Resources Books

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (7/06)

"I Can't Hear God Anymore" is the story of Wendy and Doug Duncan. In this first person narrative, Wendy relates the couple's experiences in an abusive religious group.

At a time when Wendy was hurting, confused, and feeling rejected by her church, Wendy met Doug who invited her to attend Bible studies and services led by Ole Anthony of the Trinity Foundation in Dallas, Texas. Doug had joined the group during college as an eager, idealistic, and vulnerable youth. "I Can't Hear God Anymore" is Wendy's first person account of their spiritual journey.

The Trinity Foundation gained national recognition for their work with Diane Sawyer, in exposing TV Evangelists, Robert Tilton, W. V. Grant, and Larry Lea on ABC's "Prime Time Live". Charismatic leader Ole Anthony was recently featured in the New Yorker magazine and is frequently interviewed by the media as an expert on religion. Duncan uses her experiences as a member of the Trinity Foundation to alert the reader of the peril of blindly following charismatic cultic type leadership.

The book includes insights from Margaret Thaler Singer, Ronald Enroth, Stephen Arterbaum, Len Oakes, Judith Lewis Herman, William Sargent, and other well known writers on cultic personalities, manipulation, scripture twisting, psychological and emotional abuse. Her research includes general information regarding cults or abusive groups, psychological profiles of cult leaders, recovery issues, brainwashing and mind control methods.

Wendy's research included listening to dozens of former Trinity Foundation taped Bible messages of Ole Anthony and other recorded sources and documents to introduce the basic teaching of the Trinity Foundation. Rites and practices of the group are introduced or confirmed through interviews with former members of the group. These sources have been included to illustrate the danger of theological distortions, prevalent in some quasi-Christian groups and to point out the inconsistency in following their own tenets.

In today's atmosphere of political mistrust, questions regarding business ethics in an unstable economy, and sex scandals in the church, Wendy Duncan has written this book to alert the American public of another area of concern, that of spiritual abuse by church leaders. This is a timely and important contribution to resources available on the danger of cultic and abusive personalities and organizations.

Wendy's research includes mind control methods that cause members to be so crushed and shamed that they lose their personal identity. She likens the aftermath of separation from the cultic leadership and community to that of the grief process. In her last chapter "Hope for the Hopeless" Wendy gives encouragement to the reader as she discusses an understanding of thought reform techniques and the recovery process.

The book is well articulated and documented. Duncan has a keen sense of observation and has demonstrated courage in confronting and exposing Trinity leadership in the face of criticism and humiliation. Duncan writes with understanding, conviction, and intellectual honesty.

Wendy's purpose in writing this book is to enlighten others who find themselves in similar situations and to help them avoid some of the same pitfalls.

I highly recommend this book to recovering former cult members who are struggling to regain their identity and move on with their lives.

I had a strange reason for purchasing this book. I had seen Ole Anthony on TV giving reports of various televangelists and knew he did research on them. I was thinking of contacting his organization to see if they could help me find some information on a certain ministry.

Fortunately, first I "googled" Ole Anthony, and this book came up. The idea that Ole Anthony could be the head of something he himself has appeared on TV purporting to be against was just too intriguing. So I purchased this book.

Although I didn't enjoy Wendy's descriptions of Anthony's doctrine, because it so clearly is wrong, and although I can't identify with someone who would willingly place themselves in the situation the characters in the book did and do, still, the story is very well written, and the explanation of Anthony's doctrines are needed to "get" the story. The story was convincing enough that I believe it!

I'm glad this book was published, it's a variation of the all-too-oft story of abuse by people in authority, or pseudo-authority, and the very worst kind is a religious figure who abuses his flock in the name of Christ!

So, thanks to this book, I don't need any information that Ole Anthony might be able to provide me. That would be like asking Don Corleone (The Godfather) to help me because my neighbor's dog barks too loud. It just wouldn't be worth it!

I first heard of the Trinity Foundation and Ole Anthony back when they exposed Robert Tilton on ABC's Primetime Live. I contacted them with the inside "scoop" of another televangelist. Unfortunately, because I did not have the good sense to keep the information to myself, the Trinity Foundation did another expose using my information, on a national television program. I became a good source for the Trinity Foundation. I was acquainted and spoke with Doug Duncan, who was later to be married to Wendy. After I learned of Anthony's arrogance and his willingness to play God with "exposing" the sins of others rather than be truly biblical in his approach, I had to renounce Trinity Foundation's and Anthony's tactics. I regret having had anything to do with them even at a distance. The book is a valuable read, and shows that anyone can be suckered into trusting a domineering cult authority figure.

This book gave me alot of insight into religion and how it would be so easy to fall into the hands of a heartless leader. This book was organized perfectly and flowed smoothly from one topic to the next. I smile on the good that came out of it.... Wendy and Doug becoming one!

