Journals Books

OK. Semi-political motivations aside, this is a good collection that deserves sales in keeping with any other compilation. There are some fantastic poems from both established and up-and-coming poets.

This will be one of the leading lit journals of the 21st century; smart, unobtrusive, and a great selection of artists.

I'm sending Volumes 1 and 2 of Secret Journals of Bible Time Kids for my niece. These books are really great for getting an idea of what it was like to live in biblical times. As I read Vol. 1: Abigail's Secret Journal, I could clearly picture the mixture of confusion and excitement the Israelites must have felt as they traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land. Vol. 2: Rachel's Secret Journal is a wonderful story set in biblical times when Solomon was building his temple. Rachel's father is a talented builder, her sister is a great seamstress, and Rachel learns to appreciate her talents as a gardener. She also learns to value friendship. My 12-year-old niece will love these books!

In Volume 1 of her Secrets Journals of Bible Time Kids, Abigail's Secret Journal, author Bonnie Bruno has beautifully captured Bible history for children. Taking a wedge of time from the book of Exodus, readers are allowed an intimate look into the diary of twelve-year-old Abigail.

With the manner in which she relates unfolding events in Egypt during the time of Moses, Abigaily, as her grandmother fondly calls her, keeps readers fascinated and involved. With youthful sincerity, humor, and sometimes passion, Abigail commits her feelings and emotions to her journal while facing the many unknowns looming in her future.

In this well-written book, you are there, seeing through Abigail's eyes, God-events that liberated and shaped the nation of Israel. You are her age and see swarms of locusts pass above you, watch your father prepare your house to keep death away from your big brother, gasp with awe as a great sea splits apart before your eyes-and you walk between the waters-and that's just a beginning!

Bonnie Bruno does an excellent job of weaving the threads of Abigail's friendships, family, and growing faith throughout this outstanding book. Never allowing interest or excitement to wane, a delightful surprise awaits as Abigail writes some ending entries in her journal.

Following the story, the author doesn't leave Abigail's Secret Journal without touching on a vital life issue. She adds a "Spiritual Building Block" to enrich a child's faith-building experience. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the short, clear devotional that lifts the value of trust into the realm of a child's understanding.

I highly recommend this first-in-a-series book by author, Bonnie Bruno. It's a must-give gift/must-have book for pre-teens.
Sally Chambers (www.sallychambers.com)

Although this book isn't available yet in the States, it's available in Canada. I was given the book when I was at home sick, and nearly ripped out my stitches from laughing so hard! It's acerbic, rude, politically incorrect, and hits the mark -- all those things we think but won't say. Very very funny reading.

My husband and I have recently finished reading this most entertaining book. For those of you with a superior sense of appreciation for humor and laughter, this book is a must read. The authors have captured it all. Kudos, we're waiting for your next project.

Have you ever wished for a mentor to help you achieve your goals and dreams?

Achievement Journal: You Are More Than Enough by motivational speaker and author Judi Moreo can fulfill the job. Written as a guide - with blank spaces for you to fill in to chart your progress - it helps you to focus not only on what you have accomplished in the past, but directs you toward that future you always dreamed of and directs you in the right direction. Set against the backdrop of affirmations scattered throughout, Judi guides you through the steps with such precision and foresight, it is no wonder she is the perfect person to write this book.

She explains why success is a conscious decision and how to not only chart your goal and dream chart, but also how to acknowledge and reward your progress.

She takes you from the starting point where you realize who you are, all the way to the end where she helps you to understand that you have the ability to create the life you want to live.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who needs to take a reality check and realize they are more than enough.

If you are a fan of Judi Moreo's You Are More Than Enough as I am, you'll love this companion journal to help you progress through life with a determined set of goals and purpose. Highly recommended!

It's safe to say that I live for goals. If I am not setting and achieving goals, I'll fall into a state of depression that would last for weeks, even months. Not a pretty sight, trust me. Until now, I've never found a useful planner. They're usually tedious, and will take the creativity right out of me.

When Judi Moreo's "You Are More Than Enough Achievement Journal" arrived, I knew it was different. As I looked through the pages, it had a fairy-tales-really-do-come-true feel. Finally, a journal made for people like me!

