on the outside but spend your days battling hidden anxiety and second-guessing every decision, you are not alone. This calming, compassionate guide is...

An incisive, lyrical exploration of one family’s history that radically overturns American myths about race, violence, and belonging. Asale Angel-Ajani and her twin, the only Black children in a working-class white family, were shuffled between relatives, coming of age in a country that...