I finished this book in one sitting. It carefully explains the writer's path into, through, and out of a real evangelical cult hidden away in plain sight. OMG, this is about her earnest quest for a spiritual life and the abuse she was handed in the name of God! I cried as I listened to her amazing ordeal and cried again as she explained her painstaking path back to God. This is a "must read" for anyone who is now, or contemplating a religious life outside the organized church... "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matt. 7:15).

I liked the IEP Tips for Parents and Teachers because it was easy to use and wasn't too wordy. The book addressed topics and issues that were relevant and gave good ways of handling specific scenarios.

Very informative. Gives a practical scenario on parents and teachers handling children with special needs.

This book is an easy read and contains lots of practical suggestions. I particularly like the way it is organized, making it easy to refer back to important points when you need them. Prior to a meeting, parents can use the checklists provided to make sure they have all the information they need to be fully prepared. It's an ideal resource for parents whose children are just beginning public school as well as for more experienced parents who are looking for new ideas. As a preschool teacher, I have already added it to my school library.

I just wanted to say this is a very concise book full of great tips for parents. The format also makes it an easy read. The author went to great lengths to boil things down to get to the important information we need to know. Thanks. Nancy

As an inclusion consultant who needs to recommend to families and teachers user-friendly, thorough and up-to-date resources, this book is at the top of my list. Both authors have experience as advocates and parents and as such, their insights and tips will prove invaluable to anyone and everyone involved in educating all children.

Great book I would definitely recommend it to anyone trying to improve themselves and there walks with the lord.

Incredible that the same principles taught by Jesus Christ became the passion of Robert Greenleaf, Chuck Swindoll, Peter Drucker, Ken Blanchard and numerous others.

Chuck Swindoll is a great story teller. Probably would have been a great television personality like Cronkite, but chose to follow the real call on his life.

If you want to be challenged to face your pride/ego, pick up this book and read it cover-to-cover. Ouch!

Once again, Swindoll has written an excellent book addressing a problem in the Christian community: this one focuses on the challenge of refusing to live like the world and serving others in Jesus' name.

Among the important points covered in the book include:

1. Two tests of true humility.
2. A great proof of true servanthood is giving anonymously.
3. Servants who refuse to be bogged down in the past are seldom petty people.
4. Humility, a character trait greatly cherished by God, is sadly lacking in today's world.
5. The dangers of being a servant.
6. Jesus described Himself as a servant and 3 aspects of obedient service.
7. God's servants will be attacked and abused - nothing we experience has not first gone through God.
8. An eternal perspective of the servant's rewards.

Unfortunately, the church all too often copies the world - lording it over others instead of serving others, expecting to be served instead of serving, and not wishing to serve unless we receive recognition.

Swindoll's book is an excellent challenge to serve in Jesus' name. Read and be encouraged and challenged!

I read this book a few years ago, and it radically changed my life. The first book that I ready written by Chuck was The Grace Awakening, and my eyes truly were opened and my mind enlightened, as to how very easy it is to be legalistic and judgmental. In reading Improving Your Serve, I felt smaller and smaller, and realized how Big God really is and what it really means to "be like Jesus." Thanks Chuck, your books The Grace Awakening, and Improving Your Serve, have done for me what being at church Sunday after Sunday was not able to accomplish. In reading these two books in particular, I realized that being a writer is a powerful tool to use as a witness to the truth of Jesus Christ. Continue to operate in this ministry wisely. May God's blessings continue to be on your ministry.

Let me begin by saying that this book has truly shown me the inside of my heart. Before reading Improving Your Serve,by Charles Swindoll, my "serve" was more for me than it was for God or for anyone else. I had considered myself to be loving and caring of others, but after reading this book I realized how much more I could be doing. I love the many stories that are put together to teach lessons on humility, forgiveness, giving, influences...etc. I have truly learned where my heart needed to improve and I am really working toward serving others and loving others no matter what. I am beginning to get the heart that Christ would want me to have, and not so much the heart that the world expects of me. If anyone longs to get out of the selfish world that we live in, and would enjoy the pleasure of giving back to their community and the people they love, I suggest reading this book. Chuck has truly shown me to see the good in all people and to love and forgive others as Christ has forgiven me.

This stimulating work consists of nineteen insightful and engrossing essays that convey perspectives on the emerging forms of strategy and organization in the information age, focusing on knowledge as the competitive advantage. The contributors present thinking that is truly big picture, regarding the shape of today's and tomorrow's enterprises in a world that is changing at an exponentially increasing rate. This work delves into the new and emerging realities of the internal enterprise, corporate cooperation, and leveraging knowledge. In many cases the contributors talk about the experiences of their own organization; an enlightening and enlivening approach to gaining an understanding of this new, networked world driven by knowledge-the infinite resource. An enjoyable and informative collection of thoughtful writings. Reviewed by Gerry Stern, founder, hrconsultant.com and Stern & Associates.

