Works Books

Book in Great condition (new), cheap. Shiped promptly. I will definitively buy again from this seller.

I highly recommend this to people considering converting to the Catholic faith or those who are new in it. I would even suggest it to "cradle Catholics" like myself because we all need a refresher on what our faith really is. The conglomeration of different authors is a brilliant idea because it gives the reader different perspectives. The authors are connected to the Franciscan University at Steubenville, which some priests have told me is the best Catholic university in the country. This book is heavily based on the Scriptures and very enlightening. It gives the big picture that we are God's family and He loves us.

Scott Hahn is without question the most popular and important Catholic apologist in today's world. Not only is he an incredibly gifted author but he is also a very dynamic speaker as well. His efforts have not only helped many of the Catholic faithful to better understand our faith but he has also been instrumental in the conversion process for many new Catholics. He himself was a Protestant minister until he began to examine scripture more closely and found a home in the Catholic Church.

Most of Dr. Hahn's books are the exclusive work of his brilliant mind and I have yet to read one that didn't teach me many things and help me understand better the things that I thought that I knew. In somewhat of a departure however the good doctor only writes one chapter and serves as co-editor of the rest of the essays that make up this book. Surprisingly, Dr. Hahn's chapter is not the best one to be found within this collection but among such other fine works that is nothing to be ashamed of. Among the best chapters are those by Curtis Martin, Kris Gray, Timothy Gray and Kimberly Hahn all of whom shine in a sky full of stars.

The basic theme for this collection of essays is the Church as the family of God (familia Dei) and each and every chapter deals with some aspect of this reality. From chapters on Our Lady's role as our mother, Divine sonship, the Church as the bride of Christ and the reality of Purgatory to the use of the term Father when addressing a Priest this book covers many interesting facets of our Catholic family. Best of all everything is explained in an easy to read and understand method with the authors not assuming that we are all as well educated in the Faith as they are.

There are a few negative aspects of this book however that deserve some attention. In any collection of essays some will be better than others and that is certainly the case here. None of the essays are bad, or even average for that matter but some of them are just a bit dry in places. Another problem is that some of the authors tend to use way too many quotes, one of which is so long that it takes up an entire page. Some quotations are reasonable and necessary but some of these authors push the limits a little too far. One other point that registers as both a negative and a positive is the somewhat repetitive nature of some essays. It is excellent that the main them is discussed time and again and that the subject is never far from the surface but too often I found myself thinking that I must have lost my place because I had read the same exact thing just minutes ago. I don't know how this could have been avoided but it was sometimes disconcerting.

There is much to know about the Catholic Faith and despite some minor flaws Dr. Hahn and company have done a marvelous job of explaining some of the very basics of Church teaching. They are not mean spirited or pompous as they explain to us less educated Catholics some things that we really should have known already. This book can justifiably be touted as another winner in the Hahn collection.

If you want to take a leap in your faith, this is the book for you. The depth of the book is fantastic and should be read over and over for it to sink in. I am buying 5 more copies to give to my closes friends...and I have never done that before. Need I say more.

Today the number of Catholics that do no go to mass, or do not have a clear idea why go to mass at all, is immense. Catholic for a reason is an excellent tool in helping those Catholics to come to know and love the Faith they received at baptism. Great book!

As someone who frequently works with CIOs, I found this book to be excellent. One can read it cover to cover, or easily pick a topic and read the appropriate chapter. Since each chapter is essentially a standalone work produced by a CIO it is easy to flip to a particular issue, and gain insight.

Topics range from some of the more mundane, technical aspects of the CIO position, and further the old "business vs. tech" stereotypes, but other chapters such as "The First 90 Days" and the more strategy-oriented chapters are quite good.

Aside from the relatively minor "'the business' is evil" stuff, the book is marred by poor production. There are several spelling and grammatical errors, and the graphics are inconsistent and some of poor quality. The great content is mildly hindered by what appears to be poor editing and a rush job by the publisher.

Patrick Gray, author of Breakthrough IT: Supercharging Organizational Value Through Technology

I only got to read a few chapters before someone else in the office wanted to read the book. But I can say that the introduction, both generally about the CIO job, and the brief overview of each CIO who contributed, was very good. And the chapters from the different CIOs are valuable for the varied individual perspectives.

If you're not in IT management, probably not a very exciting book. But if you are, it gives you guidance from the varied real experiences of a lot of CIOs--people that you probably wouldn't hear from any other way.

