J Books

Will use some of these ideas in my daily life-i got 2 sons (3&1 year) and really some of these ideas weren't new, but in our busy schedule it's good to have a book like this to remind us that all the kids need are play (among all other necessities :))

I got more out of this book than I thought I would. I was expecting some hints on playing with small children. But the idea of play as a form of therapy had never crossed my mind. But I am delighted that it did. My son is nearly 5 and suffers with social phobia and selective mutism. With that in mind I jumped ahead to the chapter on 'Encourage their confidence' and discovered the "Poopyhead game". What a fabulously fun way to give a child a bit of power in such a safe way. I tried it with two 5 yr olds. One quiet and shy, the other boisterous and confident. They got to break a funny rule and laugh at me. They felt strong..it was obvious. These kids got that from a completely non physical game. I went from there to the chapter on 'Learn to roughhouse'. My husband plays it with our son, but I wanted some ideas on it for me as this is said to be a wonderful confidence game for shy kids. Well I got a few rules to help create a safe environment and an insight into the emotions attached to the game - playfullness, confidence, determination and power to name but a few, and how I might bring those out. Add to that the connections based on love and trust and it's a winning conbination. I then flicked ahead to the chapter on discipline. I certainly expected (and got) a non smacking approach..but this..it was different, and it worked! I'm used to using 'time-out' with varied success. My son reacts to that just how the author writes it. Word for word. So I gave this new approach a try. Success. The idea of instilling good judgement with clear limits from a young age is empowering to kids and builds confidence. It also lends itself very easily to prevention rather than cure. I've had the book for about one week. I've tried a few new approaches to parenting from the book, and for my son it has switched on the power within. This socially phobic child has attended a pre-school Christmas party (approx 60 people), a visit to a friends house (10 poeple)and sat alone on Santa's knee for a chat and photo for the first time. He did all this with an enthusiasm and confidence unseen in him. I am bursting with pride at his achievements of the last week and our household is much happier and calmer for it. I've still got much more reading to do and am loving the new stratedgies to manage time old parenting issues. My only criticism is that the reading can be a bit heavy going at times. For a book about play, it's not what I would call a light read. But really, it's certainly worth persisting to find the gems within, and I'm looking forward to it.

I loved this book. It gave me a different prospective on raising and understanding my child. It takes practice to get the hang of it but after I read this book, my baby whinned a LOT LESS. He seems happier.

Oh the creative ideas that flow from this book. It also explains the reasons and meaning of playing with kids. My son (2) hid under the bed after his bath the other day. I couldn't get him out no matter how I asked and positively prompted. Urgh! But......I flashed back to some of my reading. I said "Oooh, you look like a SNAKE under that bed! I am a mouse and snakes eat mice! EEK- don't eat me!!! Squeak squeak!" I got on the floor pretending to be so scared of him eating me. He immediately "slithered" hissing from under the bed to "eat" me! We both had our needs met without a hassle! Hooray!

So many of us have become too caught up in our busy lives to remember that children need to play. This book includes great recommendations and strategies for re-connecting with our children through play. So far, it is helping us with our 4 and 1 year olds--we are finding that using a playful approach is helping us feel better about our relationships with our children.

This book is a must read for Christians who are not satisfied with their spiritual life and a MUST READ for those in churches considering major capital expenditures that will serve only the members. It will change the way you think about how you and your church can best serve Jesus.

For many years I have felt disenfrancised from the church, even though I have spent my entire life in it and even raised my family in it. Now that I am nearing fifty, I have found myself seeking ways to spread my faith that are real and substantive. This Present Future has given verbal affirmation to what I've felt all along, and to what I've always known to be true. But in Churchian circles, the only truth is the one they tell you, and to think outside the box is frowned upon. But now I understand why, and I understand what I must do to change and effect my world for Christ.

Thank you Reggie McNeal.
Lonnie Friesen
The Homeless Heart

Reggie McNeal writes a thought provoking book that will either excite and challenge you or anger you. Not everyone is ready for the truth that is laid out in his book. But it is the truth none the less. The American Church has lost the right to be heard and this book gives us some tough questions we need to ask ourselves in doing a self-evlaution and earning the right to share the important message of Jesus Christ and be heard by those who need to hear it. This book was a great confirmation for our church in who we are and why we don't seem to fit in with the other churches in our community. God is doing a new thing and this book has shown our church we are part of it. I am now taking our entire church leadershipo through the book. I highly recommend every Christian who is tired of "doing church" and maintaining the status qou read this book.

