Its Helpful but too basic, 29 Nov 2008
An interesting book with humour and a few helpful hints but I have been cooking for a family for 30 years - probably of more use to the younger reader with limited kitchen skills - I will give this to my daughter in the hope that I might come home to a cooked meal that doesnt cost £5 a head and leave every pan and surface in the kitchen covered in goo! I am an optimist at heart.
Disappointingly several pages fell out as I read it so make sure you have sellotape to hand.

very very disappointed, 26 Nov 2008
The name of this book is exactly the opposite of what is inside. Anyone want to buy this book from me?

All you need for weekday meals, 24 Nov 2008
I normally don't like recipe books without pictures, but this isn't your average 'pretty to look at' recipe book. The format is as straightforward as the concept and the recipes. I'm not very confident about cooking meals (although I love baking), but the recipes and explanations are great. I love that there is a section on how to prepare vegetables too! Our first week of meals cost just under £30! This book has been just the thing to kickstart my way into making hearty healthy meals everyday after work without the stress or the long list of pricey ingredients. I love it!

I was disappointed, 23 Nov 2008
I bought this book as a present for my mum but i was very disappointed upon reading
The first quarter of the book is just jibber jabber rubbish talking about people and eating habits then you get your normal recipes which i expected from the book and lots of soup recipes. But for the Last HALF of the book it is desserts i thought this book was ment to be healthy diet Not all dessert if i wanted lots of dessert recipes i would have bought a dessert book. The main meal recipes that were in the book were good but nothing special, but as for the rest of the book i was dissappointed.

Finally! A book for real families., 18 Nov 2008
I can't praise this book enough.

I have accumulated plenty of cook books over the years that have been slowly gathering dust, as the receipes in them just don't fit my busy family life.
This book is different. Here, you will find a no nonsense practical approach to cooking affordable nutritious meals for the family, as well as hits and tips on tempting fussy children without giving them junk food.

You will not find gourmet recipes to feed a dinner party.
You will not find long lists of ingredients and even longer lists of preparation details.
What you will find are recipes for tasty meals with a minimum of fuss, and simple ingredients that are readily available.

I could go on and on about this book. Just take my advice. If you are the cook in a family or feeling the pinch or just generally too pushed for time to bother cooking decent food, buy this book!

Its Helpful but too basic, 29 Nov 2008
An interesting book with humour and a few helpful hints but I have been cooking for a family for 30 years - probably of more use to the younger reader with limited kitchen skills - I will give this to my daughter in the hope that I might come home to a cooked meal that doesnt cost £5 a head and leave every pan and surface in the kitchen covered in goo! I am an optimist at heart.
Disappointingly several pages fell out as I read it so make sure you have sellotape to hand.

very very disappointed, 26 Nov 2008
The name of this book is exactly the opposite of what is inside. Anyone want to buy this book from me?

All you need for weekday meals, 24 Nov 2008
I normally don't like recipe books without pictures, but this isn't your average 'pretty to look at' recipe book. The format is as straightforward as the concept and the recipes. I'm not very confident about cooking meals (although I love baking), but the recipes and explanations are great. I love that there is a section on how to prepare vegetables too! Our first week of meals cost just under £30! This book has been just the thing to kickstart my way into making hearty healthy meals everyday after work without the stress or the long list of pricey ingredients. I love it!

I was disappointed, 23 Nov 2008
I bought this book as a present for my mum but i was very disappointed upon reading
The first quarter of the book is just jibber jabber rubbish talking about people and eating habits then you get your normal recipes which i expected from the book and lots of soup recipes. But for the Last HALF of the book it is desserts i thought this book was ment to be healthy diet Not all dessert if i wanted lots of dessert recipes i would have bought a dessert book. The main meal recipes that were in the book were good but nothing special, but as for the rest of the book i was dissappointed.

Finally! A book for real families., 18 Nov 2008
I can't praise this book enough.

I have accumulated plenty of cook books over the years that have been slowly gathering dust, as the receipes in them just don't fit my busy family life.
This book is different. Here, you will find a no nonsense practical approach to cooking affordable nutritious meals for the family, as well as hits and tips on tempting fussy children without giving them junk food.

You will not find gourmet recipes to feed a dinner party.
You will not find long lists of ingredients and even longer lists of preparation details.
What you will find are recipes for tasty meals with a minimum of fuss, and simple ingredients that are readily available.

I could go on and on about this book. Just take my advice. If you are the cook in a family or feeling the pinch or just generally too pushed for time to bother cooking decent food, buy this book!

Classic Gok, 29 Nov 2008
This book is exactly the sort of thing you'd expect from Gok: wonderful if slightly quirky outfits, and lots of positive "girlfriend" style comments and introductions.
I love it! Complements spill from the pages, along with great outfit ideas, explanations, fashionable twists and some makeup advice... the pictures are really helpful and well done, and give loads of good outfit ideas for all occasions!
A really good feature is the list of which shops the clothes came from, although I don't think that you can find them in stock any more.

All in all, thoroughly recommended to Gok lovers.

A little on the Wan side, 28 Nov 2008
I bought this book in the hope it would breathe new life into my wardrobe and give me some recession-busting ideas centred around clothes I already have instead of buying new pieces. However despite its pretty packaging and lovely layout, the glossy pages unfortunately fail to deliver any particularly useful advice and the inspiration I was looking for never really materialised. I found most of the book consisted of either basic fashion advice I didn't really need, wacky combinations I wouldn't be seen dead in (and in case you are wondering, I am in my twenties and a size 10), and things that are not applicable to me right now (eg the section on how to dress during pregnancy).

Although I picked out one or two tips, I didn't feel that the book was worth the money. Most of the fashion advice it contains you would probably have picked up already from reading a few fashion magazines. Also, the book appears to have been released in time for Christmas but with this in mind, perhaps the publishers should have given more thought to its title - I don't think many people would be too impressed to unwrap a book entitled 'How To Dress'....

A STEP FORWARD FROM HIS FIRST BOOK PERFECTION!, 22 Oct 2008
I think this is very practical. Split into sections for each occasion and several different styles to suit all body shapes. Ok maybe for the older lady it might seem a bit young but if you read it and look at all the styles you will see that it is moving on from his first book. We know our body shape and what suits it, so let's dress it for each occasion, also he gives advice on how to update clothes you already have! 10 out of 10. Gok rocks!

How not to dress, 15 Oct 2008
I read this book hoping to pick up some ideas for Christmas but was very disappointed. The ideas in this book would are more for embarrassing the wearer than making them feel good. I would not recommend this book to anyone, so i advise saving your money as this is not worth the paper it is written on.

Ban Wan, 15 Oct 2008
This book is completely awful. Gok appears to know less than my daughter about how to write a book, let alone dress. If you want to look like an alien from the planet Zorg then go ahead but the ideas in this book are for those used to eating rabbit food and are called Apple.

Its Helpful but too basic, 29 Nov 2008
An interesting book with humour and a few helpful hints but I have been cooking for a family for 30 years - probably of more use to the younger reader with limited kitchen skills - I will give this to my daughter in the hope that I might come home to a cooked meal that doesnt cost £5 a head and leave every pan and surface in the kitchen covered in goo! I am an optimist at heart.
Disappointingly several pages fell out as I read it so make sure you have sellotape to hand.

very very disappointed, 26 Nov 2008
The name of this book is exactly the opposite of what is inside. Anyone want to buy this book from me?

All you need for weekday meals, 24 Nov 2008
I normally don't like recipe books without pictures, but this isn't your average 'pretty to look at' recipe book. The format is as straightforward as the concept and the recipes. I'm not very confident about cooking meals (although I love baking), but the recipes and explanations are great. I love that there is a section on how to prepare vegetables too! Our first week of meals cost just under £30! This book has been just the thing to kickstart my way into making hearty healthy meals everyday after work without the stress or the long list of pricey ingredients. I love it!

I was disappointed, 23 Nov 2008
I bought this book as a present for my mum but i was very disappointed upon reading
The first quarter of the book is just jibber jabber rubbish talking about people and eating habits then you get your normal recipes which i expected from the book and lots of soup recipes. But for the Last HALF of the book it is desserts i thought this book was ment to be healthy diet Not all dessert if i wanted lots of dessert recipes i would have bought a dessert book. The main meal recipes that were in the book were good but nothing special, but as for the rest of the book i was dissappointed.

Finally! A book for real families., 18 Nov 2008
I can't praise this book enough.

I have accumulated plenty of cook books over the years that have been slowly gathering dust, as the receipes in them just don't fit my busy family life.
This book is different. Here, you will find a no nonsense practical approach to cooking affordable nutritious meals for the family, as well as hits and tips on tempting fussy children without giving them junk food.

You will not find gourmet recipes to feed a dinner party.
You will not find long lists of ingredients and even longer lists of preparation details.
What you will find are recipes for tasty meals with a minimum of fuss, and simple ingredients that are readily available.

