Great simple idea applied to different situations, and looked at in detail: that underlying anger is a need to be fulfilled and a lack of understanding of how to convey the need to the other party and understand their needs. ( )

This is not, despite its initial appearance, one of the countless useless self-help books. It is one of the few perspective-twisting gems that can impact your life. At least it did for me.

Personally, this book helped me end a difficult situation at work. For two years, I read everything I could find to learn to deal with a bullying superior with a borderline personality. I refused to resort to flatteries and other tricks to “please” the superior. This book taught me a new way to communicate. By articulating more clearly feelings and needs, I was able to restore a respectful relationship, without compromising my integrity.

On a different scale, but still personally, this book allowed me to express to my mother little things that were annoying me, but that I had been keeping inside for fear of hurting her feelings. This book taught me how and it worked.

By showing how to properly articulate feelings and needs, the author forces you to shift your perspective from labeling people and situations to focusing on the underlying needs of the people involved in the situation.

This book was deeply transformative and timely in my personal journey. ( )

Focuses on a compassionate way of listening and communicating, to cover and address underlying needs. Can be used for all types of relationships, self-management and conflict resolution. You'll learn:
• What is Nonviolent Communication (NVC), including the key principles, approach, and techniques.
• How to use the 4 components of NVC—observations, feelings, need, and requests—to (i) express yourself clearly without blame or criticism, and (ii) receive what others are saying without hearing blame or criticism.
• How to apply NVC in various real-world situations including: mediation and conflict resolution, self-compassion, anger management, expressing and receiving appreciation.

Book summary at: https://readingraphics.com/book-summary-nonviolent-communication/ ( )

Truly, one of the most important books you can in your life. ( )

My son used this title for a class he took his senior year in high school.

Gratitude. That's what I feel after finishing Rosenberg's book. And I know I will read it again, perhaps many times, because the ideas, so plainly presented, are foreign to my experience and way of thinking. I found myself in tears after reading the chapter "Expressing Anger Fully". The information resonated deep in my heart as true but also highlighted the experience of my upbringing in a home where anger and the unmet needs from which it sprang, as well as it's expression, were stifled. I also appreciated the message in the chapter entitled "Connecting Compassionately with Ourselves".

Rosenberg writes clearly and brings examples of dialog to the text. The prose isn't lilting literature, but the content is so stunning, so life-changing that serviceable writing is all that is needed. ( )