K Books

I have always loved this book, and it prompted me to read all of R.K. Narayan's books, though to be honest, it is not his masterpiece (that would be either The Guide, Malgudi Days as a whole, or The Financial Expert). Yet this book does capture a sense of Narayan's unique genius, his ability to write myth and folkore as a living force that can exist side by side with cars, film crews, and the entire panoply of modern India.

I taught this book in a Freshman Composition course, and the students were rather divided on its merits. Some found it too "simple," having trouble accepting a book that begins as the memoirs of a captive tiger (which Narayan is at no great pains to keep intact), only to jump off to other narratives and points of view. The key to keep in mind is that Narayan is writing this book from the tradition of folklore and myth, where tigers can talk--yet are not bound by our ponderous modern notions of "realism." Indeed, though a modern work, many of the characters and situations in this book seem lifted out of folklore, as brilliant translated and realized by Narayan (much as he retold the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and others). On the surface, it is a simple story, well-told, yet has powerful undercurrents, particularly on the purpose of one's life, and the contradictions of each "path" we choose. The relationship of the Raja with the holy man is brilliant, particularly as Narayan allows us to see the messiness of cutting one's self off to follow a path of individual salvation.

A short book, but one that I return to often. To truly enjoy it, it's important not to impose a Western perspective on it, or even look for "novelistic" elements in the narrative. Simply read it and let yourself fall into Narayan's folkloric world, which exist as much here as in some enchanted world at the beginning of history.

Did I mention the book is often hilarious as well?

I had to read this for a class and I thorougly enjoyed it. It's a simple read but there's so much in there for you to think about. I would very strongly suggest A Tiger for Malgudi!

This book is a gem, it has very witty sentence structures that make you laugh out loud. It equally articulates the many phases that man goes through in life very aptly, using the tiger as a fine metaphor. A treasure that you can revisit and pass on from one generation to the next. For me it's R.K. Narayan's most profound book- indeed one must have lived fully, in order to write it down this succintly.

Original, entertaining, deeply thoughtful, and ultimately profoundly spiritual, this simple book takes the reader on an adventure within the being of a magnificent tiger. The tiger evolves from a proud, ruthless, and mighty ruler of the jungle to a sadly domesticated circus creature to a spiritually aware and transfigured being. His growth is mirrored in the life of his "master," to whom he refers from the very start of this account and whom we finally meet toward its glorious end. Along the path of the tiger's evolution, we also meet many an animal and human whose essential personalities and quirks are clearly drawn. The reader can easily overlook Narayan's inconsistent narrative voice, which is sometimes from within the tiger himself and sometimes from the third person. Too, one is amused by the absurdity of Indian bureaucracy and corruption as "officials" at one point try to figure out what to do with the tiger as he freely roams from village to village, and the book is flavored by India's "gestalt." But simple spiritual messages are delivered in the last 25 pages or so as the master and tiger make their way to the master's retreat and reside there in peace: "It's often said that God made man in his own image, it's also true that man makes God in his own image." "When you address a prayer to God, you are only praying to yourself...or at least you are entitled to half that prayer...". "...only the foolish waste their lives in fighting."

I wonder if the author of "The Life of Pi" is familiar with this work. Also, the author of "Water for Elephants" would love this work. Narayan is a world-class author who deserves to be read, particularly now as the world lurches toward a delusional catastrophe.

The protagonist of this story is a tiger! He is young and ferocious (as we all fancy we are), he faces the cruelties of the world (being made into a show animal), he reacts through murder and carnage (as might be natural for a tiger), and he evolves into a philosophical and detached being, no longer quite " a beast."

The story of his evolution into an enlightened soul is uplifting.
The message, I think, is that every soul, not just human, has a consciousness, and strives for something.

The proof in the power of Narayan's crystal clear narrative is that the reader feels for the tiger, respects him, and admires him for the soul he has become. (Few lucky folks can attain the state of this smart cat!) Like many Narayan stories, he tackles a challenging premise and makes it appear effortless.

READ THIS! READ THIS!

The doctor looking for a job must solve five main problems:
1) Define practice matching criteria - avoid regretting a wrong choice;
2) Define a good practice - avoid joining a second-tier practice;
3) Plan the interview process - make sure you ask the key questions;
4) Understand necessary legalese - what must be covered in your contract and what should be skipped;
5) Negotiate your compensation and benefits.

Keep this book next to you during your job search - it helps solving all of your job search problems.

Yuval Lirov, Practicing Profitability - Billing Network Effect for Revenue Cycle Control in Healthcare Clinics and Chiropractic Offices: Collections, Audit Risk, SOAP Notes, Scheduling, Care Plans, and Coding

Very well written, concise and to the point. Gives an excellent idea of what to expect when you start looking for a job after residency. Explains the common scenarios and pitfalls to look out for. Definitely helped me ask better questions during interviews and assess the job opportunities in a much more objective manner; rather than going in wide eyed, the big hike in salary clouding your judgement.

