Works Books

Easy to read but the message is a bit more subtle. Enjoyed the book for its insights. It is a book to be read more than once to understand the nuances.

I read this book to my yoga classes. Her prose/poetry is perfection meditation material. She's clear with her message. I have bought several copies of this book to give as gifts and recommend this to anyone who enjoys spiritual reading. Short stories alternate with beauutiful inspiring poems.

This book touched me so deeply, I bought ten copies to distribute to friends and family.

Karyn Kedar understands and addresses the sense of loss and isolation which are too often part of the human experience. She confirms that our dreams and hopes are attainable, when we work to connect with others, look for meaning in the day to day, and realize God is found in a myriad of places we would least expect. When we look and listen closely, God is softly speaking to and directing us.

This book is sustenance for the spiritually hungry.

I bought Rabbi Kedar's book after learning that she had been chosen as the Senior Rabbi of my synagogue, B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim in Glenview, IL. I am now not only excited about reading her 2nd book, but getting to live these experiences with her on a routine basis. This book lived up to its introduction where it suggested that I would find great comfort in some of what I read in the book, but I will also become fearful of some of the stories as well as angry about some of them. In each case, however, it caused me to reflect on how I would and should react and what was truly causing me to feel the way I did. I think this book will help me in my every day dealing with people. Applause to Rabbi Kedar for an outstanding book (as well as to BJBE's search committee for a great choice for Senior Rabbi!!!!).

Slow down and give yourself a gift and read GOD WHISPERS by Rabbi Karen Kedar. It is one of those amazing texts that seem to speak to you when you need it most. Many of her chapter/lessons will stay with you and "pop out" during your life and the most unexpected moments. Because of her style, you can pick up the book and read it from the start - or middle. Each chapter will add to your life and speak to your soul. How fortunate we are that Rabbi Kedar shares her experiences and wisdom with us! read it and feed your soul!

Very well written, thought out. He covers alot of area and does it very well. Everyone should be open minded and read this book slowly.

'The Gospel According to Moses: What my Jewish Friends Taught me About Jesus' is a unique and thoughtful auto-biographical journal of Athol Dickson's ongoing studies at a Reform Jewish temple's Chever Torah (Torah Group). The beauty of Dickson's study and reflection is not that he always reaches the most correct conclusion, sometimes I don't think that he does, but that his underlying attitude about recognizing and defining questions is exemplary. The author's attitude here is suggestive of that of Origen, the great early Christian thinker and student of the Torah (what Christians call the Pentateuch or 'Books of Moses') and the Tenach (what Christians call the Old Testament). More to be feared than a question without an easy answer is indifference to the question, or a smug delusion that all answers are well in hand. Dickson says, "God may answer my questions with silence because the answer is silence. In other words, sometimes my questions themselves are answer enough. . . When the Lord offers no clear answer to my questions, it may mean I will learn greater truths by continuing to ask the questions. Sometimes questions may have many possible answers, so God declines to point to a 'correct' one. The most common examples of this phenomenon are bound up in the many paradoxes of the Scriptures. . ."

Bumbling humans that we are, Christians and Jews too often misunderstand and misrepresent each other's views. Dickson tries to avoid the oversimplifications involved in these superficial dismissals, but without surrendering his essential Christian understanding. Many commentators on the Torah are cited; on the Christian side these include the New Testament writers, Augustine, and Kierkegaard, for example. But most of the expositors cited are the Talmudic rabbis (who, of course, were Pharisees, that group of Torah students whom Christians are typically anxious to simplistically vilify wholesale). Dickson says- "As has happened so often in my time with Chever Torah, the floor of my study is littered with fallen stereotypes." (p135)
". . . again it seems that Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity are far closer than I once thought. Christianity says if I love Jesus I will obey his teaching. Judaism says if I wish to follow I will be led along the road. In both cases, faith by the grace of God leads to obedience to God. . . I am free to choose the road I wish to follow and then I am led along it, either downward by my foolish pride or upward by the grace of God." (p142)

I read this book at the same time I was reading Philip Yancey's "The Jesus I Never Knew." Both books are excellent and both speak to some of the weaknesses of the other. The one aspect of Dickson's study that I thought came up short was his arguments regarding the Trinity. It's a challenging subject and I have seen others approach it as Dickson has, citing Torah references to the God who is One with occasional language of plurality, but, of itself, it is a difficult argument. I believe our best understanding of the Trinity must include the insights of Augustine and Anselm. Any weaknesses aside, Dickson has written an excellent book about how one's attitudes, including cognition of one's own ignorance, are of central importance, whether attempting to resolve the mysteries and paradoxes of the Torah or the mysteries and paradoxes of the luminous Jewish rabbi, Jesus.

