Quotations Books

I don't know much about Helen Nearing, having just begun to read books by and about her and Scott Nearing, her husband. Among a bunch of such books I checked out from library, this is a second title I picked up and read, following *Living the Good Life - How to Live Sanely and Simply in a Troubled World* (1970). Reading this title (Living the Good Life), it was really great to know that the Nearings were no simple folks when it comes to intellectual matters. So far from it. Both Helen and Scott Nearing were clear, elegant, and forceful, in their thinking and writing. To such an extent that you soon begin to trust them as your teachers.

And this book shows how--how Helen Nearing became what she was. The "Foreword," which was written when Helen was 91 and near her own death, is almost startling in its, yes, wisdom and profundity, which are clad in simple and clear words. In this regard, the opening words--"There is much speculation about life after death. What about life before death? To learn how to be old is one of life's last lessons. To learn how to die is the very last lesson of all"--sound almost like Rilke, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, who could be unfathomably profound in clear, simple, everyday, words.

The quotes in the book can very well stand on their own as the "wise words" about aging and dying, words that are "too good to lose," as Helen put it. On the other hand, they show us the *reader* Helen Nearing was. You realize early on that many of these quotes do really come from her reading of the books tht contain them. Such realization can be quite refreshing, considering that very many people make quotes (good or bad) from, well, quotes, or book of quotes. The authors and their books that contributed to the making of this gem-like collection of wise words on aging and dying were ones that inspired Helen and led her to what she became.

*My favorite comes from Edith Wharton: "In spite of illness, in spite even of the archenemy, sorrow, one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways."

Helen Nearing's galaxy of quotations from the likes of Ghandi, Freidan, Woolf, Einstein, Wharton, and Lao Tzu (and scintillating many more) on the subject of aging and dying is somewhat like meditating under a summer sky's meteor shower, each new light a brilliant, breath-catcher. With this collection, this "study for eternity" (Nearing quoting Emerson), Nearing restores elements of wonder and mystery to living and dying , rescuing them (and us!) from the pervasive and monotone hellfire school of western religious tradition. Among my many dozens of favorite Nearing choices is this from Hazlitt (Table Talk, 1821) : "To die is only to be as we were before we were born".

As the subtitle notes "An inspirational gathering of thoughts on living a good old age into death" this is a book of quotes from elder on subjects from Good Old Age to The Art of Dying and Death the Great Good. I find its value is simply in talking about death in a positive and not a dreaded manner. Quotes from all walks of life and belief systems.

A wonderful mix of view points from children on what would make for a perfect world. Both funny and touching, I was amused and amazed.

The first time I read this book, I wound up laughing so hard I cried! It is an endearing book of how children see the world. It includes several humourous answers and a few, tender thought-provokers. I recommend this book for all "kids at heart!"

I love Mr. Bendars book of what children, like i was when I wrote my entry, think would make the world better. My entry, which i made 2 yaers ago when I was 12, was something like: The world would be a better place if photosynthesis could work for people to prevend hunger. Some of the entries are serious like mine, and sone are funny. Three other people in my school have their thoughts in this book. I would recomend that everyone has a copy of this book!

This is a charming book I first saw in a waiting room. The photgraphs of actual snowflakes are amazing, and presented in a way that lets their beauty speak in a way that humbles the soul, making this the perfect little book for all ages and for artists and scientists alike.

Even though it is a smaller book, it is packed with fascinating facts about snowflakes and beautiful, detailed photos. I purchased both the book and notecards. The notecards were special for this year because the U.S. Postal Service published stamps of the author's snowflakes. It is fun to send a snowflake note and use the snowflake stamp on the envelope.

I gave this book and note card collection as a gift. Almost everyone can use note cards, and this set was a perfect unique Christmas gift.
Wonderful pictures of real snowflakes adorn the gift cards and the pages of the included little book.
A really charming gift I was proud to give. I've always believed in giving gifts to others that I myself would like to receive , and I would (and probably will!) willingly buy this set!

This is a really cute book filled with lots of motivational messages. I like the way the author expresses himself through his artistic talents. This uplifting book makes an ideal gift for someone you know or even yourself!

Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated

The Little Book of Wisdom is great. I love to flip to random pages and read the quotes. It always makes me smile. I have yet to be disappointed! It is also a great gift. Everyone loves it!

I have given The Little Book of Wisdom to many of my close friends and buisness associates. Each person has formed their own personal attachment to Richard's collection of affirmations. You'll find yourself smiling or even laughing out loud at the adorable drawings that illustrate each and every quote. I've ordered 5 at a time and I keep them at home, ready to give as a spur of the moment gift. Great for the person who has everything.