There are far too many books out there that focus on 'knowledge' as if it existed in a vacuum. These tend to be one person's opinion; a single 'flavor of the month,' if you will. This collection of essays explores the impact that the free sharing of information will have: changes in management, changes in employee relations, changes in the free enterprise system itself. As an unforeseen bonus, a very few of the articles are now a bit dated (the "Information Superhighway" article by the CEO of Bell Atlantic was doomed to be old as it was penned), a fact that only reinforces the tremedous speed of change many of the essayists speak to. The many references provide one the ability to more deeply research a particular area.

William E. Halal, editor, writes, "This book brings together the views of prominent leaders in the trenches of the Information Revolution to examine the revolutionary new principles for managing knowledge. Here's a quick overview of these confusing but exciting management heresies.

Principle 1: 'Complexity Is Managed Through Freedom': Success is no longer achieved by planning and control-but through entrepreneurial freedom among people at the bottom.

Principle 2: 'Cooperation Is Economically Efficient': Economic strength does not come from power and firmness-but out of the cooperative flow of information within a corporate community.

Principle 3: 'Progress Is Guided by Knowledge and Spirit': Abundance is not the result of material riches-but of understanding the subtle workings of an infinitely complex world.

There are the new laws governing institutions today, the economic imperatives that determine who succeeds and who fails, the keys to pioneering an unexplored frontier of boundless knowledge-The Infinite Resource" (from the Introduction).

In this context, Halal organizes this invaluable collection into three parts that each focuses on the principles outlined as below:

1. Halal writes, "Part I shows that today's hierarchical structures are being replaced by an emerging foundation of management based on enterprise. The complexity of a knowledge era has made our old command-and-control systems obsolete, and so entrepreneurial freedom is now crucial, not only in economic systems but also to permit free enterprise in organizational systems." Thus, authors of this part, S.Goldsmith, R.L.Ackoff, J.P.Starr, W.Gable, and M.Lehrer mainly focus on decentralized structures, self-supporting units, entrepreneurial freedom, internal competition, and accountability to clients.

2. Halal writes, "Part II illustrates how entrepreneurial organizations must also use cooperation to form collaborative communities. Knowledge differs from physical resources because it increases when shared, making collaborative working relations productive not only in strategic alliances but between buyer and seller, employee and employer, business and goverment, and other stakeholders." Thus, authors of this part, G.H.Taylor, R.E.Miles, J.Lipnack and J.Stamps, T.Holbrooke, and R.Oklewize mainly focus on virtues of teamwork, networking among internal units, shared knowledge, spherical organization, collaborative alliances, and corporate communities.

3. Halal writes, "Part III descibes the intelligent infrastructures now being built to guide this corporate community in creating powerful forms of knowledge." Thus, authors of this part, R.W.Smith, D.Walters, M.Malone, G. and E.Pinchot, R.Kuperman, and W.A.Owens mainly focus on global information networks, free flow of information, knowledge society, employee training, virtual organizations, strategic direction, and vision.

Finally, Halal writes that "the message my colleagues and I want to stress is that the world is entering such an uncharted new frontier, an epoch so fundamentally different that the old rules no longer apply. The conventional wisdom of the past must be replaced by concepts that conform with the new realities of infinite knowledge:

* Order can be best achieved-not through control and planning-but through entrepreneurial freedom.

* Strength comes-not out of power and firmness-but through cooperative community.

* Abundance flows out of-not material riches-but a subtle frontier of boundless understanding, meaning, and spirit."

Strongly recommended.

There are far too many books out there that focus on 'knowledge' as if it existed in a vacuum. These tend to be one person's opinion; a single 'flavor of the month,' if you will. This collection of essays explores the impact that the free sharing of information will have: changes in management, changes in employee relations, changes in the free enterprise system itself. As an unforeseen bonus, a very few of the articles are now a bit dated (the "Information Superhighway" article by the CEO of Bell Atlantic was doomed to be old as it was penned), a fact that only reinforces the tremedous speed of change many of the essayists speak to. The many references provide one the ability to more deeply research a particular area.

Dr. William E. Halal is a George Washington Universitybusiness school professor and expert on the Knowledge Economy. In arecent GWU conference, "Creating the New Organization," he brought together 17 representatives the public and private sectors to address how information technology has transformed their worlds, creating unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Their insights are shared directly with readers in this extraordinary and concise volume. "The Infinite Resource" refers to knowledge itself. Unlike raw materials, knowledge is inexhaustible: "the more you dispense, the more you generate," writes Dr. Halal. The marginal cost of duplicating knowledge is trivial and its value increases when shared. Halal writes: "Knowledge is the most strategic asset in enterprise, the source of all creativity, innovation, and economic value." That, in itself, is nothing new. Knowledge was no less "strategic" when mankind communicated via cave paintings. What has revolutionized knowledge over the past 15 years or so, however, has been extraordinary advances ["32 orders of magnitude"] in information technology. I can share my thoughts on this book with the world with the click of a mouse. And the world can return to my e-mailbox with critiques of my opinion. We now may draw "silicon paintings" for the enjoyment of audiences of 6 billion who never could have fit into those caves. Some bullet points serve to highlight the advances of the information technology age: + IBM itself once predicted market demand for computers to be 55. Worldwide. As of 1997, there were 1 billion computers in operation on planet earth. + In 1977, 50,000 computers existed in the entire world. In 1997, 50,000+ personal computers are sold every 10 hours. + Soon, 1 billion transistors will fit on a single chip: the entire computing power of NASA's Apollo Space Program will fit in a wristwatch.

