K Books

Jacquie Gordon has drawn an exquisitely detailed and joyful portrait of the relationship between a precocious teenager and her young teacher. The growing tension between them, set against a backdrop of life in a 1950s private school, will keep you glued to its pages way past your bedtime. I adored Ms. Gordon's sensitive biography, Give Me One Wish, of her daughter Christine and am delighted to find this wonderful fictional debut is just as fascinating.

Flanders Point is a sensitive, fascinating romance, not, as Kirkus would have it, for the juvenile trade, but for anyone who likes good novels about complex relationships. Charlotte Delafield, the heroine, has survived a very unpleasant childhood. At the Haddam school in Flanders Point, she not only survives but thrives, and the love that develops between Charlotte and her young English teacher, Brian Parton, is powerful and dangerous. Both them are young, but both are also strong enough to avoid the dangers. This is a strong, faascinating story.

An all girls school, a crush on the English teacher, divorce, rape and jeolousy - as an alum of an all girls high school, I could not resist the story line and I was not disappointed. This book captured the all the intensity and subtlety of the relationships between men and women without sensationalism. It was quietly erotic and full of suspense without really being a "mystery." One of my favorite aspects of this book was the author's inclusion of the ecology of the setting in the form of the main character's love of the local natural environment. It brought the Connecticut shore to my senses in the same fashion that "Water for Chocolate" made my mouth water

From the very beginning, I couldn't put this book down. When I wasn't reading it, I just seemed to keep thinking about the characters and the story. Jacquie Gordon paints a glorious picture of a forbidden relationship. This is a definite must-read if you're in the mood for a sentimentle, beautiful love story!

OKay, I admit it. I have a problem.
The real reason I read books like this one is that I am constantly searching for something that will bring to life my old crush on an Economics teacher of mine. I have come to consider myself a connoisseur of the teacher-student love story.

The prognosis of Flanders Point?
It is the BEST teacher-student love story I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The breakdown in the tension does take a long time in coming, but when it does... ah. It's worth it. Brian is well likable. We identify with Charlotte. And Gordon handles each side of the story with grace and reason in a sometimes dark and unreasonable cliche of a storyline.

Simply put, I loved it. I've read other teacher-student stories like it, "Innocents" by Cathy Coote, "A Kiss Remembered" by Sandra Brown, "Treacherous Love" by Beatrice Sparks, "Pure" by Rebecca Ray. But they just don't create the same emotional attachment to the characters that Gordon has accomplished with Flanders Point.
Check it out, Buy it, Just get your hands on it!!!

The Florida Manatee : Biology and Conservation is the best book about manatee. It is writing on a easy way to read, even for people that are no so good reading English, cover everything you want to know about manatee, and explain why there are so amazing and unique among marine mammals. A great gift for yourself or for a friend!

This new book was both easy to read and quite informative, covering the history of Florida's lovable manatees, their lifestyle, biology, and a look at their future. I visit Florida on an annual basis to snorkel with manatees and this book is the best resource I've found for up to date manatee information. It comes highly recommended.

The Florida Manatee, Biology and Conservation book is a very complete and good overview about manatee and a really interesting book. It contain a lot of informations writing on an easy and agreable way to read and to understand for everybody interesting on manatee. I recommend this book to everybody interesting on learning more about manatee. A really great book!

The Florida Manatee is possibly the best book on manatee biology, behavior, ecology, and current research available. It provides indepth information about manatees in an easy to read format that can be used by the layperson, scientist, or wildlife manager. I would recommend this book to anyone who has interest in one of the world's most endangered and lovable mammals!

I bought this book for my niece who is a marine biologist. She loves the book. And really likes the personal stories. I read the book as well, and found it to be extremely informative about manatee biology and issues. This book also provides a unique introduction into the world of real working biologists, which i found to make it alot more fun to read. The pictures were great too! Definitely a must read for any one interested in manatees or marine mammals!

