E Books

In the game of golf, the principles of the golf swing, the putting stroke and the short game are essential for good play. These principles, though, must be adapted to the weather and course conditions or the golfer will play poorly. Author Russell Palmer in his "Ultimate Leadership" builds on this concept and, with his personal experience as a backdrop, highlights the importance of applying leadership principles to the context in which the leader is operating.

Palmer has excellent credentials. He served as Managing Partner and CEO of Touche Ross & Company before leaving after ten years to become the first non-academic Dean of the Wharton School. Most recently, he founded the Palmer Group, an investment company focused on entrepreneurial opportunities.

"Ultimate Leadership" outlines the basic principles of successful leadership (judgment, character, tenacity, and resilience to name four) then shows, through personal and third party examples, how these should be applied in varying contexts, including: command and control organizations - (the military and corporations); partnership of peers; entrepreneurial organizations; academic institutions; foundations; non-profits; business roundtables and other peer groups; and organizations in crisis.

Palmer concludes with chapters centered on "How Leaders Transform Organizations," "National Cultures and Context: Leading in a global environment," "The Heart of Leadership," and "Putting It All Together." He feels that the best training for business leaders is a strong liberal arts (the study of history and the reading of biographies) program followed by business school. He also believes leaders must play to his/her strengths and not to conform to someone else's image of leadership.

This is an excellent read for those who aspire to be leaders. For those who want to learn more about leadership in the social sector and entrepreneurial leadership (they have many similarities), I highly recommend Jim Collin's "Good to Great and the Social Sectors."

When it comes to introducing new products and services, the key to success in today's market is the ability of manufacturers and providers to be able to customize them to meet the needs of the potential buyer. In his stimulating book, author Russell E. Palmer raises the valid question as to why such optimization practices could not be applied to one's leadership abilities. He recognizes how leadership principles can be effective in a wide variety of situations but also need to be applied in a specific, predetermined manner depending on the unique combination of circumstances and individuals involved. Palmer should know since he has a proven track record in three distinct leadership roles that have required him to adapt his principles - first as managing Partner and CEO of Touche Ross (now Deloitte & Touche) for a decade, then as Dean of the Wharton School for seven years, and now as the Chairman and CEO of his own corporate investment firm, the Palmer Group.

Instead of allowing us to believe that the mountain came to Mohammed with each role, Palmer shows how deliberately he adapted his leadership style to fit the contours of each context. The breadth of his experience is reflected in the informed way he organizes the book by context within an organization - top-down, leading your peers, a company in crisis, a company whose culture is transforming significantly, an entrepreneurial venture, an academic setting, and leading in a global environment. In each case, he provides practical advice on how to fill the gaps that exist in existing organizations, for example, when surrounded by peers or direct reports who have relatively narrow specializations, the leader needs to focus on becoming a generalist who supplements value from a broader perspective. Even though he lends quite a bit of his own personal experience to each context, Palmer wisely recruits sixteen others to weigh in and validate the principles through illuminating interviews that encompass the various contexts. Among the more intriguing are three leaders in the private sector - Larry Bossidy, retired Honeywell CEO; Gordon Bethune, former Continental airlines CEO and current Chairman of Aloha Airgroup; and Tony Kobayashi, chairman of Fuji Xerox - as well as former Marine Corps Commandant General P.X. Kelley and John McKernan, former two-term governor of Maine.

Much of Palmer's message may come across as plain common sense, but it's his impressive background that lends his points the necessary resonance. He also recognizes the burgeoning failure rate of CEOs whose own hubris has taken over when it came to achieving the desirable business results. In the meantime, the company devolves into a dysfunctional organization in which board members and shareholders are alienated, and the chain reaction is felt by not only regulators and Wall Street analysts but also an employee base looking elsewhere to apply their talents and skills. It has become so common to see crestfallen ex-CEOs with golden parachutes that a cottage industry has developed to recruit high-level executives as temporary CEOs. More fundamentally, the author does not ignore the basic leadership principles that provide the foundation for success regardless of the context - consistent display of integrity, direct involvement in execution, flexibility bound by good judgment, fostering innovation, and encouraging proactive communication, among other skills. At the end of the day, despite what the profit picture may look like for a company, Palmer knows it comes down to how a leader values the people around him/her. It's good to see such a seasoned leader validate that crucial point.

