Hearts Books

I have now read three of Fr. Philippe's books, including this one (the other two are Interior Freedom and In the School of the Holy Spirit). They are all full of gentle, straightforward, perceptive, and practical Christian wisdom. The books read fast in one or two sittings. They are not burdensome and are well worth keeping close by for rereading and meditation. The trait that most stands out is the gentleness of the wisdom that is clearly borne of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. What you read here is the opposite of the inaccurate caricature of orthodox Catholicism as an angry, pharisaical exercise (unfortunately some confused Catholics have indeed given rise to that falsifying caricature). Fr. Philippe overturns the caricature and reveals the true face of orthodox Catholicism that is gentle, loving, inviting, and true.

This is a great book. I got it for a Spiritual Theology class. The class is more of a formative class than most - hence this book I highly reccomend. It's an easy read and great for adoration. It wil chanllenge you and confirm you but most importantly it will bring you closer to a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. God Bless and good reading!

I have had Father Jacques Philippe's books recommended to me on a number of occasions and by a number of different people. I have picked up the four I can find that are available in English. The title of this book, Searching for and Maintaining Peace, just grabbed my attention and had to be read first. The subtitle of this book is: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart, yet for a small book of 110 pages, it really packs a lot of punch.

This book was so good I have already put it back on my pile of books to be read. I know that I cannot glean all the great stuff from it in just one reading. For who in this hectic crazy world would not like a simple tool to help them find peace and to keep it once they have found it? This book will help you do just that. It is one I will add to my all time favorite list!

Here are some sample quotes from the book:

"The more our soul is peaceful and tranquil, the more God is reflected in it, the more His image expresses itself in us, the more His grace acts through us." P.5

"Because only this peace of heart truly liberates us from ourselves, increases our sensitivity to others, and renders us available to our fellow man." P.7

"It is that Christian life is a combat, a war without mercy." P.8

"Every Christian must be thoroughly convinced that his spiritual life can in no way be viewed as the quiet unfolding of an inconsequential life without any problems; rather it must be viewed as the scene of a constant and sometimes painful battle, which will not end until death - a struggle against evil, temptation and the sin that is in him. ... And this combat is, correctly viewed, the place of our purification, of our spiritual growth, where we learn to know ourselves in our weakness and to know God in His infinite mercy." P.9

"One of the dominant aspects of spiritual combat is the struggle on the plane of thoughts." P.13

Then the second section lists and goes over the causes of our loss of peace and how to regain it. There are some great tools for the spiritual life in this section.

The third section in this book is a series of quotes and excerpts from a number of Saints on the process of searching for peace, and on how to maintain that peace. These saints are:

* Juan de Bonilla
* Francis de Sales
* Teresa of Avila
* Marie of the Incarnation
* Francious-Marie-Jacob Libermann
* Padre Pio

These extended quotes will support and expand upon the information in the first two sections of this book.

This book is a must for anyone who really wants to grow deeper in their walk with God and in living in the peace that Jesus Christ promised to his followers.

Other Books By Fr. Jacques Philippe
Searching for and Maintaining Peace
Time For God
Interior Freedom
In the School of the Holy Spirit
Choose to be Free: the Power of Faith Hope & Charity (A different edition of Interior Freedom)

(These are all his books I have been able to find in English; if you know of any others or how to get them let me know please.)

Great book. The book is well written. It is easy to understand and read. It will make you aware of the spiritual battle that we are all subjected to and how to maintain peace-- the real peace. This book is recommended if you already have a prayer life. A MUST book to read for ascetism.

This is a great little book and I recommend it to everyone, Catholic and protestant alike.

It is a very practical guide with some nice quotes from the Bible, Saints and the authors own advice. It is about, you guessed it, searching for and maintaining peace. It is fairly short, 100 pages, in fact it is more of a glorified pamphlet than a book but still a great read.

I'm finding that I am moving through it very slowly because I stop and think and pray and re-read so many parts of this book. I think I'll make this an annual thing to read it as it has very valuable advice in it.

She Taught Me To Eat Artichokes is a book for everyone. The message of the way friendships unfold is beautiful. It is short, but powerful.

