T Books

Gorky's childhood memories brush a very outspoken picture of `that close-knit, suffocating little world of pain and suffering, where the Russian man of the street used to live.'
It is a world full of brutal violence: husbands beating savagely their wives, severely and intensively flogging of children, gamblers becoming totally destitute, alcoholism, dangerous diseases (smallpox, ulcers) and cruel street games (cock and dog fighting, cat torturing, making fun of drunken beggars). Socially, there is a big chasm between the haves and have-nots: their children cannot play together. The poor cannot feed all their new born babies and expose them.
On the other hand, this bunch of `wild animals' is deeply, but primitively religious. They ask God constantly to forgive their sins.

Despite this barbarous environment, Gorky considers his childhood as `a beehive to which various single obscure people brought the honey of their knowledge and thoughts on life; often their honey was dirty and bitter, but every scrap of knowledge was honey all the same.'
There is also another reason why he put these painful memories on paper: `It is the truth and the truth must be known. The Russian man in the street is sufficiently healthy and young in spirit to overcome the horrors.'

Although he lost his love for his family and was thrown out of their home, he remains highly optimistic for mankind: `Life is always surprising us by the bright, healthy and creative human powers of goodness. It is those powers that awaken our indestructible hope that a better and more human life will once again be reborn.'

Gorky was received with open arms by the communists, but that love story ended in total personal disaster.

This brutal picture of the man in the street should remind us from where we all come from.
Not to be missed.

"Childhood" starts out like many Russian novels; we visit the funeral of a young man. In the midst of all the grief, the young widow suffers a miscarriage and the young orphan is sent to the rather disfunctional home of his grandparents. There the temperment of the patriarch is measured by the severity of the beatings he administers. In the midst of all of this, a young boy grows into adolescence.

Maxim Gorky earns our respect as a writer (and as a survivor). It is hard to fathom such a life but Gorky has used the genre of autobiography to paint as visual a portrait as any novel could create. There may not be action taking place on every page but there are always recollections by a man rediscovering who he is by recreating the influential events of his early life. In sharing this insight, Gorky gives us portraits of many interesting individuals. I hedged away from rating "Childhood" with 5 stars because I didn't mind setting it aside from time to time. It is very good but it is not compelling.

I first read this book as a college freshman and think it must be read by all young adults. Gorky is, after all, the "father of Russian literature" -- yet most people have never heard of this writer par excellence. His storytelling is smooth, intense, and warms the heart like a swig of vodka on a nippy night in Nizhny Novgorod (Gorky's birthplace). Wilk's translation is clear and quite excellent. Gorky's vivid memories of childhood will inspire one to recollect their own experiences growing up.

The finest memoir of chilhood that I have ever read. I never felt like I was reading a translation. Gorky captures the wonder of a remarkable and sensitive soul.

This is the 1st past of the trilogy of Maxim Gorky's autobiography. This is a really good and entertaining book, but contains at times morbid and depressing subject material, especially the unbelievable cruelty of some of the characters. There are some light moments though and if you enjoy realism and a brutal peek at what life was like in early 20th century Russian life for poor folks and enjoy Dostoevsky, you will like this book.

I personally think that Gorky belongs at the top of elite Russian writers.

I have been reading Mo Flames blogs for the last year....I was so impressed by her wit, candor, intellect and truthfulness. I was so excited when I found out she was writing a book. I pre-ordered it months and months in advance.

Well, I finally got my book and needless to say, I enjoyed it immensely. Suspense at every turn.....taking the book with me every where I go and finally finishing it and craving for more. This book will not disappoint!! I also ordered a book for my goddaughter, she loved it, said it was the best book she has read in a long,long time!!!

I am not a big reader. I get bored after a few chapters if the book is not interesting enough and I put it down, never to be picked up again. Not with this book. Hot hot hot. You are hooked from the very first page and can't wait to see what happens next. The descriptive nature of each scene makes you feel as if you are right there. Definitely a must read! I can't wait for the next book of Mo Flames!

Mo Flames is definitely a new author who is destined to take this literary game by storm!!

This book tells you all about Desiree and her quest to find a true soulmate. She starts out with Troy, a NFL player that is nothing but trouble from his fist connecting with her face every chance he gets. She finally comes to her senses and leaves him alone, gets married to another man Jamal and then starts getting busy with her and Troy's mutual friend Derrik...

