Will Self Books

Back in 1995 (or 6) I read a magazine article in which the beautiful songstress Chante Moore recommended this book. At that time it was hard to find. It became one of those books I had to hide from my younger sisters and nieces and now my tweenteen daughter (uh oh, where is it?!). This book does have its moronic passages but that feather fluff is so heavily outweighed by freaky tips that the boys are gonna LOVE you for? Okay, just try the kissing technique (I STILL can't anatomically do it, but the trick is in the effort) and you'll have tips that last forever, I mean here I am ten years and a happy marriage later. The popsicle thang did NOT work for me. People have always told me I'm unusually warm, almost feverish warm, so... well, let's not get too intimate here. I digress. Now aren't you just tinglin' inside to learn more? Mmm hmm ... Good!

I personally found this book very helpful. It contains those things that you may be afraid to ask. I liked it so much that I just purchased it as gift for a friend who is getting married very soon!

After reading some of the other reviews of this book, I had mixed feelings but bought the book anyway. What a disappointment! Call me a snob, but this book is written on a very simplistic level, apparently for women of mid- to low-level education. The "advice" Ms. Patterson offers is so embarassingly basic and in many cases dubious. For example: "During your monthly periods, keep tampons and sanitary napkins available" (Ch. 14, pg. 65). Are there really adult women who don't know to do that? And her suggestions about men are laughable: "Making him feel that he's the most brilliant man you've ever met is the key" (Ch. 3, pg. 25); "You might be bored with his likes and dislikes, but you've got to overcome your selfishness... "(same reference); "Once you've done everything that's needed to assure he's comfortable, you can relax" (Ch. 6, pg. 36). I feel sorry for the women who take this kind of advice to heart. You won't develop an open, honest and mutually beneficial relationship with a man if you bury your own interests, flatter him to death, put up with boring conversation centered totally around him, and delay any fulfillment of your needs until *he's* comfortable. Don't buy this book; it won't tell you anything you don't know, and it may just fill your head with totally wrong ideas about men, dating and love. It's not worth your time or your money.

I enjoyed this book so much that I ordered 10 copies for my girl friends. Many times women are afraid to say or think about how to take care of themselves sexually. This book made me feel comfortable and in tune with my own sexualityy. (...). The cover says uncommon sense about sex and sexuality. Those women who take offense needs to keep their opinions to themselves and just find something else to read. Something they can handle. As we all know everything is not for everybody and Ms. Patterson states this in her book. If this is not the book for you stop ruining it for those of us who like what we read. I enjoyed this book tremendously and I learned many things that I didn't know.

I like the basic appraoch. Maybe I'm not as advanced in the sex dept as one of the people who sent in a review. (...). I'm glad that Ms. Patterson took a simple approach for those of us who are not very sexually active or experienced. Thank you! I give it five stars.

I've been reading some of the reviews written about this book and I must admit I was quite surprised to see that some women just don't get it. I am a man who enjoys and respects all women and I found this book to be very informative and eye-opening. I read the book in two days and I also read where Ms. Patterson stated she interviewed over 7000 women for this book. So why are so many women taking it personal. It's a must read for all women. Why because it down to earth, truthful and very candid. Women need to stop trying to hide their feelings and listen to Ms. Patterson. Just be yourself and accept those things that you like and don't do what you don't like. Keep an open mind ladies and try not to judge a book by it's cover. Open your mind and learn what the book is really saying. Stop being so self-centered and taking everything you read as an opinion of you. I recommend this book to all women that I know. My mom, my three sisters and my daughter.

it was a good present for my uncle who has been struck by lightning.

Piven writes a superb book about the seemingly inexplicable fortunes of everyday people -- a topic that is universally appealing, but little understood or explored. As a reader, I found myself wondering what I would have done in the same situation presented to the "luck receiver" (or "bad luck receiver" in some cases). The stories are interesting, well chosen and keep their reader wanting to know "what happens in the end." Who knows -- perhaps reading this book will bring similar luck to its readers.