This was a great read. Highly recommended.

The book reads smoothly, uses comfortable language, and flows in a logical way. Dickson employs several mini-stories throughout the book to introduce and illustrate the subject matter of that chapter.

Dickson touches an area of Christianity which is desperately needed. We embrace so much of our faith without having any knowledge of its roots or foundation in Judaism. Christianity and Judaism are not synonymous. They have significant differences, and Dickson does not ignore these differences, or try to homogenize the two faiths. But they ARE similar, and Dickson does a great job of showing just how so many of the themes in Christianity overlap with those of Judaism, even if that doesn't appear to be the case at first glance. Most of Dickson's focus is not on the minutiae differences of Christianity and Judaism, but is on the larger elements of our faiths, including the differences in how we approach our faith, and how we answer the hard-to-answer questions.

Allow me to share my favorite aspect of the book. Dickson discusses, in detail, the difference in the way Christians and Jews deal with difficult questions about our faith. I grew up in the church, Dickson is correct in characterizing the way most Christians answer those questions: we often try to make them seem less difficult than they really are, and look to some pre-fabricated answer found in our "ways to answer those questions" manual. Many questions are off-limits as quasi-heretical, meaning that we often never quite satisfactorily examine the things in our faith we struggle with. By Contrast, according to Dickson, no question is off-limits for Jews, and they embrace difficulties and questions concerning their faith. I believe more Christians should react like the latter. We should be willing to ask questions--the answers in our manual may be correct, but we should be willing to go and see.

One of the things that make this book so good is its ability to make you think-it encourages you to examine what you believe. You will find yourself pondering the things you read throughout the day. I cannot agree with everything that Dickson asserts in the book, and there are some areas in which I felt he could have elaborated and discussed more thoroughly. But the book DID make me think, and it did have an effect on what I think about a couple of issues. If you read this book, and consider the things discussed in it, there is a fair chance that your view on an issue or two will be tweaked in some way too.

The book is great. The book is easy to read, and enjoyable. While I still don't necessarily agree with everything Dickson says, those things are rather minute and mostly insignificant. People interested in the subject matter should definitely read the book. I am confident that you'll enjoy the book, and that you'll be glad you bought it.

This was neat. But in saying that, it was by no means at all, a light read. Athol Dickson made you think. A great writer of fiction, he writes great stories, with a message. But when he wrote, "The Gospel According to Moses," he is to be taken very seriously. Upon joining a Chever Torah group, his faith was challenged. And his faith was ultimately strengthened. He wasn't afraid to address difficult questions.

When I read this, Dickson wasn't afraid to to discuss what a Christian believes, opposed to what a Jew might think. And he wasn't afraid to apply Torah and Bible scripture. He takes examples in The Bible like Moses and Abraham, and events in their lives. He begins by stating, "Life's most important moments are often disguised as the commonplace." In this case, in the situation that Athol Dickson knowingly put himself into, that is most certainly true. Did he expect to be challenged? Possibly. He wasn't afraid to expose the differences. Or was he? Where does Jesus fit in this? You'll know soon enough.

So, if you want a few of the topics that Dickson addresses in a nut shell, I'll give a few. In the opening chapter, Dickson talks about dealing with doubts. He'll talk about why God lets us suffer. He'll discuss finding connections between obedience and grace. And in the final chapter, he'll ask a real tough one: Are Jews going to Hell? He discusses a lot of other stuff as well. The topics are 13 chapters total. I would dare to say, give this a try. If you have tough questions, then maybe this has the answer. Will it give you satisfying results? Only you can answer that.

