I Can Read You Like a Book: How to Spot the Messages and Emotions People Are Really Sending with Their Body Language

I met Staff Sergeant Hartley in 1997, when I was an Army Warrant Officer and we were assigned to the same unit. We served together on several occasions, and I came to appreciate at first hand that he really IS all that and a bag of chips. We talked at length, ate together, and trained together. I considered him a friend, and was sorry when life moved us in different directions. Several reviewers have called Greg arrogant, either directly or in so many words. Our former CO certainly thought so, but she also let him do his thing, because he was so good at his job. People who pursue, and-- like Greg--actually ACHIEVE excellence are usually considered to be a pain in the a*s by people who are watching the clock and waiting for their retirement papers to come through. They perceive as arrogance the assurance of a subordinate who is better at the job than they are--and knows it. It is a sad commentary on our society that even those of surpassing ability are expected to adopt an "aw, shucks!" act, and pretend they are no better than anyone else. Greg doesn't play that game. In fact, he reminds me of another "Gregory"--the fictional Dr. House--abrasive, unconventional, opinionated, occasionally dismissive, and usually right. Even so, I was never once put off by his demeanor or behavior--not in the least. I was technically his superior at our former unit, where, to his credit, he always observed proper military courtesies, even though we both knew that he was a better interrogator than I was. That hardly bespeaks arrogance. Quite the contrary. SSG Hartley was an exemplary, though certainly atypical, soldier and NCO. I went on to earn a Ph.D. and become a college professor, but I have not forgotten what I learned from Greg. He has a unique mind, clear vision, and a powerful, penetrating intellect. Anyone with an interest in this subject would do well to listen to what he has to say. I did, and I knew the man.

I would highly recommend this book. It was very easy to read and understand, as well as interesting.

I really liked this book. It gives a large overview of body language and how to read it. It's a bit dry and contains quite a lot of information. Expect to have to re-read it a few times to understand and be able to apply the information contained within.

I had an unusual reason to order this book -- my child has a mild case of Asperger's Syndrome. This means that she lacks the skills to interpret body language unless she learns it as a "second language." So I bought it with her in mind. As I read it, I was surprised how extremely helpful it was for ME. I honestly never realized how much I was missing! The skills it teaches will help with relationships of all kinds, business and personal. I truly believe readers will find it valuable and fascinating -- not to mention well written! Thank you, Gregory Hartley and Maryann Karinch!

This is much better than your typical "read my lips" book. There were some very interesting items on children and daycare and how it affects them; involuntary eyebrow messages; and many other topics that truly helped me understand the nonverbal messages that we send without realizing. The book also helped explain why men have always felt so intimidated by me when I thought I wasn't SAYING anything to make them feel that way. I apparently naturally use POWER body language in the way I sit, and in my facial expressions. Knowledge is power - I think this book is a real fine read!