Ultimately, Piven proves that he can write more than just "Worst Case" scenarios; he is a first-rate author with an easy-to-read style. It will be interesting to see what topic he decides to tackle next.

Sam Goldwyn, legendary film producer, is credited with having first said, "The harder I work, the luckier I get" . . . I kept thinking about that quote as I read AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT by Joshua Piven--a fascinating collection of stories from lottery wins to fad products and a whole lot
in-between.

In nine short chapters, Piven introduces an eclectic range of individuals who all have something to say about how luck impacted their lives . . . he also brought in research on the subject, as well as these techniques that can help better ensure the results we get in life are ones we can live with:

First, when possible, be prepared.

Second, keep an open mind.

Third, stay informed.

Fourth, stay curious and know where to look for new ideas.

Fifth, maintain broad, diverse circles of personal and professional relationships.

Sixth, trust your emotions and your instincts.

Seventh, share your good luck with others.

Eighth, be self-reliant.

Lastly, keep a positive mental attitude--perhaps the most important aspect of effective luck management.

I particularly liked reading about Steve Roberts, the swimming pool repairman who had only a $100 bill to pay for his hot dog . . . so he asked for his change in lottery tickets and won $180 million . . . in addition, I was inspired by the stories of Gary Dahl and Al Kahn, the brains behind the Pet Rock and Cabbage Patch doll, respectively.

Also, there were several memorable passages; among them:
In attempting to counter his bad luck, Bennet was showing many of the signs of a condition mental health professionals call "illusory control." First identified by the Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer in the 1970s, illusory control is the belief that we are in control even when, objectively, we're not. Some common examples of this phenomenon deal with luck and chance. The lottery player who chooses his own number, or the gambler who insists on rolling his own dice, experiences the illusion of control over a random, uncontrollable situation. Illusory control is
an adaptive measure that can increase motivation when one is facing difficult or adverse circumstances. It may make the player feel better about his chances, that his actions will cause a specific outcome, even when, from an observer's perspective, it is obvious that the event itself cannot be influenced.

The mathematician and author John Allen Paulos relates the tale, probably a fable, of the frequent flyer who is deathly afraid of the remote possibility of a bomb on his plane. Knowing the chances are low-but not low enough for comfort-the man decides he will always travel with a bomb in his suitcase, reasoning that the odds against having two bombs on an airplane would be astronomical.

But perhaps the lens through which we judge bad luck needs a wider view, and a sharper focus. Steve feels that every negative is simply a chance to create a positive, and in this way his bad luck was transformed into good luck for the hundreds of people he and his organization have helped, people who desperately needed assistance and had nowhere left to turn. "You learn from bad experiences," he says. "And one of the things you learn is that you either hate the world
or you help the world. Being struck was my lot in life, but it happened for a reason."

I checked this out of the library recently, and yes, it's fascinating to read about these people's lives and how they have coped with various kinds of luck. If you've got a plane ride in your future or a day at the beach, bring this along.

Piven is an interesting writer, but employs some gimmicks that can misfire. For example, he starts each story with a striking detail from the middle of the story. Distracting and confusing? Could be for some, but it really hooked me. Also, every story is told in the present tense, which I found odd.

What's less than successful is the author's attempt to cobble together a scientific framework for the stories; worse yet is the last chapter, which reads like a 'PowerPoint' presentation on things we can do to manage our own luck.

On balance, though, it's readable and interesting.

This book addresses the phenomenon of luck by telling fascinating stories of good and bad luck. The stories have you churning pages and end with a quick but informative analysis of how the participants came upon such luck. I read the book while commuting on a train to and from work, and found that I completed one story per commute. The stories had me on the edge of my seat and are told with great attention to detail.

