Works Books

Don't be thrown off by its simplistic sounding title. This is a an excellent work and worthy part of the evangelical Christian library. In fact, I discovered it while perusing the Harvard Divinity Library. Here in a single volume you will find accurate, readable summaries of major Christian traditions, This includes, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Liberal, Neo-Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Wesleyan-Arminian, Dispensational, and Liberation theology. This is extremely beneficial because most introductory texts either present only one perspective positively, or they argue for a perspective in conversation with liberal or neo-orthodox scholarship. Here we have each tradition standing on its own, presented from an evangelical but neutral perspective. This approach leads to a quick understanding of complex distinctives of the various traditions, and it intentionally avoids scholarly debate about them.

In addition, you will find a section introducing theology and its various sub-disciplines as well as one summarizing major theologians, theologies and terms. As an instructor, I would consider this an ideal text for adult education, including college, first year seminary, and church education programs. Highly recommended.

This is one of the books I would never take it off my bookshelf. Survivor's Guide serves as a great reference for seminary students or simply students of the Bible to the historical development of theologies and denominations. The analyses in this book provide an in-depth yet an effectively broad view of how world views are created in different contexts. I find many chapters insightful.

"Survivor's Guide" provides an incredible overview of what theology is and why I should care. It offers an overview of so many of the major issues that have been struggled over, including those that are still debated today, and it does so without getting bogged down in details. If I want details, Dr. Sawyer has provided a bibliography at the end of every chapter that points me to more resources. There is also a brief (1/3 - 1/2 page) biography on lots of important figures in church history, plus a dictionary (37 pages) of terms. I couldn't ask for a better book to get me started!

Definitely a good book for someone without a seminary degree (like me).

When conservative Christians theologize, the words used to describe God are often unfamiliar (lots of "omni-'" and "-ological" words) and the tone can be smug. Then, if the listener is knowledgeable enough to challenge the speaker with the insights of post-modernism, or Thomas Kuhn's thoughts on scientific paradigms, or Karl Barth's beliefs about the nature of the Word of God, the conversation often ceases. Comfortable in the assumptions and language of Enlightenment thinking, conservative theology is too often unaware of these more current trends in thought.

Dr. Sawyer's book The Survivor's Guide to Theology provides a primer for those wishing to interact with these newer realities while maintaining the historical truths of Christianity. The first six chapters and Appendix 1 should be required reading for all people who wish to speak thoughtfully about God and the Bible. Within these chapters we are confronted with discussions about epistemology, the sources that should inform our assertions about God, the tendency of theologians to become locked into old paradigms, and a suggested methodology for answering theological questions.

Add to this foundation the survey of major theological systems, important theologians, and a dictionary of theological terms, and this book prepares the reader to interact with the present after understanding the past. Dr. Sawyer's degree in Historical Theology informs these sections with a concise directness that helps the reader quickly understand the vocabulary and background of theological inquiry.

This book is not for those who wish to protect their current understanding of God, humanity, and salvation. It is a call to the uncomfortable task of wrestling with God as Jacob did. Finding that we cannot win the fight by completely understanding these issues, we nonetheless receive blessing in the process. It is, in my opinion, a valuable companion to anyone wanting to grow as a Christian thinker who takes the Bible seriously.

The Survivor's Guide to Theology
By M. James Sawyer

For anyone desiring to get their arms around the concept of "theology," Jim Sawyer's The Survivor's Guide to Theology is a must-have. Beginning with a brief overview of what it means to be a theologian, Dr. Sawyer walks the reader quickly, yet thoroughly, through the maze of epistemology, sources and authority in theology, and doctrinal taxonomy, to a hardening of the categories of theology and why theologians seemingly "oppose" new knowledge. He concludes the opening half of his Guide with a short review of the many divisions of theological study.

The second half of Sawyer's Survivor's Guide focuses on nine (9) different theological systems--from Eastern Orthodoxy to Roman Catholicism to Lutheranism to the Reformed Tradition (i.e., Calvinism) to Wesleyan-Arminian Theology to Dispensationalism to Liberalism to Neo-Orthodoxy concluding with a discussion on Liberation Theology. Throughout his discussion of these nine traditions, Dr. Sawyer presents a very fair, accurate and well-balanced discussion of each theological system--all in an irenic manner that so characterizes this very capable and well-respected scholar.

