Keys to the Kingdom: Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women by Alison A. Armstrong (27-Oct-2005) Paperback

This review is for the audiobook. Alison Armstrong is a strong author, and a brilliant storyteller. What she is *not* is a voiceover artist. For some reason she decided to voice her own audiobook rather than having a professional do it, and the result is an audiobook that is almost wholly unlistenable. There are *so many* starts and stops, it sounds like she was reading into a tape recorder and stopped (full stop! *switched off the tape recorder*) every few minutes. And it is that way for the first half of the audiobook. The first few times it was distracting; then it was frustrating, finally it became downright annoying.Get the book, or get the Kindle version - but avoid the audiobook.

I loved the author's other book, Queen's Code, and wanted to like this one but didn't. She describes the developmental phases of a man's life, which is interesting, but then claims that men can't help the way that they behave as they go through these phases, so it's best for women to just adjust and be supportive no matter what. To me this message is somewhat nauseating--it is a sorry excuse for many men's bad behavior. The author would argue that I'm expecting men to behave like women, but if a man is allowed to completely ignore my needs because he's going through a phase of development, yet I am supposed to cater and anticipate his needs as he goes through this phase--quite frankly, I'd rather be alone. This book does not paint a pretty picture of what a good relationship would look like.

Being a men this wasn't my first choice of book. I heard my female friends talk about it, and Iiked what they were saying. Basically that men and women can respect & love each-other, instead of being in an adversarial relationship.I decided to but a copy for my girlfriend, but in the end we ended up reading a few pages together. This was enough to get me hooked (and eventually get a few more audible books by Alison Armstrong).I am delighted by the content of this book. I had experienced amazing women in my life, and was curious how they operate. I had some clues, but the amount of 'information' I got from this book was just great. A lot of things 'clicked'.The book's fictional characters allowed me to catch glimpses on how they operate in very concrete situations, and in the book they often verbalize their inner worlds quite efficiently.Men, I would recommend this book for you. On top of all I just mentioned - Alison also brings some clarity about men as well. While I don't agree with everything she has to offer, these are priceless gifts she is offering.I would recommend this book wholeheartedly.

I was looking for more insight into the male mind. Book summary: men are who they are and it's best if a woman supports them through it all. Yuck. It misses out on collaboration and dual support in the relationship. Not of any value for relationships that are not strictly male/female either. Outdated for the time we now live in. Look elsewhere if your looking to enhance your modern relationship.

I love Alison Armstrong's work. She has synthesized the information into a fun and easy format. It is accessible, usable and above all "IT WORKS."Whether it is telling a "story" to get the point of the conversation across or giving you straight forward, fun facts, you cannot help but come away with a better understanding of yourself [first and foremost], relationships and realistic and applicable things to do to set the wheels in motion to make the changes to improve any, any, any relationship. Did I say any too many times???? ANY relationship, especially the one with yourself as a woman, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, etc. Please read, keep an open mind, enjoy, apply and re-read as needed when you are tempted to use a sword [a.k.a. your tongue, language, body language, attitude, etc.] to "change" something or someone. While some may think it's simplistic or simple minded or not sophisticated or feminist enough for their time and money -- please don't be fooled -- this speaks to a part of you and your psyche that is literally and figuratively dying to live and easier, more lovable and more enjoyable life. It doesn't have to hurt to work, my friend. Let go, don't make this hard -- start living and loving yourself and others in the most natural and effortless way possible -- from your heart.

When I told my boyfriend I was reading this book, he said men are simple and wished me good luck. He also said perhaps I needed to understand myself better. This book accomplishes both. I honestly believe this book can help women of all ages. I even recommended it to a woman I met at a restaurant, who is 67. She was complaining about her husband procrastination on everything. They were laughing, but I couldn't help wondering if he wasn't hurt by it. I suggested perhaps she wasn't asking correctly.I'm a little confused though about how to know which stage a man is in. The book is written in an entertaining way while imparting knowledge. I heartily recommend this book as well as The Queen's Code.

Queens Code was recommended to me and is the first Alison Armstrong creation that I experienced. Keys to the Kingdom is just as powerful and informative, but also assists with defining some terms used in Queens Code and gives more info on the characters. The two are completely different, yet dovetail perfectly! You won’t want to put either down once you begin! Thank you, Alison, for sharing the knowledge. This will help me to relate to others on a much deeper level, both men and women alike.