A wonderful book for botanists or any traveler heading to the Galapagos. It covers 436 flowering plants and provides photos of more than half. It also introduces the botanical history of the islands and their varied ecological zones. Its boasts clear text and some exceptional pictures.

I have been intrigued for years by the plants, animals and birds of the Galapagos. Not only have I found the perfect field guide for flowering plants written by Dr. McMullen but, in addition, this book will serve a dual purpose as a guide for my own visit and that visitors to my home will find it on display among my favorite and frequent references. The pictures are beautiful with detail and clarity. Keep up the great work Dr. McMullen and I hope your obvious hard work and labor continue to bear fruit.

This is a GREAT book! The descriptions are concise and accurate, and the photographs are excellent as well. This guide is clearly head and shoulders above all other existing literature in terms of utility. If you can only buy one book about the islands, this is it.

I found the "Flowering Plants of the Galapagos" to be a very useful and user-friendly flower guide. The discussion on how to use the guide was thorough yet simple enough for the botanical novice to understand the information. The "Introduction" section was helpful in acquanting the user with the general characterists of the archipelago and the vegetation zones of the islands. This section not only assists the reader in knowing where specific plants may be located, but also gives some insight into the ecology of the plants. I found the key to be one of the most straight-forward and user-friendly that I have used. Even the most botanically challenged individual could easily work through the logical progression of choices offered in the key. The amount of information given with each plant is also a positive attribute to this guide book. The author clearly outlines the range of the plants and lists the islands in which the plants inhabit, which is a very useful piece of information. The habitat is given along with a thorough description of the plant. Lastly, the additional comments offer a nice touch of the plants natural history, use, or some other piece of interesting trivia. I thought the author did a superb job of presenting the amazing flora of the Galapagos in a simple, easy to understand fashion that any visitor could appreciate. Lastly, the quality of the photos truly add to the attractiveness and effectiveness of the book.

It would have been a lot easier to have been a naturalist guide in the Galapagos if we had only had this book. This is a treat and a treasure! The plant life of these incredible islands has been overshadowed by the antics of the wildlife and threats of El Nino. They can now take front stage with this useful guide that even a novice will find easy to use. The pictures are beautiful and the descriptions accurate. For those that use this book, they will introduced to a special world that has been ignored. Conley - you have made all Galapagos Guides very happy!

Like so many of us, Mark obviously loves tropical trees with gorgeous flowers. He has gathered together the best of the best and his photos are exceptional. Most of the trees covered are not just restricted to Florida but can be grown in other tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world.

This book is an excellent reference book for Florida trees. The photography is absolutely beautiful. It allows the reader to easily identify a tree and then read about it as a layman or a more advanced horticulturist.

I believe it is a must buy for newcomers to Florida as well as anyone interested in flowering trees in the south.

A must for your Florida flora collection.

This is really neat little book, well-printed and with top quality color pictures. The pictures are supported by brief and informative texts. The book gives a good overview of trees that blossom profusely with showy flowers and that are suitable for planting in the tropics. Beyond an emphasis on (C-& S-) American species and the use of Florida common names there is nothing in the book that ties it to Florida in particular.

This is a great reference book for flowering trees. The photos are outstanding. Includes a view of the whole tree and then a close-up of the flowers. Also good info about each tree.

I live in Southern California and most (if not all) can also be grown here. I want them all!

I highly recommend this book!

Planning on a move to Florida from Michigan, I was lost as to what kind of trees to landscape my large yard with. This book is wonderful! Especially helpful are the clear, color photos of both the flowers close-up, and then the entire tree in its flowered state. These pictures show the trees "shape" when full grown also. I'm so glad I got this, it will definitely help with my decisions on what trees to buy!!