The last section on physician recruitment agreement was particularly helpful for me as I didn't know they existed. Nobody talks about these things during residency training.Thanks partly to this book, I probably will be starting my own practice, based on a physician recruiting agreement.

The surprisingly good "The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Job after Residency" written by Koushik Shaw was published in late 2005. It is probably the most useful book for the physician job search that I have come across so far. It is short, concise, to the point (sometimes a bit too short), but it covers absolutely everything that is relevant from getting to know your personal preferences in your work life to determining where exactly you want to live and work, how to find a job, how to interview, and - kudos for this section - how to analyze a practice you are looking at, what questions to ask a potential employer to uncover risks and possible mismatches early. The author goes into details of analyzing benefits offered by an employer and negotiating a contract. He even goes into the basics of opening your own practice.

Overall very well written, in good style, very easy and quick to read and extremely informative. One smart book everybody should read at least once and at least one year before graduation.

This book is an absolute must have for any graduating resident. The author has put an enormous amount of research into a concise and organized fashion, allowing even the time restricted resident to conquer this book in a few short sittings. I have discussed this book with several junior attendings and private physicians, and they are all amazed at how much accurate and insightful information is hidden in this short concise book. It will save you weeks or even months of research and grant you an amazing head start into identifying and obtaining the right career. I truly believe this book will substantially increase your chances of a successful and happy career choice plus teach you to avoid many of the common pitfalls.

This is the only book of its kind that I was able to find. I am an anesthesiologist leaving the Army and joining the ranks of the civilian world. This book assisted me in understanding the Pros and Cons of different practice set-ups, and made me a more informed candidate during my job search.

This is a prequel of sorts to the Golden Chronicles series by Patricia Veryan and in it we get to see the beginnings of Treve's derring do to help the hunted Jacobites escape from England and get a glimpse of some of the other characters from later books. Treve is your typical cynical rake who's been wounded in love but he's also a man whose eyes show his sadness and longing for a wife and family of his own. Rebecca is a woman forced to seek out the biggest matrimonial fish she can land in order to pay her bills and keep the constable from the door. But she's also a woman who has known love in her family and marriage and longs for it again.

Veryan does a great job with the secondary characters and if you love descriptions of Georgian style clothes then this is the book for you.

I loved this book. It expertly combined humor with romance. If you're a romantic to the core I guarentee that you'll this book. Enjoy!

This is the story of Rebecca Parrish, who is widowed, has a five year old son, and a mass of debts since her husband was killed.
After the customary year of mourning, she comes back into society looking for a man to help pay her debts. She sets her eyes on Sir Peter Ward, handsome and RICH. But she is also drawn to Trevelyan deVillars (whom I love and is a great character) who is pennyless and a rake.
During Rebecca's quest to win Sir Peter, there is much hilarity, as well as duel and the appearance of Jacobite rebels.
I really recommend this book, which is probably my favorite by Ms. Veryan. But don't miss her other books, and you can find Trevelyan deVillars :) in her Golden Chronicles books.

Rebecca Parrish is a beautiful young woman who, although fond of the foolish husband who'd gotten himself killed in a duel, was finally ready to re-enter life after a year of mourning. Nearly destitute, the bills were piling up due to her late husband's mismanagement and gambling. She now is determined to find a wealthy father for her six-year-old son Anthony.

On her first foray out of widow's weeds she attracts two suitors: the dashing but impoverished Trevelyan de Villars, whose intentions are far from honorable, and the handsome, very rich, and impeccable gentleman Sir Peter Ward. Trevelyan, very cynically made a wager with Sir Peter involving the lovely widow and when Rebecca's beloved brother found out, he challenged Trevelyan to a duel. Rebecca believing all of the gossip of the sins attributed to Trevelyan, thought him a blackguard and made to feel uncomfortable over his ribald remarks and double entendres. These tended to only infuriate her more, but for the sake of her beloved brother she would do whatever she could to save him even if it meant compromising herself to the infuriating rake!

Meanwhile, danger lurked in a more sinister manner as treasonous Jacobites are pursued, captured and executed. Rebecca soon realizes that she has far more to worry about than snaring a future husband. Bravely, she must use all her wits and risks her very life to save a desperate, fugitive Jacobite. She soon realizes that people are seldom what they seem as she willingly is ready to toss aside security for love.