It was, then, inevitable that the extraordinary advances in - and ubiquitous distribution of - information technology would in turn revolutionize the workplace. Dr. Halal breaks the presentations of his conferees into three sections: 1.) Creating the Internal Enterprise System; 2.) Forming a Network of Cooperative Alliances; 3.) Leveraging Knowledge with an Intelligent Infrastructure. The innumerable insights offered by Dr. Halal and his conferees would never fit in this review. Suffice it to say that the most successful organizations today long ago recognized that information technology created opportunities to broadly disseminate organizational information on the one hand and the more elusive [and hence invaluable] "tacit" or personal knowledge of their employees throughout their organizations, conferring upon all employees the ability to leverage all available organizational knowledge into innovations benefiting the organization, its employees, and its consumers. This leads the trend toward cutting-edge "mass customization." But it does not stop there. No sooner did organizations realize that they could unleash the power of knowledge internally than some recognized that the sharing of knowledge could greatly enhance relationships with customers, suppliers, and, yes, competitors which could be leveraged via coopetition - strategic alliances established to meet particular needs of individual clients at any one point in time. For decades, the rise of technology has created nightmarish visions of "1984" and HAL of "2001." Ironically, and perhaps - at first - counterintuitively, advances in information technology, by enhancing access of anyone in any organization with anyone else, anywhere, will make trust all the more important in public and private enterprises alike. Several conferees address the critical importance of disseminating all available information to employees to encourage innovation because, in fact, "the innovation cycle is now shorter than the planning cycle as customers are moving faster than companies' ability to manage." In short, if you cannot entrust your employees with your most sensitive information, you will be overtaken by another company that can. Another conferee notes: "Technology alone is inert. Trust develops and relationships crystallize in interactions over time and in moments of crisis. No trust without real relationships. No network without trust." It might, therefore, be one of the greatest ironies of the coming Knowledge Economy that technology will "re-personalize" relationships in the workplace while allowing all workers increased opportunities to make their own measurable [and thus rewardable] contributions to their organizations and alliances. Technology, as a tool, will free organizations and their employees from the more mundane business and governmental functions of measurement to engage their minds, individually and collectively, on an infinite course of creativity and innovation. Some provocative closing thoughts from this excellent book include the following insights from leaders of our continuing Knowledge Revolution: Bill Gates: "Two years is as far as long-term planning should go; anything beyond that is long-range dreaming..." General Electric: "The only way to be more competitive is to engage every mind in the organization." Ad agency Chiat Day: "Develop the ability to change faster than your competition or fail..." Dr. Halal: "The perfect company today is almost structureless. All that holds it together is its culture.

I cannot more highly recommend The Infinite Resource to all who are interested in understanding the enormous challenges, opportunities, and rewards - both personal and professional - to be realized as the Knowledge Economy reshapes our world.

I first read this outstanding book when it was first published in 1984. I am still recommending it to my patients and students 23 years later. Laborde takes a complex subject and breaks it down into easy to digest bits that you can begin using in your daily life almost immediately. If you want to enhance your communication skills with your companions, your family, your boss, your employees, or your customers this is the book to get.

Be aware that this is not New Age mystical book. Rather it is a down-to-earth foundation for establishing mutual benefit between you and the people you interact with daily. I have introduced this book to other therapists, university professors, policemen, housewives and personal trainers. They have all raved about their increased capacity to get their message across and to understand their communication partners better.

Having been a psychotherapist for over fifteen years and having struggled understanding sooooo many books on Neuro-Linguistic Programing, Dr. Laborde's book is a breath of fresh air. The topics are clear, powerful and practical in understanding and applying elements of NLP in improving communication. I can't believe the book has apparently been in and out of print as I consider it a "Classic".

One of the best things about this book is that, as the title suggests, it effectively answers that old chestnut about NLP being manipulative. Genie has simplified the Meta Model down to five types of "Pointers" which you can anchor to your fingers so you can remember them easily! She also has useful exercises for developing sensory acuity.

As a UK NLP trainer I can wholeheartedly recommend this very clear, readable and useful book which anyone in business, or in fact anyone, will benefit from. Of course, being an NLP book, it's "enlivened" by a lot of crap illustrations, but don't let that put you off.

