Works Books

First of all, I am not writing this to argue with all the people that loved it, rather I am reviewing for someone who has not yet read it and want an idea of what they are getting themselves into. I appreciated what this book has to say: Instead of focusing on what Jesus and the Paul did "in the spotlight", more attention should be paid to what they did to prepare for those moments, the Spiritual Disciplines.

However, I felt that was clearly stated in the first chapter, then comes 5 to 6 chapters of study on theology with heavy emphasis on epistemology. The writing style is difficult to read. Sentences are often long: 20-30 words in a single sentence. The headings are enigmatic (I was trying to take notes in a mind map as I went along and had a really hard time). The author also quotes others so often it is hard to follow HIS thoughts. When the time finally came (I wrote in my notes, FINALLY) to talk about the actual disciplines, it was only a chapter in length. I know that is not the main focus of the book, but nonetheless it seemed unbalanced after spending 200 pages promoting the Disciplines.

I was disappointed. My pastor in college really loved his other book: Divine Conspiracy. Therefore I was looking forward to read this author. I know part of the issue is that perhaps I am not used to his style of philosophical writing, but I don't think just because something is deep, it can't be made easy to understand.

I give this a 12 on a scale of 10! It helped bring my faith into perspecitive and is challenging me to strive for spiritaul growth.

This is a must read for the contemporary Christian church. (Certainly pinpoints why most Christians are considered hypocrites.)

This book provides a theological look at the nature of the spiritually disciplined life. Willard explores the "why" of the disciplines more than the "how." While this book certainly stands on its own, it makes an excellent follow-up to Foster's "Celebration of Discipline." Willard's intent takes him deeper than Foster and provides a more thorough exploration of spiritual disciplines. Highly recommended.

This is an excellent book for all followers of Jesus Christ or someone who wants to know what a true follower should be doing as a disciple of Jesus. If you want to grow and strengthen yourself in your walk with Christ, this book is an excellent guide. Just like a high caliber athlete practices and trains daily, we also need to follow certain practices to strengthen ourselves and develop good habits of prayer, worship, celebration, solitude with God, and many others. Without following these disciplines that Jesus Christ Himself practiced, the Christian can only expect to get so far before getting stalled in their faith. These spiritual disciplines are truly essential in furthuring our walk with Jesus. Dallas Willard's book is an excellent resource for that growth. Tom W.

"The Spirit of the Disciplines" focuses on the various disciplines that God uses to change people's lives. The book contains 11 chapters and 2 appendix for a total of around 265 pages.

Each of the 11 chapters addresses a particular theme. Chapter 9, addressing the specific disciplines, is my personal favorite. According to Willard in Chapter 9, the disciplines are separated into 2 groups:

1. Abstinence - This group consists of actions that helps us from becoming too involved in the world so we may better focus on God instead of the things of this world. The disciplines included here are: solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, chastity, secrecy, and sacrifice. Willard's comments on solitude and silence were particularly insightful (solitude can help us in resisting conformity to this world).
2. Engagement - This group consists of actions we can do to serve others in this world so as to not become so isolated that we render ourselves useless to be used by God for His glory. Disciplines included here are: study, worship, celebration, service, prayer, fellowship, confession, and submission.

Other chapters (such as 11) address issues such as: can a Christian be financially and spiritually successful at the same time?

Willard will definitely challenge you to think and pay attention as you read, so be forewarned - this is not a light read!

Read, enjoy, and be challenged and encouraged! Highly recommended.

Mr. Lewis, best known for his "Chronicles Of Narnia", must have had one of the sharpest minds in his day. In this collection of individual essays / lectures / papers, he addresses many issues that were hot buttons in his day...and continue to be in ours. But, I think that the power behind his words is equally in how he expresses them, not just in the the thoughts behind them. Mr. Lewis was a master at taking rather complex matters and making them understandable to the average reader.
While some of what Mr. Lewis writes I would not fully agree with, I give him much credit and am very lenient when I consider his personal background (atheist-turned-Christian apologist).
I highly recommend this, and other, books he has written.

The book arrived in great time and is another classic of this famous and amazing author. It is all that was expected and I highly recommend it to anyone who is now, a C. S. Lewis fan or will be upon reading any of his works. Thanks gain to Amazon for another honest and quick transaction. Gary Krei

The Essay "The Inner Ring" moved my youngest daughter from the margins of middle school to its social center. Six years ago when she was in the sixth grade, we talked several times about a group of three girls that were the most popular in her school. Because she was so curious about the subject, I read her "The Inner Ring." She loved it. She asked many good questions, related the essay to her situation, and to her friends. By the middle of her seventh grade year, the group had expanded to six and because four of the six members of the group had siblings in the high school, the "six pack" was the subject of high school gossip in addition to being the coolest clique in the middle school. My wife believes that in reading "The Inner Ring" to mathematically minded Lisa, I gave her the rules she needed to become a permanent member of a group who all were starters on at least one sports team and continued to be close friends in high school.