Dr. Sawyer concludes his Survivor's Guide with a short presentation of significant theological and philosophical terms, as well as a section of biographical sketches of major theologians and philosophers. This allows the reader to walk away with a true sense of accomplishment in grasping the critical issues associated with the study of theology, an understanding of the key Christian theological systems and traditions co-existing in the world today, and a useful understanding of the theologians who helped shape and define those systems and traditions throughout church history.

The Survivor's Guide to Theology by M. James Sawyer should be included in the personal library of every serious student of Christianity. Personally, I find my well-worn copy of the Survivor's Guide sitting on my desktop far more often than I find it on the shelf. I believe you will also.

This cookbook is actually very beautifull. Havent tried the recipes in it yet, it was a gift for my mom. She really loved receiving it. It took a little longer to come to my house than i expected, but i did order it right around Christmas, so i guess that can be expected. I cant wait to try the recipes. The pictures are georgous!!

This book is so charming. The artwork is lovely and the recipes are good too. It's a book to use and treasure for years to come.

I bought this more for nostalgia, so in that case it gets 5 stars for pictures and memories. Most of the recipes are modern, yet impractical. There are a few that I would say are great heirloom recipes, but that's all.

Anything by Tasha Tudor is a work of art! Her illustrations, and down to earth practicality, is revealed -- upclose -- in this delightful book! This is the kind of book you can give a little girl of any age -- even 99!

Tasha Tudor's cookbook makes you long for the past when your grandmother taught you how to make the perfect pie crust. Ms. Tudor's own illustrations add to the charm of a book that reminds you of happy times spent in the kitchen. Her recipes and personal stories encourage you recreate that time with your own children and grandchildren.

Tax This! is an extraordinarily valuable book. It is well written and filled with informative information for all taxpayers. Nothing short of brilliant, this book provides an exceptional roadmap to dealings with the IRS.

This is an excellent resource. Shipped quickly and in great condition!!! Thank you.

This is good, solid advice for dealing with the IRS. The authors credentials make it very valuable because he comes from the "other side" and can tell taxpayers how the IRS really works. He truly is an "insider."

His book is not a lot of hype on tricky loopholes, but very solid advice for dealing with what can be a very frightening situation. I've interviewed Scott for my Internet radio show, EverydayWealth Radio, and found him to be a very conscientious caring resource for dealing with tax issues. I recommend this book and his other resources!

"Tax This" is a great resource for individuals, small businesses, and self-employed persons, like myself. From the general IRS and tax system information to the rules for dealing with an actual IRS audit, this book has all the information you'll need. The section on how to handle IRS Penalties and Notices and the the chapters on negotiating with the IRS were very informative and designed to save money. If you are currently involved in an IRS audit and want to know how to defend yorself or if you simply want to know some strategies for reducing your odds of being selected for an IRS audit this book is for you. I would recommend it for any taxpayer.

If you're faced with an encounter with the IRS, I would highly recommend getting this book for starters. Most tax experts will tend to steer you in one of two directions: knuckle under or fight the IRS up to and including jail time (for you, not the expert.) You need to understand what your options are before you seek outside help because all too often the outside help has an agenda that is not in your best interests.

This book does an outstanding job of laying out realistic stategies and options for helping you with tax issues and for working with, rather than against, the IRS to obtain the best possible outcome. It offers a refreshing change in the tax literature. By offering well-grounded, honest advice in a well-written fashion, this book should be in the hands of anyone seeking to resolve a tax problem without "giving away the farm" to the IRS.

Learn what your options are and how best to work with the IRS and you'll save yourself a lot of grief and a lot of green.

A solid overview of the emerging field of collaborative and shared leadership. Joyce provides insight in a book that is thick on content and coverage while being economical with words. I have found other peices helpful, like the audiobook and website which includes practical skill building tools and helpful links.

This GEM of a book is "fetchingly" elegant, brilliant and useful.
Mr. Joyce is a superb tactician and artist in how he superbly,
succinctly and simply, uses his wise words of the everyday in the workplace to create useful knowledge for the day-to-day practitioner of organizational and relational leadership. His book is well-crafted and offers realistic lessons for anyone interested in becoming a "catalytic companion" at work and play. All the "white" space he uses in the page layout allows the reader to comfortably insert themselves into his message and get the meaning of the book from within. And, it's internet interactive too. Great job, Mr. Joyce, I've already ordered ten copies
to give to my friends, work-mates and clients. Thank you for an original breath of organizational fresh air!

