R Books

I must be an idiot, because this book really spoke to me. I understood it better than all the other books about Zen that I have read, and it helped me understand those other books, too. It answered just about all of my questions about Zen. I don't know if its definitions of Nirvana, Satori, and Kensho are orthodox or not, but they make me happy, and they confirm some of my own previous ideas. Buddha is right here, right now, and we are only waves in an infinite, eternal Ocean. Meanwhile, back to everyday reality. This book shows how Zen can help even a layperson find enlightenment in everyday life, in work, in play, in relationships, in hardship. It is a finger pointing straight at the moon.

This book is not exactly brimming with the intellectual profundity of Suzuki, let's say, but it's a great little book nonetheless. Not really about Zen, this book is entirely about Zen. You don't have to practice Zen to follow along with it, but if you follow along with it you will be practicing Zen, essentially (Zazen is recommended).

This is really a book about simplifying your life, creating order in your environment, adopting an elegant and understated aesthetic, and taking control of the daily chaos that is American culture without becoming General Manager of the universe. In short, it has nothing and everything to do with Mass-Transit Satori. Make sense? No? Good, then you must be getting it.

I love the Idot and Dummies series of books for making complicated subjects easier to understand, and this is no exception. If you hesitate to buy this book because you think it doesn't have meat, you are mistaken. Not only does this ease you into the subject of Zen, it gives you the tools to start using Zen in your life right now. The book contains additional information on recommended books, internet links, etc. If you are new to Zen like me, this is a great place to start. You will not be dissapointed.

I bought this book based on the reviews here and I am so glad I did! This is one of the top 5 spiritual books I've ever read.

I'd describe it as a nuts-and-bolts, non-religious, no-nonsense reference book for the average person to live a more peaceful life. Most books on the topic seem to assume one has the luxury of time, money, etc. to retreat to a mountain hut dressed in robes. This book offers information on how a REAL person--with a job, family stress, and all that accompanies the typical American life--can achieve more inner peace.

In particular, I have to mention that it gave the ONLY truly useful discussion and advice on meditation I've ever found (and I've searched for answers on this for years); this has allowed me to actually understand meditation and start integrating it into my life. I never thought I'd be able to.

GREAT BOOK.

There you have it, the essence of Zen. You, right here, right now. Reading this review with your full attention. Mindfully.
How simple and great is this? No complicated formulas or history to learn. No need to buy anything (besides this book). No mistakes to be made. You just start living Zen.

Right here. Right now.

The authors of this deceptively simple guide make it easy to grasp this concept, and answer all your questions about how to quickly and easily focus on the present moment (which seems easier said than done for many).

If you've ever longed for peace, calm, and a positive way to live your life, you may find it in the practice of Zen. And what a relief to learn in this guide that you can start right away.

Right here. Right now.

The only draw back is that it doesn't have the Old Testement. However, if it did the book might be to large to cary around. Great reference that allows you to compare 8 different translations side by side.

This is an extraordinary New Testament (because it is eight New Testament translations). While it is probably peerless as a convenient reference resource, and for personal or group study, it is not a good New Testament for casual reading. Because it is eight parallel New Testaments, it is necessarily bulky and can be mildly confusing since the reader must find his/her place every time a page is turned, as will happen every ten verses or so if one is simply reading any given version. This does not amount to a deficiency in this NT, or even to a complaint on my part; it is difficult to image how eight New Testament translations could be presented in parallel in a more reader-friendly format. It is a unique volume; highly recommended for the serious student of the New Testament.

Who *really* needs 8 versions of the New Testament? I certainly didn't! But I *did* want 5 of the popular versions, and this was a very easy and effective way to get them. Here's a listing of all 8, from my very favorite to least...

