N Books

I loved this book. It really gives you a feel of what it would have been like to be one of Jesus' deciples. It helps you to understand that even they were not perfect. Highly recommended.

I love and have read several Christian Fiction books. This book "John" is the best I've read. The biblical facts seem very accurate, and what she adds to this character seems very plausible. I found myself referring to the Bible and digging deeper. I love this author! Although this book is Biblical "fiction", it gave my commitment to Christ a little deeper meaning.

Most of us think of John as the lucky disciple - the one who didn't die a martyr. Ms. Traylor makes the point that his lot may have been the hardest of all in this fictionalized account of the life of the young man who stood at the cross with Mary and the old man who wrote the book of Revealation.

Living to be an old man meant, for John, the horror of seeing everyone he ever loved die - not only Jesus but his earlier mentor John the Baptist, his brother James, best friend Peter, adopted mother Mary and even the young disciples following Paul. It isn't until the end of his life that he comes to understand, through what he learned from Christ, that it's our souls and not our bodies that count. Only then is he given the rather dubious gift of the vision of the Apocalypse, ad he finally understands why he was meant to survive his loved ones.

The book is quite biblically sound, with the possible exception of the notion that Mary sister of Lazarus was the love of John's life - and althought it's not mentioned in the Bible there's no real reason why it couldn't have been true. All the characters are well written, so you feel awful when John looses them even though you know what's going to happen (I especially liked the charming portrait of Peter's brother-adoring and painfully shy "little" brother Andrew and the powerful, heartbreaking depiction of John the Baptist's last thoughts). A good addition to your biblical fiction library

I just recently made a decision to read and turn off the TV. The first book that God led me to was John Son of Thunder. I know it's a fiction book and that certain liberties are taken, but Ellen does an awesome job of sticking to the Bible. I really felt like John. I felt his love for his two mentors (John the Baptist and Jesus). I understood why he got the title "Son of Thunder". I felt his horror and confusion at the crucifixion, and his important part in the first church.
I was in tears the last few Chapters feeling for John and praying that I might know what it means to give as much of a sacrifice for Jesus.

From the banks of the river Jordan-to the End of the World on Patmos Island! This story of an angry Jewish teenager who becomes best friends with the Son of God is a monumental work. Filled with action, danger, romance, sorrow, and the everlasting friendship with Jesus of Nazareth, this is an epic for all ages. Please, read it and enjoy!

Yes, it was cute...but I felt like I was reading a rather bland, repetitive diary. Yes, if you love dogs, there's a lot to relate to here. A bit of salvation in the epilogue...for a woman who loved animals so much, I was a bit surprised it took her so long to reach a vegetarian way of life, but at least she got there!

I could not stop reading this book and finished it on the day I received it. An emotional and honest story, between Kay and her Beagle Lauren. It will melt the heart of anyone who's had a dog or pet they cared about.
This is a book for dog lovers. Well written, beautiful and heart warming. This is a must read for anyone who loves dogs.

Dog lovers, animal lovers, Paris lovers, travelers, and everyone who apppreciates great literary talent, will love this book. Lauren's Story is a gift from Kay Pfaltz's heart to all her readers. In this book I found the best description I've ever read of that special bond between a dog and the person she or he loves. Those who have not experienced the unconditional love and deep connection that animals can offer us will find it so beautifully explored and explained, they may well find themselves on their way to the local animal shelter to rescue one. (Please don't buy from a pet store or breeder.)
Those who have experienced that dear and unforgettable connection will be forever grateful to Kay for putting it into words and indeed validating it. So often those who have lost pets experience a grief that is often not understood by those around them. Kay makes it clear. This mysterious and wonderful love that crosses the species barrier is absolutely real and, for some, the greatest gift on earth.
There are more ways to love this book as well. If you ever wanted to go to Paris, you will feel as if you did after reading Lauren's story. I felt as though I was right there with Kay and Lauren, so great is her talent in conveying the sights and sounds as well as her own so human and honest responses to this magical city. Funny, sad, intriguing, suspenseful, I couldn't put the book down.
The best part for me, that I hope everyone will read, is Kay's 4 page "Afterword" to the latest edition, in which she explains how her love for Lauren and Lauren's love for her inspired her to question why she would eat one animal but not another. She became vegetarian and states that she values "each individual life and, especially in the case of factory farming, foie gras and other undeniably cruel practices, I no longer believe a few minutes, or even hours, of my pleasure is worth an animal's life, or suffering."