This was a most splendid tale of love and danger by one of the most accomplished romantic novelists writing today. I thoroughly enjoyed being propelled back into the Georgian period by the well researched and beautifully described costumes, palatial homes and events from that period. While such a plethora of secondary characters emerged, the reader is made to feel at ease with each and every one through a deft hand with the dialogs and cant of those times. This was truly an adventure in `time travel, fraught with comical situations, adventure, intrigue and a beautiful and tender romance. For those lovers of true historical romance genres, this is not to be missed and although out of print, it would prove to be worth the effort to locate a copy to relish a true master at her art!

Of course, I've pretty much loved all of Veryan's books, but this is my favorite. Rebecca is a smart, funny heroine who is neither overly prudish nor overly argumentative, the kind of heroine you don't find every day. And Trev- smart, funny, a rogue, handsome but human. I thought the story was very entertaining without being contrived, and Veryan's prose is very pleasant. I'm one of those readers who skims a lot when she starts getting bored by description, but I read and enjoyed every word of this book.

This is an inspiring and compelling story of two women, Elizabeth and Kaki, who moved into a multiracial community in Philadelphia in order to improve the lives of those living there. As they embarked on this unique and moving journey, they were forced to confront their own personal issues, motivations and philosophies.
The author, Elizabeth, has constructed a beautifully written memoir detailing the joys and difficulties of meshing two cultures in on household. Tahija and Lamar, both young teenagers from dysfunctional families were invited to live with Elizabeth and Kaki before and after they gave birth to triplet boys. However, the author and her partner soon found themselves dealing with young parents whose entire methods and beliefs about parenting were vastly different and foreign from theirs. Only by learning to understand, confront and accept these difference while establishing necessary boundaries, were Elizabeth and Kaki able to hold the household together. It is a tale of love, and the accompanying compromises that has much to teach us all. The book also brings the reader into a world of racism, poverty, drugs, alcohol addiction and mental illness detailing both the harsh realities and the desire of all to protect the young, vulnerable boys. Although the families eventually separated and moved on, their mutual love, concern and support continues to evolve and grow.
This book is a must read for anyone in our everchanging culuture, particularly for those who have or care for children of any age. It has challenged me to relfect on and question my own attitides and judgements. Although I consider myself a liberal, it has forced me to think about how much I truly understand about other cultures or other people who hold different beliefs and engage in different life-styles,and how I would handle myself in a similar situation. The two women mentored this family deserve tremendous credit for their devotion and persistence in helping Tahija, Lamar and their three boys survive, develop and grow. I thank Elizabeth for sharing her story.

"Walk with Us" by Elizabeth K. Gordon is an important true story about what happens when two middle-aged white women, two inner-city African-American teenagers, along with their triplet sons, all come together as one big family. Kathryn (Elizabeth), Kaki, Tahija, Lamarr and the triplets, along with many other people, learn how to get along with each other despite obstacles and challenges that could easily separate them. There are many obvious differences between the individuals -- race, religion, age, economic class, sexual orientation, etc. -- but there are also many commonalities. Rather than just emphasizing "otherness," the author addresses issues that motivate readers from all backgrounds to make connections between their own experiences and the issues that are presented in the book. In telling her own story, the author establishes the universality of the human experience. Because the United States today is a nation composed of people from all over the world, with diverse religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds, it would be impossible to describe a "typical American." It would also be unrealistic to stereotype a single, homeless, Muslim, African-American, teenage mother like Tahija. She is an independent young woman who is determined to make a life for herself and her family, despite her troubled background. In this book the reader is encouraged to explore -- from different points of view -- issues common to many different people who live in the United States and beyond. The stories from the book also remind us of the diversity in American society. It reminds us to be sensitive to the experiences of all Americans. As a transplanted Philadelphian, Kathryn learns that the experience of growing up can differ from one part of the country to another, from one ethnic/racial group to another, and from one era to another. Tahija and Lamarr's experiences growing up are dramatically different from Kathyrn and Kaki's experiences. Kathryn discusses her awareness of these differences and how she is shaped by it. The idea of family and identity is also explored by the author. The traditional nuclear family is getting harder to find today. Instead, new patterns are developing -- patterns which reflect changing attitudes about what defines a "family." Gordon also discusses the use of language and how it not only gives us the means to express our thoughts, but it also shapes the way we think and the way we look at the world around us. Kathryn and Tahija both speak English but they don't always speak the same language. That's what happens in a family sometimes, isn't it?

Elizabeth Gordon invites readers into a world of self examination, the kind needed to recognize and solve problems in human relationships, especially those tainted by racial stereotypes and cultural divide. Walking with Gordon and her make-shift family is a trip to a literary candy shop set on the deteriorating concrete steps of despair. I really enjoyed agonizing, laughing, and learning and yearning with this family. The book is a first course offering for young, old, Black, White, blessed and cursed. Don't pass it up!

