Insight Books

All the 5 star reviews here are self applause. Each positive reviewer has written a total ONE review each. A couple posters, or should I say posers, have actually toned it down to 3 (not "scriptural" enough) or 4 stars, but the 5 star icon proclaiming 'American Classic' is the rule. Incredibly, out of the millions of books printed, out of the number of books these guys must have read, each of these reviewers have seemingly found only one --this one-- worth reviewing. They tell us to a wo/man "it's hilarious".

I smell something foul, and to use the vernacular evoked by the title -- it be's stanky.

This book is about as profound as Hamburger Helper, and half as appealing. I regret paying $1.50 for it. The money would have been better used as lost, small coins at the beach for the guys with metal detectors to find, one by one. At least that would have brought some small joy. On my deathbed I will want back the hour I spent reading it. 'Momma' and her wimpy, pantywaist Poppa owe me, they owe me big time.

The book is plainly horrendous, tedious, and so cliche ridden you'd swear it was a spoof. To call it sub-par would be a wild understatement.

To make matters worse the reviews of questionable origin here on this site, in regards to this piece of bound pablum, are quite simply public exercises in masturbation and obfuscation...
but Hey! Bon appetit if you're into that kind of thing!

Because it's not. Most of the 'tidbits' in here can be found on most email forwards. There is nothing original about this book, and it's really kind of passive-agressive in it's attempts to portray 'family harmony.'

And how interesting it is that all the positive reviewers have only written one review ever for Amazon. I'm sure, since this review is negative, one of said reviewers will object to this, but, before you base a purchase decision on positive praise, make sure you take that praise with a grain of salt and question why this was the only book those who love this book ever reviwed.

The authors have taken every day situations that we all experience and really showed the humor in them. I was grateful to learn that I am not the only one that dodges tight situations with the spouse daily. There are so many funny parts of this book, everyone will relate to at least a few of them. AN EXCELLENT GIFT!

When Mama Ain't Happy is a funny book full of tips on how to maintain peace and happiness at home. I shared a few of the rules with my friends and their husbands during a recent gathering and the whole room was on the floor laughing. And there were more than a few knowing glances. I particularly like rule #47 "Tell your wife that you love her at least three times each day. Keep a tally sheet in your pocket, if necessary." The author is smart to provide tips on how to follow the rules since husbands are notoriously bad at following directions. This book is the perfect primer for husbands. It even has a test in the back of the book to rate how well a husband has learned the rules. I think the book does a terrific job of showing that love and a sense of humor are key ingredients to a happy marriage. I highly recommend this book!

The book is pretty funny. Not the marriage book to end all marriage books, but there is a little something for most people to take away from it and apply in their own lives. It lacks a certain personality and some of the advice is unscriptural so I only gave it a three.

The Televisionwithoutpityers (twopers as they call themselves) are now discussing how to write reviews that stick to the rules and make it appear as though they read the book, in order to "hit her [the author] in the pocketbook" because that's "the only thing that hurts people like that." This is a regular practice; they didn't like one conservative family on one documentary who had a lot of children and started trying to get those children taken away by social services!!!

Amazon, however, has a high standard and I hope that they continue to remove disruptions designed to impede and compromise the integrity of the review process.

Overall: worth reading but perhaps not worth buying new.

This book is my favorite devotional book. I was given this book as a gift and was surprised, fantastic book. Helped me in so many ways that I bought another to give as a gift to a friend. It also has a workbook and I'm recommending it for a bible class at my Church.

Wow, what a book . To the point and the chapters are not long at all . Makes me feel like I am accomplishing something as I read . Easy to go back in the contents and look up something specific to help you just at that time .

Purchased December 2008.

Positives: Brief, interesting comments with both a relevant Bible quote and a prayer. She weaves a lot of her personal experiences into the story. I start my day with this devotional because it gives a positive start. I no longer am a Christian, but, overall, her message about God gives me a lift.

Deltas: Nothing major.

I suggest that if you haven't seen Joyce Meyers on TV get the sample first, and read that before purchasing.

