The Face Reader: Discover Anyone's Personality, Compatibility, Talents, and Challenges Through Chinese Face Reading

by Patrician McCarthy

What if you could learn powerful insights into a person just by seeing his or her face? For 2,500 years, the science of Mien Shiang (pronounced myen-shung), or Chinese face reading, has given anyone who studies its form this incredible ability. Whether working with executives from Fortune 500 firms or readying the nation’s top attorneys to choose the ideal juries for their clients, Patrician McCarthy has built a reputation for her ability to help others determine a person’s personality, potential, and inherent talents by analyzing his or her facial structure and features. Now McCarthy shares her understanding of this ancient knowledge with readers everywhere.

Literally meaning face (mien) reading (shiang), mien shiang is a powerful means of both self-discovery and a way to understand others. Taoist ancients said, “the face is a mirror that records your past, reflects your present, and forecasts your future.” McCarthy introduces five essential influences in our lives revealed by the face and enables you to interpret and understand these influences. With the practice of Mien Shiang, you will live in a harmony of mind, body, and spirit.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this on a sale primarily for references in sketching faces. The content wasn't really a priority. But now that I've read it (cover to cover), I found useful bits of information. Pretty decent book!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's so interesting to read

[Daveann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by the art form and cannot get enough, if only I remembered it all!

[Sai Rahul · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a decent book. For those just starting I recommend knowing at least one type of personality differentiation mechanism and focus only on 2 features in face

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the taoism at the beginning interesting but the face reading itself was not convincing for me. Some of it made sense, specifically the lines your face creates as a reaction to stress and stuff like that. However, I'm not sure I'm convinced the size and shape of my earlobes tell me much about the rest of my life or that moles form as a reaction to or predictor of life events. The author might be able to convince me in person, but the book itself did not seem convincing. Much is asserted, little evidence is given for those assertions. It was very interesting though, I'm glad I read it.

[Jerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun reflection on the effects that various lifestyle choices could have on the aging face. Quite a lot of detail to absorb, so it will be tough to analyze the personalities of those around you on the go. Although while reading, it can repeatedly send you to the mirror to assess your own features. Improves communication and observational skills, so a good read, even if you do not buy into all of the ideas presented.

[Oliver Ho · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot of information here but not enough illustrations/photos, making it difficult to understand her descriptions of the various parts of the face and their size/shape etc. I'm also dubious of the new age-y tone and messages. Nevertheless, I think this could be useful for readings and for describing characters in fiction. I'll need to read more about this subject, and I'll probably return to this book for reference.

[Allanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting idea (and I happen to enjoy reading about Chinese medicine. Call me crazy) ... but there are some descriptions that do seem rather spot on.

Well-written with a god amount of personal experience and case studies.

[Jihae · Rating 2 out of 5]

This doesn't really count as reading and I don't actually believe 99% of things that are written in there, but I see how it is very tempting to believe that physical features indicate certain personality traits.

[Keytech · Rating 3 out of 5]

The little unknowns of those around us become tags on your actions once you begin to understand them. Takes a little re-reading to really get it. Great for teachers to understand the children w/o knowing them.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is to be read like a text for sure. I've read some parts through twice or thrice, and some aspects I note more than others. Ample pictures. A bit general - I was looking for some esoteric facial aspects but didn't find it here. A good primer, and reference for sure.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Fun. This is big in China. When I described certain aspects of it to my aunt, she nodded in agreement. The only book about it in U.S.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, very interesting. Be warned, I'll be watching you now, closer than every before. . . Hee Hee Hee

[Saadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of pictures of non-Asian faces illustrates the application of this ancient Chinese technique to current people.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was interesting. But not for novices! You'd have to study this for a lonnnng time, before you understand it. I still don't!
Start out with something basic before you read this book

[Iroquois · Rating 3 out of 5]

didnt know what to expect but turned out to be pretty interesting and had a fun personality test

[Doody Spanish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good (Y)

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! Interesting, fun and makes me want to learn more! As an acupuncturist, I am already applying bits and pieces to my daily work!

[Louise Sander]

Well written, insightful. For anyone seeking self-knowledge presented in a practical, and warmly personal way.

[Melissa Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fire! no, a water, no a wood....!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty interesting concept!