Author Russell Palmer contends that the "tool kit" a leader brings to the table, coupled with the factors present in each unique enviroment are key factors in leading with effectiveness--or not.

The author brings real-life situations to illustrate his points; I found the chapter on mergers and organizational changes most interesting as this is something that happens frequently in business and is a sweeping change with an almost storm-like effect on an organization and the leadership. The author contrasts the ineffective leader who only surrounds himself with people he can trust versus someone who embraces the change and takes risks, not only in whom he places on his team but in doing really deep investigation into things that could be deliberately hidden or played down (concealed debt, liabilities, failures in delivery, etc.) The author also discusses the necessity for personal recognizance even when there is no personal liability as a huge factor in determining if an organization will survive a change or go down like a house of cards.

The last chapter s a shopping list of traits an effective leader should aspire to, including following strategic plans, fostering innovation, exercising prudent and good judgment, building confidence, staying one step ahead and trusting and engaging contributors to release their potential.

A good set of advice with worthy examples of successes and failures.

This book interested me once I discovered the author and I both share experiences as CPA's, as being involved with nonprofits, and being entrepreneurs. I enjoyed reading it. The first three chapters were a bit of a struggle for me to get through because I didn't particularly like the author's writing style or repeatedly hearing about who he was. But I loved chapters 4 through 9 and 11.

I kind of expected the book to be a treatise on the traits and styles used by ultimate leaders. I was pleasantly surprised that the book was organized for the most part around the author's varied career and his work experiences. His first career right out of college was to quickly climb the ranks of the smallest of the Big 8 public accounting firms (Touche Ross). He labels that era of his leadership as being in an organization of his peers. Next he retired from public accounting to become the head of U. Penn's business school (Wharton) where he grew the school's reputation and he became an impressive nonprofit fundraiser. He labels that era of his leadership as being in an academic organization. It's my opinion that that era of his leadership was spent in a nonprofit organization. And lastly, the author moved on to leading in an entrepreneurial organization by starting his own company - The Palmer Group.

I loved the material included in chapters 5 (crisis) and 6 (change), but I found the content to be somewhat repetitive. I think the material could have been consolidated and made into one chapter. I think I would put that new chapter in an appendix since it did not relate directly to the author's three stories (Touche, Wharton, & Palmer). And chapters 3 (top-down management) and 10 (motivating employees) could be eliminated or relegated to appendix material, too. All three chapters seemed to be sideshows to me.

I would have liked the book better if Chapter 11 was moved to the front of the book as Chapter 1, and chapters 1 and 2 were consolidated to only cover the "basic leadership principles" and the "organizaton contexts." I didn't think very much of Chapter 1 added value to the book. There was too much telling me about what was to come later in the book.

All I wanted to learn from the book was the author's take on his leadership experiences gained during his three careers. The Touche Ross stuff was covered in chapters 4 and 9. The Wharton School stuff was covered in Chapter 8. And the Palmer Group stuff was covered in Chapter 7. Those four chapters were the real meat of the book for me. 4 stars!

Russell E. Palmer offers a unique look at what often seems like cliched topic - Leadership.

Drawing on his varied experience as head of one of the world's largest accounting firms, Dean of the Wharton School, and an entrepreneur, Palmer identifies the leadership model most appropriate for your situation.

Ultimately, leadership boils down to inspiration. Your ability to help organizations weather stormy seas and mold its culture to change with changing times is the ultimate test of your ability to lead. Understanding and applying principles is not enough. Your approach needs to change with the context of the situation.

Palmer supports his view with insights from leaders as diverse as Gordon Bethune, Larry Bossidy, David M. Cote, and Jacob Wallenberg, P.X. Kelley, Erik K. Shinseki, Tom Ehrlich, David Reibstein, Michael Useem, and Yoram (Jerry) Wind.

Leadership is never a coincidence. Palmer stresses it is built on character and performance standards to which everyone is held accountable.

Trying to find your way through the myriad of advice about how to parent your child can be overwhelming on the best of days. The actual child can get lost in all of the ideas/philosophies/beliefs. That truth is amplified if your child has any sort of behavior that seems to be outside of the "norm". Dr. Curtis guides parents in an honest, nonjudgmental way toward the avenues which can best help them and ultimately, most importantly, help the child get the support he/she needs. His assurance that positive progress can be made is a gift. That these are not "problem" children who have something wrong with them... a message those of us with atypical children are confronted with all too often, but that they are children who merit more support, understanding and sensitivity. Dr. Curtis knows that children with puzzling behavior operate within a family, and that the parents, who love these kids more than anything and are trying to help them to the best of their ability, need guidance and support too. His holistic approach is truly a relief to those of us who deal daily with the beauty, challenge, heartbreak and joy of raising these unique little beings.