This is a wonderful life between a beagle named Lauren and her owner who spent every part of every day together. This is a love story! The love between a beagle and it's owner. Some love stories are not even this close to real love.

I felt like I was there with them with every word that I read. I longed for more when I realized I was on the last page. BRAVO for LAUREN to be loved so dearly By Kay and For Kay to be loved so dearly by Lauren.

Kay's deep love for Lauren - and all animals - includes the necessary ingredients of joy and humor. There are moments throughout the book, especially toward the end when Lauren begins to fall ill, that you, the reader, will hold your breath for too long until the crisis is resolved. And, equally, there are moments of such hilarity, that you will stop breathing simply because you are laughing so hard. Lauren's Story literally has it all: heartbreak, despair, courage, joy and always, love. You definitely want to own this book, and buy it for everyone you know.

This is a major compilation of the work of the intriguing graphic artist, M. C. Escher. Remember seeing depictions of events that seem plausible but, under closer analysis, involve impossibilities? That describes some of Escher's most interesting works.
The book provides just about everything Escher produced (appearing in the "Catalog" section of the book), including his earliest works compiled during his teens. Among the most well known (and fascinating) include "The Waterfall," "Ascending and Descending March," "Convex and Concave," "Liberation," "Synthesis," "House of Stairs," and so on. The catalog section is fun, for one thing, simply to trace the evolution of his art.

But there is more to this volume than the works themselves. The volume provides context, with a brief description of his father's life as well as a more detailed analysis of Escher's life, from his birth in 1898 to his death in 1972.

There is also a most useful chapter labeled "The Vision of a Mathematician" (featuring the thoughts of mathematics teacher Bruno Ernst). It begins by noting two periods in the work of Escher--(page 135): ". . .pre 1935, in which landscapes predominate, and post 1937, which is characterized by a marked mathematical tendency." Ernst describes the mathematical principles in some detail (for those interested in this, a fascinating discussion). The textual portion of the book concludes with an essay by Escher himself on "The Regular Division of the Plane," including his reflections on his art.

This book has been around a while, but it is a valuable backdrop to getting a sense of the art of M. C. Escher.

I love everything Escher. I have several books, numerous calendars, as well as large jigsaw puzzles, T-shirts, magnets and mini jigsaw puzzles. Because of the detail in this book, I will never need to add another book to my collection. I especially appreciate the explanations. I am nowhere near smart enough to figure out what Escher was doing in each of his artworks. The detailed lesson on what each piece means is much appreciated by an art fan who is not an art scholar. I think this book would be great for any Escher fan, but I feel the need to tell you it is very large. Make sure you have room for it.

And c'mon - if you've seen his work, you're a fan.

The great thing about this book is not just the extensive and readable biography, but the complete (so they say) catalog of his graphic works. Even people very familiar with Escher's ouvre will be surprised by some of the entries here. They go back to work he did at ages 18 and 19, and show the devleopment of the Escher that has become so famous. It's just a little disappointing that the catalog is printed only in black and white, when so many of his works used color. The catalog reproductions are just that - a listing of his work, not a gallery, so the quarter-page size of most pieces is adequate for recognizing a piece, if not for appreciating it fully.

It is fascinating to see Escher's style develop though his (and the twentieth century's) twenties. Various influences early on suggest Beardsley (cat. 49, 67), Picasso (cat. 51, 58), or the pervasive Art Deco of his time (cat.34). Even then, some of Escher's later fascinations begin to emerge, including hands and reflective balls (cat. 88 and 80), symmetries and tilings (cat. 61, 65), and complex interactions of many figures in a repeating structure (cat. 90). The lesser-known parts of his work also start to emerge by the time he's 30, including delicate lithographs (cat. 129, 132). As much as I love his visual paradoxes and flirtation with the infinite, the lithos and mezzotints are the pieces that truly move me. "Snow" and "Blowball" (cat. 278 and 330) have an eloquent simplicity. "Eye" and "Drop" (cat. 344 and 356) demonstrate his classical sense and his perseverance with the demanding medium of mezzotint.

