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This is an incredible book! I bought it for my daughter, but then kept for myself and using it in my 6th grade English class. Students are asking to read it on their own. Yes!

I got this book for my daugher and gave it to her during a boyfriend crisis. She sat down and read some of it and it made her feel a lot better for the weekend. I think it gave her some perspective on making sure she has fun and not to make too much of some things that people say or worry about the "girl" stuff that teenagers have to live with. I hope that she will refer to it often. I bought it for my two nieces for Christmas, one going through a parent divorce. I hope she reads it, it has some good advise for this too.

Every teen needs a copy of this book, not because it will make your life easier, but because it will at least make it simpler and more organized. Filled with sections on Health & Wellness, Getting Along, Staying Safe, School & Learning, Going Online, Planning Ahead, Saving the World, Focus On You, and Just for Fun, there is a ton of information just waiting in LIFE LISTS FOR TEENS.

Some of my favorite lists include:

1) 17 Ways to Manage Stress
2) 20 Ways to Tell if a Relationship is Unhealthy
3) A Bill of Rights for Children of Divorce
4) 12 Suicide Warning Signs
5) 19 Note-Taking Tips
6) The Student Bill of Rights
7) 7 Things You Should Know About Online Privacy
8) 10 Tips for Procrastinators
9) 10 Reasons Why You Need Self-Esteem
10) 12 Reasons to Write
11) 13 Things You Can Do to Promote Diversity

Overall, this is a great book for teens, pre-teens, and even parents. A helpful handbook to daily life!

My daughter loved this book. I thought it was good too. It's easy to read...not at all preachy...useful, easy to understand information. My daughter makes to do lists, and don't forget lists, and pros and cons lists....so this bood seemed like a no brainer when I was looking for a book for her to take on her trip. She liked that you could read a few lists at a time, put the book away, and think about what you just read.

If you are a teen, a parent, a teacher, a therapist, a counselor, a librarian, or absolutely anyone who works with teens....BUY THIS BOOK!!!!

It is amazingly well-written, comprehensive beyond belief, and one of the only few books that you can actually open to any page and use the material exactly as it is - no modifications necessary.

Plus, teens are very receptive to this. It's concise, user friendly, current and relevant!

LIVING ON THE RAGGED EDGE is a commentary on the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. This was a life-changing book for me in 1986. My whole life had literally collapsed right in front of my eyes. And I also had a nervous breakdown all in the pursuit of success and graduate school. This book seems to advocate living the "Simple Life", knowing God, having a wife and kids, not overdoing work or success. I have received alot of abuse the past 20 years about why I don't go back to graduate school; and the wisdom of this book is part of the reason. I had written to Radio Havana Cuba once and had said that this is a religious book that even Fidel Castro could appreciate! I hear that since then he invited to Pope to come to Cuba to visit.
We do live in an insane money-hungry society that has no values, no philosophy, no religion but the pursuit of the "Almight Dollar"! This ia a major reaqon for why we see American society disintegrating right before out eyes!
It is not deliberate, but I think I see myself as living in the 60's because of circumstances beyone my control. People in authority try to make my life as miserble as they can so as to pressure me into going back to college-this is called persecution.
The amazing thing about our secular achievements is that when we die, we do not get any reward in Heaven for them. Both Solomon in Ecclesiastes and Jesus Christ in the New Testament say that we get no reward in the next life for being a successful doctor, lawyer or businessman. Jesus said to lay up treasure in heaven-good works like charity towards the poor.
Also I noticed that it is God who gives man the ability to enjoy life. And contrary to religious tradition in puritalical America, I have found on my electronic Bible the advice to "eat, drink and be merry"{within moderation, of course.) the phrase occured five times in Ecclesiatstes. God gives the common man and the man who pleases him the ability to enjoy life. The life of the success driven rich man is so full of stress that he may have a fancy meal, yet he cannot taste the food he is eating! You can only live in one house at a time. You can only drive one car at a time. You can only spend so much money in this life because when you die, you won't have it any longer. You can have a house full of adult toys and possessions; yet you are unable to enjoy any of them. I would focus on having a couple of things and being able to use them to the full.
Solomon spoke from experience. He was the richest man in ancient Israel as he was the king. He had all the education a man could want. He had sexual pleasure-a harem of 500 wives like the Sultan of Brunei. He had more horses that he could ride. He had more achievement than he knew what to do with. Yet he couldn't find satisfaction. His advice was to fear God, obey his commandments and enjoy the simple pleasure of life. He found out that sometimes more is less.
In an exotic fashion, I had found out about INSIGHT FOR LIVING while monitoring Trans World Radio broadcasting from the island Monaco to England in 1986. They sent me a magazine promoting the book. I bought it and the study guilde and used them both. I have read LIVING ON THE RAGGED EDGE three times since them. This is obviously a message that God wants me to get into my spirit. And this is actually good advice for all of materialistic, worldly America!
Another afterthought is this. I don't think that joining the Army is the place to go to find God. But I had managed to get away from my home, family, church and social influences in Toledo. I read the Bible independantly and did not often attend church. I had found Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament; yet the message seemed to offend and irritate me at age 17. I think that you may have to go through a few things in life, have a few misfortunes and find a need to look to God for answers in the Bible to really appreciate this book and Ecclesiastes! Ecclesiastes is a book of godly philosphy! Philosophy=the study of wisdom!
This book's teaching is completely compatable with the New Testament and Christianity. St. Paul himelf had once written "Godliness with contentment is great gain"