One day, someone told me this story. I was so moved by the story that I checked Amazon and they had this beautiful book. The story and pictures have become a very important symbol that I have bought numerous copies to hand out to the teenage boys that have difficult lives that I have worked with at school. In addition, I keep a few on hand to give out to anyone I feel needs to have this wonderful book. It is my hope that they can refer back to it when life gets very dark for them. This story is more than PMA, it is true. It was awesome to read where the story originated from and the watercolored pictures and tastefully done. In addition, the information about the author is very touching and the forward by Bishop Tutu is remarkable. Yes, you will want to buy this book. Yes, you do!

This was a wonderfully illustrated children's book sold at an African gallery in New York City on Broadway. An old tale from Ghana about how an Eagle realized it was the King of the Birds, Majestic, Regal, and meant to SOAR rather than grovel on the ground with chickens. Nothing is sadder than a soul who won't claim their best self and rise up to the challenge.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together and in the words of Les Brown "You can go out every day and find pidgeons but it takes time to find eagles, and eagles fly!"

Teach your children to claim their Eagle spirit today!

This African Tale is about a farmer who comes across a baby eagle and decides that he will raise it as a chicken, and so he takes it back to his farm and puts it with the other chickens. The eagle soon learns how to act like a chicken. Everything continues on fine until one day the farmers friends comes over and says this is no chicken this is an eagle and he belongs in the sky. It takes the man three times until the eagle flies away into the sunset. I like this story because it shows how much things change depending on their current environments, and sometimes that environment can hold us back from being the best we can. The author does a great job at portraying the act of finding ones true self and become independent. The illustrations in this book are also great.

I truly enjoyed this children's picture book, which appeals to all ages, because of the inspiration and message it conveys. In Africa a small eagle chick if found lost after a storm. It is taken back to a village where it is raised as a chicken. It talks, walks and eats like a chicken unto one day a visitor notices that amongst the chickens there is an eagle. He tries everything to get it to fly but it believes and acts like it is a chicken, until one day he takes it back to the mountains where it was found as a chick to meet the sun at sunrise. Upon the mountain, once taken from the environment it has been placed in and seeing the bright light of the horizon and the view it realizes it can fly and does so and never lives the life of a chicken again as it soars high in the sky.

I loved the message because it shows that we as a people have been treated like chickens by society, but we are truly royal eagles. Don't be content on being a chicken, but stretch forth your wings and fly! The illustrations are wonderful, and the message is worth attaining the book alone. This is a good book to add to the treasure chest of books within your home or your children's collection to inspire them to spread their wings and fly to reach new heights in the horizon's light! God is Love!

I bought this wonderful book for my nephews and loved it so much I'm buying another for my grandson. The story of an eagle that is brought up among chickens and thinks and acts like a chicken until it is encouraged to fly like an eagle has several messages. I'm a prison chaplain and it reminds me of the men and women who could be soaring on eagles wings if they can break out of the mold of their emotional environment. It has a spiritual message - we are children of God and can live a victorious life if only we will appropriate it. It also can illustrate the release of the soul at death. But it is definitely a delightful tale in it's own right.

April 15th is a notorious date for most people. It's one that is filled with either anticipation or trepidation. There's not too much middle ground. With this date as the national tax day, each year we are faced with paying our common uncle his due. In her book, FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY, Shannon Nash sets up to explain the in's and out's of taxes in a clear, yet entertaining manner. She uses practical, real world examples coupled with some of our favorite songs to help demystify an otherwise cloudy topic.

This book leaves no stone unturned - there is something for everyone! Ms. Nash does a fine job in starting with the basics of a federal tax return, the 1040, and explaining the various filing status and eligible deductions. Other items that are covered in the book are various tax topics, such as partnerships, itemized deductions, capital gains and losses as well as IRS Audits, just to name a few.

You'll be doing yourself a disservice if you do not pick up a copy of FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY, even if you're a seasoned tax professional. The topics were covered in an informative manner that was clear yet humorous. The references to songs at times was a bit cumbersome, yet all in all, this was a helpful guide into an otherwise complicated topic. This is the first book I read authored by Ms. Nash, but I will look forward to future reads by this author.

