Hi there,
You are not crazy, you have a child who is in the 18 month old developmental cycle. Things turn dramatically at this age. I'm a parent educator and have dealt with this for a long time. This is a huge TESTING age. She wants to know what happens if I do ...
Her independence is king now, no matter what you say, and that doesn't make her bad it makes her strong willed, which is a drag now but a blessing in an adult.
Her testing is trying to find out how much control she has in every thing that you say NO too. The child is willing to risk being told NO so she can find out what happens after the NO.
Time out doesn't work at this age. And as you say reading a book is too much. However on my website the most popular AUDIO seminar I offer is "Correcting Toddlers. In that seminar is a great understanding of the age and a beautiful, respectful yet very firm way to correct them. You will use this method until she's almost 3.
The beauty of the audio seminar is you can listen to it on an MP3 player anywhere you are and when ever you have time and as often as you like.
Go to www.proactiveparenting dot net and read all about it. Read the philosophy page and then see the produce under Seminar Store.
I think it will address all of your concerns.
Good luck,
S. @ ProActive Parenting