My Mother's Rules: A Practical Guide to Becoming an Emotional Genius

by Lynn Toler

Book Overview

In this unique, profoundly inspirational memoir, Divorce Court star Judge Lynn Toler shares her mother's wisdom for learning to conquer anger and become immune to insult. Toler credits her mother's "rules" for life - a life that saw her grow up the daughter of a poor teen mother and endure a husband who suffered mental illness and alcoholism - with providing the grounding for her own success and happiness. Toler shows how the mindset of "a black woman...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932841229
• ISBN13: 9781932841220
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Agate Bolden
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 0.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Judge Lynn is a God-Send

You know how you can love, support and cheer on people without ever meeting them? I have always adored and looked up to Judge Lynn Toler for her common sense, cool demeanor and level head, this book brought her "how to", to the spot light. I'm only 28 years old, but I find myself wishing I read this in my younger years. So much wisdom and points of view from the Younger Lynn and Her Mother's perspective (RIP). Thank You JLT, The Auntie I never had.

The most borrowed book you'll ever own!

I borrowed My Mother's Rules: A Practical Guide to Becoming an Emotional Genius, from a good friend of mine. Halfway through the book, I already knew that I needed my own copy to give to another friend of mine that was going through some tough times and looking for advice. I knew that this inspirational story would put things into perspective. Lynn Toler's rocky journey to becoming the successful adult that she is today, seems to be nothing short of a miracle when you read about her early childhood. Once you see the very practical rules for dealing with life that her mother taught, it all comes into focus. The story of the Toler family is one that each and every person can relate to in some way. My own family background couldn't be more different, and yet the book is written in a way that made me identify with every page. Lynn's style of writing is so easy to read that you feel more like you are having a conversation with a good friend than reading a book. This is coming from someone that had not finished any book in around 4 years. I typically read a page or two and then fall asleep. This one I looked forward to finding another 10 minutes of free time to read a little more any chance I could. I found myself quoting Toni Toler, the rules, and telling people in my circle how to apply some of the common sense I'd found in the book to all kinds of situations. While a lot of the situations in the book were helpful to me in understanding other people, there were also points that applied to my own life and issues that I was struggling to understand as a mother, daughter, and sister within my own family. The book was a huge help to me at the time that I read it, and gave me much to think about over the months afterwards. I give thanks to Lynn and Toni Toler for contributing to my own emotional education. Oh, and I should also say that I purchased another copy to send to my Mom in Kansas as a Christmas gift! She loaned it to a local friend of hers that is struggling with difficult people at work. Like I said, My Mother's Rules is a sort of handbook for dealing with whatever life deals you. READ IT!

Words of Wisdom if your wise!

Lynn Toler has captured a not always so happy story in a very humorous style that pokes fun at life and teaches you how to deal with the cards you've been dealt but with great emotional control. I look forward to one day meeting this great woman. [..]

Timeless Wisdom for Troubled Times

Every (young) adult should have the benefit of Judge Toler's (and her mother's) wisdom. Toler provides an amazingly honest look at her life and the lessons that she has learned. In an age where personal integrity and responsibility are often lacking, Toler guides the reader to self reflection and inspires the reader to become a better person. This is the kind of book that one wants to share with friends, particularly those that may need honest talk about their troubled lives.

My Mother's Rules: A Practical Guide to Becoming an Emotional Genius

This is an extremely well written and entertaining book. Judge Toler has shed light on so many demons that we all face as productive adults in today's society. I learned so much from her experiences, and plan to share this book with many of my friends and relatives. I highly recommend this book!

HONEST!!!!!, BRAVE!!!!, and PRACTICAL!!!! THIS BOOK IS A GIFT

I watch/tape Judge Lynn Toler on Divorce Court everyday because I thouroughly admire the wisdom, the sincerity, the life experience, the caring she has for the couples before her and yet, she is NOT afraid to give the the 'straight, no chaser' truth as she realizes its the only way to 'set them free' to healing and change. Judge Toler is very refined in her looks and demeanor and speech, yet when you read this book you will be amazed as to what she had to overcome and the fact that she is where she is today is truly a miracle and a testament to her "mothers rules" that are a wealth of common sense!!!! Thank you Judge Toler for being soooo brave and HONEST!!!!!! Judge Toler has taken a HUGE RISK to share what she has all in order to help others to overcome emotional distress as she has had to.