References Books

From: www.BasilAndSpice.com
Author & Book Views On A Healthy Life!

Book Review: The 6 Secrets of a Lasting Relationship: How to Fall in Love Again and Stay There (Perigree, 2001) by Mark Goulston, MD with Philip Goldberg

A Classic Feature

Dr. Mark Goulston is a former UCLA professor who helps high performing leaders, senior management and sales people reach their full potential using skills he learned training FBI and police hostage negotiators. He has also written Get Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior, Get Out of Your Own Way at Work, and PTSD for Dummies.

The 6 Secrets of a Lasting Relationship has received praise from John Gray, Ph.D. and Harold H. Bloomfield, M.D. The book is based on more than 10,000 hours of couples therapy and has been developed into six secrets for keeping your relationship together:

1. Keep the chemistry burning.
2. Treat your partner with respect--and earn his or her respect.
3. Don't stop thinking about enjoyment.
4. Give one another acceptance despite your flaws.
5. Deserve each other's trust.
6. Always keep in touch with empathy.

"The structure of an intimate relationship rests on six pillars, which are the core of each of the six secrets."

1. C--chemistry (Sex; Romance; Discusses the painful secrets some individuals keep; Tells why we need to feel physically connected. Answers why chemistry waxes, then wanes--explains how to bring this important element back into the relationship.)
2. R--respect (This is where affairs sometimes begin. Warning signs of disrespect highlighted. Tells how to respect yourself and your partner.)
3. E--enjoyment (There is a need for laughter. Defines how baggage hinders enjoyment.)
4. A--acceptance (Teaches how to avoid criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling--leading predictors in the failure of couples. Elucidates upon what to do if you can't quite accept your partner. Also teaches how to find acceptance.)
5. T--trust (Implies faith and confidence and is required for emotional intimacy. Details how to restore trust.)
6. E--empathy (Attempt to view the situation from your partner's point of view. Learn how to move from debate and animosity to dialogue and understanding. Empathy heals wounds.)

Dr. Goulston writes that breakdowns in a relationship occur when an element of the pillars is shaky--they need regular reinforcement. Stress on the pillars is a result of marriage, child-rearing, financial problems, long-term bond of two single people, or even work. The author believes that you shouldn't feel like a victim, instead take the initiative to create the "love you deserve."

By reading The 6 Secrets of a Lasting Relationship, you should learn how to have:

* Renewed involvement with each other
* Revived enthusiasm four your relationship
* A stronger sense of partnership and commitment
* An atmosphere of healing
* A greater capacity to solve problems effectively
* Deepened intimacy and tenderness
* Enhanced mutual understanding
* Freedom from guilt and blame
* A more durable bond
* A reawakening of love

Using a no-blame, no-fault, no-nonsense approach and couples therapy stories as examples, this book is well written for couples to read and act upon together. Dr. Goulston also includes throughout blocks of Usable Insight and questionnaires as evaluation tools. The 6 Secrets of a Lasting Relationship is a classic which should be read by all couples, especially those who are in a shaky, rocky, or separating marriage and by those who are preparing to enter one. If your relationship is in trouble, find out why. Mark Goulston's 6 Secrets is Usable Insight into the reasons problems begin and will help you overcome existing marital difficulties and even point you to further help if necessary. And, if you're happily married, you, like myself, can gain a better understanding of your spouse and marriage.

5 Stars

I just read a sample of the book from my Kindle, but that brief excerpt was enough. This book would probably be better titled, "how to resuscitate a dieing relationship," and marketed to those with relationships already on the decline. Even in that situation, I'd find his writing hard to take. He constantly is trying to sell you on his be-all, end-all acronym, CREATE. Though the relationship examples from his practice were excellent, the analogies were weakly uninspiring.

In my experience, this has got to be the single most useful book on the subject of lasting romantic relatinships. Dr. Goulston examines the six pillars of relationship success - Chemistry, Respect, Enjoyment, Acceptance, Trust, Empathy.

Together the first letters of each word spell CREATE. Together, the essence of each word define LOVE.

I bought this for my girlfriend and she loved it! I read it and I love it. A very interesting read which will definitely change your perspective on your relationships.