If you take a look at the front, the cover looks almost magical. I think that's the point. Dreams are magical. This journal records your passions and prods you to release your limitations by encouraging you to dream, set goals, and believe in yourself.

I highly recommend getting Judi Moreo's book "You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman's Guide to Purpose, Passion and Power". The twelve chapters come packed with examples, solutions and affirmations on each chapter's topic.

The first part of the journal follows along with each chapter providing detailed questions to help focus and clarify the key points of each chapter. The remainder of the journal is reserved for fifty-four weeks of daily goal setting. At the end of each three weeks, there will be a balance wheel page to rate how you are doing in each key area of your life. By doing this, you can evaluate the balance in your life and make adjustments if needed. Bottom line is this is a fast, easy, convenient way to record your goals and dreams. By journaling on a regular basis, it keeps you centered on what's important.

Remember: Success is a conscious decision. Set your goals for 2008 and say to yourself "Every step I take brings me closer to the realization of my dreams."

Acts of Passion is inspiring in its diversity,
intelligence and depth. The acts of passion it
describes are often acts of courage for the artists
involved, given the uniqueness of their voices.
I'd highly recommend it to anyone interested in
performance and sexuality.

This fascinating book is about the various ways lesbians and bisexual women express themselves through the arts. It contains many personal essays about how lesbians have used poetry, performance art, and dance to liberate themselves. If you're a creative person, or have wanted to be creative but were afraid of what people might think of your efforts, this book should inspire you. I loved it!

Erasmus was fascinated by proverbs and this book highlights over 80 proverb essays of the more than 4,000 that Erasmus collected and commented on. Typically each is accompanied with his comments, which are sometimes in a few lines and sometimes in full-scale essays. They display his wit and elegance, along with bursts of satire alternating with serious views. The proverbs when published was kind of a « top seller » of Europe at the time.

This selection by Dr. William Barker emphasizes Erasmus' skill in explaining the proverbs, shows how he made his book, and demonstrates the way in which many of the proverbs moved into the English language. The text is illustrated with images by Brueghel and Holbein and examples of proverb use from emblem books.

Of the 80 proverb essays, some are masterpieces of social criticism (War is sweet to those who have never tried it), others provide scholarly explanations of philosophical ideas or gestures and customs (Thumbs up). Many of the proverbs have passed into modern usage (Know thyself, To give someone the "finger", Well begun is half done), some even retaining their Latin form (Deus ex machina). And a few, it turns out, were created by Erasmus himself through his occasional misinterpretation of the ancient languages (Pandora's box, To call a spade a spade).

Above all the book is extremely readable and Professor Barkers comments are thoroughly enjoyable. It is the kind of book you can dip into now and then for some quick insights or amusement.

It is hard to believe that a compilation of over 4,000 adages from Greek and Latin could ever be a bestseller, but that is what happened five hundred years ago when Erasmus started publishing his editions of adages. Erasmus is more famous for _Praise of Folly_ (1511) which is still funny and represents a pinnacle of sly wit and subversive erudition. His compilation of adages, however, was his most popular work in his own time. You can still find the full edition all of them, in six volumes, but now there is a one volume selection, _The Adages of Erasmus_ (University of Toronto Press), selected by William Barker. As an introduction to renaissance thinking and to an astonishingly well-read and retentive mind, this edition of the _Adages_ is excellent, but it is also a reminder to us moderns of how deeply the roots of learning go back into the past.

The _Adages_ became influential just as adages themselves are to our way of thinking. Proof that this particular collection continues to influence us comes most pointedly from a couple of mistakes that Erasmus made. In his discussion of "He calls figs figs, a spade a spade," Erasmus took the Greek "skaptein" meaning "to dig" as the source of "scapha;" he thought it was a spade, but it actually is a small dugout boat, or skiff. The meaning of the
proverb is unchanged; Erasmus explains, "It suits a man who speaks the truth in a simple and countrified style, who tells of things as they are, and does not wrap them up in ornamental verbiage." But ever since Erasmus, no one has said "to call a skiff a skiff." Time and again, this collection points out very familiar ideas which were first voiced thousands of years ago; Erasmus discusses "To leave no stone unturned," "Know thyself," "The cart before the horse," and many more which, except for translation, are entirely the same as they were for the ancients. To read the _Adages_ is to find comfort in this sort of scholarly stability. In addition, there are a good many expressions here, some crude, which didn't make it to modern times, but perhaps should have. Erasmus, admitting "the line is too obscene to give much pleasure to the translator," reflects on "In canis podicem inspicere," from Aristophanes: "I told him to go and look into a dog's anus."

