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Fritz Rothschild, the editor of this anthology of Heschel's varied writings, was a colleague and friend of Heschel's at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Rothschild became the foremost interpreter of Heschel's thought by 1959 when he first published "Between God and Man," containing selections from Heschel's major books and articles preceded by the editor's lucid and systematic introduction to Heschel's life and thought. "Between God and Man" remains the best introduction to Heschel, a foundation for Heschel studies, a popular classroom text, and a precious resource for the laity as well as scholars and teachers of 20th-century religious thought.

One must hang on one's lips when a wise Jew is talking about God. It is as if Einstein is speaking abou physics, Mozart composing music, van Gogh painting. Read carefully and with open heart!

Heschel's interpretation of Judaism is that of MYSTICISM AND MONOTHEISM, the ineffable and unexplainable, the allusiveness that can only point us to the inner certainty of God.

Heschel is a substantial writer and skilled in both analogy and description. And ultimately, in defining Jewish wisdom in words, is that which cannot be as defined in words as calculable and systematic, but rather as a direction to be pointed. And this is what you will find in most non-fundamental wisdom. It is here that expressions defining God as indefinable are so well conveyed. The SUBLIME, the MYSTERY, wonder, awe, reverence, the idea of the holy and that of revelation are the spontaneous creative events verses that of causal processes.

Here `modern man fell into the trap of believing that everything can be explained, that reality is a simple affair which has only to be organized in order to be mastered. All enigmas can be solved, and all wonder is nothing but the effect of novelty upon ignorance.' P. 40 Such dogmatic fallacies can be found in both science and religion. `The deeper we search the nearer we arrive at knowing that we do not know. The mystery of divinity, `it is a dimension off all existence and may be experienced everywhere and at all times. This sense of the ineffable perceives is something objective, which cannot be conceived by the mind nor captured by imagination or feeling, something real, which by its very essence, is beyond the reach of thought and feeling. What we are primarily aware of is not our self, our inner mood, but a transubjective situation, in regard to which our ability fails. Subjective is the manner, not the matter of our perception. What we perceive is objective in the sense of being independent of and corresponding to our perception. Our radical amazement reasons to the mystery, but does not produce it. You and I have not invented the grandeur of the sky nor endowed man with the mystery of birth and death. We do not create the ineffable, we encounter it. P. 47

Now what underlies this ineffable and non-explanatory presence or allusive presence of divinity beyond discursive analysis, is what Judaism consists of, monotheism, this being an absolute purpose and a CERTAINTY, the certainty of God that finds all other expression.

`God is a mystery but the mystery is not God. He is a revealer of mystery. The certainty that there is meaning beyond the mystery is the reason fore ultimate rejoicing. P. 49 The certainty of the realness of God does not come about as a corollary of logical premises, as a leap from the realm of logic to the realm of ontology, from an assumption to a fact. It is on the contrary, a transition form an immediate apprehension to a thought form a preconceptual awareness to a definite assurance, from being overwhelmed by the presence of God to an awareness of His existence. What we attempt to do in the act of reflection is to raise that preconceptual awareness to the level of understanding. P. 67 `To meet Him is to come upon an inner certainty.' P. 80

Regarding Jewish LAWS, Heschel writes that such laws are not meant as a yoke, nor repressive to desires, nor a straight jacket of rituals, but out of love, from an internal center, the heart, where the soul, the internal motivation of love, must be in harmony with the law

Laws are emphasized not as mechanical duties but rather as artistic acts, as in music one must be what he plays. The goal is to find access to the sacred deed. To do a mitzvah is one thing; to partake of its inspiration another. P. 166

The law is a cry for creativity, not mechanical processes, nor technicalities. The law is only valid with the motivation of the heart behind it. It is both the action and the inspiration behind the action. The laws and traditions are self-defeating without faith and heart motivation. Judaism is more than law, it is purity of the heart, it is faith and love of God. God is called to re-create the world in his likeness. The law must never be idolized. Rules are only generalizations. Judaism is not legalism. Just as proclaimed truths - kerygma, are worthless without the deeper allusive essence - dogma, so is Halakhah - the definite rational instructions worthless without the Agadah - the allusive, non-discursive and immeasurable. The law must have both or its way is perverted.