It seems as if there exists no shortage of people that struggle through life believing that they alone have recognized the futility of life. Some wander though life seeking to quell the unquenchable thirst of lasting contentment through any and every means available while others concede to a life of unhappiness or death itself. It might amaze these same tired souls that it has been almost three thousand years since one of the few individuals that actually possessed the resources to explore the possibility of contentment through almost every means imaginable attempted the task and came to the conclusion that temporal existence is indeed futile. This journal documenting the futility of a merely temporal existence is known today as Ecclesiastes, and it presents the only source of lasting contentment. Those that feel alone in their grief and anguish at the reality of a meaningless existence should be comforted by the fact that they are not alone in this realization and that the answer to this dilemma existed prior to the beginning of time itself.

Living on the Ragged Edge presents the book of Ecclesiastes through a lens which might allow modern readers to fully appreciate its message. Swindoll also applies his own life's worth of understanding and knowledge to drawing out what might otherwise remain unnoticed points critical to the essence of Solomon's work. The book of Ecclesiastes is the catalyst of many conversions and Swindoll's contribution might very well add to its potency. The only difficulty that some may have with this work may reside in the thought that it seems to become mildly repetitive as it attempts to tackle Ecclesiastes in its entirety without combining reoccurring themes. This is a great book to pass on to anyone that might feel bogged down by the fast paced, pressure laden world in which we live, as well as to those who have a hard time seeing the point of life at all.

I read this book about 10 years ago - when I was younger, single, and worked like crazy. It made me reconsider my life and realize that life without God and His purpose is pointless. Even if you choose to deny there is a God and choose to believe in nothing- you can not deny the truths about the purposeless of life and the "race of the rats". No peace or satisfaction at the end of the day. It is funny at times and even may seem depressive and dark too. But there's a lot of light at the end of the tunnel -as you read on.
I loved this book so much that I want to give a copy of it to both of my children (ages 1 and 2) as wisdom or advice for when they come of age. I hope it can impact them as much as it impacted me and will have some insight as to the "race of the rats".

Quick. Name the author who wrote the famous lines, "Vanity, vanity! All is vanity!"

If you said Solomon, the ancient king of Israel, you'd be right. It's the opening refrain from Ecclesiastes, uttered after Solomon goes on the ultimate road trip, searching the world for meaning and happiness. He goes on to describe his journeys and offers observations including, "A human being is no better off than an animal because life has no meaning for either. They are both going to the same place --- the dust." And, "In this world you find wickedness where justice and right ought to be ... If you love money you will never be satisfied; if you long to be rich, you will never get all you want. The richer you are, the more mouths you have to feed." For the most part, the book is a downer.

It would be tempting to skip over Ecclesiastes. To not delve into its hopelessness and wrestle with why it's part of Scripture. But as renowned bible teacher Charles Swindoll points out in his book, LIVING ON THE RAGGED EDGE, Ecclesiastes is as true and relevant and important today as it was thousands of years ago.

"Ecclesiastes has today's world woven through the fabric of every page. Whether or not we are willing to admit it, deep within most of us there is this restless, irresponsible, adventuresome itch. Deadlines and responsibilities grate at us. We find ourselves ready to run --- to escape into the back road of our memories, to travel down the blue highways of life under the sun. 'Surely, there I will find what it takes to fill the void.' Before we are able to crank up the car Solomon's advice brings us back to reality: 'Don't bother, it's a pipe dream, empty as a puff of smoke, lacking in substance. It may look like it's worth the effort, but don't bother, life without God under the sun is despair personified.'''

And that's the catch; life without God is worthless.

Still, Swindoll doesn't blithely skip to that part, spouting platitudes about God's goodness along the way. He doesn't pull any punches in describing the world we live in and his take on life is refreshingly honest as he describes the dissatisfaction, discouragement, and despair so many people feel. We are all living on the ragged edge, as he puts it, and ignoring that fact doesn't make us better Christians.

This book, however, does have insight that can make the Christian life more vibrant and authentic.

"The good life --- the one that truly satisfies --- exists only when we stop wanting a better one. It is the condition of savoring what is, rather than longing for what might be. The itch for things, the lust for more --- so brilliantly injected by those who peddle them --- is a virus draining our souls of happy contentment. Have you noticed? A man never earns enough. A woman is never beautiful enough. Clothes are never fashionable enough. Food is never fancy enough. Relationships are never romantic enough. Life is never full enough.

"Satisfaction comes when we step off the escalator of desire and say, 'This is enough. What I have will do. What I make of it is up to me and my vital union with the Lord.'"

Swindoll is an excellent teacher from the pulpit, in front of a classroom, on the radio, and through his many books (this is one of his best). LIVING ON THE RAGGED EDGE has the potential to be an important wake-up call and reminder for all of us, urging us to seek God's wisdom rather than the wisdom of the world and to embrace the mystery and messiness of life on the raged edge. The edge can be uncomfortable, but the view is amazing.

--- Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel

While many Christian books encourage thoughts about God's love and kindness, it's also good to see life as it really is in this world. Swindoll pulls no punches as he describes the emptiness of living to please self instead of God.

Among the many excellent points Swindoll covers are:

1. People focus on the external appearances while God focuses on the heart.
2. God can work through you in mighty ways if you let Him.
3. Wise counsel for those under pressure.
4. The world's movers and shakers are also often the most lonely people on earth.
5. Different world-views and their weaknesses.
6. How to handle the mysteries of life.
7. Excellent counsel on how to get the most out of life.
8. What keeps us from pursuing happiness.

An excellent and highly recommended book, be encouraged and challenged to seek God's wisdom instead of the wisdom of the world!

Scott Stein successfully brought the absurd intricacies of the city to the page. In Jeremy Keller, he explores the American dreamer, but one that does not lose himself in the wave of numbing habit, but instead finds the strength to be content with the difficult reality of relative nonexistence. The elements of a man's life that shake and mold him are all woven into Jeremy's story. They are given a subtle humorous twist at each step, and make this one of the funniest books that I have read on the level of "Catch 22". However, beyond the exciting style and the unique insight, "Lost" has a message that must be extracted and not forgotten. It is a serious novel on man's absurdity first, and a fast-flowing satire about the lost city residents second. I enjoyed Scott Stein's work immensely, and recommend it to everyone.

This is really a well-written novel, a satire of sorts. Its a fun read and delivers powerful messages if you look beneath the surface. Its at its core a powerful representation of the human condition through the eyes of a naive narrator in New York city. Jeremy, the narrator, is on a quest for fame and glory, to become a recognized hero. A search that results from the feelings of insignificance that we all face.

I definately recommend this book and its message. I actually read this book while taking Scott Stein's course in Drexel University. He is a great teacher and a very creative writer. Also, if you enjoy this book, or would prefer to read essays and short stories, I recommend the compilation "When Falls the Coliseum". Its a compilation of modern short works (many of which are by Scott Stein) on the problems society faces. It is also available here on amazon and is worth the time and money!

Quite simply, I loved this book. Scott Stein has an amazing talent and I look forward to reading his next novel.

Unlike most writers, Scott Stein takes the time to develop his characters. He does not use stereotypes and other cliches. Instead Mr. Stein uses unique details and his command of the written word to bring a sense of realism to Jeremy Keller and the other characters in "Lost."

Mr Stein respects his audience. Instead of force-fed, over-the-top comedy, he use his subtle sense of humor to tell us this story. It is very easy for a young writer to fall into the trap of going overboard. Writers who do this lose their identity and become machines producing drivel for the masses. Scott Stein is truly an artist. He takes the time to create a work of art and not just a novel.

If you do not read this book, you are missing out on an experience that will not only entertain you but will teach you how a good writer writes. Mr. Stein should be proud of his art and his ability.

I have been a fan of Mr. Stein's work from his essays, humor, and commentary on his website... Although his book is advertised on the site, I was reluctant to buy it without reading any reviews beforehand. Intrigued by the advance praise it has received, I decided to buy it anyway. The book blew me away on all counts. First, this book is damned funny. I laughed out loud in many places, and drew stares from people riding on the bus with me as I went to work. His wit is sharp and truthful. Second, his prose is muscular, swift, the narrative pushing the story forward without calling attention to itself. But what blew me away the most was the story itself. Despite some hilarious scenes, there's a palpable menace lurking just below the surface in Mr Stein's tale. He manages to excavate and reveal the subterranean underpinnings of life in the late twentieth century without anger, self-righteousness, sentimentality, or cynicism. LOST provided me, a voracious reader, a splash of cold reality that sets him apart from most of the books I've read in a long time. This book is hysterical, unsettling, and, in an odd way, comforting. It will write itself into you. Buy this book. You won't regret it.

What struck me most about this book, beyond its deadpan and sharp wit, is that upon having finished it, I realized how much was said "between the lines", as the saying goes - brilliant omissions, implied strongly and otherwise, serve to produce some of the funniest undertones I have ever read, or, more accurately, not read. This is to say that Scott Stein, while never making it obvious, serves up a wicked economy of words which keeps this fast-paced novel twisting, turning, and intelligent. The reader's intelligence is never insulted.

At the same time, this economy of words (as well as to-the-point, unembellished narrative) makes the experience of travelling with the protagonist, Jeremy Keller, through his strange and ridiculous adventure, surprisingly deep and rewarding.

One of the other reviews here said you'll never put the book down. I have to disagree, since I did actually put it down when I finished it. However, I picked it up again later to go back and reread a few favorite parts.

Read it and be prepared to laugh out loud. Unless you don't like that kind of thing.

I went on a sabbatical in the mountains but couldn't put this book down. It's one of the best books I've ever read. Incredibly well written. Amazing life story. Inspiring beyond almost anything I've read from the period. Check out Two Crosses too for his speeches. It's a good supplement while reading the biography.