Although this book is 10 years old, it remains very "current" and powerful. Communicating is the essence of what people do, and so often failure of good communications inhibits and injures. The book offers a great insight and practical approaches to improving communications and negotiating for positive outcomes. A "must" for anyone, but especially for people whose work involves communicating with others (most of us).

Having been in sales for 20+ years no book has been as influential in my development of Negotiation,Conflict Resolution and Communication Skills as "Influencing with Integrity".
Establishing "Rapport" is the first step in any relationship and Genie Z. Laborde shows you the way!
It takes you into a whole new world of "awareness" by developing both verbal and nonverbal commication skills that you can utilize "in and out" of the office.

i love java and i'd like to receive java tutorial cop

I found this textbook very well written, organized and clear. The author provides code for perhaps 100 to 150 short applications and applets, each of which demonstrates an element in the language or Toolkit. He then explains the code well. Each chapter builds on the previous. Most, (but not all), of the exercise problems have answers posted on his website. The book is aimed at individuals with some-to-moderate programming experience, who are new to Java. It would be an excellent textbook for a Junior College level course in Java.

Excellent book. Professional, consistent. Examples are thorough and well presented. I'd recommend it. Even if your employer won't buy it for you, buy it for yourself. It'll pay for itself.

This book was great in its day.

Elliotte Rusty Harold seems to latch on to new technologies and write excellent introductions to them. Unfortunately, he does not seem to care to write second editions -- he just moves on to other subject matter.

This book is almost useless now except for the basics of the Java language.

An excellent resource for those who wish to begin programming in Java. I found this book very helpful in learning Java. By far the best I've read. EE261 students should check this one out.

Jolly Phonics deserves 10 stars or more, but as five is the highest in this system, I'm giving it five plus. After watching these tapes for just about a month, my daughter learned to read--and she's only two and a half years old. She loves the adventures of Inky and friends, and she likes to repeat after them, thus learning phonics in the process. A great set of books, tapes, magnets, and stencils! Inventive, effective, and just right for 2 1/2 - 5 yr. olds.

You will not regret buying this program!! We are Americans who lived in England for 6 years. My older 3 were very fortunate to go through several years of primary school there and learned to read with Jolly Phonics, which is now part of the UK's National Curriculum. I can't say enough great things about this program, and only wish it were widely used in schools here! It was introduced in preschool, my children all started school the year they turned 5 (they were actually 4 1/2 when they started), and by the end of their first year they were all fairly fluent readers. Not only is it effective, it is FUN. Kids learn BEST when they are having fun in the process. I saw the program in action in the classroom as a parent volunteer, and was so completely sold - you should have seen the smiles on those children's faces, and the pride in themselves they showed when I would listen to them read individually. I couldn't believe how advanced those children in that school were in reading and spelling compared to here in the USA. My kids went on to be very avid readers, always having their noses in books of all sorts. I will definitely be buying this program for my youngest two, who are now preschoolers, and using it at home.

We were introduced to Jolly Phonics while living in England. This phonics program is heads above the crowd in teaching phonics. The multi-level approach to teaching the basic sounds of the English language are successful and fun. The student workbooks, puzzles, stencils and videos make learning fun. The teacher workbook has loads of reproducibles and additional activities to reinforce and encourage reading and writing. I continue to be amazed at the results I have seen in my daughter and other children using this approach.

Our daughter's teacher in England had been teaching 4-5 year olds for 20 years when she was introduced to Jolly Phonics. She too feels it is the best program she has ever seen, and as head of Key Stage One at the local primary school, she has really seen positive results. Studies in England have shown Jolly Phonics to be successful with children at all learning levels. A study done in our local county showed children learned 450% more using Jolly Phonics than children who used the traditional county phonics curriculum.

This program would be a runaway hit on this side of the Atlantic if more people knew about it. The program introduces the 42 sounds of the English language in sets of 6 sounds. At the end of each workbook, a child is already able to write and sound out words. The price of the boxed set is an incredible value for the money. As you can see, I love Jolly Phonics and only wish I had known about it in time for all my children to use.

This is the best phonics program out there. Jolly phonics is amazing!! I researched several programs and this one made the most sense. It teaches on several levels. For each phonic sound there is an action to go along and this helps them jog their memory. For each page in the books there is a recessed letter that you can "trace" with your finger to help children form letters correctly. The video will help you employ all the ways to teach. Also, the type setting the program uses is Sassoon Infant and with a couple extra strokes will enable them to learn cursive. You are encouraged to teach your child a new sound every day. Believe it or not, my very active four year old boy has no problem keeping up. (We did have to take a couple extra days on the letter T.) Because they learn the sounds so fast, they are reading words like: spin, tip, is, pat, sat, etc. in the first WEEK!!
The teaching aid handbook provides great "rules" to memorize, such as: When two vowels go walking, the first does the talking. This is very useful in the majority of double vowel words such as, goat, boat, pie, tie, train, snail, etc.