Many of the adages here show a citation and a very brief explanation, but those who wish weightier matter will enjoy reading the digressions. Sometimes Erasmus apologizes for going far from his source proverb, but by such means he gives us his ideas on the proper upbringing of princes, his own work in scholarly explication, or the futility of war. It is clear that he delights in pointing out to his contemporaries the continuation of learning from the ancients and the need to adopt the lessons to his own times. This large and attractive summary of his thought in _Adages_ is just right for those who wish to take the lessons into our own.

One word Wow! Mrs. Brown did an amazing job with this book. I just want to tell people it's a must read.

Ms. Brown did an excellent job. The book immediately gets your attention and holds it from start to finish. I read this book in about 5 hours, because I kept wanting to know what would happen next. I look forward to her next offering. I am a fan for life!

Alaska Rainbows: Fly-Fishing for Trout, Salmon, & Other Alaskan Species by fishing professional Larry Tullis is a gorgeous guide filled with splendid full-color photographs and packed with detailed information on how to catch the best fish and enjoy oneself while doing it in the rugged Alaskan wilderness. Chapters cover trout habitats, fly patterns, Alaskan wildlife, planning a trip to Alaska and much more. Alaska Rainbows is very highly recommended for anyone contemplating a fishing trip to Alaska!

Alaska Rainbows: Fly-fishing For Trout, Salmon, & Other Alaskan Species by experienced guide and angler Larry Tullis offers a wealth of "user friendly" information about Alaskan rainbow trout, salmon, and other game fish species common to the Alaskan wilderness. Ranging from their habits and foods to optimal fly patterns and fishing tips, tricks, as well as proven techniques designed specifically to capture them for delicious feasting, the information presented is accurate, authoritative, comprehensive, and practical. Eighteen fly plates and a fly-pattern chart round out this superbly presented, tell-all guide for fly fishers interested in making the most their expeditions to Alaskan waters.

For the past two years I have kept this book as a daily journal. I love to keep journals & yet as a college student with heavy course loads I do not have much time to devote to a journal. The space that I am limited to by the format of this book allows me to focus only on what I truly appreciated and gained from each day & it enables me in retrospect to see what truly makes me happy & what I value in my life. There are also potions of this book designated for lessons learned, funny memories, personal information, inspirational quotations, & what is important to those people who are important to the reader. I cannot tell you how many friends & strangers have complimented my journal & I have encouraged to begin their own. Within the past year I have been unable to find this book in any stores & was gravely upset. It is truly a companion of mine that is irreplaceable. I cannot tell you the joy that I have received flipping through the memories of the past years & those moments that would have otherwise been fleeting. I whole heartedly encourage anyone to begin keeping for themselves a similar record of this coming year. You will find yourself greatly rewarded.

I am so disappointed this is out of print! Obviously the "powers at top" haven't used this book in their daily lives, as I have for 3 years! It is a perfect journal size with beautiful, colorful pages, that don't overwhelm, and insightful quotes fill every page. Travels well, and the pages can handle any type of ink with out bleeding through. On top of it all, a lovely purple ribbon to hold your place every day. Another of Mrs. Stoddard's wonderful works of art!

Essential contributions to the study of Western Esotericism. Alexandria issue #3 covers:
Introduction: Education and the Signs of the Times -- David Fideler
Harmony Made Visible -- Michael S. Schneider
The Alchemy of Art -- Arthur Versluis
Ecopsychology in Theory and Practice: A Report on the 1994 Conference -- Melissa Nelson
A Note Against the Aristotelians -- Peter Ramus
The Divine Sophia: Isis, Achamoth, and Ialdabaoth -- Lee Irwin
Ruminations on All and Everything -- Peter Russell