This book will open your understanding of our everyday battle! It is an eye opener and a help to our daily Bible Study! It has been taken off my hands by my friends!

I received a teaching once that basicly said that when you get right down to it the Devil really only has two methods for tempting us: 1. Pressure 2. Pleasure. The Devil has three maxims which allows him to pull this off : 1. You (your own thoughts, bad habits, exc.) 2. The environment (Government, religious oppression, the systems of the world, exc.), and 3. Other people. Joyce Meyer's "Battlefield Of The Mind" is mostly geared at the one maxim each of us have the most control over (You, yourself, your thoughts, and YOU).

Joyce masterfully explains how that old Advesary The Devil works by waiting for the right moment (he`s not only a parasite but he`s also a predator). He waits to see where your weak, when your most vulnerable moment is, and he waits for that moment to attack. The Bible says "Resist the Devil and he will flee from you." Perfect example is Luke chapter 6, The devil waits for Jesus to be 40 days and nights in the wilderness before he attacks. He didn't come the first day to attack him when our Lord was at his strongest. Oh no, our advesary doesn't play fair; he bides his time and waits for your weakest moment and attacks. Jesus resisted him and the devil fled from him (for awhile). Best thing is we have victory through our risen Lord this very day if we claim it. Joyce does a great job of illustrating this in this book(though I don't know if she used the Luke example I used above or not).

I really got a lot of insight from this book. For example, one of the concepts in the book (in my own words) was "what comes out of your mouth had to originate in your brain." Sounds simple enough , but Joyce had a masterful way of describing every thought we commonly have today and referring it to biblical passages. About half way through the book I began to realize that the grumbling, griping, complaining, and various other human emotions and thoughts I have are not uncommon to our time. The children of Israel went through these same emotions and they are all recorded in Gods Word. I used to ponder how stupid these people must have been, but now I can see myself in them. It really was a humbling experience! Many of us make the same mistake over and over again and ask God, "Why don't you do something?" Truth is God has always been willing to help us. We are the ones who get in God's way by not bringing our thoughts into the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Read this book and find out how you can change and train your mind to shut the door on The Devil and how to allow God to do what he's always been willing to do. BLESS YOU!!!

Hebrews 13:5b "for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

P.S. This book comes in many formats. There's the traditional version, teen version, devotional version, exc. It doesn't matter which one you use. Just read one of them. You will be blessed.

I dont know if this book has valuable information or not. It is as boring and dry as a communion wafer so I didn't make it past page 50. I'm a 100% non-fiction girl, so when I say it's boring, you can trust me, its boring!

I am not an assistant, but I still read this book and it was fab! It had some really interesting points and it really points you in the right direction for executive leadership. It points out great facts that all of us in an organization is an assistant to someone, even customers or clients. This book is great and worth the buy.

This book is very informative for the beginning Admin Asst. It has great ideas and shows the common sense approach behind everyday items that really make a difference. However, as I continued to read Joan's suggestions...I realized I WAS an Inner Circle Asst because I was already employing her techniques on a daily basis. It was empowering to know that my common sense approach was truly the way to become successful. (Granted, it's certainly helped MY career!) Even if you ARE an Inner Circle Asst already, this book is still a great read and it can confirm and remind you that you're on the right track! I would definitely recommend this to the aspiring Admin who doesn't plan on STAYING an Admin for her entire career. The ideas presented are very easy to incorporate successfully and are the foundation of any successful Executive! Because even if the word 'Executive' isn't in your title, you should still present yourself as one!

Although the book covers quite a bit in its 250-some pages, it lacks serious substance. While it motivates those in the administrative field to take charge and harbor an invincible positive attitude, it offers little direction or guidance beyond that. Noted in the Acknowledgements that the book was a 35-year work in progress, it shows. Many sections seem brief or entirely cut off with no direction or conclusion and the book flits through sections with no clear path. There's a lot of build up and no real answers to the questions that plague those in this profession. The entire book left me wanting to know more, but not giving me a whole lot I didn't already know.