This book can literally save your marriage or committed relationship. Dr. Goulston uses simple, yet clever analogies to help readers understand the true foundation of a solid relationship. His CREATE approach is direct and easy to understand. The advice is wonderful and it's obvious that Dr. Goulston genuinely cares about helping people grow and solidify their intimate relationships. This should be required reading for all couples or anyone contemplating a romantic relationship.

Word cannot begin to say how insightful this author is. And still speaking to us many years after his death.

Once again Andrew Murray gives excellent counsel for spiritual growth. Every believer needs help along the way and Absolute Surrender is a great tool to use as a springboard. The message is meaty and to be taken in with the intent of life transformation! As Jesus lived His life in absolute surrender to Father God, so must we, and this book points the way!

THIS IS THE MOST WONDERFUL BOOK I HAVE EVER FOUND OTHER THAN Andrew Murray,THE POWER OF Intercession. I suggest the whole world would Understand the Bible A whole lot clearer if they just read Andrew Murray Books. What A wonderful Evnagelist he was.

This book was truly insightful and should be used as a tool to assist all who strives to improve their Christian walk.

Right up there near Brother Lawrence's "The Practice of the Presence of God" (free online at the Practice Gods Presence web site) are the wonderful works of Andrew Murray. "Absolute Surrender" is a classic in every sense.

These gifted children of God have a way of restating, enlivening, and magnifying the very words of Our Lord and do greatly glorify Our Father.

The book is good for beginners. All you need to know to get started with Unix/Linux programming.

I bought this book in order to get an overview on what primitives I have available on a unix system for doing system programming. I found the book to be very useful for that purpose.

I use it occasionally.

I also found my peers lending it from me again and again.

To summarize: useful.

I am a systems administrator professionally, but I have a need to know the inner workings of UNIX that only seems to be covered in programming books. Specifically relating to certain system calls and interprocess communication methods.

This author has forgotten more about UNIX than I will ever grasp. While this book is dedicated to programming applications in UNIX and understanding the operating system's function calls, I am finding it to be a very handy reference for advanced system administration as well. The book is worth the price just for the chapters on process communication, in my opinion.

I really like the author's writing style. He gets down to business and covers the material without adding a lot of needless fluff or by making the chapters overly wordy.

The book is designed to server as a reference and is well-indexed, which is refreshing to find these days. It's very easy to find a topic you need as not everyone will need the amount of depth covered by each chapter in full.

I wish there were more UNIX books out there like this one.

What's more to say, the title say's it all... Buy it!

This is an exceptional introduction to Unix features that most people won't see in every-day programming. The feature that Rochkind starts with may be the most problematic: portability. There have historically been dozens of Unices (sp?), all slightly different from each other. Even today, there are a number of different implementations in use, with small but maddening incompatibilities between them. Rochkind not only addresses the more common ones, he shows the standards-based ways of dealing with their differences.

After that, Rochkind goes over read/write/open/close/ioctl again, dealing with [a]synchronous subtleties that can mean a 100x difference in performance, backed by code samples and timing measurements. The rest of the book deals with multi-process applications, including communication and distributed processing issues. That includes process groups, interprocess communication (with all its system-dependent weirdness), sockets, and signals.

This isn't for the beginner or for the kernel developer, but never meant to be for either. It is a good, readable introduction to protentially tricky parts of the Unix API. I recommend it strongly to anyone building their own library of Unix references.

//wiredweird

A wonderful collection of the historical and the traditional songs. This is one of the best hymnbooks of any kind to be published in recent years. It took me back.

this is a wonderful book. It is full of new and old songs.

GIA, the publisher of this hymnal, is a Catholic publisher. This book is not a Catholic hymnal unlike "Lead Me, Guide Me", GIA's "turnkey solution" to gospel-style music for Catholic services. Also, the lyrics have a lot more "I", "Me", "My" and "Mine" in the lyrics than would be appropriate for Catholic litugies. This is not a quibble; just a bit of information for potential Catholic purchasers. Those matters aside, this is a fine product, packed with impressive new material and old favorites that will add much to spirited worship.