The text is also thorough and enjoyable - a good thing, since it takes up half of this heavy book, including its own set of illustrations. I admit that I have only skipped around this section, which starts by describing Escher's father. It's small wonder that his father was an engineer and that his son Arthur studied geology. Although an artist to the core, Escher had fruitful contact with mathematicians and crystallographers. He is one of very few artists that have successfully incorporated hard science into their artistic vision at such a visceral level, and the scientists appreciated that as much as anyone.

Although out of print, this book is available inexpensively on the used market. It's one of the best bargains around; if you've read this far, you'll probably find it well worth having.

//wiredweird

I haven't even had a chance to go through all of this remarkable book yet, but I am so impressed with it so far I cannot burble enough about how delighted I am with my purchase. This is a beautifully produced, designed, and wonderfully complete book. Many tales of the personal life an vision of the artist, countless, cleanly reproduced graphics, many works I have never seen or heard of before. Terrific! Can't recommend enough!!!

Definitely the first book every Escher fan should purchase. It's helpful in getting to know about the man himself as well as his brilliant artwork. It may seem pricey, but it's totally worth it, being hardcover (at least the one I got), and high quality photos of his work. It also shows his lesser known works (ones never released apparently), as well as photos of himself and his family. A very informative read and a quality edition.

Reading over previous reviews, I am glad there are others who feel the same way as I do about this book. I read it as a child but when I recently recalled it, I could not remember the title and searched in vain for some time for books on hedgehogs and gardens! I don't know how I finally found it but I'm so glad I did. I purchased a copy immediately. I too used to pore over the map of the garden and wished I was there. It's a lovely, timeless book with fantastic illustrations and a sweet story line.

I remembered this book ever since my daughter used to get it out of the library. For years it was out of print, but luckily someone decided to put it back into publication.
This endearing tale of a near-sighted lady and the hedgehog who lives in her garden (and unwittingly becomes a walking bouquet) will delight everyone, young and old.
The illustrations are done in a charming watercolored pen and ink format, enhancing the fun of the story.

I've never forgotten this book, I loved it as a little girl and I just got a new copy of it. This is genuinely a delightful book and so delightful for kids. I read it over and over again.
If you have young kids you should get a copy of this book it is soo sweet and well drawn.
Wonderful, simply wonderful!!!

Just as my children were, my five year old grandson was enraptured by this wonderful, gentle story with its lovely humor! Hedgie the Hedgehog will find a lasting place in your child's (grandchild's) heart and mind! Give them a wonderful childhood memory, as vivid as reading with Grandma and baking cookies with her! Give them this book! They will never forget it!

Just as my children were, my five year old grandson was enraptured by this wonderful, gentle story with its lovely humor! Hedgie the Hedgehog will find a lasting place in your child's (grandchild's) heart and mind! Give them a wonderful childhood memory, as vivid as reading with Grandma and baking cookies with her! Give them this book! They will never forget it!

This book was an eye opener and I think every female should read it. It teaches a valuable lesson and is not preachy. It is something that all women should be aware of. Even though this book was a good read, there are numerous errors in it that can be pretty distracting. Other than that, I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

What happens when you think you have the perfect
marriage? Jarvis and Sedonia were happily married
until handsome Donnell walked into Sedonia's life.
The vibes were strong and there was no turning
back. Sedonia had to get a long taste of Donnell.
Will Jarvis and Sedonia be able to repair their broken
marriage after Sedonia and Donnell's hot, steamy,
adulterous affair?-Journee, LLC

"Monogamous Intentions is a heartfelt read that focuses on an array of social issues and secrets that are unearthed, shaking up lives. An intense emotional read that will infuse various emotions revealing great life lessons."

"Sedonia Lacey is happily married to Jarvis until she meets Donnell and her life takes a turn. She gets her life back on track only to discover that Jarvis has a few secrets of his own."

"Dexter is the man that Sedonia grew up thinking was her father. He has been released from prison for brutally attacking her mother leaving her disabled. Secrets about what really happened this fateful night will emerge and explain why Sedonia's biological father is absent from her life."

"This thought provoking read explores friendship, love, heartache and triumph over adversities. Readers will experience sadness and joy through this interesting novel."

Excellent read, Ms. Davis will leave you wanting more. Can't wait for your next book! Monogamous Intentions is suspensful and will keep you on the edge of your seat!!