I agree that this collection is often overlooked when considering the best works of CS Lewis. Among the essays, my personal favorites are Weight of Glory and Transposition. I highly recommend this book.

This book is actually a collection of essays. Lewis addresses various things such as, the glory of man as being a reflection of the glory of God, why he is not a pacifist (where he gives some pretty strong moral, biblical, and sensible arguments), speaking in tongues and various spiritual gifts (moreso on their implication, not on the technicality of each or what exactly each gift is), what he calls "is theology poetry" (or in other words, do we believe in theology just because the idea of a cosmic drama appeals to us), the affects of peer pressure and the gradual degradation of one's inner principles and also its positive affects when one surrounds him/herself with Christians, and forgiveness.

Overall a very enlightening read, in which many issues that are not commonly talked about are given attention. Not very long either, but packed full of insight.

In my opinion, stretching and ergonomics are only aspects of conquering repetitive strain injuries and this book title presumes too much in the interest of drawing attention to itself.

4 1/2 months ago I experienced sudden onset bilateral arm pain, primarily in the distal halves of my forearms accompanied by carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms in my hands, with occasional aching pain clear to my plexus on my right arm. My doctors turned out to be fear mongers, so I declined their invasive tests and surgeries and have focused my efforts on supporting my body's natural healing process. Although the healing rate seems to be less than 1% improvement per day on average, I would encourage anyone with similar symptoms to treat this problem conservatively.

This book has an interesting high-level discussion of fascia. It is primarily a book of drawings which depict various stretches, and an organization which allows you to choose the stretches most appropriate to your injury. I found a couple of the stretches useful, but have found plenty of other useful stretches on the Internet and in other books which are not covered here. It also has a discussion of ergonomics which is fairly typical of other texts.

I am convinced that my injury is primarily acute tendinitis followed by chronic tendinosis. I have spent a tremendous amount of time studying tendon injuries partly by reading medical textbooks. One of the primary reasons for stretching tendons is that it stimulates proper healing and strengthening for a variety of reasons, not just to free up fascia. It would be nice if this book contained more background information about tendons in addition to the discussion of fascia.

Another interesting aspect of my condition is the fact that I have had cramping and inflammation which lead to poor circulation and healing. I have found that both hot and cold therapy as well as massage are instrumental in the healing process. I perform all of these things by myself most of the time, with a little help from friends occasionally. This book really doesn't address these issues, so I'd also recommend exploring some books on massage and trigger point therapy.

My instructor suggested this book for us training to become a Licensed Massage Therapist so that we wont burn out. Has great stretches and simple. What people dont realize is that its the repetitive motion in the shoulder and upper arm that causes the muscles at the carpals (wrist) to tense up as a reaction to the pain in the upper arm, trigger point therapy is a great way to relieve the strain as well. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

This book will cure your repetetive strain injuries. Butler describes how to stretch properly and what stretches will benefit you most depending on where you have pain or numbness. It is amazing how much better I got, and how quickly! You will need to keep up on your stretches to stay well.

I'd only be repeating the praises others have given this book, but I just want to say I highly recommend this book. The stretches are explained clearly and simply and they do work. I've bought this book for friends and when they follow the exercises, they get relief. Another plus, is doing the stretches FEELS so good and it only takes maybe 15 minutes.

This book was loaned to me at my job as a computer engineer. I had carpal tunnel affecting my wrists & forarm. Excellent, easy stretches which really relieve the pain. I recommended it to a friend who cleans houses for a living, and she was able to stop wearing the arm brace. Great for those tiny, hard to stretch muscles.

My copy of the Dune Encyclopedia is from 1985 and I remember seeing it on the shelf at the bookstore and purchasing it without even looking at it first!

It gives excellent detail about the technology written about in the series and insight that really adds to the Dune experience.

If you can find a copy of this book it is well worth the read. I am just amazed it is selling for $50.00+ (I paid $10 for mine in 1985) It would be nice to see this come back into print so more people can enjoy an in depth exploration into this wonderful series.

An overview of the places, people and technology in the Dune universe. This explains a lot of the detail of things that Herbert just mentions in passing, such as the scientists that invented shields, or space travel, or things like that.