Clement of Alexandria's Letter to Theodore Containing Fragments of a Secret Gospel of Mark
The Strange Case of the Secret Gospel According to Mark: How Morton Smith's Discovery of a Lost Letter of Clement of Alexandria Scandalized Biblical Scholarship -- Shawn Eyer
Knowledge, Reason, and Ethics: A Neoplatonic Perspective -- Michael Hornum
Delphi's Enduring Message: On the Need for Oracular Communications in Psychological Life -- Dianne Skafte
Two Lyrics -- Christopher Reynolds
Lyric on a Renaissance Woodcut -- David Fideler
Anatolius: On the Decad -- Robin Waterfield (translator)
Two Letters of Marsilio Ficino
Proclus's Hymn to the One -- Michael Hornum (translator)
Cosmologies -- Dana Wilde
The Invisible College -- Anthony Rooley
Reviving the Academies of the Muses -- David Fideler
Plato, Athena, and Saint Katherine: The Education of the Philosopher -- Christine Rhone
The School of Wisdom -- Jane Leade
Education in the New World Order: A Trialogue -- Ralph Abraham, Terence McKenna, and Rupert Sheldrake
The Teaching Mission of Socrates -- Ignacio L. Götz
A Note on Myth, the Mysteries, and Teaching in Plato's Republic -- Ignacio L. Götz
The Tarocchi del Mantegna: An Overview of the Engravings
Reflections on the Tarocchi of Mantegna -- Oliver T. Perrin
Speaking in Hieroglyphics -- Peter Lamborn Wilson
Three Exemplars of the Esoteric Tradition in the Renaissance -- Karen-Claire Voss
Ships with Wings
Apuleius in the Underworld: A Footnote to Metamorphoses 11 -- John Carey
Three Homeric Hymns -- Bruce MacLennan (translator)
Astronomy, Contemplation, and the Objects of Celestial Desire -- David Fideler
Book Reviews
About the Contributors

Essential contributions to the study of Western Esotericism. Alexandria issue #3 covers:
Introduction: Education and the Signs of the Times -- David Fideler
Harmony Made Visible -- Michael S. Schneider
The Alchemy of Art -- Arthur Versluis
Ecopsychology in Theory and Practice: A Report on the 1994 Conference -- Melissa Nelson
A Note Against the Aristotelians -- Peter Ramus
The Divine Sophia: Isis, Achamoth, and Ialdabaoth -- Lee Irwin
Ruminations on All and Everything -- Peter Russell

Clement of Alexandria's Letter to Theodore Containing Fragments of a Secret Gospel of Mark
The Strange Case of the Secret Gospel According to Mark: How Morton Smith's Discovery of a Lost Letter of Clement of Alexandria Scandalized Biblical Scholarship -- Shawn Eyer
Knowledge, Reason, and Ethics: A Neoplatonic Perspective -- Michael Hornum
Delphi's Enduring Message: On the Need for Oracular Communications in Psychological Life -- Dianne Skafte
Two Lyrics -- Christopher Reynolds
Lyric on a Renaissance Woodcut -- David Fideler
Anatolius: On the Decad -- Robin Waterfield (translator)
Two Letters of Marsilio Ficino
Proclus's Hymn to the One -- Michael Hornum (translator)
Cosmologies -- Dana Wilde
The Invisible College -- Anthony Rooley
Reviving the Academies of the Muses -- David Fideler
Plato, Athena, and Saint Katherine: The Education of the Philosopher -- Christine Rhone
The School of Wisdom -- Jane Leade
Education in the New World Order: A Trialogue -- Ralph Abraham, Terence McKenna, and Rupert Sheldrake
The Teaching Mission of Socrates -- Ignacio L. Götz
A Note on Myth, the Mysteries, and Teaching in Plato's Republic -- Ignacio L. Götz
The Tarocchi del Mantegna: An Overview of the Engravings
Reflections on the Tarocchi of Mantegna -- Oliver T. Perrin
Speaking in Hieroglyphics -- Peter Lamborn Wilson
Three Exemplars of the Esoteric Tradition in the Renaissance -- Karen-Claire Voss
Ships with Wings
Apuleius in the Underworld: A Footnote to Metamorphoses 11 -- John Carey
Three Homeric Hymns -- Bruce MacLennan (translator)
Astronomy, Contemplation, and the Objects of Celestial Desire -- David Fideler
Book Reviews
About the Contributors