At an early age, Sedonia learns that sometimes some things just are best left unsaid. Due to confessions, Sedonia's childhood is flipped upside down. Her father is imprisoned, mother becomes an invalid, grandmother passes away, and her aunt Grace is unexplainably mean. This huge conversion causes Sedonia to go from being a happy, fun-loving, envied child to one with low self esteem, insecurities and feelings of unworthiness.

Luckily, Sedonia has met her savior in Jarvis, a good man. After a short romance, they marry. Jarvis has uprooted her from her unhappy home and past, providing for her a perfect new life. Hasn't he? With so much love wafting through her pores, Sedonia finds that she may have other risky connections.

After a rough terrain fueled on by hostility, ruckus and uncertainty, Sedonia and Jarvis Lacey find themselves in first class of the happily ever after package, or are they? With so many closeted discrepancies, can this happy couple ever get back to good times?

Monogamous Intentions unlocks hidden desires, cruel secrets and becomes kismet. In matters of the heart, can one ever settle and remain happy?

Author Shannon Davis wrestles with the heart, body and soul in her second novel, Monogamous Intentions. Yes, I'd say it was a good read, likable characters, overwhelmed with magnified drama, love and plenty of surprises, but in the same breath, I still felt like so much more was missing. Fans will be pleased with a minor cameo and update from Nothing Like Friends.

"Kisses Darling"


Reviewed by: Crystal

I purchased this four volume set when I was studying Greek at Denver Seminary, back in 1989 as it was highly recommend by my Greek professor. I used it quite a bit during seminary and even after that in my personal Bible studies, and more so when I started working on my Analytical-Literal Translation of the New Testament: Third Edition (ALT).

The arrangement of this set is by English not Greek words. But the fourth volume provides an index to where the discussion on Greek words can be found.

For each entry, the English word is given in bold, then the basic Greek word in a box. Then variant forms of the Greek word are given and synonymous Greek words, each with an English equivalent. Then the main article begins with a discussion of the use of the word(s) in classical literature. Then there's a discussion of the usages of the word(s) in the LXX translation of the Hebrew, OT, often indicating what Hebrew word the LXX was translating, and finally is the discussion of the usage on the NT.

So lots of information is presented, and if you read through the entire article for a word, you will definitely gain full knowledge of the history and usage of the word. However, the thoroughness of this set can sometimes be a drawback. It is just too much information and takes too long to read through. Most of the time when studying a word, you don't need that much background, so standard lexicons, like the ones on the BibleWorks 7 software program, provide sufficient info.

But that said, I am glad I purchased this set when I did. I didn't refer to it that often in my translation work, but on the occasions that I did, it helped to clarify how to translate a particular word.

For instance, some claim that "porneia" only refers to prostitution. The article in volume one of this set explains that this was originally the sense of the word. However, by the time of Christ, "porneia" referred to any kind of sexual intercourse outside of a Biblically lawful marriage (pp. 497-501). As such, I rendered this as word as "sexual sin" with the alternative translation of "fornication." I explain in more detail the reasons for these renderings in the Glossary contained in the Companion Volume to the Analytical-Literal Translation: Third Edition. The information for that glossary entry was mainly taken from the article in this set.

This set is also helpful when working on articles for my Web site. And it would be helpful in sermon preparation.

All that said, this volume is rather expensive. So only get it if you really think you will need in-depth word studies for transition work, sermon preparation, and the like. Less expensive lexicons and software programs will provide sufficient information for less serious Bible studies.