Fantastic book. Really makes you reflect on your ministry and the questions the book asks gives a structure for evaluating the overall focus of your church. I would highly recommened this book for someone seeking to bring about revitalization within their congregation and personal ministry.

Excellent book which speaks to the problems the modern church faces. Gives specific information and direction to deal with current issues. I have found this work tremendously useful in advocating change for the church I serve as pastor.

"Think On These Things" is the type of book that I don't usually read...however this is a really cool book since it helps you question life & reality to the point where your perception of reality becomes more clear and your understanding of yourself becomes more complete, taking you to the 'true essence' of life.

This is a thought-provoking book and I recommend it for it's wisdom:

Also recommended:

Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don't

Nexus: A Neo Novel

THE CONVENTION

Krishnamurti focuses on delightful explorations into the modern person's conscousness & state of being. Thought provoking and casts new light into what's really going on in our psyche, delving into the inner being and touching on topics such as egoism, fear & competitive struggle for power.

Also read:

Nexus: A Neo Novel

THE CONVENTION

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose

The Secret

Don't believe what J.K. says.
Examine what he says and see if there is any truth in any of it.
Then you've found that truth yourself and he is unimportant.
A must read for every serious student of life.

Although, as he often noted, some of the questions the students presented were not well put or relevant, in my opinion, I enjoyed this read because it was very simplified and covered important subjects in a brief and friendly manner. It's a good way to start if you wish to know more about Krishnamurti's teachings.

.. you could probably think on the ideas in the book by this wonderful educator and philosopher for years -- and feel good about yourself and the world.

This book will cure your repetetive strain injuries. Butler describes how to stretch properly and what stretches will benefit you most depending on where you have pain or numbness. It is amazing how much better I got, and how quickly! You will need to keep up on your stretches to stay well.

I'd only be repeating the praises others have given this book, but I just want to say I highly recommend this book. The stretches are explained clearly and simply and they do work. I've bought this book for friends and when they follow the exercises, they get relief. Another plus, is doing the stretches FEELS so good and it only takes maybe 15 minutes.

This book was loaned to me at my job as a computer engineer. I had carpal tunnel affecting my wrists & forarm. Excellent, easy stretches which really relieve the pain. I recommended it to a friend who cleans houses for a living, and she was able to stop wearing the arm brace. Great for those tiny, hard to stretch muscles.

Excellent guide to conquering several medical pains/problems that most doctors would have to diagnose.

I have been experimenting with many strategies to get rid of carpal tunnel in my right hand, including learning how to write and do housework with my left hand. I do the exercises for both hands at the same time so that my left hand doesn't develop the same problem. With these exercises
and a hand brace when sleeping, pain at night went away. But if I forget to do the exercises on one day, I pay for it the next day through pain and decreased range of motion so I know they are essential. The carpal tunnel has not all gone away after several months of doing the exercises, however, just improved. Perhaps I need to do them more often. Be careful when you do them - she is not kidding when she says go GENTLY. More force is worse. The other thing that seems to be helping me is pilates.

My name is Mark Tomblum. I am in the 7th. grade. I live in a small town 5 miles outside of Dallas, Tx. I never really liked reading books and writing to much. I do like school but not reading or really writing. I go to an after school program and one of my teachers had this Dream Real book. She read a few pages to me. I wanted to read the book myself. My teacher let me take the book home. After reading this book I must say that it made me like reading. I really liked this book. I can say it changed my life. Football is big in the state of Texas. I want to be a success in life. I want to move on and play college football. Now I know that I must do good in my studies if I want to play football in high school and in college. I am using Dream Real for my book report.

Adults always say things like this or that book changed my life. I just thought it was there way of tricking us into reading because I never picked up a book "that I could not put down".

That changed when I borrowed this book. This book made me see alot of things more clear. Like how I really do not have a "game plan". I am "only" 13 but I am very very different now that I have a game plan in sports and life.

"Big L"

I love to read all kinds of books. My middle school teacher just gave me this book, Dream Real. I just completed reading it. I really loved this book. I can tell that Mr. Napoleon wrote this book from the heart. It takes a special person to share your personal experiences with the world. Mr. Napoleon is a special person, this is why his book is a great book to read. If you read it, you will learn something from it!!!