[...]

In Teaching an Anthill to Fetch, Stephen Joyce gives us a new paradigm for work and life. The purpose of the book is to enlighten us to the benefits of Collaborative Intelligence (CQ). Actually he makes a very strong case that we must embrace CQ if we are going to achieve the most from work and life.

Stephen uses the ant and the anthill to illustrate and contrast the difference between the ways of nature and how most individuals act. We need to realize that "at the most fundemental level all natural system are cooperative rather than competitive". The ants, while a very basic life form, by cooperating can accomplish wonders. Humans on the other hand, while extremely complex and highly developed, struggle in so many areas of life simply because we compete with each other rather than collaborate.

While the book's primary purpose is to teach the value of collaboration, it really is much more of a manual for developing or improving your life. Stephen starts with examining our belief system. "Our belief systems control the way we live. Beliefs make good servants but poor masters." Too often, we let beliefs master us, instead of being our servants.

The book is filled with meaningful quotations tied to the subject being discusses. There is a wealth of wisdom in the book. There is really so much wisdom that it would be difficult to absorb it all in one reading.

Some of my favorite bits of widsom are:

"The only happy people I know are the ones who are working well at something the consider important." Abraham Maslow

You can "survive any how if you have sufficient why." Nietzsche.

The book is well written, easy to read and has very important exercises at the end of each chapter. Also there are references to his website for "Go Deeper" on many subjects covered in the book.

The world is changing. The old system of command and control no longer works. If you are going to survive and thrive in today's more complex world, you must learn to collaborate. This is a wonderful guide to the new paradigm.

One word of caution, reading it is not enough. Take action on the lessons that are contained in the book.

This book reads as if a really engaging, curious and bright gentleman took a look around his bookshelves; pulled out the full range of quotes, tips, models, favorite stories; and then jammed them all into a big old shining aluminum can and painted "Collaborative Intelligence" on the front.

To be clear: "Collaborative Intelligence" is a GREAT way to market the stale old cliches of teambuilding. And no one who does leadership or organizational development should EVER get points taken off for writing the obligatory book to accompany the lucretive consulting gigs. But try as I might---I really couldn't find anything really new here. NOT that Joyce is putting anything out there as new. He is very respectful of citing his sources. And he does add value making the work of Senge or Sharmer perhaps a bit more accessible (although I always found the Senge "Field Books" to be extremely accessible. And "Presence" is a book I'd call brilliant.)

As it appears this book will sell---perhaps he can now afford a ghost writer or even an editor. There is a conceptual muddiness that runs through the book. One quick example: Joyce cites "Perception" as being one of the 5 elements of Perception. (page 30). On page 129 he introduces a question (and it is an important one) that he tells us "runs through the whole book." Mr. Joyce---why did you wait till the middle of the book for that?

That's the frustration---the guy really is good. The book really has a core sense of having a message that is vitally important on all sorts of levels. But the book itself is full of half formed, cliches (see the chapter on "Communication")and platitudes that get in the way of his message.

Look for his NEXT book. I'm betting that should he decide to partner with some of the folks he's read---he'll have something important to say. Maybe even something new and conceptually sound.


Roger Wright
Leadership and OD Consultant

I read a lot of business books. I mean a LOT. I even write one occasionally. What Stephen Joyce has done with this book is quite extraordinary. It's rare that we discover a TRULY new way of looking at how the world works. That's exactly what this book does. Joyce practically compels you see and act on new solutions and opportunities. I really think that this is one of the best and most useful books that I've read in a very long time. I highly recommend it.

The Testament of Devotion is a gentle invitation to slip into the divine centre amidst the whirlwinds of competing demands, incessant noise, superficial crowds and breathless hurry. Thomas Kelly, a Quaker writes as one who has stumbled upon the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price for which he would trade everything for - a life that grows out of an inner place of calm, peace, clarity and centredness. This divine centre, this inner peace is available to all who would pause and breathe deep and slip gently into it. It does not require the straining of the intellect, or elaborate rituals but humble obedience - a surrender to the 'Hound of Heaven' that offers us this gift of quiet, trust and rest. This place is where you learn to trust the Creator, the Savior and the world's true Lord and know that all is well, all manner of things is well.