I could go on and on about this book. Just take my advice. If you are the cook in a family or feeling the pinch or just generally too pushed for time to bother cooking decent food, buy this book!

Classic Gok, 29 Nov 2008
This book is exactly the sort of thing you'd expect from Gok: wonderful if slightly quirky outfits, and lots of positive "girlfriend" style comments and introductions.
I love it! Complements spill from the pages, along with great outfit ideas, explanations, fashionable twists and some makeup advice... the pictures are really helpful and well done, and give loads of good outfit ideas for all occasions!
A really good feature is the list of which shops the clothes came from, although I don't think that you can find them in stock any more.

All in all, thoroughly recommended to Gok lovers.

A little on the Wan side, 28 Nov 2008
I bought this book in the hope it would breathe new life into my wardrobe and give me some recession-busting ideas centred around clothes I already have instead of buying new pieces. However despite its pretty packaging and lovely layout, the glossy pages unfortunately fail to deliver any particularly useful advice and the inspiration I was looking for never really materialised. I found most of the book consisted of either basic fashion advice I didn't really need, wacky combinations I wouldn't be seen dead in (and in case you are wondering, I am in my twenties and a size 10), and things that are not applicable to me right now (eg the section on how to dress during pregnancy).

Although I picked out one or two tips, I didn't feel that the book was worth the money. Most of the fashion advice it contains you would probably have picked up already from reading a few fashion magazines. Also, the book appears to have been released in time for Christmas but with this in mind, perhaps the publishers should have given more thought to its title - I don't think many people would be too impressed to unwrap a book entitled 'How To Dress'....

A STEP FORWARD FROM HIS FIRST BOOK PERFECTION!, 22 Oct 2008
I think this is very practical. Split into sections for each occasion and several different styles to suit all body shapes. Ok maybe for the older lady it might seem a bit young but if you read it and look at all the styles you will see that it is moving on from his first book. We know our body shape and what suits it, so let's dress it for each occasion, also he gives advice on how to update clothes you already have! 10 out of 10. Gok rocks!

How not to dress, 15 Oct 2008
I read this book hoping to pick up some ideas for Christmas but was very disappointed. The ideas in this book would are more for embarrassing the wearer than making them feel good. I would not recommend this book to anyone, so i advise saving your money as this is not worth the paper it is written on.

Ban Wan, 15 Oct 2008
This book is completely awful. Gok appears to know less than my daughter about how to write a book, let alone dress. If you want to look like an alien from the planet Zorg then go ahead but the ideas in this book are for those used to eating rabbit food and are called Apple.


A splendid book, 31 Oct 2008
This book is hugely readable. I bought it really out of curiosity - could anyone really write about perfume, surely you would need to sample them to appreciate their qualities? Not so. This is written so well, you can really get a feel for the product, the descriptions of the perfumes that I do know are so accurate, and actually make me appreciate all the complexities in them. Very witty, with some laugh-out-loud moments, I read this in two sittings and turned back immediately to start again. This is the next best thing to having a perfumery in your living room , without the hovering assistants. I read this on holiday in France, and on the ferry home took it into the onboard shop, reading, spraying & sniffing to the puzzlement of some passengers. I tried perfumes that I would have normally ignored, recognized the levels and descriptions from the book in each of them. A beautiful book, one you could read again & again. I do highly recommend this, it would make a great present for your best friends, male and female.

Refreshing honesty and splendid wit, 27 Sep 2008
Quite apart from its sheer range and depth in tackling its subject, this book is really entertaining. It blows a welcome blast of fresh air through the fragrance business, exposing some of its frailties ('We *never* change our fragrance formulas' is the lie you hear most often) and gambolling in the glittering light of enthusiasm when reviewing favoured scents. The fragrance reviews are splendidly opinionated, but it's always clear that what's being praised is quality, coherence, balance, rather than 'niceness', so you're still free to exercise your own preference when you're shopping. I'm particularly impressed by the authors' recognition of the part appearance and presentation play in our enjoyment of fragrance, so they tell you when the packaging is the best thing about a scent, and when the opposite is true, too. They're also very good at pointing out that where fragrance is concerned, you very rarely 'get what you pay for', because some of the cheapest products on sale are very good, and some of the most expensive are not. Even if you fall into the least favoured category of person - someone who wears fragrance because they're frightened of smelling of themselves, rather than because they actually like what they're wearing - you'll find constructive suggestions here, with splendidly direct warnings about pitfalls you might want to avoid. A splendid read, and a reliable guide - which will need updating with new editions every few years!

A trip down memory lane.., 18 Sep 2008
I spent last night poring over this book with my friends, male and female, looking up the various scents we have proudly worn then laughing and reminiscing while reading out the dead-on reviews. E.g. Poison 'The fragrance that everybody loves to hate...a must for every collector but please don't wear it to dinner'! It's warm, witty and wise - unlike anything else I have read on the subject.

A must have for handbags and manbags alike!, 09 Sep 2008
A danger to credit cards everywhere! This book is so evocative - descriptions of the good perfumes make you want to rush out and buy them without even smelling them first and reviews of the bad ones are screamingly funny. It's absolutely beautiful and a perfect present - also a brilliant way to drop a hint to your boyfriend, either because you want one of the scents or if you don't like his.

Its Helpful but too basic, 29 Nov 2008
An interesting book with humour and a few helpful hints but I have been cooking for a family for 30 years - probably of more use to the younger reader with limited kitchen skills - I will give this to my daughter in the hope that I might come home to a cooked meal that doesnt cost £5 a head and leave every pan and surface in the kitchen covered in goo! I am an optimist at heart.
Disappointingly several pages fell out as I read it so make sure you have sellotape to hand.

very very disappointed, 26 Nov 2008
The name of this book is exactly the opposite of what is inside. Anyone want to buy this book from me?

All you need for weekday meals, 24 Nov 2008
I normally don't like recipe books without pictures, but this isn't your average 'pretty to look at' recipe book. The format is as straightforward as the concept and the recipes. I'm not very confident about cooking meals (although I love baking), but the recipes and explanations are great. I love that there is a section on how to prepare vegetables too! Our first week of meals cost just under £30! This book has been just the thing to kickstart my way into making hearty healthy meals everyday after work without the stress or the long list of pricey ingredients. I love it!

I was disappointed, 23 Nov 2008
I bought this book as a present for my mum but i was very disappointed upon reading
The first quarter of the book is just jibber jabber rubbish talking about people and eating habits then you get your normal recipes which i expected from the book and lots of soup recipes. But for the Last HALF of the book it is desserts i thought this book was ment to be healthy diet Not all dessert if i wanted lots of dessert recipes i would have bought a dessert book. The main meal recipes that were in the book were good but nothing special, but as for the rest of the book i was dissappointed.

Finally! A book for real families., 18 Nov 2008
I can't praise this book enough.

I have accumulated plenty of cook books over the years that have been slowly gathering dust, as the receipes in them just don't fit my busy family life.
This book is different. Here, you will find a no nonsense practical approach to cooking affordable nutritious meals for the family, as well as hits and tips on tempting fussy children without giving them junk food.

You will not find gourmet recipes to feed a dinner party.
You will not find long lists of ingredients and even longer lists of preparation details.
What you will find are recipes for tasty meals with a minimum of fuss, and simple ingredients that are readily available.

I could go on and on about this book. Just take my advice. If you are the cook in a family or feeling the pinch or just generally too pushed for time to bother cooking decent food, buy this book!

Classic Gok, 29 Nov 2008
This book is exactly the sort of thing you'd expect from Gok: wonderful if slightly quirky outfits, and lots of positive "girlfriend" style comments and introductions.
I love it! Complements spill from the pages, along with great outfit ideas, explanations, fashionable twists and some makeup advice... the pictures are really helpful and well done, and give loads of good outfit ideas for all occasions!
A really good feature is the list of which shops the clothes came from, although I don't think that you can find them in stock any more.

All in all, thoroughly recommended to Gok lovers.

A little on the Wan side, 28 Nov 2008
I bought this book in the hope it would breathe new life into my wardrobe and give me some recession-busting ideas centred around clothes I already have instead of buying new pieces. However despite its pretty packaging and lovely layout, the glossy pages unfortunately fail to deliver any particularly useful advice and the inspiration I was looking for never really materialised. I found most of the book consisted of either basic fashion advice I didn't really need, wacky combinations I wouldn't be seen dead in (and in case you are wondering, I am in my twenties and a size 10), and things that are not applicable to me right now (eg the section on how to dress during pregnancy).

Although I picked out one or two tips, I didn't feel that the book was worth the money. Most of the fashion advice it contains you would probably have picked up already from reading a few fashion magazines. Also, the book appears to have been released in time for Christmas but with this in mind, perhaps the publishers should have given more thought to its title - I don't think many people would be too impressed to unwrap a book entitled 'How To Dress'....