I think that the author has done a great job discussing the phenomenon of luck -- not sugar-coating it, but giving it a distanced, objective analysis. There is no psycho-babble here. I also think that the author has brought to our attention that some force, whether you call it "luck" or something else, can be invited or refused. Proceed accordingly!

Riane Eisler knows a lot about struggle and growth. She's been a Jewish girl in Nazi Europe, an early advocate for women's equality in America, a world-renowned visionary scholar, and not least, a grandmother. Drawing on her experience, plus that of hundreds of other great souls, she presents the spiritual journey as a process of building and deepening relationships. It's a process of reaching over the boundaries between ourselves and others, and turning fear into partnership at each level of our lives. Eisler describes this journey like an elder telling real stories. First we grow to accept and love ourselves, and then to relate as a full partners in ever widening circles of creation -- to our families, communities, nations, to humanity, the planet, and the ultimate spirit underlying it all.

In comparison with other maps of the human adventure, Eisler's goes far beyond the goal of psychological normalcy. And in describing the higher range of human potential she never imposes sectarian ideas or engages in mystical visions. You cannot tell what religious background she comes from, save that for her the quality of relationships is central. This book does more honor to the social dimension of spirituality than any other I've read. Giving it to a friend would be great.

This book provides a practical guide for people who are concerned about the direction of our future. It can help anyone interested in making personal and social changes that will model for and teach the children of tomorrrow how to relate in partnership with each other and our planet. I recommend this book to anyone that would like guidance and help in creating a culture of peace.

This book chews on a big chunk of food for thought. But be forewarned. There are political generalities in The Power of Partnership that will please Progressives and turn off Conservatives. However, regardless of your leanings, read it anyway. Many of the greatest business minds use the power-of-partnership concept to maximize profits. Can we even count the number of effective partnerships that a wildly successful company like Microsoft has going for it? It's certainly hard to count all of Bill Gates' money. Understanding partnerships is definitely good for business. It's also good for much much more. Eisler insightfully guides us through seven key relationship areas that highlight the great value of building strong partnerships. This book may very well frustrate you, but it also might change the way you think about almost everything.

Riane Eisler has written another book with the potential to transform culture and our perceptions of what is and what can be. Highly recommended!

Although I applaud seemingly non-Christians for looking to the bible for truth. Many do not understand it. Here is a paragraph extracted from the "Spirituality" chapter, with a response from my Christian men's group - you can respond to me at mickeymike30@fmtc.net.

QUOTE from Book.
A. How can we make sense of the biblical commandment 'Thou shalt not kill,' when passage after passage contradicts this commandment? In Numbers 31 and Deuteronomy 20, we are led to believe that God approves of massacres of whole populations. In Leviticus 20:9, we are told that children who curse their parents must be killed. B. How do we take biblical passages approving of slavery (Leviticus 25:44-46) and even of a man selling his daughter into slavery (Exodus 21:7)? C. What should we make of Jesus' teaching that we should love one another and live in peace, when in Revelations 12:19 angels pour out 'the wrath of God upon the earth,' and terrible horrors are unleashed on everybody - except the chosen 'hundred and forty and four thousand,' who, according to chapter 14:3, 'were redeemed from the earth'?

Response:
A. This centers on the subject of murder, not killing. Murder is an act of violence from one person against another with the motivation for the act erupting from emotion or sinful impulse. That is quite different from 1) wars of defense, 2) capital punishment, and 3) divine pronouncements of "war on God's enemies". The latter three derive from national survival or from an indisputable source outside the personal motivating factors. If someone attacked your wife, and the only way to save her was a counterblow that would kill the offender, then this is not from those motivating factors. Is killing but not murder.

B. Slavery in those times and social conditions (in the sense of the biblical reference) was really more like long term employment to pay a large debt. We call it "indentured servitude". If one has a home mortgage today, it is really no different. Truly...ask anybody who has a big mortgage and a required big job to pay it.