What we have here is a distillation of Quaker spirituality where the doctrine of the Inner Light of Christ can be realized in the lives of ordinary people and not just the super saints in all the routine and vagaries of modern living - a simple, gentle book that has the power to change us from deep inside. Be warned!

"The problem we face today needs very little time for its statement. Our lives ... grow too complex and overcrowded ... in frantic fidelity we try to meet at least the necessary minimum of calls upon us. But we're weary and breathless. And we know and regret that our life is slipping away ... in guilty regret we must postpone till next week that deeper life of unshaken composure in the holy Presence, where we sincerely know our true home is, for this week is much too full" (89-90).

Originally published by Quaker author Thomas Kelly in 1941, these words from A Testament of Devotion have never been more applicable than today. We live in a time of unprecedented complexity and confusion. Our high tech culture is obsessed with novelties, gadgets and an endless variety of "time-saving" electronic devices. The world has never known a society with more leisure time on its hands, and yet, we are among the most chronically exhausted, stressed-out people on the planet. There must be a better way!

"For over the margins of life comes a whisper, a faint call, a premonition of richer living which we know we are passing by ... we have hints that there is a way of life vastly richer and deeper than all this hurried existence, a life of unhurried serenity and peace and power. If only we could slip over into that Center!" (92).

Thankfully, the author offers hope for those of us who continue to struggle against the forces that would keep us from "slipping over into that Center" of Divine Love, out of which we are enabled to love others as we have been loved by God. The hope Kelly offers us can be found not only in the words he writes, but in the life he, and others, lived. Citing the examples of prominent Quakers such as George Fox and John Woolman, Kelly highlights those traits that set these spiritual leaders apart as passionately devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

The greatest insight for me, however, came through my reading of the biographical memoir written by Kelly's close friend and colleague, Doug Steere, which is attached to the end of the book. Here we discover that living out of the Divine Center came late in life for this intellectually restless, professionally ambitious, Harvard-trained, Quaker scholar. According to Steere, the pivotal event took place sometime in the autumn of 1937, during which time "a new life direction took place in Thomas Kelly. No one knows exactly what happened, but ... a fissure in him seemed to close, cliffs caved in and filled up a chasm, and what was divided grew together within him" (118). A year later, following a summer visit among Friends in Germany, Kelly himself testified to Steere, "It is wonderful. I have been literally melted down by the love of God" (120).

Could it be that each of us is not so different from Thomas Kelly, not to mention George Fox, John Woolman and every other prominent spiritual leader who has gone before us? Could it be that the quickest way to the Divine Center is to recognize and renounce our tendency to live on the fringe of God's purpose for our lives? Could it be that the only way for the spiritual fissures in our lives to close is by allowing the retaining walls we have built up around our souls to cave in? Could it be that the best antidote for "frantic fidelity" is a "holy meltdown"?

Thomas Kelly's A Testament of Devotion is a nugget of solid gold, carefully refined in the furnace of God's purifying love. As such, it issues a call for each of us to surrender our own lives to this same holy fire, with deep confidence that the One who melts and molds us is utterly trustworthy and has our best interest in mind. In the process, we are relieved from the burden of "frantic fidelity" and we can find rest for our weary souls as we recognize that it is God's work, not ours, that will stand the test of time:

"Thus we have begun to live in guidance. And [we] find He never guides us into an intolerable scramble of panting feverishness ... for after all God is at work in the world. It is not we alone who are at work in the world, frantically finishing a work to be offered to God ... we need not get frantic. He is at the helm. And when our little day is done we lie down quietly in peace, for all is well" (100).

I read this book 25 years ago and find that it gives me a feeling of the Inner Light and grounds me in what the spiritual life is all about. It is deeply Christian and yet can resonate with anyone who feels God as a living reality in all religions or no religion. It also touches upon what the Quakers call "consensus", how to let the guiding of the Spirit lead people into an understanding filled agreement about how to live, to heal, and to forgive. I have read other Quaker books, but it seems everything is here in this book. It uses less words than all the others and says everything.

What a beautiful book!! It you are into contemplative prayer, or have devoted a significant part of your life to meditation on God's purpose and direction, this book summarizes your life. Kelly has an amazing ability to describe the joys of inner peace, sifting the things of the world beyond through the sieve of the world within. Inspirational and delightful - enjoy.

