Authors Books

This I DARE YOU (MP3 CD) version will NOT PLAY ON A CD PLAYER. IT ONLY PLAYS on a computer.
I was a little disappointed since I purchased it to play in the car and on a portable cd player. It only plays on the computer disk player. I'll have to download it myself to an audio MP3 format. It must have been recorded as a DATA file. The narrator is a little momo-toned and I was very surprised that I zoned out on a self-help type CD. There are 14 chapters that run anywhere from 2 minutes 16 seconds to 26 minutes 14 seconds. Some are short, most are average 5-10 minutes.

My Grandfather owned a First edition of this book and I read it when I was about 13. It is a book that if you apply all that the author dares you too. you cannot help but achieve sucess.

The "I Dare You plan," first published in 1938 for the young and young at heart, is brightly authored by William H. Danforth, founder of the Purina Company. Written in scoutmaster style, this little gem will have you saluting to adventure. It is precise, simple, and uplifting.

"That is the first principle that I want thoroughly to fix in your mind--that life is a four-sided affair--that your daring program is going to lead you into physical adventures, mental adventures, social adventures, spiritual adventures. You have not one, but four lives to live--a four-fold opportunity to grow. A body, a brain, a heart, and a soul--these are our living tools. To use them is not a task. It is a golden opportunity. To find new capacities within you is not robbing you of any pleasure. It is bringing new treasures into every waking hour. It is helping you touch life at all angles, absorb strength from all contacts, pour out power on all fronts." Danforth adds "How dare you have within yourself these four-fold capacities and not use them?"

Like to be riveted into action? This book will do it. You will also feel rather selfish after the first reading (for witholding your dynamite). Go over it again several times. Mine is highlighted at every point (and there are many). I suggest you study I Dare You! along with the vintage movie "Fighting Father Dunne" (1948).

As one of the other reviewers noted, I too read this original book from my father's library when I was [...], in the 50s. Although almost forgotten, when I was writing articles on leadership, I realized this may have been the single most important book I had read...and used throughout life, becoming a leader in every...yes every...organization I belonged to, from high school Senior class President, college fraternity President, Band president(s), VP-Pres. elect of a national association, President of a state-wide organization, to Editor of a writers Quarterly and business owner. Now at 71, and looking back, "I Dare You" is quite possibly the only book necessary for directions in life. It's not about "success" or "money," it's about being your best and being the best FOR everyone around you.

This little book is-for the most part- really great. It moves fast and grips the reader. I felt immediately inspired by it. However, there is one flaw. I have trouble taking the advice of anybody that believes in talking snakes. Practically the whole character building chapter is based on religion. One of the sides of your square is supposed to be labled religion. I think thats an unnecissary addition to the book. You do not need to buy the worlds greatest fairy tail to be successful and happy in your life.

I just stumbled across this book in the Birmingham Museum of Art and what a delightful surprise! What a showcase of Alabama women's writing talents. From silly to serious, this book covers it all, from crib to cradle. It left me asking when's the next one coming out and where can I get it!

What an excellent display of the talents of Alabama writers! Alabama is often the brunt of "good ole boy" jokes, skipping over the intelligence and versatility of the abundance of talent found in Alabama. Anyone can relate to this book---from grandmothers and grandfathers and "hard times" which are displayed profusely. Hats off to the contributors to this book and for the editor for taking the time to introduce these poems to America!

Ordinary and Sacred as Blood makes me feel at home among writers--Alabama women writers who have shared their inmost thoughts from every cranny of the state. The variety of their experiences and the ways they have chosen to express them are appealing--poetry, memoir, essay, story. I'm still reading, and I've enjoyed every one--from our wonderful just-retired poet laureate Helen Blackshear to Helen Norris to Susan Murphy and Nabella Shunnarah, from Anne George to Natasha Tretheway to others whose voices are new to me. I look forward to the next chapter from this group.

Alabama authors have stepped forth to share short stories, poems and quips that will lift the heart of the reader. Ordinary & Sacred as Blood, authored by Alabama women, will trigger your every emotion. It truly promises and delivers something for everyone. You'll treasure this book forever. Delightful, thoughtful way to remember those on your gift list.

wonderful, folksy reading with home folks. Alabama Christmas by Charlotte Miller very sweet.Mamie was a Slave by Helen Blackshear gives insight into other days.

And Jesus most definitely gave me my medicine in this book!!

