Experimental Books

A very readable & enjoyable book. I especially enjoyed the chapter on autism & the origin of language. Fritjof Capra's book "Hidden Connections" referenced this informative & amusing text including the link between brain function involved with hand gesture, signing, & tongue movements that unexpectedly led to the promotion the uptake of speech in autistic.
There are many insights into the shared psychology of humans & other primates. Despite the physiological and genetic similarities of all primates that have made chimps attractive model organisms for research,it was interesting to read about the reluctance of biological scientists to accept the anthropomorphic traits of chimps. There can be little room for a claim to "value-free" objectivity by biomedical researchers who can apparently dismiss the psychological effects of enforced confinement & sensory deprivation, on the effectiveness of anti-viral medications, or a range of other pharmaceuticals. The author has shown considerable bravery & commitment to expanding this area of learning, despite the threats against his personal career by people with vested interests in ignoring or denying the contradictions to their implicit or explicit values.

A must-read for any animal lover. Roger Fouts and the recently deceased chimpanzee Washoe are my heroes.

At age 62, I still look for writers who will change and deepen my sense of our human nature and our place in the natural world. More than writers about religion per se, I think these writers are able to help us advance our moral and spiritual understanding and reconcile our human/animal natures. For some years I've been reading Goodall and others on primates, but Next of Kin was, for me, a pinnacle illumination. Even if you aren't interested in these types of questions, I think this book will move you deeply. If you ARE interested, may I also suggest the recent Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets.Take Me With You When You Go

Although this book was written some time ago, it is exceptionally timely because the relevance of chimp behavior to our own continues to unfold. The devotion the author invests in his charges and the passion he feels about the atrocities visited on chimps both in the laboratory and in the wild drive his story. This abuse is reinforced by the backward and ignorant thinking that stems from bible thumpers who fear the truth about evolution and man's close relationship to apes. Roger Fouts and his wife have provided an invaluable service to our understanding of chimps, and their research related to sign language is truly stunning. They have succeeded in accomplishing their observation and reporting against considerable odds. All these aspects, and the Fouts' fully rounded examination of their subjects make for a gripping and emotional tale well told.

"Next of Kin: My Conversations with Chimpanzees" is one of the most amazing, heartbreaking, and inspirational books I've ever read. The book is written by Roger Fouts, a primatologist who devoted his life to studying the language patterns of chimpanzees. While in graduate school, Roger was introduced to Washoe, a precocious young chimp who became fluent in American Sign Language. Eventually "Project Washoe" expanded to include many chimpanzees, all who learned to communicate with humans using ASL and demonstrated unique personalities, complex emotions, and astounding intelligence.

I've always been a big animal lover, but reading this book taught me so many things that I never knew before. Anyone who questions an animal's ability to think or feel will get a sharp reality check after reading this book. Chimpanzees are people, too, just as much as human beings are. Unfortunately, the majority if humans in this world don't agree with that logic, and thousands of animals, including chimpanzees, are routinely kidnapped from their natural habitats and bred in captivity for the sole purpose of participating in biomedical research. In many cases, medical laboratories house animals in appalling conditions and literally torture them to death. "Next of Kin" details the horrors that go on behind closed doors at biomedical laboratories, and chronicles the steps Fouts and other animal activists have taken to protect chimpanzees from being treated inhumanely.

I absolutely loved this book. Reading it made me feel close to Washoe and her chimpanzee friends, even though I never met any of them before. (Sadly, Washoe passed away last fall at the age of 42, but I hope to visit members of her family at the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute in Washington someday.) Parts of this book are incredibly depressing and difficult to read, but hopefully learning about the terrible ways animals are treated will inspire people to take action. I admire everything that Fouts, his family, and his colleagues have done to protect chimpanzees, who are our next of kin on the great evolutionary scale. I hope other readers get as much out of this book as I did.

I recently purchased five used~ like new books and they all arrived in excellent condition in a reasonable time frame. I love Living in Joy so much I bought four copies for my friends and family. I hope you enjoy Orin sometime soon. They communicate with clear, easily understood ways that feel uplifting and positive. It's all basic information we know at our Source and I appreciate their ability to remind me.. and inspire me.

I have had all of the books in the Earth Life series for years(1994 or 95) and they are maybe the most important books I have ever read and studied. I could not find my Living With Joy book and so I had to get a new one. I have been reading all of Sanaya Romans books over and over and they continue to delight me with new wisdom and insight each time I pick them up. I can not recommend them enough.

I am always interested in spiritual communications. This book seems to highlight the simplicity of of the connections to our spirit guides and teachers. Living With Joy is presented in such a basic manner that it is almost impossible to find fault with anything in it. The concepts and language are realistic. Like anything of spiritual value, the reader must adhere to what is personally comfortable for them. I have no trouble recommending Living With Joy for any self-improvement or spiritual library. Jim Fargiano, author of The Spoken Words of Spirit: Lessons From The Other Side

Very good and soothing exercises in this book. I have underlined parts that really spoke to me and go back and re-read them periodically.

This book is so clear and eloquent in its presentation and is packed with spiritual truths and mind-expanding exercises. It's a must read if you're on a path of spiritual development and evolution.

This book is amazing. It offers many usable exercises or "playsheets" for expanding ones personal awareness. I found it to be very easy to understand and recommend it to all of my students.

This, and the rest of this series, have a permanent place in my metaphysical library. I can read this book, pick it up and read it again a few months later and it is still fresh and exciting.

It echoes the words of many of the other great spiritual teachings that are so delightfully prevalent today, Eckhart Tolle, for instance, but this was written 20 years or so ago.

Yes, the truth sings no matter who delivers it! Even if you are not convinced of the validity of channeled works, please give this book a chance as it is just wonderful!

Never got this book yet,,,please don't charge me for it.

thanks,
c. gusic

This is another excellent book but all of Romans books tend to repeat themselves. Still I have 4 or 5 of her books and underline and go back and re-read things during my devotional times. No major changes in my life have been necessarily produced through her books but they are comforting words that would be absolutely wonderful if they really did work.

Can't figure out why certain things are happening to or not working for you? You could possibly find the answer in here. "If any area of your life is not working, one of your beliefs in that area needs to be changed" -from the book.

Many universal laws and principles are covered in this book. ie: Energy and how to sense and work with it, love, forgiveness, pain, how your imagination is a very important tool, (and the way it works with your subconcious is pretty amazing.) Each chapter ends with a 'Playsheet' which is very helpful, and gives you excercises to think about and try for yourself.

Besides the abundance of information, another nice thing about this is, while it's great to start at the beginning and read through, you can open this up randomly and read something beneficial.

This is an 'Orin' book, which means evidently the book is channeled from this entity through Sanaya Roman. I've only read a few books that claimed to be 'channeled', and I don't have a problem with it especially when the information is geared towards helping people to make positive life changes. There are lots of ways to grow and learn from reading this book and applying the new knowledge.

This book has opened my mind and my heart....gave me meaninful understanding of how life and the universe works.....this read will leave you with a sense of purpose in your life and the empowerment of yourself and others around you.

The book is amazing, it is written so beautifully, and really left me with a warm and loving feeling. Sanaya is def. among my favorite authors. There is so much information in this book that is useful in life, its a must read!!

This is channeled material, which some people never consider. I really value the book highly because it gives basic lessons in metaphysics, how to access higher planes, and the like. One can read it over and over again, and gain much each time. Highly recommended.

I think that in the world there is still some confusion between religion and spirituality. You can be religious, but not spiritual. You can know all the creeds, follow all the dogmas, practice all the rites and passages but if there is no Spirit involved in with what you are doing and practicing, what good is it? I think the main reason why more and more people don't break out of their old religious mindsets is because they have become superstitious about their beliefs. They fear that God might punish them or forsake them or send them to hell for attempting to expand their beliefs.

This book really gave me some valuable insights on how you can truly spiritualize the ordinary...because NOTHING is ordinary! Everything is already Spirit. We don't make something spiritual...we look to see where the Spirit might be in this situation. And maybe you're grumbling to yourself, "There ain't nothin' spiritual about my situation..."

Let me give you a few reminders, if you're experiencing bad health than this is your opportunity to express good health. Start throwing away the ding dongs and cheetos and start buying apples and bananas. Pour the beer down the drain and start drinking water and green tea. Get off the couch and take a walk. But above all else, realize that Spirit is your health. Every cell, every atom, every strand of your being is made in the Image and Likeness of Perfect Health. Your body wants to renew Itself right now. It's not your body that is to blame, it's what you're telling yourself, it's what you are believing. Say to yourself now, "I am healthy. My body is vibrant and alive. I feel good. I now decide to express health and vibrancy each and every day." Say this to yourself morning, noon, and night. Talk about wealth. talk about vibrancy. Keep your conversation in "Heaven".

Maybe you feel poor and like an abject failure. Hey, I've been there...I really have. But now is the accepted time to realize that today is another day and you do not have to believe what you used to believe about yourself. Say to yourself...better yet go look in a mirror and say to yourself, "I am an abundant child of the universe. I am open now to new possibilities, to Divine opportunities, to experiences and situations that empower me, bless me, and prosper me." God did not create anyone poor or miserable. We are here to live the abundant life. we are here to be successful and fulfilled.

Okay, your last relationship soured. Just like the one before that and the one before that. It means nothing. It only means that you need to create a better relationship with yourself first. You need to be the person you wish to attract. Be kind, be forgiving, be loving, be peaceful. Yeah, you might attract a few crudballs into your life, but don't fall for them. Ask your heart/your soul what is for your Highest and Best and here's a tip, LISTEN! We all have the power of intuition but most of us, if not all of us, refuse to believe it. Start making the realization that you deserve only the very best and you do! This is precisely why you are going to be the very best for nobody else but you!

Spiritual Growth is about making daily changes and minor shifts in your perception. Spiritual Growth is exponential. You will be amazed at how much progress you can make in as little as 21 days if you just keep at it. Be forgiving, be merciful, be gentle with yourself. Feed yourself with books that empower you. Remember, you are not insulting God by wanting to be your very best, you are, in Truth, honoring that Spirit that created you out of Itself.

Get this book, apply its magnificent ideas, and flourish! You are the Light, the Love, and the Life of God and you are here to be, do, and have an abundance of everything that is good.

Your life is a blessing and you are blessed even now.

Peace & Love.

Although I love this book, I don't advise people to start here on the path to spirital awakening. I am of the opinion that you should first read up on information about channeling. Doing so will help you accept the fact that you are always being protected by benevolent beings such as your Higher Self and will enable you to ebrace the notion of connecting with such a being with an open heart. In the beginning, I tried to jump right in but found that without adequate information about the subject my mind conjured up all types of fear-based fantasies about being posessed. Eventually, I learned to trust spirit and allowed my heart to be "touched by an angel". Once you begin this journey you will never be the same: your want to improve yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually will grow exponentially. This will probably be challenging for most because growth often translates into having little to no room left for old patterns and friends. Approach when ready.

Primary sources are as important in psychology as they are in history. This book gives great insight into the thinking of Stanley Milgram, one of the most famous names in the world of social psychology. The book has some technical passages since he is describing research studies, but overall did not require great effort or time to read--a plus for those of us in the teaching profession. My students will benefit from the background information I learned about Milgram's research, much more information than is included in most textbooks.

Are you and I any different from Heinrich Himmler or Adolph Eichmann? Of course, we want to believe that we are made from entirely different clay than those evil monsters, but reading Stanley Milgram's book, _Obedience To Authority_, will make you wonder.

The book describes an experiment that was conducted in the 1960s by Yale University psychology professor Stanley Milgram. Milgram placed advertisements in local newspapers, soliciting volunteers for an experiment in human psychology. The volunteers were told that the experiment was about memory and learning, but in reality, the experiment was about the conflict between conscience and authority. The volunteers were told to read sets of words to a man, and then test him on how well he remembered them. They were further instructed to administer an electric shock whenever the man made a mistake in remembering the words. The shocks began at 15 volts, and proceeded by 15-volt increments, all the way up to 450 volts. At the 150-volt level, the man screamed in agony and begged to be set free. At each shock level from that point up to 300 volts, the man let out a horrifying scream. At the 300-volt shock, the man stated that he would not answer any more questions. The volunteers were told to treat each non-response as an incorrect answer, and to continue with the shocks. After the 330-volt shock, no further sound was heard from the man.

Happily, the victim of the shocks was an actor who wasn't really being shocked at all. The real purpose of the experiment was to observe how the volunteers would behave when confronted with a choice between cruelty and disobedience.

The results of this experiment were amazing. Two-thirds of the volunteers continued to shock the man, all the way up to the 450-volt shock. Even after the 330-volt shock, when they had good reason to think that they might have killed the man, they continued administering shocks all the way to 450 volts. Only one-third of the volunteers defied their instructions and refused to continue the experiment due to concern for the man receiving the shocks.

This book presents insights into human nature that you will find both highly disturbing and quite fascinating. Think about the implications of Milgram's experiment. Now ask yourself... did Henry Wirz get a fair trial? Did Adolph Eichmann get a fair trial? How can we make sure that there will never be another Holocaust? Did Nelson Rockefeller do the right thing at Attica? Was justice done in the case of William Calley? These are some of the questions raised by this magnificent book. They are questions worth pondering and discussing.

Everybody should read this book.

Just finished reading Obedience to Authority for a graduate seminar, and must say that it is one of the more relevant and insightful books I've read during my training. In this highly ambitious book, Milgram, motivated in large part by the large-scale and gruesome acts against humanity that occurred during WWII, sets himself to the task of identifying the conditions under which "people would defy authority in the face of a clear moral imperative". To his (and this reviewer's) surprise, he finds that when ordinary individuals are commanded by figures of authority to carry out morally reprehensible acts, they lack the intrapersonal resources required to disobey. While his method of inquiry may be shocking by today's standards, I find his experimental designs, variable manipulations, and theoretical contributions as elegant in their simplicity and highly illuminating.

To that end, I strongly recommend this book to scholars and engaged citizens. Not only is it a fascinating read, but it reminds the reader of the importance of moral autonomy in today's world, as well.

The results of the experiments in this book are astounding and make you think about what your own reaction would be.

This book describes years of work in a very intrigant experience of obedience authority and many variants of itself. The author explains very accurately the details of the experiments and comments brightly the results.

This book was written for psichologists and social scientists as for a curious well educated public.

"About The Authors:
Clay and Sally Clarkson have been home schooling since 1988.
They have been in full or parttime ministry most of their adult lives, including overseas missions, parachurch ministry, and pastoral ministry.

They started Whole Heart Ministries in 1994 emphasizing home discipleship, home education and family enrichment.

Their ministry includes workshops, publishing, a catalogue of selected products, and a quarterly newsletter for home schooling mothers.

They live in the country in central Texas.
They have four children whose only school has been their home."

"..... Home schooling is fast becoming the educational method of choice for more and more Christian parents.
It is clearly the choice for parents who want to follow the biblical pattern of family as the center of a child's life.

Authors Clay and Sally Clarkson share what they have learned about God's design for living and learning at home in this all-new revised and expanded edition.

This comprehensive handbook will show you how to bring out the GOD-DESIGNED LEARNING DYNAMIC IN YOUR HOME.
You'll discover how you can......"
[from the book of the back cover]

My son is just 19 months old, but I already know we will be homeschooling him. I've been reading various references on getting started and have found this book to be one of the best. Written from a Christian perspective, this book shares personal stories, basic how-tos and lots of references.

Although this volume was written early on in the Internet age, most of what is has to share is timeless. I'm figuring on consulting this book throughout my homeschooling career.

I absolutely love this book. It's important to understand that this book is very different than many other homeschool how-to books out there. While there are many books that focus on academics, and some books that focus on discipleship, this book weaves both academics and discipleship together in a very user friendly and understandable format. They do encourage avoiding textbooks and workbooks, but I came away from the book feeling like I could still implement their methods and even most of their resources. This is because this isn't a curriculum manual or guide. It's a guide on how to disciple your child for Jesus Christ, within the framework and atmosphere of the home and family. Then, once they establish how to disciple your child, they must outline some homeschool resources, books, and ways to organize your home and your life, becuase they correctly identify that all of these things are so closely intertwined. They encourage you to have a room set aside for homeschooling alone, and we are unable to do this. At first I felt frustrated that their entire plan of education seems to hang on this, but I realized that I can simply turn my living room into a home education center, with blocks on the floor in a basket, a game shelf, children's book shelves, maps on the kitchen cabinets, etc. They also encourage using GeoSafari, computer applications, puzzles, games, and of course tons of living books. They encourage a lot of individualized learning and goals specific to each child for each year. But to read any review is going to leave you without the most important aspect of this book, which is that the Clarksons' outline a simple framework for home discipleship that anyone can implement. I love some Charlotte Mason methods, and I do use some workbooks and curricula, but I still love this book, and it's tied with Charlotte Mason Companion for my favorite homeschool how-to book.

I paid a premium to order this book and have found it quite useful. The authors use an eclectic approach to homeschooling their children that leans heavily on the Charlotte Mason method and educational philosophy of Ruth Beechick, both of which I am a fan.

This is a good resource, but I've seen better. I dropped a star primarily because I have a hard time reading the type/layout. I don't know if this is a personal preference, but the pages seemed "grayed out" with type. It is oversized and bits of information fill the margins. Perhaps this is why I have a difficult time reading along.

Recommended - get it from the library first, if possible, then decide if you will gain any insight or encouragement from owning this book. If you are a dyed-in-the-wool fan of traditional curricula and the school-at-home model of education, this book is not for you.

Wow!! This book was exactly what I was looking for. Actually, it was above my expectations. I originally ordered this book because I was searching to find help with our homeschool. We are only in our third year, but I was feeling that things were very dry and redundant. I found MANY ideas and helps, but this book is so much more than a guide for a particular method. It starts with the heart issue of why we are doing this in the first place and helps to confirm the many convictions that I was feeling before I bought the book. There is more to life and education than workbooks and dry curriculum ( which is where we were). They give you many descriptions of types of methods and then lay out what they do in their homeschool. The system totally makes sense. Your foundation of your homeschool should start with Discipleship and then you work up from there. This book is a GREAT FIND in my opinion.

This book is perfect for anyone wanting to understand this controversial subject. It provides a very scientific look into many long-standing myths associated with the plant and drops humorous comments along the way.

Dr. Earlywine's book "Understanding Marijuana" explains the uses of marijuana on a level that can be understood by all readers. Remaining unbiased, he combines the political aspect to the benefits of decriminalization the substance as well as the harmful effects and beneficial uses. The long term research becomes clear as the author takes you into a world not clearly understood by most in everyday society. This book comes highly recommended to those who can benefit from Dr. Earleywine's years of dedicated research into the variations of the legalization of marijuana and in my opinion, the end of the tireless "war on drugs".

I first experienced pot at age 16 and soon learned that what little I was told was NOT TRUE. This book lays it out in all its splendor. It is not a harmless drug- but it is the next best thing. The pharmacology section was very useful as it explained the way THC is produced and broken down by the plant. On the way up to THC Cannabidiol is produced. Cannabinol is produced as the plant starts to break down. The medical section is fabulous. I was not aware of its medical applications fully until I became a Medical Assisting Student and was placed as an intern in a Multiple Sclerosis practice. This drug does wonders for them! Few knew about it. More need to learn about it. That and I just love the look of those leaves! They are Serrated!!

With all of the misinformation circulating about cannabis over the last 70 years its nice to have a refreshing, scholarly, intelligent review of the subject. I wish everybody in the country who had anything to do with the War on Drugs - from both sides of the debate, would stop bantering about unsupported nonsense and old cliches about that vegetation and look at the evidence, the history, and see the nonsense that is currently floating unabashedly about on that subject. Thanks Dr. Earlywine for your significant effort to try to get out the facts. Del

Yep. Another book that's packed full of research to support this incredible little herb. SIGH! We really need to get "with it" and make this available for health and well being for our people and our planet.

Harold Jaffe's Beyond the Techno-Cave : A Guerilla Writer's Guide to Post Millennial Culture consists of essays, docufictions, and various amorphous texts which address contemporary topics and subject matters that echo and reverberate the conditions which these post-millenial times are bound by.

And although inhabiting such world equates into being continually subjected to the origins and residues of 9/11, Harold Jaffe's artistic impulses, motivations, and responsibilities are ever more persistent, in gravitating towards fulfilling the need to further examine particular interstices, which define these current times, while simultaneously being driven further into exposing the obstructions, which sustain the governing bodies' stranglehold on our freedoms.

Since each text is different from one to another, the entire collection is a multi-faceted, omnibus range of literary blueprints, which, either individually or as a whole, point them towards what it means, what it takes, and, more importantly, why one must resist, reject, and subvert such conditions, at all costs.

Recent memory suggests that Beyond the Techno-Cave:A Guerilla Writer's Guide to Post Millennial Culture is arguably one of Harold Jaffe's most commendable works yet, but it is, without question, one of the best examples of the most noteworthy Brechtian ideal:

" art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it"

Having been acquainted with some of Hal Jaffe's previous work I was pleased to explore this new book. Techno-Cave features a collection of compelling pieces that will evoke the dialogue lingering on the tip of the tongue, the intense outrage that has been muted by our suppressive society. Chapters such as Schizo-Terrorist and The Writer in Wartime hit dangerously close to home. As a developing writer, pieces such as Suu Kyi/Giacometti deliver invaluable insight into the potential art still holds. The art of docufiction is at it's best here and Jaffe gives the under-appreciated genre an immediate and lasting appeal. Jaffe's nonfiction is raw yet tightly controlled, passionate yet discreet. The Chapters are interesting read individually but most satisfying from start to finish.

Techno-Cave is a really interesting work of docu-fiction unlike any I have encountered before. Jaffe uses innovative structure and language to push life into this genre. The writing is charged with the personal, political and emotional sentiments that are coursing through our post-9/11 global community. Jaffe does little, and rightfully so, to avert the readers eyes from the realities of our present day situation: the struggle of the incarcerated, political prisoners, mass-media, the cult of celebrity, etc. The pieces that comprise this collection, in my view, are an attempt to stretch the versatility and scope of prose which inevitably will pave the way for future generations of socially-conscious writers.

In a time when people and society are interrogated on a daily basis, overtly and covertly, Harold Jaffe turns around interrogates the mainstream culture many have come to blindly accept. Its tentacles are far reaching. Therefore, one must be unconventional when challenging or questioning contemporary culture. Harold Jaffe draws from a palette in Beyond the Techno Cave, a tapestry that includes formal essay, docufiction, and "treating" current events to lay "counter-ideological mines" which intricately weave and skillfully move to engage the reader, writer, and activist in us all. Beyond the Techno Cave is a clarion call to action, to engage in discourse, to unplug ourselves from the screen, to endure and resist like in "Suu Kyi/Giacommeti". It is "committed writing" like in "The Writer in Wartime," in a time when the only commitment is that of omission and repression. With a graceful sense of craft, Harold Jaffe assembles voices to form a compound of reality.

Harold Jaffe plants a literary mine with Beyond The Techno-Cave, dealing a decisive blow to the hands that claim to feed-but always poison. Jaffe spares virtually no domain, no topic, no political entity. He secretes literary bombs on a diverse array of powerful adversaries, all with the style and grace of a skilled guerrilla fighter dug in trenches of an oppressive-totalitarian-culture-war.

for the full review visit: www.thetripwire.com

This is a really great book for anyone interested in education, not limited just to Montessori. The book explains clearly several aspects of Montessori education and describes the research that supports or does not support the Montessori method. I didn't know much about Montessori before reading this book, so I found it very enlightening to begin to understand this complete system for education.

I would highly recommend this book. Although a text book type publication, it is extremely interesting, easy to read. Very well researched and packed with insight and explanation on the Montessori method. I have read several other books on Montessori and this is one of the best. Read it in conjunction with Maria Montessori's own book "The Secret of Childhood."

This is a great book to peruse if you have an interest in furthering Montessori's educational philosophy at home, in traditional, or alternative schools.

I was familiar with the basics of Montessori education before I read "Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius". I have been drawn to it ever since I first heard about it because it feels more natural and right than traditional public school. I read this book in an effort to understand the system better and to be able to defend my choice to well-meaning but critical friends and family. I was not disappointed.

Lillard first compares traditional education with the Montessori system, pointing out how each came to be and how they have evolved over time. She then looks at what she considers to be the eight principles of Montessori education. Each is explained in depth, compared in depth with traditional education, and then research is provided in support of each principle. In her research, Lillard discovered that none of Montessori's central points have been disproven, many have been proven, and several are in need of further research.

Pros: This book cites many, many scientific studies. It is well-written and easy to understand. There are many examples (and pictures) of specific materials used in Montessori education. It provides a solid explanation of many of the important principles of Montessori education.

Cons: The book is a little wordy and uses too many previews, summaries, and reviews for my taste. The last chapter contains a section called "Frequently Asked Questions and Concerns about Montessori" that I wish was longer and more in depth.

What I would really like to find is a debate between pro- and anti- Montessori educators. While I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot from it, I came away thinking that Lillard's assessment was too good to be true. If Montessori education is really as wonderful as she (and I) think it is, why is it not more popular?

As a former Montessori student, I've been amazed at how other children develop learning methods in classroom experiences across the U.S. With our educational system in flux, how about looking to Maria Montessori and her teaching philosophies that she developed a century ago.

I may hold a biased view for Montessori learning. However, Montessori believed that the 'factory method' of schooling was outdated. Believing that children have blank slates for learning, she created learning techniques and environments that develop concentration, independent thought, motivation, curiosity, and self-discipline for life's choices. After reading this book, I'm in full agreement with her teaching methods.

Lilliard explains the history and theories behind Montessori education in-depth and with strength. She explains the importance of our relationships and environments within the classroom and our homes, and she explores the knee-jerk arguments against Montessori education. If you're working or raising children, you'll be way ahead of the game with this thorough and insightful book.

I wanted to explore the foundations of how I learn in life, and Lillard answers my questions. I'm not only more knowledgable about how I learn, but also I'm more aware how intelligence is developed and the possibilites of how our youth can learn in today's world.

Add to your building blocks of knowledge, and explore Montessori methods...This is a supreme read.

There isn't much content in here that someone who has been homeschooling for a year or more doesn't already know, but it could be useful for a parent just starting out. One thing to keep in mind if you are currently considering a purchase is that much of what the author advises is *really* out of date for the contemporary homeschooler. For example, she strongly encourages that you attend a homeschool conference and join a group like HSLDA, advice that was more helpful ten years ago when the book was written. If you are new to homeschooling, this book isn't worthless, but make sure you read more up-to-date stuff as well, like homeschooling magazine & internet content.

Good book which gives honest, detailed advice about getting started in homeschooling by age. An easy read.

We never intended to homeschool, but after our six year old daughter became subjected to sexual harrassment and bullying at recess at our local and well-recommended public school, we pulled her out mid-year. Now we are homeschooling. This book was a lifesaver in the midst of a very tumultuous time.

Other reviewers have pointed out that this book doesn't sugar-coat the topic of homeschooling. I appreciated hearing the facts, as well. The book does point out that homeschooling doesn't work for everyone at every time. It handles the challenges of socialization and curriculums very realistically.

After reading this book, I really felt that I had a good handle on what the pros and cons of homeschooling are. I feel more prepared to proactively handle issues that might arise as a result of homeschooling. This is important because oftentimes problems with homeschooling can be greatly reduced or eliminated if only you are aware of the issue and take measures to prevent/handle it before it becomes a problem (for example, those who have concerns about legal issues of keeoing children out of public school).

This book is an excellent overview of the topic. Please note it doesn't provide a great deal of in depth information on curriculum. There are books much more specific to that topic. This will point you in the direction, however, and should answer most questions regarding the how-to of homeschooling. This will also help you ask yourself the right questions to figure out f homeschooling might be a good option for your family.

This is an excellent place to start when you first being to consider the option of homeschooling. It offers a wealth information on where to start and issues to consider. It covers a lot of the startup issues you need know abut, how to integrate it into your own life and lots of brief stories from real people are used to illuminate whatever topic is being covered in that section. I particularly liked the section that covered the issues and concerns people might have about socialization for kids are homeschooled.

In many ways, it accomplishes what the "Dummies..." and "Idiots..." series books do...but with an intelligent, competent and professional style.

I'm a new homeschooling mom, and I found this book to be a great hands on resource book about how to start homeschooling your children. It has detailed learning ideas for primary, middle and teen years. If you are looking for answers to alot of tough questions like when, why, and how to homeschool your child, then "The Homeschooling Handbook"by Mary Griffith, will be a valuable tool for you. Whether you homeschool your child or not, read this book for it's many helpful fresh ideas for working with children.