Works Books

An excellent step through Cisco networking. This book begins with the definition and ends with future development. All aspects of high speed networks are covered along the way.

John has succeeded in making the whole complicated area of what happens behind the computer seem easy to understand. He has explained how to use technology to one's advantage and understand the value of doing so. A well recommended read.

I gave the book as a gift to a friend who is the CIO of an ISP and I know he went out , bought 10 more copies for all of his managers and thanked me with a note saying the John Vacca book is a God sent for his business. What more can I say

With the rapid advances in technology, upgrading of high speed networks will occur sooner rather than latter. High-Speed Cisco Networks by John Vacca provides experienced networking professionals with a step by step approach to all they will need to know about Cisco's LAN and WAN systems. It is the reference tool to use to understand the Cisco products so that planning, designing and implementing a high performance LAN or WAN system can commence.

I have been working in IT & network support for some years now, and am currntly untaking the Cisco Acadmey programs. This book turned up at the right time, as it explains things with greater clarity than anything else I have found. The presentation is logical and of a linear manner, making this my first choice in reference material, for both my studies and professional undertakings.

Though I'm one of the lucky who haven't yet suffered the loss of anyone close, I know that inevitably, I will.

In this book, through Edie's eyes, I can see what the journey through grief to find a new place in the world is like after such a loss.

This book is a must-read for everyone.

What a lovely, spare set of koan-like wisdoms Edie Hartshorne has shared in her poetic memoir of grief, Light in Blue Shadows. The writing, so vivid and fluent, moves through a story rhythm that elicits the page turn. I found it so clear and lyrical, a spiritual epiphany worthy of widespread reading. I am sure this book will be gifted to many families and individuals needing music and light in the midst of grieving.

Loss is the shadow twin of love. When we give birth to a child this inevitable separation is already written into the narrative of connection that begins with the first breath. And yet, who among us imagines the shape of this parting as we go about the uneventful day-to-day routines of family life. The shared hours we spend together are precious, fleeting and ordinary. We both know and don't know that life is transitory, that each moment we share with our children is potentially our last. "Light in Blue Shadows" is a rare record of one mother's passage through the stations of pain that accompany the sudden loss of a child. Edie Hartshorne's book begins with the absolute horror of the first phone call -- the one we all dread -- the one from which there is no escape. We share with her the chasm that separates her simple three word question -- "Is Jonathan okay?" -- from its unimaginable answer -- "No. He's not."

We follow the author through the days, weeks, and ultimately years where the loss of her son slowly became integrated into the marrow of her life. We share the intimate lyrical letters she writes to her beloved first-born:

Dear Jonathan,
I'm looking at your baby pictures. So vividly, I remember that moment you transformed our lives, falling like a sapphire star into my heart. Dear Jonathan, imagine--I've been writing to you ever since you were born. I just found this song I wrote for you in my old Kyoto journal. You were four days old. Of course, I never would have shown it to you while you were alive. But now everything's different.

There is a moment late in the book where Edie begins to comprehend the wholeness that can exist along side the irreversible truth of physical death. She writes that "In the shower this morning, I suddenly realize: We are a `blended family' both living and dead, combining two cultures. It is just that Alan and Yoko and Jonathan are on the other side, and we are here. I was touched by this passage because at this point in the narrative I felt included in Edie's large circle of caring friends. There is such intimate truthfulness in this book that the barrier between author and reader begins to seem illusory. We are all part of the human blended family.

"Light in Blue Shadows" unflinchingly chronicles a sorrowful subject in a way that allows the reader a glimpse into the grace that ultimately transcends sorrow. Edie Hartshorne's moving memoir reinforces the truth of both/and that is well captured by Rumi's famous lines:

We are the mirror as well as the face in it.
We are tasting the taste this minute
of eternity. We are
pain and what cures pain, both. We are
the sweet cold water and the jar that pours.

Ms. Hartshorne's book both feeds the soul and nourishes the heart. It is a welcome addition to the library of wisdom literature that offers solace in times of great need.

Edie Hartschorne has presented new questions about the mysteries of love, life and death. How does a mother survive the death of her beloved son?
How does her heart heal? Does time heal all wounds? Or are we blessed with a source of healing that patiently awaits our calling? And finally, how does the deepest grief break open our heart and gently breath us back to life? WIth a lyrical soul and a generous spirit, Edie's journey is a bright beacon for others who grieve and mourn.