Is this possibly a "Jesus Freak Among the Jews" account? Quite possibly, and a little more. It was awesome.

Based on insights gained from his experience as a Christian guest in a Reform Judaism Bible study, Dickson offers his thoughts about God, scripture, and interfaith misunderstandings--such as the relationship of faith to obedience, grace to works. 'The Gospel According to Moses,' one of the most refreshing books I've read in a while, has caused me to study the Jewishness of the Christian faith, which in turn has brought new depths of understanding of and awe for God and the Bible--and more questions to contemplate and explore.

I am really privliged to be a part of this book as when it was in the makes I was requested by Joan to submit information from my kennel "Harbor Side Mastiffs". This fine collection was put togeather not long after we had a litter of 15 healthy strong pups (Clovite is amazing)that all lived, this was in Feb. of 87' and it was a pretty big deal in the Baltimore Area (the news coverage did a top notch story on channel 13 and was presented by the then anchor Jerry Turner-RIP).
This book has many great pictures and stories along with two of my daughters and their mastiffs. My youngest daughter is only 3 at at the time sitting out in a run with her puppy "Missy"...now she is in her last year of college. My daughter Helen is shown standing on a city street holding my stud dog "Chaucer" as I snap the picture. Now you see one of the reasons that I am crazy over this work. If possible get a copy as there will never be a more complete volume written on the Mastiff then this one.
"Enjoy" Joe Kopeck owner of "Harbor Side Mastiffs"

Please rerelease this book. It is a MUST have for ALL Mastiff lovers. Please Joan, Please.

This is a most excellent and comprehensive book that should be owned by all Mastiff enthusiasts! Don't miss it! The stories give you a glimpse into what Mastiffs are really like in a way that factual, descriptive books just don't do.

This is THE book about the best dogs in the world.
Of all the books on Mastiffs, this one best reveals the nature and specialness of these dogs. The heartfelt stories, the pictures, the tons of advice from experienced breeders and trainers.
Speaking frankly, it's a nightmare to try to find anything in it (it's hard to even find the table of contents!), but actually, that's a good thing because you end up wandering through it enjoying the wonderfulness of these dogs.
I thank my stars I was lucky enough to find a copy at a book store.

Having read other mastiff owner's coppies I want one for myself. I do not have 400.00 to buy one from an auction. It is a top quality reference book on the breed and to have only so few coppies in curculation is a shame.

I first bought this book in 1986 when I was still a student. I followed all the advice as best I could and found it very helpful. Starting work and a period of illness, along with all the other things that life has thrown my way has meant that I have not always kept up with all seven steps. But this is still a book that I return to time after time when I am trying to do something to improve my health. I know that I should be following the seven steps all the time - that's the whole point - but I also know I fall far short of the ideal. It's still a book I would highly recommend to anyone looking to get some perspective on how God wants us to care for ourselves.

I love this book! A friend of mine lent me this book several years ago and I had to return it after I read it. I recently decided to buy a copy for myself. It is full of very useful and wise information. I agree with almost everything that Stormie says in this book. It is written in such a way that is easy to put to use in my life. The seven steps are complete and can be put to good use in anyone's life that is truly interested in better health. I believe that if anyone were to read this book and put the information to use it could change their life in truly positive ways.

This book is very easy to understand. It gives great ideas on how to improve your life with God. There is a lot of helpful information. I would recommend this book.

Stormie OMartian has researched the health books and gleaned the best from them. She covers all the things we should do to be healthy, and inspires us through God to do it. I bought copies for several of my friends. One of the best condensed fasting books I've seen.

This book is an inspiring reminder that balance is the key in life and is chock-full of awesome ideas to help you get your own unique plan together for achieving greater health God's way.

My 8 yr old son checked this out of the library two days ago and has barely let it out of his grasp since! Including when his 6 yr old brother tried to yank it from him because it's "soo cool!" So far, the page he keeps turning to is how to make a marshmallow shooter out of PVC pipe. Guess we're heading to the hardware store this weekend! This is a perfect gift for a boy, any age really. I am going to buy a copy for him.