1. NIV- New International Version '84: Accurate & readable- thank God for the NIV! I might not be a Christian today if it weren't for this version. It was the first time for me that the Bible truly came alive. It's *still* my favorite version!
*Matthew 5:13- You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
2. NLT- New Living Translation '96: *VERY* readable- & still pretty accurate. It's not word-for-word, but I like it! This and the NIV together make for very profitable reading. Add the NASB or NKJV to the mix for *real* rock-solid study.
*Matthew 5:13- You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
3. NKJV- New King James Version '82: Great blend between accuracy, tradition & readability! A word-for-word translation, it retains the popular feel of the KJV. I like it! Many evangelicals insist that the NASB is more accurate, but I'll take the NKJV over NASB any day of the week. It's not that I'm a *fanatic* or anything- it's purely personal preference.
*Matthew 5:13- You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
4. NASB- New American Standard Bible '95: Extremely accurate. Extremely word-for-word. Extremely evangelical!
*Matthew 5:13- You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
5. KJV- King James Version: 1611 Authorized Version. Amazing impact on history. Still valuable today.
*Matthew 5:13- Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

6. CEV- Contemporary English Version '95: *Very* pleasant surprise. This might actually grow on me. Maybe!
*Matthew 5:13- You are like salt for everyone on earth. But if salt no longer tastes like salt, how can it make food salty? All it is good for is to be thrown out and walked on.
7. NCV- New Century Version '91: Kinda plain vanilla. Not necessarily a bad version, but really- how *many* do we need?
*Matthew 5:13- You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its salty taste, it cannot be made salty again. It is good for nothing, except to be thrown out and walked on.
8. TM- The Message '95: Goodness gracious alive! What book am I reading? Actually, it's really pretty interesting. :)
*Matthew 5:13- Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

Any translation from one language to another must compromise due to the nuances of communication in one language or culture vs another. This is especially true when dealing with an ancient language such as NT Greek. For one that does not know Greek, the best way to find the true meaning of the original writer is to compare translations and sift out the real kernels. There are many parallel bibles on the market today, but this is the best for the New Testament that I have found. With the 8 most respected translations on the same page, comparisons are very easy. The layout of the translations on the pages is also very well thought out. With the NCV and CEV side by side, the NIV over the NKJV, the KJV next to the NASB, and the NLT over the Message, the most literal are ggouped in one area with the paraphrases at the other end and the more balanced versions in the center. One thing that I had trouble finding out before I ordered was the exact layout, so here it is: Top row KJV, NASB, NIV, NLT and bottom row NCV, CEV, NKJV, MSG.

I wasn't sure which version of the New Testament to buy, so I bought all the comtemporary versions in one book and I am extreemly happy! I enjoy reading the different translations and comparing. I also feel it gives me a more complete understanding reading through the nuances of all 8. The book is neatly designed and features all 8 on one open page (2 pages), 4 on top, 4 on bottom. I only hope to find a parallel Old Testament Bible.

This is a thorough and well-written biography of Charles Darwin, with emphasis on the torment he suffered as his theory of evolution caused upheaval in the Church and in his own beliefs. Darwin suffered from a debilitating illness (gastro-intestinal in nature) almost his entire adult life. He was also a very emotional man--tears came easily to him. These are just a few of the things I found interesting about this biography. Where his theory might be questionable, however, is not discussed. Highly recommended.

This is one hell of a riveting biography. I've often read biographies of really interesting people, but the writing is so turgid or lackluster, that I find myself wishing a better writer would tackle this story and do it right. Not so with this one, this is a phenomenal book.

Darwin: the life of a tormented evolutionist, the title says it all. Desmond and Moore work around the idea of the tormented evolutionist as a central theme in this magnus opus of Darwins life. The reader is taken on a journey through Darwin as a young lad, collecting shells and minerals, to the debilitated, ailing old man who writes non-stop on many aspects of natural history from selection to a complete and still used encyclopedia on barnacles to orchids and earthworms. But this is not an essay merely about the life and accomplishments of Charles Darwin, it is a story about science and society in the 1800's England. Desmond and Moore create a scene of Darwin getting swept up in the events of Victorian England. They illustrate a man torn by his religious convictions and the interpretations of what all the evidence from his life's research points toward. I relished in getting to know other famous scientists such as Hooker, Wallace, Romanes, Spencer, Tyndall and Huxley, and many others from that time who were among Darwin's followers and critics (i.e. Owen, Agassiz, Duke of Argylle, Mivart, Wilberforce)

A highly enjoyable book for people from all backgrounds and an absolute must read for anyone not so much interested in the complete biography of Darwin's life, but for people interested in the history and philosophy of Victorian England's science.