Sounds like a bunch of DRAMA... well that it is.... Mo steps into many womens' lives with this uncut, hold onto your seat debut novel of hers and I can't wait for this sequel.... Please get this book! Much success, Mo!

You have to give it up to the sister Mo'Flames. It's hot when you first pick it up until you put it down. This is the first book that I read from the author and she don't have to worry - I will continue to support her by buying her books. I can't wait for her to visit our Book Club (D & K Book Club - Sistha's On The Go) when she's back in the tri-state area again. So she can give us some of the info on part two. I would advise everyone to go out and get this book. You think the cover is smoking wait until you start reading it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get you an ice cold drink, get cozy and relax - you will be there for a while!!!!!. Go Mo!!

Mo Flames is hot, hot, and hot. Beware, a towel or even a cold shower maybe required when reading One Ain't Enough; that is how hot this book is.

Girl meets guy, falls for him hard, realizes he is not the one. Girl meets another guy and he is the one...maybe. Desiree Edwards, a woman who can help you make the right choices when it comes to your money, but who is there to help her make the right choices when it comes to love? Will it be her best friend, Brielle, or one of the men in her life; Jamal, her husband; Troy, her ex-boyfriend or Derrik, a mutual friend of hers and Troy?

Desiree's job requires her to do a lot of traveling, and though in the beginning Jamal was understanding and okay with it, the time has come where he really wants to begin a family. When his needs are neglected, Jamal finds a new body to warm his bed. Once he realizes he may have gotten more than what he bargained for, Jamal makes choices he cannot change and would come to regret.

Derrik a true friend, has been holding in his feelings concerning Desiree, because of her relationship with Troy. When they are stuck in an airport together, he sees his chance and takes it as soon as it is offered to him. As the saying goes, what is done in the dark, will always come to light, and when it does sparks will fly, but who will ultimately get burned?

What do you get when you put hot sex and two love triangles together? One Ain't Enough by Mo Flames. I truly enjoyed reading this debut novel. I was a bit perturbed when I completed the book, because it left me hanging and wanting more. Then again I anticipate her next book that I hope will not only tie up some loose ends, but stand up to the quality work Mo Flames put forth in One Ain't Enough. One Ain't Enough is not for the meek or the mild; I do recommend it to readers who can hang with the likes of Eric Jerome Dickey and Zane. This would be a good read to a person with an open-mind, who likes fast-moving drama, and who is not afraid to read erotica in its rarest form.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub

The Blackablys have done a thorough job in researching and summarizing today's secular leadership teaching then contrasting it with spiritual leadership. They point out that many of the principles of secular leadership are of value but the underlying principle of spiritual leadership that differs from secular leadership is that we are to seek God's agenda and not our own. To make their point, early in the book they discuss Jesus as the model for spiritual leadership. Jesus, the very Son of God, did not seek His own agenda, but rather spent hours in prayer to align himself with God's agenda.

The Blackabys also do a great job teaching that spritual leadership is not just for leaders in the church. Spiritual leadership is also required of Christians that are in secular leadership roles. They give us many examples of US Presidents as well as military and corporate leaders that have aligned themselves to God's agenda and have been effective.

We are living in a world that is growing in complexity and the demands on leadership are ever increasing. The Blackabys have shown what an advantage spiritual leaders have in being able to align ourselves to the agenda of a wise and loving God rather than attempting to create our own agenda.

Excelent book. Every leader should read this book. Many good examples of leadership, including President Truman.

We, Christian School teachers, read this and found it very informational. Additionally, it was quite helpful as we learned things that were very helpful in growing and nurturing young leaders of the future.

Drawing from examples of leaders in the Bible, leadership theories, testimonies of ministry and secular leaders, and their own experiences, Henry and Richard Blackaby present a refreshingly helpful and insightful resource on leadership in their book, Spiritual Leadership. Recognizing that Christian leadership today sounds more and more secular than Christian, the Blackabys call on Christians in leadership roles, both inside and outside of the church, to "seek to lead God's way" (17). They define this type of spiritual leadership as "moving people on to God's agenda" (20).

Three main aspects of Spiritual Leadership set it apart from other leadership books and make it highly commendable...