Reviewed by Nedine
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

In this post-Hurricane Katrina world one of the things we should have learned: rainy days will come, so be financially prepared. The 411 gives easy to read instructions on how to be comfortable now and later, and how to survive those rainy days. If you're ready to become a financial success--no matter how much or how little you make--this is the book for you.

Get rich or protech your millions and have fun while doing it... That's what investing and this book are all about. The 411 will take just about all readers (including those who have already been successful) "to the next level". I highly recommend it, especially the expansive Chapter 10: FAQs.

-Steve

Every business owner/entreprenuer should buy this book! It masterfully breaks down some of the most important money matters and tax tools business owners need. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, this book gives clear and concise information in an easy to understand and humorous way.

Owner
Reliable Distribution Group, LLC

While other books tend to get wrapped up in technical jargon leaving readers with unanswered questions, this book does the exact opposite. By tapping into the world of music, "For The Love of Money," directly correlates tax terms with melodies and rhythms using old school R&B artists and today's Hip-Hop icons. Navigating through 1040s just got easier thanks to Shannon taking the "how" and "why" approach. And, for those "blessed" folks looking to invest, here's an introductory guide for playing the Wall Street numbers game. This is a fun read. Too bad text books aren't written this way - we'd have a lot more people interested in majoring in finance and business. I definitely recommend this book!!

Forever Rose is a delightful read, just like the rest of the series.

Rose, now aged eleven, is growing up, but she is still as charming as ever. With her two best mates, bold Kiran and (((boring))) Mollipop, they enjoy little adventures while trying to outwit the dreadful Mr. Spencer.

Indigo is trying is best to befriend the troubled David and find a space for his cumbersome drumset. And Saffron and Sarah are as busy as ever with extra Spanish.

Eve is spending more time than ever in her garden shed fighting off her relentless illness and forgetting that Christmas is only a few weeks away.

Which is what Rose keeps trying to remind everyone of. Will there be Christmas in the Casson house?

Caddy hasn't been heard from. What surprise is she hiding? And is it the reason that Michael won't talk to Rose?

And what of Darling Bill? Will he finally come home to stay?

This last novel in the Casson series ended perfectly. My only complaint is that it is the last one. I'll miss being a part of the Casson family!

The final installment in the popular, award-winning series about the Casson family and assorted friends stars and is narrated by its craziest (among eccentrics), youngest and most endearing character, Rose.

Artistic, volatile Rosey Pose is unappreciated at school by an unimaginative teacher and lonely at home in a house that used to feel too small.

Where has everyone gone? Plus, she doesn't read and certainly doesn't care for the books people keep putting under her nose.

Rose and her best friend Kiran do go along with a scheme to spend the night in the arctic foxes' shed at the zoo.

Who finds Rose? Her own missing and beloved oldest sister, Caddy. Caddy has a surprise of her own, one that will bring all these quirky characters together for a most satisfying conclusion. Oh -- and Rose discovers the joy of reading all on her own. Rosey Pose, your readers love you!

[Review originally appeared in the Palo Alto Weekly, 7/9/08]

I love these books almost beyond words. They are written in such an amazingly sweet, funny and eccentric way that, like Harry Potter, it's nearly impossible to put them down. Forever Rose is the fifth and final book in Hilary McKay's acclaimed series, the others being "Saffy's Angel", "Indigo's Star", "Permanent Rose" and "Caddy Ever After." Regardless of the title of the previous book, the last three have really been about Rose, who is, in my opinion, doubtlessly the most endearing character in the series.

The story centers around Rose Casson, who I believe is now in fifth or possibly sixth grade (Year Six in England). Her siblings (Cadmium, Saffron and Indigo -- the children's artist parents named them after colors) seem oddly busy, Caddy being the exception, as she has gone missing, and don't have much time for Rose. Her new teacher is nasty and self-absorbed, her father comes home even less than usual, and her mother is, as always, very absent-minded. But Rose finds things to do (as she always does!) with her friends Kiran (wild with wilder ideas) and Molly (boring). The three come up with an amazingly daring plan -- although possibly not for Rose, for whom nothing is too much.