T.J. 8th. grade, The ATL

When you read a good book, it should change your way of thinking or your way of viewing things. When I read Dream Real, it changed my life! This book made me realize some of the mistakes I was making with school. This book made me realize some of the mistakes I was making with sports. I was putting sports before my school work. Now, I realize that school is more important then sports. If I do well in school, that can take me just as far as doing well on the basketball court or the football field. My dream was to play pro basketball in the NBA. Now, I also want to be a doctor if I don't make it to the NBA. In order to become a doctor, school must come first. I never looked at it that way before I read Dream Real. Now, I know that school must come first and basketball comes second. Reading Dream Real, changed my life.

Paul Burns, 8th grade student, New York

I play Pop Warner football in Newark, N.J. My coach gave this book Dream Real to my mother during the football season. I just got the chance to read it. Once I started reading it, I did not want to put the book down. I started to dream about playing football at the professional level. I really love playing football. My mother always talks about me doing well in school. After reading this book, I know how important school is to my future. Growing up in Newark is hard. I understand what Mr. Napoleon is talking about in his book. Growing up in the city is hard. Now when I think about sports, I will also think about school. I will work on doing better in school. I need to be smart to get what I want in life in the future.

Jamal grade 8 QB

I searched for a book that would give me the necessary words to start my day right and this is truly it. I like to do a short meditation before I leave the house each morning and this fits the bill just right. I'm always amazed how often the daily reading seems to talk directly to me.

I am a manager in a faith-based organization and this is a great book to use for daily devotionals with staff.

Max Lucado has a special way of using words to touch and stir the soul and this devotional is no exception. He touches your very soul in this little devotional which is a great addition to any Christians daily reading schedule. A little Max goes a long way with his thought provoking and touching the very deepest places of your soul. A must read and add to your library.

Very nice daily devotional. Full of lots of helpful insights into God's plan for our lives.

I have always liked Max Lucado's writings and have several of his books. His explanations of various scriptures is outstanding. Thanks Max.

Love this in my Star Trek collection. Helps you to remember all of the great episodes of this series.

This book really set the standard for me for what a companion book for a TV show should be. A nice essay on the shows creation, lenghy season overviews, detailed synopsis' for each episode, and at least a couple pages (note these are big pages) of behind the scenes information on every single episode. With all due respect to a previous reviewer I don't understand how one could say there isn't enough behind the scenes information. This book is basically everything you could ever want to know about the TV show Star Trek Deep Space Nine. I now only buy companion books that follow a similar format. For anyone who likes DS9 this is the book to own.

This book is just too good for words - I actually was a little stunned to see it existed, and when I received it, I could not have been more pleased with the content. In-depth articles on each episode, illustrated by nice B&W photos and great interviews with cast and crew up and down the list.

Definitely NOT for the casual fan, but for those rare DS9 fans among the Trek fan base, this is the one.

Also, for those of you who enjoy the current "Galactica" series, this is a good window into how Ron Moore learned to write serialized, relevant sci-fi. If anything, this show is superior in many ways to "Galactica," if only by allowing a few rays of light to shine through the perpetual gloom.

Only complaint, and a very minor one: no interviews with either Marc Alaimo (Gul Dukat, nose-to-nose the best villain in Trek, along with Khan and Q) or Cirroc Lofton.

Some of the information is interesting, though I do have to admit that I was somewhat let down by it. I thought there would be more "insider information," so to speak, than there was. All the technical info was great, but I was hoping for more personal information, more about inside jokes/behind the scenes/etc. The sections that begin each season are a bit better in this respect though. After one read through of each episode, though, the book's primary use now is just to remind me what each episode is about so I can decide whether to watch it on DVD for the 6th time, or skip to the next episode. Not exactly the central use I had in mind when I bought it.

I'll just add to the heaps of praise for this massive work covering the complete Deep Space Nine series. The plot of every episode is described in detail, as one would expect, but this volume goes much further, devoting a great deal of text on each episode and season, primarily offering points of view from the writers, story editors, producers, directors, and other production staff, and occasionally from the actors. What's especially great, aside from all the detail that fans salivate over, is that everyone involved with the production is generally pretty candid about what does and doesn't work, so the less-inpsired episodes aren't subjected to faux praise for the sake of selling DVDs.

It's not flawless, however. Too much detail is sometimes given about how a story evolved into what finally aired, whereas there are often other questions about plot and character development, or lack thereof, that would've been more compelling to read. Also, there are spoilers in some of the behind-the-scenes info that could've been better disguised; it makes it difficult to share the book with someone who is watching the series for the first time. Those are small nits to pick, though. No other Trek episode guide comes anywhere near the level of depth and quality of this one, and I can't recommend it highly enough to fans of the series, even those who don't consider DS9 their favorite part of the ST franchise.