I found the information in this book to be invaluable for those who are wishing to step up a notch in their role as an Executive Assistant. Easily set out, easy to read, and incredibly motivational - I highly recommend it.

Smart and insightful, this book describes, step by step how to achieve the kind of success most dream of but few accomplish.

Selina Maitreya has written a no nonsense book that outlines the basic requirements for achieving success in one of the most competitive businesses around. Her approach is not only to achieve business and creative success, but to achieve some spiritual enlightenment along the way. In other words, she wants you to make money and create fabulous images, but says that those things do not make us happy without a deeper understanding of ourselves creatively.

The point she makes in the end is, she can give you all the advice in the world but you have to make it happen on your own. She makes that clear with anecdotal success stories of some of her most determined clients who work through difficult times and personal tragedies, not necessarily to reach success beyond their wildest dreams, but to launch their business and begin to find clients who give them the work they dreamed of.

I am re-reading this book again. This book is more than some repeated advice, but it is a book that encourages you to succeed.
I enjoyed the chapters on vision more than any of them. So many books on the business of photography attempt to drown you with negative doubtful comments that you ready to quit before you begin.
Selina on the other hand delivers a honest look at the world of commercial photography, but filters it through a message of positive encouragement and strong faith.

Tim Skipper
Vision Photo Image
www.visionphotoimage.com

This book is so much more than just a "how to" guide. Selina has pointed out many areas that need to be developed if you want to be successful in this field. From Values and vision to faith and persistence there are no topics left undiscussed.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a simple guide to a very complex and confusing industry.

-David Paul Larson
www.davidpaullarson.com

I was led to this book among a few others after asking for advice about how to get in the commercial / advertising industry. Since Amazon wouldn't let me peek inside the book and I couldn't find it locally to get a closer look, I took a chance and bought it.

What a disappointment.

Within the first few pages of the book, Selina states that her book is not a "How To" book. Why then, Selina, would you slap a "HOW TO" right in the f***in' title? Perhaps to sucker in a few more sales.

This is a self-help book.

I hate self-help books.

You see, I believe that confidence and a positive outlook are acquired through specific knowledge of the industry you're in rather than the general suggestion of reconnecting with one's spirituality, something the book hammers on endlessly. Nothing inspires confidence in a photographer more than knowing exactly what to expect at a meeting with an Art Director, how to submit your book, how to price yourself competitively, how to plan a debut in the industry, etc. And besides, if reconnecting with one's spirituality is the only way to success, does that mean an atheist can never be a successful photographer? What about a Wiccan photographer? Or an agnostic photographer? The whole premise seems silly to me.

If you want a simply awesome book, buy "Advertising Photography - A Straightforward Guide to a Complex Industry" by Lou Lesko. The advice there is much more practical and very easy to read. Other books I'd suggest are "ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography" and even "Best Business Practices for Photographers" by John Harrington, although this last one is excruciatingly tedious to read through. Still, all three of these books would be far more useful to any photographer than Selina's book.

This book is aimed at professional photographers seeking assignment work from photo buyers, art directors and the like. It will be of less use to the professional shooting fine art or stock, although someone in one of the latter categories might pick up a few tips. It's also of more value to someone who's already working in the business rather then just starting out.

Maitreya, who is a marketing consultant to assignment photographers, provides a series of essays that are more inspirational then instructive. For example, she tells the assignment photographer that in today's marketplace he or she must provide the client with value and attempts to explain what value is. Perhaps it's my business background, but I always thought that assignment photographers had to provide value if they wanted business, but maybe most don't realize that, or at the very least had never considered that deeply.

The author seems to move from the practical side to the spiritual side. For example, early in the book she tells the photographer that he must have a book (the phrase photographers use to describe the portfolio submitted to customers as part of the effort to influence the client to hire them) that will show the client how hiring the photographer will yield images that enhance the client's campaign. That means showing the client work that is the essence of the photographer, even at the risk of it not being consistent with the client's vision. The author believes that, if the portfolio is essential (my words, not hers) and the photographer keeps marketing, eventually he or she will be successful. She doesn't give many specifics about preparing such a book, perhaps because she has already covered that ground in an earlier book, "Portfolios That Sell: Professional Techniques for Presenting and Marketing Your Photographs".