It is very useful to gain a better understanding of all those finer points.

The first time I ran into the Dune Encyclopedia was purely by accident. I was on Morpheus (a P2P downloading site) and I typed down "DUNE" on the search bar, on the generated list was "The Dune Encyclopedia".

It took days for it to download because only one person was sharing it... meaning that not many people knew it existed and not many people have a digital ebook copy of this book.

Once it was finally on my computer I read as much as I could -- sadly my computer was experiencing many problems and crashed.

Sinse then, I've never been able to find another digital copy. I've resorted to purchasing a $30 one here on good ol' Amazon, however, sinse it's out of print and no publishing house is making any money off of it anymore, I say we as fans should force it back into print as an ebook.

This, and the six Dune books by Frank Herbert are the true books of the Dune universe. Period.

Ignore the tripe by Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson. Disregard their works as fanfiction, and badly written at that. If you want to know more about Dune, this is the book for you.

Just recently I found a good condition copy of The Dune Encyclopedia at a local used book dealer. I was completely shocked to have found it on the "recent arrivals" shelf in the Sci-Fi section. I grabbed it up and leafed through it to verify its existence. It was real alright. The fact that I bought it for only $4.50 is more extraordinary. Yes, $4.50 !!! They must not have realized what a treasure they had.
So keep looking everyone, there are still hidden treasures out there to be found.

This is the true story of Brother Andrew and his work in smuggling Bibles to those Christians oppressed by communism. There are many moments of miraculous interventions by God and Brother Andrew's touchingly transparent story will bring a tear to your eye and inspire you to appreaciate the freedoms we have and to help those who do not, even if only in prayer. This is one book that will not dissappoint!

I read this book atleast once a year. It is the most exciting and inspirational book in my library.

This book was hard to put down. I first learned of Brother Andrew by listening to a CD of the life of Corrie TenBoom. He was a friend of hers and introduced the CD.

The book God's Smuggler is, (and I hate to use this word loosely as it is overused) awesome in the respect that God answered him so many times directly. His answers were direct miracles from God. It is also amazing to read how he managed to get in and out of Russia so many times unscathed. Great reading.

This book is gripping. I started reading it one night and finished it the next afternoon. This is a great story and testimony.

This book by Brother Andrew was Excellent. The story of a European Christian and his attempts to smuggle Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. Plenty of action and suspense, combined with a motivating personal story. Since its the story of a mans life its also a fairly easy read.

This book is a great tool for anyone, pastor or lay person, who wants to enhance their methods for studying the Bible. Even if you fell like you already know all there is to know about Bible study, you are sure to find some valuable techniques within the nearly 400 pages of study discipline that this book presents.

I'm not a member of any church and I don't consider myself religious but I've always been interested in what the bible says. However, I found it hard to make a start reading the bible when I really know nothing about it. I found this book invaluable in helping me get the most out of my bible reading. It taught me lessons that I can use not only with my study of the bible but with study of other literature as well.
My only problem with the book is that the authors sometimes fail to distinguish thier dogmatic beliefs from what the bible really teaches but, thankfully, the indepth lessons they include in the book will help anyone to see these errors for themselves.
I also didn't like the "one interpretation, many applications" rule. Some of the scriptures quoted in the book and then interpreted by Hendricks ended in conclusions I just could not comprehend. I think the bible can be interpreted many different ways and it's up to us to be able to discern the true message of what we're reading. With the interpretations I didn't agree with I just completed my own study following the rules set out by Hendricks and it gave me a whole new light on what can be found in one simple verse - and what can be lost if even one word is misinterpreted.
I can honestly say that this book is essential to anyone wanting to learn more about what is really in the bible. And it would also make a valuable contribution to any student wanting to get more from their everyday reading.

Living By the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible -- At Last! Someone who knows how to read the bible and is willing to reveal his secrets to us. Why don't church bible studies start with this book? This book should be the first book of the bible study curriculum. I praise God for finally leading me to Howard Hendricks book.

Howard Hendricks is outstanding at revealing how exciting reading the Bible can be, but even more important was how he explains how to accurately determine what the writers were saying to the original hears, but also to us now. His directions reveal tried and true methods to "rightly divide the Word of God" that many other books on how to read the Bible just never see. I have been reading the Bible for more than 30 years and have seen truths that I missed over and over, just like when Sherlock Holmes looks a crime scene and understands all kinds of details that the untrained just can't see.
Reading this will open up the Bible and God's revelation like never before.