"Visionary." "Inspirational." "Controversial." "Black." "Gay." These are some of the many words used as description for Bayard Rustin in Lost Prophet: the Life and Times of Bayard Rustin by John D'Emilio. He was a nonviolent civil rights activist who firmly believed in the effectiveness of this approach and, despite all of the challenges he faced, was impervious to setbacks - though he had many of them. The author portrays Rustin as one of the unsung heroes of the twentieth century and as an instrumental player in promoting racial equality who is often forgotten and lost in the shuffle of history. This biography is a testament to all that he accomplished; trying in earnest to ensure that his name and impact is no longer overlooked.

Long before the civil rights movement gained momentum in the 1960's, Rustin was deeply involved in promoting equality through the means of non-violence. Raised a Quaker the ideals of pacifism were well embedded in his philosophies that it was only after joining forces with other pacifists, like A.J. Muste, that they together formed several successful organizations. Though his participation in these associations, like the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), was impressive it was his personal efforts that were most notable. In the 1942 while on a bus he decided to move to the white section; a decision that resulted in violence he refused to react to and imprisonment.

As an African-American, a homosexual, a former communist, conscientious objector, and pacifist the challenges he faced were many. Not only was he battling the stigmas of his race, he was also battling the stigma of his sexual orientation at a time when recognition of homosexuality was minimal. One event in which he was caught in the midst of a "lewd act" nearly derailed his lifetime of work and goals. Yet, as he continually did, he overcame that seemingly insurmountable obstacle and furthered his role in the civil rights movement. He forged a strong relationship with Martin Luther King, Jr. and taught him the tenants of a nonviolent movement. As a common acquaintance Glenn Smiley said, King "knew nothing" of Ghandian pacifism before Rustin. Though he witnessed the realization of many of his goals, Rustin believed that the fight was never over. As the fight for racial equality slowed down, Rustin recognized that the next big hurdle would be the struggle for gay rights.

D'Emilio's biography of this dynamic historical character is, without a better word to describe it, impressive. For a work of non-fiction, Lost Prophet, reads much like a novel. With simple prose and elegant descriptions, D'Emilio writes a thorough account without being daunting or arduous. He effectively contextualizes Rustin's movements from decade to decade with the appropriate political, economic, and social climate. Because of this we know, for example, that his flirtation with communism in the 1930's had less to do with Stalin's ideas and more to do with the belief that capitalism could not save the floundering American economy. D'Emilio researched Rustin's life so meticulously that one of my only criticisms is that, because he was too specific and detail oriented at times, my attention wavered slightly- though I would imagine that most people would not consider careful research to be a negative.

Finishing this biography of a man I had never heard of, yet who was clearly quite influential, leaves me curious about what else I do not know. Growing up, we are told of the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the movement he lead, yet little attention is paid to the behind the scenes efforts and the other people involved. Bayard Rustin is a shining example of how popular history can have a blind-spot. And because of this, I thank John D'Emilio for writing this informative biography and for teaching me some forgotten history about the Lost Prophet.

I just finished reading this book for my class on The Civil Rights Movement. I have say this book was very good. It gave me much insight into how the movement was more complex than what I was taught in grade school. If you're one of the people like I was who thought Dr. King was the total force behind the movement, you must read this book. You will become far more educated on how much of an impact this man was not only to the Civl Rights Movement, but other endeavors as well. It is sad how easily Rustin has been tossed aside because of prejudice of all things. But this is why it is important to have books like this one that educates and informs.

Rustin's story is a curious one -- how is it that a militant Quaker pacifist, a man who chose to go to prison during World War II, is found defending Lyndon Johnson's Presidency in 1968? The answer lies in the various tragedies of the '60's: the vestiges of the Cold War that shaped American policies; Johnson's ability to commit to progressive domestic policies but inability to shake free of the worst of the Cold War mentality; the triumphs and the tragic splintering of the American Civil Rights movement; and perhaps in Rustin's personal tragedy, that of a gay, black pacifist whose biggest political obstacle was not found in the radicalism of his ideas but in his attempt to live his personal life as a gay man.

D'Emilo appears to capture all those elements of Rustin, and suggests both how Rustin shaped those political movements in which he involved himself and how they served to shape him.

My students generally all are familiar with Dr. King's speech at the 1963 March on Washington. With few exceptions, however, they have never heard of the two men who planned the March: labor leader A.P. Randolph and Rustin. D'Emilo's book serves to remind us of just how much an injustice it is that Rustin's role in the Civil Rights movement has been so much forgotten.

Like many other people, I had not learned that 1963 March on Washington organizer Bayard Rustin was also homosexual. Because Rustin lived in a time when homosexuality was stigmatized (and march organizers had believed public recognition of his homosexuality was not 'respectable' Rustin had to keep this portion of his life hidden in order to have impact at this event.

Rustin complied with the now-unthinkable directive because social justice had always been a passion.

Rustin's Quaker upbringing influenced his passion for social justice. In college, he became an organizer for the Young Communist League; he later quit when they advocated World War II participation. Rustin's strong sense of morality would not allow him to enlist in World War II, he believed that a sentence in the federal prison system was the only moral option.