`New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology' edited in its English translation from the German by Colin Brown, is the most useful DICTIONARY on this subject I have found over the last two years of teaching Bible study. It is a true dictionary, with a primary focus on Greek etymology in classical Greek literature (Homer, Hesiod, playwrights, Plato, Aristotle, historians), the Greek translations of the Old Testament, and the New Testament, with distinctions made between Synoptic, Pauline, and other uses of the same term.
Before acquiring this work, I wrestled with `Theological Dictionary of the New Testament', edited in German and completed around 1933 by Gerhard Kittel, and translated into English by Geoffrey W. Bromiley, which has 10 huge volumes filled with a wealth of information, except that everything is organized by original Greek terms, and my reading of Greek is simply not up to snuff yet. So, while I have never been disappointed by this resource, it is simply too clumsy to use for the quick check on a meaning.
Brown's translation, on the other hand is marvelously organized by English words, with a transliteration of the Greek into English characters, followed by the original Greek script. Super, when the term you want is one of the major terms. A fly enters the ointment when the term you want is secondary to a more common word. I ran into this situation when I tried to look up `mute' (kophos) which my annotated Bibles told me could bean both deaf and dumb. Well, there was simply nothing there in volume 2 (G - Pre) under `mute'. By this means, I discovered the great value of Volume 4, the `Indexes'. `mute' was here in abundance, with the primary entry (within the entry for `dumb') highlighted, and I was merrily on my way.
I discovered an even greater value to this work when I looked up `hypocrisy', to help me understand the use of the word in Luke (who happens to use if far less frequently than Matthew). A recent lecture on Matthew stated that `hypocrisy' didn't mean the same to the ancients as it does to us. I did not entirely trust this observation. As I stated above, this Dictionary gives at least three different interpretations of words, one for classical Greek, one for Old Testament (LXX) Greek, and one for New Testament Greek. Well, classical Greek did mean an actor or explainer of narrative in dramas who may have performed with a mask. But usage in the Synoptics is virtually identical to our modern meaning. Even better, Luke's quote of Jesus may even been a metaphor using both meanings, one who explains as well as one who does not believe what they preach.
I was even more pleased with the book when it confirmed an interpretation I had of Luke's use of `yeast', which disagreed with the notes in my study bible. Brown, et. al. even went so far as to point out the common mis-interpretation of `yeast' in this context.
You may be using `Vines Complete Expository Dictionary', which puts everything in a single volume and is keyed to Strong's concordances. I've used Vines often, but I also often find this book light on interpretations in all parts of scripture. Vines is good, but this set of four smallish volumes is better for quick, but discriminating reference. Of course, it also has all the usual scholarly doo-dads, which are great, but not as important as the sound, discerning interpretations.

We are very pleased with the service and product. There were a few glitches but were cleared up immediately. I am very happy with the service. Thank's to all involved

A must for any bible study. As Greek has been transliterated there is really no need to even know the original language. The articles are AMAZING!!! AMEN!!!

The transliteration of the Greek is the only draw-back to this work as personally I prefer the Greek terms and in the Greek word order.Allow me to explain why. I do not use the NIV, though I know it to be a trustworthy translation, thus I tend to come directly from the Greek text to this. Thus I usually find the term, I am searching, in the transliterated indexed 4th volume. So if this was in the Greek word order and untransliterated it would prove easier. But enough of my crying! It IS WORTHY TO BE PURCHASED!

I also supplement this set with 'Theological Lexicon of The New Testament' by Ceslas Spicq, which tends to develop words the NIDNNT and Kittle have omitted. The TLNT is in the Greek word order and untransliterated, so it may feel odd to some who are not yet aquainted with the Greek.

Without question purchase the NIDNNT prior to the TLNT by Spicq as you will gain far more use from it.

soli deo gloria

I hate to be the only one not giving this a 5 (but four means it's great). [NOTE: My rating was accidentally registered as a five] Others have already highlighted how great this is. In many respects, it is superior to Kittel's Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (10 volumes). I've owned my set since 1980, when it was three volumes (the current fourth volume is an index). I can't give it five stars because 1) organizing by English words is very difficult and annoying for those of us who can look it up in Greek word order, like all the other Greek resources (20 minutes learning the Greek alphabet is all it would take for someone who doesn't read Greek). 2) Like so many other works geared to both those who read Greek and those who don't, it uses transliteration in the articles. I think that's the ONLY thing I like better about Kittel's - no transliteration! 3) This is not cost-effective compared to the absolutely outstanding and inexpensive "abridged" version of this set (see more below).

I've used DNTT for years. I always come away from reading articles quite edified. It's a tremendous resource. It's so good I overlook it's organizational faults.

However, consider the following:

Zondervan quietly put out an abridged version of this. Nothing important is missing! See my review of the New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology - Abridged Edition here on Amazon for more details. That is only $23, while this four volume set is $93. That uses the odd English based organizing system, the abridged is easier to use and all words are listed in Greek word order. They crammed the information into one volume by shrinking the type (still plenty big), moving to a double column format, and making the book taller and deeper than the original size. Read more about it at my review.