`It supplies the weapons, it points the way; the fighting is left to the soul of man.' 'Obedience to the letter of the law regulates our daily living, but such obedience must not stultify the spontaneity of our inner life. P. 176

`The true goal for man is to be what he does.' P. 164. `Sacred deeds are designed to make living compatible with our sense of the ineffable. The mitzvot are forms of expressing in deeds the appreciation of the ineffable. P. 182 The soul grows by noble deeds. The soul is illumined by sacred acts. P. 177

'To reduce Judaism to halakhah - defined actions - is to dim its light, to pervert its essence and to kill its spirit. . . . to reduce it to agadah - inward purity only - is to blot out its light, to dissolve its essence and to destroy its reality. Indeed, the surest way to forfeit agadah is to abolish halakhah. They can only survive in symbiosis. The life of the spirit too needs concrete actions for its actualization.' P. 177

Heschel outlines the tension between regularity and spontaneity, how both must be polarized.

`The way to kavvanah is through the deed; the way of faith is a way of living. Halakhah and agadah are correlated; halakhah is the string, agadah is the bow. When the string is tight and the bow will evoke the melody.' `Deeds not only follow intention; they also engender kavvanah.' P. 180

And the PSYCHOLOGY of Judaism:

`We must not indulge in self-scrutinization; we must not concentrate upon the problem of egocentricity. The way to purify the self is to avoid dwelling upon the self and to concentrate upon the task. Any religious or ethical teaching that places the main emphasis upon the virtues of inwardness such as faith and the purity of motivation must come to grief. If faith were the only standard, the effort of man would be doomed to failure. Indeed, the awareness of the weakness of the heart, the unreliability of human inwardness may perhaps have been one of the reasons that compelled Judaism to take recourse to actions instead of relying upon inward devotion.' P. 189 There is power in the deed purifies desires. It is the act, life itself that educates the will. The good motive comes into being while doing the good. P. 190

This review is far from detailed, as their is much more not mentioned, you'll have to read the book for that. However I think this review does reveals somewhat of the religious dimension and insight of the ineffable Heschel lays out, the ideas beyond conceptualization with monotheism at its center. I recommend this book for anyone, the religious - of all persuasions, the non-religious, and/or anyone who wishes to attempt to perceive the idea of the sacred within the de-mystified and rational world we live in. Heschel is worth all the time invested in his writings.

Heschel has one of those rare gifts of being able to take a subject, break it down, and then present it in a manner that most can understand. In this book, Heschel takes a philosophic look at Judaism and why it much more than a religion, but a way of life.

Even a Gentile or non-religious reader can come away from this reading with a kinder appreciation for the religion and inherent philosophy of Judaism. Heschel is able to dispel much of the ignorance and hate concerning this great religion.

The structure of this book is sound and concise starting with the general notion of why in his mind there simply has to be a creator. Then he moves into the most fundamental of human questions such as good and evil and needs and desires.

Many, many years have passed since I was assigned to read this book in college. It makes me laugh when I reflect on that which we read in class to develop "critical thinking" skills and how much more it all resonates once we experience life and gain smarts that don't come from classrooms and the regurgitation of facts.

I pulled this book out recently. I had marked up many passages, but I'll try to stay focused in this "review", which is really a commentary. In particular, I believe that the passage below has particular relevance in light of the passing of Coretta Scott King and the whole of the Martin Luther King legacy. So, here it is:

"Human existence cannot derive its ultimate meaning from society, because society itself is in need of meaning. It is as legitimate to ask: Is mankind needed? - as it is to ask: Am I needed? Humanity begins in the individual man, just as history takes its rise from a singular event. It is always one man at a time whom we keep in mind when we pledge: 'with malice toward none, with charity for all,' or when trying to fulfill: 'Love they neighbor as thyself.'

The term 'mankind,' which in biology denotes the human species, has an entirely different meaning in the realm of ethics and religion. Here mankind is not conceived as a species, as an abstract concept, stripped from its concrete reality, but as an abundance of specific individuals; as a community of persons rather than as a herd of a multitude of nondescripts. While it is true that the good of all counts more than the good of one, it is the concrete individual who lends meaning to the human race. We do not think that a human being is valuable because he is a member of the race; it is rather the opposite: the human race is valuable because it is composed of human beings."

I find Heschel's explorations compelling because they not only explore the relationship between God and man. Rather, he responds to two questions that challenge: First, what are the fundamental tenets of Judaism? - a much heftier question than might appear at first blush, and second, why should people choose to adhere to the obligation of following laws that appear to restrain actions?