In this little miracle of a book WALK WITH US Elizabeth K. Gordon has managed to tell a story that encompasses or addresses many social problems, problems with our health care system, problems facing minority groups such as African Americans, Muslims, Lesbians, Quakers, et al, problems with teenage pregnancies, and universal problems of human relationships. The story she relates is true, is sometimes harsh to read as it exposes thorny problems, is one that vividly depicts life in the ghetto areas of all of our cities. It is also a story so powerfully told that it brings light to dark realities and results in an appreciation of the importance of understanding and acceptance of the many differences among the people that make up this country.

The full title of the book tells the basic story: the author and her partner Kaki are a happily adjusted Quaker couple who happen upon a fifteen year old pregnant African American Muslim girl Tahija and her boyfriend Lamaar, and out of genuine caring and generosity befriend the homeless girl (and family!), adapting their life style to the traditions and quirks of their guests, accompanying Tahija through her pregnancy of triplets, and the aftermath of conflicts of life style and philosophy of child rearing. But that is only a brief outline of what this book is about. Gordon weaves her story with the flavor of the poorer Philadelphia neighborhood populace, a neighborhood comprised of every minority group imaginable, finds the languages that without condescension make the story flow in an unbiased, very realistic manner, and almost casually and inadvertently opens windows of understanding without preaching but with her gift for recording sensitive issues in an open and nonjudgmental manner.

Given the story is one so interesting and involving that once the reader begins this book, putting it down before discovering the interesting conclusion approaches the impossible, the overwhelming impression at book's end is the brilliance with which Elizabeth K. Gordon writes! This is an important writer, one with skills so polished that she makes every brief chapter a rhapsody. Her 'Introduction' alone reads like an epic poem. She is able to plainly draw from personal experiences that reveal her own beliefs: 'We're together. It echoed back from some hillside of intuition within me. It felt, as Quakers say, rightly ordered'. Her observations of events come from the heart: 'Tahija Ellison was about as far from humble and grateful as you get without leaving the solar system. She was a bane to residents, nurses, and doctors alike. She was an arrogant, selfish, ill-tempered adolescent. To share my house, my money, my time, my best friend and lover with this ornery stranger, this pretentious child, this hurt and angry woman so in need herself of mothering, who carelessly and without means to support them was bringing three innocent lives into the world...' It is with this degree of honesty that makes the transcendence of this story more moving and more completely credible.

The obvious 'lesson' behind WALK WITH US is message of co-habitation of all peoples of this country. And not simply co-habitation but acceptance of differences and likenesses that connect us as fellow citizens in this country wholly comprised of Immigrants, whether historic or current. With the recent election breathing hope (an in some places continued despair as in California's voter response to human rights) this is a timely book to read just now. But it is such a beautifully written book that it will remain on the shelves reserved for frequently re-read books for many years. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, November 08

"Walk with Us" is a deeply moving true story about a white middle-aged woman, her partner Kaki, and their commitment to Tahija, a pregnant African American adolescent. We are introduced to Tahija through Lamarr, Tahija's boyfriend and the father of the triplets they are expecting. He had asked Kaki if she she'd let Tahija move into her home until the babies' were delivered, because Tahija's mother was in rehab at the time and she needed a place to live.
Gordon walks us through the streets of Philadelphia, and the affect racism has upon each member of this newly constructed family. While Elizabeth and Kaki let us in on their struggle with the bazaar chain of privilege their whiteness has assured them, Tahija gives us an intimate view of the world that she, as a young Muslim woman of color, inhabits. Given their hertories few of us can be surprised at the vast differences between them.
As a result of Gordon's character the sensitivity and strengths of each individual in "Walk with Us" is remarkable. The constant thrust of obstacles set before them is heartbreaking. The birth of the triplets leave you in the midst of the most fragile and often troubling conflicts known to pose problems between parents and caregivers. For ex: How does one let a mom be a mom with minimal judgment or interference from other household members? How does one respect a very young mother who is still growing-up, her need for boundaries and her right to mature in her own time when you are certain that her inexperience and troubles may be hurtful to her children? Those are some of the questions Elizabeth must ask herself. And letting one's conscience be her guide may not be enough in this situation for there are multi-cultural considerations to be made as well.
Elizabeth and her partner often pause to be sure they are not crossing lines that include imposing racist norms and assumptions about their power on Tahija, Lamarr and their own family values. However, natural differences between the wisdom of one's elders and the naivete of the young must also be considered while the urgent care needed for the triplet's leaves very little time to draw lines between right and wrong. And when in doubt about boundaries, Tahija makes it clear to them that they need to step back and follow her lead! Make no mistake, these are her babies. Her children will be raised to be strong enough to face a world that will go out of its way to harm them and no one knows that better than Tahija. Why? They are of color.
Tahija is convinced that one strengthens their babies by resisting the urge to come to their aid when they cry. Just as she is convinced she must prepare them for poverty by feeding them less no matter how hungry they are. Exactly what kind of stress is Tahija dealing with? Are the accumulative pains of poverty, rejection, fear and depression a mental health problem that she may need treatment for or a staple affirming her capacity to endure extreme deprivation that must be handed down to her boys'? And will these concerns wipe out the good times? There are good times. There is also a lot of love between Tahija, her mother and other family members too. So, we often wonder where they are.
In "Walk with Us" everyone, including the reader, is called upon to question their own motives and prejudices.
Tahija and Gordon's honesty leaves us receptive if not longing for resolutions and even happiness for the children and the adults who love them. Yet we would suspect the changes they must undergo together, will lead them further into the complexities of adulthood, the inevitability of disappointments and the rigorous demands of cross-genernational family life and they do.
Ms. Gordon's writing leaves no stone unturned. Once you finish reading "Walk with Us" you realize that you have come to know Tahija as daughter, as mother, as partner and writer. You have also come to know Lamarr as brother, as father, as son and partner. The triplets are sweethearts. Kaki is kind. The love and respect she and Elizabeth have for one another which they so freely share with others is courageous. You also realize that the department of social services continues to be as flawed
as the spirituality of Tahija, Elixabeth and Kaki is inspired.
"Walk with Us" is a gift for you and a gift for others. Open it up and let the healing begin.