The seventeen articles in this compendium represents contemporary and topical subjects, each written by a seasoned CIO. I was as impressed with the selection of articles as I was with the content because each topic is foremost on the minds of CIOs and senior IT managers today.

Among the articles I especially like are:

- The First 90 Days, by Mark Egan, which contains actionable plans that will get the new CIO (or other senior IT executive) quickly moving in the right direction.

- IT Organization, by Guy de Meester, in particular the challenges of centralization vs. decentraliztion, and organizational models in general. If this area is your focus I highly recommend additional reading: "Decentralization: Fantasies, Failings, and Fundamentals" (ISBN 0964163535) and "RoadMap: How to understand, diagnose, and fix your organization" (ISBN 0964163527), both of which go into great detail and provide an exceptionally effective approach.

- Governance, by Danny Maco, which is conspicuously missing in organizations large and small - or is often done incorrectly if done at all.

- Budgeting, by Bob Denis, Maureen Vavra, John Dick ... you'd think IT has this basic function under control, but sadly not. Read this article for excellent advice.

- The Metrics of IT: Management by Measurement, by Shel Waggener and Steve Zoppi. One of my favorite topics, and this team provides outstanding advice and keen insights.

Other articles are as well written, and span topics from architecture to strategic planning. Taken as a whole, this is a sourcebook that is filled with both knowledge and experience, and should be on the desk of every CIO, seasoned and new. I also recommend visiting the site that supports this book (paste the ASIN number, B0001EHNFK, into the search box for all products on this page). The site contains additional articles, news and other books in this series that CIOs, IT managers at all levels, and subject matter experts will find useful.

Truly, this is 'CIO Wisdom' - set down by CIOs and IT managers who deal day-to-day with information technology in perhaps the most challenging environment - Silicon Valley itself. As a 42-year veteran of the IT industry, I think this is the first time I've seen so much down-to-earth, practical and useful IT guidance in one place. The chapters are clearly and well-written. The authors get right down to the meat of the subject and provide practical suggestions for improving IT delivery.

If the book has a weakness, it is that there is so much specific information here that it will likely take multiple readings to glean all of it.

I think this book should be required reading for all CIOs ... and if you really want to start something, get a copy for everyone on your IT staff!

As a CIO I though CIO Wisdom hits the nail on the head on many of the challenges and issues facing today's CIO's. Sound and practical advice from those actually performing in the job was quite refreshing to the theoretical approach found in many other books on this topic. I only wish that many of my customers (business line leaders and executives) would read this book to better understand the value of IT can bring to our organization.

My only critique is that some of the concepts discussed in the book where not fully flushed out when the author was talking about solutions. Of course there have been entire books written on some of the topics covered in CIO wisdom.

I was particularly impressed by the Communications, Governance, Marketing and the Business Intelligence chapters.

I bought this book for a doctoral level class I am taking. It is outstanding! The information in it is practical in the classroom and simply makes sense. I highly recommend it.

This is a great overview of literacy instruction for any elementary classroom. The book is reader friendly and offers many different ideas that could be applied to the classroom the next day. Many primary ideas could easily be adapted for intermediate, however, overall the authors did a great job of presenting ideas that were usable in every grade! The vocabulary, reading, and writing lessons/activities are fun for students while continuing to challenge and develop their thinking. The practical nature of the book is ideal for any teacher!

I just got into this book in my class. What I have seen so far of it it is a good book. great for Methods classes for Education Majors.

This is a must have book for elementary school teachers. It gives great insight and ideas for teaching children how to read and write.

This is a must read for all elementary classroom teachers. It offers research based lessons to implement a balanced literacy program. It's an easy read. I highly recommend it!

This collection is attractive, affordable, and convenient. Were it not for the bothersome introduction, I would have gladly given it five stars. As it stands, however, I could do without radical leftist Sidney Hook's presumptuous introduction, wherein he arrogantly dictates to me precisely how I should read Thomas Paine, and in what manner Mr. Paine is correct and incorrect in his reasoning. Ripping out the introduction or going over it line-by-line with a black sharpie would be a marked improvement to this volume.

Thomas Paine is the Main Man who started the two Revolutionary Wars, first America which took 7 years then afterwards France starts her own Revolution with Thomas Paine's help but hers is won almost overnight. Thomas Paine not only started these Revolutions but he participated in both. This book is a real page turner that you won't be able to put down!