Heschel believes that God is concerned about the world; he holds that God has revealed His moral nature by his intimate involvement with mankind throughout history; his God is principally concerned with fostering unity on earth. For Heschel, God "holds our fitful lives together . . . God means: Togetherness of all beings in holy otherness." And Heschel's perspective on the purpose(s) of the Torah -- to encourage people to sense God's presence in life and to understand the Torah as not a set of provisions that restrict, but, rather an answer to life's difficulties for "the more we do for His sake the more we receive for our sake."

What is particularly intriguing to me is that whether one believes in God or not, Heschel's wisdom prevails. Why? Because there is an opportunity to perform Mitzvot - to do "good." Mitzvot enable us to attain a sense of the holy, to fulfill, if you will, our souls, ourselves. Therefore, mitzvot are for our benefit, inner fulfillment so to speak; the laws are not ever a "yoke."

If through doing "good" by way of our actions, we are afforded the possibility to transcend ourselves; to sense the ineffable as we can by experiencing and appreciating great music. Furthermore, Heschel doesn't behoove us to fulfill "laws" perfectly; only to the best of our ability. In "doing the finite we may perceive the infinite . . (man gains) a perception of life eternal in everyday deeds." It's Kavanah, an awareness not of duty, but of inner spirituality. While the laws (or Halachah) direct, the essence is found in the human. "Without faith, inwardness and the power of appreciation of the law is meaningless." Both faith and action will better the world. Through deeds, we are able to confront the human and the holy. I buy this. It's a reminder that we need to preserve our sense of wonder and respect for that which we don't know or don't yet know.

The beauty of the Torah is that it is always relevant: it preserves life. Religious or spiritual observances are cherished for they are opportunities that allow us to find ourselves. Heschel explains that an internal peace is the result of study, of understanding, of acting and of giving.

Which leads me to my final thought: Heschel is not just talking of Judaism. His thinking applies everywhere we turn. The ethnicity or race - actually, ethnicities and races - all matter. They all count. All we are asked to do is listen, watch, and act. Whom shall we listen to? Whom shall we watch? How should we act? I ask myself these questions; I hope that my daughters will, too.

What a delight this book is! Profound? Maybe yes, maybe no - but if your bones are settling into a rigid mold, this may be the one to break you loose again. And loose simply FEELS so much better....

Most self-help books take you down serious paths of introspection: Wise bushwacks you into self-knowledge by teaching you to play again, and letting that play reveal new vistas.

Loads of simple, fascinating and just plain fun things to do that will break loose your creativity, your freedom, and your happiness - and will even give you ideas for outrageously fun parties at the same time.

As a teenager, I once took out a couple of library books that purportedly tested your creativity. According to them, I failed miserably because I didn't come up with the "right" answers, and it was years before I realized that I'd actually been TOO creative for the tests! But their approach is typical of how narrowly our educational system defines creativity: if you have a gift for (say) drawing or singing, you can become a professional in the arts, but otherwise creativity is irrelevant to most people's daily lives. And, anyway, even if you feel that you'd enjoy taking a pottery class or an acting workshop, you have more important things to do with your time and money. Nina Wise shows us how to circumvent both of these obstacles and bring creative expression into our lives. The crucial factor is awareness, both of ourselves and of the world around us. Her exercises give us the opportunity to know ourselves as complex beings, with bodies as well as minds and spirits, and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of even the most mundane aspects of our surroundings. Becoming more aware isn't necessarily easy, or fun, or reassuring, but it can enrich anyone's life immensely. I heartily recommend this book to everyone -- especially those who think "I'm not creative" or "I have nothing to say": you are, and you do, and this is how you find out.

I was very skeptical of this book (how can you not be with a name like that), but it ended up proving to be a meaningful read. It's not profound in it's concept: the author simply gives you inner "permission" to act on your impulses and emotions. These suggestions are constuctive and sneak into your thinking throughout your day. It's the kind of book that is not jaw dropping when your done, it's meaning trickles slowly and frees you a little.
The author did make you feel great but my only concern is that it made her feel greater. Some passages bordered on bragging but still made you feel as though you also had something to contribute. This book proved me wrong, all in all, and is worth giving a shot.