This hymnal has all my favorites in it. Even the responsive readings are biblically solid. I love it. My pastor does too. The pianist at our church loves to play these hymns.

This song book has wonderful spiritual, God-loving songs. It is a great source for getting your congregation in the spirit of 'singing praises to our King'. Introduce it to your choir or congregation and you will be forever greatful for the joy it will bring.

A few weeks ago I was in Nashville for a conference. The Friday it ended, I went for a walk around the downtown area. Up near the capitol building I found a book fair going on. I stopped and talked with this really cute guy in one of the booths. It turned out to be Cameron Michaels and we talked for a while about his book. I wasn't in a buying mood, I guess, so I passed but still took one of his cards telling me where to buy it on line.

A few days later I started thinking about some things he said and decided to buy it. It was so much fun that I couldn't put it down long enough to do anything else. It really had me wrapped up.

Not everyone has the benefit of being able to talk with the author before buying a book. I had the opportunity and still didn't buy it right then. But, I'm sure glad I decided to pick one up later on. It was great fun and had some pretty interesting things to contemplate.

Call me dense, but I didn't get all the symbolism and insight in this book. I thought it was a well written story with some good twists. It was erotic at times. (Sometimes very erotic) But, what I liked the most was the relationship Michaels created between Karen and Andy. Always at odds, yet it's obvious they still care very much for each other. They had the kind of relationship that could easily carry over into a sequel or series of books.

I have to give the author credit for the way he ended the book. So many romantic mystery or suspense books wrap everything up so neatly and predictably that reading them becomes routine. This book was anything but routine.

The more I got into the book, the more I liked it. The author takes on some pretty touchy subject matter but pulls it off without offense. I really liked the interplay between the two main characters. Their relationship was very believable and the author kept it from me for just the right amount before giving me what I wanted. Another thing I really liked was the way the women in the book were portrayed. Unlike some romance type books (and this really does somewhat fall in that catagory) the women in ARENA weren't waiting around for their man to decide what to do. They were agressive, take action women who went after what they wanted. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts. This author writes about some pretty taboo stuff, but injects some humor once in a while (although it was some subtle and dry humor, but none the less, funny) to keep things from getting too heavy.
The violence was kind of a turn off at first, but after I understood what he was doing, it all made sense and it was actually kind of cool the way the action set the stage for the sex scenes.
It's a hard book to explain. Just read it and you'll be glad you did.

This book confused me for most of the way through it. It was only after about chapter 20 or so that it hit me what was really going on. Very sneaky. I really liked the way the characters were developed along the way. They were real and believable. The only reason I didn't give this book a 5 star is because I thought the author could have made a little better effort to get inside the minds of the characters. On the other hand this was a very quick, delightful read and very enjoyable if you like your romance with a little edge to it. A good book all around.

I ran across this title while browsing for something mindless to read. After reading the synopsis and a few of the reviews, I figured why not. The night I started the book I must have been tired and in a bad mood because I almost threw it away after the first chapter. It really turned my stomach. For reasons not fully understood at that time, I kept reading. The more I read, the more I began to appreciate what the author was doing to me and why I had been so revolted yet unable to stop reading.

As a psychologist I have been exposed to countless research papers, articles, reports and dissertations. Very few, if any, have shown the kind of insight into basic human behaviors and desires, as this novel. The more I read, the more appreciation I gained for what was really being said 'under the surface'. This book truly does deliver on two levels. The story itself kept me turning the pages. But, I think on a subconscious level it was the way the author tapped into my primal desires that was to blame every bit as much. (I say blame because part of me feels very guilty for liking this book!)

I eagerly await more works by this talented author.

"Auntie Mame is the American Alice in Wonderland. It is also, incidentally, one of the most important books in my life. Its witty Wildean phrases ring in my mind, and its flamboyant characters still enamor me. Like Tennessee Williams, Patrick Dennis caught the boldness, vitality, and iridescent theatricality of modern American personality. In Mame?s mercurial metamorphoses we see American optimism and self-invention writ large."--Camille Pagli.

I could not agree more with Camille. I just wish that P. Dennis and T. Williams could have combined and written AUNTIE MAME AND BIG DADDY IN WONDERLAND.