First, it is intended for a broad audience. It is written in a way to be just as helpful for Christian CEOs and other business people as it is for pastors and ministry leaders. In fact, the authors state that they intend this work to be for all Christians who want to make a difference (14).

Second, and most significant, Spiritual Leadership is theocentric in its approach, not anthropocentric. This book is not a do-it-yourself guide to leadership nor is it a self-help book. Instead, it is a refreshing focus on God in the vast sea of "Christian" leadership books today. From the outset, issues such as goals and influence are all presented in terms of God's will. For example, influence is defined as moving people from where they are to where God wants them to be (20). Even popular leadership concepts are reframed in order to present the issue from God's perspective, such as noting how time management really is personal management in order to stay on God's agenda (200). All throughout the pages of this book the Blackabys paint the picture of leadership in terms of God's plans. It is not about advancing one's personal goals. Rather, it is about obeying God and moving people to be in line with His will. The authors conclude that since "God is on mission," the task of leaders is to join Him in that mission and bring people along to join that mission (70). In light of this reality, leaders are urged to make decisions with the reminder that they will give an account before God. The authors remind the readers that the goal is bringing God glory while the reward is finding joy in knowing that they pleased God. In being God focused, this book also recognizes that leaders can accomplish nothing without God. Instead of providing a checklist to be used to achieve goals, the Blackabys encourage leaders to depend on the Lord. In fact, from the outset they state that God calls leaders to do things that only He can do; thus, spiritual leaders must depend on the Holy Spirit (21). Such dependence on the Lord requires a leader to have a vibrant prayer life as well as seek guidance in the Word, from other believers, and even from looking at how God is moving in the circumstances of life. While the repeated stress on dependence and prayer may cause the reader to think "I've heard all of these things ten times already!," such an emphasis prevents the reader from missing the most important theme of the book as well as challenges him or her to remember Jesus' words that are so counter-cultural in the leadership world today: "Apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

Third, Spiritual Leadership focuses more on being than on doing. Instead of offering a program to implement, a check-list to do, or an attitude to embrace, this book challenges leaders to be faithful to God. As in the other themes, the Blackabys are straightforward in this assertion, as seen when they say within the first several chapters that "leadership is more about `being' than about `doing'" (31). The Blackabys believe that being holy and faithful and modeling obedience to God's will are necessary since leaders cannot take their followers deeper than where they themselves are. As such, spiritual leaders must spend much time in the "conscious presence of God" (170). By abiding in Him, spiritual leaders can then encourage their followers to grow in their relationship with God. In addition, such abiding is shown to be necessary since spiritual leadership comes through revelation, not from vision. As leaders and followers seek God, they will be able to join together in accomplishing the work to which He calls them.


All of these themes are repeated throughout the book. By stating them directly in the introductory chapters and repeating them throughout, it is hard to imagine how any reader could miss this counter-cultural, yet solidly biblical, approach toward leadership. By the time readers turn the last page, they can easily articulate the thesis that spiritual leadership is moving people on to God's agenda. They can articulate the reality that leadership is about pleasing God. They understand that such leadership requires abiding with God more than doing certain tasks. Most of all, they recognize that such spiritual leadership, while hard work, is a high calling and a "God-given privilege" (236). Whether you find yourself in a leadership role in the church, in business, in education, or even in your home, the timeless, Biblical principles articulated by Richard and Henry Blackaby will motive you to discern God's will, be faithful to follow the path He has set before you, and do everything you can to bring others along on the exciting adventure of knowing and following God.

I found this book very engaging and was able to read through it without multiple pickups. By this I mean, that I didn't put it down for a few weeks and then pick it up again. Instead, I read through it in about four days. Overall, the book was very good. The only area I would have liked to have seen greater depth was in the decision making process. This was one of the shorter chapters and I felt the authors could have gone a little deeper here.

From a Christian perspective on leadership, this book would definitely be in my top five choices along with The Revolutionary Communicator, The Book on Leadership, Lead Like Jesus, and Christian Reflections on the Leadership Challenge. These other four are fine reads as well.

When I decided to buy this book I wasn't sure about it's content Now I do recomend it to one intends to study theology or use it as a catechesis meterial. It contents is well done e very usefull.