I have only just caught up with this book 14 years after it was published. Kisor is very good on how he managed a life as a deaf person who operates orally in a hearing world, and manages to be quite tactful in dealing with the subject of the Deaf -- people who use sign language. He is perhaps more tactful than he really should be in discussing the ignorance of a lot of educators of the severely hearing-impaired and the rather patronizing "poor-you" attitude they often take.

I can say this because I have only a little more hearing than Kisor -- and for the same reason, meningitis at the age of 3. I am ten years older than he but remember well some of the stages he describes so accurately and honestly. Like him, I was lucky in my early teachers and in being kept away from schools for the deaf.

It does need to be said that cognitive psychologists and students of child language have learned a great deal about child language development since Kisor and I were children and even since his book was published in 1991. Their progress dates from Noam Chomsky's destruction of behaviorist notions of language almost 50 years ago. I hope very much that things have changed significantly in the education of the deaf and severely hearing-impaired.

With luck, students will recognize that Kisor is describing a bygone era. But it is an era that was and is still well worth describing.

I read this book for an ASL class in college and wow. This book is great. An amazing autobiography written by a deaf man, Henry Kisor who has managed to exist in a hearing world as a deaf man strictly by lip reading. He has been a journalist and this is amazing to me. A wonderful story written in the point of view of a deaf man and his lifelong journey to success and living in the hearing world. Reading this book has made me take a look at my life and made me feel as if I could do anything.

I read this book back in 93 when I had just lost my hearing. I was 14 and dealing with suddenly becoming deaf. Most books about Deafness are written by physicians, or parents of the deaf, or children of the deaf, and not by the deaf themselves. Kisor's stories about lipreading and growing up and just being Deaf were wonderful for me to read. It gave me hope... if he is totally Deaf and can accomplish that much, then I, with a little bit of hearing left, certainly should be able to. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone deaf who is oral, anyone late deaffened, or anyone just interested in reading about the trials and joys of a hearing loss.

What should our attitude be towards the deaf? Kisor gives us good insight with his memoir which is beautifully, sensitively and humorouly written. Some would term him an outcast to both the deaf culture and the hearing culture, since he lipreads and doesn't sign. Can't possibly be happy because he can't fully participate in hearing world, he's missing so much. But Kisor disagrees.

He achieved more than most hearing, having accumulated great English language skills. He demonstrates with the rare book written about deafness from a deaf author. His title is fascinating, since it is from story regarding his five-year old son and the nuances lipreading has trouble discerning.

Yes, improvements have happened and will continue with behavioral psychology and deafness, but here the spirit of the human inside is spoken of, something that no program can really guarantee success, but determination, help and support will aid.

This marvelous memoir contributes much to this cause. It is a most wonderful read for all interested in what a deaf person in a hearing world might be going through, especially the emotional strains deafness brings with it. Much to be gleaned here.