What a funny book! I just read it for the first time (after letting it languish on my bookshelf for something like 2 years) and couldn't put it down. I hesitate to give away any of the plot - it's best read for yourself - but trust me, it's HILARIOUS! The only drawback is that the writing seems sort of overwraught in places (i.e. descriptions of people yelling and screaming at each other when it seems only a small tiff might have transpired in real life) but it hardly matters. It's a fun read.

This is an extraordinarily funny novel by Patrick Dennis about a woman, who-despite a lot of mishaps conquers her life and never gives in or up. There is a slight supposition that the author pours a lot of autobiographical parts into this novel,which is especially notable in the sequel of this book "around the world with auntie Mame". His portrayal of Mame let her become the prototype of human optimism,who is able to master any kind of situation, fate or illfate, good or bad,which life can bring. She is simply the super woman as regards survival. Auntie Mame should be compusery reading for all disappointed and depressed of this world.

I have read this book several times over the years, and find something funny or poignant that I missed each time I have read it. Also, the movie with Rosalind Russel is a gem among gems. (FORGET the musical "Mame" that Lucille Ball did!!! It is the pits!!!)

Auntie Mame is just the sort of novel that leaves you dancing for more. I was first introduced to Auntie Mame through the Rosalind Russell film, which is just wonderful. You can imagine how pleased I was to find this book and to know that the adventures went even further than the film. After reading this book, I became so attached to Mame and Patrick that I felt like they were old freinds and I carried the book around with me at all times. They were there when ever I needed to be cheered up or simply bored and there was no one to talk to. Auntie Mame's exploits while extreme are totally believable and you get a distinct feeling for the time period and how it was a time of innocence and innovation. Patrick Dennis has gained a prominent place on my bookshelf.

There are many editions of Roget's Thesaurus, but this is one of the best. The print is large enough to easily read, and in each section there are several alternative words or ideas suggested. For example, if one looks up the idea "event" other closely related ideas are listed, and when one goes to the word section that reflect the idea of event, several alternate idea selections are listed with their corresponding number location (not just the word, but the word idea and its number location). This makes researching the concept much easier.

All in all this is the best thesaurus I have seen. Other thesaurus's which are more dictionary-like simply do not have the range of words and concepts that Roget's reflects. Believe me, if I had taken the time to research a few words for this review it would have been a lot better!

If you need a thesaurus get a Roget's, and this is one of the best Roget's you can buy. Plus, the price is good.

AD2

Bartlett's Roget is such a useful resource for me I recently bought a second copy. Unfortunately, the second copy proved to have a number of missing pages, a sad fact discovered after my 30 day return had expired. Enjoy the book - it's marvelous! - but check that it has all it's pages before you dig in.

The Thesaurus literally arrived the next day (and I think I ordered after the 12nn deadline). I was pleasantly surprised. I would do business with them again.

Upon first seeing (and hefting) this volume, I was impressed by its size and hopeful of its contents. After all, it has 1400+ good sized pages, and weighs... well - a bit! "Wow! What a resource!" I thought. Turns out: only 848 of those pages are the actual thesaurus, the other 567 are an index. To be fair, that Index is a useful addition; as I, for one, haven't mastered the left-brain heavy savoir faire apparently necessary to navigate the typical thesaurus. Likewise, the volume itself is useful. I looked long and hard before buying it, and think it is certainly one of the best on the market. This is by no means your `quick and dirty' Roget's Pocket version. It provides a lengthy treatment of most words I've had occasion to investigate. With Bartlett's, I bought The Synonym Finder as what I intended to be a supplemental companion volume. Using them together, however, I find they very often duplicate the exact same synonym lists. The major difference is that - for me - the latter is easier to use. To be fair, Bartlett's does have some special interest sections, such as a 4 ½ page list of Phobias: listed by name and type; or a list of "Children's Games and Party Games," etc. To be honest, as well as fair: in the year+ that I've used this volume, I've never had occasion to use that feature. To be positive as well as negative: in that same period of time, I've never sought a word and not found it listed in either volume. That's not `less than impressive' as I write for a living and do so on an advanced level, so the words I seek are not common fare. Finally: to be practical, the price tag attached to this item is quite reasonable, in my judgment. My advice is this: Both Bartlett's and The Synonym Finder are excellent volumes. Buy whichever one your brain will find easier to use. But don't buy both.