C. Jesus was not a kindly suntanned carpenter who loved kids and told us all that if we just get along all will be well. He said "I come NOT to bring peace on earth, but a sword". God's message is very tough to those who think along the lines of this question. Its just the way that it is.

God is the sovereign creator and king of the universe. We owe every breath we take to Him. His ways are higher than our ways, and He is not subject to the laws impressed upon mankind because He is the author of right and wrong. "The wages of sin is death". God says what He means and means what He says. His absolute righteousness demands punishment for sin, yet in His righteousness He has made a way of salvation for those of us that truly understand his intent: "...its your kindness that leads us to repentence". He is a savage lover.

This didnt work for me. Maybe because everytime I turned it on I fell asleep. Good way to fall asleep if you are having trouble. Bad way to lose weight.

After having so much success with Trevor's cd "Your Power Within" I had to try "Relax Your Way to Thin." I've lost 17 pounds so far and it is fantastic! I've never wanted to say I'm on a "diet" and I didn't really want to change my eating habits. But, after listening to the cd, my whole attitude about food and healty eating habits started changing. It made me realize that I wasn't denying myself anything by eating healthier, I was actually giving myself more. The weight started coming off, I'm feeling great and I'm sleeping soundly. Awesome CD, I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to loose weight.

I would have to disagree with Karen K who said the voice and music were irratating. I found the narrators' voice to be extremely soothing and the music to be beneficial and relaxing. In fact, for all the hypnosis tapes I've ever used, this is by far the most relaxing. I'm able to go into an extremely deep trance and always come out with the suggestion at the end (that's how I know I didn't just fall asleep). I only gave it 4 stars so far, but will update it in a couple of weeks when I see how well it works. I've been using it twice a day for two days, today is the third, and haven't seen any changes in my appetite or eating yet. It says to use it for 21 days. I don't know if that means you'll only see significant results after 21 days, or what, but I'll keep this review updated to let you know if I've lost any weight. If not, then at least I have had some incredibly relaxing sessions while I'm listening to the tape.

Day Five: I found when I went to the market I chose only healthy foods and stayed away from the junk food without even thinking about it. I checked the fat content on all food even if it said "light" or "low fat." When I saw chocolate and thought I'd like some it was immediately followed up with the thought that I didn't want to buy it. The hardest part is getting out of the store without the junk in the cart. At home, I've noticed I have not wanted to eat between meals.

Relax Your Way to Thin! Hypnosis Weight Loss MotivationI was very skeptical about trying this, but a friend of mine went to a hypotist and lost 40 lbs. I thought I would try it on CD as I had trouble "sticking to" a diet, but was too skeptical to invest the $200 my friend paid her hypnotist. The first week I actually lost 4lbs without conciously being aware of even dieting. I noticed I seem less hungry and am not attracted to the junk food I used to eat too much of. I thought it sounded kind of off the wall to try loosing weight this way, but it has really made a difference and I would recomend it to anyone. I have been listening to it for 2 weeks and have lost a total of 6lbs without really trying.

I had gone to a Hypnotherapist before to lose weight and did not have much luck. However, I decided to try Trevor's method...and it works!! My eating habits changed dramatically after only listening to the cd twice. It is the most relaxing experience I have ever had. This cd allows you to fall asleep, so I listen to it while I am going to bed. It says that even if you do fall asleep your sibconcious will receive the messages that Trevor sends, without a doubt, it does! I am really amazed by this cd! I am getting ready to order his cd's for exercise and to quit smoking.

Thank you Trevor!!!

Mary Carwile's books show us that no matter where we are, we always have all that we need to connect with others: our heart, our ears and our willingness to be present. Through her stories, Mary gives the reader the opportunity to take a mini-vacation that brings us into this NOW moment which is truly the goal we all have.

Thought the book had great insight to the true lives of everyday people.Her heart warming stories made the book very easy to read.For today's busy lives,I found the book peaceful and full of great energy.