At the spiritual end she talks of developing faith in oneself, and using affirmations that will reinforce one's faith. Even though it sounds a bit mystical, I think that psychologists agree on the importance and usefulness of such things in marketing.

Whether the author's approach will help the assignment photographer is not clear to me. I'm not an assignment photographer, but I think some of her points make sense even in fine arts photography. Whether the author's message will make sense to the particular assignment photographer, and whether she will convince him or her to try the suggestions, will ultimately depend on the personality of the photographer. On the other hand, for the assignment photographer who is interested in improving his business, this book might provide the necessary inspiration and, even if it does not, there is little to be lost in time or money in considering the author's approach.

This book has changed my life. I have sent it to all my friends. At first, I was a little disappointed with this book. The affirmations seemed too simple. But as I used the affirmations, I started to realize how they work. And I liked her explanation and ideas of these topics.
Her concepts in the mediations are powerful yet so simple. The book is presented gently but expects a commitment from you. For some reason I kept coming back and randomly reading the different topics. And each time I would see a new way of looking at things for myself, ways to change for the better and deal with life.
I highly recommend this book if you need to change your life. You need to open your mind and keep working at it a little each day.

I absolutely love this book, the illustrations just give life to the words. I am a counselor and have shared this others in the same field. We enjoy this book as well as some of the others. It is a great book for anyone who really wants to move out of the old into the new good stuff in life. D

Beautiful book, uplifting writings on different topics that will be of help to someone. Not really meditations, I don't think. But definately a great book.

This is a wonderful book! It offers a short summary of words in which to focus for meditation and also a longer bit of insight on each subject that sparks a deeper look into self for answers. Covers many topics easy to find in the index.

If I could give no stars, I would. I'm putting this review on each of Louise Hay's titles to warn people who fall into believing that this is a caring, compassionate person. I met her recently at an event and was about to compliment her on one of the books her company publishes that Dr. Dyer wrote for children. Louise Hay was so incredibly rude to me before I even got to open my mouth that I was shocked. The woman seemed to be only about capitalism, power and ego and, though I had been a previous customer of her publishing company, I will NEVER purchase anything by them again nor will I recommend them. I will not give money to someone so ill-behaved, let alone someone who's telling others to be nice when they haven't learned that lesson themselves. Louise Hay, I hope someone on your team shares this with you. You should be ashamed of yourself for being so nasty!

By contrast, I have dealt with the people at Sound's True a zillion times and all of them are as nice as can be and behave in accordance with their products. I spoke with their people at the same event (and others before it) and they were all lovely.

And, no, I do not work for or am in any way compensated by Sound's True. I simply people should know the truth about who practices what they preach and who doesn't. In my opinion, Hay's behavior was one step down from Cruella De Ville. If you're shocked reading that, imagine how shocked I was experiencing it from her.

After reading to many books I found this one, and I could say right now I have a better knowledge of e-business.

I consider my best book about e-business.

If you are looking for a book that talks about e business strategies, I advocate this should be your choice. It's not just b'cas this book is from the guy who is rated as 10 most influential people in E-business, but b'cas he know his audeince very well.

I am sure irrespective of your exposure to e-business, this would change the way you think of e-business.

As a practitioner in the field, I believe, this is one of the best books on the subject. The book is inspirational and clarifies a lot of confusion that has been created by false start of some e-business initiatives. I highly recommend it to any one interested in understanding the true meaning of e-business.

The so-called "mysterious" world of e-business is covered very well. Categorization into seven steps and further classification of them makes this book very interesting and easy to follow. The case studies and examples are excellent, however it seems that most of them move around some 10-15 companies. Although, this book is targeted to top executives but the language is so easy that any one can comprehend and get benefited. I found the E-volution and E-strategy topics very useful. They provide very good insight on how a company should view and plan e-business initiative. Recommended to any one who is involved in any kind of e-business initiative, this book can take the efforts to much more deep and meaningful level.