With all of the current claims by people of what the Founding Fathers intended for our country I decided to begin reading them for myself to achieve a personal perspective on what the Founders intended. This book and the writings contained are an excellent source of information and insight as to what Thomas Paine's intentions were.

Thomas Paine is an important figure in the founding of the United States. Although he was later ignored by the United States (when he was a prisoner in France...).

The book is a good compilation of the works of Thomas Paine. Paine was a smart man and his writings were influential in the American Revolution (Common Sense) and the French Revolution (Rights of Man). This book combines the writings into one book.

Common Sense is a short phamplet that greatly influenced the United States foundation. The sensical arguments seem obvious to readers in the 21st Century but in the late 18th century they were ideas that people needed to hear, and was a kickoff to the drive for independence. Common sense was read by a lot of Americans at the time and would do students of American History well to get the feelings of the Revolutionary period.

I have read much on the history of our beautiful country and also of other countries as well.

This book by Thomas Paine "COMMON SENSE AND THE RIGHTS OF MAN" is an extraordinary out line of how man should form his government and live in harmony with his fellow man in this world. Thomas Paine, one of our founding fathers, is a man that saw the rights of man being trampled on by England. His writing is plain common sense, of which many of us fail to utilize, about what a government should be and should not be. Our founding fathers gave us a Republic, if we could keep it. So far we have taken the declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights completly our of context. We are nowhere near the government our founding fathers gave us.

Those who wish to find the truth are compelled to read this book. Those who are satisified with the status quo will continue to be so. Read one of the best books ever written on the Rights of Man and then make your decision whether you want to live free men or langour in slavery.

Thomas Eby......

I was given the postcards book as a gift and had to have this book. Full of color pictures. If you love cats or photography with great color and contrast, this is a wonderful book.

If you like to look at kitties, this is a no-brainer. It's a beautiful book. One of its charms is that it's a quiet, calming book. It brings the viewer into the world of these cats...and causes me to ask (not being on a sunny island) how can I bring such solitary basking moments into my life? how can I peacefully share space with others? can I find a warm, sunny, basking place within myself and the space I inhabit?

We often hear the expression "Lucky Dog". This book is "Lucky Cat".

I bought this fabulous coffee table book for my boyfriend's birthday last month, and we both think it is fantastic. The pictures are so luscious and colorful--now I can't wait to visit the Greek Isles and see some of these amazing cats.

I purchased it to gift to my niece for her 15th birthday. She has mania for cats and many books related with feline. This book is better than the others she had because the beauty of the scenery is in harmony with cat feature. She was suffused with delight when received this gift.
It seems that every photograph has mood and story so that is create imagination of beautiful world. If you take a look the picture of this book then you will cannot help but like cats. I strongly recommend people interested in feline to purchase this book.

I was given this book as a present two months after my own kitty was put down. This is the most wonderful book on cats I've ever seen. It shows quite clearly how different their personalities are and seems to capture the essence of a cat's soul! These beautiful creatures will make you laugh because their personalities just shine through the pages of this wonderfully large coffee table book.

Just like cats, they don't need to say anything. There are no quotes within the book, just large beautifully artistic photographs with curious cats smiling, stretching, and being frisky. There is a touching introduction to these critters in the beginning, but then just sit back and make friends with these 400 cats!

"The Complete Guide to Securing Your Own U.S. Patent" by Jamaine Burrell takes the inventor on a journey from concept to marketplace, and covers everything else in between.
An easy-to-follow guide, the complicated topic of patenting is simplified by Burell. It offers practical advice and instructions, tips and examples. It will undoubtedly help any inventor learn the ropes of filing, protecting and maintaining a U.S. patent.
Imagine life without the cell phone or home computer. Without those technologies, modern-day life would be very different. For those inventors, patenting was an important process.
With this book, patenting doesn't have to be a mysterious task. Even the lay person can file a patent.
Whether the inventor has created a new medicine, a breed of fruit, machinery, or computer software, they will want to protect their invention and make sure it finds its way to market. This will give them the knowledge to actually do so.
It also discusses copywrites, trade marks and trade secrets. The guide, with companion CD-ROM, could easily help the inventor bring the next big need or necessity into the mainstream.
5 stars

The Complete Guide to Securing Your Own U.S. Patent by Jamaine Burrell is truly a complete reference source for deciphering the puzzle of securing a U.S. patent. At times, the complexity of the process boggled my mind, but the author cuts to the chase and gives good descriptions of legal requirements, definitions, specific info for certain states plus details on the various types of patents, intellectual property, inventions, copyrights and trademarks and more.