Nina Wise subtitles her wonderful book, "Self-expression and spritual practice
for those who have time for neither." And she could have added, for those who
don't habitually shop at the Self-Improvement section of the store. I had my
qualms but I had first heard the author's name from an impeccable source so I
carried on and bought it. I quickly realised this wasn't Buddhism Lite or
Self-Realization in Five Minutes a Day. Nina Wise has spent thirty years
performing and leading workshops in improvisation. She brings decades of
experience in an art whose principal act is a requirement, as she describes it
elsewhere, to "(find) words for the story the body wants to tell" and where
"nothing in the psyche feels prepared, ready, secure-the stroll from backstage
to centerstage is an act of faith." It is a scary description and her courage
and commitment are everywhere evident. In this brilliant book we get the
benefits of that commitment as she offers dozens of ten-minute "practices"
drawn from every area of the arts -- singing, drawing, writing, role-playing,
dancing --- wonderful hints that invite us to play: to play with the senses;
play with our sense of self, with our life-history; play with friends, with
lovers, with strangers; play with pain and sickness and bereavement, with loss
and disappointment, anger and frustration, play with happiness. They remind
us to take ten minutes NOW to play, but to play with attention, as adults, to
wake up. She shows that unlocking creativity and self-expression has the
widest consequences: "We are not who we think we are --- we are not what we
do, we are not our age ... our gender or sexual preference ... where we live
... or what religion we were born into or went on to practice ... not our skin
color .. not our bodies ... not our thoughts." Many people have said this but
not many have offered such creative, witty, down-to-earth help to discovering
it for ourselves. And in between we are treated to illustrations from her own
life as daughter, lover, teacher, performer: at home by her dying mother or
wrapped in a "Tantric embrace" round her suitcase on an overnight train trip
in India, the range is enormous. She is deadly serious, serious but never
solemn. "All the great sages I have had the fortune to meet have had a
twinkle in their eyes ... their lightness of being is contagious. In their
presence I too break into a smile that would glow in the dark." Well, that
smile glows all over the page here. This is anything but a ponderous tome and
the opposite of some self-indulgent, feel-good exercise. It is sad, funny,
tough, moving, uproarious, witty, lyrical, passionately articulate and, yes
(I'm not the first to say it) wise. Go ahead, do yourself a favour: sing to
the cat, make art in the yard, throw a hat party, read this book.

This book is great to read however one pleases: first page to last; here and there; last page to first; etc. There are many helpful tips to creating moments of peace in life. Wise is neither pedantic nor obtuse. She offers a great deal of tools for those who would like more out of life, more joy, more excitement.

Any parent can relate on some level to the struggles and insecurities that Currey - Wilson weathers in order to give her son the best life she can. Especially for those of us who choose alternative parenting styles, the self-doubt that the author has as she tries to make her way in the world is easily understood - What if my family doesn't understand or support my decisions? Will my child be an outcast because he has nothing in common with his peers? Where can I find friends who, though they may not necessarily share my views, at least support my choices? How far is too far? Reading Currey - Wilson's brave disclosure of her most intimate thoughts and embarassing confessions will help any parent to be kinder to herself as she works to parent from the heart no matter what everyone thinks.

What a great memoir and social "experiment" she conducted. What makes the book so great is she is a nut-case, but a lovable one. I wish she'd been in MY playgroup, wish she'd shared with me her plan. My son has autism and while I do not believe tv caused his autism, I see how it made it worse. But it's never too late to do the right thing and her book was such a gift to me at this moment. I WAS lamenting that he could not "enjoy" all the disney movies my daughter and I enjoyed together. "Will he never be able to follow the plots?" I worried...well, now I can give them all away, gladly, knowing that I can teach him far better than television can. I had restricted their watching to just PBS and videos, but, just like Ellen points out, PBS is the one that gave us teletubbies baby talk, authur/D.W.'s sibling bickering, buster's excessive tv watching of bionic bunny, etc etc. I just feel she shed so much sunshine on our dirty little secret that we're making tv addicts of our kids just so we can get some respite. I'm even questioning my own tv watching habits, limited as they are to PBS Newshour, frontline, bill moyers...all educational, fantastic shows. But when I'm trying to watch pbs in kitchen as I multitask, i snap at my kids when the interrupt... now that I've seen the light, I know that kitchen tv has got to go... but like the author, I'll do my best, set a goal for myself and work toward a plan to get down to 2 hrs a week. I'm going to do the same for my daughter who learned about the disney channel last spring break on vacation at her cousins and has grown addicted. cold turkey isn't an option as my husband loves his cable tv downstairs. But I'm getting me/ my daughter on a plan today! What an inspiration this book is, without preaching! I love it, highly recommend all parents, pre-parents read it. It will change their lives and that of their kids for the better. I wish my daughter could play chess, yahtzee etc. with her son. Ellen if you're in DC area, you look me up, I'll show you and your kid all the sights (we DO go on lots of field trips and know best places to go) and thank you in person for sharing you "confessions"! You're just the sort of comic relief we all need, yet you point out important truths. Thank you. Thank you.
Sincerely, Susan Goewey Carey

Currey-Wilson writes with humor and the topic is very important. The books is a quick read. The style is easy and the content is interesting and insightful. I am not a parent, but I found this book highly entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone.