The content has been reviewed thoroughly (it's great, and well organized and fun to read). The book itself is on high quality, glossy colored thick paperstock. So not only is this a fun book for kids (and grown-up kids) to go back to time and time again, it should last for a long time.

I gave Howtoons to my 11 year old daughter for Christmas. She loves it, and it's a fantastic way to come up with active and interesting activities that don't involve a pile of imagination-crushing store-bought toys.

Her cousins have seen it, and they want their own copy too!

This book was recommended to me by a friend for my 9 year old son as a gift. Since he enjoys comic book, and enjoys making things (especially of it involves shooting objects), this was a real hit (no pun intended?). The stories are fun and the drawings well done. Very engaging and friendly, and has a universal rating. Highly recommended!

A nice guide for children nine years old and above.Adult supervision is recommended and the necessary materials are not supplied.A step in the right direction for all interested in chemistry.

Unlike many books written for people in the world of business, this book really ties it all together. It not only talks about leadership, core values, and applying them, but also shows us why we don't and most importantly how we can, and why we must.

I recommend this book, as a strong must read for anyone working with or managing people.

With all the corruption being exposed in the business world it is refreshing to read a book that offers solutions that are both practical and easily applied. Every CEO should read this book. It will change your perspective about how we operate both consciously and unconsciously in our work, our world, and how intuition can be our best ally...

This book is a must read for all business people interested in really transforming the soul of the workplace.

As a business consultant, I couldn't agree more with the authors' insights and ideas.

The Inner Edge presents a common sense framework for improved personal and organizational effectiveness. The book is especially relevant in an era of intense scrutiny of corporate behavior and heightened expectations of ethical personal and professional behavior.

The book has an easy to use format with helpful tools such as self assessment exercises, guidelines and charts.

I have been working with individuals and small business for over 30 years in the Financial Services Industry. I have read many books and attended many workshops in an effort to expand my spiritually in both my personal and business life. This book and the concepts and exercises it provides is unquestionably one of the very best I have experienced.
I have ordered the audio CD's to assist me in implementing these concepts in my life. This book and it's concepts will provide wonderful benefits for everyone who puts it to work in their lives.

The title, preface and initial chapters excited me towards this book which i happen to browse in a local book store. I was quite excited and sometimes amazed by the clarity of presentation by the authors in the initial chapters which talks about life and its purpose, understanding and having your own "identity" and also about the side-effects of deep-rooted negative childhood habbits (unfinished business) which some people tend to carry along in their life unknowingly. The techniques to identify your strengths and small steps to be carried out to overcome the negative qualities are somewhat old but polished with new terminologies and jargons.
But I noticed a strange discontinuity in the authors presentation, when they jump into a new concept, so called "Quantum Decision Making (QDM)". The authors does not give good insight into QDM nor establish the relationship between the initial chapters and QDM. Hence overall we are introduced in lots new terms but without clear purpose and reasoning. The case studies of their approach has been clearly separated from the actual text, which was helpful to maintain the continuity in the discussion.
I would been happy or atleast understood the QDM concept better if a limited version of a CD or small visual guide was accompanied with this book. Because of this most of the latter part of the book goes over the head, when the authors talk about "icons", "multicolored 3D visualization" .. etc. Interesting/Useful initial chapters but poor second part.

This book had pictures that I have never seen before and I thought I had seen them all. Worth every penny

I was captivated by this book. James Spada has compiled several well-known photographs with many photos I had never seen. He does not try to analyse or to delve into the behind the scenes. He presents the photos with a paragraph or two, and lets us glimpse into Jackie Kennedy Onassis's life. I was entranced by the pictures of her youth and the pure beauty and joy in several ungarded moments. A beautiful tribute.

Despite her need for privacy Jackie Kennedy was a major target of photographers when she retreated to private life. This is a great collage of her moments being herself in New York City and elsewhere. Whether she was just walking in Central Park or throughout Manhattan, Jackie's poise never left her. The pictures prove it.