Friendships begin in many ways; sometimes they can simmer very slowly over a long period of time. This book is about a friendship that suddenly blossoms. The main character lives next to an older woman and while they exchange pleasantries from time to time, there is no real warmth in the relationship. She also shops for vegetables on a regular basis but turns up her nose at artichokes, considering them to be prickly and unpleasant.
All that changes when the son of the main character is in an auto accident and spends weeks in the hospital. The elderly woman comes to stay with her and their friendship develops rapidly. The comfort level increases and soon, the elderly woman invites her over and shows her the proper way to eat artichokes. She finds that she likes them, which is a metaphor for the value of friends. Since they are different people, they can show us things that we heretofore had ignored. As often as not, we find them pleasurable, quickly realizing how much we had missed by not having the relationship earlier.
We go through many stages in life, but one constant is the value of friends. Without them, the world is a very empty place, so when the time comes, realize that a friend is a valuable thing, even if it is necessary to eat an artichoke with them.

There is such a beautiful marriage between the words and illustrations of this book. A treasure for any friend.

This book is a wonderful gift to give to someone you love. It is beautifully written and illustrated. The story, a journey about discovering the "heart of friendship", is very touching.

I was given this book by a special friend and found it to be a great gift for me to give others. Anyone who has been there for you needs to receive a copy. Sometimes the best gifts are ones like this that can be re-read and may mean something new as life and friendships change. I no longer see the friend who gave me mine, but feel close to her each time I read it. My only problem is remembering to whom I have given copies of the book. Solution: I now write in the back of my book the persons name/date/event so that I don't give the same book twice! I also do this with another great gift book called "Hope for the Flowers".

It is the most beautiful desk calendar I have ever seen; and believe me, I completed an exhaustive search before buying this one. You will be grateful for it every day.

This was such a great find that I ended up ordering 5 more. I hope this company makes more next year similar to this one.

What a beautiful book!!! Lovely papers and images. Such a fun way to keep track of my daily to-do list. An added bonus is that I am planning to use this to create an altered journal once I am done using it as a daily log. I am already planning to get another one next year!

This is an absolutely gorgeous compilation of beautiful vintage-style collages, quotes and old-fashioned papers bound together into one of the best desk calendars I have seen for sale. It rivals any handcrafted diary/ calendar out there. Great size for the studio to keep track of those daily "artsy inspirations"!

A most exquisite gift for the hard to find a gift for co-worker. Had read about this item in our local paper and was THRILLED not to have to go shopping all over town to find it.

These books are the best I've ever read! I couldn't put them down. Once I got into the first book, I burned through the series. I've always been a fast reader, but even I was surprised how fast I read these books. I started the series on Saturday and was finished by Thursday. Since then I've read the books, especially my favorites, the last two, several times. My favorite character is Annie, Morgan Fitzgerald's adopted daughter. I reccomend this series to anyone who likes historical fiction. My only disappointment with these books came after I read the last sentance of "Dawn of the Golden Promise" and I realized that it was over! A fantastic series!

I've had these books for years but I think I've read each book atleast three of four times! The characters seem to come to life and the entire background is a lesson in 19th century Irish and American history. If you like books like the Zion Covenant and Chronicles, you'll love these books too!

These books are the best I've ever read! I couldn't put them down. Once I got into the first book, I burned through the series. I've always been a fast reader, but even I was surprised how fast I read these books. I started the series on Saturday and was finished by Thursday. Since then I've read the books, especially my favorites, the last two, several times. My favorite character is Annie, Morgan Fitzgerald's adopted daughter. I reccomend this series to anyone who likes historical fiction.

My libraian pointed out the series to me and as soon as I absorbed into them imediatly! At the end of the 5th book I found myself craving more. Irish history (and all other European history) has facinated me and I can't stop taking in all the information historical books have to provide. I suggest this book to any one who enjoys historcal literature (fiction or non).

I bought this book entirely on a whim and it absolutely captivated me-- I passionately love all things Irish, which usually makes me very critical, but this entire series does not disappoint! There aren't enough stars to tell everyone just how much i have enjoyed this series. In fact, I have been rationing myself to make the series last as long as I can... I can't bring myself to read book five and be finished! It's so good to find a book that pulls me into it like these do-- it seems rare these days. Wonderful, wonderful book... an absolute must-read!

During WW2, this author completed every single war patrol aboard the German submarine U-505. Towards the end of the war it was the author himself - as a very junior crewman, who had the final task of trying to sink his U-Boat after it had been forced to the surface by enemy fire. It was a gallant attempt that was thwarted only by an equally gallant American Navy which finally captured the submarine intact - complete with all it's operational codes.