This is a really first class biography, bringing the full weight of Charles Darwin's "torment" to light. As a devoutly religious man during the oppressively Christian Victorian era, it took uncommon fortitude and intellectual honesty for him to follow the paths down which his researches led him, all the way to the ultimate conclusions which today bear his name.

Much like H.W. Brands's biography of Benjamin Franklin, the authors here do an excellent job of bringing Darwin back to life, both the highs and the lows (including lots of personal tragedy) that shaped his monumental career. Heartbreak played as great a role in his life as discovery.

Compulsively readable without sacrificing detail, all of the major milestones of his life are covered in a personal perspective which gives exactly as much emphasis as events must have had at the time -- even ones which have since reached mythic proportions. This is, as Steven Jay Gould touts on the cover, "Unquestionably, the finest [biography] ever written about Darwin..."

I just completed my second reading of this work. I do feel it is one of the better Darwin biographies. It certainly is not in the same league with Janet Browne's two volume work, but if you cannot get Browne, then this one will certainly do. This work is well researched and certainly presents us with a good look at not only Darwin the man, but of his science. I had to agree with another reviewer who made the observation that reading Charles Darwin's work is much easier after reading this work on his life and times. I also enjoyed the insightful look into the Victorian mind...it was an added bonus. Unfortunately, I have noticed that the anti-evolution folks go through these reviews bashing anything said positive about any of the Darwin Biographies. The study of the man, Darwin, is not necessarily an endorsement of his theory. On the other hand, Darwin and his contemporaries did change the way we look at our world and we do owe them a debt for that, and anyone that can produce such a profound work, indeed, needs to be studied. Any one who denies this simply has their head in the sand. Highly recommend this one. Good biography and good history. Well written!

If you are coming from mainframe DB2, this is the book for you. Phil Gunning does a great job of explaining the many parameters and settings that make up DB2 UDB. Explanations are clear and straight to the point. It helped me to understand the DB2 UDB architecture and to get up to speed quick.

This book has helped my get started on monitoring and tuning my databases. Coming from Sybase, I had no idea where to start. I picked up this book and it guided me through all the monitoring setups and provided a monitoring and tuning methodology -- along with recommendations. This stays on my desk and is very handy.

This book is really well organized. The section on logical and physical design was a good review for me. It reminded me how important a good design is to a successful database implementation. The SQL Tuning, Buffer pool tuning, and DB and DBM CFG tuning chapters have helped me take care of my problem databases and suboptimal SQL.

I found this book to be very useful in tuning SQL and bufferpools. I liked the chapter on Problem determination and the utilities section. All v8 utility enhancements are provided.

The chapters on Type-2 indexes and MDC really helped me better understand how type-2 indexes improve performance now I understand what a dimension is and how to identify good candidate dimensions. The chapter on buffer pool tuning and Sort along with the DBM and DB CFG tuning tips have helped get my boss off my back!This is a great book by a DB2 Consultant.

Although this is a lot different from what a typical "scientific mind" is ready to adhere to, Christel Nani convincingly tells her story.

This book is a WOW! I picked it up because I love reading about medicine, but I quickly found out this book goes way beyond that! It is a fascinating read about medicine, but in a different way! It's a really great introduction to the intriguing world of energy medicine and the mind-body connection. It is Christel's own story about growing into her amazing gift as a medical intuitive and has alot of great medical stories, but it has alot of information for the reader to take away and apply to their own life - positive changes in your beliefs will affect your health and your life in a positive way.

You will love this book if you are open to alternative therapies and realize that there is a whole other side to health, more than just traditional medicine. It is an excellent read - really accessible, and I have recommended it to so many people!

I too work in the medical profession in hospitals & learned about this book from one of my fellow coworkers. This book was a very good book & I really enjoyed Christel's case studies. I gave it 4.5 stars as I was hoping for more information on how to make changes in my life. This book is more a story of Christel's personal journey on becoming a medical intuitive.