As a student, translator, and writer, this thesaurus has become one of my best friends. It is organized in a very creative way, with an index in the back referring to the various sections of the book's body, where terms are grouped by topic. In the index, you look up the word for which you need related words, and then you choose between the many terms under that heading, each with a distinct variation in meaning. You can thereby turn to the section that best relates to the meaning you are looking for.

Once you've turned to the section referred to in the index, you not only find an extensive list of synomyms for that term, but you also have, on that same page, words that are related but which fall in different parts of speech. That has been very useful for me. And since the terms are grouped by topic, you can look through neighboring entries and pages of entries, finding all kinds of similar and related words, whereas, in a traditional thesaurus layout, the only thing adjacent to your entry would be those words that start with the same letters.

In short, what makes this thesaurus so wonderful is that you have access to an extensive range of word power, since the words referenced in the entry you're interested in are not limited to the space just below the word itself: they are spread throughout the book in logical groups, and the index quickly directs you to the sense of the word that you are interested in.

Useful and easy to read book. Great for explaining terms that people don't understand. Many uses in the professional world. Entertaining as well!

I know longer have to feel ashamed because I don't know how to utilize ABA vocabulary. This book gave examples on how to use terminology appropriately. On the job training is no longer stressful, because I can communicate better with supervisors and school staff effectively.
Although a few of the definitions were rephrased or shortened (by my managers), they were in the ballpark
Thanks for your help

Behavior Speak is a pithy yet elegant introduction to the terminology of Applied Behavior Analysis. Written by four behavior analysts, all of whom have impeccable credentials, as well as long standing personal commitments to children with autism, this book fills several needs. It is a pragmatic attempt to make the specialized vocabulary of the field more accessible to a general audience. The practical yet droll writing style makes it a perfect resource for new teachers or students beginning the study of behavioral interventions. Parents too can benefit. Parents often say that when their child is first diagnosed with autism it feels a lot like stepping on to a moving train. This is the book to help you get up to speed quickly. The slightly offbeat humor never overshadows or waters down the material. I've given this book to teachers new to the field, behavioral therapists new to home ABA programs, other parents of children with autism and, increasingly, to older siblings of kids on the spectrum. It's helped my older son, who doesn't have autism, know what we're talking about around the home and has empowered him to use behavioral concepts to make sense of his (middle school) world as well. While a lone, humorless reviewer uses the pretext that "autism in not funny" to slam the book (and in a petty manner, the authors) most seasoned autism parents know that there are plenty of reasons to smile at our kids and our lives. The authors' use of humor signals their collective appreciation of the challenges and successes, the struggles and the joys of life with a child with autism. Life with autism may not always be easy, but it has many rewards for those who know where to find them. This book, by demystifying the language of behavior analysis, empowers readers to work effectively with children with autism and their teachers, and thus to all move forward together happily.

DR. NEWMAN'S ABILITY TO RELATE TO PARENTS OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER PROFESSIONAL I HAVE MET IN THIS FIELD. HIS IN DEPTH KNOWLEDGE RELAYED TO US IN HIS MANY BOOKS BREAK DOWN THE COMPLEX WORLD OF TEACHING AND UNDERSTANDING AUTISTIC CHILDREN AND ADULTS, TO THE LEVEL IN WHICH MOST CAN RELATE. AS THE PARENT OF AN AUTISTIC CHILD I FIND ALL OF HIS WORKS EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE. THERE IS CERTAINLY NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT AUTISM BUT WHAT DR. NEWMAN PRESENTS TO US IS A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE THAT HAS BROUGHT SMILES TO MY FACE TIME AND TIME AGAIN DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME IN MY LIFE.

Behaviorspeak is an excellent book for everyone involved in the lives of children with autism. The authors take the technical terminology of Applied Behavior Analysis and make it accessible and understandable to the layperson. The authors also provide professionals in the field of ABA with a deeper understanding of common terms and procedures. As both a parent of a child with autism and a professional in the field, I find the book indispensible.