A STEP FORWARD FROM HIS FIRST BOOK PERFECTION!, 22 Oct 2008
I think this is very practical. Split into sections for each occasion and several different styles to suit all body shapes. Ok maybe for the older lady it might seem a bit young but if you read it and look at all the styles you will see that it is moving on from his first book. We know our body shape and what suits it, so let's dress it for each occasion, also he gives advice on how to update clothes you already have! 10 out of 10. Gok rocks!

How not to dress, 15 Oct 2008
I read this book hoping to pick up some ideas for Christmas but was very disappointed. The ideas in this book would are more for embarrassing the wearer than making them feel good. I would not recommend this book to anyone, so i advise saving your money as this is not worth the paper it is written on.

Ban Wan, 15 Oct 2008
This book is completely awful. Gok appears to know less than my daughter about how to write a book, let alone dress. If you want to look like an alien from the planet Zorg then go ahead but the ideas in this book are for those used to eating rabbit food and are called Apple.


A splendid book, 31 Oct 2008
This book is hugely readable. I bought it really out of curiosity - could anyone really write about perfume, surely you would need to sample them to appreciate their qualities? Not so. This is written so well, you can really get a feel for the product, the descriptions of the perfumes that I do know are so accurate, and actually make me appreciate all the complexities in them. Very witty, with some laugh-out-loud moments, I read this in two sittings and turned back immediately to start again. This is the next best thing to having a perfumery in your living room , without the hovering assistants. I read this on holiday in France, and on the ferry home took it into the onboard shop, reading, spraying & sniffing to the puzzlement of some passengers. I tried perfumes that I would have normally ignored, recognized the levels and descriptions from the book in each of them. A beautiful book, one you could read again & again. I do highly recommend this, it would make a great present for your best friends, male and female.

Refreshing honesty and splendid wit, 27 Sep 2008
Quite apart from its sheer range and depth in tackling its subject, this book is really entertaining. It blows a welcome blast of fresh air through the fragrance business, exposing some of its frailties ('We *never* change our fragrance formulas' is the lie you hear most often) and gambolling in the glittering light of enthusiasm when reviewing favoured scents. The fragrance reviews are splendidly opinionated, but it's always clear that what's being praised is quality, coherence, balance, rather than 'niceness', so you're still free to exercise your own preference when you're shopping. I'm particularly impressed by the authors' recognition of the part appearance and presentation play in our enjoyment of fragrance, so they tell you when the packaging is the best thing about a scent, and when the opposite is true, too. They're also very good at pointing out that where fragrance is concerned, you very rarely 'get what you pay for', because some of the cheapest products on sale are very good, and some of the most expensive are not. Even if you fall into the least favoured category of person - someone who wears fragrance because they're frightened of smelling of themselves, rather than because they actually like what they're wearing - you'll find constructive suggestions here, with splendidly direct warnings about pitfalls you might want to avoid. A splendid read, and a reliable guide - which will need updating with new editions every few years!

A trip down memory lane.., 18 Sep 2008
I spent last night poring over this book with my friends, male and female, looking up the various scents we have proudly worn then laughing and reminiscing while reading out the dead-on reviews. E.g. Poison 'The fragrance that everybody loves to hate...a must for every collector but please don't wear it to dinner'! It's warm, witty and wise - unlike anything else I have read on the subject.

A must have for handbags and manbags alike!, 09 Sep 2008
A danger to credit cards everywhere! This book is so evocative - descriptions of the good perfumes make you want to rush out and buy them without even smelling them first and reviews of the bad ones are screamingly funny. It's absolutely beautiful and a perfect present - also a brilliant way to drop a hint to your boyfriend, either because you want one of the scents or if you don't like his.

Great on TV but the book?, 01 Sep 2008
Feel Fab at 50

As an Image professional I have always loved Gok since he jumped on to our TV screens a couple of years ago. He epitomises what we, as professionals, should be doing with our clients. I have continued to love his approach ever since. While the text in his book was sensible and uplifting, strangely enough, I found the choice of clothing incomprehensible for the most part. Instead of flattering his models, who are all gorgeous (and mostly voluptuous), they look uncomfortable and too tight with staining seams, incorrect fabric choices and so on. The Gok on TV would never make these fundamental errors and the upshot is that his girls look bigger than they really are. A conundrum!

Sorry Gok, I like you, but, 29 Dec 2007
The book does not help. The same model poses for pear shape and hourglass??? (same for the other models)
Why not take Trinny and Susannah's approach and show exactly what kind of clothing each shape needs instead of showing us ball gowns? Why not use the women from the series?



Gok Wan: Making the world a better place for ladies everywhere!, 12 Jul 2007
I am not usually a fan of fashion and stylist programmes, but I tuned into Gok's every week. It hit just the right tone, about celebrating what real women look like and making the best of what you already had rather than needing to change.
This book has the same loveable and helpful tone as the show, and offers a supportive mantra to learn to love what you have and make the best of it. The only real confusing element is if you're not sure which of the body types describes you best, eg if you're top heavy but also uncomfortable about your belly.
Gok is offering a valuable service to all women uncomfortable with their shapes and this book offers helpful advice, aswell as feeling like a confidante to remind you that yes, you are beautiful. Of course, I'm biased because I met Gok at his book signing and am absolutely in love with the man, but I really do recommend this book as an encouragement to all women who want to learn how to be comfortable in their own skin just the way it is.

very helpful, 30 Jun 2007
Five stars because although the book is not perfect I applaud the kindness of the author. An interesting aspect is that Wan himself tells us that he was overweight. Quite obviously he is not now - yet this is emphatically not a diet book. What seems to have happened is that the author styled himself to feel better about himself and the weightloss followed in due course when he was happier about himself. This book is so brilliant because it starts with what's right about you rather than with what is wrong, working with your self-consciousness rather than totally disregarding it. All teenage girls should be given this book and the author should be given a knighthood. Read in conjunction with watching the TV show.

My only criticisms: perhaps the style is a little cloying; but I'll live with that since I know he is trying to put the reader at their ease. Also sometimes it's hard to know exactly what shape you are: e.g. am I a pear shape, a bird with a big bum or petite? Maybe some comparative measurements would be useful. Worst thing would be to accidentally go for the wrong shape. Really I'm a combination of all three so how to work with that? There is some limited advice but more would be good.

You don't have to loose weight or be rich to look great!, 17 Jun 2007
The best thing about this book is its overall message: you do not necessarily have to loose weight or be rich to look your very best on a day-to-day basis! Gok's approach is 'drink more water, eat more fruit&veg and take good care of yourself'- no diet fads or expensive plastic surgery (see '10 years younger'!) needed. The book focuses on different types of body shape (big bottom, big belly, no curves, too skinny etc.) and provides LOTS of helpful advice as to what to wear and (probably even more important) what not. The last chapters focus on underwear and general beauty routine. All of this is very helpful and the writing style is very similar to the tv show, very positive and encouraging, all about flaunting your best bits and keeping quiet about the rest. I can honestly say that I have never read such a positive book about this subject: Gok does not preach or patronize, but seems to really want to bring the best out in everybody.
The only shortcoming is a lack of photographs. It would have been nice to have more pictures accompanying the advice given in the text. But apart from that: absolutely recommendable!!!

Its Helpful but too basic, 29 Nov 2008
An interesting book with humour and a few helpful hints but I have been cooking for a family for 30 years - probably of more use to the younger reader with limited kitchen skills - I will give this to my daughter in the hope that I might come home to a cooked meal that doesnt cost £5 a head and leave every pan and surface in the kitchen covered in goo! I am an optimist at heart.
Disappointingly several pages fell out as I read it so make sure you have sellotape to hand.

very very disappointed, 26 Nov 2008
The name of this book is exactly the opposite of what is inside. Anyone want to buy this book from me?

All you need for weekday meals, 24 Nov 2008
I normally don't like recipe books without pictures, but this isn't your average 'pretty to look at' recipe book. The format is as straightforward as the concept and the recipes. I'm not very confident about cooking meals (although I love baking), but the recipes and explanations are great. I love that there is a section on how to prepare vegetables too! Our first week of meals cost just under £30! This book has been just the thing to kickstart my way into making hearty healthy meals everyday after work without the stress or the long list of pricey ingredients. I love it!

I was disappointed, 23 Nov 2008
I bought this book as a present for my mum but i was very disappointed upon reading
The first quarter of the book is just jibber jabber rubbish talking about people and eating habits then you get your normal recipes which i expected from the book and lots of soup recipes. But for the Last HALF of the book it is desserts i thought this book was ment to be healthy diet Not all dessert if i wanted lots of dessert recipes i would have bought a dessert book. The main meal recipes that were in the book were good but nothing special, but as for the rest of the book i was dissappointed.

Finally! A book for real families., 18 Nov 2008
I can't praise this book enough.