Rustin began freedom riding with the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) as early as the 1940's. Although these people were ahead of their time on many issues, they could not accept his sexuality. Rustin later found employment with the War Resisters League (which in that era at least stayed neutral on the issue) but the experience undoubtedly stayed with him.

Fortunately, Rustin was able to later come out in the 1970's. Until his death he was open about his identity as a gay man. Discrimination was the problem, not his sexuality.

Today, we continue to see inadvertent consequences from the earlier decision to minimize Rustin's identity as a gay man. The allegedly liberal mass media has largely persisted in portraying GLBT issues as universally white, and gave substantial airtime to Alveda King, a niece of the late Martin Luther King who denounces homosexuality.

The mass media tellingly elects to ignore the public GLBT rights support of Jesse Jackson and Coretta Scott King, who recognize there are many more blacks like Rustin. We cannot work towards the world he had envisioned without acknowlleging his whole self.

I picked this book up at a local Dollar Tree for, what else, one dollar. I'm not completely sure on how that reflects on the book itself. No matter where I purchased it, the story of Nick Piantanida and the Strato-Jump project is just incredible. I am not a baloonist, parachutist, or anything even remotely related, but Nick's story is inspiring no matter who you are. This is one of the best books I have read in the past year. No matter where you find this book, pick it up! Also, the photographs are great! Highly recommended.

On the morning of February 2, 1966, a gigantic weather balloon rose from the South Dakota prairie and soared straight into the Stratosphere. In the small aluminum gondola beneath the massive helium filled envelope, parachutist Nick Piantanida prepared to set a world's record. At 120,000 feet, he would jump out of the gondola, free fall for tens of thousands of feet - reaching a speed perhaps greater than Mach 1.0 in the process - and then glide to safety beneath a modified Para-Commander.

It wasn't meant to be. When he reached jump altitude, a horrified Piantanida discovered the quick-release on his oxygen hose had hopelessly jammed. He had no choice but to cut the gondola loose, and fall back to earth with the aid of its cargo parachute. Three months later he would make another attempt. Unfortunately for this brave and dauntless American, that jump would end in disaster, and cost him his life.

Author Craig Ryan, whose fascinating chronicle of military balloon flights and parachute tests The Pre-Astronauts briefly described Piantanida's Project Strato-Jump, revisits the topic in great detail in Magnificent Failure. While Strato-Jump has sometimes been denigrated as a haphazard effort undertaken by an amateur, Ryan makes clear that characterization is far from the truth. Piantanida was an extremely experienced parachutist, and a cadre of professionals from the civilian, contractor, and military world supported his effort. In reality, Strato-Jump was one of the boldest civilian efforts of its era, and it might well have succeeded had not the disconnect fitting jammed.

Where Piantanida's final, fatal flight is concerned, Ryan presents a great deal of new information and develops a credible scenario concerning what went awry. For years, this topic has been the subject of speculation and rumor. It is now clear that Piantanida was doomed from the moment he took off.

Yet while it does chronicle a debacle, Magnificent Failure is not merely a somber record of a botched endeavor. Rather, it is an entertaining and readable portrait of a larger-than-life figure who dreamed of glory and worked terrifically hard and against all odds to obtain it. Thanks to Ryan's research effort, technical insight, and journalism skills, the book is remarkably insightful, full of detail and pulse-pounding drama. In an era when civilian teams are once again striving to reach not just the upper atmosphere but space itself -- the X-Prize contenders come to mind -- Magnificent Failure delivers a message of inspiration, while at the same time reminding us that glory sometimes eludes even the bravest of men.

As a collector of books written by or about former astronauts as well as balloonist I can honestly say that this is one of the finest written accounts I have read. This book truly captures both the technical side of this endeavor and the man behind the dream.

As a 3rd grade student of St. Bernard's Grade School in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1965 I distinctly recall being on the school playground and watching a small dot in the sky that we knew was a ballon. I recall at that time knowing the difference between gas and hot air ballons. The buzz on the playground was that someone was going to parachute from the balloon. I am not sure how I knew that but I was captivated by this event as I have been since by aeronautical events of all kinds.

Thanks Craig Ryan.....this is a very cool book!

EZ

I am Vern Piantanida, Nick Piantanida's brother. I already submitted a review for the book. I did this using my son-in-law's system so it picked up my review as being from him - James Keenan. Of course, this caused confusion as people think James is another brother to Nick. Nick had only one sibling - me. Sorry for the confusion.

As the manager of the Lakewood Parachuting Center in the 1960's I met and jumped with Nick from his first jump on. Craig Ryan understood what we were doing back then and wrote a wonderful story about what really happened.

Craig Williamson has written a thorough, scholarly, and yet user-friendly book about the management and relief of muscular and neuromuscular pain. He gives us complete exercises that make sense and are easy to follow. For those of us baby-boomers who have exercised for too many years without the proper form and relaxation techniques, I highly recommend this book to help you stay healthy so you can exercise for years to come. I have given this book to at least five friends who suffer all different kinds of back, shoulder, and neck pain, and they have all found great help from Williamson's extensive knowledge. Everyone in my family has read it and tries to bring these exercises and techniques into our daily lives. Every reader will benefit from Williamson's wisdom.