The many reviews on this book are already excellent, but I would like to add my own experience both with the book and with Prof Hendricks. I remember reading this book a few years back then had the privilege of having Prof in class last Fall in 2007. He teaches just like the book he wrote with his son, Bill. In a time when the majority of books simply tend to give you content or fluff, this book not only gives you foundational methods, but gives you priceless examples of how to put these methods into a consistent practice. Prof supplies us with biblical passages to test out these methods for doing personal bible study, which is three-fold: observation, interpretation, and application.

I cannot fully explain what it is like to learn from a man of the Word who has taught bible method and exposition for more than 50 years. The command he has over the subject, the illustrations and examples he conjures up, the accessibility he gives the listener/reader to the scripture is priceless over and over again. In a school like DTS, where it is easy to get caught up with everything BUT theological method and life applications, Dr. Hendricks shows how invaluable bible study method is for every Christian, whether a professional minister/pastor, a layman, a scholar, etc. This is something we were all meant to do and to be engaged in. Growth is accomplished by learning how, through the power and filling of the Holy Spirit, to engage in the foundational bible study methods of observation and interpretation, which are then to be lived out through daily application. This is a must-read for every Christian to grow and mature in their faith.

Dr. Daniel Wallace is my lupus doctor and has been for many years. This book talks about everything important about dealing, having and living with lupus. He is an amazing doctor and writer!

This book is good but VERY technical...Good thing I am a nurse...I gave it to some of my family to read and they truly could not understand a lot of the book. It is great information but make sure you have a medical dictionary handy if you aren't familiar with medical terminology.

I bought this b/c I thought a relative had lupus. While she does not, I am still keeping the book b/c it is a wealth of information on all types of arthritic diseases, the origins of the disease, symptoms, various treatments and what to expect from the treatments. I am keeping this as a great medical reference book !

And trust me, I've read them all. The only thing is - if you have ZERO background whatsoever on this disease, or in science in general, don't start with this book. Instead, start with one of the more general, introductory books like "living with lupus" or "lupus q and a" to just get a background because this is one heavy-duty book, laden with science that is very thorough, comprehensive, and sometimes complicated. It's amazing though, and a must-read. I'm VERY happy this exists.

I have been struggling with autoimmune diseases with them potentially evolving into Lupus. This book has been helping me get through some really tough times. It also has helped to be able to talk to doctors with a clearer understanding of this disorder. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and this book along with Dr. Wallace's fibromyalgia book have really put things in perspective for me. I have read many books on the subject and this book by far is the best!

I found Resume Magic to be very helpful. I had paid a lot of money for a professsional resume that just wasn't workig. I tweaked it with tips from this book and had a new job within 2 weeks. The only negative is there is so much information it could be overwhelming if you are starting a resume from scratch and/or have never built a resume.

This book contains many examples of resumes, including before and after examples.

Information on words to use, as well as a grammar refresher, will help you polish the phrases on your resume and avoid tiresome, overused phrases.

There is also a section on cover letters and a section devoted to making your resume visually appealing so that it stands out.

I found tons of useful information in this book, not just platitudes and superficial advice like some resume books dish out.

I checked this book out of the local library, and realized it was worth buying for long-term reference. The thing I like best about the book is the way it speaks to the basic question "Why do I write a resume?" Most treatments just show you how; this one shows you what you're trying to accomplish with a resume and how best to do that. It has many specific examples, too--so that when you're finished, you have a document that can accomplish what the resume can accomplish in today's world of work.

This book is phenominal! It is simple to read and has a workable plan to constructing a simple resume that works with your cover letter.

The is quite simply the best book on resume writing I've ever read. I've worked in HR for over 20 years, and I've never seen anything like this. Well worth the money. So far, I've used this book to write four resumes for family and friends, all of which have resulted in jobs.

If I could have given this book 7 stars, I would have.

If you can only read one book on the subject of failing memory then it should be "Carved in Sand". Written by a contributor to the New York Times, Cathryn Jakobson Ramin writes a frightening story that will keep you reading as though it were a novel.

With dire predictions of the continued increase of dementia in the coming years, this is a must read. The author tells of her own struggle with the onset of memory problems in her early forties an how she deals with it. She tells us it's not just the memory loss but the axiety that comes with it. Because of her profession and contacts she was able to do the research and get the help that she needed. She writes about this search with tremendous sensitivity and insight.

I continue to reread parts of this wonderful book and highly recommend it to everyone over the age of thirty, dealing with the onset of their own dementia or a caregiver for someone with this terrible desease.

