Brian Loxley

This is one of the worst books I have ever read. The author summarizes, or mentions, a zillion supposed studies about nonverbal communication and assorted related topics but does not synthesize, explain, or follow up on any of them. Nor does she offer her own opinion or insights. Her book is full of generalizations and highly obvious statements. It is full of non sequiturs jumping from one subject to another even within the same paragraph. She uses poor word choice and constructions that are completely ungrammatical and therefore difficult to follow ("Eight studies reviewed for this book focused on male and female politicians examined how respondents identified with gender-based traits." [focusing?]). "For example, look back at some of President Obama's photographs as he holds a small child with both back and front support. The viewer discerns that Obama is a caring person." Oh, really? Or dig this: "For example, when the news tells us a candidate served in the Peace Corps, we want to know when, why, and if that candidate kept the peace. [Was the Peace Corps founded to keep the peace?] "Or did this person enlist in lieu of serving one's country [such as in Vietnam or Iraq?] or after returning from overseas?" Is she implying that the best way to serve our country is to be in the military and that those in the Peace Corps are avoiding serving their country? This book is mind-numbing and completely useless. It does not deserve even one star, but I can't post this without rating it. Amazon and Barnes & Noble should review books before they pawn them off on us.