Well, I had buy this twice because my 31 year old son ended up taken my first copy to his house. These stretches mime yoga exercises and can bring you to better posture that will make you feel better in every way.

I am very impressed with this book. The ideas and techniques presented have been helpful to me in my search for a more pain-free life. The thought that we can build bad habits, which seem normal to us, and then find relief through retraining ourselves holds out hope after times of frustration with recurring pain.

For anyone who is trying to deal with physical pain, long or short term, this book is a truly powerful tool. I've been in the field for decades, and Mr. Williamson's clarity and precision outshine most of what's available. Written in simple language, he makes a deep and complex subject easily accessible. The best thing about this book is that it is gives you a way to actually put its transformative information into immediate use. I experienced considerable pain relief after just a few hours of playing with the exercises. It's now required reading for all my clients! Thank you Mr. Williamson.

This book is well-balanced in practical and theoretical advice regarding how to manage chronic muscle pain, tension, repetitive stress injuries, tendonitis, etc. The basic principle rests on what Williamson calls "kinesthetic awareness," a quality most of us lack. Learning to develop our kinesthesia is the key to pain-free living. Williamson includes "explorations" in each chapter in order to develop this awareness. Part II of the book includes exercises tailored toward problem areas and based on the prior explorations.

Williamson presents the information in a logical and engaging way, encouraging the reader to the exercises daily. I have seen great improvement in my own lower back pain and would recommend this book to anyone who struggles with muscular pain.

Humor can be a serious business and it isn't always pretty. That's why I love this book! P.S. Wall isn't afraid to point out the imperfections of everyday life from a slightly warped perspective. Her stories always make me smile and she reminds me that I'm not the only one that thinks that life is funny! Besides, she doesn't use any big words and she keeps her chapters short. I like that in a woman ...

This is without a doubt, the funniest female writer since Erma Bombeck. P.S.Wall makes girl talk fun, without the complaining. A must read!

I bought the book at lunch and decided to just thumb through it quickly. Oh,no...I hear the sound of laughter and realize it's me. Quickly, I slap my hand over my mouth and slowly turn around to see if someone heard me. A cube-mate rolls his chair around to my cube and just stares. I blush and stare back. He is waiting for an answer. I giggle and say I just remembered something that happened at lunch. Suddenly, I am telling the story as if it were my own (wishing it to be true). Others join the laughter and I tell another. Then an idea hits me.! My Love is free....for secretary's day instead of flowers...the boss gives everyone a P.S. Wall book. My peers will love me and I might get a promotion or better yet a raise for this suggestion.

P. S. Wall's comfortable humor makes me read and want to read again her experiences from the true, down-a-dirt-road, Sunday-go-to-meetin', chicken and dumplins', rural South. How did she grow up in my neighborhood without my knowing it?

My mom got me this book for Christmas, and her impeccable taste in humor didn't fail here. "My Love Is Free ..." is one of the funniest books of all time. Her "Sweetie" sounds just like most guys I know ... I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe when I read about their "adventures" in installing outdoor lighting. Even my husband, who can be a bit sensitive about this subject, laughed until his eyes watered. You can't go wrong giving this book as a gift ... and make sure to buy an extra copy for yourself!

I have various problems: a bad upper back, minor arthritis in the knee. Years ago, I started "freezing up" from muscle tension and the inactivity that came from being immobile. I discovered this book and have been applying it to myself ever since. I haven't had any contact with her organization lately, but back then, they sold a curved piece of metal with rubber tips on each end called a "shepherds crook." I have been using it on my own back ever since. The technique combines pressing on points of the various muscles for 5 seconds or so, along with stretching exercise. It works.

I had intense headaches for years. My MD gave me pain killers. Chiropractors gave me temporary relief -- I'd have to return every two weeks or so. But using the methods in this book resulted in my not having headaches, now, at all! Also I once had a pinched nerve in my neck. A specialist gave me therapy and a traction unit as he said it would return from time to time. I used the traction unit many times. However, one day I was in such pain from the headache caused by the pinched nerve that I had used the traction unit three times before lunch but with one treatment it was gone and I have not had a recurrance.I am a firm believer in its usefulness! Bonnie Prudden"s other book "Bonnie Prudden's Guide to Pain Free Living" is also excellent.

I had intense headaches for years. My MD gave me pain killers. Chiropractors gave me temporary relief -- I'd have to return every two weeks or so. But using the methods in this book resulted in my not having headaches, now, at all! Also I once had a pinched nerve in my neck. A specialist gave me therapy and a traction unit as he said it would return from time to time. I used the traction unit many times. However, one day I was in such pain from the headache caused by the pinched nerve that I had used the traction unit three times before lunch but with one treatment it was gone and I have not had a recurrance.I am a firm believer in its usefulness! Bonnie Prudden"s other book "Pain Erasure" is excellent. We found it first and it was the one we used with such success. We have both, now.

Bonnie Prudden was a person light years ahead of her time.What she had to say about fitness and injuries is still applicable today. Her techniques to reduce pain have helped me to get rid of my chronic back pain. This book is a must for reference and techniques that really work.