Not many books cause me to want to be quiet and small. Welcome to reading Thomas Kelly's A Testament of Devotion. Simple, profound Kelly invites us to an inner journey into the presence of the holy. Words fail-buy it

In this book Robert D. Lupton reveals subtle problems that can arise when trying to minister to intercity people. He does an excellent job of revealing the issues, but reveals few solutions. It may be because there are no easy answers, or his later books will reveal the solutions he found later in ministry. Still I would recommend the book to all who work with needy people so they are at least aware of how their attempts to help can cause pain to those they want to help.

"Take no thought for tomorrow...don't worry about what you will eat or wear...don't lay up treasures here...give your coat...share your bread." It is not very sound financial advice and it definitely runs counter to Western values, but sadly it even runs counter to many Christian church's values. Robert Lupton has many years of experience running a ministry in urban Atlanta and this experience has given him valuable insight not only in how to minister to the urban poor, but also on much of Jesus' teachings. Though much of the book focuses on the American inner city, I found much of what Lupton wrote applicable to cross-cultural ministry here in the Philippines. Lupton often struggled in his ministry because of his economic status and the ever important perceptions that the people he ministered to had toward him and his family. Is it hypocritical to be in a higher economic class? While Robert Lupton and his family didn't worry about food and health, many others in the area he was working in did worry about such basic necessities. How does a Christian handle this sort of thing? Give it all away? I don't believe the Bible provides any clear cut answers, but the quotes at the top of this review show that maybe our values as Christians today are different than the values of Christ, the head of the Church. If nothing else, this book shows the importance of the poor and the special place in God's heart for the poor.

The book is written in an interesting style, there are nine parts with several short sections in each part. Often these sections were only 2 pages in length, which made for easy reading. But I found it hard to pull everything together, to make sense of what the author was trying to say. Non-fiction books should make its thesis and supporting points clear and understandable, but this book does not. Overall the book was worth the read if you can get past the unusual, scattered writing style.

By far the best book i've ever read! (and i have read a tons!)

this is a work of compasionate and wise genius. about how to be fully human and truly live out Christ call to an incarnational minstry among the poor. the lessons learned here apply to every area of life and all walks of life. writen in very down to earth language yet extremly deep and rich in content. not one word wasted. it does a great job of stripping all the western trappings that have been placed on the Christian faith and separating the american way of life from the way of life Christ lived and has created and invites us to live out amongts people. a true labor of love!

I would highly recommend this for anyone who is considering the commission of Jesus to journey together in life. Lupton, by simply retelling his own urban experiences, relays profound insights about living the Christian life, and especially practicing ministry. It is helpful when thinking about urban ministry, but would apply to any setting.

Easy read. It shows you that God's grace is everywhere, even where you least expect it!

Every trainer and rider and judge of dressage horses needs to read this book. After doing so, you will never again wonder if hyperflexion of the neck (rollkur) and absolute elevation are legitimately sound methods of riding and training. You will also be able to spot horses in the arena which have had these methods used on them. You may even become ashamed of how our sport of dressage has progressed in the past few decades.

Dr. Heuschmann definitely has it out for those who choose to ignore the traditional methods. And with reason. With vivid color illustrations of the horse's anatomy and straightforward commentary, he takes time in this book to carefully point out the crucial points of a riding horse's anatomy and how they are affected by both correct and incorrect training techniques. The photographs clearly demonstrate the differences in movement, tension and balance between horses ridden in a traditional manner and those who are not.

As a dressage trainer who has been educated in Germany, it is my sincere hope that with the publishing of this book and support by its readers, it is an indication that we are ready to abolish training techniques that are harmful to our horses.

This book provides detailed information about the development of the musculature of the horse and the effects of different training methodologies. Like many riders, I have often seen training methods that made me feel ill at ease, but I didn't really understand why. This book helped me understand why these methods are technically incorrect and often inhumane. This book is a great tool for those dressage enthusiasts who are concerned about the integrity and humaneness of our sport, and wish to safeguard the well-being of our equine partners!