As an airline employee I was both touched and moved by these heart felt stories. Way too often I see the negative, complaining, angry sides of the travelling public and it warms my heart to hear these stories that make passengers more real with real lives. Thank you for these wonderful stories Mary C. Carwile and I hope to see more of them!

I am air traveler of some 59 year, I was amzed and thrilled to learn a cabin stewardess had taken the time to relate to many of her plane passengers. The short stories are a delight to read, and renewed my faith in the importance of the "human touch". I have given it as a gift to several of my friends and family who also loved the stories.

This heartwarming collection of stories can serve as wonderful short daily inspirations when read a chapter at a time, or as a delightful afternoon of sweet reflection and appreciation of the human spirit - this is a delightful book.

My only complaint is that author Robert Horn could have picked a better title for his book. Otherwise, this is a great read, an honest look into the disaster that the American long-term health care system is in today. Horn lost his 24/7 nursing care coverage once he transitioned from private insurance to Medicare, which he qualified for as a working adult who became disabled and unable to work.

Even this affluent family couldn't afford to pay for round-the-clock nursing care, so they cobbled together health care aides, family and volunteers. If Horn had just given up and gone into a nursing home, his expenses would have been covered. Wanting to live in the world, with his wife, friends, colleagues and grown children, he paid a huge financial price, and his wife had to work the equivalent of two full-time jobs, one at her day job and the other job at night, as her husband's caretaker.

Is it really that hard for society to put a program together that will keep adults at home, if that's where they want to stay, after the onset of a life-threatening illness or disability? Much to his credit, Horn doesn't spend much time dwelling on the negative, instead revealing a strange zest for life, a willingness to go on living, when most of us would have given up.

A quick web search revealed that Horn died in 2002, living an amazing 14 years with a disease that usually results in death within 5 years. After reading his book, he comes across as the kind of man you wish you'd had a chance to know in life. Horn writes about a life lived with few regrets, and maybe that's the best we can all hope for, at the end of our lives.

In the opening pages, the author describes himself as a man who was, until his mid-forties, 'a very normal person and yet, at the same time, a somewhat abnormal one. I was normal in the sense that that there was nothing particularly unusual about me, no involvement in anything, positive or negative, unique or spectacular.' I am certain that those who knew and loved Mr. Horn would consider him to be a man who lived an unusual, spectacular and quite memorable life.

This is an excelent book! Very inspiring and humbling. I was first introduced to this book while teaching in Japan. The author's daughter was a previous teacher at my school, so the book found it's way to me. Once I began reading it, I was hooked! Another father of a good friend of mine also has the same condition, so it really gave me a greater understanding. It is seriously one of my favorite books!

This book is life changing. I first met Bob through his son, my schoolmate Chris, in Malaysia, and thought he was Just another friend's dad(don't take it personally Bob, you were all like that:). After more than ten years, I arranged to visit Bob, his wife Judy, and my old school mate Chris. I was advised by Chris to read the book as a precursor to meeting Bob, so as not to "shock" me when I met him again. HOW WRONG COULD CHRIS BE!!! Bob's vitality, energy, and will to live life to it's fullest, regardless of the obstacles, should be a lesson to all so called able-bodied-people. I used to think that being put in a wheelchair would destroy my life. I now know I was wrong. Bob, you are a hero to me.

This book was impossible to put down. Mr. Horn's determination, will to live, outlook on life, and his achievements are something we all could take a lesson from. He seems so happy and vibrant you almost forget that he typed the whole book with his foot! His descriptions of his family and friends support is enough to make the happiest person in the world jealous. This book is a tribute to the human spirit and to Mr. Horn and his family

As a person with the same disease, I found myself saying "ME too!" to all of the stories and feelings. This book is uplifting and presents ALS as a condition that happens to our bodies but never to our minds and souls. Final piece of advice: Ignore the title. It's the worst part of the book.