After reading this book I wanted to read more of Christel Nani's book, so I got Guidance 24/7. That book focus' on how you can make changes in your life. I would highly recommend that you read Diary of a Medical Intuitive first, then read Guidance 24/7 on how to change your life. I can't wait to read Christel's newest book now.

I have read several of Caroline Myss' books & listened to her CD's. But Christel with her medical background has a very simple way of explaining things.

When I first started reading this book I was amazed at the many similarities with my life's path.
Christel Nani relates her journey in a way that resonated with mine. Her book is easy to understand.
She lays the foundation for a simply devine way to tap into our past so that we can take a good look at what is
keeping us from following not just our talents but our deserving bliss. It all makes sense that if we are so uneasy
in doing and being what we do and who we have become that we can create our dis-ease. Having seen her in person confirmed how talented she is in "knowing" what ails us. She is all-inspiring.
Christal Nani is a true healer.

It's amazing that I found this book just at a time in my life where I was really questioning my connection to God. When I found this book it was so interesting and I could relate to so much of it that I couldn't put it down and I finished it in less than a weekend. Before I read this, my spiritual life seemed to suffer because I often questioned if God really loves me and cares about me. I felt very lonely, alone, and unheard. Christel explains why people feel this way and that there are ways we can treat this sort of "spiritual depression." Believe me, I have read a LOT of books by psychics, empaths, spiritual healing, Reiki, etc. A lot of stuff out there is recycled from previous authors. However, Christel's book is unique, no-nonsense, and to the point while still being very compassionate. I KNOW this is a God-send. This book has helped to give me hope and left me wanting to learn more about her healing techniques that I can practice on myself! In fact, talk about synchronicity: just as I finished reading her book, I found out she is doing a workshop next weekend less than an hour away from my home in California and this is a rare event! This is so meant to be and I am lucky to have found Christel's work.

The first volume of "The Dropas" trilogy, Breaking Through The Walls by Scott R. Etters continues the courageous saga of two brothers Scott and Timm, and their assistant Pockets, in a determined attempt to create a public education in a troubled world of the future. Taking place a mere six years after history's most devastating war, Breaking Through The Walls carries its readers through haunting memories, hardships, unexpected obstacles, a cast of memorable characters, all set in the future of a world recovering from a war that wiped out nearly two-billion people. A promising treaty and the brothers' relentless efforts to aide their people in the fight to bring down the evil Lord Ozone make for an engaging read from first page to last.

There have been plenty of books that take people away into the book, but the Dropas breaking through the walls is a book that takes the reader into His/Her self it is packed with exitment, love, and good moral. i myself know Scott .r Etters and he is the most deep thoughtful person youll ever meet. the book is equiped with little dropas that are so cute and funny. if you like to read this book falls under any criteria. it is abook for everyone in the family. i hope you will take this recomendation seriously because if not it would be a loss to you to not read such a book.

I began reading this book thinking that it was geared more towards 4th, 5th and 6th graders. I soon found myself totally engrossed in it (and I am well beyond that age group!). I fell in love with the Dropas and wished I had a few to call my own. This book showed what can be accomplished when everyone comes together for a common cause. Uplifting for readers of any age.

What I first assumed to be a fantasy novel geared toward adolescent readers turned out to be a sincere and touching story with a message that appeals to any age. As a person who is committed to operating from a thought system based on love and not fear (the guiding principle taught in A Course In Miracles), the story line of The Dropas took me on an inspiring journey that spoke directly to that principle that I hold so dear. Underneath the adventure of Scott, Timm, the quirky Dropas and the rest of the crew lies a deeply meaningful message about the spiritual healing of the world. It is proof positive that seemingly small individual acts of love and kindness have a far reaching power. And that when like-minded folks band together in the name of love, critical mass is achieved and voila! - Good will always triumph over evil! That underlying message prevalent in The Dropas is so uplifting to me! And for that, I will read it over and over again, until the pages are tattered and the print is worn away. Book II, Transcendental Journey, takes the theme even further. It is obvious from the evolution of Etters' writing style and character development from Book One to Book Two that the author, along with his readers, is on his own, very personal journey. These books have enlightened me, compelling me to look at this world and my impact on it in a new, more compassionate and generous way. I highly recommend the first two books in this series, and eagerly await the conclusion to the trilogy.