I am very impressed with this book and have been recommending it to all my friends. Although the techniques described will not be learned in an instant, or on the first read, it should not be too hard for most people to figure them out from the detailed, thoughtful explanations in this book. Recently, I read a couple of books in the same vein that got me interested in the idea that chronic pain is largely created by muscle tension, so I was open to hearing her experiences ... and the conclusions she has come up with make a lot of sense. I especially found the corrective exercises to be *excellent*. I wish, though, that the exercises were presented together in one section .. it's a little hard to jump from page 20 to page 43 to page 67. However, this way of presenting it forces you to read the in-between text, which has much valuable information. I can't say much about the efficacy yet because I have only begun to apply it, but I expect it to be very helpful for my chronic "computer-neck" problems. Check it out!

The book New Prescription for Childhood Obesity by Dr. Billy Johnson was very informative. I was able to see the connection between what we eat and our health. It explains a lot about the health of our nation especially our children. I see so many overweight children and adults and that this epidemic makes me realize that we are slowly eating away our health.

This book gives clear and medically proven guidance for dealing with childhood obesity, but I believe that the information is also helpful for improving the health of children and adults of average weight and for adult weight management and health. It is well written, easy to follow, understand and implement. It is a practical guide to good health for children with many benefits for parents as well.

I can't agree with Dr. Johnson more than what the rest of the reviews have mentioned. The product he refers to (MonaVie) is a wonderful product for gaining a high amount of antioxindants and phytonutrients for adults and children. Not only is it good for children to curb obesity, it is also great for adults looking to get their proper daily nutrition. Taking 4 ounces daily is the equivalent to getting up to 13 servings of fruit a day. The USDA recommends getting 7-13 servings a day. Who has the time to eat that many fruits/veggies a day? Not me. It only takes 30 seconds to get your 4 ounces of MonaVie. I can't recommend it enough. For more info on MonaVie you can go to [...]/IFeelGreat.

Genre: Health & Fitness

Title: New Prescription for Childhood Obesity:
Fight Childhood Obesity with Antioxidants & Phytonutrients

Author: Billy C. Johnson M.D., Ph.D

Everyone that is aware of their surroundings must realize that childhood obesity has become an epidemic. However, few are as knowledgeable about the extremely sad, long term effects as this author, Billy C. Johnson M.D., Ph.D.
Written as a parenting guide for the 5-12 year old generation, the intention is teaching that eating less and exercising more does not work on a long term basis. Parents must teach their children the root of the problem so lifelong habits of healthy eating are established. By understanding this approach, the parents themselves adopt a healthier lifestyle, benefiting as well.
The root of the problem is the development of low-grade silent inflammation combined with decreased levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients. The result being chronic, degenerative diseases with Type 2 diabetes at the top of a growing list threatening quality of life. The multitude of traumatic diseases is not only diabetes but loss of energy and muscle, arterial plaque, poor concentration, heart disease and high blood pressure, just a few mentioned as a wake up call. Along with all of this, we are also faced with external sources such as pollution, inadequate sleep and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Chapter 1, is based on the philosophy that balanced nutrition can be tailored to the individual level of physical activity. Antioxidants are phytonutrients, which are chemical compounds found in non-starchy vegetables, fruits, beans and soy. They must be included in the diet for the body to be able to neutralize high levels of free radicals that cause oxidative stress, attack DNA and other healthy cells. The recommended daily serving of 7-9, falls very short in today's society. A new discovery to combat this deficiency is Mona Vie, which is a highly concentrated juice based from the Acai Berry.
This book has been meticulously written in 14 easy to understand chapters. The author, Billy C. Johnson M.D., Ph.D. leaves no stone unturned as he covers everything with clarity from food groups, to necessity of water and snacks. Planning is very important and he teaches us how to plan/shop, as well as providing a sample plan including many basic recipes.
He graduated from the University of Florida, did his residency in obstetrics and gynecology in Brooklyn and has also practiced in Virginia and Connecticut. After tragically losing his brother to heart attack secondary to diabetes he became interested in Health & Wellness. He is very active on the subject with public speaking, weekly radio program and on the Internet.
It has been an honor to learn from his book and I would highly recommend it.
Reviewer: Cheryl Ellis, Allbooks Reviews.

Quoting from the back cover:

"About one in three American children is either overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is a crisis robbing youth of health and energy, and even causing children to die prematurely. Obesity among children, which is likely to carry over to adulthood, is also linked to a greater risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, early heart disease, and high blood pressure.

"New Prescription for Childhood Obesity provides an innovative approach to fighting childhood obesity. The traditional method for weight loss and fat reduction has been to eat less and exercise more, but this does not work over the long haul. To lose weight and keep it off requires addressing the root cause of the problem: insulin resistance and the low-grade silent inflammation that is triggered by many factors, including foods and environmental causes such as pesticides, industrial pollutants, and toxins.

"Now parents have an opportunity to change their child's eating and physical activity habits even before a weight problem develops. Complete with recipes to get you on the right track, this essential guide provides specific and simple strategies, techniques, and skills that will enable children to eat the right amount of food appropriate for their level of physical activity without dieting."