In 1954, Han Goebeler read an article which informed him his beloved U-Boat was now part of an exhibition in Chicago and promptly moved with his wife to be near the machine that once meant so much to him. It wasn't long before he would be found giving personal talks to visitors. Over the years he also brought former adversaries together in reunions.

This book is his story. From those early beginnings in the Kriegsmarine until his death in 1999, he recalls just about everything that ever happened to him. He was not a Nazi, nor was he a demon or monster - just an ordinary man who was called upon to serve his country as did what any of us would do - he served. It is a moving story in which the reader will soon become gripped by the reality of life - and death!, on board a German U-Boat at time of war - although there is much to it than just that.

Rest in Peace Hans Goebeler - you earned it.

NM

I have read many many submarine books. I rate this one as one of the best of the best.

Writen from a crew member's perspective who served under three different commanders about life as a U-boat crewmen.

The writer pulls no punches when talking about fighting for Nazi Germany. Why and how he felt about Hitler. Lots of in debth detail about life on shore leave including the details about the night life ... and all the details with whores, French countrymen, French resistence, Army Core and what it was like during the air raids of their sub pens. Not to mention the war patrols and being captured.

A real, no BS account from the sounds of it. Absolutely loved it.

Wonderful book full of history that we should all know. Enjoyed reading this book.

This is an excellent book written in great detail by a man who served as a enlisted sailor in WWII. Not only does he decribe the boat but also his life and thoughts about the war. He takes you from training to the boats capture to the release from the POW camp. Very easy to read, you will not want to put this one down.

German vessels like the U-505 were not true submarines but were what the author calls, "submersibles" because they were designed more as surface ships capable of submerging for several hours when necessary. That fact figures prominently in Hans Goebeler's fascinating account of what life aboard a German U-Boat was like. Throughout the book you never forget that he was an enemy sailor doing his duty to try to sink Allied ships but he is a sympathetic character in that the reader will be able to readily identify with him and will consider what he would have done had he been born in Germany at that time.

U-505 experienced a lot prior to her capture by then-Captain Dan Gallery's task force of destroyer escorts and we learn of it all through the eyes of a nineteen-year old sailor whose affection for his boat nearly all of us can understand. He does not try to paint himself as a better man than he really was, and relates his life as he lived it, warts and all.

After he retired, Goebeler moved with his wife to Chicago to be near the U-505, now a museum ship at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. He conducted many reunions, both of German submarine veterans and of the ships that participated in the capture and many where the former enemies attended together. Goebeler died in 1999 before his book was published but his collaborator, John Vanzo, a professor of political science and geography at Bainbridge College in Bainbridge, Georgia has done an excellent job of bringing it to life for the reader. This is a very good book and I recommend it highly.

This book is great! Steve Yzerman has been the heart and soul of the Detroit Red Wings for so long. It's nice to finally get the chance to learn all about him. Some of us were just 9 years old when he came to the Wings and don't remember how small, akward, and young he was. Also, great pictures! But, one warning, the book was written before the 96-97 season so you won't see a Stanley Cup chapter in it and you'll hear lots of mentions of how Stevie still hasn't raised the chalice.

i think this book is the best. Stevie finally got what he deserved. 2 stanley cup rings, a book and now he need to get into the hall of fame!

Steve Rulz and "Believe"

I know this is so sappy, but I think the book is so sweet! I've read it many times since I bought it and it brings tears to my eyes to read the heartbreak Stevie Y suffered b/c he couldn't get achieve his goal of hoisting the Cup.

It's a MUST have for all true Steve Yzerman fans and has some really nice pictures in it. :)

When I got the book the first night I could not put it down. To see what he has gone through in his carree, that was amazing. He is the greatest hockey player who ever lived, and now because of the chapionships that the team has won under his leadership, other are now FINALLY realizing it. He has done everything for this team and city, he has given us his heart, and in return we give him ours. He has captured our hearts and through this boook you can get an indepth look at the making of a SUPERSTAR!

I highly reccomend this book to any fan of the Red Wings and their Captain. Some parts will make you smile while other parts will make you teary-eyed, but all of it will make you very proud to be a Red Wings fan. And if you're not already a fan, this book just might make you into one. If you think all modern athletes are selfish and just in it for the money, this book will show you that there are still exceptions. Unfortunately, it was published before the Wings won their latest Cups, so you can't read about that in here, but that just makes you realize how special it is to win the Cup.