I'm an American and I too confirm Mr. Yamagata's review: the "quotes from zen or Buddha, or some folk story to make themselves sound profound" is highly irritating (straight talk will do just fine)... and, "Ah,we knew that all along!" borders on arrogance. The book seems to have come from the -publish or perish- world of academe. Need solid information to do the real work ahead, don't look for Nirvana. Sorry, but I could find no new insights from this book, just a contrived rehash of information clearly written elsewhere --in business language, backed by well defended assertions ... my $2 mantra is just fine, thank you.

Read this book for a non-traditional studio class and it was a great introduction to many contemporary artists I did not know.

Anyone who wants to become familiar with intricacies of what can be the confusing world of post-modern art should read this book. The author does an excellent job of presenting an interesting cross-section of significant and fascinating collection of atypical artists. Pretty much every artist who is included has done their share of expanding the contemporary definition of Art in the Western and Non-western tradition. Over all, this compendium of essays does much to open the door to widen the reader's perspective on what art can do. The one aspect of this book that is troublesome is that the author often seems to focus on only one or two aspects of an artist's works, a habit that is frustrating at best and misleading at worst. While doing outside research on one of the artists included, Mel Chin, I was convinced there were two artists with the same name, as the perspective provided in the book did not prepare me for the artist's full range of activities. Still, this complaint should not stop an interested party from purchasing the book. I for one did not feel my money ill-spent.

as a MFA student thats currently being educated by "the institution" i find myself flip flopping between wanting to drop out or drop in...this book didn't save me but it sure put things in perspective, never before in a book have I seen cover such topics where you can find Barbara Kruger and James Luna and Joseph Beuys and Tomie Arai between the same cover's in a book. This book also addresses an important issue for me. race. The art world is racist and if you don't know that just look around, art is life and a reflection of society and if you dont know that its because your a white (sorry but its true). This book may not address it but it surely helps to have some artists of color represented (although they aren't near the best art makers).

I can't believe that there are so many positive reviews for this book. Aside from any personal preferences, did anyone else notice that the text is FULL of grammatical mistakes? Even the artists' names are not spelled consistently the same way throughout an article. If you don't believe me, count the number of times she uses Mesa-Bains and then the number of times she uses Mesa-Baines.

Aside from that, the writing style is simply awful, although I guess with this kind of subject matter, it's hard to do much better. This book, along with my Studio Art class, has helped me to develop a strong disliking for most of the contemporary art that is gaining attention. It is thoroughly disturbing and pointless. None of the artists manage to successfully convey their messages. I am very glad to never have to see this book again.

I guess this book is meant as a real "intro" text, but if you do know something about this art, it seems pretty lite. Clearly, lots of people like it, but Weintraub seems to bend so far over to make complex work accessible that she really over-simplifines. And the "art" in the book is so scattered and uneven, you don't get any deeper sense of what is going on, what the historical context of any of this might be.

Granted, there aren't many intro texts on recent art. So if this is one of the "better" ones, it's mostly for lack of competition. I wish there was some accessible middle ground between pop/gossip texts and academic tomes. This feels like it's written from someone really distant to the work, who's not always that well-informed.

It is rare to find a work of excellent scholarship that is also very readable. Runciman has once again achieved this result.

Wonderful British historian Steven Runciman here renders a most valuable service to the student of history, for he elucidates the fate of Orthodoxy under the Ottoman Empire and the impact that this had on modern history. But perhaps the most significant aspect of Runciman's narrative is that which he merely suggests and does not elaborate on: the role of British imperialism, what another noted British historian, Dame Frances Yates, styles as a "British Israel mystique" on the fate of the Balkans and Asia Minor. For here we see the Orthodox Church under Turkish rule being as much usurped by the money power as by the political authority of the Turks. And behind that money power lurked, of course, the guiding influence of British and International Freemasonry.