There are numerous "how to parent" books available, with each having their unique twist to the age old problem of raising children. None however, have placed the responsibility upon parents who ultimately know their child better than anyone! This book is a practicle guide for the parents to identify the problems and how to address them. Their teacher? The parents of troubled children know their child better than anyone could hope to. This book is their practical guide to putting their knowledge to work.

This book is an amazing resource for any parent who is struggling to make sense of their child's complex and unusual behavior. Dr. Curtis' step-by-step approach is empowering! Understanding Your Child's Puzzling Behavior gives clarity where so often there is vagueness. The information in this book is easily understood. The worksheets and parent resources are invaluable. Everyone should have a copy of this book!

Dr. Curtis' book, "Understanding Your Child's Puzzling Behavior," is an extremely valuable and empowering tool for both parents and professionals. The book is packed with useful information and presented in a clear and succinct format. Many other books are written using jargon that perplexes even professionals in the field. It will eliminate any confusion that one has regarding where to go, what to say, and whom to talk to when concerned about a child's behaviors whether they are social, emotional, behavioral, or academic. The resources provided are EXCELLENT!

A terrific guide for parents who are willing to participate in discovering why their child behaves as he or she does. Dr. Curtis encourages the reader to take an active role in finding solutions for his or her child, but doesn't stop there. He equips with secrets of the trade in an easy-to-understand manner and provides user-friendly procedures designed to bring you to an understanding of your child. Every professional who treats children with atypical behavior will wish that the child's parents had first read Dr. Curtis' book.

In Durrenmatt's *The Visit* a hideous--and hideously wealthy--old woman returns to the town of her long-ago youth to avenge a past wrong. Unaware of her intentions, everyone in Guellen is excited at the news of her imminent arrival, but none more so than the old lady's old flame--the shabby shopkeeper Alfred Ill who volunteers to be her personal guide during the visit. Expecting that her return, and Alfred's solicitous attention, will mean a revival of the town's fortunes after years of hard times, the inhabitants of Guellen are nonetheless staggered by the generosity of Claire Zachanassian's offer. But their joy turns to dismay when they discover the one condition the old woman has placed on making them all wealthy beyond their wildest dreams. The good folk of Guellen must deliver up one of their own for sacrifice: her old lover, Alfred Ill.

Will the townsfolk murder Alfred for the money--and the "good" of Guellen--or not? Durrenmatt not only sustains the suspense of this situation throughout most of this rather lengthy three-act play, but, even more surprising, he renders it chillingly plausible. One is reminded of Shirley Jackson's classic story *The Lottery*--a similar atmosphere of claustrophobic, predestined dread prevails in *The Visit,* a sense that there is no escape from the judgment of the community of which one is a member. Indeed, it seems if one is properly socialized one internalizes that judgment and delivers oneself up accordingly for there is no life outside of the community. Such a "voluntary" death becomes a sacrifice and one lives on in the benefit bestowed upon the community. So does society sustain itself by eating its own.

What the old lady wants is justice for a wrong done to her in Guellen long ago. But that desire for justice--and the hurt that goes with it--has hardened over time into an implacable thirst for vengeance that nothing but blood will satisfy. Even within the play, as well as in Durenmatt's postscript, Claire Z. is likened to Medea and it's an apt comparison. Claire is older, wealthier, a confidante of princes and presidents, a serial bride, full of wit and dry humor, and her anger is considerably colder than that of the legendary scorned madwoman of classical literature--colder and thus more lethal.

Aside from Claire Z, who has hardened beyond humanity altogether, *The Visit* is primarily a tale about human weakness--about the temptation for the pleasures of this world and the rationalizations we devise to grab them when the opportunity presents itself. For behind the high-sounding principles and moral outrage of the good people of Guellen is the drive to self-aggrandizement that motivates all of us. Or, as *The Visit* memorably points out--all of us but the rare individual who acknowledges the guilt we all share and prefer to locate solely in our neighbors, the rare individual who, when it's time to point out the source of evil in the world, has the astounding courage to point at himself.