I really adored this book - it is so much more than yet another reprinting of the famous pictures of Jackie. The photos chosen by Spada are remarkable in their ability to portray both the remarkable strength possessed by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, as well as her frailties that we can all relate to. While many people have seen the countless photos that have been published of Mrs. Onassis from her birth to death, Mr. Spada managed to select mostly photos that are little-seen, as well as photos that needed no text to give the reader a better sense of the people portrayed in the book. The text that does accompany the photos is well written and restrained. Purchasing "Jackie: Her Life in Pictures" will be money well spent.

The texts are good but particularity the photos, there are a lot buy it!!!The photos chosen by Spada are remarkable in their ability to portray both the remarkable strength possessed by Jacqueline Kennedy .
Jackie: Her Life in Pictures" will be money well spent

I found this book is very useful for my buddhism study, the chapters are arranged in a very organized way. the contents are consise and accurate, it is like a notebook for most of the buddhism concepts and principles.

I really like it, and appreciate the English translation. it's great!

I tried to read Gunther's translation of Gampopa's classic, but was unable to relate to it. If it weren't for Ken McLeod's podcast of his Then And Now class (www.unfetteredmind.com/audio, then go to the Classes dropdown), this translation would fair no better with me. Ken's podcast classes are helping in my developing an experiential relationship with the subject matter. This book, although written in medieval Tibet, deals with the questions of human confusion and struggle that impact us today, and provide direction on freeing us of this confusion and struggle, especially when Ken's podcasts are used as a study guide.

This is a 1958 translation of a classic basic text for Tibetan Buddhist students. I have owned the text before and studied it. It is humbling to 'review' a classic.

This text presents the Mahayana approach with a few references to tantric elements. I use it to review ideas I need to refresh in my mind. The approach is to study the text, think about it and then meditate on what you have read. This is a source book for those persons beginning the approach to Tibetan Buddhism. I find it inexhaustible.

The author, Gampopa, was a disciple of Milarepa and Gampopa's disciples started one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the standard ways to study the path leading to tantra. It is best, of course, to have a teacher or spiritual friend, to use the standard term.

Most people I know are using to say "that's a hard time to live in". But they change nothing in their lifes, day after day, they weak up and do the same old things...I don't understand why.
Lord Gampopa, in his kindeness, show us a very effective way to review this unhappy situation. This book is a gift from the most elevate kind of intelligence the mankind alredy had made. But it's just for the braves, cause that's a kind of adventure.

I was introduced to this book 18 months ago as I began a four-year Marig Munsel class at Tashi Choling on Mount Ashland. It served as our introductory text, and I've read it cover to cover at least three times. It is most thorough and accessible. I appreciate how topics are introduced, defined, then illustrated with numerous clear examples. Glossary material and appendices are especially impressive. Often the text reads like religious or found poetry, which I find especially appealing and endearing. But my greatest compliment for this text is the simple acknowledgement that my personal spiritual practice took shape and deepened considerably as a result of reading and re-reading and referring to this text.

I highly recommend it for any serious-minded spiritual student, not just those interested in Tibetan Buddhism.

--Robert McDowell, author of the forthcoming Poetry In Spiritual Practice

I was amazed at how many photos were included in this book that I had never seen before. I was equally amazed to discover that Gruen had taken some of the most well known photographs of John Lennon during this time period; and it's interesting to know the story behind them. The book is entertaining to look at, but it's also an interesting read with Gruen providing a "fly-on-the-wall" perspective of what it was like to hang out with John & friends during the New York years. Gruen provides a detailed account of what was going on in John's life when a certain photo was taken and, unfortunately, what it was like walking into the Dakota a few hours after John was shot to pick up a package at the front desk that John left for him.

I like very much this book, because has a lot of pictures with John in his intimate life, but i think Bob Gruen as a photographer is not the best. The pictures he had taken of John Lennon, are more a "fan photos". Of course there are "iconic pictures", like the New York series. But still a nice book to have to all the Lennon fans.

Fortunately for us, Bob Gruen was there. I must admit that the book show mostly really great photos, and some others are not (I mean the focus, light, etc), but you can saw John as he was, a normal guy, doing daily stuffs, playing with his guitar, in the studio, off course with Yoko, with baby Sean, public events, etc, a great review of those last years in NY.
I didn't know that so many of the famous pictures of John where taken by Gruen. The quality of the book is great, I think that every Lennon's fan will love this book, and I hope that Bob Gruen show more of his John Lennon's photo collection in a near future, he share a lot with him in those New York days and probably he got more to show!