There are a series of workbooks included in the box. They are by far my sons favorite books (except for the dinosaur books) and he sits on his own and reads them all the time. He is only 4 years and 4 months old and I am astounded at the words he is reading. Right now we are on book 4 and he hounds me day and night to move to the next book, he always wants to learn more than one sound a day and I have to force him to slow down.

My schedule:
Introduce new sound using finger phonics book:
10-15 minutes to discuss sounds, action and pictures
5 minutes to cut out new letter and paste into his "sound book"
3 minutes to practice writing new letter (my son tires of this quickly and I try to keep him interested but my rule is: Stop before it's not fun anymore.
later in day,
5 minutes of showing Daddy what he learned (practice)in the evening.

He loves to watch the videos and that reinforces what he learns. This is a wonderful program. Engaging and colorful. Because this program utilizes actions for each sound, you can practice anywhere. I will silently act out the action for a small word and my son will "read" the word. Then he tries to "act" out a word, too, with some funny results. We do this in the car, during dinner, while I am nursing our new baby- it is a wonderful tool. I don't know why other programs haven't used this terrific method. This program is worth every penny and much, much, more. Look no further, and start reading!!
-Homeschooling Mommy of three boys

It truly boggles my mind why this is not a more popular program in the U.S. for it is such fun and creative way to learn to read. My dd was 5 when we started it, in a few weeks she was reading simple CVC words and now a month later she is reading Dr. Seuss and sentences out of "The Boxcar Children."

The Handbook, the Finger phonics books and the Phonics workbook make up the gist of the program. But the videos are extremely helpful in reinforcing the letters and sounds through cute characters, and the teaching video is helpful to start off the "nervous" parent who may not be confident in teaching a child how to read.

A special favorite is the wall frieze which hangs up in my dd's bedroom as a wall border, and for weeks, with no prodding from mom, she would go over the sounds with their "motions" before she would sleep at night. She was having so much fun she never thought she was learning.

This program does not have the feel of "sit down and plod through a boring workbook" as there are so many activities, via audiotory, visual and tactile that not once has my dd said let's stop because I am bored.
I cannot image a parent being bored either or frustrated because a child "just cannot get the sounds" because of the creative and innovative methods the authors have developed.

*If your child is having problems with writing, you may want to skip the writing portion and teach just the letter sounds and then move on. The Sassoon type face is a nice font to learn and my dd loved putting "tails" on her letters.

I feel so fortunate that I found this program first and did not have to sift through program after program to find "that right one" for my child. In the end this was very cost effective and seeing my dd really enjoy reading is worth every penny.

When I was in school, one of my professors described this book as the "bible of nutrition". I didn't know then that I would be using it as a reference constantly while in school and my internship. I still use it occasionally when I encounter an unusual situation.

This book is just GREAT!! I use it for EVERYTHING!! It is so complete and easy to read. I highly recommend it. It is a must have for dietetics students.

This 1200-page book is EXCELLENT! I recommend this book to those dietetics graduate, like myself, who's planning to take RD exams! Not only it will help you on the RD exams itself but as well as in real life! I bought it for $99.00 and it's worth every penny! Go ahead! Buy this book and you won't regret it! Muah!:*

As physicians, we are used to prescribe and trust only on pharmacotherapy. This book gives you a medical approach to nutrition therapy to add effective counseling and a scientific approach to your patient's nutricional issues, in order to add a new therapeutical tool to your daily practice. ¿obese patients? it is just not enought to say "cut out haburgers, eat more salad" a problem-oriented anamnesis and special physical measurements must be done. Wanna know the diference between a diet for a COPD patient and one with arthritis? this book gives you the theoretical basis as well as the "for dummies" approach

This book is the required text of my dietetics coursework time and time again and thus I use it extensively. At first I resented the very large and heavy book, but more and more I find myself turning to it for answers, even for things that aren't school-related. My university has a book rental program. Previously I'd only rented the book, but now, as I sit inbetween semesters, I find myself missing it terribly. The moment the bookstore opens I will be buying this book for keeps.

I give it four stars because it's cumbersome and dry, although on the positive side you can point out it's cumbersome and dry because it's such an exhaustive and scientific coverage of the subject.

This is the excellent book on Landscape Ecology. Instead of being an edited collection of research articles, this volume's chapters follow logically and treat the material comphrensively, while giving references at every turn to researchers books or articles. Monica, whose research publications are extensive, writes this introductory book well.

The images in this book are, however, in black and white. There is an accompanying CD of color plates, but they are no bigger then those in the text and are fairly useless. I was hoping she would have some data for her book's examples and perhaps even a whole project we might use in one of the current software tools.