After describing many details, he gives complete instructions that would enable a layperson to do a patent search, fill out the applications and save plenty of money in attorney's fees. Of course, it is a long and extremely detailed process that could easily be messed up by not paying strict attention to details. The appendix includes a variety of information, including PTO fees and copyright fees, plus info on countries participating in certain conventions for those who may wish to pursue international patents or copyrights.

Overall, the book gives an excellent overview of the patent process, and I would recommend the do-it-yourself method for the most dedicated of souls, of which I am not one. I would either have to hire an attorney, or miss out on my big patent.

If you've ever had a big idea, then you need this book on Patents. This book thoroughly covers the U.S. Patent process from applying for a patent, to protecting your rights under a patent. I especially found the sections on marketing and making money on inventions and intellectual property very helpful in building my own WEALTH. I feel that the book gave me the new-found ability to transfer my intellectual property into revenue generating assets. I highly recommend this book for anyone who thinks they might have thought of the next big thing.

For anyone who's ever held off on really running with a great idea because the process of getting a patent seemed too daunting, this book is the next best thing to having an expert hold your hand and personally take you through all the steps.

The author begins with a straightforward overview of what the book is designed to do and then follows through on all counts, beginning with the basics of what patents are all about and why they're so important. Also discussed in great detail are the elements of intellectual property, the processes of invention, and the steps to establishing patent ownership, including patent searches, filing a patent application, and protecting your patents. Although the book's main focus is patents, other intellectual property assets including copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets are also covered. Also included is a CD-ROM with all the forms and checklists necessary for filing a patent.

Patent law is complex, and hiring a patent attorney can be costly. This book will not only help inventors protect their inventions and ideas, it can save them money along the way.

This is a study of the patent, what it means and the basics of getting it more than a step-by-step manual starting at the beginning and ending with your putting a Priority Mail application in the slot.

To obtain a patent you do not have to prove that a concept works. You only have to document it in clear, layered language and drawings. The language is critical for the defense of the patent's claims which means that everything gets defined several ways. Thus, "a tube is, a pipe, a hollow conductor or any such enclosure for the transmission of said fluid" instead of just being a tube. Such extra verbiage allows lawyers to spend hours in court arguing over what you meant, said and did not say to run up your bill and make an already cranky judge furious at the other side.

If you are starting from zero, have not been through the process, at least through the searching phase, and clearly know nothing this book is worth the price. It is basic, clearly written and fairly up-to-date. But, the real source in this business is the US Patent and Trademark Office' website. While it is written in the cautious, overstated, layered language of "Bureauspeak" it is understandable to the novice if he has has read 20 or 30 patents, knows his own field well and has paid a few lawyer's bills. Fear of an outrageous bill is compelling motivation in matters of this kind.

There is a place for guide to the USPTO website, but there are so many variations now with so much more patentable, i.e. computer programs, genes, fanciful chemical systems, business models, etc. that such a guide would either have to be an Occam's Razor-like work revealing certain principles or a compendium of the many ways to get through each of the several ways for the kinds of patents now available.

Experience with this area convinces you that patents were created for attorneys instead of inventors. This is an area of law practice that is an open field of strange people with dreams and those who will milk them of their last dollar. After they have their patents in hand most find that no one wants them because they didn't think of the idea first. Ego begins where creation ends and it is like hitting a bedsheet with a stick. You never have an effect, but about 1% of the people who suffer through this process make it work and get to spend hours in court going after the big guys who ripped them off.

We say Spirituality is not something we want to fall into. But in real terms we dont know what in actual Spirituality is !!!
This books explains the human life and the way to live it fully with the understanding of oneself...(SELF-Realization)

Keep Reading.

the thing that i most loved about this collection is his photograph that came with the books like a little book mark, but also much of what he says is truly inspired. i was most impressed by his knowledge of bhakti yoga - the yoga of love, which to my mind is the greatest gift of hinduism to the rest of the world. love is the word of all true mystics which points us toward ultimate reality/unity. i do not agree however with his analysis that all yogas are equally valid. i see that a quite sizable chunk of jnana yoga is mislead in its analysis and understanding of the nature of things.