Murray has left us a legacy of a high standard to emulate. This Christ-like virtue is not found in any religion.

This work has definitely got to be the best and most profound on the subject of humility, the fruit of the Spirit. There is no other challenger to this title today.

The matter at hand simply cannot be overstated enough, and if applied, is sure to bring fruit to all Christians alike.

A Christian classic.

I have read about humility in books, including the bible for over twenty years. I have searched for what it means to be a humble person, as I always interpreted it as being a doormat. Andrew Murray talks about humility using the life of Christ as our perfect example in such a simple way. I can now apply these very simple principles to my everyday life and I feel free.

I also love and appreciate that this is a small, very simple book. Andrew Murray gets to the heart of the matter without throwing in a lot of extra words.

After reading this book I bought five more copies. As God puts a person on my heart, I give them a copy of this book. this book is a wonderful spiritual journey.

This is much more that an book. It is truely a handbook for every believer. Keep it with your Bible and close to your heart. Give it to everyone you know who has a hunger for more of God.
God bless,
TDH, NC

Some may think Andrew Murry's work (born 1828) is no longer useful. They would be so wrong. Just like God's Word that never changes and is eternal. God Word has inspired great authors and their message about Christ. Andrew Murray is one. This is a must have book for every Christian. Christ showed humility while on earth and Andrew Murry shows the importance of Being Christ-like. He teaches that when we flee to Jesus and hide ourself in Him we too can be clothed with His humility. Get a copy while you can!

This is the best book that I have read by Andrew Murray, and it has had a major impact in my life. I highly recommend it!

This is a great resource. It gives many examples of how to impliment the program. One thing I really like about Words Their Way is the fact that is hands on. This will really help my students who are more concrete thinkers.

Words Their Way is an excellent source for teachers to use for word study. It gives great insight into how kids learn to spell.

It's been shown that spelling provides a window to one's reading. This book explains the developmental stages children go through K- adult. The database software on one of the CDs that allows one to analyze the spelling inventories and sort the results is very easy to use. Classroom teachers appreciate the data I have been able to give them on their students. The word games and short videos on the 2nd CD are very helpful. The analytical phonics approach is very kid-friendly right up through high school. This is a very thorough resource that every ELA, SpEd, and Title I teacher should use.

The book is outstanding. The materials in the book is easy to read and follow. I use the activities and word sorts in my classroom each day. I have used the spelling inventory with my class, also.
I do have a problem with the CD that came with the book. I wish the word sorts involving words would be big like the picture sorts are. My students have trouble with the small size of squares.

My children attended a public school where this program was used. When I brought them home due to their various LDs/allergies, I balked at the $40 price tag of this book and opted for the less expensive Spectrum Spelling books for their grade level. I found those to be rather annoying because often my children already knew the words. And the ones they didn't know, they would spell correctly on the tests, but they didn't necessarily continue to spell the words correctly in their writing. Mid-way through the year I abandoned the Spectrum books and purchased this one.

My favorite thing about this approach is how the kids really think about and interact with the words. It is a disciplined program, I require my kids to do a word sort and an activity in their spelling journals every day -- their choice. However, this typically takes less than 10 minutes a day.

The other thing I do is pretest the kids every week to find out which words they need to study. If they already know a spelling pattern, then I don't give it to them and move on to the next one. Sometimes I pull misspelled words out of their writing, and then find the pattern that applies and give them those words for the week.

I will say, that for most homeschoolers, this book is pretty heavy on the theory, and the "how-to" is mixed up with the theory so it may take more work up front to start the program if you are unfamiliar with the idea of spelling notebooks and word activities. But it is quite fascinating, and will give you a new appreciation for a young child's emerging spelling skills, as well as concrete strategies for helping older students with more complex words.

As for content, the book covers spelling from pre-K through at least middle school, perhaps early high school.

And the CD-Rom is a real time-saver too, with its words for sorts and activities.

All in all, quite effective, very interesting, and a great value - you buy this once and then purchase simple notebooks or composition books for their spelling journals, and you are set for years to come.

Reading this book caused a transformation for me in how I viewed treatment choices for prostate cancer.
I won't be so bold as to tell all those facing a treatment choice about prostate cancer that everyone is a candidate for proton beam therapy. But a very large number would benefit. Prostate cancer is different than some other cancers in that there are several treatment choices one can make. Since knowledge of proton beam therapy is nowhere near as wide as it should be, reading this book by Bob Marckini is the best way to learn about it. Each of us who faces this disease, as well as family members, deserves to be empowered to gain this knowledge!