Still this can't take away from the fact that this is the book I've been searching for. But a very "first" primer in this subject is a chapter written by Monica - "What is Landscape Ecology" for an 1998 Oxford "Ecology" text. You can download this for free. See item 76 of the publications page on Monica website ([...]).

One of the most comprehensive landscape ecology materials existing on the market nowadays. Ideal for landscape ecology beginners or for for anybody who wonders what fragmentation, ecological processes and patterns are.

This is an excellent book that intrigues the informed while explaining complex information in such a way that novice readers can follow along.

If the credentials of the authors didn't convince of the quality of this book, I'm not sure I can. I will say that I have read and re-read the book several times, and that it's a vital resource in our laboratory. From the various issues of scaling to what analyses do what, this book is an excellent resource of theories and technologies involved in Landscape Ecology.

I use this book as the recommended text for both undergraduate and graduate courses in landscape ecology. It has a useful synthesis of recent trends in the field and particularly good chapters on scale, landscape metrics and disturbance. The accompanying CD has jpeg versions of most of the figures, which is handy for preparing lectures, although the quality of some of the digital images from CD (especially graphs and line charts) isn't so great. The literature review is thorough without being overwhelming, so it's a good entry point into the professional literature in most areas of landscape ecology. My main criticism is that the writing style is somewhat dense; I didn't find it easy to read from cover to cover. People looking for a cursory introduction to the field may do better to start with an alternative text. As a teaching and reference text for landscape ecology, however, I think this book is the best available.

This work hits on a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Animals have played a very important part of my life for over sixty years now and they are just as important to me now as when I received my first puppy when I was about three years old. My wife and I have been very involved with our local humane society for many years now. That being said....

This work takes the reader for an inside look at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary located Southern Utah. Thousands of animals have been helped through this organization and Ms. Kelsey has given us a child's eye view of its workings, mission, needs, and indeed, delights. The book is designed to be read to children, and more specifically, is ideal for groups of children, although it is an absolute delight for the adult reader also. The photographs are quite professionally done and are works of art themselves. The author's easy style, humor and obvious enthusiasm for her subject shine through on ever page. She takes us on a verbal tour, supplemented by wonderful photographs, through this great organization. The author takes great pains in explaining the socialization process of these animals, stressing not only their physical needs, but emotional as well. This is a bit different than some of the works in this genre. We are given a peek at the different areas of this sanctuary, the bird house, horse area, pigs, dogs, cats, et al. Some individual stories of these critters are told as well as the source for many of the animals helped here.

This book is certainly designed for the class room. Its easy reading style and humor will be appreciated by the children. Each page is full of useful information and the photographs are well coordinated. Many questions are asked which are ideal for taking the children into a discussion. The author has also provided pages full of ideas for class projects, given some great web sites for further research, and above all, has infused an enthusiasm into her work which is rather contagious. Volunteerism is stressed here and the point is well made that everyone can do their little share to change what has become almost a national tragedy. Now don't misunderstand that statement. This is not a "sad puppy book," something that I find difficult to read to younger children. Everything here is upbeat and positive while still being quite truthful about the plight of these unwanted animals.

A WORD OF CAUTION: I am retired now and spend most of my days acting as a substitute teacher in local schools. We live in an area, Southern Missouri, which is more or less the puppy mill capital of the known universe. This is something my wife and I have fought for years and years. The author is quite harsh, and well she should be, when addressing this subject. The problem comes, in my case, where I will have a room full of about 25 students, and out of that 25, at least six or seven will have parents or grandparents who make their living as puppy mill owners. I plan to use this work at those schools, but I also plan to do a bit of verbal editing when this portion of the book is read to the students. While they need to know about such things, I am not about to be critical of their parents in front of their fellow students. Goodness knows I have had many heated conversations with the parents of these kids on this subject, indeed having been instrumental in shutting a few down, but don't feel the children should be subjected to the same line as I would give their mom and dad.

That being said, I cannot recommend this work highly enough. It is an absolute wealth of information and a delight to the ear and eye. The author has done a wonderful job here. I do wish there were more organizations out there like Best Friends...we certainly need them.

This colorful, friendly book is designed as a tool to help children, ages about five to eight (my guess), to learn about animal sanctuaries, animal shelters, and, in a subtle, gentle way, about the ugliness of animal abuse. I can easily imagine this book being used in a classroom of first-graders or second-graders.

The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is an enormous refuge, for abused animals of all species, located in Utah. This book basically explains the nature and purpose of that sanctuary and, by extension, the nature and purpose of animal shelters and sanctuaries everywhere. The book, which is fifty-two pages long, accomplishes this by providing a verbal and photographic tour of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, describing the animals there, giving you the stories of how they ended up there, and how the animals are cared for, while they live there. I appreciated how the photographs and the text definitely emphasized the animals. The book did not end up being a piece of promotional literature, that glorified the one facility, as if they were the only facility engaging in the support and caring of animals that have been abused or neglected.