As others have clarified, this review is for the English-only version of Aland's synopsis. I just went through this book for a seminary class on the Gospels, and it is truly an amazing resource.

Aland aligns the four gospels in parallel with each other, so that every time the reader encounters a particular story from one Gospel account, the analogous portion of the same story from any of the other Gospels appears alongside it in another column. And if a story is unique to one Gospel, then the other three columns are blank.

My study of this book has shed amazing light on the life of Jesus, as I have previously only read about Him from one Gospel or another. But reading these stories in parallel with each other provides a fullness to our understanding that is simply impossible when read in isolation.

My only critique is that some of the formatting seemed unnecessarily cumbersome. The footnotes are so prominent as to be almost overwhelming, and some of the spacing was strangely irregular.

Of course, when used for its presumed purpose as a reference book, those logistical issues become less problematic. Ultimately, this is not written to provide devotional readings, and I would not recommend anyone to simply sit down and plow through this entire book. However, for anyone with the task of preaching and teaching from the Gospels or for anyone who simply wants to understand the life of Jesus more fully, I cannot imagine a book that would provide a better way to compare the four Gospels than this.

This book was recommended by someone who already completed their theology studies. They indicated that this is the best synopsis available, and I'd have to agree. While it may not have the original Greek text, the price is right, and it's a great resource to have for study.

If you're in need to see how ALL of the Gospels tie together, this is a MUST. GREAT for Study Groups!!!

Excellent book for anyone who wishes to study the bible and get a better understanding

I was pleasantly surprised to find out this is the book used on a Simply Quilts episode, which I had wanted to buy anyway. A good, fast strip method for making Trip Around the World, Blooming Nine Patch, and other patterns. Lovely photos, definitely worth a buy.

I took a class with this wonderful, spunky lady a few years ago. She makes HUGE quilts, and this book has a great selection of variations. The sizes only include either very large, or baby. But the designs are so simple!

I love this book. I've made a couple of quilts using it and plan to make a few more. I've gotten nothing but rave reviews on the quilts I made using this book and I can't recommend it highly enough. I purged through my quilt book collection and got rid of most of them but this book stayed in my top ten list. The use of color alone is worth the price of the book.

Very clear directions and beautiful designs. Good ideas on blending colors. Great for beginners but interesting enough for the experienced quilter.

This is a great book that includes the Blooming Nine Patch that many have seen popping up recently. There are several very inspiring quilts in here that are not difficult to piece. Great instructions that include even the orientation of pieces to minimize problems with bias edges. I've already done the Blooming Nine Patch and plan to make a few more as the possibilities are endless. This is one book you will definately use and not just look at and enjoy

pam h
[...]

Can't go wrong with Spurgeon. I bought these volumes for a deeper study of the Psalms, and so far they have been amazing. There's more for each psalm that I can really get in to, but that which I do has been all that I could hope for: reinforcing lower view of self next to high view of God; the only kind of perspective that brings any real sense of hope and encouragement.

Spurgeon is still the best. This 3 volume set is essential for a deep and meaningful study of the Psalms. Great for teaching and preaching research. I'm happy to have purchased it and I recommend it highly.

While Spurgeon's magnum opus is neither technical nor devotional it can meet either of those needs. It is inconceivable that anyone would have an interest in the Psalms and not have these volumes on the shelves.

This writing has really opened the book of Psalms. The teaching of Spurgeon is just beyond words.

This is a great commentary series on the Psalms and has the same feel as Spurgeon's sermons. Great resource for any teacher and pastor to prepare in study for the Psalms. Very detailed, which I can't say the same for other commentaries done during this same time period.

The price once again shows how many people have lost interest in both commentaries and our past church saints.

If you are going to be going through the Psalms in your own study or teaching you should definitely have this at your disposal.

I've had this book for a while now. It is absolutely wonderful! After you read it and stop at the points that it says to stop and read certain books of the New Testament, you will have a radically changed view of the NT and the early church. This book is a must have addition for anyone currently interested in organic church life. I've bought two copies of it: one for me and one for my step-mom.

Viola's epic volume "The Untold Story of the New Testament Church" is absolutely the best little guide to understanding the order of events in the life of the first-century ekklesia!