If I had not read the book, and instead followed what my urologist recommended, I would have had surgery. For me, this was already scheduled- I had the date! Fortunately I learned of this book and had the strength to read it, digest it, follow suggestions to do personal due diligence (questions to ask doctors, former patients, prospective patients), and ultimately I made up my mind to have a consultation at the proton treatment center- and to go forward. During my period of "diligence" I cancelled the date being held for my surgery, knowing I could always get a new date later, if that's what I chose. Although at one time I thought I'd not be able to really decide- and might need to flip a coin- after my proton consultation there was a calm that came over me and I moved 100% to wanting to follow the proton treatment route. Were it not for Bob Marckini, I would probably have never known about the excellent alternative it offered.

The information is invaluable. Others writing reviews, and the summary of the book tell you what's included, so I won't try to repeat a lot of those details. What I will reiterate, since it goes against a lot of past beliefs, is that what a doctor says is "true". There is no true. There are definitely valid choices, some better, some worse, and each of us has to make up our own mind. After you read this book you will have enough knowledge to be on the road to sorting out what it is you want to do. My advice is to challenge all treatments and claims in all books and recommendations (those here as well). But you cannot do this without reading this book.

Mr. Marckini wrote mostly about his and others' experience at Loma Linda- the proton treatment center that's treated over 7,000 prostate cancer patients since 1990, and the obvious choice for the time that he was making his decision. I chose to be treated at a center that had been open for only about a year, University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. Some of the methods are slightly different, and I was
extremely pleased that I chose that facility (besides being new and staffed well, it was a lot closer geographically).

Even though my treatment was completed in late 2007, I continue to refer to the book. I did so just today- as I wanted to compare some of my post-treatment PSA results to those of the author. He includes a lot of his own very personal history in the book. So this is more than just a theoretical discussion- it's a true medical case history, including a chart of his PSA progression.

This book is an absolute must for every man who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It explains all of the options in clear, detailed language, and it gives you an idea of what to expect if you choose proton therapy, as well as comments from dozens of patients who have undergone treatment. Bob Marckini has been a godsend to many men and can be to many others who decide to read his book.

We read Bob Marckini's book: "You Can Beat Prostate Cancer" which is a
definitive and indispensable personal study of treatment methods and their results. We heartily recommend this book for anyone trying to make an informed decision on their course of treatment. In Fall of 2007, I was treated at Loma Linda Univ. Medical Center with Proton Beam Therapy as recommended in the book. My test results since have been consistent with the excellent results for which this facility is renowned.

Bob Marckini's book on prostate cancer is a "must read" for anyone facing the news that they have prostate cancer and must select from the wide array of treatments available. It is a book we wish we had when first making our decision. We got conflicting advice about surgery vs. radiation therapy, and no information on proton beam radiation therapy as an available option. After making the decision to have surgery, which ultimately failed to arrest the cancer, we then were advised to have IMRT by a radiation doctor, and to have "watchful waiting" by others. Still no information on proton beam therapy was presented, but dismal prospects were forecasted in either choice. Instead, by doing research of our own we discovered the proton beam therapy that Bob Marckini found through his extensive research, and reached the same conclusion that it was the treatment of choice. We relived our wonderful experience at Loma Linda through reading Bob Marckini's book, and highly recommend it to anyone facing similar choices. We rate this book 5 stars!

Donald and Margaret Giffels, Venice, FL

When you first hear the diagnosis of Prostate Cancer, your mind starts to race in many directions. You are obviously concerned about your health and your options for treatment. Then you start talking to various doctors regarding your treatment options, and you are depressed with the possible side effects. It was at that moment that I learned of Bob Marckini's book "You Can Beat Prostate Cancer and You Don't Need Surgery to do it",and after reading it, I had hope again. This book not only serves as a thorough analysis of your options, but promotes the option that many doctors don't tell you about. Bobs' advice to be proactive and to take control of pursueing you options, is invaluable.

Being exactly the same age and having the exact same test sores as Bob, made this book even more relevant. This book served as my most valuable tool as I attempted to navigate a very difficult and confusing time in my life. This book also served to reassure me as I learned of the common struggles that we all go through because of this illness.

I appreciate Bob writing this book, it has made a tremendous difference in my life, and I would consider it a must read for everyone over 50 years old.