vedanta is significant in that it is the science of religious truth. it seeks to uncover those truths that are universal to all religious or spiritual journeys... whether by believer or non believer... certain verifyable and repeatable truths and practices and results of these practices. vedanta is more than a religion it is the truth that is out there waiting to be found again and again, in being after being, life after life.

i see 'advaita' vedanta as primarily seeking union with God, or the super- self/paramatman. i would however warn that the mundane 'i' must undergo radical transformation, or complete extinction with renewal and re-birth if union/yoga with God is to be attained. (i speculate!!!)

as mentioned above, the ultimate is true love, personified in hinduism as bhakti. true love has been known to be in definition, to be 'loving kindness' by the worlds greatest proponents of truth. take for example the jews (proponents of one true god) and their use of the word 'chesed' and then the diametrical opposition of buddhism (proponents of the budda ideal) which uses the word 'metta'. these two great religions have recognised the meanining of 'loving kindness' over vast stretches of time. but it is clear too that Jesus, a jew also had a profound experience of and egagement with 'chesed'. Vivekananda also was a very loving human being it would seem from his writings. however i think he was wrong in that he did not consider that 'loving kindness' is more than merely an attribute, but it is infact the very being and persona of ultimate reality. of which there is only one persona. (manifesting in three persons, though one would not expect him to know that without a profound experience of Jesus).

vivekanandas books give a brilliant over-view of the various aspects of hindu faith... but am i right in thinking that he was an impersonalist, despite what he wrote on bhakti. i dont know. hard to pin down.

there is a slight shadow over the first book in the compendium, but is this because of a 'blessing' on the book, or simply that he is in areas misguided. as i see it his greatest error is to embrace non-dualism in relation to good and evil.

yes, it is true to say that evil may be good and good may be evil, as well as to say that good may be good and evil evil, but simply because the two extremes may cancel one another out one should not assum that all reality is always an illusory construct. non-dualism is valid, but not very helpful, a lower truth.

if one is careful, one will see that with an understanding of the mundanities of good and evil, that one may aspire to and better understand the nature of good, that is 'true' good, the third and apexal point on the triangle. 1,2,3 and or 1,1,2 (there is a progression in the first set, and a correspondence in the second set - if one applies these numerals to a basic triangle).

taking love for example, one does not have to be clever to realize that love may lead to hate, and in some cases love is a form of hate. if a country goes to war or an individual is angry at someone, it can usually be understood as an offence against love. and loving ones country so much that one goes to war for her is a sad example of mundane love. however this love is love without kindness and therefore is not 'true' love. true love is loving kindness, since true love must be kind, it must love its enemies (so what enemies has it). thus asserting, socratese was expected to drink poison, for 'corrupting' the youth of athens.

interestingly vivekananda follows the argument that india maintained her identity and beliefs in the face of invasion, simply because she did not resist the occupiers (islamic and christian). she bent like a reed in the wind.

vivekananda would have benefitted from a better understanding of the mystic sides of christianity and islam, both of which he seems to misunderstand on certain important points, or simply not to know about.

all in all an intersting read. not as developed as ramana marharshis vedanta, and though he may have been an impersonalist of sorts he does not go into the details of the process of impersonalist union with/becoming god. yoga is described but not actual process of union with God, though he does mention this as a possiblity that was sometimes avoided by the bhakta who wished to worship God as the object of their love. they found this more fullfilling than becoming a god.

he covers a wide area and its hard without deeper study to understand his personal position on things. all in all, what impresses me most about him is that he was clearly a very decent human being. a shame though about his philosophical indifference toward the dualism of good and evil. (but he cant be blamed. a reading of the baghavad ghita can either assert this dualism or deny it. you will find people in both camps who have studied the ghita).

anyway, these books need to be read with discernment, as i have said, there is a slight shadow over the first book. dont let this scare you away from reading them, but approach with prayer.

with very much love, from, snow-flake. xxx

I am only part way through the first volume, but it is far enough into the works to gather an understanding of the maginitude of Swami Vivekananda's understanding and straight forward elucidation of Vedanta. His writings are intellectual in nature with a strong undercurrent of spiritual truth. He has the ability to stir within the mind something unspeakable through his words. This is a testament to his depth and understanding. So far, in this first volume, there is an ongoing feeling of freedom from creed and blind belief, and a very structured, scientific approach to living through Yoga. This will certainly appeal to those who are disheartened by orthodox faith, but still are religious minded and are a seeking for greater truth. Excellent!