An exquisite rendering of the unbearable pain of losing a child, this account of the sudden death of a 'perfect' son at the age of 20 could be too hard to read. But given the 15 plus years that pain flourished and subsided and became internalized has tempered the mother's ability to tell the story. Written in short, simple sentences, and with the greatest restraint possible from a mother's burned insides comes a lucid, detailed account of how a computer whiz kid, working for a company on the usual "rush" schedule, inhaled nitrous oxide to stay awake through the night and accidentally killed himself.
As a mother whose daughter died earlier than she ought to I find the writer's blend of the overwhelming grief and the lucid rendering of those waves of pain just the right balance for the narrative. Neither sentimental nor distanced from the loss, Edie Hartshorne's intellectual, emotional, maternal instincts are woven together in a perfect tapestry of shock and awe at what humans are capable of absorbing.
This book is a balm and a beacon of courage.

This isn't a great book for the experienced wire jewelry maker because there isn't much in here that's new. The book doesn't teach a lot of techniques or new style, except towards the end. She uses some unique findings, and makes pretty jewelry, but I was definitely disappointed, especially given the other reviews.

I'm fortunate enough to have quite a large number of books about beading, jewelry making, etc., but there are only just a handful that I return to time & time again for inspiration. I know for certain that Jean Yates' Links will absolutely be one of those chosen few! Her way of easily prodding you into finding inspiration is nothing short of genius. Her designs are just beautiful, and I am grateful that she has shared her talents with us in this fabulous book. This title is an absolute MUST-HAVE in your studio library collection!

This book has something for everyone! The projects are interesting, with a good mix of materials and the techniques are varied and useful. The majority of the pieces have a modern, funky feel with a little vintage thrown into the mix. As a beader, I really liked this book, I found the way different colors and textures were used to be particularly inspiring. I found it well worth the money!

This is a very nice book, but somehow I had expected more from it, given the other reviews. The best part is in helping people to see where inspiration comes from, and to encourage them to find and let loose their own creativity. I did not find the projects to be particularly interesting, except for the chain maille, since that's next on my list to learn. The photos are very clear and I think that they will be helpful. I feel like this would be a great book to have on hand at the bead shop where I work at weekends, because it is so approachable that even those who protest that they have no talent will find something worth trying. So, I'll probably be taking it into work and leaving it there.

I fell in love with Jean before I even knew she made jewelry. Her son attends our school and in reading her daily communication logs eight years ago I grew to love, admire, and respect the mom she is. She has an incredible family and I am a long-time fan of her parenting skills.

Jean donated a byzantine bracelet with screwball clasp to a fundraiser our school was having some years ago. This time, I fell in love with "Jean-the-jewelry-designer". I just had to have this bracelet. After I purchased mine (and showed it off), many of my co-workers did the same. This peaked an interest in what other gems she might be creating. I set up a jewelry show with her at our school. WOW! The response was incredible. Many pieces were sold and I started adding to my own collection. I am now an official "Jean Jewelry Junkie".

I finally purchased Jean's beautifully illustrated and well-organized book. I am not a jewelry designer but am so pleased to have this book in my collection. I am also incredibly honored to be a part of it. Jean, your book has inspired me to make an attempt at jewelry design. This is a first for me. I thank you.

-Nancy

This book's pictures are worth a thousand words.
Such a spendid biography of Maggie. Very characteristic of the basset hound.
A must-have for the Basset owner on any Christmas list.

Harley riders have a saying -- "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand."

Simply put, Bill Stanton has captured the love and wisdom gathered by sharing your world with one of God's true masterpieces.

This is a book so good, it made me angry I didn't have the idea myself!

Bill Stanton has truely captured the spirit of my dog in this wonderful pictorial of Maggie. What a great picture book, it never fails to make me smile. I highly recommend this book to anyone who owns or is considering a basset hound as a family member.

This book is a wonderful look at life from the Basset's perspective. The pictures are delightful and the text perfect. Can't say enough good things about Maggie's Way.

Ok, everytime I see this cover I smile. Genuinely, smile. Maybe it's because I own a bassett/beagle and it's all so familiar. This book is ADORABLE! The pictures are awesome, plentiful and Maggie-nificent. Definate coffee table book for the beagle or bassett lover. Great gift idea too. You cant look at this book and NOT smile. It's contagious.