If you are considering this set, you may want to consider the abridged instead. When I've used the abridged, I never feel cheated because they kept all the relevant stuff! I have all the major theological dictionaries of the NT (TDNT, DNTT, Exegetical Dictionary of the NT, and Spicq's TNLT) and I use them routinely. I'm telling you that the Abridged version of this is not a kiddie version. It's the real thing. It's the best kept secret in scholarly resources for the NT! Don't feel like you're slighting yourself by getting the abridged, you're not. Now the abridged Kittel's, by contrast, is a different story. That was a serious abridgement and a serious compromise of the original. I sold that on eBay. I retain and use the original.

A great supplement to this set (or the abridged version) is Spicq's Theological Lexicon of the New Testament. See my review of that. It is far more theologically refreshing and insightful than either this set or TDNT (EDNT is the most bland, but it has its strengths).

May God bless you in your pursuit of a greater understanding of Holy Scripture.

There are so many easy recipes (especially for brunch) that usually take less than 30 minutes to prepare. My favorite are the yummy overnight breakfasts -- I can take 15 minutes to make blueberry french toast before going to bed and then just pop it in the oven when I wake up -- a delicious breakfast that didn't take long to make!! Most of the recipes are designed for moms who have a little one on their hip. You only need one hand to make a delicious meal that doesn't take long from start to finish. You can add little touches to any recipe (or change ingredients to your liking) -- it takes the stress out of cooking when you're pressed for time. Great buy!!

I am the mother of 3, and I cook EVERYTHING from scratch. I like the spiral binding. The book is sturdy and the pages stay open. There is a lot of advice in the beginning of the book but I did not find the advice helpful because I've already "been there, done that" and figured it out on my own by making mistakes. The advice may be very helpful to a new mother -- would make a great gift. As far as the recipes go, some are great (Mediterranean Chicken, which is adapted from The Silver Palate) and some are not. There are a lot of short cuts and adaptations from other cook books, which is kind of unoriginal. Some of the recipes I don't get -- there's one for stir fry chicken which consists of buying veggies, chicken and bottled sauce (why buy a cookbook when the recipe is on the back of the veggies package?). And, some of the recipes are not for kids -- my kids wouldn't touch the food. Although this book is good for the one-armed cook, I think that the recipes in my Gourmet (5 Ingredients), Bon Appetit (Keep It Simple, Everynight Cooking), and Rachael Ray books are just as easy and great.

I received this cookbook as a birthday gift over a year ago and it is - by far - the best, most useful cookbook I've ever owned. I was a decent cook (definitely not a chef!) but, over the past year, this book has elevated tremendously my ability to provide delicious meals for my family. My husband even publicly commented about this recently at a party we were attending! I knew I liked the recipes, but I didn't realize that he had noticed so much!

The recipes are wonderful, delicious, and easy to prepare, and even the non-recipe chapters are full of useful information (such as how to stock your pantry). I can't recommend this book highly enough!

I have raved about this cookbook to my friends. I have several cookbooks but the recipes in this one are actually for meals the children WILL eat! Yay!!!! :) The meals are easy to prepare, simple and delicious! I especially love the sections on planning simple get togethers (with specific menus all spelled out) and the slow cooking section. I use this book several times a week and have to say I finally have more selection for what to make for dinner and I'm enjoying the variety too. BUY IT!

I bought this book not for a new mother but for a busy mom, I would buy this book again without hesitation for baby showers in the future.

The book gives excellent insight into the nature of the subconscious mind
and how it works. And what it takes to become a hero soul.

I thought it was OK. I bought it as I thought the excerpts on Amazon sounded really good, and it had great reviews, but I haven't yet figured out why it got such great reviews. Apparently, the excerpt I read was the best part of the book. I have nothing bad to say about it as there is nothing bad about it; I've just read better.

I read this book in one sitting - it was uplifting and inspiring! I have read many of the works Sharif Khan refers to in this book as part of a continuing journey to find life purpose and reach my highest potential. Sharif takes these works from mythology, psychology, spirituality, philosophy and creatively weaves them into inspiration and practical advice. His own passion for living a hero's life is evident throughout the book. The language is simple yet eloquent. I've also had the pleasure of speaking to Sharif as a consultant for my own book project. I can tell you first hand that he walks his talk.