This is as close as you will come to a true depiction of the Swiss. It may be a generalisation but isn't that how generalisations are generally derived? Anyway, the author is Swiss who is supposedly not very popular among the Swiss possibly because it is too close to home/truth.

This book, although somewhat disturbing, is a good read for anyone who desires a look at how humans continually put material objects before their own fellow human beings. Layered in "sick" comedy, The Visit brings the ultimate desire for retribution to life, as well as depicting how even normal people can become vicious with revenge, even when they are not the victim. Furthermore, this book depicts how one person can change the lives of other's lives drastically, because of power and money. When read in the context of seeking the reality of life, the desire for riches, the greed of the desperate, and the need to be "someone" and be defined by worldy possessions, this book truly gives insight, with a bizarre but intriguing tale.

"The Visit" is a play I've never seen, only read. I read it first in high school, leaving me with goosebumps then. It still has that power, now. I can think of no other tale that expresses the power of bitter revenge better than this one. I remember reading somewhere that this was done originally on stage here by Lunt and Fontaine--wouldn't that have been something to see!

I wonder, though, why the 1964 movie starring Anthony Quinn and Ingrid Bergman is never mentioned, and has never been released on video or DVD? I saw it 30 years ago and found it chilling in its own way, though not matching exactly the play.

Like Bertholt Brecht, Friedrich Duerrenmatt (1921-1990) was a proponet of "epic theatre," a style of drama in which the audience is not so much asked to identify with the characters and story but to contemplate them in an detached manner and thereby arrive a certain intellectual and moral conclusions. Although he was the author of several notable dramas, he is not well known outside his native Switzerland and German-speaking Europe--with one exception: Der Besuch der alten Dame, known in English as THE VISIT.

First staged in 1956, it became internationally famous in the late 1950s in a production staged by Peter Brook starring Afred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, which had a successful Broadway run and which toured extensively; it was also filmed, with considerably less success, in 1964 by director Bernhard Wicki and starring Ingrid Bergman and Anthony Quinn. Maurice Valency performed the translation for the Lunt-Fontanne stage version, and for many years his extremely free adaptation was the only English-language version in print. The Patrick Bowles version offered here, however, is much more accurate in translation--and therefore considerably darker in tone.

The story concerns a tiny town which has fallen on very hard times, but which has hopes in the form of a visit from the incredibly wealthy Claire Zachanassian, a woman who was born and raised in the town and who has now decided to make a return visit. Although a distinctly grotesque figure, Claire has a reputation for generosity, and upon her arrival she does indeed announce her intention to endow her hometown with riches beyond imagination. There is, however, one catch: in return, she demands the death of Anton Schill, the lover who wronged her many years ago. The community is outraged and refuses to comply... at least at first. As the play progresses, however, the citizens (including Schill's own family) begin to dream of what they could do with all that money. Is Claire's demand really so unreasonable after all?

Duerrenmatt insisted that his play was a comedy, and it is indeed quite funny, albeit in a distinctly grotesque sort of way. At the same time, however, it is quite obviously a parable on the natures of revenge and greed. Indeed, Claire's revenge is not so much on Schill as it is upon the town itself, as she forces them to faulter through greed by presenting them with a choice between morality and immorality. Although extremely witty, THE VISIT may also be described as deeply cynical, and more than one critic has flatly described it as evil, despicable, and profoundly unsavory. Whatever the case, it is a truly remarkable play, quite unlike the usual fare you'll find haunting either Broadway or the local community theatre. It has also been extremely influential over the years, with perhaps the most obvious example being Arthur Kopit's OH DAD, POOR DAD, MAMA'S HUNG YOU IN THE CLOSET AND I'M FEELING SO SAD. Strongly recommended for fans of far-out theatre.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

First, please ignore the odd review of this wonderful book from Publishers Weekly and follow the reviews of the other readers of this book who have given John's book 5 stars. I have seen John Welshons in person at workshops and he is in every sense the real deal. He is one of the most patient and loving people I have ever come across and he has a unique ability to address every questioner in a caring and direct manner. I have given copies of John's first book to many people who have experienced a loss in their lives and they have always thanked me for the gift. They also recognize that "Awakening From Grief" is not just a book about death, but very much a book about life. I hope you will all give this book a chance to serve you in your quest for love and happiness.