I have accumulated plenty of cook books over the years that have been slowly gathering dust, as the receipes in them just don't fit my busy family life.
This book is different. Here, you will find a no nonsense practical approach to cooking affordable nutritious meals for the family, as well as hits and tips on tempting fussy children without giving them junk food.

You will not find gourmet recipes to feed a dinner party.
You will not find long lists of ingredients and even longer lists of preparation details.
What you will find are recipes for tasty meals with a minimum of fuss, and simple ingredients that are readily available.

I could go on and on about this book. Just take my advice. If you are the cook in a family or feeling the pinch or just generally too pushed for time to bother cooking decent food, buy this book!

Classic Gok, 29 Nov 2008
This book is exactly the sort of thing you'd expect from Gok: wonderful if slightly quirky outfits, and lots of positive "girlfriend" style comments and introductions.
I love it! Complements spill from the pages, along with great outfit ideas, explanations, fashionable twists and some makeup advice... the pictures are really helpful and well done, and give loads of good outfit ideas for all occasions!
A really good feature is the list of which shops the clothes came from, although I don't think that you can find them in stock any more.

All in all, thoroughly recommended to Gok lovers.

A little on the Wan side, 28 Nov 2008
I bought this book in the hope it would breathe new life into my wardrobe and give me some recession-busting ideas centred around clothes I already have instead of buying new pieces. However despite its pretty packaging and lovely layout, the glossy pages unfortunately fail to deliver any particularly useful advice and the inspiration I was looking for never really materialised. I found most of the book consisted of either basic fashion advice I didn't really need, wacky combinations I wouldn't be seen dead in (and in case you are wondering, I am in my twenties and a size 10), and things that are not applicable to me right now (eg the section on how to dress during pregnancy).

Although I picked out one or two tips, I didn't feel that the book was worth the money. Most of the fashion advice it contains you would probably have picked up already from reading a few fashion magazines. Also, the book appears to have been released in time for Christmas but with this in mind, perhaps the publishers should have given more thought to its title - I don't think many people would be too impressed to unwrap a book entitled 'How To Dress'....

A STEP FORWARD FROM HIS FIRST BOOK PERFECTION!, 22 Oct 2008
I think this is very practical. Split into sections for each occasion and several different styles to suit all body shapes. Ok maybe for the older lady it might seem a bit young but if you read it and look at all the styles you will see that it is moving on from his first book. We know our body shape and what suits it, so let's dress it for each occasion, also he gives advice on how to update clothes you already have! 10 out of 10. Gok rocks!

How not to dress, 15 Oct 2008
I read this book hoping to pick up some ideas for Christmas but was very disappointed. The ideas in this book would are more for embarrassing the wearer than making them feel good. I would not recommend this book to anyone, so i advise saving your money as this is not worth the paper it is written on.

Ban Wan, 15 Oct 2008
This book is completely awful. Gok appears to know less than my daughter about how to write a book, let alone dress. If you want to look like an alien from the planet Zorg then go ahead but the ideas in this book are for those used to eating rabbit food and are called Apple.


A splendid book, 31 Oct 2008
This book is hugely readable. I bought it really out of curiosity - could anyone really write about perfume, surely you would need to sample them to appreciate their qualities? Not so. This is written so well, you can really get a feel for the product, the descriptions of the perfumes that I do know are so accurate, and actually make me appreciate all the complexities in them. Very witty, with some laugh-out-loud moments, I read this in two sittings and turned back immediately to start again. This is the next best thing to having a perfumery in your living room , without the hovering assistants. I read this on holiday in France, and on the ferry home took it into the onboard shop, reading, spraying & sniffing to the puzzlement of some passengers. I tried perfumes that I would have normally ignored, recognized the levels and descriptions from the book in each of them. A beautiful book, one you could read again & again. I do highly recommend this, it would make a great present for your best friends, male and female.

Refreshing honesty and splendid wit, 27 Sep 2008
Quite apart from its sheer range and depth in tackling its subject, this book is really entertaining. It blows a welcome blast of fresh air through the fragrance business, exposing some of its frailties ('We *never* change our fragrance formulas' is the lie you hear most often) and gambolling in the glittering light of enthusiasm when reviewing favoured scents. The fragrance reviews are splendidly opinionated, but it's always clear that what's being praised is quality, coherence, balance, rather than 'niceness', so you're still free to exercise your own preference when you're shopping. I'm particularly impressed by the authors' recognition of the part appearance and presentation play in our enjoyment of fragrance, so they tell you when the packaging is the best thing about a scent, and when the opposite is true, too. They're also very good at pointing out that where fragrance is concerned, you very rarely 'get what you pay for', because some of the cheapest products on sale are very good, and some of the most expensive are not. Even if you fall into the least favoured category of person - someone who wears fragrance because they're frightened of smelling of themselves, rather than because they actually like what they're wearing - you'll find constructive suggestions here, with splendidly direct warnings about pitfalls you might want to avoid. A splendid read, and a reliable guide - which will need updating with new editions every few years!

A trip down memory lane.., 18 Sep 2008
I spent last night poring over this book with my friends, male and female, looking up the various scents we have proudly worn then laughing and reminiscing while reading out the dead-on reviews. E.g. Poison 'The fragrance that everybody loves to hate...a must for every collector but please don't wear it to dinner'! It's warm, witty and wise - unlike anything else I have read on the subject.

A must have for handbags and manbags alike!, 09 Sep 2008
A danger to credit cards everywhere! This book is so evocative - descriptions of the good perfumes make you want to rush out and buy them without even smelling them first and reviews of the bad ones are screamingly funny. It's absolutely beautiful and a perfect present - also a brilliant way to drop a hint to your boyfriend, either because you want one of the scents or if you don't like his.

Great on TV but the book?, 01 Sep 2008
Feel Fab at 50

As an Image professional I have always loved Gok since he jumped on to our TV screens a couple of years ago. He epitomises what we, as professionals, should be doing with our clients. I have continued to love his approach ever since. While the text in his book was sensible and uplifting, strangely enough, I found the choice of clothing incomprehensible for the most part. Instead of flattering his models, who are all gorgeous (and mostly voluptuous), they look uncomfortable and too tight with staining seams, incorrect fabric choices and so on. The Gok on TV would never make these fundamental errors and the upshot is that his girls look bigger than they really are. A conundrum!

Sorry Gok, I like you, but, 29 Dec 2007
The book does not help. The same model poses for pear shape and hourglass??? (same for the other models)
Why not take Trinny and Susannah's approach and show exactly what kind of clothing each shape needs instead of showing us ball gowns? Why not use the women from the series?



Gok Wan: Making the world a better place for ladies everywhere!, 12 Jul 2007
I am not usually a fan of fashion and stylist programmes, but I tuned into Gok's every week. It hit just the right tone, about celebrating what real women look like and making the best of what you already had rather than needing to change.
This book has the same loveable and helpful tone as the show, and offers a supportive mantra to learn to love what you have and make the best of it. The only real confusing element is if you're not sure which of the body types describes you best, eg if you're top heavy but also uncomfortable about your belly.
Gok is offering a valuable service to all women uncomfortable with their shapes and this book offers helpful advice, aswell as feeling like a confidante to remind you that yes, you are beautiful. Of course, I'm biased because I met Gok at his book signing and am absolutely in love with the man, but I really do recommend this book as an encouragement to all women who want to learn how to be comfortable in their own skin just the way it is.

very helpful, 30 Jun 2007
Five stars because although the book is not perfect I applaud the kindness of the author. An interesting aspect is that Wan himself tells us that he was overweight. Quite obviously he is not now - yet this is emphatically not a diet book. What seems to have happened is that the author styled himself to feel better about himself and the weightloss followed in due course when he was happier about himself. This book is so brilliant because it starts with what's right about you rather than with what is wrong, working with your self-consciousness rather than totally disregarding it. All teenage girls should be given this book and the author should be given a knighthood. Read in conjunction with watching the TV show.

My only criticisms: perhaps the style is a little cloying; but I'll live with that since I know he is trying to put the reader at their ease. Also sometimes it's hard to know exactly what shape you are: e.g. am I a pear shape, a bird with a big bum or petite? Maybe some comparative measurements would be useful. Worst thing would be to accidentally go for the wrong shape. Really I'm a combination of all three so how to work with that? There is some limited advice but more would be good.

You don't have to loose weight or be rich to look great!, 17 Jun 2007
The best thing about this book is its overall message: you do not necessarily have to loose weight or be rich to look your very best on a day-to-day basis! Gok's approach is 'drink more water, eat more fruit&veg and take good care of yourself'- no diet fads or expensive plastic surgery (see '10 years younger'!) needed. The book focuses on different types of body shape (big bottom, big belly, no curves, too skinny etc.) and provides LOTS of helpful advice as to what to wear and (probably even more important) what not. The last chapters focus on underwear and general beauty routine. All of this is very helpful and the writing style is very similar to the tv show, very positive and encouraging, all about flaunting your best bits and keeping quiet about the rest. I can honestly say that I have never read such a positive book about this subject: Gok does not preach or patronize, but seems to really want to bring the best out in everybody.
The only shortcoming is a lack of photographs. It would have been nice to have more pictures accompanying the advice given in the text. But apart from that: absolutely recommendable!!!