Tug of War is a must read for all horse owners, especially show, dressage & western riders. This book has opened my eyes about bio-mechanics of horses and why they respond and behave the way they do. The picture on the front of the book looks extreme but just have a look at what is happening in Adult Riding Clubs, Pony Clubs etc, examples of over flexing and extreme bends are there. This book is for people with a driving force within that want change for themselves their horses and within the industry, well written and in basic terms so that you don't need a degree to understand.

This book is a must for all riders/trainers who love and care for horses. Reading it was a rude awakening for me since it showed me how harmful my "modern" training and riding were for my horses. I want healthy and happy horses so no more shortcuts for me.
Pascale

I would that every rider, regardless of discipline, would read this book. It relates excellent information that goes against the grain of much commonly held training. Our horses would move with more freedom and pleasure and have long careers instead of early retirements. Well illustrated and explained. It's actually a quick read. The principles are simple and consistent. Very accessible.

Well, as we all know, it's a real good book. lots of useful information with a wealth of experience behind it.

Wow that is really a great book, pretty much everything is in there, from individual skills (throws, cuts, etc), team skills (defense and offense tactics), etc. Probably the best book about Ultimate Frisbee to date.

This book is great for learning (and relearning) the fundamentals as well as quality techniques of upper level play. I would especially recommend it for any high school or college level player or coach.

It took almost 2 weeks for the books to get here. The next time I will proably use Barnes and Noble where the free shipping takes about 5 days. I needed these books for my grandsons' birthdays, and they were very slow in arriving. Even if your shipping is free, it needs to be faster. I hope to hear from you. Clairelis Baxter

Found the book to be very helpful in teaching new skill development and game strategies.

A great book for plant lovers in the high plains, or the high desert. This book contains inspiring photographs and great plant lists (the most valuable part of the book, as these lists are nowhere to be found elsewhere), as well as wise advise from a well experienced gardener. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading nearly every page of this book. On the downside, the plants in the book may be difficult to find, unless you join a rock garden club and grow the plants from seed. I wish the plant portrait section was three times as big. But overall, this book is indispensible.

I agree with others, lovely prose, lovely photos, good organization. However, if you are looking for a true mountain (high altitude) gardening book, this won't do it. The author is of course speaking of her own experiences but I purchased this book believing it would help me to be a "Colorado Gardener." Not one word on dealing with elk and deer attacks on your plants or that short and really unpredictable growing season above 7500 feet in the Rocky Mountains. This book did make me miss my old mid-Atlantic garden badly!

Lauren Springer is a gifted writer as well as a gifted gardener. She has a knack for passing on her knowledge in a very interesting way, making the book more than just a plant encyclopedia.

In part, this book is a novel about her own garden, but she goes far from her own chunk of dirt to show and describe plants which work in a variety of climates. If there's any one gem I pulled from this book it is to plant the correct plant for the specific micro-climate rather than trying to adapt the micro-climate for the plant you've chosen. This is much easier to do, more rewarding, and requires less maintenance.

This book is a good read now, and a good reference for later on.

I bought this book back in the mid-1990's after attending a lecture by Lauren Springer. Of all the books in my extensive garden book collection- I would list this as one of the top 3. As a Landscape Architect, I frequently review the suggested plantings and incorporate many of the plants she suggests into my xeriscape designs for clients. When her book first came out, it was difficult to find seeds (let alone plants) that are profiled in the book. Fortunately, most of the plants are available now but some may require ordering from places like High Country Gardens.

As others have said, she has an interesting writing style that will have you reading and enjoying the text- not just looking at the pretty pictures!

In The Undaunted Garden: Planting For Weather-Resilient Beauty, gardening expert offers the novice gardener a wonderfully written, illustrated and presented guide to the art and science of growing and maintaining a lovely year-round garden despite harsh climatic conditions. Here are to be found all the information, guidance, tools, and ideas and inspiration to achieving a healthy garden suited to environmental conditions. Springer's informative and engaging text is enhanced with lists of more than 1,000 attractive, resilient plants; complete and detailed descriptions of 64 especially recommended plants; and more than 250 superb photographs. The Undaunted Garden is a core addition to any personal or community library gardening reference collection!