Runciman makes several essential points in this very important work. One that particularly struck this reader was the following insightful observation:

"If there was no Reformation in Eastern Christendom, nor even any hertical movement as powerful as that of the Cathars of the medieval West, it was because the Church never lost touch with the people."

We also must note the incredible importance of Runciman's chapter on Constantinople and Moscow. Here we see the great truth that Constantinople under the Turks, and influenced by the Protestant West, gave up her role of leadership of Orthodoxy to Holy Russia. Then, without a doubt, Moscow became the Third Rome, replacing Constantinople, the Second Rome, which had, in turn, replaced old, imperial Rome so many centuries previous. This chapter alone is worth the price of the entire excellent book.

This excellent monograph from the most objective world leader on the subject, is without parallel. A must read for all those interested in the bad but not-that-bad fate of the Orthodox Church under the Ottoman Turks.

I'll be honest with you.The only reason I bought this book, was because I'd already read all of Runciman's "real" history books and just wanted to complete my collection.Church history and theology aren't exactly my cup of tea.So, I thought I'd open it, start reading and fall asleep after page....ix.But I was wrong of course.I underestimated Runciman's ability to make even a debate about the role of Epiklesis in Transubstantiation appear interesting.No,really,I'm being serious.This is a well-written and interesting book that provides an answer, from a unique perspective, to the question everyone has after reading the "Fall of Constantinople": "Well,what happened next?"
We also get a deeper insight on Runciman's own ideas about religion and theology that we only catch a glimpse of, in his most ...ermm, "secular" works.
This book also piqued my interest on a more personal level as well, being (nominally) Orthodox.For anyone who has read his books, it's not a secret where Runciman' s sympathies lay - and he certainly tries to explain and excuse many "unfortunate" acts and decisions on behalf of the Orthodox Church.But be warned - this isn't a rose-tinted hagiography - the story of the "Great Church" in "captivity" becomes literally nauseating at times, and it doesn't lack in cynicism and petty squabling.It certainly didn't make me want to get rid of that pesky "nominally" in front of my religion....

Runciman is probably the ranking master of Eastern Orthodox history, and his insights shed light on all religious traditions of the world. As the Eastern churches passed under many political masters, Runciman traces how they adjusted and survived. Often they were treated as subject communities, under threat of collective punishments for any disobedience from groups or individuals in their midst. For example, under Ottoman rule Greek Orthodox Patriarch Gregory V felt constrained, both by his Turkish rulers and his own religious tradition, to condemn the rising movement for Greek national freedom. In his "Paternal Exhortation" of 1790, Gregory called Greek Christians to remember that God had placed them under the Ottoman Sultan. Therefore their cry for political freedom was "an enticement of the Devil and a murderous poison destined to push the people into disorder and destruction". Later, Patriarch Gregory threatened to excommunicate any local priests who aided or sheltered Greek freedom-fighters. No doubt the patriarch knew his own life depended on giving such orders, and on his church obeying them. The Ottoman rulers had already killed, enslaved, or exiled seven Orthodox patriarchs for failing to control their subordinates. And when Gregory failed to halt the movement for Greek independence, the Ottomans killed him too.

These accounts highlight the injustice of collective punishment as we still see it in the modern world. And the whole book gives tremendously valuable background on the whole cultural life of modern East Europe.

--author of "Different Visions of Love"

I am sure many of you out there do not remember the great Spiritual War of 1988. It was fought between the Seers (who wanted to free men's consciousness) and the Warlocks (who wanted to confine it). A terrible Warlord named Rohbahr Sedivekkian and his troops were burning down towns and lands throughout the area and were fast approaching my castle. My spirit guides were urging me to leave immediately for I had little time. All I was able to save were bottles of coveted brandy, an oil painting of George Washington and this book of insights.

Well, as you would expect, I made it to safety, but the battle still goes on. Anyway, I drank the brandy, donated the portait of Washington to some museum, but I kept the book. This gives you some indication of Metamorpho's high-minded value system. Well, maybe? Just a bit?