In the moments of desperate help, this book has thought me how to hold my self together. It has made me a better person overall. I recommended this book to all of my friends and teachers. It is by far one of the most AMAZING book I have ever seen.

Vivekananda was one of Ramakrishna's students. These books mostly depict the Swami's trips in behalf of Vedanta, in America and other countries. He writes beautifully and has simple, clear exposition. He does briefly describe the various types of Yoga. I did not find the books highly inspiring, and certainly not at the spiritual level of Autobiography of a Yogi.

I've given this book to many young people and it has opened their eyes to the world. It changed them at least a little for the better. It made them aware that they have choices. It is written with a youthful heroism that encourages one to try to be more than ordinary.

This has been one of the few books I've ever read that has truly changed the way I think about life. It isn't just a list of awesome jobs, internships and opportunities around the world, but it's a way of living. The working world can wait! Why act like your 35 when your only 22? You've spent 16 years of your life being educated the way they want. Now spend a few years of freedom and independence to learn about the world your way. See the world, see the people in it. Money and material things can wait; they can never replace experiences, memories or relationships.

This book talks about all that. It gives you hundreds of very specific ideas on jobs, finding jobs/opportunities and how to make ends meet. The whole book is mingled with personal accounts from people who actually went out into the world and lived an amazing life. I work in a news room for my college newspaper, and half of the staff is seniors. I've left the book in the office, and everyone of them reads it and tells me how great it is. Best $10 I've ever spent!

I have just started to read this book, and I knew in the first few pages that it was a worthwhile purchase. The author does a great job of motivating the reader to take a less-traveled path, and continues to flood you with ideas and information that are sure to make you hungry for adventure. I have also found that the author is a very entertaining writer, and goes through points and information with a sense of humor and excitement - much like what we would expect from the twenty-something adventure-seeker she says she is.

Overall, I am enjoying the book thoroughly. I find it to be extremely informative, motivating, and well organized. Even the book itself is very nice physically, with a very attractive layout, smooth heavy pages, crisp bold fonts, and a perfect medium size.

Highly recommended!!!

I can't believe there is a book like this. It's so much against what corporate America ingrains into you, that of life being all about the rat race. I'm still doing what I want, experiencing the world, and having experiences I could never have in the US, in my 30's still. I see no reason to stop and surrender to the boring "real world" in America.

I've been traveling the world and doing what I want for the past 5 years now, before finally settling here in the Philippines. Although I'm poor, not accruing any social security or pensions, not following any real career path, etc. I'm happy. And that's the most important thing. I don't believe in getting a serious job unless it's something I love, just because society says so. The purpose of life is to enjoy it, and if you're not enjoying it with enriching experiences, then you are wasting your life in my book, even if you're making good money in a good job.

I have recommended this book to all my email group and list. It gives a whole new dimension on life and offers an alternative that the educational establishment in America never tells you about.

I've created my own website describing the joyous benefits unknown to most Americans of being abroad long term. It's called Happier Abroad at http://www.happierabroad.com. It helps inspire people to pursue international living, dating and traveling, and cultivate an awareness of the positive benefits overseas unknown to most Americans, who instead are living in fear and isolation perpetuated by the US media and culture which tells them that there is nothing good outside the US and that you are empty inside and need to work and consume to fill that emptiness. It's a soulless life lacking connectedness with others and inner life.

Check it out. It'll give you a whole new dimension on life.

Thanks for reading this review.

Sincerely,
Winston

The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One Learning new things is great but going straight from classroom to career choice just leaves out too many interesting experiences. Delaying the Real World is perfect if you want some stops in between, especially if you prefer variety and combination to choosing just one thing.

Good Book, I wish it were updated & re-released!

Finally after all these years we have a book that tells us everything we ever wanted to know about the queen i love my copy since i got it a few weeks ago i've read it fron to back and found out some truly interesting things that i never even knew...hell i always thought i was an expert on Madonna but after reading just a few chapters i realised how little i knew about one of the most contoversial, and diverse women in the business today all the info in this book just go to show there will never be another that could come close to filling her shoes or have the global impact shes had
there never has been, never will or could be another MADONNA!!

Okay. So I bought this back when it came out in 1995. I remember reading it and thinking, "SO, there IS a fan out there that knows almost as much as I do about Madonna!" Although there is a lot of opinion expressed throughout the book and some missing detail, it is a book worthy of your shelf or coffee table. It may be outdated since Madonna has morph like fifty million times since this book was published. It still is a great book to ahve around, even if for camp purposes.

There are literally thousands of books that have been published over the years about everyone's favorite Material Girl. Regrettably, the vast majority of these books are incredibly sloppy and aren't even worth lining my birdcage with. But the "Encyclopedia Madonnica" is very unique. This is the most accurate book ever written about Madonna which is also the most informative and detailed. The author, Matthew Rettenmund who wrote this for fans from a fan's prospective speaks to the reader in both an entertaining and enlightening way. You will learn so much about a woman who everyone already thought they knew. My only complaint is that this lists the documentary "Blast 'Em" as part of Madonna's filmagraphy. I'm not sure why the author did that because "Blast 'Em" is not a Madonna movie or a movie that she agreed to appear in. It just includes clips of her being stalked by photographers and as a fan I looked for this movie for years simply because I wanted to have every single movie that she appeared it. When I finally got it I was very disappointed to learn that it was not one of her movies and perhaps it was simply an error on the author's part. If you're a fan who wants to read about Madonna there are really only 3 books you need to get. Besides the "Encyclopedia Madonnica," I also highly recommend I Dream of Madonna & The Madonna Scrapbook.

Matthew Rettenmund certainly has done his research. Encyclopedia Madonnica is the most informative book about the Material Girl that has ever been published. After reading this book, you will truly know everything there is to know about the most famous woman in the world. Well-written and organized, it's also chock full of often hilarious tid bits and witty rejoinders. Mr. Rettenmund should do an updated version of this book, to cover the years 1995 to the present. If you love Madonna, then you simply must own this book, along with Michael D. Craig's "Who's That Girl? The Ultimate Madonna Trivia Book!

I HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK YET BUT HAVE SKIMMED OVER IT. INFORMATION LOOKS TO BE WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR. SATISFIED WITH PRICE AND PURCHASE.

My husband and I are in the process of adopting a teenage boy. I purchased 4 books to prepare myself for possible situations that may arise. This was by far the best one of those I have read. The book was very easy reading and quite enjoyable. The book describes actual events from different case studies and had alot of helpful info. I found most of the other books boring and hard to get through. This was straight to the point and offered real life solutions and explainations for certain behaviors.

This book is an excellent discussion of the ways adoption is experienced by all members of the triad, with particular emphasis on the normal developmental issues adoptees face at different times of their lives. Joyce Maguire Pavao is clear and forthright, sensitive and reassuring. Her wise insight is illustrated with examples and the poetry of adoptees. I highly recommend this book.

As the attorney for many adoptive families I sometimes find myself filling in information that social workers haven't provided, or at least haven't provided in a way that the family understood. A couple of issues that come up often are, "I've been told that adoption is not the same as birth parenting, but exactly how is it different?" and "How will adoption affect my child through out his or her childhood." I find that many families do not understand these issues before they adopt. This is the perfect book to put in the hand of a prospective family. It is also great for families experiencing adoption related challenges who feel that they are unique and alone. This book gives them comfort and understand. It is a great resource. It is short too, families like. Thank you Dr. Pavao.

As an adoptive mother, I have read and collected a shelf full of books on the subject of adoption. Joyce Pavao's well researched and thoughtful book, The Family of Adoption, is one of the very best. It's the first book that I recommend to anyone interested in or touched by adoption.

Joyce Pavao, herself adopted, encourages the reader to look at adoption from all perspectives. She shows us that understanding the important connections that exists between birth family, adoptive family and adoptee is essential to appreciating the complex emotions that accompany these bonds. Her careful explanations helped me to understand that although our daughter's birthmother is half a world away, she has always been a very real part of our family. Pavao uses poignant examples, selected from her years a therapist, to illustrate how adoption effects all members of the triad. Her use of real life scenarios brings much needed clarity to some very complicated concepts and makes this book very readable.

Included in the chapters devoted to the adoptee at various ages, is useful advise on how to talk to your child about adoption in age appropriate ways. She also gives simple, understandable advise for parents to help their children process information and feelings in different ways at different developmental stages. She helps the reader understand how each new developmental stage presents a unique set of challenges for the adopted person and how some seemingly troubling behaviors can result.

In The Family of Adoption, Pavao presents a very complex subject in a very straight forward and understandable way. She also provides useful and practical advise in a book that that is ultimately informative and very readable.