Sharif Khan is President and founder of Diamond Mind Enterprises, an organization devoted to transforming coal minds into diamond minds through the applied pressure of higher knowledge, wellness education, and leadership training. Sharif has dedicated over ten years of research in the field of human potential development and studying great leaders. He is a very dynamic, highly engaging, and much sought after public speaker who lectures about topics on what makes great leaders, the winning qualities of leadership, success, and what makes a hero, to a wide range of audiences from university students to associations to the corporate world. The author now also serves as a book consultant specializing in helping people successfully produce, sell, and market their information products. After finishing his Bachelors in Psychology at York University, he went on to successfully manage and operate a Bestsellers Franchise for over five years selling, marketing, and promoting.
Many names of a hero come to mind from history to pop culture. This book captures the essence of the universal `hero soul'. By combining the wisdom of over 10 years of research the making of great leaders along with studies in psychology, human potential, philosophy, mythology, the arts, and comparative religions, Sharif Khan has revealed the inner makings of heroes around the globe.
This book is for anyone who wants to embark on the hero's journey: a remarkable adventure that will inspire you to awaken and illuminate the hero soul within, rekindling your passion for greatness. This book is also for political, business, and religious leaders who wish to promote heroes in the workplace and everyday life. Finally, this book serves as an ideal foundation for writers, playwrights, screen writers, actors, creative directors, marketing executives, producers, and anyone who needs to develop a heroic figure, brand, or protagonist in their creative work.

Khan's method is to connect readers with historical and well known hero figures. He examines their journey to success and builds an understanding about their role in society and their role as a hero. He discusses the elements that make a hero. The book is written for a complete look at the hero from outside to understand the hero within.
His wealth of knowledge in so many areas allows readers from all walks of life to see a little of themselves in the author. Khan makes it clear that this book is about seeing the vision of a hero and emulating it yourself.
Figures in the book span all time periods, all walks of life and people that span the globe. It's global prospective is important to its appeal in building not only today's heros but future heros.

Being an enjoyable and easily readable book, it is suitable for people from university aged to senior. People with an interest in finding a higher ethical living standard or role model to inspire should make this book a top priority read.

Each chapter is written independently and although enjoyed read as entire book, it is set up in a format to be read by chapter out of sequence all at once or over a long period of time. Each chapter delivers a different angle to the same theme. In the end, Khan book allows readers to really acknowledge the heros of our time and times past. It also helps us to be a hero and inspire other prospective heros too.

This is a highly recommended book for helping to achieve that higher sense of self. And with a portion of the book's proceeds going towards the non-profit organization, Artists Against Racism, you can't go wrong purchasing this book.


About The Reviewer:
Diana Rohini La Vigne has been a journalist for 10+years with a focus on the South Asian Market. Her work has been featured in Couture Asia, India New England, Rivaaj Magazine, Lokvani and Sulekha. She can be reached by email at Lavigne@post.harvard.edu.

Eye for the Future Magazine Volume 9 Issue 2

book review


With power and vision, Sharif Khan does a masterful job of documenting the genesis of greatness by exploring the winning psychology of heroes. Khan's new book, Psychology of the Hero Soul, is an original work on developing leadership specifically designed to unlock readers' inner-hero potential to achieve success on a large scale.

As an inspirational book on awakening the hero within, The Hero Soul distinguishes itself from other leadership books by a remarkable breadth and scope. The book cuts across many disciplines as a highly integrative, holistic work on the concept of Hero. The author combines studies in psychology, philosophy, mythology, spirituality, the dramatic arts, business and human potential development in order to capture the essence of the universal hero.

The book's important subject does not deter it from being a surprisingly fun and quick inspirational read. You can read it anywhere anytime. The message is simple: there is greatness within each of us, and from the boardroom to the bedroom, we can all strive to be heroes in our daily lives; Sharif ties it all together in an extraordinary way.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, creative type, business executive or student, you will find this book valuable and productive; it will take you on your own hero's journey. The Hero Soul is poised to become an inspirational classic for years to come and to take its place among other great books.