I picked up this book expecting it to be a lot like other books I've read about the evils of television---sort of fanatic and with lots of studies about brain waves and comparisons to drugs and so on. I wanted to read it regardless as I am really trying to reduce the screen time in my house (although it's more my husband than my kids who keep turning it on!). I was so thrilled to find this book was a great read as well as an inspiration! The author instantly made me feel at home. She is honest about herself, hilarious to read and really understands how it feels to be a new mother finding your way in the complicated social circles you have never before travelled. She comes from a family that is wacky, not always in a lovable way, but she loves them anyway. She is however determined to raise her son Casey differently, and she succeeds, to some extent even more than she wants to, as she then has the worries about him fitting in, and how she deals with that is great to read, too. In many ways, this is a book about accepting yourself and being honest with yourself and others. I can really relate to her reluctance to tell everyone at first about her TV views, and how she gradually is about to do so in a way that helps others.

I hope Currey-Wilson writes much more. I would love to read a memoir of her childhood, and perhaps a book about her educational journey with her son, and what it's like to raise a gifted child. I hope potential readers of this book will realize it's about more than watching TV or not, it's about parenting and doing so with humor and love.

A clever title for a book generally grabs my attention. As curious as this one made me, I was also nervous to open it. Would it be another one of those preachy books by a zealous mother that seem to be flooding the library shelves these days? Not even close! I highly recommend this entertaining book, which almost resembles a memoir. It's so much more than the story of a mother determined to shield her child (even before he was born!) from the perils of television. Currey-Wilson frequently reflects on her own childhood where television became a surrogate parent. She struggles to forgive the mother who was too busy standing up for women's rights to properly take care of her own children's needs. She desperately tackles her own addiction to television while she worries about the effect it will have on her son. Then the opposite happens when he starts school - at times he's ostracized because he doesn't watch TV. Through all this, however, my sympathy for the author's various dilemmas never lasted long, because she writes about her experiences in such a humorous way. It really was a great, great book. I hope to see more of her writing in the future.

Mary clearly writes from her experiences which is why this book is superb. An added bonus for me personally is that she comes from the high tech industry. For every roadblock and mindblock I have experienced each chapter of the book has an answer. Mary knows that when you're burned out you can't take having another 'to do' list so she has created a book that tackles one obstacle per chapter. Her personal experiences have provided her with the unique ability to know the order to approach each of the obstacles that need to be worked through. The chapters are short and action oriented. The book gets you moving quickly and easily onto a path of clearing the clutter and achieving what you really want. The beauty of this book is that the exercises apply to both your work and personal life. As a result I can't remember ever having felt as confident, happier and stronger than I do today. Results are quick!

I have read this book and followed many of Ms. Lewis' suggestions. As a healthcare professional, I have suffered burnout, numerous times. I was told it came with the job.I love my work but didn't love the stress levels. Ms. Lewis' suggestions are very helpful! I don't overload my schedule nor do I volunter to be everything to everybody anymore. I chose those areas that are near and dear to my heart and stay with them. I am very happy. My stress level is VERY manageable.This book was very helpful and well written so even, I could understand.

Exhausted? Frazzled? Can't stand to add even one more thing to your to-do list? You'll want to add following the advice of Mary Lewis...trust me. In "Break FREE from Burnout in 30 Days!" she takes your hand and leads you through a month of life changing, stress relieving tasks that are simple and positive. You will walk away from this book with a better outlook on life.

In the beginning, there were the top ten signs of burnout. If you recognize these things in your life, Mary can help you. Then, taking it one step at a time, one day at a time for a month, you will let go of those top ten signs and be free once more. Steps like not listening to your inner critic, saying no more often, scratching out your to-do list (except for finishing the book!), changing your attitude, changing your peers if need be, stop gossiping and start receiving what you deserve. It's all simple really, and it's all good.

Mary shares her own burnout stories and lets you know that she understands. It happens. But she also challenges you to stop it from happening. You can stop the cycle and you can take your life back. The first step is picking up the book, the second is reading it, one day at a time.

Review by Heather Froeschl of www.BookReview.com

My job was killing me, or so I thought. Like most professionals, I believed that the higher I went up in my career ladder, the more stress I needed to shoulder, and the less time I had to actually live life. I thought that giving 150% was the price for being successful, and that ulcers were a normal part of the rat race.