Nobel Prize winner Jerry White is the co-founder of Survivor Corps and the author of I Will Not Be Broken. The inspirational book shares his story of how he dealt with being injured by a landmine and his journey in leading his own life and others to help those like himself in countries all over the world. You will find some inspiration here, for sure. In the book, five steps are laid out by White.

There is not on overtly Christian message in what White writes. I need to say this for my readers since my blog here has reviewed explicitly Christian books for the most part. (I must also disclose that I was given a book after correspondence from the Survivor Corps people--which is one customary perk bloggers can claim at times).

What I think I can glean from all of this is that this cause is one that as a Christian I want to share with you. So, I am. Click over to Survivor Corps for more information on this amazing charitable organization.

"I Will Not Be Broken" succeeds brilliantly at being what it sets out to be: a thoughtful, sensitive, and useful guide along the path of survivorship. I found it inspiring in all the right places, well-reasoned, and down-to-earth. Being able to discover more about White's own journey and where he looks for guiding lights is also a valuable aspect of the book. We have much we can learn from him.

White intersperses his very accessible philosophizing with his own personal stories as well as those of the people he's met in his work and travels. The result is a very readable book filled with useful tools and reflections on their practical applications by real people.

This book by Jerry White is very uplifting and provides practical steps to overcoming tragedy. It is extremely remarkable in it's approach to reaching deep inside a person to reveal hidden strengths and the power to overcome.

Mr. White does an amazing job of bringing together the stories of many people who could have chosen to fall victim to their circumstances yet instead chose to thrive and beyond that, be full of joy. His own story of losing a leg in Israel at a young age is uplifting and challenging to the reader. I appreciate how he reminds us to make self-assessments and to choose how we will feel instead of falling victim to situations. This five steps to freedom are also practical and very helpful in the process of overcoming tragedy.

Overall, this is an encouraging and uplifting book and it is definitely worth reading for anyone who has suffered a tragedy in their life.

I Will Not Be Broken: Five Steps to Overcoming a Life Crisis

Just finished reading I Will Not Be Broken by Jerry White and this is an amazingly uplifting and hope-filled book.

In 1984, Jerry White lost his leg in a landmine accident while on vacation in Israel. He later became a co-founder of the Landmine Survivors Network, which has recently changed it's name and broadened it's mission to become Survivor Corps

The book is a compilation of Jerry's own experiences and the lessons learned in surviving by many other people he's met, and it's subtitled "5 Steps to Overcoming a Life Crisis".

The book breaks down the keys to surviving and Thriving during that survival, into the 5 steps,which you can find listed on the website for the book, and for me, that was part of why I felt the book would be such an invaluable tool for anyone recovering from a cataclysmic loss in their life. Because of my volunteer work with Soldiers Angels , I was particularly thinking of wounded soldiers while I was reading this book.

Many wounded soldiers refer to the day they almost lost their life in combat as their "Alive Day", and although Jerry doesn't use that term in his book, I found this sentence on page 7 that seems to epitomize what "Alive Day" means...." I want to encourage all of us to honor our toughest dates - the tragedies that bind us - in an effort to transform victimhood into survivorship."

The book does a wonderful job, in my opinion, of giving practical advice for How to "transform victimhood into survivorship",and is also filled with the stories of How so many Other survivors of tragedies have done exactly that.

It's an easy read, and I would recommend it highly to anyone who is currently facing a life-altering tragedy in their life, or the life of someone close to them.

I must admit I was a bit reluctant to start reading this book because I thought it might be a bit depressing. I knew that the point of the book was that people can learn to thrive (not just survive) after trauma and tragedy; however, I was concerned that reading about so many people's experiences of tragedy would be difficult. I was wrong! I was completely wrong! It is a very inspiring and uplifting book! Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down.