John Welshons has written another fantastic book! In an easy to read, compassionate and nonjudgemental manner, the author urges the reader to try to look at the way life is and not how we each believe it should be. A scholar of the world's religions, he draws on traditions from both the East and West. While the book does deal with different types of prayer, I think its appeal is much broader than those interested in theology. It is a book about how to find joy by understanding what is truly important. I recommend it as a gift to anyone you want to help find more joy in their lives!

A book I can pick up at any time to get an inspirational lift. Filled with such tenderness, compassion and lots of hope when so hard to find when carrying such a heavy heart. As fate would have it, When Prayers Aren't Answered came out to the bookstores it was like the book was written to match my life for the past five years as the same with John's first book Awakening From Grief. Once you start reading you will not want to put it down. I highly recommend reading it. John Welshons books are my Beacon of Light..

I definitely recommend this book. I love it because it considers all religious beliefs, and it makes quite clear that we are like little children in our love to God. If He doesn't give us what we want then we desert him and loose him all along, while the challenge is to love God and be connected with Him either He gives us what we want or not. Most of the time for our best.

A question answered even for me, who doesn't per se believe in a God that is a controlling entity outside of ourselves. Remembering that every moment can be a prayer - not necessarily seeking something to get, but an intuitive way to be so that cosmic guidance and positive attitude become a way of life and the answer is within ourselves.

I've yet to read the whole book but expect that it is as good an inspiration as Welshons previous book, Awakening From Grief, which carried me through the passing of my father, and a year later, the passing of my mother. I found Awakening From Grief to be more of a guide to living correctly than a way to just cope with death.

Democrat-Republican,Liberal -Conservative,Left-Right,Socialist-Capitalist are all labels we attempt to apply to the political aspirations and ideas of people within society.And they are only broad descriptions.To those,we have can add an endless number of terms we apply to special interests ,such as; Free-Traders,Pro-Lifers,Bleeding-Hearts,Hard-Liners,Appeasers,Self-Reliants,Fundamentalists,Libertarians,Fascists,Secularists,Isolationists,Enviromentalists,Freedom-fighters,Nationalists,Patriots,Dissenters,Free-Speechers,people who believe in big Gouverment and those who believe it should be restrained,and Activists of all descriptions;just to name a few.
However;all these philosophies ,more or less fall into two broad categories;namely Socialist or Conservative. While;at times, there are some overlappings. Nor is it possible for any one person to agree with either of the two main camps on every issue.Political expediency is an everpresent force and for that reason some people tend to alter their political party affiliations over the years;while others hold to their party of choice;regardless of issues.
The Author has done a magnificient job of defining what a Conservative in America ,and in fact,the whole western world,really is at these times in history. In other words ,if you believe in the ideas professed in this book;you are a Conservative thinker;and if you don't ,you are by default, not.
Rather than write a ling disertation,the author has chosen to approach a large number of Conservatives and have them write short essays of a couple of pages,to explain what being a Conservative is all about.
In all,we can read what 54 well known Conservatives have to say about defining Conservativeism.
Personally,I came from a very staunch Liberal background and considered myself one for many,many years, However as the 60's came to an end,I found there were many things that changed the way I thought and I no longer felt compfortable with that side of the political spectrum and for the last two decades have moved to the Conservative philosophy.
What I found startling is that so many of the people who wrote the essays in this book went through the same prosess as did I.
This has always concerned me and I think the words of Ronald Reagan pretty well explains things when he said ;"I didn't leave the Democratic Party;they left me".
Another thing I liked about this book is that it stays with defining what it is to be Conservative in a positive manner and is virtually free from negativism towards other points of view.
I really believe even someone who is not a Concervative could enjoy this book,they may well not agree with the philosophies of the writers.That is all well and good because the book does an excellent job of informing without being insulting,dismissive or disparaging to other points of view.

This little book is a collection of 54 essays on the subject of "Why I Am a Conservative." Each essay was written by a well-known member of political or media class, ranging from Bob Dole and Bill Frist, through Michael Medved and P.J. O'Rourke. Overall, I found them to be quite interesting and quite often a lot of fun (especially P.J. O'Rourke, naturally). So, if you want to understand the Conservative movement more, you really should read this book. I highly recommend it!

This book contains synopses from several figures on what it means to them to be classified as a Reagan Conservative. Great book. A really fun read if you're on the go. Read a chapter or two in the airport at Atlanta, read another on the plane, read another when you arrive at JFK, read another in the cab...
Well composed! I was very happy with this book!