I was wrong - "the job" doesn't burn you out, your own mindset does! I learned how to stop being a slave to my email, voicemail, celphone and pager, and not only get all my work done, but of a higher caliber than before. This book walks you, step by step, through the process of taking control back and a being truly successful person - happy, healthy, and productive!

A must read for anyone who even suspects they may be burning out, in easy to handle chunks. I highly recommend it.

Mary Lewis has a clear and well thought out style. Instead of trying to change everything at once, she reccommneds a new item a day. Each new way of looking at your worklife builds on what you practiced the day before. Each item is readable in a quick burst instead of long chapters that overwhelm.

The examples are clear and a reflect the things most overacheivers (myself included) believe. Changing those commonly held beliefs allow you to be more productive and more healthy!

HIghly reccommned!

lyrical, witty, engrossing, revelatory book! This is a must-read.

People of all religions will be inspired by this story. It's a page-turner!

This is a compelling, beautifully written story--a page-turner! Women and men will find themselves moved on many levels by this inspiring book.

BREAKING FREE: THE STORY OF A BAPTIST FEMINIST MINISTER will inspire women and men. This book is a page-turner! The narrative style is clear and engaging. This book will inspire people of all faiths to fulfill their mission.

You don't have to be Baptist to appreciate this book. This is Everywoman's story. Men need to read this book also!

I have had this book for about 3 years now, and refer to it constantly. I spend my cold winters reading it, finding a new plant or two to try each spring....I have not been dissapointed in the slightest. The organization is super, the pictures are great and it just has so much information about each plant...where to plant, how much water, fertilizer,climate, propagation methods, etc. Can't say enough about this book,it's my favorite, and I must own at least 20 gardening books. I just came online to order it for some one special for her birthday, she too likes to garden, and I am sure she will enjoy this book as much as I have.

I agree with all the other reviews; this is a very useful book, with often hard to come by information (such as pH, animal resistance, life expectency) in one place. My only complaints are: 1.the plants are listed in each section by common name, which can differ widely, instead of botanical names which are constant (almost:). 2. There is no master list at the beginning of the book or the beginning of each section of the names of the plants, so you have to scan the whole book to find this out.

I have been gardening for 5 years. In other words, I'm a novice. Although this book doesn't cover every single plant, it includes plenty. It's easy to use and gives alot of information about each plant. One of the things I like is that every plant has it's own little chart that give basic info. The text is more indepth. I've had this book for 2 years and still read it. If you're new to gardening, buy this book!

I enjoy using this book as a reference. Great pictures accompany the information material. Has much misc. information, such as: potential problems, quirks of a plant, critter resistance, the source, etc. I truly am pleased with this purchase! It was worth every penny I spent! I am a beginner gardener & I think this book was a big influence that got me hooked on gardening!

My husband and I have a lawn and landscape business and we own tons of gardening books, and this is our favorite. It is laid out very well and includes everything you need to know about the plants listed. I found nearly every plant we use in our own and our clients gardens in this book. I was very impressed with the information and photos. This is the first plant book I would recommend to anyone, and it could very well be the only one you need.

Great book! It's not out of print -- and there are videos, audiocasettes and even a wonderful CookBook that comes complete with a shopping list, menus, recipes for over 50 days! It's fantastic, the easiest way to eat healthy and still lose weight for the WHOLE family! Since it's not just a weight loss program everyone can eat the same way and be healthy, no more "special" meals for you and and second meal for everyone else. Very sensible and doctor endorsed!

The program outlined in this book really works. When I was 4 months pregnant, I was so tired I could barely get off the couch. I began following this program, and I had a lot more energy. I gained a total of 10 pounds during the pregnancy, and delivered a beautiful healthy daughter who weighed almost 8 pounds. I was back in my jeans in two weeks (after previous pregnancy, it took a year).

This program really works. The book is still in print. You can call the company at 1-800-554-3262. This program teaches the reader how to eat properly, without hunger and how to become naturally lean. With Lean and Free you can acheive your weight loss goals and become more energetic. I cannot see anything but positive results with this wonderful plan.

Lean & Free 2000+ is an easily understood and useable book that motivated me to make lifestyle changes. Everything is complete - theory, examples, research, individual case studies, motivators, menus, charts, graphs. All that is left is for me to follow through. I hope there will be an update and reissuing of this wonderful book and the accompanying tapes. Some good PR should make this gem hit the best seller list in no time. How about it? Thanks, Dana!