Some of us like it rough. This dame plays the way we used to play in the streets of Philly. There is elegance, there is subtle intelligence, yes, all that, but the best part is that when the ball hits you, it stings like hell. She writes of life and living, but also of eternity and death. She is somber, but never depressing. The language itself is encouraging, even when her message is not. This is a 20th century poet who has seen it all and isn't afraid to remind us of what man is capable of. The techniques are modern, too, but the love of language surely belongs to the old world. This is the kind of poetry we all used to love to read. She plays hard ball.

Wisala Szymborska's poetry passes the test of intelligibility which is important to me. Virtually all of her poems are self contained in that they do not make arcane literary allusions. In other words, her poetry can be appreciated by the average reader which I consider myself to be. She does not limit herself in subject matter so her poetry contains something for everyone, and also with a subtle humor and an obvious understanding of the human condition. She does not require a lot of words or a lengthy poem to share her own unique insights. Reading this Nobel laureate one thinks how nice it wold be to meet this great lady. Although I devoured this collection the day I received this book, it is one which I will certainly read again.

This book was and still is my first poetry book; not because I haven't read anyone else's, but it's the first compilation that I was really willing to pay the often outrageous prices for. (LOL) I am not an avid poetry reader, nor am I familiar with the current favorite contemporary poets, but I find that she really does succinctly portray "life's improbability as well as its transient beauty" quite well.

As a younger reader , I do have a bit of a problem identifying with the poetry that she writes pre-1972 (that is, the first few sections before the 'Could Have' section), because I don't really know much about it. As a note though, I probably should say that 'Nothing Twice,' which is about the probabilities of chance, from the pre-1972 section has been a real gem. Anyhow, the travelogues, the places, the books are things that frankly, I'd ask my parents and they probably wouldn't know either, or know very little about. I suppose if I researched enough, I would have no trouble understanding her message, but the stuff I really bought this book for was the pro-1972 sections. I can identify the issues because they're fairly general knowledge and have a certain mocking humor to some of them, but the words do just pull you in. The poems are addressed to one, and to all, and you feel like you're part of the whole. There are instances in which you feel like she's writing about you and the instances you've gone through, and that's what makes you feel amazed at the depth of understanding she has on these matters.

I first discovered her poetry in my high school English class and was surprised to find this book as the only book available in my favorite bookstore (and costing almost triple the cost of a volume of poetry that must have been 600 pages long, with of course long-dead, long-cherished poets). Oh, wait--I did find another book containing her work (that I don't remember the name of) but I bought this one because there were simply more poems that I liked. After a month or two of muddling around and waiting for the price drop (which it didn't), I just gave up and bought it. I can't say that I've regretted that decision.

And...if you still have trouble deciding, the Nobel Prize for Literature she won should be more than enough of a pull to help you decide. It wasn't as much of a deciding factor for me, but it's always nice to know that somewhere in the depths of the blackhole that is my room, I actually have nobel prize literature that I understand and can recommend to others...

My favorite poems from her have been 'Could Have,' 'The Onion,' 'Discovery,' 'True love,' 'Under One Small Star,' 'Pi,' of course 'View with a grain of Sand' because of wordplay, but I find that every time I re-read it, I uncover more about the poems and so that favorites list keeps on getting longer and longer.

It may sound a little strange, but I keep it with me when I travel for long periods of time away from home and turn to it when I have that rare solitary moment to really think about life and what its inner workings are because it just gives such a realistic criticism that you sort of go...wow. Never really thought about it like that before.

The Nobel Laureate in Literature of 1996 was proudly bestowed on Wislawa Szymborska, the first Polish woman to receive the prize for literature. While they are other Polish recipients like poet Czeslaw Milosz, Wladyslaw Reymont, and Henry Sienkiewicz to have received the honor, Wislawa is the first woman. While she writes poetry mostly, she has written prose. My biggest problem with poetry is that when it's written in another language, I believe it gets lost in translation but rather the meaning is not lost among its readers. The translators have the arduous task of translating from Polish to English. If you anything about Polish, it's not an easy language to translate from especially to English. But Wislawa is worthy of receiving such top honors because she is now well-known, highly regarded and respected. She has not changed much since she was awarded the NObel prize. She still lives in the same three room apartment in Cracow, she still smokes, and she is still the same humble person who despite her own feelings is quite worthy of such a prize.

...Containing over eighty poems from seven original collections, this book serves as a well-rounded and pleasant introduction to Szymborska's work. This is a good choice for anyone interested in good poetry, women under communist regimes, or Polish literature.