Learning to Live Without Violence: A Handbook for Men

If you were raised in a family where the father was the absolute authority or if you have an anger problem stemmimg from circumstances in which you were raised or subjected to, this book is for you. Dr's. Sonkin & Durphy use very plain, simple language to explain what is the difference between aggression and being assertive. They explain what causes agressive behavior and more importantly, how to change it. There are exercises designed to help the reader throughout the entire book. This book, if followed closely and diligently, can change your life. I think it is even more effective if this book is used in a group setting with other men because men do not usually discuss this topic and having others present helps bring to life the examples given in the book. Somehow, hearing men speak openly about their problems seems to help others.

"Learning to Live Without Violence" is, at first glance, too easy. It is written in Junior High english and almost appears not deep enough to make an impact. However, after completing the book and following the exercises (of which there are many) I found that this is exactly the right format that is needed. People that commit violent acts on others; physical, verbal or otherwise, need a direct, easy to comprehend book that gives them alternatives to their violent behavior. This book will help accomplish that and more. It gives you new tools to put into your tool box so that when anger arises you will have that new tool to use instead of violence. Put these things into practice and you will be a better individual. Everyone wins when violence stops, not only for you but also your wife and family.

The review of this book states that it is an anger avoidance workbook. On the contrary - we help men learn to get in touch with, manage the intensity of, and communicate their anger (as well as their other feelings) so that their emotions don't overwhelm them and ultimately make them vulnerable to acting aggressive and violent. We hope your readers learn as much from this book as we did from writing it!