It is a must read for business managers on how to improve communication within your teams and with co-workers. Very insightful for anyone who is looking for more out of life or their job. It is very cleverly written and Joel uses humor to bring key points home to the reader. Warning to people who will read this book in a public place, I laughed out loud.

this is not only a very helpful buisness book , but a very ,very entertaining book as well..I have actually read it twice!!!
get this book...for buisness or pleasure...

Reading Joel's book and taking his message to heart is exactly the right choice - for me, for you, and for everyone you care about. An awesome "ta-da" to Joel and a big thank you for your insight.

Zeff's conversational writing sytle is a powerful combination of a straight forward insights mixed with humor. Painting vivid pictures, Zeff engages the reader and draws them into the book. He provides a new perspective on corporate America along with concrete examples, suggestions, and methodologies that the reader can immediately use to leverage this insight and effect change. The writing is clear, crisp, and concise.

Joel Zeff wrote a great book. It was humorous, insightful, & an amazingly quick read. I'd almost take off one star for the book being too short but I found that each chapter was the perfect length as a Daily Insight or for a brief mental healthy snack in between meetings. I also found myself writing little notes in the margins as I was reading. I recommend that you do the same and apply the exercises inside to your own particular situation. It works nicely.

"Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" covers nearly everything that takes place in life from preconception to death. Diagnostic and treatment advice is easy to read and accentuated with diagrams and photos.

FOUND THE GENERAL INFORMATION OF SPECIFIC DISEASES AND ITS POSSIBLE TREATMENTS. VERY GOOD AND PRECISE INFORMATION.

We purchased the Mayo Clinic Eeference guide to serve as a family medical book. We are very pleased with the descriptions and information about comon medical issues. I highly recommend this book for individuals who want more information about common and not so common medical difficulties.

This is a book no household should be without. Very informative and helpfull. The index is great and the information is to the point... Excellent photos and drawings. Only drawback: a bit bulky!

The Mayo Family Health book is a "wealth of information."
My husband recently became ill and was hospitalized. We were able to pinpoint symptoms in the book which helped us along with our health provider get appropriate testing and treatment for his condition.

With healthcare today, we must be "informed consumers".
I have worked nearly 35 years in clinical laboratory medicine and I still learn something new everyday....this book certainly helps.

After I read this I wanted to go out and start a business even though I am retired. ThenI discovered that these principles work just as well in my relationships and in my everyday life. wnat a gift John Adams has given us.

With this book, John Adams gives us principles and practices that can serve us not only in our professional lives but in our personal lives as well. In fact, Adams recognizes that there should indeed be no separation of values between life and work, and offers what amounts to a handbook of spiritual practice for our whole selves.

Loved MIRACLES AT WORK by John A. Adams, a self-taught entrepreneur who built
a $3.5 million cleaning company after being fired as an
air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration.

He then sold this business in 1996 to follow his real passion
of helping others by writing this book and beginning Life Without
Limits, a Connecticut-based business development company . . . he
now travels throughout the country sharing his message that you
should "Remember . . . always expect miracles because . . .
something wonderful is about to happen!"

My only complaint with the book is its subtitle: BUILDING YOUR
BUSINESS FROM THE SOUL UP . . . it implies that this is
primarily to be read by those looking to begin a business, and
methinks that it is so much more than that . . . I see it is a self-help
book that will inspire anybody seeking to fulfill his or her potential.

While there are many useful business examples, I found there were
even more valuable tidbits taken from Adams' life . . . I was inspired
by how he was able to get past his bad times and not let them get
him down . . . also, I liked how he learned from virtually every
experience he has encountered.

Among the many insights that I gained from reading MIRACLES AT
WORK were the following:

* Ask yourself whether your "Crazymaker" [a term coined by Julia
Cameron in THE ARTIST'S WAY] have not helped you, in some way,
to become a better individual. Mine have. Think about those in your
life against whom you hold a grudge. Then release yourself from the
burden of resentment and anger you carry by forgiving them. Then
begin a process of self-forgiveness and start to enjoy a feeling of
liberation. "Not so easy?" Okay, don't forgive them--bless them,
as Pope John Paul did, as he faced his would-be assassin in his
prison cell. The Pontiff knows that the power of forgiveness lies in
releasing your heart to God by seeing the goodness in every human being.

* When Admiral Hyman Rickover was asked about his climb from
obscurity to Chief Naval Officer in charge of nuclear operations, he
simply pointed to those in great need, the imprisoned, the homeless,
the poor, and said, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." We are
blessed to be in a place where we are building our own business. That
is Grace. Grace also comes into our lives by helping others.