Cathryn Jakobsen Ramin's honest account of her own experience guides us through numerous interventions to stem cognitive degeneration and memory loss in middle age. It is simultaneously educational and user friendly . Ramin's self-deprecating humor keeps the subject from being too heavy and helps us to digest the significant quantity of well researched information presented. Most will welcome information about basic lifestyle changes that can enhance their mental performance as they progress through normal aging. For those facing more serious issues, the path toward diagnosis and treatment is illuminated.

The middle ground between memory loss -- with normal aging and Dementia is the diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This is the only book I have found devoted entirely to MCI. Unless you have CMI, or you know someone has CMI or Dementia, you cannot speak intelligently about cognitive problems NOT associated with the normal aging process unless you read this book. The author pursued many options to improve her cognitive functioning and documented them all. She found out she did not have AZ, and she did improve her memory using several of the options. I too have CMI. In addition to Aricept, I have had to use oxygen, alpha-lipoic-acid and other supplements reviewed by the author to maximize my brain's performance. I did extensive research on the internet, but before I tried anything, I read "Carved in Sand" as a second source for the remedies I found most recommended on the internet posts. This is an Excellent Book by someone who deals with MCI.

Carved in Sand by Cathryn Jakobson Ramin is a must read for anyone interested in how the brain functions and what happens as it ages.

Chock full of valuable information and presented in a highly readable style this book will take its place on your reference shelf for frequent revisits as it has mine.

What is especially extraordinary about Ramin is that she is completely honest about the results of what she calls a series of "Interventions" into the world of improving brain power. For
instance she finds that meditation doesn't work for her. Hallelujah! It doesn't work for me either. At last someone I could identify with instead of wondering what was wrong with me.

Ramin's journey through the research into the brain and the methods and drugs used today to help with problems is fascinating, educational and a great read.

I bought this book because of all the 5 star reviews, after seeing it at a book show last year. If you want a scattershot sampling of most of the available techniques for dealing with normal/abnormal change in memory over time this is for you. However, the author herself never sticks with any method long enough to see if it would be effective before ditching it and trying the next thing. The A.D.D. drugs are effective for her, and I can see why.

Character is who we are when no one is looking. It is what drives our choices and our decisions. Everyone has a character flaw in some way. If you really want to change your life, transform your character. Time honored traits are explored here in Brazelton's book and follows the 40 days theme. This book has alot to offer if you have a Christian focus in your value system. If not, some of what she proposes may be challenging for you but worth a try.

This book, though initially designed for women, is still an excellent character challenge for guys as well. The self-examination steps can be very insightful, and very revealing, if you are careful and thoughtful to complete them. Sometimes I felt more that I was getting a spiritual "workover" as much as a "makeover"! This is a workbook you can refer to again and again, to check your progress toward goals set in the different growth areas. It takes a sincere team effort, yielding to the insight of the Holy Spirit, to complete....I didn't make it in 40 days!! But I am very glad to have this in my "spiritual toolbox" both for the steps accomplished, and the future times of review.

Whether you need to cut away pride or dig up courage, Character Makeover is like having the Swiss Army Knife for character construction in your back pocket. And a coach extraordinaire in your corner. Conveniently set-up as a 40-day bend, stretch and strengthen program, the exercises are far from routine. The 3-demensional interactive approach and extra tools meet you where you are and let you customize every step of the way.

You will be in good company as Character Makeover trains you to keep your chin up, push up on what's holding you down and sitting up to take notice while working on the 8 traits that relay God's renovating power. Get ready to be transformed by biblical characters, contemporary role models, and transparent coaches. Put your dukes up and be prepared to spar with your inner Pinocchio, Fred Flintstone, Shrek and a few other ridiculous rivals poised to knock you out.

You actually do feel warmly enveloped by a real live coach as you journey and pray together through the Character Makeover adventure. Each session vaults you inside the heart of the God who spared nothing out of His love for you and motivates you to jump in to do your part to be "the best me I can be for God."

This is more than a book - it is an engaging, practical and challenging tool that is guaranteed for life. You will want to keep it handy for all your character touch-ups and overhauls as long as you live. Because it really works, even in those hard to reach places.

I am still going through this book but I love it!! It is so relevant to my life. I like how it is broken down into days and gives you real applications for life.

Dr. Katie Brazelton & Shelley Leith have created a resource to help women transform their lives. This is an incredible resource for any woman who desires to become all that God desires. The book is filled with inspiration, encouragement, yet challenge. I love the practical "steps" at the end of each character trait. I highly recommend this book and am using it regularly as a tool in my coaching practice!!

Kelly Thorne
www.ibloom.us