This book is a collection of short essays from different politicians, activists and writers that claim to be Reagan conservatives. It's a truly entertaining, uplifting and colorful compilation; most of the essays are only a couple of pages long and will reveal personal stories - and the message of each of them is beautifully obvious, yet thought-provoking. Don't expect detailed academic papers - we have enough of those in other books. The miracle of this one is actually its modesty and simplicity. You'll get several up front, honest, extremely hard to argue confessions that might "satisfy the skeptic as well" - as it says on the cover.
As of today, it's undoubtedly one of the greatest tributes to the man whom history books are likely to be going to call the greatest American President of the 20th century.

Edited by Michael Deaver, this is a series of essays by prominent Republicans who are remembering Ronald Reagan. Reagan will probably go down in the history books as one of the better presidents during this time period. After all, at the beginning of the period we were in the midst of the Cold War and at the end it was over, the Soviet Union was no more. Untold fortunes spent, tremendous risks of nuclear war, all were gone, the Cold War was over.

Note that this is concerned with Ronald Reagan conservative views. This is not necessarily the same as the George W. Bush views. Mr. Bush seems to have taken the conservative agenda re abortion, affirmative action, and other issues much further than did Reagan.

The present day conservative Republicans would have you believe, would like to believe themselves that the country has made a major turn to the right wing. They view the past election as confirmation of this rightward shift. I believe they are ignoring the fact that a couple of week candidates in the form of Kerry/Edwards, and good fundamental politics on the part of the Republicans (especially the Ohio grass roots effort) enabled a victory.

It is at their risk that they forget that the country isn't as right wing as the stalwarts of the Republican party. Nor is it as liberal as the hard core of the Democratic party. One thing about our country, there's another election coming. The country votes for the one considered the most center oriented. The country doesn't want gun or abortion control.

This book is worth reading as a view of what these particular party members are thinking.

Great condition but didn't realise the book contained several stories. Just wanted the one story "Why the chimes rang."It was bought as a gift and the reciever was totally thrilled

I remember this book from long ago. It has a wonderful message. Not only can love make the bells ring, love can change the world! The illustration are just perfect for the story. This would make the perfect holday gift for young people, or even not so young people who want to regain the Christmas spirit of giving and service.

Destined to be a Christmas classic:Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--echoes the message of Why the Chimes Rang.

Growing up in a small town in Indiana, I got to listen to my paternal grandfather read this story to the assembled family every Christmas Eve. My father has continued the tradition within our family, reading from an original 1906 edition of the book. Every year like clockwork, my mother cries as she looks around the room at her sons, their families and the dogs. My partner and I are adopting a boy and a girl from Guatemala this year, and I can't wait to begin this tradition in our home. This is a truly glorious story about Christmas. Read it and share it with your own family. And make sure it's read aloud by the family member with the most sonorous voice.

lovely pictures and great story
nice to find a childrens christmas book that isnt a popular character of the month
adults will enjoy also, so makes reading together the experience it should be

What a delight to find this classic from my childhood. Our parents read to us at bedtime. This story of love and sharing relates universal values. Thank you for making it available.

I have purchased this book for about twelve people and had it shipped as a gift to them (one advandage to having the 2 day ship option). Susan gives alternate answers for problems, as well as, medical reviews. At times, she is very frank in her comments when it comes to sex and that sort of thing.

However, as stated above, I think that she has done an excellent job. So much so, that I want everybody I know to have a copy.

The 24 Hour Pharmacist is the perfect pill for anyone seeking insight on overall health from a resource that is thorough and fun to read. With chapter titles such as "Frazzled, Frustrated and Freaked Out: Coping with Anxiety and Stress" to "More Jiggle, Less Joint Pain: What You Can Do About Arthritis" you get the sense that the author well knows what course to recommend but also truly enjoys educating others. One feature I found especially enlightening were the sections in each chapter entitled "Suzy's Secrets From Behind The Counter". Here is where she (Suzy) offers great little insights to live by with a perspective that only a pharmacist can give. One good example of this is in the chapter about weight loss where she explains that some drugs can make you hungry. Included in her list are sedatives and tranquilizers, antidepressants, allergy pills, female hormones and diuretics. Wow, who knew?