This book has been with me for a long time, but it is so valuable in many respects. While alot of the quotes contained herein may seem simple to some, they always retain the ability to change as your conciousness expands. There are depths and levels here to explore. But what is interesting is that many of these sayings beg for an introspection of the self. There are grains and kernals of truth sprinkled about, but what you get from it or don't get, really relies upon yourself.

You begin to look at yourself and the world differently and you come away with new eyes that are able to see more clearly then before. The difficulties and trials of life don't seem to be as insurmountable as we think them to be. You begin to develop a new understanding and outlook by going within, and the evolution and growth from these quotes can be very helpful. As you read some of these you get the feeling that you are part of the collective energy of the universe and that, indeed, great power resides within each and every one of us.

The following are some examples of the quotes:

"I do not expect anything from others,
So their actions cannot be in opposition to mine".

"Man cannot discover new oceans,
until he has the courage to lose sight of the shore".

"Life is either a daring adventure
or nothing".

"Change is never a loss -
it is change only".

Those are just a few. Alot of these lead you to a more peaceful, calm thought. Alot of them open up avenues that you maybe never considered or always assumed closed. But, it is the positive nature of these affirmations which I am so taken with. It is a journey of evolvement and seeking answers below the surface. It says to hold a problem in your mind, open this book to any page and there will be your answer. In many ways, this is true. But, as I said, what you get from it is totally up to you.

Now, I must get back to writing my next lecture. Oh, and about Rohbahr Sedivekkian? Well, after much carnage, he achieved his evil goal. But, in the end, the joke was on him. Suzabella, the witch of the shore, zapped all his dignity and power and now he is but a pawn piece on the great big chessboard of life. Ah, the boomerang effect of the Universe. Dontcha love it?

To everything, there is a season -- Metamorpho ;)

In the beginning of this book the author gives this advice,

"Hold a problem in your mind and open this book to any page and there will be your answer."

Talk about nonsense.

She goes on to say,

"How To Use This Guide

You have a problem or need guidance to help you make a decision. Picture it clearly in your mind; meditate on it so that the mind gradually subsides into stillness. This allows you to draw on your subconcious and intuitive powers to respond."

And her evidence for that incredible nonsense? Nothing. On top of that the book is filled with quotes from others, mostly famous, so it's not original at all let alone helpful. For example here are some quotes,

"Every end is a new beginning."

This little book of life offers some of the most powerful quotes and passages available throught the literature of self improvement. Great book to use on a daily basis for entering your journey of the day. Open the book when you reach a challenging moment in your life and theres your solution. Highly recommended.

I moved recently and was unpacking books when I came upon this gem. Received it many years ago from a friend and have given copies away to others. This book helps you calm down and guides you with words of wisdom. A must have for anyone who loves quiet time.

I felt the need to write this review and sing my praises about this collection after receiving other books in this genre by a different author which proved to be greatly disappointing.

I own many books of this type used for divination through bibliomancy and practice this magick daily.

This book has an attractive cover with its inside text written in calligraphy script. It also has a fabric tassel/bookmark attached from the binding which makes a nice touch. The quote on each page credits the origin from which the quote came which is nice to have available for when I go searching for other motivational quotes. It has also steered me in a good direction on purchasing other meaningful books because of the references to the author and/or book titles.

For the purpose of divination through bibilomancy, the collection of Susan Haywards books has my top recommendations. They are easy to communicate with and have a very nice reciprocating energy. The quotes have depth, dimension, and a good loving energy within them.

I have bought several of them as gifts. The books of this collection will most likely remain on my gift-giving list for many years to come.

My one and only gripe is that the picture shown is not like the book I received. Mine had different lettering which seemed half as nice as the one on the picture, but hey...the book isn't about its cover.

All I can say is this was a great man. Thank you uncle Barry. RIP.

This is an excellent autobiography! If you have always loved Barry White's music, after reading this book, you will also love Barry White the Man.