Sam Intrator has collected a diverse sampling of stories from teachers of all types. They inspire and inform and are enjoyable to read. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone who teaches, from preschool to graduate school.

What a joy! Sam Intrator's new book, "Stories of the Courage to Teach: Honoring the Teacher's Heart", indeed does what it's title claims. Our courageous, dedicated and, too often, maligned American educators are given voice to express their own inner realities...and it is most powerful. I could not put this book down. And Parker Palmer's words in the Forword and Afterword dramatically acknowledge the terrible reality of being a teacher today. Teaching is a profession that attracts people with passion and love for children, is absolutely essential to a healthy society, yet is an easy target for all that goes wrong.
To be a teacher today is to choose a vocation of profound worth and profound pain.

I strongly recommend this book for all who care deeply about our children and the extraordinary teachers who, every day, give their very selves on behalf of our future. Thank you, Sam, for a masterful job of capturing our teachers' hearts!

I need this book every day to help me understand and meet the complex demands of my work as a high school English teacher. Sam possesses a keen insight into and commitment to the challenges we face in the contemporary classroom. What distinguishes Sam's book from others is its concern for the teacher's entire life. Our teaching comes from our heart at its best and our teaching is the story of who we are. This book tells that story, through OUR stories, in a way that makes it new and makes me proud to be a teacher. The book never whines but always entertains even as it confronts the hard truths that make up our days in the classroom. When you finish this book---which you never will, for you will reread certain stories again and again---you will understand why your work matters and will sense, even at those difficult moments, the dignity inherent in the work you do. Thank you for the book, Mr. Intrator.

FINALLY! Here is a book about what it really means to be a teacher with joy, hope, determination and courage in tough times. This book explains why people become teachers, and how the simple things they do make a world of difference in children's lives -- not just academically, but emotionally and soulfully. We need more books like this, telling not only what "needs to be done" to educate children and young adults, but how many people are already doing those things. Intrator's book is a refreshing addition to literature on teaching, a wonderful gift to anyone who loves kids, loves to learn, and loves simply to live as fully as possible.

This is not Palmer's "Courage to Teach" but rather a volume written by educators who have been inspired by Palmer's writings. Filled with compelling and deeply thoughtful pieces and pulled together artfully by Sam Intrator, a nationally recognized teacher himself, this book is a valuable source of wisdom and insight for teachers and anyone who cares about sustaining the teacher's spirit and calling. Each story told resonates with different elements of the educator's journey and will provide new appreciation for the challenges and rewards of teaching, whether you are a student, parent, community member, or teacher yourself.

My son and I were very fortunate to have had 17 wonderful years with Ron. He was a wonderful husband and father. He died on September 4, 2005. Aurora's book gave me great comfort in knowing that someone else understood the depth of my loss. I read "From Heart Break to Happiness", and I go back to it often when I am feeling down, or just want to feel less alone in my journey of grief. Aurora's book is a comfort and an inspiration, and a wonderful gift to anyone you love.

With my heavy course load, the last thing thing I wanted to do was read another book. But when I picked up Aurora's book, I read it cover to cover in one day. I couldn't put it down. It gave me more valuable insight into healing and the human spirit than all my other text books combined. "Struggling and Soaring with Angels" is more therapeutic than any medicine.

Kelly Murphy, President, Student Body,
Southern California University of Health Sciences

This is a must for anyone suffering a tragic loss. This book honestly portrays the depths and range of emotions and events felt when the author suffered the untimely loss of her husband in a clear, concise, unique, and heart-throbbing manner. The profound and life-changing impact of this story is immeasurable. Others will be cleansed and comforted by their ability to relate vividly and intimately with the massive effort involved with healing from a great loss.

This is a must for anyone suffering a tragic loss. This book honestly portrays the depths and range of emotions and events felt when the author suffered the untimely loss of her husband in a clear, concise, unique, and heart-throbbing manner. The profound and life-changing impact of this story is immeasurable. Others will be cleansed and comforted by their ability to relate vividly and intimately with the massive effort involved with healing fom a great loss.