The author of this great book, Jerry White, suffered the loss of his leg after stepping on a landmine in Israel in 1984. I have to say that Jerry has done a phenomenal job weaving together his story and the stories of many other people into a very uplifting book. I believe Jerry's book is genius in action. Even though he shares details of tragic events and raw emotions, the pages are filled with hope and positivity. He provides a clear road map for moving from surviving to thriving. I think this is a must read for anyone who has had some type of challenge in life - I think that is probably everyone! I have benefited spiritually, mentally, and emotionally from reading the book so I feel obligated to pay it forward by writing this review and letting you know about Jerry's organization - Survivor Corps.

To sum up - this is a great, enjoyable, uplifting, and powerful read. It provides a great roadmap to help you recover and learn to thrive after loss or tragedy.

I must have misread something. I thought this book was supposed to be funny.

This book deserves 20 stars.

This is one of those books that you thank God you were blessed enough to come across. This book is for every woman, every age. You will never again believe you are the only one going through rough times.

Ms. Linamen is a very down to earth and encouraging woman. As you read you feel as if she is sitting right next to you, sharing her life and giving you hints on how to muddle through the valleys full of stumbling blocks.

The author discusses: minivacations, friends, fine whine, depression, dreams, simplifying life, grudges, weight, our inner child and our souls.

I cannot recommend this book enthusiastically enough. You really must read it!

This book is so fun and so good, you breeze through it in no time it seems!

This book gives practical advice about 15 particular life issues (or subjects), weaving humor in to make it more fun and the goals realistically obtainable.

I don't read a lot of "Self-Help" books, because a lot of them are drawn-out and boring. This book doesn't have one boring page, and it gets straight to the point.

I like this particular author, because she is a real person who has "been there". I've read other "self-help" or "advice" books, for example, by rich women who have never had children, and they give us some lousy advice about raising children and what to spend our money on. But this author is one I felt I could really relate to, and I felt she knew what she was talking about because she's been there.

Some of my favorites of the 15 subjects that she discusses are: Dreams, Simplifying Life, Forgiveness, Your Inner Child, Boundaries, and Your Relationship with God.

One thing I really liked about this book: the author never advised me to watch a movie. (She does have other books, and I've never read any of those yet, so I don't know if she advises movie-watching in those or not.) I've read other advice or self-help books that advise watching a movie for destressing. For me, a movie is the biggest self-inflicting, self-inducing stress maker. If an author tells me to watch a movie, I know that is not the author for me, and I will never read any of his/her books ever again. I hate/despise movies with a passion.

For both good humor and practical advice, this book is wonderful.

Wonderful book, it could have been written about my life. Mrs. Linamen's great humor makes reading about a difficult subject easier. Would love to have her come and speak to the Ark Angel's womens group at our church. I purchased several copies of this book to give to friends who are experiencing depression, and they loved them also. Keep these books coming Mrs. Linamen. God bless you!

I was given this book after my first visit to the Stress Center for depression along with some chocolate and bubble bath. It was light hearted and made me laugh. It also had some really practical things you could do to beat the blues. I love practical guides. So many books are full of warm fuzzies or unrealistic "helps." This book made me laugh and gave me some hope. You see, the author, battled depression too.

Wonderful book. Check out his website for his Nehemiah Notes ministry. Lots of good articles on there.

Very logical and straightforward rather than theoretical - a plus for someone in the midst of trying to find guidance for a personal decision.

Using the Bible as his basis, the author tells us that often God guides us incrementally, i.e., that we have "light for our path," but do not necessary see a long way down the road. Similarly he talks about taking opportunities as they present themselves as a form of guidance. If you're in a circumstance, do what is best at that time and place.

He also points out that God may have a person in a place for a while, but things change and there comes a time to move on.

One assurance that is given to people who might fear missing God's direction is that God takes the initiative in guidance. If we're sincere in wanting His will, He will see that His will is done, Smith emphasizes. He tells us the Shepherd illustration in the Bible is reassuring in making this point clear. Not only that, but God's guidance is a gift!

There are some areas in this book where I completely disagree with the author. Overall, however, I found more positive than negative--by far.

