Relationship Criticism

Audiobook performed by Marin Ireland From the New York Times bestselling author of The Nest and Good Company comes a wry and tender portrait of two families forever changed by one lovestruck decision that will reverberate for decades. It’s 1977 and an air of restlessness has settled on the...

Perhaps you want to be nicer to yourself but don’t really know how to get there. Or maybe you’re someone who assumes self-criticism is a permanent part of your personality. Rest assured you’re not alone. Millions of people struggle with the toll that excessive self-criticism takes on their minds, energy levels, jobs, and relationships. And problems with self-talk vary dramatically from one person to the next: they can appear as mild but persistent inner criticism, full-blown self-loathing, or the pain of internalized oppression or abuse.

In this exuberantly praised book - a collection of seven pieces on subjects ranging from television to tennis, from the Illinois State Fair to the films of David Lynch, from postmodern literary theory to the supposed fun of traveling aboard a Caribbean luxury cruiseliner - David Foster Wallace...

After writing the runaway best seller Not Nice, Dr. Aziz returns to tackle the biggest killer of confidence: your own inner critic. That voice in your head tells you that you can’t achieve what you want or be loved for who you are, because you’re not enough. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize just how much that negative voice is running their lives, creating stress, anxiety, perfectionism, relentless business, and overwhelm.

"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.

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...

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...

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...

People often believe relationships succeed or fail because of emotion. More often, they succeed or fail because of patterns no one realizes they are repeating. Identity does not form in isolation. It forms through attachment, approval, rejection, and adaptation. Long before people consciously choose who they want to be, relationships have already begun shaping who they become. Metaphors We Live By: Love, Relationships, & Identity is a collection of forty essays exploring how connection quietly shapes identity, belonging, and the versions of ourselves we carry into adulthood. Inside, you ...

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 ...

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 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...

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.

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.

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 ...

In Life Lessons from Memorable Movies, executive coach and storyteller David Langiulli reveals the surprising depth hidden in iconic film moments—from The Godfather to Step Brothers, from Star Wars to Forrest Gump. With warmth, humor, and hardearned insight, he shows how unforgettable movie lines can become powerful tools for resilience, courage, authenticity, and personal transformation.Across multiple films, Langiulli uncovers the deeper meaning behind scenes we quote for fun but rarely examine.

Discover the power of mirror meditation to help you awaken self-compassion, increase self-awareness, and gain the confidence needed to thrive.

In the modern information age, our brain’s coping mechanisms have been overloaded, and our irrationality turned up to eleven. Amanda Montell blends cultural criticism and personal narrative to explore our modern cognitive biases and the power, disadvantages and highlights of magical...

Some people do not lie to hurt you. They tell the truth. But they tell it in ways that shame you, criticize your body, and slowly erode your confidence in the relationship. When Honesty Turns Cruel explores a painful and often misunderstood pattern in intimate relationships. Many people believe honesty should strengthen love. Yet some partners use truth as a weapon. A private insecurity becomes a cutting remark. A vulnerable moment becomes a cruel comparison. A partner calls it honesty, but the result is humiliation and control. Drawing on research in relationship psychology, emotional ...

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...