This program makes so much sense. One only has to eat abundantly keeping the fat percentage between 10% and 20% for the day. I am eating tons of food and the weight is coming off each day. I feel healthy, happy and full of energy. This is the way life was meant to be!!!

This book can help many who are in need of getting back on track, or trying to begin a life of health as a diabetic. Laying out information that is simple and easily understood, her book also has a step-by-step plan to help even the most timid achieve success. This author has been recently nominated as Diabetic Educator of the Year, and for very good reason. Her knowledge and compassion is constant.

The thing that sets this book apart is the way the author breaks down her program into simple, easy-to-achieve steps that makes it easier to follow. Allowing everyone to make their own simple step-by-step promises to change the way they approach diabetes control makes it a lot easier. In the end you are more likely to achieve your goals, because you are making incremental changes over time, not one drastic change that you likely won't stick with. I also liked her web site, which has lots of support; others tell what promises they have made, and what worked and didn't work.

The book explores the various methods that may be used to treat the disease in a fairly nonjudgmental way. Some diabetes books focus on drugs while others focus on alternative methods. This book attempts to help you decide what is best for you in your individual case. The book may deserve to be in your diabetes book library.

Janis Roszler has written a masterpiece! So much useful information. It will serve as a fantastic guide to a healthy, happy life for all inexperienced diabetics. I have beed diabetic for 61 years and yet I found much useful information in this wonderful book. All diabetics should purchase this book and keep it close at hand. A MUST for every diabetic's library.

Richard Vaughn

I have her first book and it really helped me a lot and now with her second one, it is a new wonderful beginning! She is very wonderful/kind person and always there for you and her writting shows it in her books. I frequent her website and she will tell you straight up, just like her books. Excellent and knowledgable! Thanks Janis! Paula Nowicki

This outstanding work of critical scholarship takes the Dred Scott case as a point of departure to examine several important issues in American history. These include both the nature and dynamics of the great sectional conflict over slavery, and the nature of juidicial power in our system of government. Fehrenbacher provides careful history and analysis of the Dred Scott case itself, it significance in its own time, and the possible role of this case in the history of Supreme Court power. Fehrenbacher's reconstruction of the case and the associated political events is remarkably erudite; informed by the highest level of critical intelligence. He dispells a number of myths related to the case and his analyses of contemporary politics and legal history are equally astute. This book is exceptionally well written. Even when exploring apparently obscure details of 19th century juidicial and political history, Fehrenbacher's writing is always lucid, and at times, elegant.

I read the abridged edition of 1981, titled Slavery, Law and Politics. I can only echo what the other reviwers have said. It's about a court opinion but it is anything but dry. You learn much about the law and politics of slavery, from the founding of the nation forward. You learn about the Dred Scott case itself, including the legal maneuverings in the lower courts. The author's analysis of Chief Justice Taney's opinion for the Court is one of the best single chapters I have read in a history book in a long time. The author is learned but the prose is engaging--elegant, even. You feel you are in the company of a wise teacher, who is not trying to impress you but simply to impart his considerable knowledge without ego on a topic that turns out to be an excellent prism through which to view an important swath of our history. Read it!

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It might seem that a 700 page book (600 pages of text; 100 pages of notes) on a 19th century court case might be the epitome of exceedingly dry material suited only for particularly motivated graduate students. But I found this book captivating. What came through in every paragraph was the work of a skilled and judicious historian sleuthing his way to an understanding of the background and ramifications of the enormously important Dred Scott decision. Not one page in this book read like the work of an uninspired academic sawing his way through a pile of research notes.

Fehrenbacher focuses on the political, legal and constitutional aspects of the Dred Scott case. He explores the background and developments, from the arrival of the first slaves in the colonies in 1619 through the bitter political battles of the 1850s. His discussion of legal developments is particularly interesting because this is one area where the reader encounters the concrete complications and conflicts between various state and federal laws affecting slaves and slave owners. He also shows how legal developments and constitutional theories were affected by the increasingly acrimonious political battles over the rights of slaveholders. His analysis of Chief Justice Taney's opinion was particularly impressive. Finally, his discussion of the immediate and longer term impact of the Dred Scott decision was fascinating. When I finished the book, I was disappointed that he hadn't carried the thoughts in the last chapter further (even though it was clear he had chosen a good stopping point for his analysis). I was also tempted to go back to the beginning and re-read the book immediately! It is so rich, and there's so much of importance to understand. (Instead, I started in on Fehrenbacher's more recent book, The Slaveholding Republic.)