I read this book back in 93 when I had just lost my hearing. I was 14 and dealing with suddenly becoming deaf. Most books about Deafness are written by physicians, or parents of the deaf, or children of the deaf, and not by the deaf themselves. Kisor's stories about lipreading and growing up and just being Deaf were wonderful for me to read. It gave me hope... if he is totally Deaf and can accomplish that much, then I, with a little bit of hearing left, certainly should be able to. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone deaf who is oral, anyone late deaffened, or anyone just interested in reading about the trials and joys of a hearing loss.

I read just about every apologetics book I can get my hands on and in my opinion this is one of the best I've read. When someone gave it to me as a gift, judging by the title, I thought- "oh great, another introductory level apologetics book". But I was completely wrong. This book is full of top notch essays by the best Christians thinkers of our time. I highly recommend this book; every Christian should have a copy in their collection.

The revised, expanded edition of the classic WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN: LEADING THINKERS EXPLAIN WHY THEY BELIEVE addresses all the typical questions of modern Christian believers, from issues of belief in miracles, the existence of god, and the nature and purpose of suffering to the evidences and controversies posed by evolutionary theory. Contributors are expert witnesses for Christianity, from a mechanical engineer and lawyer to scientists, philosophers, former skeptics and atheists, and more. The result is a lively, diverse dialogue from many differing viewpoints: perfect for any Christian lending library or discussion group.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Too many Christians "feel" that the exercise of the mind is not important when it comes to the Christian faith. How wrong these believers are! In this day of easy-believism, where the intellect is forsaken for a spiritual diet of cotton candy and bon bons, it is refreshing to know that there are important Christian apologists who make it a point to write thinking pieces such as "Why I Am a Christian." Indeed, Jesus Himself said that we are to worship God with our whole heart, soul, MIND, and strength.

Although I don't remember seeing if the editors, Geisler and Hoffman, were attempting to respond to Russell's "Why I Am Not A Christian," this book certainly serves as a lob back to the atheist's court. Included in the book are essays on truth, God, miracles, the Bible, Jesus, and evil and suffering. Taking some of the better apologists who have already written on the topic at hand, the book's top two strengths were:

* William Lane Craig's chapter 4 entitled "Why I believe God exists." Using the same arguments that he used in a Willow Creek debate against an atheist in the early 1990s--Kalam, Design, and the Moral arguments--Craig's chapter is solid and is a good reference to utilize when determining strong rational arguments for the Christian faith. I think the following chapter by Geisler was very redundant and not as clear as Craig's. It would have been good had the editor perhaps narrowed his chapter since he commissioned Craig to work with the cosmological and teleological arguments.

* Although he offered very little new material, Barry Leventhal's chapter on Jesus as the Messiah was enjoyable to read. The chapter was well-laid out, fully supported, and summarized its points better than perhaps any other chapter in the book.

The book's top two weaknesses were:

* Beckwith's look at moral relativism. He tries to pack too much into too short of a chapter, and though I admire the man for his brilliant mind, I think he needed more room to complete his thoughts. Geisler does an admirable job with the next chapter (Why I believe Truth is Real and Knowable), but I don't think this issue is still fully resolved with these two chapters. Rather, I would recommend Beckwith and Greg Koukl's book entitled Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air to get a better look at this important issue.

* Chapter 7 regarding the miracles of Jesus was pretty dull and was written with little life. It seemed like Habermas could have simplified his approach with this chapter. The next chapter on divine creation by Hugh Ross had some excellent tables incorporated in it, but truly it just seemed dry. Also, not everyone will agree with Ross' view of the age of the earth--nor with Walter Bradley, a Progressive Creationist who in chapter 10 says on page 168 that the earth is at least 4 billion years old--Ross' ideas about the world being designed would not be quibbled with by the theistic thinker. However, I could see some of the Young Earth folks become offended with these chapters, and I'm wondering if perhaps the other side should have also been represented with an issue that, while important, is peripheral to the essential Christian faith.

Overall, I would say that the book as a collection of essays is worthwhile for readers who like to think, but the average lay reader would probably be best served in looking for other avenues, including Handbook of Christian Apologetics (Kreeft) or When Skeptics Ask (Geisler).

This is a collection of articles (or chapters) from the top contemporary Christian apologists. The book is divided into 6 parts. Each 'part' deals with an issue such as Truth, God, Miracles, the Bible, Jesus, and Following Christ. Within each part is a chapter written by well known scholars/apologists such as William Lane Craig, Norman Geisler, J. P. Moreland, Ravi Zacharias, Peter Kreeft, Winfried Corduan, Gary Habermas, Doug Geivett, Francis Beckwith, and the renown Law Professor at the University of Texas, J. Budziszewski (a professor of law who at one time used to be an atheist).