If you enjoy black and white photos with interesting and informative commentary and John Lennon happens to be one of your musical heros, consider adding this book to your library. It just has a nice touch.

Bob Gruen invites readers and photo aficionados into his chronological photo portfolio into former Beatle John Lennon's life with the book John Lennon: The New York Years. Gruen provides a combination of never before seen and seen candid and photo shoot images of Lennon during his years in New York. Gruen closely associated with John and Yoko as a neighbor and as their personal photographer, and the images show the intimacy and the trust they had in him in capturing their moments in just about every situation, in the studio, a walk in the park, or simply hamming it up for the camera; every picture tells a story behind it.

The difference with this book of photographs and others is that Gruen offers much insight of the time and place in which he took each photograph. Gruen specifically shares with the public his personal account of knowing John as a friend or as he refers, "just a New York guy." He does not concentrate on over wrought information, but rather recounts the first time he met and became friends with John and Yoko and the events that made an impression on him, such as the story behind the most iconoclastic poses: the New York City t-shirt and Statue of Liberty pose.

Bob Gruen covers much ground in a little less than ten years, 1971-1980. However, in that time, he covers the most interesting and controversial period in John's post Beatle life. John Lennon: The New York Years is recommended for all Lennon as well those interested in documentary photography, and is yet another welcome addition to anyone's collection of rock and roll oriented books.

This is must for true RMS Titanic robust person who is in love with story that is Titanic.
Ken's artwork is always great and much sought after for a reason. One look at this fine book will squelch all doubts about a pictoral Titanic history. Even in the book his early in life drawings of the Titanic are better than most accomplished artists. It focuses some on his fascination with his favorite subject Titanic. It even gives a fictional look at what the Titanic was cheated out of --- a New York welcome. The book is also one that will capture anyones imagination of the true, and fiction of Titanic. If your a true lover of White Star Lines, or Titanic buy the book!

Ken Marschall reveals a stunning display of beautiful Titanic artwork AGAIN!!!!!!!!Ken also shares with ushow his interest started with Titanic and his amazing paintings. Packed with excellent imformation, but do not get this if you are a beginner historian on the "unsinkable ship", stick with books that you could learn until you're up to my and tons of other's levels of Titanic knowlede on the ship.

Ken Marschall reveals a stunning display of beautiful Titanic artwork AGAIN!!!!!!!!Ken also shares with ushow his interest started with Titanic and his amazing paintings. Packed with excellent imformation, but do not get this if you are a beginner historian on the "unsinkable ship", stick with books that you could learn until you're up to my and tons of other's levels of Titanic knowlede on the ship.

I discovered this wonderful book at a Titanic Historical Society convention and it is one of my most prized possessions of all my books on the subject. Ken Marschall is not only a foremost Titanic historian, but a maritime artist of great talent. Like many, he fell in love with Titanic legend as a child and his passion for art soon combined with his passion for the "unsinkable" ship. This book is a presentation of his love, from art he did as a young boy, to his later paintings. There is art of Titanic in her moments of grand triumph when she was the "ship of dreams" -- and then heartwrenching ones of her in her final moments that freezing April night. We see detailed, haunting Marschall works of how she is now in a watery grave, based on photographs taken by Dr. Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who discovered the wreck site in 1985. Near the book's end, however, is one of my favorite Marschall drawings, one of a scene that never happened, a beautiful Titanic entering New York harbor as her maiden voyage ends. This alone is worth the price of this magnificent book that belongs in any Titanic buff's library.

Ken Marschall has become the definitive artist of the Titanic, and his art has the reality of the photographs we so often lack. This book includes much of his Titanic work, including his very first painting of the great ship, and as a bonus includes some of his other liner artwork, of the Lusitania, Mauretania, Queen Mary, Normandie, and the Andrea Doria, as well as Titanic's two sisters Olympic and Britannic. The Titanic was simply the most beautiful ocean liner ever built - her lines are absolutely perfect - and Marschall captures her with love and respect. Very highly recommended.