* Love is the most powerful energy in the universe--much greater than
all the destructive force our egos could hope to muster. All these
Principles and Practices depend upon love. It is the starting point,
the meaning and purpose for being and the solution to our most
pressing problems.

Am amazing thing occurs when you give love. Because it follows
the spiritual laws of the universe rather than the dictates of this
finite world, it increases. The more you give away, the more you
have to give.

John Adams has not only written an important book -- he has written something inspiring which is also a lot of fun to read. As a magazine editor, I'm deluged with books and getting "important, inspiring and fun" in one volume is no easy undertaking.

John's book is a wonderful guide for anyone in business. Not only does it present a different way of doing business, but it also provides suggestions about living life on a higher plane. His book combines the wisdom of A Course in Miracles, The Artist's Way, 12 Steps, Wayne Dyer, The Four Agreements, and other spiritual guides, with his own experiences in the business world. The result is a blueprint for starting and running a values-based business. When I read it I felt inspired spiritually as well as grounded in strength and reality. I have recently left the "security" of teaching in public schools to start my own business. I am making new choices in my life based on this book. John's book is truly an inspiration and a book I will read more than once. Thank you, John!
Tricia Matthews, Vibe distributor

I love this book! Mother Teresa speaks in very simple terms about her faith and her calling to follow Jesus. The chapters on love and prayer were very inspirational and convicting. We should all follow her example in how we treat one another. I am not a Catholic, but that doesn't matter, her message is for everyone. I have purchased several copies of this book to give away. That's how good it is.

The quality of the books are excellent. I had a problem receiving the books, though. When tracking them I was told they were delivered, but I had never received them. I got connected with customer service through the website and they helped make things right by re-sending my order. These books came in the same time I should have received my other books. I feel confident that I can order through Amazon again and they will make sure that I am satisfied. Thank you, Amazon!

Honestly one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. I minister to the homeless and everytime I re-read what I have high-lighted, I want to run off & serve God even more. I highly recommend this book. But if you share books with others, buy 2 copies b/c you will want to re-read yours often. She is such an amzing woman. I felt like this book was a personal letter to me. It took away some of the fear I harbored in the work I do. Praise God!

The devotion of Mother Teresa should be an inspiration to us all (whether you are Catholic, Eastern Orthodox or Protestant; Christian or non-Christian). I'm a Methodist and I see in Mother Teresa a true imitation of Christ. She reminds us of God's love and how God uses us to minister to one another.

While I was growing up, people would call Mother Teresa a "living saint" (I grew up and still live in a heavily in a Catholic neighborhood). Recent evidence reveals that she sometimes wrestled with doubts and frustrations. This has actually enhanced my appreciation for her, in that I see Mother Teresa now as more a human being, who struggled along like the rest of us, and could relate with our faults and trials better than someone of superhuman constitution.

Her feeling for the poor; that is the economically, as well as, spiritually poor, gives us all a lot to think about. Whatever religion you are, I am sure you can find comfort in Mother Teresa's gentle spirit:

"I deal with thousands of Christians and non-Christians, and in each you can see such conscience at work in their lives, drawing them to God...If everyone were capable of discovering the image of God in their neighbors, do you think we would still need tanks and generals?"

This book is pure inspiration. You realize how selfish the world is after reading this humble book. Mother Teresa is often in my thoughts now. And for that reason, this book is priceless.

This book by Thomas Merton is a marvelous exploration of what it is to be human and the fundamental problems of disconnection from the depths of Being. More practically, it addresses the solution to our isolation in a direct, loving and compassionate way. Thomas Merton is clearly one who has traveled the path to his deepest self and has much to share about his journey.

Thomas Merton is a mystic who has spent a lot of time in silence and deep contemplation. He had a grasp of contemporary issues facing the modern person and he has a way of using language that is simple, but touches the heart.

Although Merton was a Catholic Christian mystic, his message is universal. He illuminates the mystic's path and shares the fruit of his explorations through writing in a way that is accessible and powerful. Somehow, between the lines it is obvious that his experience has been profound and he translates this into terms that help the reader to find meaning.

This book will be especially appealing to Catholics and Christians. The tone is understanding and gentle, although it is packaged in a way that is most digestible to fellow Catholics. On the other hand, there are so many gems that are applicable to the human condition that it will be a valuable read by people of any faith.

Thomas Merton wrote a lot of books and this is one of his best for lay people. New Seeds of Contemplation is also very thought provoking and could be considered a companion volume. It also goes a bit deeper into some of the more existential and metaphysical aspects of living, but not in an esoteric way.

