The Long Distance Relationship Guidebook [Paperback]

Sylvia Shipp (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Sylvia Shipp is a top-notch leading expert in showing couples how they can better manage their long distance relationships. Ms. Shipp demonstrates her expertise in her professional research methods as well as her ability to talk to her readers in a straightforward, intimate manner.

From the Author

The Long Distance Relationship Guidebook is written from my heart, head, and soul. I believe my LDR readers will be deeply touched and satisfied with this book for several reasons. LDR readers will find comfort and insight in the book, as well as improve their ability to solve a host of problems particular to LDRs. In addition, as a result of a greater understanding of their unique situation, readers will also find inspiration to strengthen their bond and celebrate their love with new vitality and confidence.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Sylvia Shipp (January 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615137172
• ISBN-13: 978-0615137179
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #640,156 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I have moved over 40 times in my life since I was born in Oregon, until I started studying chemistry at Santa Barbara. My father worked as an editor for The Associated Press and as a result, had to move us around a lot.

My mother took my brother and me to California when I was young. In her quest for the perfect home, we continued moving from house to house. Sometimes, we just moved as far away as across the street.

I've always been interested in many things in my life, but unfortunately these interests often prove to be distracting for an undisciplined writer such as myself. Aside from writing, I teach at a local university. I also spend time playing with my kids, reading, gardening, biking, and hiking. When I'm feeling very good, I rock climb.

I spent most of my 20s attending university or traveling to Germany to be with my partner at the time. At UC Santa Barbara, I studied Cultural Anthropology. Years later I started, but then quickly abandoned, a PhD program at UC Davis in Evolutionary Biology. Shortly after, I received a 2nd BA in English Literature at CSU Northridge. The following year I obtained an MA in Linguistics at the Monterey Institute, so that I could make a living overseas by teaching English.

My 20s and 30s were the most exciting years of my life on many levels, including education, friendships, travel and romance. My partner and I were passionately in love. We traveled throughout Europe with the money that we got from doing odd jobs while working in Munich. It is this relationship that inspired me to write my non-fiction, The Long Distance Relationship Guide. My blog for long distance relationship couples is: http://sylviajshipp.typepad.com/.

I spent most of my 30s and early 40s living and teaching English at a university in the United Arab Emirates. Life was easy and comfortable there as the salaries are high and the cost of living low. It's where I met my husband and now we have two extraordinary little boys. Ironically, pregnancy and parenting has helped me structure my writing time.

Currently I am working on a historical literary suspense novel set in the late 19th century in Galicia, Spain. It has several themes, including love, loyalty, identity, and believing in yourself. You can read about my progress on my novel at: sylviajshipp.typepad.com/.

Thank you for visiting:)

Warm regards,

Sylvia Shipp

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Long Distance Relationship Guidebook, June 27, 2007

By 

Jinping Yang "floating cloud" (Bayside, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Long Distance Relationship Guidebook (Paperback)

I think everyone who is currently under long distance relationship and who plans to start LDR should get one. The book was full of valuable insights and practical, concrete, and creative advice in guiding you through your LDR. I liked the way the author compared LDR to a long flight experience. It was a refreshing and vivid metaphor. I agreed with the author when she mentioned 5 key elements in succeeding LDR. The author was absolutely right. Personality characteristics, background, goals, values, and interests played so important roles in maintaining steady and healthy LDR.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read, good to have, November 17, 2008

By 

Karen Campbell "kmc" (United Arab Emirates) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Long Distance Relationship Guidebook (Paperback)

My husband and I began our relationship as an LDR and we spent four years apart. Although we did get through it, we only avoided some of the pitfalls while falling headlong into others. At the time it never occurred to either of us to look elsewhere for guidance on how to approach the relationship. Looking back, I think we could have had a much less lonely and also more enjoyable time if we had the benefit of the advice contained in The Long Distance Relationship Guidebook. Even though I have read it with hindsight now, I still find it useful.
It is a practical book with lots of fun and interesting ideas. There is no need to try all of the suggestions for staying close and keeping the communication channels open, just pick the ones that appeal. If I had had this book at the time,I would have copied the 11 advantages and pinned them up so I could remind myself how to enjoy the relationship. I also especially liked the suggested activities for feeling closer.
If I ever have to go LDR again with my husband, I will be keeping this book as a handy resource.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars long distance relationship book, May 24, 2008

By 

Matthew (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Long Distance Relationship Guidebook (Paperback)

My girlfriend sent this book to me earlier this year. We've been in a relationship for 3 years, but have spent more than half of that time apart because she's French and lives in Paris. This book is a fast read and has lots of good ideas for a romantic guy like me. Overall, I think most of the activities might be best suited for people in their teens or twenties, and I might not use all the romantic activities in the book, but it's a great launching pad for thinking up more good ideas. I like the straightforward way the author writes. I can tell she learned a lot from her experiences and those she interviewed, both good and bad. Finally, I'd like to see her write a new edition of this book since a couple of the many technologically oriented activities are now slightly outdated. However, like I said, if you're creative at all, you can adapt her many cool ideas to suit your needs.