Most of the book, if you calculated the area covered by writing versus photographs, is dedicated to beautiful photographs, with the written explanations and captions being smaller. However, the writing is clear, concise, and worded in ways where children are going to understand the ideas, without feeling that they are being talked down to. The writing also does a nice job of giving children enough information about how animals are sometimes mistreated or neglected, without getting so graphic that the children might be traumatized. The tone of the writing is that it assumes that children will usually care about, and sympathize with, animals, and I see that as accurate.

The photography is also fairly balanced, in that it does not portray the animals at the sanctuary as a collection of perfect specimens of petdom. It shows, and talks about, some of the difficulties that a potential adoptive family might face if the animals were brought into that family. I will that the photography is done in such a way that many children will likely, after seeing this book, want to bring a pet into their home. There appears to be a large number of highly photogenic animals at the sanctuary, or else the photographer did an excellent job of being patient and catching the animals at their best.

As I stated above, this book is meant to introduce us to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, as well as to a series of books, with the same photographer, writers, and source material, but aimed at different topics.

There is a section, near the end of the book, that describes different kind of projects, for children and school classrooms to do, to help local animal shelters and sanctuaries. I really like that this section was included, as I can see children understanding and appreciating the book a lot, and immediately wanting to know what they can do to help. The section was done well, as all of the ideas mentioned are very feasible projects for a classroom or a school to do.

I am hoping, and suggesting any who might read this, who is connected to this series, that future topic for books include:

A description of good animal care, especially from a child's point of view.

A discussion of what children can do, if they believe that animals are being abused or neglected.

If I had a list a flaw, there is one small omission. When the book describes how people come to own dogs, it describes pet stores and "puppy mills" (not favorably) and animal shelters (favorably), but makes no mention of puppies obtained from responsible, caring breeders. I can imagine a child, whose family owns a dog obtained from a good breeder, wondering if his or her family obtained their pet in a good way or a bad way. That is a small point, that a teacher or parent could easily explain, but the book could have easily mentioned it.

I am a children's book author AND a regular volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. I am also the editor of this book. To be frank with you, the book needed little editing! Nola's writing is fresh, funny, and full of heart. I knew her when she was a dog caregiver at Best Friends, and I was deeply moved by her love for animals. This love shines on every page of Nola's book. It is indeed a book for people of all ages. Highly recommended!

I really like this book. It is a wonderful way to educate kids (and adults will enjoy it as well) about love, compassion, and respect for animals.

We need to teach our kids while they are young, to treat animals the way that they themselves would want to be treated.

What we sow in our children today, animals will reap tomorrow.

So if we want to end animal abuse, animal cruelty, animal murder (euthanizing healthy animals) etc, in the future, it will ONLY happen, if we teach our kids TODAY, that animals are living, breathing, feeling, loving, soul-filled children of God, just like we human animals are.

Trust me when I say that getting this gift for your child (or a fellow adult) will be a gift that keeps on giving and giving......because this book is about love, compassion and living in peace with, and taking care of, our animal friends.

[...]

Animals are a huge part of our society; but, far too often, they are mistreated and cast aside. Luckily, there are sanctuaries across the nation who provide these particular animals with lifelong homes where they can live in peace and harmony with loving caregivers, and fellow animals. Nora Lee Kelsey takes us behind-the-scenes of one of these particular sanctuaries - Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Over the years, southern Utah's Best Friends Animal Sanctuary has become one of the biggest animal sanctuaries in the nation. Home to dogs and cats, along with the less typical rabbits, horses, ducks, pigs, sheep, and many more, Best Friends makes a difference in the lives of animals on a daily basis. While many visit the location each year, others don't always have the means or time to make the trip. With Kelsey's LET'S GO VISIT BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SANCTUARY, readers have the opportunity to do just that - from their very own homes!

Laden with gorgeous color photos, LET'S GO VISIT BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SANCTUARY takes readers on a trip to Horse Haven, the Bunny House, Feathered Friends, Cat World, and Dogtown. At each stop, you have the opportunity to meet and greet with some of the residents of each area, learning their likes and dislikes, and glimpsing bits and pieces of what they do on a daily basis. After the trip is said and done, some of the Best Friends residents provide readers with tips on what they can do to help animals - even going so far as including websites you can visit.

I have loved Best Friends Animal Sanctuary ever since I learned about it more than ten years ago, so I was thrilled when I learned that Nora Lee Kelsey had taken the time to pen a gorgeous book about the location. The many pictures bring the animals to life; while the information packed onto each and every page provides the reader with enough facts to become a Best Friends Animal Sanctuary wiz! Perfect for animal lovers to read at home with their families, or as an instructional tool in the classroom, LET'S GO VISIT BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SANCTUARY is a necessity for all. I could not have imagined a more perfect book. Two paws up!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer