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For those who have not considered spirituality before, this is a great book, it is very thorough without being confusing. For those who are natuarally introspective -- this is also a good book, one that will either stregthen or validate what you already know in your heart.

An incredible work of art. I've sent copies to a devote Catholic and Orthodox Jew that I know and both were equally impressed. If you have any interest in the Spirituality of the World's great religions, read this book.

I've been a fan of Roger Walsh for a long time and was extremely honored that he endorsed my latest book, Beyond the Secret. In many ways this book inspired my own. Though the sub-title says this book is about seven practices, there is much more here than that. the book is filled with practical advice and exercises on how to reduce craving to find your soul's desire (similar to the theme of my book to move from consumption to contribution), to cultivate emotional wisdom (which inspired the chapter in my book on tapping into your feelings), living ethically by feeing good by doing good (are you listening followers of the popular book The Secret that only emphasizes the feel good part), calming your mind, developing wisdom, and learning to embrace the joy of service (service being a spiritual "law" that I emphasize in my own book is far more important than any law of attraction technique). In short, I am indebted to Roger Walsh and especially this book for having done so much to open my own heart and inspire my life. And, you will do very well to have this book in your library as it will truly help you make a difference in your life. - Dr. Lisa Love, Beyond the Secret

I belong to a discussion group through my church and this book has been chosen for review. I came in a bit late so receiving this "used" book promptly was a blessing in itself. The suggestions, stories and examples provided bring a lot of thought into our discussions and our minister finds even deeper meaning to help us understand the books content. It's highly recommended to those who look for ways of changing attitude and emotions.

This is an interesting and somewhat unique book because the emphasis isn't theological or philosophical at all, but rather on spiritual practices one can apply in daily life.

As such, the author doesn't burden himself (or the reader) with trying to rigorously justify the recommended practices, nor does he attempt to build a theoretical framework. Instead, he simply presents the practices and suggests that readers give them a try. I agree with this approach, because it seems that sometimes, especially in spiritual matters, we have to first take action and experience the consequences of that action in order to develop our understanding, rather than the more typical (and skeptically cautious) western approach of first developing understanding on rational grounds, then acting on that understanding.

Although the book doesn't include rigorous argumentation, the author does link the practices to a variety of spiritual traditions, including many quotes from sages and spiritual texts. I presume this is mainly to show the universality of the practices, and also to increase the chance that each reader will find things they can resonate with. Here and there, the author also mentions cases in which modern psychology and neuroscience provide scientific evidence supporting the practices, but this is a minor component of the book.

The book is divided into short chapters, and I think that reading a chapter a day will work well for most readers. I've read the book once, and I think it's valuable enough that I'll periodically reread it in the future.

Overall, I highly recommend the book to anyone motivated to grow spiritually, and who is open-minded enough to not be troubled by seeing references to many different spiritual traditions. Also be sure to check out 50 Spiritual Classics: Timeless Wisdom from 50 Great Books on Inner Discovery, Enlightenment and Purpose, which I think nicely complements this book.

As a final note, please remember that the key is to implement the practices in your daily life, not just read about them and understand them intellectually.

Gaines has written a wonderful book that outlines the way to true prosperity. I have seen the basic ideas in the book before, but she does a great job of giving you practical steps toward achieving prosperity in your own life. I am now putting the laws to use, and am excitedly awaiting the results of my work!

If you are looking for a book that uses current lingo that is so easy to understand then this is the book for you. Like me you have probably read the prosperity Masters and yes, the lessons are timeless, however to read modern day examples are priceless! I felt as if I knew Ms. Gaines personally. Her stories were hilarious, thought provoking and a blessing to my life. I dare you to try the first law which is tithing and watch something miraculous happen in your life! We all have read or heard about tithing but Ms. Gaines breaks it down like its never been broken down before. I was so moved I tithed to her for writing this classic! Don't pass this book up! Every seeker needs this one in their prosperity library!

I heard it many times before - tithing will demonstrate to the universe that you trust that there will always be more.... yet I never did it. That is until I read this book. What made it easy for me where 2 things, one Edwene didn't tell you where to tithe to, other then wherever you are spiritually fed.... well that makes it easy. The second point was - try it out for 6 months - if it didn't work for you you can stop.... well I was hooked after 2 weeks. Now I receive money and I am excited about sharing it with whoever inspired me ~ fed me spiritual food... my children, my church, Edwene, a speaker, a song writer, etc. This book has touched me deeply.

Listening to this CD, with Edwene's pleasant voice along with hearing her life experiences, is a pleasant alternative to music. I'm listening to it for the third time and considering looking for more CD's from this production company.

I absolutely LOVED this book! I've been reading several books about attracting prosperity, but they were all lacking one thing. That one thing is how God is involved. This book finally connected the two for me. I now see how you can attract prosperity and still honor God. What I appreciated the most what the difference between "go" signs and "stop" signs. Sometimes I get confused on what God is trying to tell me. I recommend this to all those spiritual people that are still trying to find guidance.

My family has completely enjoyed this book. It is well-written, pleasing to the ears to read aloud, and has a wonderful, happy ending. My children have asked for this book over and over to be read to them and it just doesn't get old reading it as other books do. I highly recommend it.

A student of mine brought this to class to share. After reading it aloud to my K/1 class, I ordered one for the classroom and one for my aide, who fell in love with the story. A winner, for sure!

This is a great children's book that, I think, helps children develop empathy for other animals. Very sweet book.

The Grannyman, by Judith Byron Schachner is one of the better children's cat books out there. I was absolutely delighted and I must admit a bit surprised when I read this one. Schachner is the author of the Skippyjon Jones books, which are on my favorites list and I am not sure how she was able to transition from cat stories about a little kitten who is a complete mess, to one about a lovely old cat like Grannyman. First, I must admit to being able to relate to both the characters of Skippyjon and to Grannyman. When I was a kid, I could well have been a prototype for Skippyjon and now that I am old, I fit the profile of Grannyman pretty well.

Anyway, this is the story of a very old Siamese cat by the name of Simon. He is blind, deaf and his bones ache and creak. Simon has lived a long life with a very loving family and now spends most of his time in his calico chair looking out into space and dreaming of his life since he was a kitten. The book reviews this old cat's life from the time he was a kitten to the resent. Delightful pictures and wonderful text tell his story. Then, feeling absolutely useless in his dotage, one Tuesday night, Simon sticks his bony old legs in the air and breaths his last....or so he thinks!

Suddenly, plunk, his loving human family drop a new kitten right on Simon's belly. Simon suddenly has a new life. This new little member of the family becomes Simon's charge and Simon his teacher. This is absolutely wonderful.

While this is the story of an old cat, living in a loving home, it is actually the story of all of us, or how all of us should be anyway, as we grow older. What an excellent way to teach children of the aging process in a very gentle and happy way. It is also an excellent way to teach those of us well in to our dotage that life is not over until it is over.

Splendid and lively art work is found in this work and while not as wild as that found in Skippyjon books, it is quite appropriate for this particular story. The text is very well done. I, like another reviewer was hesitant at first about reading this one as I felt it was going to have a sad ending and I avoid books like that at all cost. I was very well pleased and I need not have feared. This work is a must for cat lovers of all ages in particular, animal lovers in general, and all good hearted people. Most importantly though, the kids all seem to love it. I should also not that this author wrote I know n Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie which is a wonderful work also.

Judy Schachner in her pre-Skippyjon Jones days, created a memorable, touching, loving picture of an old, old cat that gains new purpose when he's introduced to a spunky new Siamese kitten. I fell in love with the book when I borrowed it from my local library and had to get a copy of my own. When I read this to the kids at the school where I work, they fell in love with Simon as well. Schachner has deep insight into cats and kittens and it comes through beautifully in this must read book.

This is a book I'll recommend for everyone that wants to make it in life to read. It is a life changing book. I am bless tremendously by reading. I intend to buy more and give to my friends.

this is a book that everyone should read and students should be required to read before graduating from school. if we all followed these lessons, life would be a lot better for everyone.

I got this book as a present for my husband for Christmas. We always try to keep some positive reading around. He enjoyed it very much and has since passed it along to a friend. It's a very cost-effective but impactful gift and a simple, useful read.

As you read this book you find yourself growing with it.
20 simple lessons to follow. the overwall lesson is to learn to enjoy life .. and you will

I found this book to be both inspirational and educational.
Inspirational : I found myself connecting to Urban's life story and was inspired to do several of the excercises he recommends. The book is very well written and requires alot of introspection after reading. For every lesson, I found myself reading, re-reading, and re-re-reading. I read this with a pen in hand and jotted down thoughts as I read. After re-reading my thoughts on each section, I started to think deeply of what matters in my life and was inspired to think of my actions, thoughts, beliefs, etc. in a different way.
Educational: A great aspect of this book is the way Urban injects the works of so many other authors into his own. I found myself writing down the names and titles of many of Urban's cited works. His use of other's ideas to further explain and strenghten his own motivated me to further my knowledge base on the subject. For an author to actively tell the reader to go and look for other's insight only proves to me the author's good intentions and credibility.
Overall - I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for some help on the road of life. Urban does a great job explaining his 20 lessons, and he does an even better job in making the reader want to think about his or her own goals and rules of life.

At first, this book was enjoyable enough. But soon it became wearisome, for a number of reasons.

First, for a man who claims he has no ego, Iyengar's stearn authoritative manner makes his ego a tangible thing throughout. I've read far more selfless spiritual books in my time by authors whose words ring of a universal voice. Not so with Iyengar. He's the stern master, and he wants you to know it.

He also quickly denigrates things he clearly doesn't understand, like psychotherapy. In regards to this subject, he's the very definition of the phrase "contempt without investigation." Very disappointing.

Second, he's so holier than thou that he spoke with pride that he did not cry when his wife died. He seemed very proud that he didn't feel that much pain at her passing. What in the world is he trying to prove here? That he doesn't suffer as much as the rest of us? I felt bad for his wife when I read this.

And third, all of these yoga concepts simply boggle the mind after awhile. He prides himself on being so simple, yet his approach to life is anything but. After half a book or so, I felt like I was reading math problems instead of a book on spirituality and yoga.

Obviously, I'm in the minority here, as Iyengar followers really ate this book up. But if you're like me, a yoga newbie, you may find this book a turn-off instead of an inspiration. I know I did. I sold it used on Amazon, along with the big Iyengar yogo exercise book.

Iyengar seems like one of those people who, after awhile, would simply drive me nuts...a crazymaker in the truest sense of the word.

Excellent book for those who have adopted yoga as a serious discipline. Personally I have been practicing for 2 years and this book has been a tremendous help revealing the deeper insights and purpose of yoga.

One thing that really strikes me is how a man this advanced in age can possess a mind like a laser. His life is a true testament to the healing and transforming power of a dedicated yoga practice.

There are several good books on yoga out there and Light on Life is among the best, inspirational and informative.

Mr. Iyengar writes so anyone can understand and brings humor to complex subjects. The book has helped me deepen my yoga practice immensely. I completely recommend to anyone, especially those choosing to follow the yogic path.

This is a good book to read if you are a serious yoga practitioner or teacher, since it reviews in a simplified way the Yogasutras of Patanjali and Iyengar's point of view on life and life experiences. It has nothing to do with religion, it is just a different take on life that might prove useful and enlightening.

If you love yoga, or even think you would like to practice, this book is a must. Iyengar is the guru who will help you see the light and love of your practice and understand what yoga really is all about. I refer back to the book all the time. Merritt Becker, Maputo, Mozambique

I was given this book by my mother who knows I love Maupin's writing. What I don't think either of us knew is that once I starting turning the pages on this great book, I could not put it down and I stayed up all night reading about this character that touched my heart.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this story. It actually has made a lasting impression on me. I was truly impacted in a positive way. Enjoy it. Make sure to have a free day or two to enjoy it fully. Highly recommended!

My title says it all. I'm not going to write a long, involved review. Suffice to say, I read a lot. A LOT. And this one is definitely in my top 5.

I noticed below under "tag suggestions" that it has "gay fiction" and "gay classic" (I assume because the author is gay), and I want to point out that (from what I remember) there is no homosexuality in this book. (Not that there's anything wrong with homosexuality, yada, yada, yada...)

It's funny and touching. I've read it several times over the years, and it's always stayed with me.

His "Tales of the City" books are great too, but this one just stood out for me as an all-time great.

I did not care for this work about the drarf although I imagine she like so many people who are different had a very difficult time in life the suibject matter was not my cup of tea as to reading material. It's a well written piece of work if you're into dwarfs' life stories.

Received this book out of the blue from a seller on Amazon who bundled this with an order I placed. Tossed it aside for half a year before I sat down to read it last night and did NOT put it down until the last page -- then went back to the beginning once more. Touching, warm, creative, full of personality. At worst, it's entertaining. Do read it.

This is one of the best fiction books I have read. As an average sized person, I found this extraordinarily enlightening as to the difficulties and prejudices that little people go through each and every day. It was one of the most unique love stories ever and it really, truly made me feel the full gamut of emotions. If you buy one fiction book in your life, this is the one.

You have to keep going. It's a way of living, a way of proving you're alive. A perfect life can change in the blink of an eye. You don't forget, but you don't shut down. You keep going.

In Susan Haley's Rainy Day People, Amber's story is about life. The highs and the lows happen; the promises of life are lived then withdrawn. And out of this, Amber learns to let go of the past and discover a new life and a new love.

After the death of her husband, Amber finds herself settled in a quiet, solitary life on the Florida coast. Much of the story that follows is about meeting Ben. Amber and Ben are drawn to each other, but these complex, rainy day people have much to consider.

To me, Amber's story shows the kind of courage that we often need as we go through life. At the same time it helps if we keep our perspective, enjoying the small things. Amber loves rainbows, nature, and driving fast in her convertible. She's a tiny, feisty, sometimes fun and always interesting heroine, someone that I wanted to know.

Above all, what Rainy Day People has going for it is truth. People who are rebuilding their lives have more than attraction to consider in new relationships. But then, let's not be too quick to discount attraction.

This is a rich story that kept me constantly involved. I highly recommend Rainy Day People.

Michael Durr
Author: My Brain, My Future

When viewing a Chuck Close canvas, one needs to step back a bit to appreciate it full essence. Such is the case with the power of this wonderful novel. A riveting story is only part of what makes Rainy Day People such a success. The artistry involved in crafting this work enticed me to move from audio to hard copy, then back to audio once again. Through these dual modalities of sight and sound, I was flooded with the very emotions this author's words were meant to evoke. All sensibilities were heightened: sight, sound, touch . . . but foremost, the all-to-human feelings surrounding the experiences of love and vulnerability. Susan Haley is one talented writer. Keep an eye on her. I know I will.

Lois W. STern
Author of SEX, LIES AND COSMETIC SURGERY

The writer understands the meaning of life and how we are all connected and how to put that meaning into print to touch a person soul. This is a must read even if the author is currently maybe unknown will some day be a great author. After reading this book you become hungry for a new novel by this author. We read the book and listend to the audio and both were great. The book lets you stop and reflect on a certain part but the audio lets you paint a true picture in your mind. The narrator was excellent and a true story teller. I know that you will love it and you to will find your rainbow.

Although Rainy Day People comes under the genre of fiction, this story is based on real-life happenstance. Susan Haley transports her readers on an incredible journey that runs the gauntlet of life's emotions and it does not stop until the story ends. Ms. Haley's love of the ocean and the majestic beauty of the land, her love of animals, whether it's a wild bear, a snake, or a six-week-old kitten is manifested in the persona of Amber, the main character. Very briefly, Amber, a widow, meets Ben Riley. Together they embark on a journey which takes them from the warm waters of Florida to the bone-chlling nights of Maine. Amber's love for Ben sustains him as he is dying from cancer, which is unbeknown to Amber. This heart-warming love story ends like a thriller novel. I strongly recommend it.

This heartwarming story of love for all things living was like a hug from my mother. She was a horse whisper and introduced me to nature spirits many years ago. I identified with the magic of this story. When you open your eyes to what is really around you, you will see miracles every day. Ashley in the book claims that there are no coincidences. By the end of the book you realize that what she means is that they are really just God's little miracles.
Rainbows are signs of love and hope in this fantastic book. I saw a completely round rainbow. I happened to look straight up to the sky and there it was, above my head. It was so far away that it was a small circle but all the colors were clearly visible. It too gave me comfort as I was adjusting to widowhood.
Susan Haley is an outstanding writer. Her ability to capture you made the book one of those you can't set down. The clever way she wrote and wove the ending shows why this is an award-winning book. This love story is based on her life experiences. It touched my very soul. I look forward to reading this book again so I can take the time to reflect on the spiritual insights expressed in the conversations between Ashley and Ben.
I recommend this book of courage, love, and of being in touch with all that is. It's like a spiritual awakening.

Why do our snowmen look so droopy in the morning? They are out partying, sledding, making snowman angels and drinking cocoa! This is one of those books that I enjoy reading every time I read it. We put all of our holiday books on a special shelf and only bring them down after Thanksgiving, but this one stays out all year. The other awesome thing about this book is the hidden pictures! It has our kids picking it up over and over again. We LOVE the book at our house :)

Mommy's High Heel Shoes

This book is wonderful. I have a few books that I consider a must have, and this is deffinately at the top. First of all, the illustrations are beautiful! It is a work of art. The story is sweet, captivating, and leave your child feeling happy. I am so surprised to find many children's books scarey, innappropriate, or boring. The snowmen in this book have an entire life at night, sledding, playing, drinking cold cocoa, which explains why they're a little "slumpy" in the AM. I really love this book, and so does our 2 y.o. I purchase it for everyone w/ kids!

Why is it that the day after you build a snowman, the darn thing falls apart?

Forget science.

Everyone knows that what really happens it that the snowmen party all night.

This book explains everything in gorgeous rhyme that fits perfectly with beautiful, night-time illustrations.

My Special Education class loved this book. The pictures are delightful and the story is fun and exciting for my Kindergarten/First Grade Class. This book was selected by my department as a suggested book for use in my class.

The warmth and openness that the authors convey in this book makes you feel like you live in that neighborhood yourself. Cute story; beautiful artwork. Children as young as 2 are drawn in and fascinated by the magical storyline. Great read-aloud book!

This is a delightful intro to the world of Thor McGraw and his funny family and friends. From the quirky neighbor, Mrs. Plum to his parents being in the witness protection program, the events of the mystery are intertwined with everday life. It leaves me waiting for more from "Detective" McGraw!

With a smooth into and a high-speed chase, this one is no bore,
It was a pleasure meeting Mrs. Plum, Sabrina, and investigator Thor.
With great characters and thrilling action, it left me wanting more,
The adventures of Prof. Thor will soon be the stuff of legend and lore.
Oden would be proud.

Interesting mystery with a good mix of characters and humor to match. The content keeps you motivated to keep reading. Will be a hard book to put down. Looking forward to reading more. I give this a two thumbs up!!!

Thor McGraw and the Ice Man Murder by T. Drennan presents the most unlikely of sleuths: a single father academic type with allergies to cats and perfume and is still love sick over his ex-wife. Oh yeah, and he happens to be the son of one of Boston's most famous police detectives.

The bulk of the excerpt introduces us to Thor and his life. His morning routine of breakfast with Bree (Sabrina), his 6-year-old daughter, is interrupted by an impossible next door neighbor. Thor's allergic reactions are detailed to Mrs. Plum's perfume and cat, and I except they'll play an important role later. Then a phone call from his ex, Molly, to apologize for a reference to Thor in Philip's ('Philip? Who was Philip?') article in today's paper. Unfortunately Thor can't read it because 'his' paper is covered in mud from Mrs. Plum's garden.

Once the interruptions are over, he moves on with his day. Thor drops Bree off at school and heads to his teaching job. When he goes for his jog after the first class, he is ruthlessly chased by a bald man in a Cutlass, who then unleashes a Rotweiller on Thor. What did he do to deserve this?

With Thor and most of the main characters introduced, the mystery is set to unfold. This excerpt was both an engaging example of 'regular guy' character development and intriguing murder mystery. I can't wait to see what happens next.

The start of this excerpt highlights a fantastic family relationship. The easy connection between Thor and his daughter Bree is nice to read about, and I like the communication that passes between Thor and his dog, as well. This seems like a happy home, despite the hint of something amiss with Thor's wife.

The interaction between Thor and Mrs. Plum was interesting and infuriating. I like that Thor is completely baffled by the way she manages to work everything around to her advantage, and I am curious about the favors she will ask Thor to do in return for the ones she has done for him in this first meeting.

Molly's conversation with Thor is painful, especially as we realize that she is moving on with her life and leaving Thor pining after her. Some nice suspense is built up as I wondered what it was that would have landed Thor's name in the paper.

The scene of the bald man trying to run down Thor is exciting and tense, although the foreshadowing of it is a bit heavy-handed. Peter saying a big bald guy with a broken nose was looking for Thor and then announcing that he told the man that Thor always goes running in between classes meant I wasn't terribly surprised to find a car bearing down on Thor during his run.

This excerpt is intriguing. I'd be eager to learn more about Thor's mystery situation and to see if things work out between him and Molly.

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy is even better than I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You! This second Gallagher Girls novel has more adventure, espionage, and boy questions than the first, taking everything a step further.

In this second book, find out what happens when the Gallagher Girls get some new students at their school. Will the new students blend in seamlessly or will there be deadly tension? Also, find out if Josh still remembers Cammi--and whether these two will end up back together.

If you read the first Gallagher Girls novel, the second book is a MUST!

**SPOILERS**

I'm so glad I finally got my hands on this one, thanks to the library!
Overall, I like Josh more than Zach, so I was disappointed that she seemed to get over him so quickly. I also thought there'd be more about her mother, but no. The summary greatly over exaggerates this. I really hope the third book tells us more about her history, it sounds really exciting! This book did more to the character development, but it's still lacking in both writing and development, but yet again, the plot dominates.
Random bits of awesome. There was not one, but TWO, count them, TWO, Buffy references (Love how I'm catching & understanding these, EVERYWHERE). Kaitlin with a K and Caitlin with a C cracked me up cause I probably know a K/Caitlin with every possible spelling of the name. I was glad that we got to see Josh at all, cause at the end of the last book & the beginning of this one, I was doubting it, not so happy to see him with DeeDee, sweet as she is. [Although I kinda wish we could get her side of the story]. Wonder if we'll see him in the next book, or if his story's been told. Carter did a great job planting those clues making us all suspect Zach, I did not see that ending coming, not at all.
The scene where Cammie told her mom about seeing Josh and that whole part, that was definitely the best. I love that connection of theirs, and argh, I want to learn MORE.
And come on, don't tell me I'm the only one picking up a major vibe between Cammie's mom and Mr. Solomon! Let's hope we see some more of that in the third book!

This is a follow up to Ally Carters, I'd tell you I love you but then i'd have to kill you, book. Out of the two, this one is my favorite! Not only is there a new BOY character, but just about all of the characters from the first are here as well. This book will keep you on your toes from start to finisih; you can't help but to feel all the characters emotions, and I find myself laughing everytime I read it. This is a must read and its great for all ages, but I would suggest 6 grade and up.

This ias a great book, better than the first, and i love it! I can't wait until the third book in the series comes out in june!!!! :-)

This is a great book for 6th grade through 9th grade girls. Even some boys may enjoy this book. This book does not contain any inappropriate words or content. Teachers can feel safe about adding this one to their classroom libraries. It is as good as the first book about Galagher Academy Girls. It contains all the adventures of spy school with a little romance thrown in. I am looking forward to reading the 3rd book in the series.