Viola relies on the scholarship of F.F. Bruce, Donald Guthrie, and A.T. Robinson for the dating of the books. He wonderfully weaves together the book of Acts with the Epistles to create one amazing story. Viola follows the story of the church according to Acts and successfully places the epistles in their historical-cultural context. Enabling the reader to better apply the Scriptures to their life.

The New Testament comes alive in movie form as Viola uses some of the best N.T. scholarship to reassemble the entire story of the church as it happened in the beginning! I found that this book was able to give me deep insight into the lives and the circumstances behind the writings of the letters of the Apostles.

Viola helps the reader along with his use of maps and background information on people and places. His book is easy to read. You follow his graphic retelling of Acts and stop to read an epistle at every point in time the book was believed to have been written. His book is fluid and he makes little to no assumptions about the chronology of the events.
(I strongly recommend you read a contemporary translation like the NLT or the Message when following along in the N.T. in order that you might receive a fresh glimspse into the motivation and passion behind the letters. We tend to only see what we've always seen when we read from the same translation.)

I connected with Paul's trials and tribulations in ways I never had before. Many times I had to stop reading just to reflect on the sufferings of Paul and ask myself if I could have endured what he endured.
From the conflict and turmoil of the immature and immoral at Corinth... to the Judaizers and "super apostles" who opposed Paul at every turn... you will not want to stop reading until the story is complete.

However, as Viola points out, the story is not complete. The Bride of Christ is still in a battle bewteen good and evil. The story of the early church is a reminder of the trials that are inevitable for the Christian. Yet... the Bride will endure and will persevere unto the end. This is not a fairy tale or an ancient bedtime story for the religious. It is the ongoing story of the New Testament church. It is our story!

I also want to recommend:

Going to the Root: Nine Proposals for Radical Church Renewal
The Centrality of Jesus Christ (Works of T. Austin-Sparks)
Rethinking The Wineskin: The Practice of the New Testament Church
Pagan Christianity: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices
Paul's Idea of Community: The Early House Churches in Their Cultural Setting, Revised Edition


NOTE: Viola includes Paul's brief trip to Spain. There is little evidence for this and it is certainly a debatable claim among scholars. Some scholars believe that Paul was never released from Rome for a fourth apostolic journey and the letters to Timothy and Titus were written during his initial house arrest in Rome before his death under the reign of Nero.

This book is great, he explains the story of the New Testament in order. Some of it is made up from "Mirror Reading" and extra Biblical history, so don't expect absolute truth. But it will open your eyes to some interesting things that were hidden for you all along.

Frank Viola has, for a long time, studied the modern church. He has written a number of books on church renewal and reform. He is passionate about returning to the methods of the early church and its effectiveness. In The Untold Story of the New Testament Church, Viola has "straightened out" the New Testament, by placing the NT books in chronological order following the events of the book of Acts.

This is a fantastic book. If you really want to understand the New Testament, you can glean bits of information from a sermon here, a convention there, or get it all mixed up by watching a movie (normally not concerned with accuracy as much as drama). But you can save yourself time and frustration by reading this well-written, engaging, and often fascinating book.

This last year I have been exploring the Hebrew roots of Christianity, reading somewhere between 75 - 100 books. (Such books as Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, New Light on the Difficult Words of Jesus: Insights from His Jewish Context and Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church, excel, filled thoroughly with information on their specific topics.) But even after so much reading, I've highlighted nearly every page of this book! The interplay with society and history, and the original meaning and progression of the New Testament letters is thought-provoking and motivating.

This book's clear, enlightening manner will answer questions you've had since becoming born-again (for me that's 29 years). More importantly, it will help correct thinking you were sure you were right about.

For your personal study and understanding, I recommend this book right up there with getting a Concordance!

Pastors, Bible Study leaders, Youth group leaders - prevent misunderstandings of the New Testament from taking root early, or help your students uproot wrong ideas. Though this is not a text book (and the writing is fluid and accomodating) it could easily be used as one. Get this book. See for yourself that it is a crucial addition to your ministry material.

As a publicist who has worked on the journalism side like T.S. Peric, I learned that he "gets it". I devoured this book as a refresher for myself and to learn what others are doing to generate publicity for their clients. I found Peric's tips and advice sensible, simple to understand and applicable to any product or service. It's one of the most thorough and user-friendly books about publicity that I've ever read.