I'm trying to apply the principles now. It's nice to have a book that can show the different aspects of "God's will" (including the personal one), yet not discount the mind. It notes that what we often perceive as guidance (e.g., the supernatural, prophecy, fleeces, and inward guidance) are the exceptions and points out why. It focuses on prayer, understanding the Bible, willingness, and thinking carefully. It recognizes however that we consider our desires, abilities, wise counsel, and circumstances. It seems to answer a lot of my questions about guidance as well as my misconceptions. Best of all, he gives you the Biblical texts to read and analyze yourself to see if his arguments hold up, let alone Biblical examples. I know one friend (who found out about the book independent of me) that bought several copies of this book to give as gifts. I may just do the same.

I find "Knowing God's Will" to be an extremely challenging and thought provoking book. Blaine Smith consistently presents a *balanced* and mature approach towards understanding and seeking the Lord's will for our lives. He makes it a point to test his own ideas against what the Bible teaches.

This book will surely challenge you to:-

(1) Discard your misconceptions on how we should go about finding God's will.

(2) Understanding how God reveals His will.

(3) Realize that we, too, need to take responsibility in knowing His will.

You do not find this book...it finds you. i bought it purely on a whim 2 weeks ago and I am still attempting to fully understand the true implications of this work. When it is time to find this book, you will be truly amazed. Every little bit of seemingly useless information you have been gathering is actually the basis for understanding this book. The author assumes that you have been searching and experimenting with esoteric subjects. And he systematically runs through a variety of topics, all the while showing you the true implications of each. This is a quick read as it follows a logical path and builds. However, you will HAVE to read each page at least twice as he seemlessly glides you into realizations that at first seem impossible but upon furhter reflection, make perfect sense. Truly an inspired work.

Not deft. No not in the least. This book is like a blunt instrument, pounding home the real truth about life and spirituality/metaphysics like a steady heart beat one-two punch to your integrated right and left brain. Dethlefsen is a gifted and profound thinker, well versed in the esoteric schools of thought. He has an original approach to his subject. His voice is strong and earnest. His message is quite serious: know your place in the universe and fulfill it, or you will be eliminated as all things in nature that do not serve their purpose. This book had a profound effect on me, my spiritual growth and my professional metaphysical practice when I read it some 14 years ago! Dethlefsen's style (perhaps because of translation) is somehow unforgettable. Many of his phrases have rung in my ears all these years. I heartily recommend this book to the earnest spiritual warrior.

About two years ago I got very intrigued in the subject ofEsoteric and understanding one's self. A friend showed me the book(in German), and when I asked to borrow it he responded: "No, this is a book you BUY when you are ready for it!" I went and got it (in German), and it was the RIGHT time in my life; it did teach me a lot and gave me new perspectives on life and beyond!. This is an excellent book written for the most part in such a language, which we all can understand. It gives a wide verity of options and does not "push" you in one specific direction. Thanks to the Amazon setup, I finally found out there is (was) an English publication. I really hope, that in the near future it will be re-printed, I will recommend it to others. It is a must for anybody who is ready for it, and wants to delve deeper into the mysteries of Esoteric. Good Luck and Be Well!

I am currently reading this book in German and am dissapointed that it is not available in English. Would like to recommend it to my english reading friends. This book is one of the most intelligently written books on the topic of the esoterik and its relationship to the natural sciences. It also gives a very clear and compelling argument on why the esoterik is valid and "true". There is an excellent chapter explaining the uses and meaning of astrology, plus much, much more of value.

This is the best book I read till so far. It is excellent, it is written in a clear language and it connects all different aspects of life. First time I read the book I was shocked by its information. I got used to the idea after I started noticing in my normal/working world. Now (after 7/8 years noticing and experiencing) I `almost' now it is true. The described Idea gives me faith more and more. I wish this book were reprinted in English, so I can recommend it to my English friends.