Made me want a daughter!, 08 Mar 2008
I felt completely depressed when pregnant with my second son when I read this book! Mr Biddulph basically tells you that, as a mother, you are important to your sons till they reach five, then you can basically forget it, as you will always be of secondary importance to them compared to their fathers and you should just get on with doing their laundry and cooking them the odd meal or two!
I'm sure he is right to a certain degree but, after speaking to many people after reading this, it is a huge generalisation to say that most men worship their fathers and take their mothers for granted.
Also, he could really have written one chapter instead of a whole book as the central message is repeated again and again: "Male children need strong male role models"
Very good, Steve, but this book didn't answer many of my questions or offer me practical advice as a mother of boys and left me wanting to have daughters!
Since tossing it in the recycling bin, I am now loving being mum to two boys and would not change them for anything!

Useful, 25 Feb 2008
I have read The Secrets of Happy Children by Biddulph, and found it extremely useful, so having a small boy on my hands decided me to investigate Raising Boys. I was not disappointed.

What I like most about Biddulph is that he is not preachy. He does not try to ram his message down your throat. He presents his case and is very careful to try and give a balanced view. Reading other reviews I note that some readers are critical of his belief that children are best raised at home until the age of three. I send my son to nursery school for one and a half days per week, and I feel that it is appropriate to do so. I have not changed my mind based on what Biddulph says. I feel that he has to tread a thin line between telling us things that he thinks we need to know and understanding that each child is unique and their special needs, whatever they may be should be catered for. On the whole he does this well.

I feel that he also deals compassionately with the issue of what to do if you are a single mother, and provides clear and pragmatic examples of how to look for and use positive male role models.

I think his down to earth approach, particularly his stressing the fact that parenting is not a perfect job, and even with the best will in the world will always be an ongoing learning process between you and your children is the most humane and accepting that I have read and I thoroughly recommend his work. The only reason this got four stars is because it is a little out of date and could do with a reissue with more statistics.

A parent/researcher, 14 Jan 2008
Overall, this book is a good contribution to the question of how to parent boys. However, he uses the appearance of research to endorse his personal view that boys are best cared for during the day by family members. In fact, the weight of evidence demonstrates that good quality childcare outside the family is positively beneficial for pre-school children of both genders.
I would challenge Steve Biddulph to produce a revised edition that incorporates real, direct evidence.

yes, but...., 14 Jan 2008
There are many good points in this book that were already mentioned by the other reviewers. I want to focus on the points that grated with me. First of all, the old out-dated 'research' that Biddulph cites that boys (and children in general according to his others books) are better off being raised at home. Negative research about day-care comes from the sixties when these institutions were little more than storage units for children (mind you, I only have very positive memories of the day-care in which I was raised in the sixties).
Newer research actually reveals that children who went early on into daycare are actually more popular and socially confident than their stay-at-home counterparts. This research comes from countries like Canada and Sweden where the majority of all children are raised in daycare and which extensively researched the well-being of their collective off-spring.
I am angry that yet another MALE child-expert who NEVER took off time his precious career to rear his children full-time adds to the guilt-inflicting bias against working mothers. I have seen so much suffering by new mothers who were made to believe that it was all their fault if they did not love their new role as a mother. In Britain today every fifth mother is diagnosed with post-natal depression - a mental health crisis of epidemic proportion. Yet, all of these mothers are told by their health-carers that it is their hormones (in other words their own fault) instead of seeing that the isolated way in which most of us live today puts so much pressure on the individual mother that depression is only a 'natural' outcome.
Isn't it time, Steve, that we care about boys, girls AND their mothers?


A must read!, 16 Nov 2007
I have 2 boys and I was recommended this book by a Teacher of my youngest child (5 at the time) My eldest was 10 and I had never read any parenting help books before. What an eyeopener, I sat and read the book from cover to cover and it really does help you understand the differences between boys and girls, why they behave in a certain way and all about the testosterone surges that they get. I never really went along with all that stuffabout boys only behaving a certain way because they are programmed by society blah blah! There are big differences and they need to be understood not ignored pushed aside. I would recommend this book to all mothers of boys it really does help.

Its Helpful but too basic, 29 Nov 2008
An interesting book with humour and a few helpful hints but I have been cooking for a family for 30 years - probably of more use to the younger reader with limited kitchen skills - I will give this to my daughter in the hope that I might come home to a cooked meal that doesnt cost £5 a head and leave every pan and surface in the kitchen covered in goo! I am an optimist at heart.
Disappointingly several pages fell out as I read it so make sure you have sellotape to hand.

very very disappointed, 26 Nov 2008
The name of this book is exactly the opposite of what is inside. Anyone want to buy this book from me?

All you need for weekday meals, 24 Nov 2008
I normally don't like recipe books without pictures, but this isn't your average 'pretty to look at' recipe book. The format is as straightforward as the concept and the recipes. I'm not very confident about cooking meals (although I love baking), but the recipes and explanations are great. I love that there is a section on how to prepare vegetables too! Our first week of meals cost just under £30! This book has been just the thing to kickstart my way into making hearty healthy meals everyday after work without the stress or the long list of pricey ingredients. I love it!

I was disappointed, 23 Nov 2008
I bought this book as a present for my mum but i was very disappointed upon reading
The first quarter of the book is just jibber jabber rubbish talking about people and eating habits then you get your normal recipes which i expected from the book and lots of soup recipes. But for the Last HALF of the book it is desserts i thought this book was ment to be healthy diet Not all dessert if i wanted lots of dessert recipes i would have bought a dessert book. The main meal recipes that were in the book were good but nothing special, but as for the rest of the book i was dissappointed.

Finally! A book for real families., 18 Nov 2008
I can't praise this book enough.

I have accumulated plenty of cook books over the years that have been slowly gathering dust, as the receipes in them just don't fit my busy family life.
This book is different. Here, you will find a no nonsense practical approach to cooking affordable nutritious meals for the family, as well as hits and tips on tempting fussy children without giving them junk food.

You will not find gourmet recipes to feed a dinner party.
You will not find long lists of ingredients and even longer lists of preparation details.
What you will find are recipes for tasty meals with a minimum of fuss, and simple ingredients that are readily available.

I could go on and on about this book. Just take my advice. If you are the cook in a family or feeling the pinch or just generally too pushed for time to bother cooking decent food, buy this book!

Classic Gok, 29 Nov 2008
This book is exactly the sort of thing you'd expect from Gok: wonderful if slightly quirky outfits, and lots of positive "girlfriend" style comments and introductions.
I love it! Complements spill from the pages, along with great outfit ideas, explanations, fashionable twists and some makeup advice... the pictures are really helpful and well done, and give loads of good outfit ideas for all occasions!
A really good feature is the list of which shops the clothes came from, although I don't think that you can find them in stock any more.

All in all, thoroughly recommended to Gok lovers.

A little on the Wan side, 28 Nov 2008
I bought this book in the hope it would breathe new life into my wardrobe and give me some recession-busting ideas centred around clothes I already have instead of buying new pieces. However despite its pretty packaging and lovely layout, the glossy pages unfortunately fail to deliver any particularly useful advice and the inspiration I was looking for never really materialised. I found most of the book consisted of either basic fashion advice I didn't really need, wacky combinations I wouldn't be seen dead in (and in case you are wondering, I am in my twenties and a size 10), and things that are not applicable to me right now (eg the section on how to dress during pregnancy).

Although I picked out one or two tips, I didn't feel that the book was worth the money. Most of the fashion advice it contains you would probably have picked up already from reading a few fashion magazines. Also, the book appears to have been released in time for Christmas but with this in mind, perhaps the publishers should have given more thought to its title - I don't think many people would be too impressed to unwrap a book entitled 'How To Dress'....

A STEP FORWARD FROM HIS FIRST BOOK PERFECTION!, 22 Oct 2008
I think this is very practical. Split into sections for each occasion and several different styles to suit all body shapes. Ok maybe for the older lady it might seem a bit young but if you read it and look at all the styles you will see that it is moving on from his first book. We know our body shape and what suits it, so let's dress it for each occasion, also he gives advice on how to update clothes you already have! 10 out of 10. Gok rocks!

How not to dress, 15 Oct 2008
I read this book hoping to pick up some ideas for Christmas but was very disappointed. The ideas in this book would are more for embarrassing the wearer than making them feel good. I would not recommend this book to anyone, so i advise saving your money as this is not worth the paper it is written on.

Ban Wan, 15 Oct 2008
This book is completely awful. Gok appears to know less than my daughter about how to write a book, let alone dress. If you want to look like an alien from the planet Zorg then go ahead but the ideas in this book are for those used to eating rabbit food and are called Apple.