"Wacky Days" is a book that leads you through the many steps you can take to obtain huge amounts of free publicity.
Anyone who has a business, product, or book is sure to find this will become their Bible to return to time and again gleaming nuggets of information from it's pages.
The author uses examples from his own experiences to show how it can be done. The information can be easily adapted to fit your need for publicity.
An interesting and entertaining read that is a definite keeper which will sit on my reference shelf to be used whenever I am doing publicity. In my opinion, Tom Peric does for publicity what Dan Poynter does for self-publishing.

Great book on ideas and practical ways to generate PR for any type of business. From straight-forward tasks to some strategic planning like offering reporters story ideas for future reference or how to get seated on a Board, Peric' has something for everyone in Wacky Days.

Highly recommended.

Wacky Days... explains how to get free publicity and to be recognized as an expert in your chosen field. Mr. Peric' shows you how to approach the media through Tip sheets, professional looking Press releases, and of course the names, dates, and e-mail addresses needed to create your very own holiday!( Mine is going to be "Buy a piece of thrift store art day", 3rd Thursday in June!)his book is a must read if you spend money on advertising your business.
If you are an independent publisher, like me, YOU MUST OWN A COPY!
All fans of Dan Poynter should have this book right next to The Self-Publishing Manual.
Everyone else talks about getting publicity, but Tom holds your hand, and takes baby steps until your goals are reached, 37 small chapters.

His journalism background has really given him a true insiders edge.

At the end of the book there is a section that explains how to affordably hire Mr. Peric' himself by drawing up a plan from Wacky Days..., gathering up media list, writing your press release and allowing T. S. to assess the plan.
This book explains what journalists love to write about,(People and Ideas)

He also explains why stories get written (they were relevant, useful, or interesting!)

I fully recomend you buy this book.

I've never met or spoken with Tom Peric but as I read this book, it felt like I was listening to a trusted friend give me step by step advice on how to publicize my business. I liked his straightforward writing style and how he educates and empowers the reader so that even the most media-shy business owner can read this book and apply its suggestions about how to publicize his or her business. A great book, you'll be glad you read it.

This incredibly valuable book is characterized by almost reckless honesty in combination with a concern for the welfare of patients that I have encountered nowhere else to date.

If it is read casually, there is much of critical value; if studied carefully, there is even more.

Dr. Levine had earned the gratitude of everyone who reads the book as well as all others because, with his trail blazing book, he has put the medical establishment on notice that they can no longer depend on the code of silence that has for so long protected inadequate and impaired heath care professionals. And it's high time.

I agree with all the reviews here - this is a must read. But after you read it go give it to a friend - it could save their life. As for the one review from the Texas man....probably a criminal doctor or someone who works for the pharmaceutical companies!

Ask the nurses who the good doctors are? Nurses like the doctors that are nice to them. The best doctors aren't always nice.

Go to a Teaching hospital if you can? So a resident can do your procedure and round on you? I think not.

Drug companies are out to rip us all off? Dr. Levine doesn't like drug companies because drugs like statins and ace inhibitors decrease his business.

Asked to be transferred during your care? So a new doctor that hasn't been following you can start all over.

Tell the ER doctor to call your Primary care doctor? So he can get whoever is on call for the group and knows nothing about you. Right. Lots of help.

Really weird stuff to come from an MD.

I can't express how important I believe this book to be. I am a business consultant of more than 30 years. I have read extensively in many areas of business - and in Health, Wealth, Happiness, and Success. I'm not a doctor. I'm not sure there isn't some exaggeration here. But, both Dr. Levine and what he says "feels" right. And, even if it isn't, it is a wonderful checklist of things to watch our for and check against. I plan to purchase additional copies for members of my family. I plan to recommend this book to those who attend my seminars.

I was shocked to learn that drug companies and medical suppliers "court" and "pay" (my quotes) doctors to use their products.

The author explains the process behind the FDA approving a drug and that some doctors have a conflict of interest while taking part in the approval process.

Finally...somebody has said what I've wanted to say for a long time now! Good Men Do Exist! Thank You Chris and Aaron! This book is for every Woman looking for a Good Man and for every Man looking to have a lasting relationship with a Good Woman! Order your copy today and you won't be sorry you did!