As the owner of an enzyme company and the author of two books on enzymes, I was especially interested in the chapters dealing with Digestion and Enzymes. Chapter 4 is entitled "Do You Have the Guts to Throw Away Your Antacids?" and enzymes are discussed on pages 201 and 202 in a chapter she calls "Lose Fat While You Sleep...When Pink Elephants Fly". I must say, the information was extremely valuable yet easy to follow. I was so impressed with this book that I bought one for each member of my technical education team and asked them to become well acquainted with this excellent resource.

I just got this book yesterday and could hardly put it down last night. I am about to order a few more copies for my family. I consider myself pretty well-versed in many of the topics she discusses, but it's so nice to have the information organized the way it is. It's just very easy to read and understand. You don't need a science degree to apply what the author recommends. I earmarked so many pages in the first parts that I read last night - and I can't wait to get back to it. This is money well-spent.

Suzy Cohen tells it like it is. Her advice and opinions are right on. We both recommend the book so that others can be better informed on their own health care. If you are not pro-active in your own health care, you are asking for trouble. This book will help.The 24-Hour Pharmacist: Advice, Options, and Amazing Cures from America's Most Trusted Pharmacist

The 24-Hour Pharmacist is a book written by a professional who understands the chemistry of drugs and how they interact with the body, but who has also taken the time to learn about herbs and natural remedies. The great thing about Cohen is that she gives readers these natural alternatives to deal with their health issues, instead of just advising them to rely on pharmaceuticals.

Another thing she brings to the table that we don't find very often is solid knowledge about interactions between drugs and supplements, so that her readers don't get caught up in the storm of taking one drug to ease the symptoms of another. She advises readers not to mix certain drugs, and which drugs cause particular symptoms.

Cohen has a unique blend of expertise - she is fluent in pharmacology as well as herbal medicine. Her final product is far more useful than the advice of medical practitioners who are only familiar with one method of treatment, or whose scientific education has been underwritten by the pharmaceutical companies themselves, which, sadly, is more and more often the case.

The 24-Hour Pharmacist is a great reference book to keep on hand to help deal with sickness in the family, and it's a fun cover-to-cover read - Cohen is a talented and entertaining writer who delivers valuable information that's hard to find elsewhere.

Thanks, Suzy, for bringing this vital info to us!

I was intoxicated by DeLaune's language and rhythm from the first page. Her characters kept me company to a beach resort last May. And when I got back to LA --- I was longing for them. Memorable!!!

This is a book written by a woman, about a woman, with a woman's occasionally grimace-inducing candor, but sorry, I don't see it as a "woman's book." (And what's with "chick lit"? Is it just me or does that phrase seem downright condescending?). This is simply a GOOD BOOK, a great story with a compelling lead character, a detailed sense of time and place, a smart way with words and attitudes, and a deeply compassionate view of...people, male and female. I don't know why men don't seem to read or like books like this; maybe because most men don't know about mercy-f**ks or compulsive caretaking or needing to be the good-girl or struggling to find your way in a world that uses words like "whiny" and "weepy" when talking about women's emotions, but whatever it is, men are missing out. This book is a heartfelt, passionate and bone-achingly truthful story, one that many, many women will identify with and men might find enlightening. Yvette is an arty, brave, and very human Every-Girl, with deeply felt flaws and oh-so-errant ways, but her slightly bent and very real journey is one we want to follow because...well, she's slightly bent and very real! Yay! No feminist proselytizing, no man bashing, no weepy, whiny carrying on, just a girl makin' jewelry, looking for love, and trying to get it right. So despite her personal chaos and dubious decision-making, we like her! She inspires us and makes us want to take her out for coffee. Ms. Michel has written a character we never fail to feel tenderly toward; a women who falls down many of the same flights of stairs others have known and hated, but who does so with such authenticity, we can't help but wish her well and hope for the best along with her. I closed this book feeling deeply satisfied, delighted that I had just read something chewy and worthy and clever and funny and touching and insightful. Congratulations, Ms. Michel...write on.

a beautifully written story that takes you through all the emotions. i was surprised to find myself enthralled by the main character and her experiences but quickly realized it was all due to Ms Michel's amazing way with words. i look forward to her next novel with baited breath.

I gulped this novel down in 2 sittings and recommend it for summer reading. Great chick Lit. Great gift. JFS

The book pulls you in right away and you find yourself engrossed, unable to stop reading so you can find out what happens next. It is vivid, funny, and poignant as it details issues we all can relate to - growing up, letting go, and finding our path in an active way.