In his lifetime, Raymond Brown was considered one of the foremost biblical scholars. His scholarship certainly changed Catholic biblical studies and many believe he is responsible for making the academic world at large take notice of what scholars writing from a Catholic perspective have to offer the study of scripture. His comprehensive THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH is one of his monumental works that demonstrates his expertise and adds something Catholic that can be used in a "catholic" (universal) sense.

When Brown first published this book in the mid 1970's, he was attempting to do something for a beloved portion of scripture that was often ignored. For the most part, serious scholarship on the infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke was almost nil. Traditional scholars avoided it fearing that scholarship could debunk the stories themselves. Less traditional scholars saw the stories as legend that had little or no relevance for serious scholars. Brown rejected both points of view and chose to see the stories form a different point of view. Brown studies the Annunciation, the Magi, the Shepherds, the Flight to Egypt, the Child Jesus in the Temple, and the other narratives that make up these imaginative chapters of scripture and views them not as fanciful tales or legends, but the Gospel in miniature. The stories included in Luke and Matthew are essential to the Gospel story and essential for understanding the story itself. Since the time of this volume's publication, this has become one of the common interpretations of the Infancy narratives.

The book is not without controversy. One example would be Brown's treatment of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. While Brown in many ways exalts the role of Mary as a disciple, it is not a pious reflection on Mary which has caused some readers to claim Brown disputes the Virgin birth. I'm not sure this is true, especially given some of Brown's other writings and talks widely available, if not in publication certainly in libraries. This is why the reader needs to keep in mind what Brown is attempting to do in this volume: present relevant scholarship on the infancy narratives.

I have grown to love the book for a number of reasons. There is so much material in it, I am always discovering something new. This is important for anyone who has to preach on these texts. Not only can a new angle or understanding be found in this volume, it also helps the reader find personal insights for reflection and prayer, which during the time when these texts are preached can be so important. Brown's volume shows that the Birth of Christ was not just a historical event but one that has meaning today and in all ages.

Fr. Brown taks an honest hard look at the infancy narrative of Matthew and Luke. It is a struggle to find the truth in these narrative amid all the mythic lore and revisionist speculations. He digs deep down into the mountain of rubble that has accumulated, bringing out the sparkling truth that is contained within. He brings them out into the light of the day, where all speculation and myth are shown for what they are.

The historical valure of the infancy narratives are shredded to pieces during the course of this examination. Yet my faith is strengthened not undermined by this work. Why is this? Well, Fr. Brown uncovers the real motivation behind the Evangelists who composed these narratives. The primary motivation is theological.

The infancy narratives are perhaps the richest vien of theology in the New Testament. So much is hidden away in the nooks and crannies of the remainder of the Gospels, so much that only comes to light with a close examination of the infancy narratives. Once the myths are tossed aside, the glory of God begins to shine ever more clearly.

I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to understand the Gospel without sacrificing intellect for the sake of belief.

I was reluctant when this tome about the infancy narratives had been recommended, and after the first chapter discovered this was no ordinary book. There are myriads of commentaries, but none like this! This book elaborates at length on the short gospel narratives of the birth of Jesus, and how the NT authors had woven OT material into those narratives. It elaborates on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary: not as some wench who did as God told her, but as the first disciple of Christ to say Yes to the call of God; not merely a mother to Christ, but the Mother of the people of God by her fiat. For those who already believe, and even for those who don't, it elaborates why the incarnation is such an awesome historial event, not only in human history, but in salvation history.

Fr. Brown writes with erudition, and, while his audience is scholarly, even novices can read these gems with considerable ease. I initially intended to read the book straight through, but the density and intensity of the material suggested that a more devotional, gradual read would be more beneficial. I admit this is hard to do, because once embarked, these insights propel one to read as much as one can as fast as one can. However you decide to read it, I cannot think of a better introduction, as well as advanced scholarship, that will not leave one unchanged.