When most people think of Barry White they remember the smooth, sexy baritone voice, which always seemed to resonate love. His voice was distinctive and so was his musical style, but his life was a rags-to-riches tale. LOVE UNLIMITED, written prior to his death, describes Barry's life from the rough streets of Compton, California through his rise to fame as "The Maestro". Readers will also get a glimpse into his love of family and his true love, Lady Music.

Barry White was raised by a single mother who did all she could to make sure her sons would do well and become successful. However, it didn't stop them from being acquainted with gangs and spending some time in jail. Yet, Barry was the only one of her sons to realize that he didn't want to spend his life in jail or become a disappointment to his mother. The one thing Barry had an affinity for was music. He loved music and when a spiritual voice came to him one day encouraging him to follow the musical road, he did just that. Dropping out of high school and on a wing and a prayer, Barry set out for Hollywood to follow his calling. His road to success was long and hard work. Even with marriage and a family, he refused to give up his dream. With the help of friends, support of his mother and pure determination he accomplished much with little formal training.

LOVE UNLIMITED gives readers insight into the hard-nosed world of the music industry and Barry White's passion. He loved his family, took care of his children and when he loved, he loved deeply. There were lean years before the success and even with success there were problems. He persevered to follow the spiritual voice that continued to speak to him throughout his life. His music was an extension of him as a human being. This was a man of honor who didn't drink, smoke, or party. He was the epitome of his music. This was a wonderful and discerning look at The Maestro, as he was often called. There are no scandals to read within the pages, but it is a fulfilling look into Barry's life and the creative power behind his music.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Barry White's life wasn't all love and togetherness as his many hits have prescribed to any lovers out there, but still, having fought his way out of poverty by binding his love of life with his true love of music paved the way to him becoming the icon he will always be. Yeah, there may be a little ego, but he deserves it. Barry's struggle from Compton to being swindled as an employee of a toy store to the dissolution of his first marriage may have broken his spirit, but made him a better man. The most interesting part of his life was the business aspect, especially the parts that dealt with the record company dismissing him and not wanting to acknoledge his gifts, yet reaping the millions of dollars he was making them. Filled with highs and lows, this autobiography wasn't the best I ever read, but made the closer look at Barry's life intriquing.

Overall, I found the book to be well written and worth one's money if you are a fan, but, as one of his classic songs are entitled, "BEWARE! He may literally make you sick with his grandiose, egotistical, "I am music, I gave music life" persona. He truly believes he is the "Black Sinatra", or as he puts it, singers, before his arrival onto the music scene, were either "stupid", "leeches", or crybabies".

He outright tells Issac Hayes and Lou Rawls that they are not on his level as artists, not to mention that, according to this book, everyone from Muhammad Ali to Michael Jackson were living in darkness until he arrived on the scene and enriched their lives with his sacred wisdom and guidance- as if he was Jesus Christ. He even leads himself to believe that his deciding to do commercials in the 1990's lead to some sudden surge of black artists being offered commercial endorsements, citing B.B. King and Aretha Franklin- Oh Please Barry! Both Aretha's and B.B's respective careers have endured longer and achievements are far greater than yours. And by the way, they were singing jingles before you came on the scene.

The most sickening moment, however, has to be his comments in regards to the late, great, Marvin Gaye, whom he appears convinced he could have straightened out- And, of course, Marvin begged him to produce him!

Throughout the book, he makes numerous suggestions as to the many artists who have come to him asking him to produce them. Funny thing though, outside of his groups, Love Unlimited (Orchestra), he has never!

Not suprisingly, he also fails to mention that his big comeback hit, 1994's "Practice What You Preach", was actually written and produced by Gerald Levert. So Barry, that, my friend, was the key to the success of your album, "The Icon is Love". And boy, isn't it strange, after reading this memoir, you will have to ask yourself, "If everyone was worshipping Barry, who was listening to Luther? Just a thought.

Barry is much too full of himself- literally and philosophically. If you can stomach his overly inflated ego, you actually may enjoy this book!