Amazon Mary Lamia Category:  Children Publisher: American Psychological Association Magination Press ISBN-10:  1433808897 Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 112 Copyright: November 1, 2010 ISBN-13: 9781433808890 Intense emotions and strong feelings are part of every preteen's life. Why does something so common feel so overwhelming? Understanding Myself is full of current psychological research on emotions as well as real-life quotes, useful quizzes, fun fact boxes, and questions to ponder when you're in the mood. Understanding Myself will encourage kids to notice what their emotions are telling them, and will help kids know what to do when their emotions seem as though they are just too much to handle.

An Important Addition to the Discovery of Self for Young People
UNDERSTANDING MYSELF: A Kid's guide to intense emotions and strong feelings' by Berkeley clinical psychologist/psychoanalyst Mary C. Lamia, PhD is a brave undertaking. As the adult reader takes the time to read this book the first reaction is that the information in the book may just be too advanced for the suggested age 8 to 13 category of young people. And there is a strong hint there that Dr. Lamia doesn't nee to make apparent: if this information seems too sensitive for kids then the adult reader needs some introspection and possible work on their own! Dr. Lamia takes on the field of emotions - that inner aspect of human behavior that in many ways determines juts how effective we will be in dealing with the world. She simply believes that if young people get an early start on appreciating those aspects of the mind that have little to do with school performance but MUCH to do with social interaction and self understanding, then the opening of the door to mental health as they mature will be a more informed process.

The book is divided into seven parts: Feeling Your Emotions in which the science of emotions (yes!) leads to definitions of moods, emotions, feelings; Felling Self-Conscious deals with the concepts of embarrassment, guilt, shame, and pride; Feeling Threatened discusses anxiety, fear and disgust; Feeling Gloomy addresses loneliness, sadness and grief; Feeling Elated explores excitement/joy/happiness and love/infatuation; and Felling Stormy explains anger and envy/jealousy. Each of these topics are first defined so that the reader hears from an expert just what those emotions really are, examples are given, tests are available, and Psych Notes are offered. All of this information is dealt with in a warm supportive manner, bringing the young person up to speed with the terminology as well as the etiology and repercussions and benefits of understanding the beginnings of emotions and how comfortable to incorporate this knowledge in finding a happier path of living.

This book may be created for ages 8 through 13, but after reading UNDERSTANDING MYSELF cover to cover it seems to this reader that the book would well serve the high school and college student - as well as the adults among us who still remain in the dark about these important concepts. Look for this book to garner awards on many levels. It is published by the MAGINATION PRESS under the auspices of the American Psychological Association. That backing, as well as the personal impact of Dr. Lamia, should make this book a part of every family's library. Grady Harp, January 11

Simple and to the point
I almost finished the book however wanted to share my opinion. At the begining i bought this book as i like to read educatinal books for children!
this is a great book for adults as well being educational and to the point.
Great book and very happy to share it with my daughter and offer it as presents as well.

An Important Book Pertaining to Today's Youth
I am a school teacher and see so many different personalities and behavior exhibited in and out of the classroom. Some of it is downright scary. Children need to understand how to deal with complex emotions and feeling and this book does a solid job of explaining how to deal with those emotions. I thank the author for writing such a positive book that will help children for years to come.