What a great story! Scott and Timm using their imagination, initiative and a little bit of magic from the Dropas conquer the evil in the world. What a wonderful reminder to look for the good in all people. A book good for all ages.

Great book, notable for the deep insights it provides into its author. This book is not about an Eagle, it is about a man relating to the world.

-- this story is for you. Read slowly a page or two and close your eyes, see the action, smell the air, the ambiance and feel the wind in your face, flowing around your arms and shoulders. If you are into imagination and self-hypnsosis, turn yourself into an American Eagle - regardless your nationality. Turn loose whether you live in Beijing, Rwanda or Lhasa. Be free!

A story the King would definitely love to read more than twice. Story of love, friendship reaching to the ultimate planes of spirituality. Elvis A. Eagle's relentless battle with the world teaches him to spread unlimited love and kindness on earth and beyond...just as Elvis A. Presley has always done. Love you Elvis forever.

Maria Columbus, President, The Elvis Special

After the story pulled me in, I was flying so high that I almost got vertigo while wheeling over the Golden Gate Bridge. Then I could hear Elvis singing and his companions sounding more like the Jordanians than a bunch of owls and woodpeckers. The King himself, God Bless His Soul, would love this book, too.

This book gave me a lot of spiritual inspiration. It is all about life, growing up, bravery, friendship, freedom and American value. I had to stop reading to think about my own life once a while, because it pushes you internally. And furthermore it's very live and moving. I'm amazed by the writer's literary grace, and I think it can be filmazed into a successful catoon movie. This is the book which I will also let my child to read. The only frault (if only can be called frault) is it gives you so many inspiration, you almost can't relax a while.

That's what we thought we should have printed on our next bumper stickers (those of us who have them) after several of us in our congregation read this book recently. Though the work will be hard, the inspiration that Lundgaard gives from Scripture makes you truly want to pursue with the Spirit the righteousness of God. This book, which is very accessible but with much depth, does not condemn, but it sure does challenge!

This is for anyone who has studied the various view points on who is the "I" in Romans 7:14-24.

For anyone who takes an unregenerate View on Romans 7 (Pious Jew; Adamic Humanity; etc). It would be helpful for you to know that the author grounds the thrust of this book on a regenerate view of Romans 7:14-24 viewing the "I" as a regenerate Believer (Either the Mature Christian; Struggling Christian; or Paul himself; etc.) who battles with indwelling sin.

Regardless of your view on the "I" in Romans 7, this book is EXCELLENT and it deals with a Believer's continual battle with sin. The author bring us the work of John Owen in a readable and applicable manner. If you don't hate your sin, pick up this book and hopefully it will help you in your continual pursuit of sanctification.

I would also highly recommend, Thomas Watson's "The Doctrine of Repentance" and "The Mischief of Sin".

I loved this book!!! I have been very frustrated and confused lately watching the behavior of Christians around me. This books helps explains some of what is going on. Instead of just blaming the devil and the world for our sin, he talks about another element...that battle we all have with the flesh.

I really appreciated his way of handling this battle..this is where our focus need to be for all our struggles. This is one of the best books I've read (besides "The Book") for the Christian walk.

Friends, if you are like me, you have looked at your Christian walk in this sex-saturated, me-first, convenience-oriented, I'm-OK-You're-OK world and wondered why you don't seem to have the faith or the purity of heart possessed by Paul or Timothy, Peter, James, or the other martyrs. If you're like me, you've grown content to have a less than obedient, less than satisfying, less than life-changing walk with Christ. And maybe at some point you've thought, "I am sick of sin and I want to know Christ better!" only to slip quietly back into your self-indulgent lifestyle. Worst of all, perhaps you've expected the Holy Spirit to sanctify you passively, so that you don't have to be involved or get your hands dirty.

If so, then this book may be the springboard for a changed life. Learn what sin is--how detestable it is to God, how powerful it is in each of us, how it quietly appeals to us and blinds us to what God really has intended for His children, and then discover tools you can use to change.

I know that my walk will not be the same after reading this book and doing the exercises. It is so easy to read and makes so much sense; I can't believe I was this blind to what sin really is. But now I see.

This book has to be one of the most outstanding books I have read in a long time. What a clear and well ilustrated book. I have used it's contents in my messages, in my counseling sessions and have given it as a reading assignment to my students. It has the makings of a classic.

Gavin Aitken
Professor of Biblical Counseling at Brazil's Word of LIfe Seminary

This set is the best compilation of beginner exercises and meditations I have seen yet. He combines instruction with information to help you learn as you practice. Definitely worth the buy.

I bought this thinking that it was a workout DVD set. I was initially disappointed that it wasn't, but as I watched the DVDs, listened to the CDs, and read the enclosed booklet, I was pleasantly surprised. This was actually so much more. The instruction is more detailed than you will ever get on an exercise DVD. It answers a lot of the questions that have been turning over in my mind. I didn't know it ahead of time, but it was just what I needed.

Ken Cohen is clear in his descriptions - knowledgable of the material - useful in the information and exercises he describes and practices and models in the CD's, DVD's and book. The practice of qigong can be learned well through this material. He is down to earth in his explanations and demontrations, making understanding very accessible.

Without a doubt, Mr. Cohen has contributed, and continues to contribute, to the expositon of Eastern philosophy within Western culture. The walls are slowly crumbling and giving way to the world of self-development and personal evolution. There are two things I would have liked to have experienced from this program. The first would be a less affective tone from the narration. In its place, I would have preferred a more vibrant, inspiring, less-coddling tone. There is too much breathiness in the narration that distracts from the presentation of the basics and has the potential of turning away readers with a more energetic vibration in their hearts. Perhaps a discussion of the more aerobic forms of Qi Gong, such as Nei Gong or Nei Jia, would have been appropriate, but the tone would have contradicted the energizing power behind these forms. Let us not forget that first, and foremost, Qi Gong was a martial art practiced by the warrior classes. It eventually evolved as a spiritual monastic practice, but the monks themselves were warriors by default. Under the despotic rule of unenlightened emperors and warlords, China's priests had a need to develop a martial defense system. As a Qi Gong and Tai Chi instructor, I find that it is a constant struggle to explain to students that Qi Gong and Tai Chi are not practices that are limited to senior citizens. Once I demonstrate Nei Gong, and/or Tai Chi fighting form, students do begin to understand what these ancient practices have to offer. The troubling thing is that most people walk about with a misguided representation of Qi Gong before they are illuminated otherwise. The second experience I would have enjoyed would have been a more global discussion of Qi Gong history and its evolution. Mr. Cohen presents his style without mentioning that there are thousands of different forms of Qi Gong in existence today. To his credit, Mr. Cohen does recognize this fact elsewhere, but not within the scope of this program. That's fine, not a problem, but the consumer can easily walk away thinking that there is only one style of Qi Gong...Cohen Qi Gong. The reader should also note that some of the exercises are incomplete and only offer an introductory sampling of the tip of the iceberg that is Qi Gong. It is understandable that there is a general, economical need to appeal to a wide audience, but the narration and title should explicitly state that all chapters are simply introductory. Nevertheless, there is much merit and reward to be garnished from Mr. Cohen's work. Practice his way and the reader will definitely see an improvement in health, strength and vitality over time. Although not a seminal opus, this product is the culmination of a highly important, and sorely needed, educational service. I encourage all teachers, readers, students and practitioners to allow this introductory work to be a guide towards a deeper practice.

This course is well organized and easy to follow. The 100 day progression is nice, and the material is organized such a way as to allow you to progress at your own pace. There are some nice guided meditations on the CDs, and the video is very easy to understand. Note that this is not like an exercise DVD. You're not going to do your Qigong along with the DVD except for to learn the moves. I would recommend learning a few techniques at a time from the DVDs, and then practicing elsewhere at your own pace and for as long as is comfortable. There is so much information out there on Qigong. This course is a great way to start!