I'm not giving away the ending by saying Ms. Winter emerges from her personal tragedy healed, centered and strong. The book itself gives that away...at nearly every turn of the page, you catch a glimpse of Ms. Winter's bright, confident smile from her photo on the back flap. No matter which dark moment you've just read, there she appears, smiling back at you, as if to say YOU can come through your grief, too.

Whatever loss or tragedy may have befallen you, I hope you'll find a quiet, comfortable spot to read this honest and compelling personal odyssey. Ms. Winter is not some pontificating PhD, but a fellow human who managed to rise above the pit of overwhelming despair. As you read her magnificently written daily entries, and perfectly selected quotes, you realize you are not alone. You begin to comprehend a bigger picture. And you draw comfort and strength from her own healing.

Please give this book to a loved one or friend who is struggling with personal loss. And if that person is you, come share the light at the end of the tunnel with Aurora Winter.

Surviving With Heart provides detailed information on heart disease, which kills men and women daily. From determining risk factors and identifying initial symptoms to working with a medical team and managing treatment options, Surviving With Heart provides quite a bit of depth and information and includes caregiver concerns and advice along with tips for patients. An invaluable guide.

I found this book to a very understandable and informative read for both the medical professionals and lay prople .As a registered nurse I would recommend that this book be available in the Cardiologists offices as a reference for both the patient and their caregivers to read .

I found the book to be user friendly. The authors explain medical terminology very well and give you devices for remembering what you've absorbed. It's comprehensive but one can take a few pages at a time to see the whole picture eventually. You can also go directly to any chapter that interests you the most and it will be clear even without reading the preceding chapters first.

I found the book to be very user friendly. The authors explain medical terminology very well and give you devices for remembering what you've absorbed. It's comprehensive but one can take a few pages at a time to see the whole picture eventually. You can also go directly to any chapter that interests you the most, and it will be clear eventually
without reading the preceding chapters first.

Surviving with Heart: Taking Charge of Your Heart Care is a very readable book chock full of information written by Darrell Trout, a survivor of heart disease and Ellen Welch, caretaker to her father following his quadruple bypass surgery. Grounded in the realities of Healthcare in the 21st Century with all the technological advances and the practical realities of the healthcare delivery system (e.g., the shortage of nurses and ancillary staff) this is a must read for all healthcare consumers and their families. Well researched and delivered, this book provides up to date and understandable information about the latest technology, procedures, and their empirically based value. Specific tips are given regarding how to choose your healthcare provider and how to prepare yourself for each medical encounter. It is a call to action for patients and their families to be involved participants in healthcare, to not do so could be deadly. This is a serious book that balances realism, empowerment, optimism and a good measure of humor.

Basics of anatomy and physiology are given in an interesting way, along with numerous facts related to health and wellness. Quotes from literary and historical sources, along with numerous personal stories by the authors and other survivors and caretakers, bring the hard facts home. As a family and health psychologist and a nurse practitioner, I was pleased to see the integration of the psychological and family aspects of cardiac health. Seligman's work on the importance of optimism is cited, along with very good guidelines related to family members taking care of themselves and the myriad of emotions that are likely to get triggered along the way. This is a user-friendly book that can be read cover to cover or as a reference book, depending upon the readiness and current need of the reader. Both survivor's and caretakers are likely to resonate with Surviving with Heart in terms of being understood and that others have walked their journey.

Very practical suggestions are provided related to sex, exercise, nutrition, stress management and shifting to a heart healthy lifestyle. Since heart disease often presents differently in women, a section is devoted to this area. I have recommended this book to psychology, nursing, and physician colleagues as well as to clients and friends. For healthcare providers who enjoy partnering with their patients in their care, this is a book well worth recommending.

This calendar is just beautiful... Susan Branch's artwork and scripting is just fun and light-hearted and gorgeous. I really enjoy it.

Like everything of hers. The pictures and sayings are food for thought. Would like more items of hers at Amazon.

Susan Branch is my favorite and being able to get her stuff on Amazon is great! High quality as always and just perfect for any room!

I love Susan Branch! she just gives you a warm and cozy feeling when you read her books or see her calendars!! ahhhh!!

Having been a Susan Branch fan from the get-go, I couldn't wait to see her new 2008 calendar and it definitely does not disappoint! Her beautifully lettered and watercolored designs for each month make turning the calendar page a real event! She just keeps getting better and better!