I absolutely loved this book! It was so inspiring. God has really blessed Tee Austin with an amazing story to share with all of His Ruth's of the world! Tee is a very powerful and beautiful person. But most of all, if you have ever been fortunate enough to met Tee you know that she is so humble and I love that about her spirit!

Keep them coming Tee! And thank you for being an inspiration to me!

The book is amazing Tee Austin dropped the bomb with this one.
This book by far was the best book I have read all year.
Please keep these coming.

I have to say I got a chance to me Tee Austin this year in Indiana at a charity event and later at one of her book signings
Her beauty was amazing but her character grabbed me this woman is annointed. I read her book while i was traveling and as a man I can say it brought tears to my eyes ....
She taught me that if Ruth could get through hard times then we all could make it .. I also realized how blessed I was
and that life is never as bad as it may appear to be.
Hey girl can i get a Soul Ties 2.

This book really moved me. It was very well written and touched on a lot of emotions. I really felt bad for Ruth while reading the book but in the end, the Lord was there for her and that's all that mattered. I could not imagine what she has gone thru mentally, but she appears to be on the right track and you have to respect her for that. I would suggest this book to anyone because it teaches a valuable life lesson.... "When you think your life is going bad, someone is always worse off than you so count your blessings!"

Soul Ties is a powerful book that makes you examine yourself, your life and the decisions you've made over time. I think every woman can personally relate to the things that Ruth experienced. One of the many things most rewarding about Soul Ties is that Tee Austin lets us know that through prayer and an unwavering belief in God and His son, Jesus Christ, you can be healed and delivered from all of your hurt, pain and disappointments. She even gives unsaved people an opportunity to become saved at the end of the book. I got your message Ms. Austin: learn to love yourself unconditionally and pray for your spiritual mate not your soul mate. Thanks for sharing your incredible talent! Stay blessed!

I read this wonderful book as a young man back in the sixties and I have just ordered a new version to recapture its wonderful moments

But I also saw the film version many years ago.

No I would be wery exited if anyone could lead me to a DVD or VHS version of the film

How gratifying to read the other reviews, and to learn that others have also experienced and loved this book at different times in their lives. The remarkable thing about it is how Dr. Munthe speaks to us in different ways at different ages. As a teenager, I was impressed by the passions, even though a lot of the details were above my head. In my late twenties, the way he tried to balance career and his love for San Michele was very meaningful. As a 44-year-old, I was impressed (and saddened) with the loneliness of Dr. Munthe's struggle, with really only his animals for company. While he speaks of friends, he shares little about them. And nothing about a lasting romantic involvement.

We all have our San Micheles. They may not be homes, but they are ideals toward which we strive. But for me, it exists only in my mind. Dr. Munthe was in some ways very lucky, yet also cursed, to be able to bring it to life.

The only frustrating aspect of "San Michele" is that it is, as its author notes, a fragment. I am interested to learn more of this fascinating man. Does anyone know if any biographies are in print, or in English? Thank you.

I came to this strange and wonderful book without the slightest inkling of what it was about -- simply because it was in the recommended reading for many guidebooks about Italy. First and foremost, it is an autobiography of a great physician and animal lover who just happened to spend some years of his life on Capri.

Autobiographies can make for strange reading, especially when there are obvious omissions. Although Axel Munthe frequently accuses himself of being a ladies' man, there is no mention of any love interest by name or even generic description. (That reminds me of film director Josef von Sternberg's FUN IN A CHINESE LAUNDRY, where we learn in passing that the author was married because of a cryptic mention in a subordinate clause 300 pages into the book.) Also missing is any mention of Munthe's childhood, although I understand there is at least one other autobiography written by him (MEMORIES AND VAGARIES), which I have not read.

There is, however, one section that does not appear in any autobiography that I have ever seen: An anticipation of Munthe's Last Judgment in Heaven following his death, with St. Peter, Moses, Athanasius, and St. Francis joining in the discussion.

STORY OF SAN MICHELE ranges from Paris to Lapland, Rome, Naples, Calabria, and Capri. We see duels, medical cases of wealthy women with imaginary diseases, demonic housekeepers, quacks, midwives, prostitutes, victims of cholera and earthquakes, brigands, shamans, and even an alcoholic ape. Munthe is a magnificent raconteur, and his book is a joy to read and reread.

How can one write a review of The Story of San Michele that comes close to doing justice to the book? There are many humorous episodes, such as The Giant and Mamsell Agata, touches of the macabre in the description of the cholera epidemic in Naples, misadventures, like the journey to Sweden accompanying a young man (then his corpse). There are also angry moments, as when his dog Tom is brutally kicked by the slimy Vicomte Maurice. Who could not be moved by the story of the boy John, who was rescued by Munthe but never lived long enough to find a loving home. It is a book that includes many memorable events in a life that was very full indeed. Many of the chapters in this book could be made into marvelous films, given the right adaptation.

The Story of San Michele is very well written, to say the least, and the many people, events and personal feelings of the author combine to make this a special adventure. Perhaps most special of all is Axel Munthe's relationship to animals that allowed him to get close, even to "wild" animals and have a special relationship with them. He was a man who held nature and all life in special regard but was pragmatic in the face of illness and death.

I have had a copy since 1988 and I have given Axel Munthe's book as a gift and been thanked for the introduction. I could not recommend this book highly enough.

My father had mentioned this book to me as a teenager. I read portions of it then, but have always wanted to read it in full. Finally, I found a paperback edition and found an absorbing and thought stimulating book. Dr. Munthe's care of the sick, his love of animals and the characters he describes, all will stay in my memory. This is not a book that you read once. I plan to read it again and again. Hopefully I will be able to visit Villa St. Michele some day and see the beauty of the place that he saw. I hope to find a bound edition with the photographs.

Entertaining book for the whole family. Lessons in life and in the martial arts are finely inserted into the story.

What a joy to find a book that lays out a life philosophy in a story that is both engaging and emminently readable! Whether you are an adult or a youngster, this book helps you understand what it means to live up to a high ethical standard, and how to find "the way" of a martial artist to establish that standard.

Turns out that to live "the way" is not at all what is depicted in movies --- being able to jump high, kick and punch is not the final goal! The real goal is self knowledge, inner peace, gentleness, honor, respect ---- acquired through the physical training of martial arts.

Read this book, you will enjoy the story that helps you find "the way". Give it to your friends and family, make sure the youngsters read it!!

I am very fortunate to be a pupil of this great man for many years and have been also fortunate to of read his other two books and his recent Bachelors Thesis. I have trained in many styles by many greats including Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. This book was very pleasant and surprised me because I thought I've heard all of Grand Masters stories. This book made it simple to understand and helpful for young and old. I now use it to help my teaching and as Grand Master says I also use his words to live life has we should.

This story covers a lot of ground. Everything from naive optimisim to serious life and death struggles.

While the lead charater is being put through many trials and challenges to survive the author manages to explain, very simply, of how everyone has it within themselves to find the strength and will to overcome any obstacle. through the physical and mental teachings of martial arts and applying these teachings and princples to ones daily life, ensures that you will have balance and the ability to persevere, even through lifes toughest challenges.

I have been a student of Grand Master Dong's for more than twelve years. The Grand Master never ceases to amaze me in the mount of energy and care that he puts into everything. I knew that he was working on a book and I waited patiently, not asking anyone about it so that it would be a total surprise to me. I was hoping for a "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" style book that explores the mystical side of the martial art. What he has delivered is something even better, because simple ideas and concepts result in big changes and advances.

I knew that it would be written on several levels; each appealing to a different age group or experience level. I saw it as a localized conflict (both between individuals and within the individuals) that you could place in any setting or with any age group. It is about people, and their emotions, prejudices, habits, and fears, all of which are hard to overcome. It is about discipline, goal setting and growing one's self to be bigger that what you are, showing others the respect that you would have them show you. With the correct guidance, each of us has what it takes to overcome insurmountable obstacles that we find going through life. The ideas and concepts in this book are elemental to a good life and better world.

Thank you Grand Master Dong

I enjoyed the book, but I was a little disappointed that it was so short. Overall it was a decent ending to a great series.

Now that I have finished the Yada Yada series, I am grieving that it is done. I have so enjoyed these books from start to finish. The author does a great job showcasing the power of our Lord without being "preachy". I have learned a lot about my own prayer life while reading these.

This is to be the final in the Yada Yada series and it wraped things up nicely. I've enjoyed the whole series as its been an encouragement to see how other Christians handle LIFE. I felt the Sisters had worked out major differences between themselves and were better equiped to live life following Jesus. Great Ending

Ah, I love reading this series! I bought it for my mother in law too, she loves them too! Good, Christian read. I wish I had a yadda yadda prayer group where I live!

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out (Yada Yada Prayer Group) Excellent book. Highly recommend this one and all of the other books in this series.