The chapters are detailed, highly referenced, well researched, and well written. Of course, this book is a basic apologetics tool/reference but is quite compatible to those who might already have this knowledge (due to the articles and the caliber of scholars writing) since it is always nice to refresh your data base on these issues. I would recommend this book to anyone who is searching for solid answers to objections or issues which have been raised in witnessing to non-believers or in discussions about the essential tenets of the Christian faith.

The book is 318 pages long and is a nice companion to works such as J.P. Moreland's "Scaling the Secular City," or William Lane Craig's "Reasonable Faith," or Norman Geisler's "Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics." I recommend this book whole heartily.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think the topics that are covered in each chapter are well done. Each topic took opposing views and gave arguments to each of the views on the topic at hand. I feel each chapter is through enough to use as a sole source to debate/reason with most lay people but may need additional resources to debate a particular topic with a "professional debater".

Overall i would recommend this book to anyone intrested in apologetics.

This won't be very long, since I am not overly concerned with being critical of this book. However, the five-star rating is somewhat misleading.

Nelson's book is essentially a 323 page list of female nonverbal communication patterns and behaviours, contrasted with a list of male nonverbal communication patterns and behaviours. The first 100 or so pages provide a psychological analysis of the reasons for the communication patterns the author discusses. The extent to which the author "moves beyond" simply stating the differences between genders, is a "Gender Rx" at the end of every chapter, that basically tells women to use more "male nonverbal behaviour" and vice versa for males. Not an extremely useful book if you have studied nonverbal communication at any length.

This isn't a terrible book by any means; however, it is completely undeserving of a five-star rating.

This is one of the easiest reads, packed with the most information. The topic of body language is fascinating because it is something we encounter on a daily basis. Although subconsciously we take cues from body language, it's something that we don't consciously observe and understand. This book brought to my attention different aspects of body language, particularly eye movement and actions that allow one to understand what someone is really saying. If you fear reading a self help book, fear not, because this is not one. There are "prescriptions" for people to help them, but the book doesn't ask the reader to "look at him/herself in the mirror..." etc. If you're at all interested in communication and psychology and want to understand body language, this is a great introduction (although that really is what it is - not cluttered with technical terms and confusing psychological theories), and I would definitely reccommend picking this up.

what else can i say? the title says it all. this is a very informational at the same time educational book. you will find out that you are strange to this world, strange to the human race after you read it. there are so many ways of communications that happen around us and that were simply neglected, obscured, exaggerated or even distorted because so many of us didnt know the real meaning, well this book, will turn the lights on for you and help you explore the gestures, body languages, actions and some other things that only your unconsciouness will notice.

Audrey Nelson, in a very personal way, has laid out many aspects of communication and behavior between the sexes that I had not acknowledged. This excellent book increased my awareness about different facets of communication that are obvious (and some not so obvious), that I had not previously given recognition or attention. "You Don't Say" has helped me professionally in my project management consulting career, as well as personally in my daily interactions with my family, friends, and colleagues. I recommend this provocative and personably written book, full of colorful stories and examples, to everyone I know. Audrey's useful portrayal of this topic is applicable to anyone who has to communicate with males and females. I look forward to her next book!

The issue of gender and nonverbal communication is complex. Dr. Nelson provides an analysis of nonverbal communication as it relates to gender in a way that sufficiently captures its complexity. Drawing on research and anecdotes from her own experience and that of others, she provides information about this issue in a sophisticated way. But she doesn't stop there. She goes on to suggest how to make use of this information to improve personal and professional communication. I found the book very useful.

Read about two thirds of this book - 114 out of 166 pages.

I don't recommend this for the Ali fan looking for the Zen of Muhammad Ali

The book is divided into 3 sections.

Part One - Ali
Part Two - Zen Fisticuffs
Part Three - Personal Battles

In part one - a story titled My Dinner With Ali - is one of the greatest Ali stories I've ever read - this story is also in The Muhammad Ali Reader (by the way - THE BEST book about Muhammad Ali - if you're an Ali fan and don't have it - GET IT) - anyway - this story is such a great and heart warming story about the Champ - you feel like you're right there with them. It's truly inspired writing and a must read for any Ali fan and for anyone who has an idol or hero from any walk of life...it's just fantastic.

Part One is about Ali. Part Two is about Sugar Ray Leonard ( 2 articles) and Bruce Lee (1 article)- the Sugar Ray stories are good and the Lee story is interesting and sobering.

I didn't read Part Three as they are fictional stories.

My intent on getting this book was to read about Muhammad Ali - get more of Miller's perspective - as I've read a story of his before and wanted more of that.

The title and cover are a bit misleading in that it doesn't represent the whole book.

I really enjoyed the first 2 sections, but again - this wasn't what I was looking.

The four Ali stories are the most intimate I've read about any celebrity. They possess a seemingly timeless beauty. The ones about Davis Miller's own life are sad and lovely and we feel ourselves inside his life. A wonderful, highly recommended read.

