Amazing book!
We have had a lot of difficulty with our youngest daughter but this book was the answer to a lot of very dark prayers.
I purchased the softcover which is probably a good place to start.
I feel the hardcover would leave too many bruises.
With the fifth edition of this book coming in at around 200 pages the front, back and the spine of the book can be used to equally good effect.
I have resorted to using the book at a fair distance as well and it is aerodynamically styled. No real training is necessary which is saying something from me because I don't generally have the best aim.
Only owned the book for a few days and already seen a dramatic improvement in little miss naughty!
Whole heartedly recommend this fantastic contribution to the armamentarium against one of the evils of our age - the child.
Once again, I would caution you to start using this book in it's soft cover edition.
Good luck.