A splendid book, 31 Oct 2008
This book is hugely readable. I bought it really out of curiosity - could anyone really write about perfume, surely you would need to sample them to appreciate their qualities? Not so. This is written so well, you can really get a feel for the product, the descriptions of the perfumes that I do know are so accurate, and actually make me appreciate all the complexities in them. Very witty, with some laugh-out-loud moments, I read this in two sittings and turned back immediately to start again. This is the next best thing to having a perfumery in your living room , without the hovering assistants. I read this on holiday in France, and on the ferry home took it into the onboard shop, reading, spraying & sniffing to the puzzlement of some passengers. I tried perfumes that I would have normally ignored, recognized the levels and descriptions from the book in each of them. A beautiful book, one you could read again & again. I do highly recommend this, it would make a great present for your best friends, male and female.

Refreshing honesty and splendid wit, 27 Sep 2008
Quite apart from its sheer range and depth in tackling its subject, this book is really entertaining. It blows a welcome blast of fresh air through the fragrance business, exposing some of its frailties ('We *never* change our fragrance formulas' is the lie you hear most often) and gambolling in the glittering light of enthusiasm when reviewing favoured scents. The fragrance reviews are splendidly opinionated, but it's always clear that what's being praised is quality, coherence, balance, rather than 'niceness', so you're still free to exercise your own preference when you're shopping. I'm particularly impressed by the authors' recognition of the part appearance and presentation play in our enjoyment of fragrance, so they tell you when the packaging is the best thing about a scent, and when the opposite is true, too. They're also very good at pointing out that where fragrance is concerned, you very rarely 'get what you pay for', because some of the cheapest products on sale are very good, and some of the most expensive are not. Even if you fall into the least favoured category of person - someone who wears fragrance because they're frightened of smelling of themselves, rather than because they actually like what they're wearing - you'll find constructive suggestions here, with splendidly direct warnings about pitfalls you might want to avoid. A splendid read, and a reliable guide - which will need updating with new editions every few years!

A trip down memory lane.., 18 Sep 2008
I spent last night poring over this book with my friends, male and female, looking up the various scents we have proudly worn then laughing and reminiscing while reading out the dead-on reviews. E.g. Poison 'The fragrance that everybody loves to hate...a must for every collector but please don't wear it to dinner'! It's warm, witty and wise - unlike anything else I have read on the subject.

A must have for handbags and manbags alike!, 09 Sep 2008
A danger to credit cards everywhere! This book is so evocative - descriptions of the good perfumes make you want to rush out and buy them without even smelling them first and reviews of the bad ones are screamingly funny. It's absolutely beautiful and a perfect present - also a brilliant way to drop a hint to your boyfriend, either because you want one of the scents or if you don't like his.

Great on TV but the book?, 01 Sep 2008
Feel Fab at 50

As an Image professional I have always loved Gok since he jumped on to our TV screens a couple of years ago. He epitomises what we, as professionals, should be doing with our clients. I have continued to love his approach ever since. While the text in his book was sensible and uplifting, strangely enough, I found the choice of clothing incomprehensible for the most part. Instead of flattering his models, who are all gorgeous (and mostly voluptuous), they look uncomfortable and too tight with staining seams, incorrect fabric choices and so on. The Gok on TV would never make these fundamental errors and the upshot is that his girls look bigger than they really are. A conundrum!

Sorry Gok, I like you, but, 29 Dec 2007
The book does not help. The same model poses for pear shape and hourglass??? (same for the other models)
Why not take Trinny and Susannah's approach and show exactly what kind of clothing each shape needs instead of showing us ball gowns? Why not use the women from the series?



Gok Wan: Making the world a better place for ladies everywhere!, 12 Jul 2007
I am not usually a fan of fashion and stylist programmes, but I tuned into Gok's every week. It hit just the right tone, about celebrating what real women look like and making the best of what you already had rather than needing to change.
This book has the same loveable and helpful tone as the show, and offers a supportive mantra to learn to love what you have and make the best of it. The only real confusing element is if you're not sure which of the body types describes you best, eg if you're top heavy but also uncomfortable about your belly.
Gok is offering a valuable service to all women uncomfortable with their shapes and this book offers helpful advice, aswell as feeling like a confidante to remind you that yes, you are beautiful. Of course, I'm biased because I met Gok at his book signing and am absolutely in love with the man, but I really do recommend this book as an encouragement to all women who want to learn how to be comfortable in their own skin just the way it is.

very helpful, 30 Jun 2007
Five stars because although the book is not perfect I applaud the kindness of the author. An interesting aspect is that Wan himself tells us that he was overweight. Quite obviously he is not now - yet this is emphatically not a diet book. What seems to have happened is that the author styled himself to feel better about himself and the weightloss followed in due course when he was happier about himself. This book is so brilliant because it starts with what's right about you rather than with what is wrong, working with your self-consciousness rather than totally disregarding it. All teenage girls should be given this book and the author should be given a knighthood. Read in conjunction with watching the TV show.

My only criticisms: perhaps the style is a little cloying; but I'll live with that since I know he is trying to put the reader at their ease. Also sometimes it's hard to know exactly what shape you are: e.g. am I a pear shape, a bird with a big bum or petite? Maybe some comparative measurements would be useful. Worst thing would be to accidentally go for the wrong shape. Really I'm a combination of all three so how to work with that? There is some limited advice but more would be good.

You don't have to loose weight or be rich to look great!, 17 Jun 2007
The best thing about this book is its overall message: you do not necessarily have to loose weight or be rich to look your very best on a day-to-day basis! Gok's approach is 'drink more water, eat more fruit&veg and take good care of yourself'- no diet fads or expensive plastic surgery (see '10 years younger'!) needed. The book focuses on different types of body shape (big bottom, big belly, no curves, too skinny etc.) and provides LOTS of helpful advice as to what to wear and (probably even more important) what not. The last chapters focus on underwear and general beauty routine. All of this is very helpful and the writing style is very similar to the tv show, very positive and encouraging, all about flaunting your best bits and keeping quiet about the rest. I can honestly say that I have never read such a positive book about this subject: Gok does not preach or patronize, but seems to really want to bring the best out in everybody.
The only shortcoming is a lack of photographs. It would have been nice to have more pictures accompanying the advice given in the text. But apart from that: absolutely recommendable!!!

Made me want a daughter!, 08 Mar 2008
I felt completely depressed when pregnant with my second son when I read this book! Mr Biddulph basically tells you that, as a mother, you are important to your sons till they reach five, then you can basically forget it, as you will always be of secondary importance to them compared to their fathers and you should just get on with doing their laundry and cooking them the odd meal or two!
I'm sure he is right to a certain degree but, after speaking to many people after reading this, it is a huge generalisation to say that most men worship their fathers and take their mothers for granted.
Also, he could really have written one chapter instead of a whole book as the central message is repeated again and again: "Male children need strong male role models"
Very good, Steve, but this book didn't answer many of my questions or offer me practical advice as a mother of boys and left me wanting to have daughters!
Since tossing it in the recycling bin, I am now loving being mum to two boys and would not change them for anything!

Useful, 25 Feb 2008
I have read The Secrets of Happy Children by Biddulph, and found it extremely useful, so having a small boy on my hands decided me to investigate Raising Boys. I was not disappointed.

What I like most about Biddulph is that he is not preachy. He does not try to ram his message down your throat. He presents his case and is very careful to try and give a balanced view. Reading other reviews I note that some readers are critical of his belief that children are best raised at home until the age of three. I send my son to nursery school for one and a half days per week, and I feel that it is appropriate to do so. I have not changed my mind based on what Biddulph says. I feel that he has to tread a thin line between telling us things that he thinks we need to know and understanding that each child is unique and their special needs, whatever they may be should be catered for. On the whole he does this well.

I feel that he also deals compassionately with the issue of what to do if you are a single mother, and provides clear and pragmatic examples of how to look for and use positive male role models.

I think his down to earth approach, particularly his stressing the fact that parenting is not a perfect job, and even with the best will in the world will always be an ongoing learning process between you and your children is the most humane and accepting that I have read and I thoroughly recommend his work. The only reason this got four stars is because it is a little out of date and could do with a reissue with more statistics.