If you have an interest in Christian Mysticism in general, I also highly recommend Practical Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill. This is a great short introduction to Western Mysticism delivered in a very poetical style and that is geared to the average person looking for meaning in their lives.

This book was an amazing read for me the first time through. I have since read again and it continues to reveal insights into my life and relationship with God and to others. Thomas Merton is amazingly timeless and contemporary throughout. These are not abstract views of spirituality, but real and meaningful looks at a life of faith in the world, our world, today. Merton looks truthflly at how we relate to God and to each other in a world that is filled with noise and distractions. I highly reccomend this book to anyone who is honestly seeking to deepen their own interior spiritual life. Merton is a man of our times, understanding the depths and treasures of faith as well as the pitfalls of our humanity. This book will help you to believe that goodness is very possible and that being a spiritual person is possible while living in the world. Merton shows that the religious life is not just for priests, monks and nuns, which is very compatible with the John Paul II vision that all lives lived in faith can be a vocation.

This hardcover is very nice as it is linen bound with a gold ribbon marker. Chapters are broken up into numbered segments, making it possible to read a little each day and to find favorite sections.

"No Man is an Island" is a spiritually moving set of essays--or meditations, rather--that address many issues but ultimately center on our relationship with God, with each other, and with ourselves. Having read only a little of Merton, I found this book somewhat more straightforward and prosaic compared to a later work of his, "The New Man", and he gets a tad dogmatic in spots (well, he is ordained, so he has a license to do so, fair enough)--I was reminded of some of the more trenchant passages in "The Seven Storey Mountain" before he'd mellowed out a bit. And yet Merton's characteristic mix of simplicity and profundity, his fine-tuned mystic's sense of paradox, and his ability to take Catholic teachings and breathe new life into them are all here in full; indeed, in many ways this book would serve very well as a Catholic Monastic statement of what life's all about, spoken in Merton's gentle conversational tones at once calm and serious, critical of the shallow aspects of modernity while articulated in a manner that speaks eloquently to modern people. I have no doubt that this book should appeal to readers who profess Christianity as their religion, but I also think that many non-Christians (such as myself) will find much here that is inspiring and spiritually enlightening.

Every adjective title used to describe this book in the reviews so far i have found to be true.

"The truth i must love in my brother is God Himself, living in Him."
excerpt from this book (Thomas Merton "No Man is an Island"

Reading just that line is enough to contemplate for some while.

I found i had to read small sectionsm and re read to gain fuller meaning
because some concepts are difficult to grapple with, but grapple with them.
I will re read this book many times over throughout my life. It strikes richly at the core of Catholic teaching, its value universal for everyone.
Its a celebration of God and his creatures, it affirms the truth of His love as His gift living in us, for us also to share, for it is not ours to keep selfishly.

While this is certainly not one of my favorite Thomas Merton works, I do find that its format and style facilitate a prayerful experience.

With its individual sections of thought, this book is great to read in parts. I found it wonderfully useful in sections read before community prayer in the chapel. It might be good for someone looking for spiritual reading but who does not have a lot of time to spare.

This book received many great reviews in education journals. My students love this book and it is very popular. I highly recommend it - who can pass up this puppy?

We saw this book featured on our local news station's "Success by 6" children's reading program and loved it! I ordered it as a gift for my two year-old niece but had a very hard time parting with it when it came. The illustrations are fabulous, the accompanying "stories" are charming, anyone who loves dogs will thoroughly enjoy this book. It exceeded my expectations.

My daughter and I are beginning our forever-long study of poetry and I found this unexpected and beautiful book about dogs (her favorite animal). The language and style of Once I Ate a Pie flows with such an obvious love and mastery of word usage and consideration of subject. The poems are blank verse but the word choice is juicy and deliberate. Really stunning paintings compliment each piece. I found myself brought to tears at least twice and really humbled by the talent of the authors.

** If you happen to check it out, Mr. Beefy is my favorite ;).

This is my grandson's favorite book. Is wonderful and a lot of fun. He has always had Pugs.

This book makes me feel like a kid at heart. It's great fun to read it giving each animal it's own voice since you can really sense the different personalities from each drawing and story. I also think it's a good lesson for children because, let's face it, some of these dogs are totally neurotic! I think it's a good way to show kids that everyone, including animals, have their own little personalities and behaviors and some of them are a little odd!