After having our third child in less than 3 years I felt like I was going to go out of my mind. We hired a maid to come in once a week because we didn't have time to cook, shower, eat a whole meal, etc, much less clean the house. We stocked up on "educational" DVD's so I could take care of the baby without the older girls getting into trouble and demanding my attention. We were going out of our mind trying to keep up with it all!

About a month into this I decided to ask our pediatrician if he could suggest any good books on child rearing and he said anything by John Rosemond. This is one of several books that I've read by him since and it's hands down my favorite book by him, and on raising children period. I was going crazy trying to take care of my kids and the house, but his advice on doing less, not more with your kids assuaged my guilt and saved my sanity! We have since laid off our maid as I clean and cook with the kids around. They know they have to play on there own when I'm busy now, but that I'll make time for them when I'm done. We've also cut the plug on our television and they're playing so much better now. They fight less, do more together and play well on there own. Their attention span has tripled and we don't even need the TV as a crutch because they're too busy imagining and creating new, fun things to do!

This book, or John Rosemonds 6 Point Plan for Happy Healthy Children should be required reading for all parents. His views are considered conservative, but as a liberal at heart, I have come to the conclusion that they're really all just plain common sense. John Rosemond, thank you for saving my sanity and for bringing peace and happiness back into our home.

but you don't need to remain totally in the dark and child centered.

Child-centered families leave nothing for children to aspire to, except continued whining and selfishness.

Become an adult and your children will naturally want to follow. Well, most will. Let the guilt go, and no longer suffer from GAS...God Almighty Syndrome.

This book is a must-read. Some of the advice should be handed out in the maternity ward (TV, toys..)The chapters of respect, responsibility and resourcefulness are packed with good points and valuable information.

The only point is that parenting "accoring to grandma" is pretty soon going to have to be changed to parenting accoring to "great grandma." A lot of us parents now were born in the late '60 and '70s.

Now, I will warn readers that Rosemond certainly has a conservative slant, so be aware of that. But please don't pass it up due to that. Read around those parts if you don't like them. It is also worth pointing out that despite a strong conservative overtone, this book does not bash working or single mothers. This book is also VERY pro-father, which is nice to see for a change. The book makes it very clear that dads DO matter!

As a mother with a large family by today's standards (5 children), there is no way I would stay sane using today's "psychological" parenting methods. A Family of Value book is the only parenting book that I have read that actually gives pareting tips that I can apply. So much of the "psycological" parenting advice is so tedious and requires so much thinking about every little thing that I gave up due to it being so overwhelming and time consuming. The tips in this parenting book, however, are simple, clear, common sense and WORK. If I seriously tried to be a parent of today and thought I had to spend hours on the floor with each child (separatly) and had to make charts for this and that and had to pay 2K a month for this and that activity for 5 kids, I would be in the looney bin. Thanks, Mr. Rosemond, for letting me and other parents it is OK to not do all this stuff.

The book's strong points are in emphasizing: the importance of not doing too much for your child, the downside of TV and video games, teaching children the value of money, the downside of overscheduling, the importance of play with peers as opposed to too much play with adults, the value of teaching childen not to interrupt adult conversation, why you should not bail your child out of all problems, and the importance of putting your marriage first. The book is very marriage oriented saying that a strong one is the best thing you can do for your child(ren).

Other valuable points that I wish were emphasized more: the importance of reading daily with your child, family dinner importance, and the value of doing activities as a family (game night, weekend trips etc.). I know Rosemond supports these things, I just wish more had been mentioned about them in this book.

This book cuts through 6 decades of crazy parenting advice, and returns to the timeless wisdom that raised centuries of children.

Entertaining, as well as easily memorable.

Parenting is not impossible, nor is it to be left to government or ivory-tower elites. Rosemond reminds us of how successfully our grandmas raised our parents - and why!

This book has been very helpful for our family. My husband and I give this book to couples who ask us what we have done to have such respectful and well behaved children. We also give it to friends and families who are new parents. We absolutely love the teachings of John Rosemond and we have read several, if not all his books. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a respectful, resourceful, and responsible child.