I bought it a few months ago and started it immediately. However, it's one of those books that scare me to death and I kind of have to skim it first just to get the horrifying details out of the way before I read it in depth. It's the stuff of nightmares, but a great read for all that. I don't want to give too much away, but I highly recommend the book, especially to men who I think will gravitate to his writing style.

Great page turner, I cannot wait for the sequel. The plot is realistic and terrifying. Every page is a real future look at what the terrorists have in mind for America. Are you prepared?

'America Falling' needs to be required reading for Jr. High School and/or High School.

I just finished this book and, I have to admit, it packs a good punch. Someone else said it was scary, and the last book that I read that sent the same chills through my spine was 'Silence of the Lambs', but for different reasons.

It's not a perfect work and sometimes the writing style and secondary content seems a little juvenile and predictable, but the bottom line and the obvious reason for this novel to be born and nurtured is that America is not safe. Period.

Looking at out borders, at our schools, at our personalities as Americans.... We are SO OPEN for attacks, illegals passing over borders, information loss to bad people, and the paper mask of security.... It's enough to make anyone ill. We, the West, Americans, are so trustworthy and faithful of humankind in general. And we are surprised constantly when somone doesn't abide by the same beliefs!

WHY would someone kill children? Because we are infidels and America has to fall to her knees.
Why would someone murder innocent people, bystanders? Because it would harm America.
Of course I am talking about terrorism and Radical Islamic Fundamentalists.

Mr. Brockette tells an intriguing story. Most of it is extremely realistic, practically listing the weak areas of our systems. He's not fanatsizing or even exaggerating *most* of the time. Some of the secondary story lines are a little predictable and kind of cheesy, but it's never disappointing. I, myself, am NOT a fan of action movies, so some of this book was unbelievable, but the real point of this novel is not funny at all. The serious sections are extremely to the point and heart wrenching.

I read one part and thought, "Duh! How easy is THAT!" Without giving away the novel, a well-spoken terrorist wearing a nice looking suit and tie, explains to the front admin school staff that he's moving there soon and would appreciate a looksie of the school where his children will be enrolled. SURE! Please come see this: the layout, the school schedule, the security staff, the safety systems, the group areas, the childrens' schedules, the lunch menu,.... Names of kids on teams, names of teachers assigned to classrooms. Just hand it to him.

This book makes you really think about security and how unaware our mainstream people are about terrorism. How will our cities handle another 9/11? It's not a matter of IF, it's a matter of WHEN.

Overall, I give the book a super thumbs-up. It opens the eyes of the people who read it. Thanks, Don B! One more thing to freak out over! HAHA...

Read it and weep.

"America Falling" was not what I first expected it to be. Definately an action packeed novel that takes place in current times. I found it to be mind opening to what many Americans take for granted everyday. Though graphic in some parts, I feel that it was a damn good story and look forward to possible sequels, though I would read another book by this author even if not related to this story.

Mr. Brockette weaves a very compelling and easy-to-read story. I read it in two days!! You may not sleep for a few nights after you read it , because it could really happen!! Can't wait for the next book.

Wow! As soon as you start to read this book, the characters (even the dead ones) come alive. You get introduced to a whole new dimension and it is incredible!

If you never believed in angels before, you will after this. The descriptions and the imagery make it so easy to see this happening all around you - even while you're reading the book. You wonder who might be reading it with you!

You're not kidding - watch out for angels watching out for you!

This book will change your life for the better - forever!

This book was amazing. I recently went through a significant loss. Jeanie had read Angel On Board before she passed, and loved it, and now I know why. It helped me hear her and gave me peace. I recommend it highly!!!

****

I'm going to submit some stories to Angel On Board, Real Life Stories because events since her passing are just too fantastic to be coincidences - it has to be the angels.

Of course they do! This book is one of them! Oh my gosh!!!

I loved this book. It took me to a whole new dimension of living. I could see the angels around me (not literally of course) just the presents they leave behind.

This is an inspired work of fiction! Everyone needs it! It's fun, it's tear jerking, it's thought provoking! It's AWESOME!!!

Read it - you'll be glad you did!

Angel On Board, Second Edition

This is a fun fiction romp through heaven that will make you laugh at your own life more than anything. It asks some thought provoking questions and shows a new perspective. Lots of great dialogue and interesting circumstances. Vividly described. Great fiction work. You'll love it! Then, watch out for angels watching out for you...