A parent/researcher, 14 Jan 2008
Overall, this book is a good contribution to the question of how to parent boys. However, he uses the appearance of research to endorse his personal view that boys are best cared for during the day by family members. In fact, the weight of evidence demonstrates that good quality childcare outside the family is positively beneficial for pre-school children of both genders.
I would challenge Steve Biddulph to produce a revised edition that incorporates real, direct evidence.

yes, but...., 14 Jan 2008
There are many good points in this book that were already mentioned by the other reviewers. I want to focus on the points that grated with me. First of all, the old out-dated 'research' that Biddulph cites that boys (and children in general according to his others books) are better off being raised at home. Negative research about day-care comes from the sixties when these institutions were little more than storage units for children (mind you, I only have very positive memories of the day-care in which I was raised in the sixties).
Newer research actually reveals that children who went early on into daycare are actually more popular and socially confident than their stay-at-home counterparts. This research comes from countries like Canada and Sweden where the majority of all children are raised in daycare and which extensively researched the well-being of their collective off-spring.
I am angry that yet another MALE child-expert who NEVER took off time his precious career to rear his children full-time adds to the guilt-inflicting bias against working mothers. I have seen so much suffering by new mothers who were made to believe that it was all their fault if they did not love their new role as a mother. In Britain today every fifth mother is diagnosed with post-natal depression - a mental health crisis of epidemic proportion. Yet, all of these mothers are told by their health-carers that it is their hormones (in other words their own fault) instead of seeing that the isolated way in which most of us live today puts so much pressure on the individual mother that depression is only a 'natural' outcome.
Isn't it time, Steve, that we care about boys, girls AND their mothers?


A must read!, 16 Nov 2007
I have 2 boys and I was recommended this book by a Teacher of my youngest child (5 at the time) My eldest was 10 and I had never read any parenting help books before. What an eyeopener, I sat and read the book from cover to cover and it really does help you understand the differences between boys and girls, why they behave in a certain way and all about the testosterone surges that they get. I never really went along with all that stuffabout boys only behaving a certain way because they are programmed by society blah blah! There are big differences and they need to be understood not ignored pushed aside. I would recommend this book to all mothers of boys it really does help.

Good, frivolous fun, 25 Oct 2008
I have a mild addiction to books like these, and this rates very highly - the layout is gorgeous, the tips are handy, and the style is warm.

However, there are some atrocious spelling errors, as well as some outdated information. The book would have benefited from a more eagle-eyed editor.

Lacking, 26 Aug 2008
I bought this book maybe expecting too much because I gained very little! The cover is lovely and the pages are lovely, but the content is very trivial and really only based on the author's favourite shops etc. I think the title is misleading it is not a Goddess Guide but someone who has written a book listing the things that they like. As the book went on I read less and less and finally just flicked through the last few pages.

Dissappointing, 13 Aug 2008
This is a very beautifully illustrated book and makes for an interesting read. However i was slightly disappointed with it as it was just not what i was expecting. The book is a narration of the author's life essentially and gives useful tips on how to get pen marks off your bags, and clean your suede shoes for example but unfortunately i found it to be slightly boring and too personal, i found myself flicking through most of her memories that outline each new section. I expected the book to be more of a guide to how you should create your own style, for example when it comes to fashion; good places to find great heels, black dresses, how to apply your makeup, great places for cocktails and so on but it was more a biographical account of one persons own experiences which are always going to be different to how someone else experiences them. The majority of tips and advice she gives don't really relate to the average woman but someone essentially with a lot of money. This book definitely provides useful tips on what to look for when for example buying a suit etc but in my opinion a lot of it is not things people need to be told. It is aimed at a certain type of person who perhaps doesnt have time to go out and find new places, bars, restaurants etc and prefers having a list of good places to go, where they can get their teeth re-done, laser treatments etc which of course there is nothing wrong with. Overall i would recommend it for its more practical advice rather than it being a good read.

Overrated, 11 Apr 2008
I saw this advertised in one of my magazines and thought "Wow! I have to get that book!", so out I went. However, I was actually rather disappointed with it. Looks beautiful on my bookshelf, but I have only read it once. The content is the same as many other similar books of the genre, and after a while this gets a bit same-y and nothing sets it apart from the others! There are the few odd good bits, but they are outnumbered by the not so good, in my opinion. I imagine it would be a fantastic book for a person new to these types of books, but for those who it is not, I would borrow it from someone before buying.

Had it for a year; still using it!, 29 Jan 2008
I bought the hard cover version of this book a year ago, just before Xmas. I loved reading it; like one of the other reviewers said, bit like a glossy mag, but better, more intimate and more indulgent! From the first read I got: A. a lot of fun reading it, B. a whole bunch of ideas, C. a shopping list of things I wanted to try out. I still flick through it regularly, most recently to read up on the NY shopping section to pick up some ideas, as I'll be there again soon. This book does not make me feel empty and sad, it's more like dipping into a box of chocolates without the calories. It certainly does not make me want to aspire to some unattainable ideal of a woman. It's very boudoir and decadent - in a nice way...

Its Helpful but too basic, 29 Nov 2008
An interesting book with humour and a few helpful hints but I have been cooking for a family for 30 years - probably of more use to the younger reader with limited kitchen skills - I will give this to my daughter in the hope that I might come home to a cooked meal that doesnt cost £5 a head and leave every pan and surface in the kitchen covered in goo! I am an optimist at heart.
Disappointingly several pages fell out as I read it so make sure you have sellotape to hand.

very very disappointed, 26 Nov 2008
The name of this book is exactly the opposite of what is inside. Anyone want to buy this book from me?

All you need for weekday meals, 24 Nov 2008
I normally don't like recipe books without pictures, but this isn't your average 'pretty to look at' recipe book. The format is as straightforward as the concept and the recipes. I'm not very confident about cooking meals (although I love baking), but the recipes and explanations are great. I love that there is a section on how to prepare vegetables too! Our first week of meals cost just under £30! This book has been just the thing to kickstart my way into making hearty healthy meals everyday after work without the stress or the long list of pricey ingredients. I love it!

I was disappointed, 23 Nov 2008
I bought this book as a present for my mum but i was very disappointed upon reading
The first quarter of the book is just jibber jabber rubbish talking about people and eating habits then you get your normal recipes which i expected from the book and lots of soup recipes. But for the Last HALF of the book it is desserts i thought this book was ment to be healthy diet Not all dessert if i wanted lots of dessert recipes i would have bought a dessert book. The main meal recipes that were in the book were good but nothing special, but as for the rest of the book i was dissappointed.

Finally! A book for real families., 18 Nov 2008
I can't praise this book enough.

I have accumulated plenty of cook books over the years that have been slowly gathering dust, as the receipes in them just don't fit my busy family life.
This book is different. Here, you will find a no nonsense practical approach to cooking affordable nutritious meals for the family, as well as hits and tips on tempting fussy children without giving them junk food.

You will not find gourmet recipes to feed a dinner party.
You will not find long lists of ingredients and even longer lists of preparation details.
What you will find are recipes for tasty meals with a minimum of fuss, and simple ingredients that are readily available.

I could go on and on about this book. Just take my advice. If you are the cook in a family or feeling the pinch or just generally too pushed for time to bother cooking decent food, buy this book!

Classic Gok, 29 Nov 2008
This book is exactly the sort of thing you'd expect from Gok: wonderful if slightly quirky outfits, and lots of positive "girlfriend" style comments and introductions.
I love it! Complements spill from the pages, along with great outfit ideas, explanations, fashionable twists and some makeup advice... the pictures are really helpful and well done, and give loads of good outfit ideas for all occasions!
A really good feature is the list of which shops the clothes came from, although I don't think that you can find them in stock any more.

All in all, thoroughly recommended to Gok lovers.

A little on the Wan side, 28 Nov 2008
I bought this book in the hope it would breathe new life into my wardrobe and give me some recession-busting ideas centred around clothes I already have instead of buying new pieces. However despite its pretty packaging and lovely layout, the glossy pages unfortunately fail to deliver any particularly useful advice and the inspiration I was looking for never really materialised. I found most of the book consisted of either basic fashion advice I didn't really need, wacky combinations I wouldn't be seen dead in (and in case you are wondering, I am in my twenties and a size 10), and things that are not applicable to me right now (eg the section on how to dress during pregnancy).

Although I picked out one or two tips, I didn't feel that the book was worth the money. Most of the fashion advice it contains you would probably have picked up already from reading a few fashion magazines. Also, the book appears to have been released in time for Christmas but with this in mind, perhaps the publishers should have given more thought to its title - I don't think many people would be too impressed to unwrap a book entitled 'How To Dress'....

A STEP FORWARD FROM HIS FIRST BOOK PERFECTION!, 22 Oct 2008
I think this is very practical. Split into sections for each occasion and several different styles to suit all body shapes. Ok maybe for the older lady it might seem a bit young but if you read it and look at all the styles you will see that it is moving on from his first book. We know our body shape and what suits it, so let's dress it for each occasion, also he gives advice on how to update clothes you already have! 10 out of 10. Gok rocks!

How not to dress, 15 Oct 2008
I read this book hoping to pick up some ideas for Christmas but was very disappointed. The ideas in this book would are more for embarrassing the wearer than making them feel good. I would not recommend this book to anyone, so i advise saving your money as this is not worth the paper it is written on.

Ban Wan, 15 Oct 2008
This book is completely awful. Gok appears to know less than my daughter about how to write a book, let alone dress. If you want to look like an alien from the planet Zorg then go ahead but the ideas in this book are for those used to eating rabbit food and are called Apple.


A splendid book, 31 Oct 2008
This book is hugely readable. I bought it really out of curiosity - could anyone really write about perfume, surely you would need to sample them to appreciate their qualities? Not so. This is written so well, you can really get a feel for the product, the descriptions of the perfumes that I do know are so accurate, and actually make me appreciate all the complexities in them. Very witty, with some laugh-out-loud moments, I read this in two sittings and turned back immediately to start again. This is the next best thing to having a perfumery in your living room , without the hovering assistants. I read this on holiday in France, and on the ferry home took it into the onboard shop, reading, spraying & sniffing to the puzzlement of some passengers. I tried perfumes that I would have normally ignored, recognized the levels and descriptions from the book in each of them. A beautiful book, one you could read again & again. I do highly recommend this, it would make a great present for your best friends, male and female.

Refreshing honesty and splendid wit, 27 Sep 2008
Quite apart from its sheer range and depth in tackling its subject, this book is really entertaining. It blows a welcome blast of fresh air through the fragrance business, exposing some of its frailties ('We *never* change our fragrance formulas' is the lie you hear most often) and gambolling in the glittering light of enthusiasm when reviewing favoured scents. The fragrance reviews are splendidly opinionated, but it's always clear that what's being praised is quality, coherence, balance, rather than 'niceness', so you're still free to exercise your own preference when you're shopping. I'm particularly impressed by the authors' recognition of the part appearance and presentation play in our enjoyment of fragrance, so they tell you when the packaging is the best thing about a scent, and when the opposite is true, too. They're also very good at pointing out that where fragrance is concerned, you very rarely 'get what you pay for', because some of the cheapest products on sale are very good, and some of the most expensive are not. Even if you fall into the least favoured category of person - someone who wears fragrance because they're frightened of smelling of themselves, rather than because they actually like what they're wearing - you'll find constructive suggestions here, with splendidly direct warnings about pitfalls you might want to avoid. A splendid read, and a reliable guide - which will need updating with new editions every few years!

A trip down memory lane.., 18 Sep 2008
I spent last night poring over this book with my friends, male and female, looking up the various scents we have proudly worn then laughing and reminiscing while reading out the dead-on reviews. E.g. Poison 'The fragrance that everybody loves to hate...a must for every collector but please don't wear it to dinner'! It's warm, witty and wise - unlike anything else I have read on the subject.

A must have for handbags and manbags alike!, 09 Sep 2008
A danger to credit cards everywhere! This book is so evocative - descriptions of the good perfumes make you want to rush out and buy them without even smelling them first and reviews of the bad ones are screamingly funny. It's absolutely beautiful and a perfect present - also a brilliant way to drop a hint to your boyfriend, either because you want one of the scents or if you don't like his.

Great on TV but the book?, 01 Sep 2008
Feel Fab at 50

As an Image professional I have always loved Gok since he jumped on to our TV screens a couple of years ago. He epitomises what we, as professionals, should be doing with our clients. I have continued to love his approach ever since. While the text in his book was sensible and uplifting, strangely enough, I found the choice of clothing incomprehensible for the most part. Instead of flattering his models, who are all gorgeous (and mostly voluptuous), they look uncomfortable and too tight with staining seams, incorrect fabric choices and so on. The Gok on TV would never make these fundamental errors and the upshot is that his girls look bigger than they really are. A conundrum!

Sorry Gok, I like you, but, 29 Dec 2007
The book does not help. The same model poses for pear shape and hourglass??? (same for the other models)
Why not take Trinny and Susannah's approach and show exactly what kind of clothing each shape needs instead of showing us ball gowns? Why not use the women from the series?



Gok Wan: Making the world a better place for ladies everywhere!, 12 Jul 2007
I am not usually a fan of fashion and stylist programmes, but I tuned into Gok's every week. It hit just the right tone, about celebrating what real women look like and making the best of what you already had rather than needing to change.
This book has the same loveable and helpful tone as the show, and offers a supportive mantra to learn to love what you have and make the best of it. The only real confusing element is if you're not sure which of the body types describes you best, eg if you're top heavy but also uncomfortable about your belly.
Gok is offering a valuable service to all women uncomfortable with their shapes and this book offers helpful advice, aswell as feeling like a confidante to remind you that yes, you are beautiful. Of course, I'm biased because I met Gok at his book signing and am absolutely in love with the man, but I really do recommend this book as an encouragement to all women who want to learn how to be comfortable in their own skin just the way it is.

very helpful, 30 Jun 2007
Five stars because although the book is not perfect I applaud the kindness of the author. An interesting aspect is that Wan himself tells us that he was overweight. Quite obviously he is not now - yet this is emphatically not a diet book. What seems to have happened is that the author styled himself to feel better about himself and the weightloss followed in due course when he was happier about himself. This book is so brilliant because it starts with what's right about you rather than with what is wrong, working with your self-consciousness rather than totally disregarding it. All teenage girls should be given this book and the author should be given a knighthood. Read in conjunction with watching the TV show.

My only criticisms: perhaps the style is a little cloying; but I'll live with that since I know he is trying to put the reader at their ease. Also sometimes it's hard to know exactly what shape you are: e.g. am I a pear shape, a bird with a big bum or petite? Maybe some comparative measurements would be useful. Worst thing would be to accidentally go for the wrong shape. Really I'm a combination of all three so how to work with that? There is some limited advice but more would be good.

You don't have to loose weight or be rich to look great!, 17 Jun 2007
The best thing about this book is its overall message: you do not necessarily have to loose weight or be rich to look your very best on a day-to-day basis! Gok's approach is 'drink more water, eat more fruit&veg and take good care of yourself'- no diet fads or expensive plastic surgery (see '10 years younger'!) needed. The book focuses on different types of body shape (big bottom, big belly, no curves, too skinny etc.) and provides LOTS of helpful advice as to what to wear and (probably even more important) what not. The last chapters focus on underwear and general beauty routine. All of this is very helpful and the writing style is very similar to the tv show, very positive and encouraging, all about flaunting your best bits and keeping quiet about the rest. I can honestly say that I have never read such a positive book about this subject: Gok does not preach or patronize, but seems to really want to bring the best out in everybody.
The only shortcoming is a lack of photographs. It would have been nice to have more pictures accompanying the advice given in the text. But apart from that: absolutely recommendable!!!

Made me want a daughter!, 08 Mar 2008
I felt completely depressed when pregnant with my second son when I read this book! Mr Biddulph basically tells you that, as a mother, you are important to your sons till they reach five, then you can basically forget it, as you will always be of secondary importance to them compared to their fathers and you should just get on with doing their laundry and cooking them the odd meal or two!
I'm sure he is right to a certain degree but, after speaking to many people after reading this, it is a huge generalisation to say that most men worship their fathers and take their mothers for granted.
Also, he could really have written one chapter instead of a whole book as the central message is repeated again and again: "Male children need strong male role models"
Very good, Steve, but this book didn't answer many of my questions or offer me practical advice as a mother of boys and left me wanting to have daughters!
Since tossing it in the recycling bin, I am now loving being mum to two boys and would not change them for anything!

Useful, 25 Feb 2008
I have read The Secrets of Happy Children by Biddulph, and found it extremely useful, so having a small boy on my hands decided me to investigate Raising Boys. I was not disappointed.

What I like most about Biddulph is that he is not preachy. He does not try to ram his message down your throat. He presents his case and is very careful to try and give a balanced view. Reading other reviews I note that some readers are critical of his belief that children are best raised at home until the age of three. I send my son to nursery school for one and a half days per week, and I feel that it is appropriate to do so. I have not changed my mind based on what Biddulph says. I feel that he has to tread a thin line between telling us things that he thinks we need to know and understanding that each child is unique and their special needs, whatever they may be should be catered for. On the whole he does this well.

I feel that he also deals compassionately with the issue of what to do if you are a single mother, and provides clear and pragmatic examples of how to look for and use positive male role models.

I think his down to earth approach, particularly his stressing the fact that parenting is not a perfect job, and even with the best will in the world will always be an ongoing learning process between you and your children is the most humane and accepting that I have read and I thoroughly recommend his work. The only reason this got four stars is because it is a little out of date and could do with a reissue with more statistics.

A parent/researcher, 14 Jan 2008
Overall, this book is a good contribution to the question of how to parent boys. However, he uses the appearance of research to endorse his personal view that boys are best cared for during the day by family members. In fact, the weight of evidence demonstrates that good quality childcare outside the family is positively beneficial for pre-school children of both genders.
I would challenge Steve Biddulph to produce a revised edition that incorporates real, direct evidence.

yes, but...., 14 Jan 2008
There are many good points in this book that were already mentioned by the other reviewers. I want to focus on the points that grated with me. First of all, the old out-dated 'research' that Biddulph cites that boys (and children in general according to