I discovered and read Ms. Carter's lush tale of four intertwined lives some months ago and still remember my regret mixed with exhiliaration at turning the last page. Not wanting a book to end is probably among the higher compliments a reader can pay to fiction; to end a nonfictional story feeling thus, is rare indeed. Prior to RRG, Donna Tartt's fictional masterpiece "The Secret History" was my lonely, sole contender for this sort of accolade...
... It was precisely the lack of any undue focus on the women's probable physical intimacy, alongside a riveting collection of photographs that immediately caught my attention and held it. Throughout the whole of this story crept a quiet, matter-of-fact, stylistic elegance that kept this readers attention first and foremost on the place and the times, on three lives dedicated to art, on four women dedicated to each other. Brava!

Alice Carter has written an incredible story about three inspiring artists. It is ununsual to find a book with such a scholarly, intelligent perspective that is presented with a human warmth and emotional attachment to the individuals that are portrayed. The sensitive approach of the author is perhaps related to the fact that as a young child Professor Carter knew and admired these woman and they served as an inspiration in her life. Whatever the reason, she has crafted an outstanding, beautiful book that will stand as a classic story in the history of art, the struggles of women, and the nobility of the human spirit.

Some great reproductions here too, of some Pre-Raphaelite-style art from the Philadelphia area about 100 years ago. Violet spent over 25 years painting huge celebrations of the founding of Pennsylvania in the Harrirburg State Capitol. She may not ne Michaelangelo, but is not far behind his Sistine Chapel! This small coffee table book will never go out of style, and does a great job bringing back 3 great lady artists!

I bought this book with the idea of finding out more of the types of relationships women shared at the beginning of the twentieth century. I was astonished to find more than I bargained for. The Red Rose Girls provided more than insight into these relationships, it also provided a look inside the rise and fall of the progressive and arts and crafts movements. Pre Freud, the relationship of these woman was accepted and cherished as they lived together, and created their art. Post Freud, their relationships deteriorated as did their careers. All in all I found this book extremely entertaining, as well as heartening (a forty year relationship between two of the women) and the pictures are absolutely beautiful. If nothing else, as an art book it is extraordinary.

It was some months ago when I discovered and read Ms. Carter's lush tale of four intertwined lives. I still remember the regret and exhiliaration I felt on turning the final page.
Not wanting a story to end is perhaps among the higher compliments I would pay to a book, and usually one relegated to a rare work of fiction. In fact, prior to Red Rose Girls, Donna Tartt's masterpiece, The Secret History was my lonely sole contender for this sort of accolade. To add my name to the chorous of other reviews teetered on redundancy, lily-gilding or worse....gushing. But then, we New Englanders are a stiff lot, and loathe to such displays.
It was interesting then, to trip over a Feb. 8th review in which a reader, also from my birthplace, expressed some criticism of Carter's speculation on the probable physical nature of the characters relationship, finding it presumptuous and distracting. (my words)
It was precisely the lack of any undue focus on lesbianism, alongside a riveting collection of photographs, that caught my attention and held it for the duration. Throughout this fascinating account crept a quiet, matter-of-fact, stylistic elegance that kept my attention firmly on the place and the times, on three lives dedicated to art, on four lives dedicated to each other. Brava!

Another excellent book by Dr. Morris. Once again he cuts through the subjective mumbo-jumbo smoke of modern meaninglessness and doubt to give us clean air: exactly what the text says, along with connecting notes to the related Scripture and prophecy, and occasionally a note on the Greek to inform us where English translation falls short. Short of learning Greek for yourself, this book is a worthwhile addition to the library of any Berean-minded Christian. It will strengthen and encourage your faith. It will inform and arm you without tempting you to superimpose the passing imaginations and traditions of men over and above the word of God. Highly recommended.

Book is a good package.
Fine hardcover fine paper
print as small and very readable
to make it good and plenty
of hard and worthy reading.

This work tells the revelation book the way I believe God told John uncut and un edited, as all the Bible should be read, the warning from or Lord God is " Do Not Change The Meaning of My Word". Great discussion and explanation of End Times. Jack

If you are a Christian, and have wondered about the book of Revelations, this book is a must. I have not found a more intensive, deep, and thorough review than what Henry Morris does in this book.
My wife and I read through it every morning for our devotions and have loved every minute of it!!! A++++++

This book is obviously inspired! He provides insights and other supporting scripture for his views. His verse by verse review provides insights well beyond just the book of Revelation.