Keen to find out a little about boxing, I bought `The Zen of Muhammad Ali' by Davis Miller on a whim and was pleasantly surprised on a number of levels.

Davis Miller's enthusiasm for his subject is contagious - He's followed/studied Muhammad Ali with an adoring, but objective eye since 11 years of age.

Also (and this can sometimes be rare in this genre) Davis Miller can really write! It's truly wonderful, even as a part-time, half-arsed martial artist, to come cross an author who can write in a beautiful, concise and honest way about this stuff we spend so much of our time (and money) doing. Using Sugar Ray Leonard as an example, the chapter `Rapture' adroitly plumbs the depths of what motivates people to study boxing (and other martial arts).

The book is subtitled `and other obsessions' - These obsessions include an informative chapter on Bruce Lee, a short story entitled `American Video', and a beautiful chapter called `Ellen's, December 1971'. Read it and weep.

This is well crafted, sensitive writing with a distinctly American flavour - Good Americana of the Jack Kerouac/Norman Mailer/Steely Dan variety as opposed to the other rubbish that is trotted out daily to us in `The Rest of The Free World'.

Worth a read.

This book is a collection of Davis Miller's best essays ranging from boxing legends Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, martial arts king Bruce Lee right through to his own moving stories, some fiction and some more personal experiences of his life. An example is Ellen, which is a very moving story and is written with so much emotion.

The Ali articles are my faves - they are all excellent pieces of work. The 'Zen' word is a most appropriate title for this book as a lot is written about legendary boxers and why they do what they do and why many carry on for far too long - they live for that moment to moment excitement which they cannot seem to find no where else. To them, it's like they're living in a different space of time, a different world when they are in that ring. Zen has no real truth, it is just living moment to moment, being natural which is something which cannot be put down. This has to be experienced and Miller expresses these experiences with very well thought out words and fascinating insight.

What i like most about this book is the articles on Muhammad Ali (4) and the one on Bruce Lee. It seems that Muhammad Ali's people are doing exactly the same as what happens to other many great world idols, they are bullying and exploiting the fans for their own greed and saint like image agendas. Miller writes wonderfully about all of this in his new essay on Ali, 'The Ying & Yang of Ali'. He also writes about my first boxing idol when i was very young, Sugar Ray Leonard which for me is very interesting and enjoyeable to read. Ray was influened a lot by Bruce Lee which is revealed in Miller's excellent book. I give this book top marks. I hope it reaches a much larger audience as it certainly deserves to be.

Buy Zen of Muhammed Ali, and all of Davis Miller's other books! They are amongst the most important pieces of literature to have been published in the last 100 years! Simply mind blowing. And incredibly fun.

very helpful in the first grade--still having trouble with ADHD child, I will keep reading and trying!

What a great book! It was amazing how quick it works. It really is magic!

The book I ordered is in excellent condition and I received it quickly. Thank you!

This book was fabulous. It clearly sets up a classroom management plan and it goes through step by step how to set it up in the classroom. Even if you decide not use their counting system, one can still benefit from the practice in identifying, setting, and following through on limits.

I teach Kindergarten and have 5 very difficult boys. I read the book Monday and started Tuesday. By Thursday I was amazed.

This book was about a boy named Adam, who got onto a car crash and traveled cross-country.The main character of this book was the boy Adam, but also some people who helped him got to his destination. Adam had many problems in th book such as: he couldn't talk and he couldnt really hear to well. I would recommend this book to anyone.

This book was about a boy named Adam, who got onto a car crash and traveled cross-country.The main character of this book was the boy Adam, but also some people who helped him got to his destination. Adam had many problems in th book such as: he couldn't talk and he couldnt really hear to well. I would recommend this book to anyone.

this book was so emotional and i really liked adam and his girlfriend mira. i know people like that. i totally believed the pissing contest happened, because it happened at my school. mira was so complicated and deep. i have a friend who cuts herself and has rich parents like her. i read this in one sitting. you will not be able to put it down.

History comes to life in a survey of their family's changes. Kelly Easton's AFTERSHOCK holds explicit violence and underlying sexuality along with the story of a 17-year-old who is the sole survivor of a fatal car crash. How Adam puts together the pieces of a changed world makes for riveting reading.

This will get your heart pounding. I always read everything before my kids do. Even though this book is about a boy dealing with grief, it's more about his life and the life of many boys in this country have to deal with the pressures of being macho. I thought that the sex in the book was handled with a lot responsibility. There's a lot of crass reading out there for this age group. This book was a class act. I am a therapist and am recommending it to my teen readers, male and female.
It's a can't put it down read that will haunt you long after you're finished.