Caddy's surprising news highlights the eccentricity of the series, and, as expected, all the loose ends do get tied up -- and definitely in a way that makes you laugh, cry and feel like writing Hilary McKay a letter of protest for ending her series, which, by the way, I very nearly did. I'll stop writing this review before I reveal too much. But read Forever Rose. It's definitely worth it. And if this is your first time with the Casson family? Go back to the beginning and buy "Saffy's Angel".

Okay, you should know that all things considered, I invariably choose fantasy over contemporary realism, and I can usually keep my head when reviewing and not gush. BUT--Hilary McKay's five books about the Casson family are among my all-time favorites. EVER. I LOVE the delicate blend of humor and truth and trouble and compassion in every one of these books. The characters are so quirky and likable and real--not only the Casson kids and their rather odd parents, but secondary characters such as David and Sarah, as well. In this last volume, even the various school teachers shine in their brief cameos--and the bits about the first grade Nativity play are the funniest thing since The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

I ordered Forever Rose the second I saw it was available and opened it up with bone-deep joy, then had one of those minor panic attacks that can sweep down upon avid readers: "What if it's not as good as I think it will be? As good as I want it to be?" But it was. In this book, the youngest Casson, Rose, is grumping her way through a pre-Christmas season beleaguered by a mother with an endless cold, a truly awful sixth grade teacher, and siblings who are clearly growing up and away and leaving her behind. Among other things. Like--how might someone get away with spending the night at the zoo? (In the arctic foxes' shed, of course. The foxes are apparently out of town.)

I do strongly recommend you read all of the books in order, since you'll enjoy this one far more if you do. I mean, I imagine you can still have a good read without doing that; I just wouldn't recommend it.

There is an air of magical realism about McKay's Casson books, even though there isn't a scrap of actual magic in them. (The main character does have some interesting things to say about fairy tales in Forever Rose.) I personally find real life--the people and words and sights and sounds of it--magical in its own right. McKay somehow manages to capture that world-faith/world-joy in her Casson books. It's also quite an accomplishment to write such hopeful books about life and family without being the least bit didactic.

I'm just so happy today, having spent some time with the Casson family again. Thank you VERY much, Hilary McKay!

Perfect, perfect, perfect. This book is brilliant; the perfect ending to this series. I adored the first two books in this series, was disappointed in Permanent Rose (what was the deal with Rose's father anyway), and felt hopeful with Caddy Ever After. However, in Forever Rose, the Casson family is back with all their eccentricity, humor and warmth. McKay takes all of the loose ends (Caddy and Michael) and ties them together. Very satisfactory.

I loved this book. The first time I read it, I could not put it down until I was finished, and I have read it many times since. I think Ms. Garlock develops her characters well. I can almost see them when I read the book. Victoria is a very independent woman with a definite soft side. Mason is a world - weary guy who just wants to settle down. The children and their suffering (unfortunately) is very real. This was the first Dorothy Garlock book I read and went on to read as many others as I could find - all of which were wonderful.

Victoria is forced to part with her beloved ranch home to the very masculine Mason Mahaffey and his brothers and sisters. The friction that begins with Mason and Victoria can only lead to love and passion. As Mason struggles with the decision of giving his siblings a home or letting Victoria have have her ranch, the readers will feel deeply for both characters. In the end love rises and soars between Mason and his "Golden Girl" to create one of the best books ever! Dorothy Garlock has truly delivered one of the greatest romance novels of all times!

I have read several of Dorothy Garlock's books and this is definitely one of her best. This is a romance set in the days of the American Wild West. The heroine, Victoria McKenna, is appalled to discover that her devious half-brother has illegally sold the family ranch, deeded to Victoria in their father's will, to the hero, Mason Mahaffey, and his rather large family of younger siblings. While awaiting the outcome of the legal dispute over the property, the Mahaffey's take up residence at the McKenna Ranch. They soon discover that the ranch is a resting spot for various vagrants,and possible criminals, all of whom are welcome to rest, lodge, and eat with no questions asked at the McKenna Ranch, a precedent set by the Victoria's deceased father to prevent getting gunned down. A relationship develops between the main hero/heroine couple of Victoria and Mason, as well as the extremely well depicted romance between Mason's sister Nellie and one of the vagrant cowboys,Sage, who has a secret troubled past. It was actually the secondary character's romance that was especially endearing and had me reading page after page to find out what would happen to them. The story has plenty of action and adventure,a nasty villain, as well as danger and mystery. A very good story with lots of fun, humor, and touching romance. A keeper.

I know I say this with each and every Dorothy Garlock book that I read... but this is the best one yet!!! I think this is my all time favorite book!!! I just couldn't put this book down!!!

Mason purchases Victoria's ranch from her brother, while in England. However, the ranch was not for her brother to sell, as it was left in a last minute will to Victoria. Nevertheless, Mason shows up with the right paperwork, and deed of sale - and the will Victoria has that her father made out before he died, hasn't been recorded until she brings it in to her lawyer's office. The will was witnessed by an employee at the ranch, and although it appears to be valid as well... Victoria and Mason must wait out the lawyer's research to find out who actually has the right to the property. Only both Victoria and Mason understand that possession is nine-tenths of the law, so Mason refuses to stay anywhere but the ranch until things are settled.

In the meantime, Mason brings his two sisters and three brothers to the ranch... which further upsets Victoria, watching her home be taken over by this big family. The family, determined to be together, and Victoria determined to be alone... all have some sacrifices to make.

It's a fun story to read, with these strangers being forced on each other... all trying to claim their legal property, but finding much more than a new home. That's not all to the story, like classic Garlock quality, the story is full of gunshot wounds, villians and outlaws, and danger lurking from all corners.

Be prepared to stay up all night reading "Forever Victoria" by Dorothy Garlock.It has adventure, mystery and passion. You have to read it, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Fractals make headlines from time to time[--are they everywhere?], and and they make lovely color pictures; but they are also part of a substantial mathematical theory, one with an
exciting mathematical history. This very important book presents
the subject in a way that it can be taught to students, and it starts with the basics, systematically, step by step, building up the material. Or it can be used for selfstudy! It has great exercises too! In view of the many applications to geometric analysis, to PDE, and to statistics, it is likely that fractal geometry will soon be a standard math course taught in many (more) math departments. By now it is widely recognized that the selfsimilarity aspects of the wavelet algorithms are key to their sucess. The book came out in 1990, and the author has an equally attractive book on the subject from 1985[The geometry of fractal sets] with a slightly more potential theoretic bent.

I appreciate Falconer's books on fractal geometry because they show the topic as it really is: a whole mathematical discipline on its own right and not just a nice temporary fashion.

It begins introducing basic topological concepts and then proceeds to develop the theory for several possible definitions of fractal dimension, showing the relations between them. Then it explores deeply the local geometry of different kinds of fractal objects, and studies some other geometrical situations, like the pojection of fractals (ever thought of a DIGITAL sundial? Here it is described!).

The book also includes a lot of applications to other areas of mathematics and physics, a great amount of graphics, and much more.

The text is suitable from third year undergraduate school and on. It is a larger but lighter version of "The Geometry of Fractal Sets".

I agree with all that was said by the other reviews here but add one important point. The physical layout, (typeface, drawings, whitespace etc.) of this book is brilliantly done. This is often overlooked by the producers of technical works who do it "on the cheap", but it is vital if one is to use the book day after day, as I have had to.

While the subject matter is not easy, this is an excellent book to motivate one to get stuck into the underlying mathematics. The reward is a little insight into the often beatiful theorems and practical results found in this stimulating field of study.

The first part of the book is essentially of a theoretical nature, with a thorough treatment of fractal geometry at a mathematical point of view. The second part on the other hand provides a flavour of the problems of fractal geometry in practice...so mathematicians as well as people interested in applications only should both find this book interesting. The maths are not easy but quite "understandable" for science undergrads...some notions of calculus or topology would help... but the introduction is excellent and allows anyone to follow the course of the book (but for understanding the proofs a good math background is required).

Excellent for understanding the geometrical properties of fractals.

The book opens the doors of mathematics: it isn't an easy door, but well worth the effort. It bridges the gap between beginner texts and advanced study and covers the basic material in a hard hitting manner. Those looking for "giltz" should look elsewhere. It is a book of great understanding and depth. Your unique Associates ID is: thefractaltransl.

David Banner's FrameShifting: A Path to Wholeness is one man's full-immersion journey on the spiritual path. Banner shares his tale of a lifetime of in-depth explorations of roads to fuller states of consciousness, and their remarkable effect on his psyche, as ego falls away bit by bit, and new awareness, insight and often radically different (and enlightening) perspectives about self and world emerge.

The voyage described here is imbued with a sense of joy and wonder at every turn, and Banner is eager to share what he has learned, not necessarily for others to follow his particular path, but as a highly useful conceptual model for change and an inspiration to all who set forth to find their own unique way. His approach is that of one who forthrightly encounters the events in his life, even (or perhaps especially) when difficult times put forth a steep and rocky path, and Banner finds the lessons to be learned and the growth to be gleaned from the experience.

In short, FrameShifting is a delightful read, a view altering experience, and a rich resource for those seeking a more fully developed consciousness.

David Banner's Frameshifting: A Path to Wholeness is one man's full-immersion journey on the spiritual path. Banner shares his tale of a lifetime of in-depth explorations of roads to fuller states of consciousness, and their remarkable effect on his psyche, as ego falls away bit by bit, and new awareness, insight and often radically different (and enlightening) perspectives about self and world emerge.

The voyage described here is imbued with a sense of joy and wonder at every turn, and Banner is eager to share what he has learned, not necessarily for others to follow his particular path, but as a highly useful conceptual model for change and an inspiration to all who set forth to find their own unique way. His approach is that of one who forthrightly encounters the events in his life, even (or perhaps especially) when difficult times put forth a steep and rocky path, and Banner finds the lessons to be learned and the growth to be gleaned from the experience.

In short, Frameshifting is a delightful read, a view altering experience, and a rich resource for those seeking a more fully developed consciousness.

FrameShifting: A Path to Wholeness
By David K. Banner PhD
Loving Healing Press, Publisher
ISBN: 978-1-932690-55-2

In this book the author explores the world of the ego. He presents ideas as to what it is and how to recognize when our egos are running our life, which is most of the time. Throughout the book the author also presents many different ways to learn to move from a more egocentric frame to one that allows us to live in a more unified way with everything else.
In this book you will not find firm concrete answers to the question of the ego but you will discover tools that the author has used in his own process. Each of the tools are discussed enough to let the reader have an idea of what they are about but he does not go into detail about each one. They include such programs as The Course in Miracles, The Avatar Program, and the Enneagram to have a better understanding of our own Ego and how it presents itself in the world. What the author does in this work is show you how he has taken from many programs throughout his journey to arrive at the place he is at now. He describes in somewhat self-conscious detail his own journey. He also encourages the reader to explore and do the same. He never insists on a particular program but offers ideas to the reader on where they can look and what they may find when they get there.
I enjoyed this book and found more than anything that it was inspiring to me. I have already done a little work with Avatar and other similar programs and after reading this book I feel encouraged to explore a bit more and to find more time for meditation in my life. I think a key word here is that this book is in a self-help kind of category of work. It is not meant to do the work for you but it assists you in helping yourself. I recommend it to anyone wanting to examine the way they relate to the world and do something about it.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (6/08)

One month ago, while praying, I decided to surrender certain aspects of my life that I felt I had no control over. Things started to get easier for me. Yesterday afternoon I realized that I was doing better, so I decided to surrender more aspects of my life I felt I wanted to lose control of. This is not easy to do, but it is easier once it is done. Then last night I picked up "FrameShifting: A Path to Wholeness." The timing was perfect; of course.

In "FrameShifting," Dr. Banner shares his personal journey of self-exploration with us. He tells about the tools that he used that were valuable to him. This is what makes the book so interesting. Even though we all have our own stories and paradigms from which we view our lives, many of the tools to help us overcome our egos can be shared by all. It is our egos that seem to hold us bound in fear. Our false ego identity keeps us separate. Our ego uses fear to control us. I found it interesting to read what the ego really fears is the death of itself. If we overcome our egos, we find our True Self, which is connected to everything.

Dr. Banner states, "...one of the main messages of this book is, that, to gain real happiness, the ego must be transcended and an identity in Spirit must be experientially realized." One of the main tools he used on his journey is Enneagram work. This is a method of self-inquiry. This is not something I have used for myself, but I can definitely see the benefits of using it. He also cites the works of many remarkable people. It was interesting to see how the work of some of my favorite guides, such as Don Miguel Ruiz, affected Dr. Banner's thought processes and aided his journey. Making a list from his references, I also have a new group of works to explore.

Dr. Banner writes "FrameShifting" in a way that is interesting and easy to read, yet he still imparts a tremendous amount of knowledge and research to the reader. The book will draw you in, teach you, and yet not overwhelm you with intellectual verbosity. Dr. Banner states, "The goal of FrameShifting, if there is one, is to become more and more empathetic, consciously aware of ourselves and others, and to "'live deliberately.'" I really liked the emphasis on how helping ourselves helps others. It does not promote a selfish, retreat into yourself type of journey. This is an awesome book and I am so happy to have discovered it when I did.

Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (10/08)


"Frameshifting: A Path to Wholeness" follows the author's journey to break free from his ego and expand his field of consciousness. He also provides tools and instruction in the book allowing those that wish to alter their life in a similar way the knowledge to do so. Banner begins the book with a brief autobiographical account of the pivotal events in his life that brought him to where he is today. I found his personal stories to be extremely unique. Throughout the rest of the book he includes many more examples from his personal life as illustrations of the main points that he is making. The inclusion of his experiences definitely makes the book more engaging and appealing. He has had some quite interesting ones!

After his introduction, Banner moves on to discuss the ego. He explains to us how "our ego-based sense of self and its dream state has cost us dearly in terms of happiness and personal security." (p.3) He then goes on to look at the different levels of development that we, as humans, progress through. After citing examples from Abraham Maslow, Carol Gilligan, and others, he centers on Claire Graves' model of Spiral Dynamics. In this model, there are eight levels. The six levels in the first tier are called the subsistence levels. These levels are labeled with the colors beige (archaic-instinctual), purple (magical-animistic), red (power gods), blue (mythic order), orange (scientific achievement), and green (the sensitive self). After these six levels there is "a monumental leap in consciousness," according to Graves (p.18), to levels #7 yellow (integrative) and #8 turquoise (holistic). The lower levels focus on self-centeredness while the upper levels focus on whole-centeredness.

Unless we are able to make this leap to the higher level, the world's future is uncertain. In "Frameshifting" Banner presents us with tools and advice based on his experiences to help let go of the self-centered self, develop more empathy, and expand our overall consciousness. He takes some very complex ideas and presents them in an easy to understand format. Each concept or idea presented is backed up with detailed explanations or examples that proficiently illustrate his point. For instance, while explaining the different points on the Enneagram, he uses people that we are all familiar with (like Katie Couric and Jack Nicholson) to describe the types of personalities. Having real-life examples was very helpful in aiding my comprehension of the subject matter.

"Frameshifting" is truly a life-altering book as it changed my views in many ways and increased my overall sense of awareness. I think that anyone who reads this book will find it beneficial in aiding him or her to lead a more fulfilling life.