How should Christians contend with alleged contradictions, inconsistencies and historical inaccuracies in the New Testament? Perhaps many have not confronted the difficulties, while assuming that ultimately a satisfactory answer will emerge that justifies confidence in the Greek scriptures. The late Raymond E. Brown was not content to leave it to future scholarship to provide the answers. Only two gospels, Matthew and Luke, discuss the birth and infancy of Jesus. But scholars have raised questions that challenge the credibility of these narratives. Why do the genealogies not match? Why do the other New Testament writers not mention the virgin birth? What prophets said that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene? Why does Luke imply the family returned to Nazareth shortly after the birth of Jesus, while Matthew has the family fleeing to Egypt before returning? The slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem is not mentioned in secular history although other atrocities are recorded. Can the son of David be reckoned through the mother? These and other questions have provided ammunition for critics against the veracity of the New Testament.

Brown discusses these matters and more in detail. He provides non-conventional solutions while maintaining his Catholicism. This book should help the Christian understand the issues raised by doubters and help them reflect on what they believe and why they believe it. One does not have to agree with Brown's conclusions to appreciate the struggle with the history and theology of the narratives. Do the narratives have a common source, or are they separate traditions pre-dating the main body of each gospel? Read Brown's The Birth of the Messiah for some proposed answers. Recommended for lay Christians who have not seriously considered the challenges to their faith.

Part of the Anchor Bible Reference Library, this is an excellent book in which Raymond Brown provides an in-depth treatment of the NT infancy narratives in Matthew and Luke. The format of the book is standard for the Anchor Bible series: the author translates a segment of the Greek NT text, provides notes on his translation, and then comments on the meaning of the text. There are nine appendices on technical issues (e.g., "Birth at Bethlehem", "The Census under Quirinius"). Also, this edition contains a supplement that updates the work to 1992 (Brown died in 1998). The treatment is scholarly but readable, and, for passages in the NT that have given rise to controversy in the past, Brown tries to give a balanced exposition of the opposing views (and he usually states what his personal opinion is). There is an enormous amount of interesting material packed into this book, as Brown canvasses much of the relevant literature.

The book has the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur declarations that the book is free of doctrinal or moral errors (from the point of view of the Roman Catholic church), but Brown's Catholicism doesn't color the book excessively. For example, he admits that it is unlikely Mary took a vow of virginity, and also that the "brothers of Jesus" were probably his brothers in the usual biological sense. More generally, Brown openly recognizes the historical improbability of certain events (such as the visit of the Magi), and doesn't strain to impose dubious harmonizations on the infancy stories or to concoct interpretations meant to uphold the literal truth of the NT. The one place where he draws a line is on the virgin conception itself; he claims that it is unscientific to reject it as impossible a priori.

The supplement makes for lively reading, since Brown describes some of the negative reviews received by the first edition of the book and engages in a bit of polemic as he re-argues his position on certain topics. However, he doesn't descend to vituperation, even when provoked.

Overall, a great book and an excellent source of references for further reading.

I've had this book for years and used it every holiday. Wonder recipes the family loves. Great ideas for you home. I like the art work in the book also. A must have for the family and a book to pass along.

I am slowly forming a collection of Susan Branch books. The time and artistic beauty that are shown throughout are worthy of keeping out every season. This one is in my kitchen next to a little tree , her recipes are also wonderful.

I've had this book for years and I have purchased this book many times over for the perfect gift at Christmas for the person who has everything. I leave it out all during the holidays and people will pick it up and then want it. It's just a great book to read through with lots of great ideas to make your holidays enjoyable. Beautiful illustrations too. You simply can't go wrong wih this book. The perfect gift!

I bought this book when I first discovered Susan Branch books. I loved it so much I gave it to all my sisters and sisters-in-law. They have all used it as a reference during the holidays and even through out the year.I have given this book to so many others as well and they all love the book. I can only state that this book stands up with all the Susan Branch products and is wonderful and so useful.

As with Susan Branch's other seasonal books, I use this Christmas treasure to kick off the season! Serioualy, I've dog-earred some of the recipes that have become family traditions since I first got this book. I've learned how special it is to replace all sheets with fun holiday flannel sheets. I do much more than simply put up a tree these days. In short, I must attribute my refreshed zest for holiday living to re-reading this book every year before do anything else. (It's also a nice gift!)