This book clearly tells what's on the hearts of Good Men! If you're a single lady looking for a Good Man to spend the rest of your life with...THIS IS THE BEST ONE ON THE MARKET TODAY! It changed my way of thinking and it can do the same for you too! A MUST READ!

There are at least 100 words I could use to describe this WONDERFUL piece of literature. Since I can't use them all, let me just say that this book is AWESOME!! Every man and woman on the planet should own it. There is not another book out there in the marketplace that brings you the truth about our relationships like this book. Aaron and Chris have done a huge service for Love everywhere. Also, if you get a chance to attend one of their seminars...do yourself a favor and GO! They will leave you speechless when you see them up close and personal. I'm a good man that has always wanted to say what Aaron and Chris are saying. However, I didn't know how to put it into words. Now I have the words in the form of this wonderful book. Do what I did when I heard these brothers....BUY THE BOOK!!!!

While I applaud the authors for trying to offer a different point of view and I did agree on the few characteristics they managed to put together for the definition of a good man, I must say those are the only positives I managed to identify. This book was a poorly written obviously unedited attempt at African American men to place the blame for their poor dating choices on ambitious women. I expected the book to focus more on positive growth than negative accusations. As an upwardly mobile woman, I am to believe my desires for success have pushed good men to settle and lower their expectations because I am not readily available for them. I would suggest the authors, single themselves, stop lowering their expectations because good women also exist.

If you feel you must read this book then borrow a copy.

Mr. Cokely and Mr. Blake please find yourselves an English professor to assist you with your re-release. If you wish this book to ever get picked up by a major publishing company, you must correct the many grammatical errors and misspellings found throughout the book.

Stop the press, we have a winner. WHY CAN'T YOU SEE ME? GOOD MEN DO EXIST! by Christopher J. Cokley and Aaron M. Blake is a must read guidebook to answering the ladies' ongoing question; where are the good men. The majority of the sisters think they understand men. However, the authors threw down on us sisters and believe me it was the best in your face literature I have ever enjoyed reading.

WHY CAN'T YOU SEE ME? GOOD MEN DO EXIST! is a self-help book that begins with the revolution of dating and the negativity we have about black males including but not limited to the dating outside your race centrum and the metamorphosis of the hip-hop generation. We have come a long way baby from the respectable male knocking on the door with flowers in hand to the assortment of thuggish type males who will blow the car horn yelling your name. Christopher J. Cokley and Aaron M. Blake very skillfully removed the myths that all men are alike and want only one thing from a relationship.

The book highlights that male and female interactions are to be reckoned with because present day attitudes dictate that we have gone beyond the reproach of establishing healthy romantic relationships. WHY CAN'T YOU SEE ME? GOOD MEN DO EXIST! outlines the areas that both male and female need to work on in order to establish a positive commitment with a good man and woman. The sexual revolution has made sex the number one priority between a man and a woman leaving behind education, job status, and financial stability. Therefore, good men have become invisible to the female because her new age definition of a relationship has changed over the years.

The authors' explanations are remarkable and detailed with in-depth research, which makes simple sense. Mr. Cokley and Mr. Blake have opened up doors of understanding about the black male's upbringing and becoming a man. Their priorities differ because of peer pressure and sometimes lack of male role models during the growth and development stages. Some women see them as mere males, fine, smooth talkers, GQ dressers, with money and perhaps a good job; fancy ride and skilled lovers. What I learned in WHY CAN'T YOU SEE ME? GOOD MEN DO EXIST! defines a different side of the black male that comes with mixed emotions and intelligence that reaps havoc with the myths of past and present.

I enjoyed this book because the authors didn't beat around the bush nor did they make excuses, they just presented the good man ideology in a nice package that you can either take or leave it. Mr. Cokley and Mr. Blake truly did their homework. They candidly describe the good man and how you can recognize him.
It is a wonderful page-turner because for once there is hope for seeking a good man, but it is also telling us sisters that we have some serious work to do on ourselves as well. In addition, the poetry selections gave even more depth and soul searching for the reader.

If you're wondering why you can't find a good man, I suggest you run to the store and purchase WHY CAN'T YOU SEE ME? GOOD MEN DO EXIST! You're in for a rude awakening and great insight that reveals it's not just the brother, but it could be you.

Reviewed by Kalaani
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers