How to Be Your Own Best Friend by Mildred Newman & Bernard Berkowitz © 1984
Synopsis:In this unique, bestselling question-and- answer guide to self-love and acceptance, two practicing psychologists (who are also married to one another) reveal the secret of pursuing happiness, by revealing to ourselves what we think we are striving for, and what it is that keeps us from achieving our goals.
Comments: I know, I know. I said I was going to start steering clear of the “self-help” books, but this one caught my eye recently at the thrift store. Besides, it’s SUCH a quick read (less than 100 pages), that I thought “What’ve I got to lose?” Besides, even though I realize it’s close to impossible, it’d be nice to be able to be my own best friend and not worry so much about getting emotionally attached to other people. I realize that makes for a lonely existence, but befriending people inevitably leads to them leaving at some point, and that’s just miserable.
Anyway, the book was a quick read and did contain some interesting perspectives on how we think and the choices we make. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking to get to know themselves a little better and what it is they want out of their life.
High Hopes The Amityville Murders by Gerard Sullivan & Harvey Aronson © 1981
Synopsis: The book is based on trial testimony of the 1974 murder of the DeFeo family and takes place from the prosecutor’s point of view. Gerard Sullivan was the prosecutor in the case. The book tells of Ronnie’s nine year stay at the house on Ocean Ave. It tells how Ronnie starts to get mentally unstable, using drugs, getting into fights. It goes up to how Ronnie killed his family. Then it goes to the aftermath and the court and eventually his conviction. The book does not deal with anything supernatural and is only about the DeFeos. It also talks about the insanity plea. A very controversial event is also mentioned in the book. The event which is now unverifiable, tells of a 1972 drowning that may have been caused by Ronald DeFeo, Jr. The only mention of the haunting is in a sentence at the end of the book.
Comments: I recently found this book at a stinky (figuratively and literally) estate sale at a house a few blocks west of me. The “sale” was pretty much the equivalent of me filling my house with the unwanted contents of any thrift store, spraying the house with Glade’s new “Dirty Ass In a Can” (no pun intended), a layer of grime and then saying “knock yourself out!” Yes, several of the rooms (the bedrooms to be specific) smelled like someone had spread their cheeks and proceeded to swab the deck with them. Seriously. How do people live like that? Did their parents drop the ball in the hygiene department or was it a conscious choice to be lazy? Whatever the case, it boggles my mind.
Anyway, back to the book. Admittedly, it is not in the best condition, but I never see this book anywhere and hardcover copies online go for $24 and up. So, for $1, why not? The center of the book is filled with over a dozen b&w photos as well as blueprints of the interior of the house and where the bodies were discovered. Creepy, but so interesting. And like the synopsis mentioned, there was no mention of the haunted aspects of the home. Still, fascinating reeding! Recommended if you can locate a copy.
The Practice of Palmistry by C. de Saint-Germain © 1973
Synopsis: This amazing book has been called the best ever written on the fascinating subject of Chiromancy, or Palmistry. An incredibly detailed practical manual, with a wealth of encyclopedic information on Palmistry, this volume is profusely illustrated with over 1,300 drawings, to make every point clear and easy to understand. The author intended this book to be the simplest, most comprehensive explanation of Palmistry ever written, and it stands today as the finest work in the field. He presents us with a logical system and classification, based on sound physiological principles, not the usual jumble of occult “mysteries,” as a method of interpreting the hand.
Comments: I’ve always been interested by certain aspects of the occult (Ouija boards, Tarot, etc.), so when I saw this book and the loads of illustrations inside, it was a no-brainer deciding to buy it. I’m anxious to see what my palms reveal (get your mind outta the gutter!) as well as my friends’. I’ll keep you posted on any findings of interest.
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