Is there anything funny about the world of dating? No. Not after you've been dating for a while. THE PERFECT MAN by Heather Down is a fun and funny read. It could be more fun than your date. Certainly, at 0.49" x 6.04" x 4.50," it's easier to handle.

"He think's and she know's", that this humour book is a fun filled poke at that long suffering opposite sex... males that is:) A great time.

A very funny book! Some of the one-liners in this book cracked me up -- they all made me smile. A truly funny collection of relationship quips!

I love this handy compilation. Whatever the occasion, there's a quotation that will fit. It makes a thought provoking read on it's own, encouraging one to think creatively and so inspirational. Rilke, Disrali, proverbs, and even Joni Mitchel. Truly a wide array of outstanding individuals and thier thoughts on the one thing we all have in common. Love.

This is a thoughtful book that is easy to read and full of pleasant surprises. Comments on love range from humorous to provocative. "Love Notes: Quotations from the Heart" is a compilation that celebrates the human spirit.

I like to use this book as a reference book. I never tire of reading it because of all the enjoyable, insightful and funny quotes. I like the short quotes. When I don't feel like lengthy and heavy reading I just pick this up, delight my soul, then go on about living.

Ever need to make a toast? Enjoy the occassional glass? This may be the book for you. The Magic of Wine is a pocket sized volume which contains some of the best (and most unusual) wine quotes I've ever come across. The price is right,and the tone is perfect.

This tucks nicely into a wine-basket you're creating for a friend. While it's small and relatively short, it's chock-full of interesting quotes and timely quotes. It covers everything from Alcaeus ("The best medicine is wine") to Leonard Bernstein ("Wine snobbery, of course, is part showmanship, part sophistication, part knowledge and part bluff.")

In fact, be sure to grab yourself a copy too. It's great to read by a fire, with a glass of wine in your hand!

witty & thoughtful quotes from Aeschylus to " Yugoslav Proverb" cleverly divided into categories of wine, moods of wine,etc.This book is fun to read and pretty to look at;a nice gift even for those who " talk with more claret than clarity ".

This book contains many loving and considerate quotations about the truly important things in life. The phrases cover love in all forms, from friendship to that for a child or spouse. There are also statements about happiness and how the pursuit of happiness is often foolish as it can generally be found in your immediate surrounding, many times within the boundaries of your own skin.
If you need or know someone who needs uplift, then you will definitely find many ways to provide one in this book.

This little book is an absolute must for your library! It is a delightful read - and insightful book! Beautiful sentiments. I truly enjoyed it!!! Tell all your friends!

This book is put together in such a pleasing way. It is a great way to thank someone, or let them know you care. It also can be helpful if you don't know the right words to thank someone. If you want to become wiser on how to feel thankful - get this book!!!

Here are some useful living tips, advice and observations from that quintessential American literary figure Mark Twain, real name Samuel L. Clemens. This compilation contains a delightful mix of humorous writings on the mundane and sometimes very unusual occurrences that reflected his many gifts as a writer/humorist. Many of these snippets are from some of his more famous works, while others are from personal sketches and writings not as well known. The tarantulas escape, a borrowed overcoat, a lecture to a youth group, the use of foul language, a note to a burglar, and so many other little anecdotes, observations, and etc will elicit periods of laughter from the reader, as it did for me. A wonderful little treasure.

Mark Twain in his writing very often surprises us and makes us laugh. His greatest gift is his humor. And the wisdom he provides on various aspects of daily living however sarcastic and cynical it may seem at times is grounded in a sane realistic view of humanity.

Great book with lots of his famous quotes that still apply today.

Mary's done it! Put her beautiful, inspiring artwork together with her favorite "reminders." Great book to use as my own reminder about what's truly important.

I love anything with words of encouragement and this book is perfect. You can just look at a couple of pages and get that lift! I gave the book as a gift and each recipient loved it. The art work is wonderful.

A true Mary Engelbreit fan, I loved reading "Words to Live By" many, many times! The illustrations are beautiful, the text touching, humorous, and truly inspirational! I have given this book to many friends who love it as much as I do....men and women, alike, enjoy her talent of focusing on what is important to us all in life...home and the love of family and friends. Through a variety of quotations and Mary's superb artistry, "Words to Live By" will fill your heart with every emotion leading to the happiest of reading experiences...Mary Engelbreit at her best!