One of the strengths of the book is Fehrenbacher's attention to the relevants facts and texts. His text never reads like a cut-and-paste compilation of other authors' conclusions. Throughout, Fehrenbacher was doing his own thinking - and he came through as quite skilled in asking good questions, identifying all the relevant facts, weighing the possible meanings and interpretations, and arriving at fair conclusions. (Whatever the topic, it's always a pleasure to read the work of someone who works as Fehrenbacher did in this book.)

I highly recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in American legal or constitutional history, in the events that lead to the Civil War, or in race relations in America.

There is little that I can add to what has already been written. Fehrenbacher is clear, thoughtful, and comprehensive.

Dred Scott Case by Don Fehrenbacher proves to be a definitive account of this controversial Supreme Court case that had far reaching consequences then the fate of one black slave wishing to be free. The book is superbly researched, written and the author presented total clarity in his presentation. He clearly points out the total significance of this case in face of American history.

This case is often overlooked as part of 1850s pre-Civil War history but the author make it clear that long term effects of this case clearly helped initiate the American Civil War. It also helped Abraham Lincoln become President and ironically speaking, discredited Robert Taney, the chief author of the Dred Scott decision so badly that Taney was totally ineffective as the Supreme Court Chief Justice during the Civil War. His rulings against Lincoln and many of his civil rights violations during the war went totally ignored and although he was always treated well, he was a total non-entity as a factor. His death was viewed with relief.

The book gives a very insightful background on slavery and its impact on American history prior to the case. It doesn't get into Dred Scott himself until page 210 or so. It pretty obvious that the author has excellent command of his subject matter. His insight on what influence and repercussions of this decision after the Civil War proves to be quite interesting. I was bit surprised how Taney's reputation have survived so well despite of his decision that the author clearly shown to be crude, shallow and highly biased. The author have clearly shown that Taney did not behaved as a Supreme Court Chief Justice in this case but as a pro-southerner who wishes to nationalized slavery throughout the land as a mean to end this debate once and for all.

I would regard this to be one of the mandatory reading material that any reader must tackled if he or she wants to advance their knowledge of the Civil War and its issues.

I really enjoyed reading this book not only because it was well-written, but because it seems to put these three disorders into perspective as they can be linked to one another. Obviously, not everyone gets trapped in the "toxic triangle" and each of the three disorders can exist on their own. However, for people who find they suffer from two or more, the book has much to offer. The author presents some psychological data along with personal stories and examples that help the reader to understand the interaction of eating, drinking and thinking too much. The begining chapters explain each of the three conditions and how they are detrimental to a person's well-being. The latter chapters deal with creating an action plan to help you "fight" your way out of the triangle and get on a path to healing. For me, it was a very insightful read (especially the chapters on Overthinking) and I highly recommend it to someone who may be suffering from any or all of these problems. It is a good starting point to think critically and understanding any or all of these three issues, but certainly does not provide the cure.

This is the absolutely best & most informative book I have EVER read!!! This book is a must!!! I'm the Queen of self-help books & this book says it all. I even suggested it to two psychologist friends of mine & they purchased it for their clients/patients. I'm telling you now....STOP...& buy this book! It will change your life.....finally.

Susan Nolen-Hoeksema has provided an informative and encouraging text book on her subject of the toxic triangle. I have learned so many things about myself and this problem and am at last hopeful of making some positive changes in my life.

Loved this book, I have not read the author's first book, but that did not present any problems. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema offers some very plausible reasons for overeating/drinking in women. Her theories make sense and while I know quite well that there is no "magic pill" for this problem, I feel the info she offers gives me some tools to understand the problem and how I can better help myself. My one criticism of the book would be that I don't recollect any suggestions that the reader supplement the book by working with a psychotherapist trained in women's disorders. For most women, this would be crucial to the healing process.

The author calls the cycle the Toxic Triangle. Many women spend all week carefully keeping themselves in check. They work hard at their jobs all day making sure that they don't say or do the wrong thing. After work, they continue to control their actions by only choosing healthy food in just the right quantities and abstaining from alcohol.

By Thursday or Friday, however, the frustration, pressure, and cravings becomes too much. These same controlled seemingly put together women decide to just have one glass of wine to unwind or just a few potato chips. This simple action starts a chain of excess which is turn fuels the desire to control which turns into a never-ending cycle.

Eating, Drinking, Overthinking brings this cycle of self abuse to light showing women what they are really doing to themselves, likely without even knowing it. The author uncovers the real reasons behind these actions and shows woman healthy ways that they can deal with both their emotions and their unreal expectations of themselves.