This is an excellent book, and we could all benefit, not just our children, from Dr. Johnson's theories, information and eating/exercise program. There certainly is a need in this country for information and guidance to help us fight our obesity issue. This is a well written, organized and edited book, and if your child has a weight problem, you might want to read and consider Dr. Johnson's program.

Kaye Trout
Reviewer

I thought this was an awesome book explaining Rodney Carroll's life and way to becoming a person who is very successful. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would encourage anybody to buy and read this book!

Rodney J. Carroll, the author, describes being raised by a neglectful mother in a poverty-stricken area, his pitfalls and prmotions within United Parcel Service, his pilot project which showed UPS the work potential of people on welfare and his experience standing on the podium with the President of the United States.

While reading the book, you feel like you are right with him. For example, he describes the story of his first day of work where he isn't trained and makes significant mistakes. He leaves the rollers in the truck, fails to sort the packages, and comes close to losing his job. He doesn't hesitate to tell the reader about weaknesses- giving you a sense he is a well-rounded real person willing to share of himself.

This book also avoids many of the cliches and unreality of the typical "rags to riches" autobiography. For example, he speaks of two times in his life where he basically gives up and becomes apathetic. At one point in high school, his counselor tells him that he is not smart enough to go to college. He internalizes that message and partially believes it. He flirts with gang activity and drug dealing. He also gets turned down for promotions at United Parcel Service and makes the decision that many people make in that circumstance- to do his job, but not try to do more.

In each of these cases, he gets his ambition back and his life on track. A friend of his tells him about the Basic Educational Opportunty Grant which he uses to get his tuition paid. And, he is promoted at UPS four years later to be a division manager at the Lawnsdale Hub.

We are spared the usual impression of a person who remains totally determined and courageous under all circumstances.

Yet, he also speaks with detail about motivating employees in a union shop where the work is monotonous and the lifting is heavy. He describes the internal politics where he persuades the managers to hire people on welfare.

There are many lessons here- and it's very entertaining. I read it three times.

I also could not put this book down. I began it on a plane flight and was almost hoping for a delay in the air so that I could keep reading it. I read it in about 3 days. The way Gary Karton weaves the incredible story of Rodney Caroll from present to past and back to present creates a fasinating tale. Mr Caroll's life and work is definitely worth anyone's time to read - from the most liberal of social workers to the most conservative corporate board member. I kept thinking that I want to meet the man himself! It's a fabulous piece of work and I highly recommend it.

Rodney's book has sparked interest and attention. When one reads the book : you might wonder how could Rodney rise above his surroundings and overcome his roadblocks ? Well knowing Rodney for a number of years ; I've noticed that Rodney doesn't see roadblocks and has never fell victim to any of his apparently tough surroundings. He's a remarkable man with a gift. Everyone that has the opportunity to meet and share with him will notice this. He his :what success is meant to be. Rodney will enjoy tremenedous success because he always tries to share his good fortune.He truly believes that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. His calling is to make others great and he will never fail. I'm priviledged to know Rodney and call him friend.Rodney is a big man with a big mission-and anyone anywhere who can fellowship with him will leave inspired.Any corporation that has him will definitely excel.Any person that has Rodney as a friend is definitely blessed. Oprah,Tom Joyner,Tony Brown, and Rev Gray showcase this man.

...............Wes Southall

Awesome - I believe that Rodney, in the course of his remarkable career, has indeed changed our world for the better with his compassion and belief. I also truly believe this book should be a mandatory read in all high schools and colleges. It gives much food for thought, including the responsibility each of us has to help address and solve the welfare problem Corporate America is living today. Most of us know little about the demeaning lives the people on welfare are forced to live, or the almost impossible task of improving their lives and Rodney, through his telling of his own experiences exposes the readers to their plight. I found this book an endless source of inspiration for me as a pacifist and believer in justice and equality for all. Rodney's skillful representation of welfare today reminds me of the unforgettable words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King where he prophetically penned: "We cannot have an enlightened democracy with one great group living in ignorance...... We cannot have a nation orderly and sound with one group so ground down and thwarted that it is almost forced into unsocial attitudes and crime". Like Dr. King, Rodney has forever altered the consciousness of America, like Dr. King, Rodney understands that love of God and love of ourselves are the necessary first steps on the road to freedom.

One of Rodney Carroll's greatest aspects is his commitment to his very own thoughts and thus, speaking his mind. He doesn't necessarily say what America's majority want to hear. That is why he is so phenomenal, so involved. His urgency in helping America's welfare recipients create themselves a better future, oppressed people world-wide; and his logical prioritising of human rights before civil rights, are evidential of his deep complex understanding of human nature.

Rodney's searing story belongs on the small shelf of great autobiographies. The reasons are many: the blistering honesty with which he recounts his transformation from a black kid trying to survive in the ghetto's of America finest into the exemplary, courageous and articulate man he is today. His honest portrayal of his life is a morally uplifting story, but it is also a fun read. This book will make you think, laugh and cry. It is also one of the most entertaining stories I've ever read. I've read it twice and in a few years, another read will be time well spent. All will be enriched by this fascinating book. It's a MUST!!

Rodney you're the BEST. Keep up the good work.